OES Magazine

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

Congratulations to our graduates from the class of 2026, celebrated on June 13 at Trinity Cathedral.

A man with glasses and a goatee smiles at the camera in the foreground, with a blurred background of trees and foliage.

What It Means to Be Human: Maintaining Our Humanity in an Increasingly Artificial Age

Maintaining our humanity in an increasingly digital age is a priority at OES: we focus on the deep questions of meaning, purpose, justice, and community connecting us across generations to a reality far greater than ourselves.

Fourth Graders Explore the Power of Community at Black Futures Farm

Fourth graders connected Oregon history, community, and stewardship through hands-on service at Black Futures Farm, discovering how young people can make a meaningful difference.

Middle School Extension Expands Students’ Taste Buds

Middle School Extension welcomes everyone to their crowded table, whether it's for snacks or ping pong.

What They Take With Them: The Lasting Impact of Teacher Mentorship at Oregon Episcopal School

Five graduates from the class of 2026 share how their teacher-mentors helped build their confidence and the wisdom they will carry with them into their college years.

Senior Sparks Love for Environmental Stewardship Among His Peers

Jeevan Bhalerao ’27 is putting his interest in protecting the environment into action through an on-campus internship, helping encourage the OES community to engage in sustainable practices.

When Brendan Sanchez ’01 gets an idea, he runs with it

Brendan Sanchez ’01 built his architecture firm based on his values: sustainability and affordability for community members.

Building Community: MacLean Patrick ’27 Leads Upper School Into New Year

MacLean is focused on several initiatives as student body president, including increasing attendance at athletic events and making school celebrations more accessible to all.

Understanding AI, Affirming Our Humanity

Using AI with integrity requires a careful balance between efficiency
and creativity. Discover how OES is teaching students to use AI thoughtfully while strengthening the critical thinking, creativity, and human connection that technology cannot replace.

OES Community Honors 40th Anniversary of Mount Hood Climb

Forty years after the 1986 Mount Hood climb tragedy forever changed Oregon Episcopal School, the community came together this past May for a series of events to honor those who were lost while reflecting on the enduring bonds that continue to unite generations of students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

Q&A with Historian Morgen Young on the Mount Hood Climb Project

Historian Morgen Young completed extensive work about the 1986 Mount Hood climb as OES commemorated the 40th anniversary of the tragedy. Learn what she absorbed from combing through all the material and memories.

If you don’t ask, the answer’s always No: OES past parent Scott Russell reflects on the fight to bring locator beacons to Mount Hood

As part of the OES series commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Mount Hood tragedy, past parent Scott Russell shares how he fought for Mount Hood Locator Units to become a required element for mountain climbing.

A Commitment to the Outdoors

Learn how the OES Experiential Education program has evolved over the years to make our students even safer every step of the way, while continuing the traditions of team building and appreciating the natural world.

For Brinton Clark ’88, Caring for Others is a Privilege

Brinton Clark '88 shares how she moved beyond the Mount Hood tragedy to create a life where she helps others find their greatest joy in living.

Molly (Schula) Shipley ’86 Finds Solace in Nature

Molly (Schula) Shipley ’86 survived the Mount Hood climb and has led a life where she finds fulfillment helping others who have survived tragedies, and finds both solace and empowerment in nature.

Lorca (Fitschen) Smetana ’87 has spent decades teaching resilience and spreading joy

Lorca (Fitschen) Smetana ’8, who turned around on the Mount Hood climb, shares how being witness to the tragedy has helped her build resilience, embrace her inner strength, and become a catalyst for others to find theirs.

Brian Litzenberger ’86 has gone through the open doors and encourages his patients to do the same

Brian Litzenberger ’86, an OES graduate who lost his sister Alison on the Mount Hood climb and his mother Caroline just this past year, has a deep sense of empathy with his patients who are experiencing grief. He shares how he strives to help other make the world a better place.

After losing her daughter on Mount Hood, Caroline Litzenberger’s life reflected determination, reinvention, and faith

For The Rev. Dr. Caroline Litzenberger, who lost her daughter Alison in the Mount Hood tragedy, that loss shaped the ensuing years, including decisions to leave her established career, return to school, become a history professor and scholar, and eventually a member of the clergy.

Laura Axon ’86: Class of 1986 Member Committed to Service on Mount Hood Climb Observance Committee

Laura Axon ’86 honors the memory of those lost in the tragedy through her ongoing service as chair of the Mount Hood Climb Observance Committee.

Greenhouse Flourishes With the Care of Boarding Students

Three boarding students found a special connection with the OES greenhouse and learned new skills and a sense of stewardship caring for the living systems of plants and fish.

A Spring to Remember for OES Athletics

This spring was a great season for OES Athletics, with the BoysTrack & Field team capturing the OSAA State Championship for the first time in school history and Boys Tennis also winning the state championship.

OES Magazine

Summer/Fall 2026

Summer/Fall 2026