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May 31, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Education Ed Notes

Ethan Morrison and William Fachet Named Constitution Alliance Scholarship Winners

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The Constitution Alliance Fund has named Ethan Morrison of St. Michaels and William Fachet of Kent Island the recipients of their inaugural scholarship program.  Each student received a $1,000 scholarship to be used at the college of their choice.

Fachet is a graduate of Kent Island High School and Morrison is a St. Michaels High School graduate. The students were chosen for leadership and service in the community, exceptional academic performance, and outstanding personal essays on the meaning of the constitution. The Constitution Alliance Fund scholarship program recognizes academic achievement and dedication to the principles of the Constitution and supports future careers in civic leadership.

The Constitution Alliance, in partnership with the Washington College Institute for Religion, Politics & Culture and Operation Frederick Douglass on the Hill, works to promote civic engagement through education and a commitment to uphold constitutional values and the founding principles of freedom.

For more information, contact Michelle Ewing at mpewing@hotmail.com, 410-200-5571 or Julie Quick, juliejoquick@gmail.com or 410-924-0904.

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Authors & Oysters: Michael Stang

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Michael A. Stang

The Bookplate is happily continuing their popular Authors & Oysters event series at The Retriever Bar in 2023. Author Henry Corrigan was featured in the most recent Authors & Oysters event on May 3rd. Next up on Wednesday, May 31st at 6pm, all are invited to The Retriever to welcome author Michael Stang as he discusses his collection of short stories, “The Monster of the Gunpowder River and Other Fabrications”.

Michael A. Stang has written over forty plays, many of which have been produced in the U.S. and Australia. His love of the short story began in grade school and was rekindled during Covid, when this collection was written. Dr. Stang is a retired emergency physician who came to Baltimore for his residency and remained. Besides writing, he enjoys travel, biking, fly-fishing and woodworking. He lives in Baltimore with his wife.

“Michael Stang’s magic-carpet stories fly us beyond the bounds of the real, into a world similar to this one but more magical, more coherent, and much kinder. Take the trip. A visit will do you good.” –William deBuys, Pulitzer finalist and author of The Trail to Kanjiroba

“The stories in The Monster of the Gunpowder River and Other Fabrications are a moving and elegant display of Dr. Stang’s abilities as a chronicler of history, place, character, and the nuances of time on the subjects on which he chooses to turn his knowledgeable gaze—in this case, the surrounds of the Gunpowder River in Baltimore County. The pieces bring to life real symbols, icons, and landmarks filtered through the author’s vivid imagination, at times melancholic and wistful, other times bawdy and outrageous. His tales are a balm for our current, challenging times.” –Dr. Hortense Gerardo, playwright, screenwriter, and Director of the Anthropology, Performance, and Technology (APT) Program at the Jacobs School of Engineering at the University of California, San Diego.

“Behold 7 wonder stories, each structured upon a skeleton of geographic and historic truths, made flesh by their able and tender physician/writer and gifted breath by the pure power of his imagination – together forming a kind of benevolent Golem to snuggle up to each night. Bravo!” –Rebecca Alban Hoffberger, Founder/Director American Visionary Art Museum

For more event details contact The Bookplate at 410-778-4167 or contact@thebookplate.net. This event is free and open to the public and reservations are not required, however the event on 6/14 with Smithsonian curator, Eleanor Harvey, will require reservations to guarantee a seat. Reserve your space by calling the shop at 410-778-4167. The next Authors & Oysters is scheduled for 6/7 with local favorite, Jamie Kirkpatrick. All events are held in the back room of The Retriever, located at 337 ½ High Street in Chestertown, Maryland. 

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The Garfield Center’s Annual Short Attention Span Theatre Opens June 23

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Presenting a diverse set of short plays ranging from the outrageous to the hilarious, this year’s edition of the Garfield Center’s Short Attention Span Theatre received over 1000 script submissions from local, national and international playwrights. SAST opens for live performances starting June 23rd. Produced by Mark Sullivan, and mounted in collaboration between a large cast and crew of local performers, directors and technicians, SAST will once again feature 8 ten-minute plays, some of which will be appearing on a stage for the first time.

