The Gunston School recognized 177 students for earning High Honors and Honors for the first quarter of the 2022-2023 academic year. To earn a place on the High Honors list, a student must have an academic average of 93 percent or above and effort grades of satisfactory, “S” or above. To earn Honors, a student must achieve an 88-92.99 average and effort grades of “S” or above.

High Honors Grade 12: Nicholas (Nick) Abell, Zachary (Zack) Adams, Madilyn (Maddie) Algier, Olivia Amygdalos, Kelby Booth, McKinsey Brown, Julia Buchanan, Nicasio (Nick) Ceruolo, Sadie Cloud, Thomas de los Reyes, Celine Denat, Charles Evans, Irina Ganarin, Catherine Hansen, Sarah (Eli) Ireland, Thomas (Cy) Johnston, Paget Kellogg, Katherine (Kate) Kroncke, Paige Kroncke, Garrett Lang, Jennie LaTorre, YaXin (Angelina) Lin, Julia McClary, Calla McCluskey, Ava Melvin, Zacharia (Zach) Mozher, Elizabeth (Lane) Parkhurst, Grace Anne Phillips, Nathan Porter, Damian René, Isabelle Wagner Requena, MacKenzie Smith, William Stuart, Finnegan (Finn) Theeke, Brielle Tyler, and Yining Wei.

Honors Grade 12: Katelyn (Kate) Campbell, Olivia Faff, Alanna Grace, Natalie Henry, Ian Kissel, Christopher (Bates) Nittle, Miranda Pope, Julia Reed, Mekonnen Sahle-Selassie, Liam Thomas, Aidan Trautman, Oliver White, and Jiacheng (Jason) Ye.

High Honors Grade 11: Quinn Baughman, Michael Billings, Zoe Buzzelli, Benjamin (Ben) Cook, Turner Day, Liam Dickey, Aiden Dunlap, Allie Fitzgerald, Edward (Eddie) Gillespie, Trevor Green, Colin Hallmark, Jessica Hammond, Caeden Harrison, Abigail (Abbie) Houseknecht, Samantha Jayne, Samantha (Sam) Keith, Maren Kneeland, Lucas LaFleur, Arnold (Ben) Lutz, Madison (Madi) Lutz, Caitlin Myers, Joshua Nuessle, Tilghman Overton, Matthew Periconi, Taylor Rainer, Joanna Riley, Luke Roser, Ava Runz, Jan Serraviñals, Jonah Smith, Anna Szwaja, Isabella Taylor, and Evelyn Volkmer.

Honors Grade 11: Shawn Barry, Sedona Bell, Harrison Dunstan, Eleanor (Ellie) Hassett, Sophia Kent, Rowan Larkin, Rowan Lutz, Jaden Mahaffey, Lucia Melchiorre, Josie Merton, Kate Porter, Mariner Schut, Annabelle Sinatra, Amber Tormey, Arielle Tyler, and Jackson Wood.

High Honors Grade 10: Lauren (Alix) Allison, Jack Beasley, Lily Brantner, Alex Elfenbein, Jackson Frederick, Adit Gupta, Brayden Hamm, Grace Hanlon, Trevor Janssen, Phoebe Kelly, Phil Kokoschka, Celine Kumin, V McCluskey, Isla McCollum, Justin McCubbin, Sam Mielke, Elijah Moore, Louise Mulock, Benta Owino, Elizabeth Pupke, Alivia Runz, Katherine Sadler, Grace Shepherd, Mia Walker, and Aidan Watson.

Honors Grade 10: Lea Berling, Alayna Brown, Allison Davis, Alexa Duncan, Lennox Franks, Elena Fraser, Jeffrey (Tanner) Hatch, R.P. Johnson, Nina Johnston, Brendan (Wylie) Keegan, Logan Kille, Allison (Alli) Lutz, Victoria MacGlashan, Robert (Ethan) McWilliams, Caroline Mirando, Kazys Morris, Victoria (Tori) Nessly, Ellery Philippon, Margaret Randolph, Evelyn Russ, Emma Sharp, Jackson Showalter, Zachary Steinberg, and Evan Zottarelli.

High Honors Grade 9: Kate Andrews, Ava Augustus, Soren (Arlo) Badger, Annabelle Baker, Gabriella Bonfoey, Eleonor Hubbert, Sydney Kim, Eamon Schopfer, Lia Schut, Emily Steele, Alayna Thompson, and Lucas Watkins.

