WHAT’S UP WARDENS: Venneri and Harrar pose for a photo.
Photo courtesy of Kamau Kegler ’27
The Vestry has recently elected next year’s Senior and Accounting Vestry Wardens. These Wardens are crucial to the Episcopal Academy faith community. They are leaders in Chapel Services, of course, but also in the greater EA community; they work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment in the classroom, on the field, and on the stage. This 2026-2027 school year’s Wardens are Senior Warden Ryan Harrar ’27 and Accounting Warden Micheal Venneri ’27.
Brandon Bin ’26, the 2025-2026 school year’s Senior Warden, notes that Wardens are “organized and have good communication skills, because there’s a lot of things you need to manage at the same time. I think communication is key, because there’s a lot of Vestry members.” Specifically, Wardens help to organize Chapel Services every other day and manage community service projects and school events, such as the recent Easter Egg Hunt for younger EA community members. Wardens and Vestry members also run Friday Eucharist, the Ash Wednesday Chapel Service, and other important religious events.
Although being a Warden does require both organization and communication skills, it also requires a deep love for and connection to the EA community. Head Chaplain Father Timothy Gavin explains, “As leaders, I think …they both have the ability to bring out the best in others…You don’t want someone being a leader who legislates. You want someone who invites people into a process. You want a leader who leads by example.” Harrar and Venneri fully encapsulate what being a leader means: they remain true to their beliefs but are also open to others’ views that may differ from their own. Gavin adds, “Michael’s extremely involved in community service…Ryan has been here as long as I can remember; she has this long history with the school, so she brings that knowledge…Both of them are very hardworking as leaders.”
To future Senior Warden Harrar, “Vestry is an extended family. Being on Vestry has given me the opportunity to grow close with members of the community who are outside of my regular circle.” She cherishes every moment she spends with her fellow Vestry members, which is very telling about how impactful a leader she will be. Harrar’s relationships with her peers are beyond surface-level: she is invested in the well-being of those around her. She continues, “Vestry has also given me a way to reflect on my beliefs and bring what I learn from Mass into my everyday life. Vestry has become a funnel where I can intentionally connect my faith with my EA experience.” Harrar is dedicated to uplifting her community, but also finds time to explore her own faith, perfecting that “work-life balance,” an important leadership quality.
Harrar and Venneri have not only the full support and trust of the greater EA community, but, most importantly, of the Vestry too. “I think that they’re great leaders and Vestry members because they truly care about the school and their fellow Vestry members…they truly do want to help EA and the Vestry grow and create a supportive community. They’re very interactive in our meetings… their responses truly show how much they care,” reflects Maraki Solomon ’27, a fellow Vestry member. The group understands that they’re in good hands with Harrar and Venneri in charge, and they know that they will be guided by individuals who have a genuine love for their peers, their community, and their faith.
The Vestry has recently elected next year’s Senior and Accounting Vestry Wardens. These Wardens are crucial to the Episcopal Academy faith community. They are leaders in Chapel Services, of course, but also in the greater EA community; they work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment in the classroom, on the field, and on the stage. This 2026-2027 school year’s Wardens are Senior Warden Ryan Harrar ’27 and Accounting Warden Micheal Venneri ’27.
Brandon Bin ’26, the 2025-2026 school year’s Senior Warden, notes that Wardens are “organized and have good communication skills, because there’s a lot of things you need to manage at the same time. I think communication is key, because there’s a lot of Vestry members.” Specifically, Wardens help to organize Chapel Services every other day and manage community service projects and school events, such as the recent Easter Egg Hunt for younger EA community members. Wardens and Vestry members also run Friday Eucharist, the Ash Wednesday Chapel Service, and other important religious events.
Although being a Warden does require both organization and communication skills, it also requires a deep love for and connection to the EA community. Head Chaplain Father Timothy Gavin explains, “As leaders, I think …they both have the ability to bring out the best in others…You don’t want someone being a leader who legislates. You want someone who invites people into a process. You want a leader who leads by example.” Harrar and Venneri fully encapsulate what being a leader means: they remain true to their beliefs but are also open to others’ views that may differ from their own. Gavin adds, “Michael’s extremely involved in community service…Ryan has been here as long as I can remember; she has this long history with the school, so she brings that knowledge…Both of them are very hardworking as leaders.”
To future Senior Warden Harrar, “Vestry is an extended family. Being on Vestry has given me the opportunity to grow close with members of the community who are outside of my regular circle.” She cherishes every moment she spends with her fellow Vestry members, which is very telling about how impactful a leader she will be. Harrar’s relationships with her peers are beyond surface-level: she is invested in the well-being of those around her. She continues, “Vestry has also given me a way to reflect on my beliefs and bring what I learn from Mass into my everyday life. Vestry has become a funnel where I can intentionally connect my faith with my EA experience.” Harrar is dedicated to uplifting her community, but also finds time to explore her own faith, perfecting that “work-life balance,” an important leadership quality.
Harrar and Venneri have not only the full support and trust of the greater EA community, but, most importantly, of the Vestry too. “I think that they’re great leaders and Vestry members because they truly care about the school and their fellow Vestry members…they truly do want to help EA and the Vestry grow and create a supportive community. They’re very interactive in our meetings… their responses truly show how much they care,” reflects Maraki Solomon ’27, a fellow Vestry member. The group understands that they’re in good hands with Harrar and Venneri in charge, and they know that they will be guided by individuals who have a genuine love for their peers, their community, and their faith.
Even though the end of the school year is always bittersweet, students, faculty, and staff look forward to the future with excitement and anticipation. Many things will look different upon returning in September, but one thing’s for certain: Chapel will still maintain its reflective, inviting energy and continue to serve as a pillar of the EA community because of Harrar and Venneri’s work. As Bin observes, “I’m sure they’re going to do great. They care a lot about Vestry in the school. They’re well-liked throughout the community, so they’re good representatives for what they’re going to do next year.”Even though the end of the school year is always bittersweet, students, faculty, and staff look forward to the future with excitement and anticipation. Many things will look different upon returning in September, but one thing’s for certain: Chapel will still maintain its reflective, inviting energy and continue to serve as a pillar of the EA community because of Harrar and Venneri’s work. As Bin observes, “I’m sure they’re going to do great. They care a lot about Vestry in the school. They’re well-liked throughout the community, so they’re good representatives for what they’re going to do next year.”