The Gunston School recently hosted its annual Civic Learning Day, dedicating a full day to experiential learning that moves civic education beyond the classroom, engaging the entire student body in hands-on community service, career exploration, and critical discussions on current civic issues. The goal was to inspire students to embrace their roles as informed, active, and responsible citizens.

“Our Civic Learning Day is a cornerstone of The Gunston Experience, moving civic education from theory to practice,” said Head of School John Lewis. “By combining meaningful service work with direct exposure to public service professionals, we empower our students to understand and embrace their critical role in building a stronger community and a healthy democracy.”

The day was anchored by a robust schedule of community service. Groups of students traveled off-campus to assist key local partners, including Haven Ministries, where they sorted donated food items and organized warehouse space, and Tides of Grace, where they helped sort donated toys and assemble new storage units. Students also visited the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County to see the inner workings of a courtroom, and visited other local government buildings and departments. Simultaneously, teams on Gunston’s campus managed a mix of environmental and humanitarian work. This included essential projects like replanting the pollinator garden, establishing a new garden in front of the AB/Field House, and packaging goods for regional non-profits.

Humanitarian efforts focused on preparing sandwiches and healthy snack packages for Lighthouse Annapolis, assembling food packages for MidShore Meals til Monday, and preparing over 200 customized care bags for the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, students processed collected shoes for transport to Rukundo International.

The afternoon transitioned into a comprehensive Career Tracks program, connecting students with a diverse roster of professionals who exemplify public service. Students engaged with more than 12 speakers from national and regional organizations, including the Office of Naval Intelligence, the US Department of State, a US Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander, an Air Force Pilot working for the Pentagon, the CEO of the Chesapeake Conservancy, a Family Nurse Practitioner from Choptank Community Health, and more.

“There were 12 parent volunteers leading sessions,” explains Director of Belonging & Community Dr. Ryan Asprion, who planned the day’s events. “Our students really love getting a firsthand perspective on how their passions could possibly translate into impactful careers across government, health, environmental science, law enforcement, and the non-profit sector.”

The day concluded with student and faculty-led discussion sessions, fostering civil discourse on important modern topics ranging from Environmental Justice and the Evolution of Women in Politics to Media Literacy and “Your vote, Your power.”

“Civic Learning Day reinforces one of the school’s core values,” said Dr. Asprion, “and that is to prepare students to be ethically and environmentally minded scholars, citizens, and leaders for a globalized society.”

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Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Gunston School welcomed more than 220 guests to its waterfront campus for the 10th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast on Saturday, October 18, 2025, chaired by Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28. The school’s largest fundraising event of the year was dedicated to funding a crucial overhaul of the school’s rural campus technology infrastructure.

The event generated more than $73,100 through sponsorships, raffle tickets, and general event income. The live and silent auctions contributed $35,000, and the highlight of the evening was the direct-giving “Raise the Paddle” segment, which alone generated an impressive $45,000, bringing the total gross funds raised to just over $150,000.

The live auction, led by auctioneer Woody Dunstan, P’24,  saw enthusiastic bidding for big-ticket items, including a seven-night bareboat charter on a Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 Catamaran in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a three-bedroom penthouse in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and a beachfront villa in St. Thomas on Bolongo Beach. Unique experiences tailored for the Gunston community were also highly sought after, including 10 VIP seats for the Class of 2026 Graduation and the exclusive first-choice parking spot for the entire 2026-2027 school year. Major bids were rounded out by a professional Paul Reed Smith SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar and a catered cocktail cruise for eight on the Chester River.

The online silent auction, which ran from October 13 through October 19th, allowed the entire Gunston Community to participate. The selection featured tempting travel and local excursions, including a three-night stay in a lovely waterfront Annapolis condo, a weekend getaway in St. Michaels, a five-day Myrtle Beach vacation, a Deep Creek Cabin Weekend, and several fishing charters. Gift certificates for popular local restaurants were also available, alongside offerings of golf and spa packages, and original artwork.

