Alumni Reflections

Flip the Script: A Senior Takeover

In this special season finale of Insightful Questions, Head of School Sam Uzwack takes a seat on the other side of the desk as four seniors— Piper Belfiore, Anhat Bhutani, Andrew Ma, and Cass Megiddo—step into the studio. The script was flipped, with students asking Sam questions about leadership at EPS, decision-making, EPS traditions, and the impressive qualities of the Class of 2026.

Responsible Action: Balance and Belonging

In this episode of Insightful Questions, Head of School Sam Uzwack is joined by EPS faculty member Gaylynn Lynch, Jamie Andrus, Associate Director of Student Well-Being, and Dr. John Stegeman, Head of Upper School. They discuss ensuring that every EPS student feels seen and supported and how clarity in expectation, communication, and care helps create a more connected school environment.  They also discuss finding balance at school. As Dr. Stegeman notes, “If we can center the student, the human being, in the conversation about balance, it’s a way of reducing the complexity of the conversation…We want to have all parts of our experience and identity validated.  And when it is, the equilibrium appears.”

Responsible Action: Partnering with Purpose

In this episode of Insightful Questions, Head of School Sam Uzwack is joined by EPS parents Bengu Bostanci, Polina Mokshina, and Hao Song to discuss how the partnership between parents/guardians and Eastside Prep helps build a more caring and connected school.

Alumni Reflections

In this episode of Insightful Questions, Head of School Sam Uzwack is joined by two Eastside Prep alums: Josie Kranick and Lorenzo Da Fieno, both EPS Class of 2024. They discuss lessons learned at EPS including accountability and working with others. They also discuss advice they would give to their younger selves. Josie’s advice to her junior- and senior-year self includes, “Be where my feet are planted…be a bit more present.”

Responsible Action: Care for the Environment

In this episode of Insightful Questions, Head of School Sam Uzwack is joined by student Alyson (Class of 2027), faculty member Burton Barrager and Marinn Carpenter, a resource specialist for King Conservation District for a conversation about caring for the environment with intention. They discuss how EPS can help students grow into environment stewards and reflect on a place each of them feels connected to the environment. As Alyson notes, “Nature connects everything.”