Honors Grade 9: Lillian (Lily) Babylon, Aurora Baughman, Genevieve Baughman, Susannah Clark, Emery Day, Riley Faff, Gianni Figliozzi, Aiden Filer, Layla Kent, Lily May, Olivia Murray, Nevin Porter, Megan Riley, Arya Shajwani, Caroline Thomas, Luca Tyler, Lilah Wharton, and Sydney Wilson.

The Gunston School is pleased to announce Senior Zacharia (Zach) Mozher of Middletown, Del. has been selected as a semifinalist in the 68th annual National Merit® Scholarship Program, making him a part of the top 16,000 high school students selected out of 1.5 million qualified applicants. National Merit semifinalists represent less than one percent of high school seniors in the United States and include the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Mozher will be competing for about 7,500 scholarships worth almost $30M. Roughly 15,000 semifinalists will advance to the finalist level in February, with scholarships awarded later in the spring. The application process is rigorous, requiring an outstanding academic record as well as a detailed record of school and community engagement in various activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, endorsements and recommendations by a high school official, an essay, and near perfect SAT or ACT scores.

“As an academic, Zach chose to accelerate his studies starting in grade nine,” said Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis. “At the close of this year, he will have completed 11 AP courses. He is also a National Honor Society peer tutor and highly effective working with others.”

Last year, Mozher was selected by the faculty for Gunston’s Paul M. Long Award, given to the “junior who in his/her first three years at Gunston has made the greatest contribution to the school via academic work, student government, clubs, sports, service activities, chorus, drama, and general effort, time, and energy expended in the interest of the school. The award is named in honor of Paul M. Long who was Headmaster for 19 years.”

“Zach is more than a student; he’s a scholar, athlete, and citizen of the highest order. He led the school’s academic team to multiple appearances at the National Small School Quiz Bowl Championships in Chicago, where he ranks near the top of all scorers,” added Head of School John Lewis.

Mozher’s advisor, Tom Chafey agrees. “Zach is an exceptional student and he certainly has a fantastic knack for coding and a powerful curiosity for technology.”

Mozher himself is interested in biology and is considering a pre-med track and eventually becoming a doctor. “AP bio was the first time I ever studied biology in-depth, and the more I learned, the more it blew my mind,” he said.

Becoming a semifinalist was indeed a goal of his and he offered this advice to others, “I think at the end of the day, it comes down to prioritizing school work and studying and making sure that gets done before everything else. Planning ahead and good time management are also really important, especially when it comes to studying for the PSAT and SAT.”

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 parents, alumni and community supporters to their waterfront campus on Saturday, October 22 for their signature fundraising event, the Bull & Oyster Roast, raising nearly $107,000 for the Heron Annual Fund. Guests enjoyed delicious food provided by Phat Daddy’s BBQ (Chestertown) and Superior Oyster Shuckers (Baltimore) as well as beer from Bull & Goat Brewery (Centreville) and signature drinks from Traveling Spirits Mobile Bar (Chestertown). Guests also enjoyed dancing to a variety of music provided by Good Vibrations Entertainment. 

“The 2022 Bull & Oyster Roast was a success due to the tremendous collaboration of our Gunston community,” said GPA President Irene Hansen, P’23. “Gunston’s staff, educators, and parents share their time and dedication with the goal of enhancing our student’s high school experience and we are grateful for the overwhelming support from our parent volunteers and sponsors.”

The silent auction featured more than 60 items ranging from original artwork, specialty gift baskets filled with local gift certificates, professional photography sessions, sports memorabilia, spa packages, and a wide variety of experiences such as the opportunity to be a beekeeper for a day, many of which were procured by Gunston’s Parents Association volunteers. The live auction featured five items including a Paul Reed Smith SE Custom 24 guitar, a private yacht cruise, getaways to Rehoboth Beach and Montego Bay, and VIP tickets to the 2023 commencement ceremony. The evening’s auctioneer was volunteer Woody Dunstan, P’24, who once served as the Director of Operations at Christie’s Auction House, where he trained as a charity auctioneer. 

