In 2023, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke spoke with Matt Freese '17 and AJ Marcucci '17 about their years on the soccer pitch at EA and their professional MLS careers. Since the conversation was recorded, Matt has been the starting keeper for the U.S. Men's National Team competing in the World Cup. Matt and AJ are long-time teammates and friends. AJ plays goalie for the New York Red Bulls and was a three-year starter at Connecticut College. Matt launched his professional career in Philadelphia as a "homegrown" player with the Philadelphia Union after playing at Harvard University. Along with the U.S. men's team, he also plays for New York City FC. It is unusual for two alums from the same class, who play the same sport and the same position, to be drafted by Major League Soccer and now play against each other on rival teams in the same city. Enjoy this entertaining "recast" episode of EA Unlocked.  

Each year alumni of The Episcopal Academy, celebrating their 50th reunion, receive a special invitation for Alumni Weekend. Third graders send handwritten letters inviting the class to campus for the special weekend and ask them to be their pen pals. Alumni write back with great enthusiasm and answer questions about their favorite recess activity (maul ball), favorite teachers (Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Harper), and what it was like to be an EA student 50 years ago.  As the reunion weekend gets underway, pen pals meet in person where EA students of all ages learn how many things have changed over the decades, while many other special moments of an EA education remain the same.   

    The world of NCAA recruiting continues to change for today's high school athletes. With the rise of the transfer portal, NIL opportunties, and new roster limits, coaches are now balancing the recruitment of young talent with experienced college players, creating a more competitive and complex landscape. EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, talks with two experienced members of The Episcopal Academy about how they are working with students to navigate the recruiting process. Chrissy Cerenzia is the Senior Associate Director of College Counseling. Steve Colfer is EA's Head Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach and Assistant Director of Athletics. Additional Resources: EA College Counseling's online resource library Authenticity in Admissions: A Conversation with Wellesley College Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Peaches Valdes Making the Most of College Visits with Hamilton College Dean of Admission John McLaughlin  

Educator Eric Hudson spent the day with faculty and staff during a spring professional development day to share his expertise and experience with integrating AI into schools. During a keynote address and hands-on workships, Eric explored the thinking behind using AI in the classroom, in assessment design, and leadership development. In our ongoing series about the use of AI at The Episcopal Academy, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Eric about best practices, advice and guidance for school leaders, and the questions parents need to be asking their students about AI. Listen to past episodes in the EA Unlocked series about Artifical Intelligence in education. AI at The Episcopal Academy: Beyond the Classroom AI at The Episcopal Academy: Tools for Teachers AI at The Episcopal Academy: Philosophy & Vision  

The college counseling team at The Episcopal Academy hosts a variety of on-campus guests for students and parents throughout the school year. Wellesley College Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Peaches Valdes recently spent a very productive and informative day at EA discussing Authenticity in College Admissions. EA Unlocked guest host Assistant Head of School Chris Torino talks with Ms. Valdes along with EA Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Chrissy Cerenzia. Additional Resources: EA College Counseling's online resource library A Conversation with Hamilton College Dean of Admission John McLaughlin: Making the Most of College Visits

In our ongoing series about the integration of AI at The Episcopal Academy, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with teachers using AI platforms in the classroom. EA is one of the first schools in the country to test out Viva, the platform Flint is a go-to for some Middle School English Teachers, and OpenAI is now offering free tools for teachers. Guests: Justin Cerenzia/Buckley Executive Director for Teaching & Learning Maggie McGill/Middle School English Teacher Listen to past episodes in the EA Unlocked series about Artificial Intelligence AI at The Episcopal Academy: Beyond the Classroom AI at The Episcopal Academy: Philosophy & Vision  

Six seasons and 100 episodes of EA Unlocked have served as an archive of The Episcopal Academy, highlighting the people and initiatives that make the community special. From the world stage to EA hallways and classrooms, host Dr. T.J. Locke has spoken with Olympians, alumni of all ages, visiting guests, as well as teachers and students with fascinating ideas and passions. To mark this milestone episode, Dr. Locke reconnects with three retired faculty and staff who held a variety of positions during their combined century of service: Former Classics Department Chair Lee Pearcy, Upper School English Teacher Lee Billmyer, and Director of Plant Operations Len Haley. Where are they now? Checkout the EA Unlocked archive for past episodes you may have missed.  

Pollinator habitats, a rain garden, and composting are just a few of the initiatives underway at The Episcopal Academy, and it all started with curious students and an enthusiastic teacher. In this sustainability lab of sorts, thousands of pounds of campus food waste are turned into natural fertilizer as students conduct "real science." EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with some of the people behind the campus-wide projects and their plans for the future. The rain garden is made possible by the Environmental Leadership Fund, an endowed fund from the EA Class of 1970. Guests: Ron Smith/Upper School Science Teacher Katie Arena/Campus Horticulturist Diya Methi '27 Kyle Zhang '27 Check out the EA Unlocked episode archive here. 

When it comes to cyber threats and security, "it's not if we will be targeted but a matter of when," according to industry experts. Episcopal Academy alumna Taylor Long '15 recently spent the day on campus as this year's Clare Foundation and Hinton Family STEM Series Speaker. In this bonus episode of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Taylor about her fascinating career as a senior threat intelligence analyst, what we need to be worried about, and how best to protect yourself from cyber threats.

Planning college visits is an exciting time for students and their families.  For some it can feel a bit daunting; when do you get started? How do you get the most out of a visit? What is the real purpose of on-campus visits? EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with two experts on the topic. John McLaughlin is the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission at Hamilton College. He also spent a decade in Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. Catalina Guzmán is EA's Executive Director of College Counseling. Check out helpful information in EA College Counseling's online resource library. EA College Visit Guide  Building Your Tour: Colleges By Region