Students in the PEAK Leadership Institute's ninth-grade course, PEAK Leadership Foundations, were in for a treat on Thursday, Oct. 3, as they got a behind-the-scenes look at the culinary industry from Chef Pano, father of Sophia Karatassos '25, of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. The students visited Kyma, an upscale Greek restaurant in Buckhead, where they learned about Chef Pano’s culinary journey, from college to renowned restaurant apprenticeships leading to his own entrepreneurial venture. They also learned about the many roles involved in both the front and back of “the house” that make a dining experience exceptional. Finally, they enjoyed a fantastic meal of samples of octopus, lamb pie, saganaki cheese, Greek salad, pita with spreads and baklava. Thank you to Chef Pano and Buckhead Life Restaurant Group for treating our students to such a special experience!

On Thursday, Oct. 3, Upper School music students presented their Kaleidoscope concert at Byers Theatre at City Springs Performing Arts Center. The concert featured beautiful performances from the Upper School wind ensemble, orchestra and chorus, as well as several whole-group numbers. Attendees also enjoyed an exhibit in the theatre lobby featuring works by Upper School visual artists. Bravo to our talented performers and directors! Click here to see photos from the event.  

Students in the Primary School had a special morning on Friday, Oct. 4. The students participated in a service walk around Baker Field to help raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes and the 2024 Breakthrough T1D Walk later this month. Students donned special new Breakthrough T1D socks and enjoyed walking and skipping around the track with their families, who were invited to join. After, they headed up to the Owen Family Quad to enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn with family and friends.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, a delegation of HIES students and faculty members returned from a ten-day trip to Colombia for the 2024 Round Square International Conference. Beckett Culbertson '26, Myles Jackson '26, Jameson Kardian '26, Upper School science teacher Michael Aleman and director of human resources Lisa McFarland set out on a pre-conference adventure with students from Germany and South Africa. They hiked to 12,000-year-old cave art, swam with the famous Amazonian pink dolphins and explored the colorful "Crystal River." Returning to Bogota, they joined over 900 students from around the world to participate in the conference, themed “Blooming from the Past,” where students explored the biodiversity, geology, history and culture of Colombia.

Students had a chance to stay with host families, participate in service activities, including building chicken coops and planting trees, learn how to weave wool and make cheese and hike and zip line through the Andes mountains. They heard from several keynote speakers who helped to to create lasting connections, share diverse perspectives and encourage the development of young leaders. The group returned to The 805 with fantastic memories and new friendships with students from across the globe. 

James Frank '25, Certified Private Pilot, is using his aviation skills to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. On Wednesday, Oct. 2, James and a friend flew planes to Douglas, Ga., delivering more than 1,600 pounds of supplies like food, baby formula, paper towels and diapers. Partnering with the United Cajun Navy, James's delivery will provide much-needed help to the rural areas of Coffee County, where the majority of residents still do not have power. We are so proud of James for going above and beyond to serve those in need, a fantastic embodiment of our school mission.

Primary School and Lower School students were in for a treat on Monday, Sept. 30, with a visit from one of their favorite children's authors, Carmen Agra Deedy! Ms. Deedy is a longtime friend of Holy Innocents' and mother of Lauren Deedy '04. HIES was honored to host Ms. Deedy as a part of our ongoing celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

"When we are all listening to the same narrative, our minds sync, and that neural syncing creates community and empathy. Children need fairytales and folktales and myths and legends to remind us of our own humanity," Ms. Deedy said. Click to read more.

On Sunday, Sept. 29, the 2024-2025 class of Golden Bear Guides kicked off their year with a day of training. The Golden Bear Guides are a group of Middle School and Upper School students, selected after applying and interviewing, who will serve as ambassadors of HIES to prospective families during the admissions season. Congratulations and thank you to this wonderful group of 48 students for volunteering their time to represent our school.

As a part of this week's celebrations, students were introduced to our new Paws 4 a Cause partnership with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Students in all four divisions are learning about type 1 diabetes from their teachers and peers, with Middle School and Upper School students visiting the younger divisions during their town halls this week. We're looking forward to a year full of service and learning, including the Breakthrough T1D walk on Saturday, Oct. 26.