“This was such a great event for the Gunston community,” said Director of Events Lynda Scull. “We love to see our parents come together and have a chance to relax, because they work so hard throughout the year, volunteering, attending sporting events, and just being here when we need them. This year we added a DJ and dancing to this event as well as line dancing lessons and it was a hit! We’ve already started planning our next Bull & Oyster Roast, scheduled for Saturday, October 21 and hope to have tickets on sale by mid August. We hope to see you there!”

A very successful “Raise the Paddle” also raised an additional $24,000 for Gunston’s waterfront, which is in need of new floating docks and maintenance of its vessels. The evening also featured a wine pull and cash raffle with five winners — four winners walked away with $250 each and the fifth winner got to choose between $1,500 cash or the option to have the number one live auction item pick. 

Head of School John Lewis shared, “This event draws supporters from a wide range of the Gunston community–current parents, past parents, community friends, and alumni–all of whom come together for a night to celebrate and raise funds for this very special educational experience for our students. It was a great night all around.”

The event had 51 sponsors and included:

• Grill Master: Dani & Rick de los Reyes, P’23, Precision Contractors, LLC (Lelsey & Tim Faff, P’22’26), and Fred Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P’23’25).
• Rockefeller: Friends of Gunston (anonymous), Easton Dermatology Associates, LLC (Brigitte and Dr. Donald Stranahan, P’25) and . 

• Prime Rib: Gillespie & Son, Inc. (The Gillespie Family, P’07’09’20’22’24),, Delaware Podiatric Medicine (Jake & Rebecca Hanlon, P’22’25) and What’s Up? Media.

• Choice: Chrissy McWilliams, P’25, Cross Street Realtors, Shore United Bank (John & Amber Agustus, P’26), Dr. & Mrs. Michael Amygdalos and Family, P’20’23, and McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker (Adele & Ryan Showalter, P’25 and Melissa & Doug Walker, P’25). 

• Select: The Shoemaker Family ’03, Paul T. Ewing, Inc. (Charlie & Pam Andrews, P’26), Kent School, Class of 2021 Parent, Coopers Tavern (Rick & Kathy Cooper), and Dr. Laurie Lewis and John Lewis. 

• Sirloin: Coastal Dock & Pile Inc. (Steve & Catherine MacGlashan, P’23 ’25, Joe & Martha Janney, P’20, Nina & Tom Johnston, P’23 ’25), The Morris Family, P’23 ’26, A Taste of Britain (Edward & Debbie Pierce, P’26), Charlie & Suzy Lutz, P’24, 360 Automation (Evan & Christine Evans, P’20),  and Envision Wealth Planning, (Sarah & Edward Schut, P’17’21’22’25’26). 

• Brisket: The Elfenbein Family, P’25, Mike & Isabel Hardesty, Laurie Porter, P’24 ’25, Adam & Tracey Steinberg, P’25, The Marketto Family, P’26, Glenn May & Amy Bower, P’26, Senior Women Rowers, Foundation for Tomorrow, The Figliozzi Family, P’26, The Keegan Family, P’25, Class of 2023, Jennifer & Tristan Arthur, P’25, The Kim Family, P’26, The Hodge/Niemann Family, P’24, The Tormey Family, P’24, Grain Surfboards (Aynsley & Brian Schopfer, P’26), Susan & James Walker, P21’25, Ildi & Mory Watkins, P’26, Reliable Pest Control, Wrench & Socket LLC. (Tim & Beth Lavery, P’26), The Hansen Family, P’23, The Thomas Family, The Algier Family, P’23’26 and Attraction Magazine, (Allison Rogers, P’21’24). 

• In-Kind Sponsors: Bull & Goat Brewery and Draper Bros. 

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 pleased to welcome 51 students to the National Honor Society. Joined by their families, students assembled in Gunston’s Field House for the ceremony. 

This year’s newly selected members include juniors Quinn Baughman, Michael Billings, Zoe Buzzelli, Benjamin Cook, Turner Day, Liam Dickey, Harrison Dunstan, Allie Fitzgerald, Edward Gillespie, Trevor Green, Colin Hallmark, Jessica Hammond, Caeden Harrison, Abigail Houseknecht, Samantha Jayne, Sophia Kent, Maren Kneeland, Lucas LaFleur, Ben Lutz, Madison Lutz, Josie Merton, Caitlin Myers, Tilghman Overton, Lilah Paddy, Matthew Periconi, Katherine Porter, Taylor Rainer, Joanna Riley, Ava Runz, Jan Serraviñals, Annabelle Sinatra, Jonah Smith, Isabella Taylor, and Jackson Wood. 