Head of School John Lewis commented on the successful night. “The community’s response was overwhelming and demonstrates a shared vision for Gunston’s future. A comprehensive overhaul of our network infrastructure is now fully supported, which will ensure fast, secure, and seamless connectivity across campus. These upgrades are essential to supporting student learning, classroom technology, campus safety systems, and daily operations.”

Guests also enjoyed delicious food from Phat Daddy’s BBQ, Superior OysterShuckers, and Emily’s Produce, along with a beer truck, wine pull, cocktails, and dancing to round out the evening.

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Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

Photos by Elaina Faith Photography

The Gunston School is proud to announce that four members of the Class of 2026 have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. This distinguished recognition is awarded to students who placed among the top 50,000 scorers out of more than 1.5 million high school students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in October 2024. This recognition places these students among the top 3-4% of all test-takers nationwide.

The following students from the Class of 2026 were honored for their outstanding academic promise: Kate Andrews ’26, Soren (Arlo) Badger ’26, Eamon Schopfer ’26, and Lucas Watkins ’26.

“This is among the highest academic honors a student can achieve. We couldn’t be prouder of Kate, Arlo, Eamon, and Lucas. This recognition is a direct result of their remarkable intellectual curiosity and dedication to their studies,” said Head of School John Lewis. “The National Merit Commended Scholar achievement is a fantastic milestone in their college journey, and we look forward to continuing to work with them through our college guidance program as they explore their options and build on this success.”

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Founded in 1911 and currently enrolling 256 students, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Gunston School is pleased to announce the Mid-Shore College Fair and Financial Planning Evening on Tuesday, October 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Chesapeake College’s Health Professions and Athletics Center in Wye Mills, Md. This event is free and open to the public, however advanced registration is highly encouraged. Students will receive a barcode after registering, and colleges will scan it during the fair to receive the student’s contact information. Participants are encouraged to browse the college fair at their own pace and have the option to attend one of two sessions on the Financial Aid Process at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. This event typically draws around 60-75 colleges and universities from across the country.

“Our college guidance program is all about finding the right fit for each student, and we take a lot of pride in that personalized approach,” explains Co-Director of College Guidance Emily Coffey. “By bringing the Mid-Shore College Fair to our community, we’re able to share that commitment and offer a valuable resource to all students and families in the area, helping them navigate a process that can feel pretty overwhelming.”

The Mid-Shore College Fair was made possible with support from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Students may register at https://app.strivescan.com/registration. Contact Gunston’s Directors of College Guidance with questions: Emily Coffey, [email protected] or 410-758-0620 ext 3101 and Tony D’Antonio, [email protected] or 410-758-0620 ext 3100.

To date, the following colleges and universities will be attending (with about 20 more expected to be added to the list before the October event:

* Alfred University
* Alvernia University
* Bucknell University
* Cairn University
* Cedar Crest College
* Chesapeake College
* Christopher Newport University
* Clarkson University
* Drexel University
* Eastern Shore Higher Education Center
* Elizabethtown College
* Franklin & Marshall College
* Goldey-Beacom College
* Goucher College
* Hampden-Sydney College
* Hobart and William Smith
* Hood College
* Juniata College
* Loyola University Maryland
* Lycoming College
* Maine Maritime Academy
* McDaniel College
* Momnouth University
* Mount St. Mary’s University
* Neumann University
* Notre Dame of Maryland University
* Old Dominion University
* Palm Beach Atlantic University
* Randolph-Macon College
* Saint Joseph’s University
* Salisbury University
* Salve Regina University
* Savannah College of Art and Design
* St. John’s College (Annapolis/Santa Fe)
* St. Mary’s College of Maryland
* Stetson University
* Stevenson University
* Susquehanna University
* The Catholic University of America
* Towson University
* University of Alabama
* University of Delaware
* University of Maryland, Baltimore County
* University of New Haven
* University of Rhode Island
* University of Tennessee, Knoxville
* Ursinus College
* Washington College
* West Virginia University
* Wilson College

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information. 

The Gunston School’s signature fundraising event, the Bull & Oyster Roast, will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 5-9 p.m. on the school’s waterfront campus, overlooking the Corsica River. The evening includes delicious food provided by Phat Daddy’s BBQ and Superior OysterShuckers as well as a beer truck, wine pull, and signature cocktail.

