Richard Howell ’01 has been selected as the recipient of the Bishops’ Alumni Award, an honor celebrating Episcopal High School Alumni who lead meaningful lives in service to others that reflect the School’s Mission.
A member of the Class of 2001, Richard is a Litigation Partner at Jackson Walker LLP, focusing on energy and commercial disputes, and currently serves as Executive Chair of the EHS Board of Trustees, continuing his deep commitment to the School. After graduating from EHS, he earned a B.A. with Honors in Government from The University of Texas at Austin, followed by a J.D. with Honors from Baylor University School of Law, where he served on Law Review.
Richard’s character and leadership were evident even as a student. Math teacher and Dean of Faculty Nguyet Pham remembers him as an eager learner—thoughtful, disciplined, and respected by classmates and faculty alike. “He was an exceptional and inquisitive learner who processed information quickly and sought to understand concepts thoroughly,” says Pham.
Chemistry teacher John Flanagan, who did not teach Richard directly, nonetheless remembers him for his ready smile, earnest nature, and consistent desire to give his best, noting that he stood out not only for his presence, but for his purpose.
Richard’s commitment to Episcopal High School has remained steadfast long after his graduation. A tireless champion of EHS, Richard served as President of the Alumni Directors' Council in 2018–2019. During his tenure, he helped bolster Alumni engagement, expanding participation and impact through hallmark events such as Alumni Leadership Day and Alumni Weekend.
With years of dedicated service and leadership—including serving on the Board of Trustees from July 2020 to June 2024 and becoming the first Alumnus to serve as Executive Chair in July 2023—Richard has played a vital role in advancing the School’s Mission. Former Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees Haag Sherman affirms, “Richard is a true gentleman whose leadership and service have meaningfully strengthened Episcopal High School. I can think of no one more deserving of the Bishops’ Alumni Award.”
Through his professional accomplishments, servant leadership, and lasting dedication to Episcopal High School, Richard Howell ’01 truly reflects the vision of the Bishops and is a most deserving recipient of this honor.
*Richard is pictured below with his daughter Caroline '29
Sheila Kelly has been selected as the recipient of the Hexagon Distinguished Achievement Award, recognizing a current Episcopal High School faculty or staff member who embodies the School’s deepest ideals and has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the EHS community. This award recognizes individuals who foster the development of students’ minds, faith, and spirit and who work daily to ground students in the Mission of Episcopal High School.
“Ms. Sheila” has been a steady and beloved presence at EHS since 2002, beginning her service to the School as a member of the security team. Over time, her role has evolved into a cornerstone position within campus operations, including coordinating security coverage, scheduling police officers, managing parking assignments and decals, and overseeing key distribution. While her responsibilities are many, Sheila’s true impact extends far beyond her job description.
Former trustee and past parent Mindy Hildebrand describes Sheila as someone who “literally bleeds royal blue,” noting her unwavering loyalty, deep love for the community, and fierce protectiveness of EHS students. That sentiment is echoed throughout the parent, student, and Alumni community, where Sheila is widely regarded as the heart of the School.
Colleagues frequently describe Ms. Sheila as direct, knowledgeable, and steady—qualities that earn the trust and respect of both students and families—while always being grounded in genuine compassion and care. Parents often refer to Sheila as a second mother to their children: someone who truly knows students, is attentive to their lives, and helps guide them through challenges before small concerns grow into larger ones. Ms. Sheila encourages accountability, growth, and resilience, always reminding students that mistakes are part of learning and life. Her care does not end at graduation; Sheila remains a trusted advisor well beyond EHS, visiting students at college and continuing to cheer them on as they grow into adulthood.
As former parent Emily Madison shares, Sheila is “the best co-parent a parent could ask for”—a calming, wise presence who knows when to reassure and when to advise action. She is also a loyal friend and colleague, known for her instinctive compassion, her willingness to show up for anyone at any time, and her remarkable ability to remember the details that matter most—birthdays, milestones, and moments that define a life.
Alumna and past parent Lindsay Holstead ’88 describes Sheila as “the heartbeat of EHS,” noting her firm but loving approach with students, her tireless dedication to the School, and her instrumental role in welcoming families to the EHS community and in the success of countless students.
As she prepares to retire at the end of the school year, Sheila Kelly leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, integrity, service, and an unwavering commitment to students and families—embodying the Mission of Episcopal High School and the very ideals the Hexagon Distinguished Achievement Award was created to honor.