Newly inducted seniors include Nick Ceruolo, Thomas de los Reyes, Olivia Faff, Catherine Hansen, Garrett Lang, Calla McCluskey, Bates Nittle, Grace Anne Phillips, Miranda Pope, Nathan Porter, Aaron Sanderson, MacKenzie Smith, William Stuart, Finnegan Theeke, Brielle Tyler, Autumn Watson, and Linze (Alfred) Zhao.

Current NHS officers include the following seniors: President Lane Parkhurst, Vice President Kelby Booth, Secretary Olivia Amygdalos, Service Coordinator Julia Buchanan, Parliamentarian Angelina Lin and Communications Zack Adams. 

This year’s guest speaker was ​​Judith Warfield Price, president of the Centreville Rotary Club who is also a Paul Harris Fellow for her support of the international Rotary Foundation. A native of the Eastern Shore, Judy graduated from Saints Peter & Paul High School in Easton, received her B.A in political science from Western Maryland (now McDaniel) College, and, subsequently, her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland. In addition to various roles throughout her career, she also served as the Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival, an Eastern Shore non-profit benefiting wildlife conservation. She served in that position from the Festival’s 26th year through its 43rd year and had the honor of being chosen to serve on the panel of judges for the 2009 Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Price recently retired from The Aspen Institute, Inc., where she has worked since 2014.

Mrs. Price spoke to the students about being open to taking appropriate professional risks and adapting to change; Looking beyond ourselves and responding to the needs of others locally, nationally, and globally; and, enjoying the journey along the way.

Each fall, membership in NHS is offered to those students who meet the required standards put forth by the national office in four areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. For the scholarship criterion, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 88 (B+) or higher. 

Students who meet this criterion are invited to submit a comprehensive resume that outlines their activities, achievements, leadership, and service. To evaluate a candidate on the national criterion of character, a student’s school records are reviewed, and each candidate selects four members of the faculty to provide their professional reflections on the candidate’s citizenship, leadership, activities, and personal conduct.

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. 

(Front Row) Taylor Rainer ’24 (Annapolis), Annabelle Sinatra ’24 (Chestertown), Josie Merton ’24 (Centreville)

(Second row) Jan Serravinals Teixido ’24 (Barcelona/Centreville), Olivia Faff ’23 (Easton), Madison Lutz ’24 (Church Hill), Samantha Jayne ’24 (Worton), Joanna Riley ’24 (St. Michaels), Isabella Taylor ’24 (Easton), Autumn Watson ’23 (Centreville), Jessica Hammond ’24 (Trappe), Zoe Buzzelli ’24 (Grasonville) 

(Third Row) Lilah Paddy ’24 (Centreville), Sophia Kent ’24 (Millington), Abigail Houseknecht ’24 (Centreville), MacKenzie Smith ’23 (Stevensville), Calla McCluskey ’23 (Centreville), Miranda Pope ’23 (Port Tobacco), Brielle Tyler ’23 (Denton), Ava Runz ’24 (Easton), Allie Fitzgerald ’24 (Stevensville), Maren Kneeland ’24 (Stevensville)

(Fourth Row) William Stuart ’23 (Oxford), Turner Day ’24 (Severna Park), Katherine Porter ’24 (Easton), Caitlin Myers ’24 (Centreville), Tilghman Overton ’24 (Chestertown), Colin Hallmark ’24 (Arnold), Catherine Hansen ’23 (Cambridge), Benjamin Cook ’23 (Easton), Liam Dickey ’24 (Arnold) 

(Fifth Row) Finnegan Theeke ’23 (Easton), Trevor Green ’24 (Oxford), Edward Gillespie ’24 (Worton), Jonah Smith ’24 (Stevensville), Matthew Periconi ’24 (Easton), Jackson Wood ’24 (Easton), Bates Nittle ’23 (Easton), Aaron Sanderson ’23 (Annapolis) 

(Sixth Row) Linze Zhao ’23 (Ridgely), Caeden Harrison ’24 (Tilghman), Thomas de los Reyes ’23 (Annapolis), Nicasio Ceruolo ’23 (Annapolis), Quinn Baughman ’24 (Worton), Michael Billings ’24 (Easton), Harrison Dunstan ’24 (St. Michaels), Garrett Lang ’23 (Trappe)

(Standing) From left, Judy Price, John Lewis, Christie Grabis and Mike Kaylor. 