Directed by GCA Executive Director Steven Arnold, “On Queue” is a modern, comedic take on “Waiting for Godot.” Written by Morey Norkin, a resident of Japan who has Maryland roots, the director has cast J.W. Ruth and James Fordi in the play. Ruth was seen in GCA’s “The Play That Goes Wrong” as Max, as Chicklet in “Psycho Beach Party,” and in the title role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Fordi is a local resident, a current Washington College student, and a participant in the college’s theatre program.

In “Oh, No! I Flew Too Close to the Sun!,” a comedy by Oregon playwright Rand Higbee, a Roman-era convict attempts to clear his record by appearing as Icarus in a performance at the Colosseum – but there’s a catch! The director is Shannon Carter, who was Fiona in “Shrek,” Sandra/Florence in “The Play That Goes Wrong” and performed in a variety of acting and singing roles all over the Eastern Shore. Carter’s cast features Brianna Johnson, who appeared in GCA’s “Psycho Beach Party” and “Prescription: Murder,” Robert Walton, who performed in last year’s “SAST,” “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Shrek,” and Ian Stotts, who portrayed Judah in GCA’s “Joseph.”

Police murder procedures meet “Whose Line is it, Anyway?” in “Annnd Scene (of the Crime),” directed by Brianna Johnson. The play, written by Ohio-based John Busser, features Adrienne Wrona, who appeared in “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “Shrek” and “SAST,” Dominic Delcoco, who performed in 2022’s “SAST” and as “Gingy” in “Shrek,” and Ian Stotts.

In “Quack,” directed by Jennifer Kafka Smith, a method actor constantly inhabits his current character role much to the annoyance of his wife and her sister. Smith, who directed “Annie” and “Shrek” for the GCA, has cast newcomer Audrey Roberts from Cambridge, newcomer Lydia Clark from Worton, and Gil Rambach, who appeared in “Shrek,” “SAST” and directed 2019’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” for the GCA.

In a fantasy kingdom’s distant past, a tailor asks the Queen to break tradition by determining his own preferred surname. His chosen name, “Dragonslayer,” is also the title of North Carolina playwright Clinton Festa’s comedy. Directed by Patrick Pearce, who has appeared on the GCA stage in “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “Psycho Beach Party,” “Prescription: Murder” and “SAST,” the show features a large cast of performers, including Amanda Fry, who has multi-year “SAST” credits, Ian Stotts, Robin Wood, who played FDR in “Annie,” Kyleigh Batchelor, who appeared in the children’s chorus in “Joseph,” Gil Rambach, Robert Walton, and J.W. Ruth.

J.W. Ruth directs “Evolution,” by St. Louis playwright Marjorie Williamson. Set in the dawn of civilization, it imagines that even prehistoric cave dwellers can resist change. The cast includes Colleen Minahan, who recently appeared in Church Hill Theatre’s “Sense and Sensibility” and “The Outgoing Tide,” and Pennsylvania resident and GCA newcomer Craig Stump.

Mark Sullivan is the director and playwright for “That Sounds Like Murder.” Hilarity and confusion abound on a dark and stormy night as three actresses attempt to solve a mystery but are thwarted by an unlikely source. Sullivan has cast Amanda Fry, Shannon Carter, and Adrienne Wrona.

“Game Day” is by local playwright and Live Playwrights’ Society participant Jon Clark. In this comedy, a man is facing a life-or-death situation but his dilemma is overshadowed by an argument with surprising revelations. Directed by Adrienne Wrona, the play features Shannon Carter, Dominic Delcoco, and James Fordi.

Performances begin June 23rd and run at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 PM on Sundays through July 9th. Tickets are $20.00 for general audiences and $10.00 for students and can be purchased online anytime at www.garfieldcenter.org or by calling the box office at 410-810-2060 Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 AM to 3 PM.

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Blackwater NWR to Hold Annual Youth Fishing Fun Day on June 3

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In partnership with the Friends of Blackwater and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge will hold their annual Youth Fishing Fun Day on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  This family-friendly event will be held at “Hog Range” Pond behind the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, located off Route 335.  Young people 15 years old and under can pre-register for the event by calling 410-228-2677 or register at the event on June 3.  Fishing will begin at 9:00 am and end around 1:00 pm.