Now in its 10th year, the Bull & Oyster Roast features an online silent auction, a live auction, and a “Stop the Auction and Raise the Paddle” portion which raises dedicated funds for a specific cause each year. For 2025, Gunston is asking the community to Raise the Paddle to support a major campus technology upgrade, including a comprehensive overhaul of our network infrastructure to ensure fast, secure, and seamless connectivity across campus, as well as upgrades to classroom technology. These upgrades are essential to supporting student learning, classroom technology, campus safety systems, and daily operations.

“These upgrades are essential to supporting student learning, classroom technology, campus safety systems, and daily operations,” explains Head of School John Lewis. “And with the community’s help, we can make them a reality.”

The online silent auction runs the week before the event, giving the entire Gunston community a chance to bid on an array of fantastic vacations and fun experiences, golf outings, professional photography sessions, artwork, and more. This year’s live auction will be in person and includes a handful of big ticket items such as vacation packages and catered cruises with more details to be announced soon.

The online silent auction runs from October 13-19, giving the entire Gunston community a chance to bid on an array of fantastic vacations and fun experiences, golf outings, professional photography sessions, artwork, and more.

“Buy event tickets, buy raffle tickets, you can donate wine–there are many different ways to support the school,” explains Bull & Oyster Roast Co-Chair Melanie McMahan, P’27’28. “We are in need of auction items for both the live and silent portion,” “Vacation getaways, airline miles, or hotel points. Other donations could include VIP or behind-the-scenes experiences, sports memorabilia, event tickets, lessons—things like that. We also welcome gift certificates from local businesses.”

“This is also a wonderful sponsorship opportunity,” explains Gunston Parents Association President Ildi Watkins, P’26’28. “Please consider an individual or corporate sponsorship, as your generosity underwrites this event and makes it possible to raise the funds our students need.”

Tickets are on sale now at gunston.org/bullroast25 with early-bird pricing at $85 per person until August 31, $95 from Sept. 1-30, and $110 per person from Oct. 1-18. Tickets for alumni as well as former faculty and staff, and guests of current faculty and staff are $80. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Sponsorships for the Bull & Oyster Roast range from $150 up to $5,000 with a price point for every budget. Additionally, there is an option to become a Heron Hero, which combines the sponsorship benefits of all three Gunston fundraising events, the Bull & Oyster Roast on October 19, the Heron Pickleball Tournament on April 18 2026, and the Golfing fore Gunston on May 1, 2026.

This year’s supporters include Bull’s Eye Sponsor Fred Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Easton (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P’23’25), Precision Contactors (Lesley & Tim Faff, P’23’26’29), and What’s Up? Magazine; Oyster Sponsor Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals (Bryan Trautman, P’23’27); BBQ Sponsors Paul T. Ewing (Pam & Charlie Andrews, P’26), McCallister, Detar, Showalter & Walker (Adele & Ryan Showalter, P’25’27 and Melissa & Doug Walker, P’25’27) and ShoreGate Partners (Chesley & Justin Nonemaker, P’27’29); Pearl Sponsors PepUp (Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28), Fleetwood Insurance Group (Creg Fleetwood, P’29), The Law Offices of Parker Counts  (Lee Gordon, P’28’29) and Molly’s Place (Nick & Katie Shajwani, P’26); Pit Beef Sponsors Dr. Laurie & John Lewis, The Shifrin Family, P’21’21, Wye Mills Mechanical, LLC (Marie & Stephen Thomas), The Malone Family, P’28 and Smithey Law Group (Joyce Smithey, P’26); and Shore Sponsor Fit Flock and Wrench & Socket (Tim & Beth Lavery, P’26).

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Gunston School is proud to announce that 34 of its students have been recognized by the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program for their outstanding performance on college-level AP exams during the 2024 testing cycle. In addition to these remarkable student accomplishments, Gunston was also selected as a pilot school for the College Board’s AP Cybersecurity program, a new course being developed as part of the College Board’s Career Kickstart initiative.