(Not Pictured) Lucas LaFleur ’24 (Chestertown), Ben Lutz ’24 (Annapolis), Grace Anne Phillips ’23 (Stevensville), Nathan Porter ’23 (Chestertown) 

Every fall, the National Advanced Placement (AP) Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams. The College Board recognizes different achievements including AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and AP Scholar with Distinction. The Gunston School is pleased to announce the following students who received recognition from the AP Board (pictured below, in order).

The title of AP Scholar is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams and for the 2021-2022 school year includes Julia Buchanan ’23 (Centreville), Grace Evans ’23 (Chester), Alana Grace ’23 (Centreville), GraceAnne Phillips ’23 (Stevensville), Brielle Tyler ’23 (Denton), Yinging Wei ’23 (Grasonville), Jiacheng (Jason) Ye ’23 (Centreville), Charlotte Cook ’22 (Easton/University of Rochester), Benjamin Cunningham ’22 (Dover, Del./Alfred University), Daniel Dang ’22 (Denton/Boston University), Isabella De Leon ’22 (Chestertown/University of Maryland College Park), Ashley Escobar ’22 (Cambridge/Washington & Lee University), Colin Lang ’22 (Trappe/U.S. Naval Academy), Samantha LeCrone ’22 (Preston/Monmouth University), Juyoung Lee ’22 (Centreville/University of Southern California), and Matthew Sharpless ’22 (Easton/University of Utah).

The title of AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of the exams. The 2021-2022 school year AP Scholars with Honors includes Nicholas Abell ’23 (Crownsville), Olivia Amygdolas ’23 (Wyoming, Del.), Thomas De Los Reyes ’23 (Annapolis), YaXin (Angelina) Lin ’23 (Middletown, Del.), Rui (Spencer) Liu ’22 (Easton/New York University), Leonardo Santoboni ’22 (Annapolis/Universiteit Van Amsterdam).

The AP Scholar with Distinction is granted to students who receive 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 2021-2022 school year AP Scholars with Distinction include Zach Mozher ’23 (Middletown, Del), Damian Rene ’23 (Easton), Sofia Angarita ’22 (Wye Mills/Amherst College), Lucy Bamford ’22 (Chestertown/Ursinus College), Abigail Miller ’22 (Easton/University of Rochester), and Magdalena Miller ’22 (Easton/University of Pennsylvania).

In addition, out of the 1.5 million entrants, Nick Abell and Damian Rene were recognized as Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. In late September, more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT received Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.

Tickets are selling out fast for The Gunston School’s Bull & Oyster Roast on Saturday, October 22 from 5-9 p.m. on the school’s waterfront campus. In addition to delicious food provided by Phat Daddy’s BBQ (Chestertown) featuring a variety of oysters, pork, chicken, and beef BBQ, and fried chicken. An open bar will provide an array of wine, sweet tea, and fresh lemonade. New this year is Traveling Spirits Mobile Bar (Chestertown) serving beer from Centreville-based Bull & Goat Brewery and a signature cocktail. Guests will have the opportunity to scoot around the dance floor with Good Vibrations Entertainment playing everything from country music, classic rock, and all the favorites from the last few decades.

With both a silent and live auction planned, attendees can bid on an array of fantastic items including a Paul Reed Smith SE Custom 24 guitar, sports memorabilia, private yacht cruise, professional photography sessions, golf packages and getaways to Rehoboth Beach and Montego Bay, among others.

“We are still looking for additional auction items,” said Event Director Lynda Scull. “Vacation packages, excursions and outings, gift cards to local businesses and restaurants, memorabilia, memberships – those are all very popular.”

