[Christ Church Episcopal School] As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, Christ Church Episcopal School (CCES) is pleased to announce the publication of a long-awaited history of the school. Entitled The First Fifty Years of Christ Church Episcopal School: A Journey to Remember, the handsome, 144-page hardcover book was researched and written by Allison Betette Warren, CCES Class of 1982, illustrated by Lyndi Simms, Class of 2001, and includes many photos from the CCES archives.
“This book has been years in the making,” said Dr. Lee Cox, President of CCES. “It captures the spirit, optimism, and resolve that have shaped CCES.”
The story unfolds, beginning with a description of what the first CCES students and parents experienced when the school opened its doors in 1959 in three small frame houses on Washington Street. In succeeding chapters, the book traces the vision and leadership decisions that allowed CCES to grow from a tiny mission of Christ Church to a highly regarded college-preparatory school that today serves approximately 1,000 students in grades Primer (K5)–12.
More than 4,000 students have become part of the school’s life since 1959, and The First Fifty Years of Christ Church Episcopal School highlights many of the leaders, teachers, programs, athletic teams, alumni, and events that have defined the CCES experience over five decades. Along with the many historic documents Mrs. Warren researched, she also presents numerous anecdotes from alumni, parents, and teachers that capture the essence of what made CCES so special to them.
According to Connie Lanzl, Vice President for Advancement, “Allison Warren tells the story of CCES with clarity and an engaging style. From her thorough research and extensive interviews, she has written a book that is authoritative, readable, and memorable.”
Ms. Simms’s pastel paintings open each chapter of the book, which also features 80 color and 190 black-and-white photos of legendary teachers, musical productions, and athletic teams. Photos also document the evolution of the 72-acre Cavalier Campus, first opened in 1971 with one building—an Upper School—and today housing new Lower, Middle, and Upper School buildings; McCall Field House; Carson Stadium; the Cavalier Training Center; and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
Published by The Donning Company Publishers of Virginia Beach, Virginia, The First Fifty Years of Christ Church Episcopal School: A Journey to Remember is now available for purchase at the Open Book in Greenville, the Book and Gift Store at Christ Church, and online at www.cces.org.