AP Cybersecurity is designed to introduce high school students to foundational concepts in digital security and prepare them for emerging careers in the cybersecurity field. While any high school may teach cybersecurity, AP Cybersecurity is currently in a limited-access pilot phase and will not be available nationally until the 2026–2027 academic year. Gunston will begin offering the course during the 2025–2026 school year as part of this exclusive early-access cohort, adding to their already extensive offering of AP courses.

As a pilot school, Gunston will receive direct support and curriculum resources from leading industry partners including Cisco, CYBER.ORG, and Paradigm Cyber Ventures. Participating students will also have the opportunity to receive vouchers for CompTIA certification exam preparation and fees—an industry-recognized credential in the cybersecurity field.

Each fall, the College Board recognizes high-achieving students across the nation with AP Scholar Awards. These accolades are granted to students who have demonstrated exceptional success across multiple AP subject areas and include:

AP Scholar with Distinction is awarded to students who earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. The following students were recognized: Lily Brantner, Emery Day, Elena Fraser, Brayden Hamm, Trevor Janssen, Jameson (Conner) Joyce,  Justin McCubbin, Elijah Moore, Margaret Randolph and Lucas Watkins.

AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who earn an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams. The following students were recognized: Kate Andrews, Annabelle Baker, Jed Cohen, Victoria MacGlashan, Vee McCluskey, Isla McCollum, Robert (Ethan) McWilliams and Eamon Schopfer.

AP Scholar is awarded to students who score 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. The following students were recognized: Alexander (Alex) Bent, Allison Davis, Alex Elfenbein, Lennox Franks, Adit Gupta, Grace Hanlon, Eleonor Hubbert, Logan Kille, Sydney Kim, Louise Mulock, Alivia Runz, Evelyn Russ, Katherine Seybert, Zachary Steinberg, Mia Walker and Lily Weny.

“Academic rigor is a core value at Gunston,” explains Head of School John Lewis, “and our AP Scholars are to be congratulated for their achievement on these challenging national exams. Let me also acknowledge the remarkable faculty who guided students through these college-level courses, and supported our culture of high expectations. Having taught many of these students personally, I can attest that they are deeply dedicated to their studies, and are superbly prepared for college and beyond! Meanwhile, the AP Cybersecurity course represents an exciting frontier in high school education—one that empowers students to engage with real-world issues while preparing for future academic and professional success. Only a few schools nationwide were accepted into this program, and it’s a testament to the strength of our computer science curriculum.”

 

 

 

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Founded in 1911 and currently enrolling 256 students, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

 

 

The Gunston School celebrated its 114th commencement this past Saturday, June 7, honoring the Class of 2025 with a waterfront ceremony overlooking the Corsica River, as family and friends looked on. Despite the rain, the procession began on time with Bagpiper Andrew Jaecks, followed by school faculty and staff, and then graduating seniors. This year’s 62 members of the senior class were accepted to 149 colleges and universities, earning nearly $12 million dollars in merit scholarships.

Head of School John Lewis introduced the commencement speaker, Director of ShoreRivers, Isabel Hardesty, who works to protect Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-backed advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. She had this advice for the graduates: “You all are entering a really exciting and energizing time of your lives, where you have so many new opportunities to experience and new people to meet. So for the next 2-4 years, say yes. Do stuff that scares you. Go outside and move your body. Character and attitude matter more than hard skills. I look forward to seeing your confident, driven, risk-taking, problem-solving, happy, well-rounded selves in my applicant pool when you graduate college. Good luck!” she said.

Mr. Lewis and Gunston’s Chair of the Board Joe Janney, P’21 then presented each graduate with their diploma, individually handcrafted by faculty member Michael Kaylor on an antique letterpress. This year’s valedictorian honor (also called the Samuel A. Middleton Award after one of the school’s founders) was bestowed upon Brayden Hamm of Smyrna, Del., the day prior at the school’s Green & White Awards Ceremony.