Tickets are on sale now at $100 per person from Oct. 1-22. Tickets for alumni as well as former faculty and staff are $65, with an option to also sponsor a ticket for current faculty and staff members. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Sponsors this year include Grill Masters Dani & Rick de los Reyes, P’23 and Fred Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (Janelle & Jeffrey Frederick, P’23’25). Rockefeller sponsors include Easton Dermatology Associates, LLC (Brigitte and Dr. Donald Stranahan, P’25) and Friends of Gunston (anonymous). Prime Rib sponsor includes Gillespie & Son, Inc, (The Gillespie Family, P’07’09’20’22’24) and What’s Up? Media. Choice sponsors include Cross Street Realtors, Shore United Bank (John & Amber Agustus, P’26), Dr. & Mrs. Michael Amygdalos and Family, P’20’23, and McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker (Adele & Ryan Showalter, P’25 and Melissa & Doug Walker, P’25). Select sponsors include Class of 2021 Parent, Coopers Tavern (Rick & Kathy Cooper), and Dr. Laurie Lewis and John Lewis. Sirloin Sponsors include Charlie & Suzy Lutz, P’24 and Envision Wealth Planning, (Sarah & Edward Schut, P’17’21’22’25’26). Brisket sponsors include Grain Surfboards (Aynsley & Brian Schopfer, P’26), Susan & James Walker, P21’25, Ildi & Mory Watkins, P’26, Reliable Pest Control, Wrench & Socket LLC., (Tim & Beth Lavery, P’26), The Hansen Family, P’23, The Thomas Family, The Algier Family, P’23’26 and Attraction Magazine, (Allison Rogers, P’21’24).

Sponsorships are also available and range from a Brisket Sponsor ($100) up to a Grill Master Sponsor ($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 (Bull & Oyster Roast, Heron Hustle, Golfing fore Gunston) into a yearlong package. Along with community-wide recognition, Gunston’s sponsors are also listed on the school’s Green & White Pages, a directory of Gunston community-owned businesses and services.

Visit https://gunston.org/bullroast22 to purchase tickets, donate an auction item, or to sign up for a sponsorship (or do all three!). For more information, contact Event Director Lynda Scull at 410-758-0620, ext. 1200 or email lscull@gunston.org.

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 pleased to announce the Mid-Shore College Fair and Financial Planning Evening on Thursday, October 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Chesapeake College’s Health Professions and Athletics Center, Room 130 in Wye Mills, Md. This event is free and open to the public with no registration required. 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., led by Director of Financial Aid at Swarthmore College, Varo Duffins.

Mr. Duffins has worked in higher education admission and financial aid since 1995 and prior at Elizabethtown College at Franklin & Marshall College. He received his BA in biology from the University of Delaware and his MS in higher education administration and enrollment management from Drexel University.

“We still have colleges and universities signing up to participate,” said Gunston’s Co-Director of College Guidance Emily Coffey. “As of now we have over 20 signed up and expect quite a bit more.” Those attending include Washington College, Wake Forest University, Shenandoah University, UMBC, Towson University, Salisbury University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Providence College, Mount St. Mary’s University, McDaniel College, Lafayette College, University of Delaware, Harrisburg University, Elizabethtown College, Notre Dame Maryland, Chesapeake College, Catholic University of America, Clarkson University, and Dickinson College.

The Mid-Shore College Fair was made possible with support from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Contact Gunston’s Directors of College Guidance with questions: Emily Coffey, ecoffey@gunston.org or 410-758-0620 ext 3101 and Tony D’Antonio, tdantonio@gunston.org or 410-758-0620 ext 3100.

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 commenced its 112th year on Thursday, September 8, with the annual Embarkation tradition, welcoming a total of 65 new students and five new employees to the community by boat. After exchanging a handshake with the Head of School, newcomers signed the school’s Honor Code, and made their way up the hill to greet fellow students and current staff and faculty. Parents and family members were invited to watch from the shoreline as students arrived. The event, originally scheduled for the first day of classes on September 6, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. 

Once all new students and staff arrived by boat, they made their way to the Field House for Convocation. Student Body President Mekonnen Sahle-Selassie ’23 (Easton, Md.) offered three pieces of advice to new students. “Find out who you are, get out of your comfort zone, and stay in the moment, for I promise you that these four years will go by so fast you won’t even notice it.” 

Gunston’s Chair of the Board Patrick Shoemaker ’03 recalled his first day as a 9th grader in 1999. “I was part of a small group of students from Annapolis […] I arrived on campus to Mr. Dize’s homeroom and was immediately welcomed. What previously seemed like a foreign place on the Eastern Shore started to feel like home on my very first day. In many ways, Gunston is a different place than it was that September 23 years ago, but our strong sense of community persists thanks to the dedicated faculty who make every student feel welcome.” 

