Fall Capstone Presentations

1/13/2023

Ensworth’s Capstone Program allows students to explore a passion or interest that is above and beyond academic courses and extracurricular involvements—though it is often the product of weaving multiple inspirations into one. Last night, two Ensworth Seniors shared their Fall Capstone projects.

Chris DeCamillo

"Groundbreaking and Innovative Treatments for Brain Cancer"

"Little do ye know your own blessedness; for to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labour."
—Robert Louis Stevenson from Virginibus Puerisque

"Last year in AP Biology, Chris distinguished himself at what I call 'decoding' exercises, which are the biology presentations, either graphic or written, that need to be interpreted in everyday language. Chris proved to be one of the quickest at understanding these presentations, and his peers were eager to hear his explanations. This gave me confidence when Chris expressed interest in a Capstone focusing on brain cancer treatments that analyzing and synthesizing primary research articles would be something Chris would both enjoy and experience success with. As Stevenson expresses, 'true success'- the journey, the work - is the reward. If you've had the pleasure of working with Chris, you know this to be true."

— Chris Thompson, Science Teacher and project sponsor

Hunter Haney

"An Assessment of Ensworth High School's Impact on Water Quality of The Little Harpeth River"

"Hunter may be the student with whom I've worked the most hours during my decade at Ensworth. Between coaching on the mountain bike team, sophomore Physics, AP Biology, and now Capstone, our relationship has spanned and grown for four years. Watching a willing student develop his skill set to the point where he is identifying and taking on academic challenges himself and demonstrating independent learning is one of the true joys of working as an educator. With the Little Harpeth Stream Water Study, it appears that Ecology may be a true academic focus and passion for Hunter. This environmental impact study combines Hunter's love of the outdoors with his serious approach to academics. We would all be lucky if he continued on this path beyond high school."

— Chris Thompson, Science Teacher and project sponsor

Capstone Scholars who will present on May 17th at 6:30 PM in the Ingram Arts Theater:

Jackson Allen

"An Analysis of Government-Driven Environmental Regulation in the United States and Canada"

Sponsor: Tom Jackoboice

Mercer Borden

"Music Industry and Intellectual Property Law: How Artists Make Money in the 'Spotify' Era"

Sponsors: Jim Aveni & Danny Wright

Audrey Campbell

"Writing Creative Fiction about Morals, Humanity, and the End of the World"

Sponsor: Dina Marks

Grace Heinrichs