“It goes without saying that this student’s academic record is exceptional, having earned a perfect grade 4.0 point average across perhaps the most rigorous course load ever taken at Gunston, including 12 AP courses ranging from Computer Science, to Spanish, to English Literature, to several histories,” said Mr. Lewis. “Without question, we expect to learn in July that he will earn a National AP Scholar distinction. He is also a person of exceptional attitude and character. Outside of the classroom, he is the beating heart of the Math Club and the Rowing Team, and he has volunteered his time in activities ranging from Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s to the Delaware Aerospace Academy. As you will hear in his speech, he is a deeply intellectual, philosophical, studious, kind, and ethical person.”

Hamm had this parting wisdom for classmates: “We are comprised of talented designers and engineers, of dedicated environmental advocates, of prospective medical practitioners, of creative writers and essayists, of stunning artists, of gifted musicians, of skillful athletes, of distinguished coders, and of incredibly knowledgeable trivia junkies – all just to name a few. We have spent countless hours of hardship in charting our way forward with commendable course rigor, while also finding sufficient time to enjoy the company of one another and keep our experience tangible and enjoyable. But, of course, not much of this would have ever been possible if it weren’t for the greater community at Gunston.”

Presented by Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis, the prestigious Gunston Award, which began in 1969, is unique in that it’s chosen by the vote of the entire school community, including students, faculty and staff and is given to the senior who embodies Gunston’s core values on a daily basis. This award was given to Mia Walker (Easton, Md.). “Their actions reflect a genuine commitment to connection and have helped build lasting relationships that strengthen the fabric of our school. Being chosen by a vote of the entire community affirms this student’s lived example of true camaraderie,” said Mrs. Grabis.

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Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located on 75 waterfront acres in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Gunston School is proud to announce the induction of the legendary 2000 Varsity Field Hockey Team into the Gunston’s Athletic Hall of Fame. This exceptional team carved their place in Gunston history with a dominant season, finishing with an impressive 13-3-2 record and clinching both the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference’s (ESIAC) regular season and tournament championships, a first for the newly-reincorporated Gunston Day School at the time. Not only was this their first season in the ESIAC, but it was also the first time Gunston had won a championship of any kind. They’re also the first team to be inducted into the hall of fame.

Under the guidance of Coach Anita Gruss—who also won the ESIAC’s Coach of the Year Award in 2000—the field hockey team not only demonstrated athletic excellence but also set the standard for teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Captains Carrie Fredland ’01 (ESIAC Player of the Year), Rachael Osberger ’01, and Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01 (ESIAC Tournament MVP) led the team. The team’s success was widely recognized across the conference and region. Seven players earned ESIAC All-Conference honors: Jenny Dey ’03, Carrie Fredland ’01, Rachael Osberger ’01, Shaw Strannahan ’02, Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01, Summer Veltman ’02, and Laura Williams ’03. Four players—Diana Jeffra ’01, Fletcher Johnson ’01, Strannahan ’02, and Terpeluk Parker ’01—were named to the ESIAC All-Tournament Team. Terpeluk Parker also earned First Team honors on the Star Democrat All Mid-Shore Field Hockey Team, with Strannahan and Osberger named to the Second Team, and Fredland receiving Honorable Mention.

“The biggest part of this team’s success was our three captains, [Fredland, Osberger and (Terpeluk) Parker]. It was like having three assistant coaches, which was a luxury,” said Ms. Gruss. “They helped manage things and they believed in my plan and they supported it and the team one hundred percent.”

The full roster of the Hall of Fame inductees includes: Katie Willis ’01, Elizabeth Miller Walters ’01, Sarah Ross ’02, Katie Scott ’01, Cullen West Raphael ’01, Diana Jeffra ’01, Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01, Rachel Osberger ’01, Carrie Fredland ’01, Rita Baghdadi ’03, Cristina (Laggini) Mudge ’03, Ora Beth (Mika) Mills ’03, Summer (Veltman) Denise ’02, Katie (Graham) Phillips ’04, Megan (Moore) Dunne ’04, Fletcher Johnson ’01, Laura Williams ’03, Shaw Strannahan ’02, Lauren Breslin ’03, Jenny Dey ’03, and Coach Anita Gruss, who previously served as Gunston’s Director of Athletics for years.