After ringing an antique bell from Gunston’s days as an all-girls boarding school, Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis declared, “Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year, the bell has sounded, you may now commence the year!”

New students had the opportunity to get to know their peers well before the start of school during Gunston’s orientation and leadership retreats. Ninth grade students went on a two-day retreat at Camp Pecometh, where they spent the day and evening participating in various outdoor challenges and team building activities. They then returned to campus the following day, where they were joined by new upperclass students and current student leaders for informational sessions on central school values, technology, “Important Things You Need to Know,” environmental sustainability, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Running simultaneously, Gunston’s 7th Annual Leadership Institute invited student leaders from various clubs, student government, and athletics to gather and learn about leadership practices, set goals for the year, and to help facilitate activities for 9th graders.

“Our orientation and leadership programs with their peer-to-peer learning and mentorship model are extremely important in creating bonds between students, a strong class spirit, and setting up a strong school year,” explains Head of School John Lewis. 

Gunston’s formal orientation is just one of many of the school’s initiatives that reinforce psychological “protective factors” which include “a safe and supportive peer culture and strong relational attachments to teachers and healthy adult mentors,” among others, with the goal of integrating academic, athletic, artistic, and social experiences in a beautiful natural location that promotes adolescent mental wellness and resilience. 

Faculty and staff were also busy preparing for the beginning of school with departmental retreats, new employee orientation, and annual CPR, First Aid/AED and various emergency response trainings. Gunston’s Math Department welcomes Linda Jayne, who most recently served as the Math Department Chair and lacrosse coach at Kent Island High School. In addition to her longtime experience teaching Advanced Placement AB & BC Calculus, Jayne has written curriculum at the county and state level, and she’s been an advisor for the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. She earned her B.S. in Mathematics from Frostburg, and a Masters in Administration and Education from Western Maryland College. 

Also joining the Math Department is April Crandall. A recent transplant to the area from the Midwest, Crandall has nine years of high school teaching and tutoring experience, and recently taught a wide range of math courses at a high school in Missouri. She earned her B.S. in Secondary Mathematics from the University of Central Missouri and a M.S. in Math from Northwest Missouri State University. 

Simon Kelly ’05 joins the English Department after teaching writing courses at Villanova, Drexel, and Temple University. An avid cyclist who has spent time living abroad in Korea, he earned his B.A. from Guilford University in North Carolina, and a Masters in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Melissa (Mel) Skirkanich joined the Science Department as a Chesapeake Watershed Semester Environmental Science teacher in the fall and will continue to teach courses in the spring on campus. Skirkanich most recently taught Biology and Environmental Science at Manassas High School in Virginia, and her experience includes roles at Leesburg Animal Park, Pathfinder Ranch, the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. She earned her B.S. from Virginia Tech, where she studied abroad in Australia and New Zealand. 

Caitlyn Creasy joined Gunston as the Assistant to the Head of School and Alumni Coordinator. She earned her B.A. at Washington College in Business Management and Communications and Media Studies with minors in Dance, and Art Management and Entrepreneurship. In addition to being elected Student Government Vice President, she held positions of responsibility in the school’s admission and alumni offices. Most recently, she worked as the Director of Neighborhood Revitalization at Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity. 

Gunston also welcomed five new trustees to their board of directors. Jim Shifrin, P’21 is the Director of Product Development and Innovation at Dixon Valve in Chestertown. He has a BSME in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and also serves on Gunston’s Buildings & Grounds Committee. 

Dr. Fernando De Leon, P’22 is a pulmonologist with the University of Maryland Medical Center in Chestertown. Dr. De Leon received his medical degree from Boston University and completed his fellowship, residency and internship at University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care. He also serves as a member of Gunston’s Health Advisory Team. 

Betsy McCown, P’11 is the Associate Director of Echo Hill Outdoor School in Worton, Md. She earned a B.S. in Community Leadership and Development from Springfield College, Springfield, MA. McCown is a former Gunston board member and a current Chesapeake Watershed Semester Advisory Committee member.

Jeff Frederick, P ’23 ’26 is the General Manager/Vice President of Fred Frederick Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM in Easton, Md. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he is also a member of Gunston’s Development Committee.

