After 48 years at EA, Assistant Head of Middle School Chip Hollinger, Hon. is retiring at the end of the school year.
In recognition of Mr. Hollinger's decades of dedication to Episcopal, a tree and new racing shell have been dedicated in his honor.
On Friday, May 26, Middle School students, faculty, and staff gathered for the tree dedication.
"He [Mr. Hollinger] is a very, very special part of our school," said Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke. "This will provide us joy and even wisdom as we look to it for answers, just like Mr. Hollinger does."
The tree (Zelkova) sits next to the tree (Red Maple) that was dedicated to Mr. Hollinger's wife, Meg Hollinger, Hon., upon her retirement from the Office of Institutional Advancement in 2012.
Mr. Hollinger thanked the EA community "for 48 great years." He said one of the highlights was meeting his wife at EA 47 years ago.
As he hustled back into the Middle School, a 7th grade advisory chanted, "Chip, Chip hooray!!"
"I'm off to my advisory," said a smiling Mr. Hollinger. "Congratulations, Mr. Hollinger," said another student.
Sunday, May 21 marked a special day for EA rowing as a new Empacher 8 racing shell was dedicated to Mr. Hollinger.
The "Respect - Chip H. Hollinger, II" was christened and dedicated on the banks of the Schuylkill River during the team's end-of-season celebration. Mr. Hollinger's young grandson, Grant Henry Hollinger, assisted with the christening. Meg Hollinger, son Jonathan '95, daughter-in-law Victoria, and granddaughter Greta were also in attendance.
"It was an amazing honor to have this shell named for me," shared Mr. Hollinger. "I did row for two years at South Kent School, though I never attained the level of success of these young men. Nevertheless, I have a keen appreciation of what it takes to row a crew race, coach such a race; and what it takes to acquire a beautiful shell."
During its inaugural race on May 6, The Boys' Varsity 8+ won City Champs in the new shell. It was the first time in EA history that the Boys' Varsity 8+ won City Champs.
"It was a unbelievable honor to have our own award-winning 'boys in the boat' consider me for this. It was all the more memorable of a day because I got to share this privilege with my family," said Mr. Hollinger.
This year's Boys Varsity 8+ includes students who all attended Middle School with Mr. Hollinger. (Will Purtill '17, Nick Horbowy '17, Kyle Hogan '17, Peter LeRoux '17, Thomas Woodville '17, Harry Pusey '19, Colson Andrews '17, Tim Baker '17 and coxswain Schuyler Kresge '18)
It is an EA tradition to select one of EA's Stripes, along with an honoree's name, for additions to the fleet.
Last year, the "Good Sportsmanship - Gina E. Buggy", and "Faith II - Rev. James R. Squire" were christened and dedicated.
The racing shell was donated by an anonymous donor. The tree was donated by the Minnick family.
Mr. Hollinger launched his career at EA in 1970. Over the years, he taught English, history, various electives, and served as an advisor, coach, and mentor to many.