Isabel Junkin Hardesty is the Executive Director of ShoreRivers and is a member of the Board of Directors for Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology. She received a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University, where she concentrated in coastal environment and management, and a B.S. from Bucknell University with a major in animal behavior. Hardesty has worked closely with Gunston for nearly a decade on various campus grant-funded research projects. 

Founded in 1911 and currently enrolling 234 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’s third annual Heron Hustle 5K/1M Fun Run will be held on Saturday, October 1 on the school’s 35-acre waterfront campus, offering participants beautiful views of the Corsica River and surrounding area. Partnering with Tricycle and Run, the race will begin at 8 a.m. and prizes will be awarded for those who choose to compete in the following categories: Male/Open – Top 3 ages 18+ and Top 3 under 18; Female/Open – Top 3 ages 18+ and Top 3 under 18 for both the 5K and the 1 Mile Fun Run. Additional recognition will be given for fastest 9th grader, 10th grader, 11th grader, and 12th grader. All who sign up, whether competing in-person or from afar will receive a limited edition Heron Hustle t-shirt with original design by Gunston alumna Alison Hansford ’96.

All proceeds benefit the school’s Heron Annual Fund which directly supports students and faculty by offsetting operating costs and making up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of providing a Gunston education, as well as supporting the annual $1.5 million in scholarships awarded annually.

Entrants will have the opportunity to compete for fun prizes, such as a monogrammed jacket and other cool runner’s gear, gift cards and more (plus bragging rights!) Those who can’t attend in person to compete but still wish to show their support are encouraged to sign up and run virtually. 

Online registration is now open at https://www.gunston.org/giving/heronhustle22 and is $30 for general registration and $25 for students, alumni, and faculty/staff with an option to also purchase and donate a registration for faculty/staff. Sponsorships range from $150 to $3,500 and can be purchased online as well. 

Running concurrently with the Heron Hustle is Gunston’s Alumni Weekend, beginning Friday, September 30 and running through Sunday, October 2, 2022. 

For more information, please contact Event Director Lynda Scull at lscull@gunston.org. 

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 Bull & Oyster Roast will be held outdoors on Gunston’s waterfront campus, overlooking the Corsica River on Saturday, October 22 from 5-9 p.m. The evening includes delicious food provided by Phat Daddy’s BBQ and will feature a variety of oysters, pork, chicken, and beef BBQ, fried chicken and more. An open bar will provide an array of cold beer, wine, sweet tea, fresh lemonade, and a signature cocktail. This year’s event will have a dance floor with Good Vibrations Entertainment playing everything from country music, classic rock, and all the favorites from the last few decades. 

With both a silent and live auction planned, guests will have the opportunity to bid on an array of fantastic vacations, golf outings, professional photography sessions, artwork, and more. This year’s live auction portion will be limited to just five big ticket items, leaving more time to scoot around the dance floor and shoot the breeze with fellow parents, faculty, alums, and community members.

Tickets are on sale now with early-bird pricing at $75 per person until August 31, $85 from Sept. 1-30, and $100 per person from Oct. 1-22. Tickets for alumni as well as former faculty and staff are $65, with an option to also sponsor a ticket for current faculty and staff members. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

“The Bull and Oyster Roast is such a fun way to come together to support the school,” explains Head of School John Lewis. “The funds we raise go directly to the Heron Annual fund, making up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of running the school.”

“We are in need of auction items for both the live and silent portion,” adds Gunston Parents’ Association (GPA) President Irene Hansen ’23. “We are looking for everything from vacation packages to restaurant gift certificate baskets, special experiences, artwork, services, and more.” 

Sponsorships are also available and range from a Brisket Sponsor ($100) up to a Grill Master Sponsor ($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 (Bull & Oyster Roast, Heron Hustle, Golfing fore Gunston) into a yearlong package. Along with community-wide recognition, Gunston’s sponsors are also listed on the school’s Green & White Pages, a directory of Gunston community-owned businesses and services. 

Visit https://gunston.org/bullroast22 to purchase tickets, donate an auction item, or to sign up for a sponsorship (or do all three!). For more information, contact Event Director Lynda Scull at 410-758-0620, ext. 1200 or email lscull@gunston.org.

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.