The first 100 registered youth to check in at the event will receive a t-shirt and special gift. Each registered youth will also receive a free lunch ticket for a hot dog, drink, and chips. Bait (nightcrawlers) will be provided for anglers, or they may bring their own bait or lures. A limited number of sanitized “loaner” fishing rods will be available, but anglers are encouraged to bring their own if they have one. As always, staff and volunteers are on hand to provide assistance to any of the young anglers who might need help.

Parents should note that this is a non-competitive, catch-and-release event, meant to introduce children to the fun of fishing. Any snakeheads that are caught may be kept, but they must be deceased before they leave the premises. Participants should also note that no pets are allowed at this event. If you have any questions, please email us at fw5rw_BWNWR@fws.gov.

Directions to Hog Range Pond:  From Route 50 in Cambridge, turn onto Route 16 West.  Travel approximately 7 miles to Church Creek.  Turn left onto Route 335.  Travel approximately 5 miles.  Once you pass Key Wallace Drive on your left, turn right at the entrance to the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center.  Park in the secondary parking lot next to the pavilion behind the Tubman Visitor Center.  For further information and pre-registration, call 410-228-2677.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

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Swimmable ShoreRivers Program Returns, Expands Access to Results

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ShoreRivers is pleased to announce that not only will its Swimmable ShoreRivers bacteria testing program begin Thursday, May 25, but that weekly results from this annual program will be available this year in both English and Spanish.

Every summer, ShoreRivers deploys a team of community scientists to monitor bacteria levels at popular swimming and boating sites to provide important human health risk information to the public. Their samples are then processed, according to standard scientific protocols, in ShoreRivers in-house labs. The program follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s standard protocols for collecting and analyzing samples and makes public the results of that testing to let people know about current bacteria levels as they make their plans for recreating in our waterways. Results are posted every Friday, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, at shorerivers.org/swim and on both the organization’s and its individual Riverkeepers’ social media pages.

Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards shows off one of ShoreRivers’ new informational signs at Morgnec Landing on Morgan Creek.

A second page, shorerivers.org/swimmable-shorerivers-espanol, has been set up to share this program with the Spanish-speaking community, and 14 signs can be found at public sites around the Eastern Shore that explain the goals of the Swimmable ShoreRivers program and show users where to find weekly results in both English and Spanish. These signs were made possible thanks to funding from the Cornell Douglas Foundation, and ShoreRivers’ Riverkeepers will continue working throughout the season with local county officials to install more. Want to see one at your favorite local landing? Reach out to your Riverkeeper about adding a site, and talk to your county officials about installing one of these free and informative signs.

Weekly results are also shared on theswimguide.org, where descriptions of testing sites have also been added in both languages.

“At ShoreRivers, we believe that access to clean water is an essential right for all of our communities,” said Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards. “It was important to us to be able to offer informational access to more of our community, and we hope to continue expanding this access in the future.”

This public service provided by ShoreRivers truly is a community effort: this summer, 61 SwimTesters will monitor 46sites on the Choptank, Miles, Wye, Chester, and Sassafras rivers; Eastern Bay; and the Bayside Creeks. Special thanks go to our generous site sponsors, who include towns, marinas, homeowner’s associations, and families.

Bacteria levels in our rivers and tributaries vary based on location, land use, and weather—making systematic, scientific analysis of local water quality vital. Major rain events are almost always connected to spikes in bacteria levels, and outgoing tides have a higher probability of carrying bacteria pollution. Potential chronic sources of bacteria include failing septic systems, overflows or leaks from wastewater treatment plants, waste from animal farms, or manure fertilizer.

Choptank Riverkeeper Matt Pluta holds water quality samples.

Also returning for the 2023 season is ShoreRivers’ Pumpout Boat, which begins running during Memorial Day weekend. The Pumpout Boat is a free service offered on the Miles and Wye rivers, that docks at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels and operates from May to mid-October. With your help, this boat will help prevent more than 20,000 gallons of concentrated marine waste from entering our waters annually. To schedule a pump-out, contact Captain Jim Freeman at 410-829-4352, on VHF Channel 9, email POBCaptJim@gmail.com, or by using the form at shorerivers.org/programs/pumpout-boat.

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.

shorerivers.org

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Easton High School Culinary Department Hosts Quarterly Joint Meeting for Talbot County Board of Education and County Council

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Easton High School’s Culinary Arts Program hosted the Talbot County Board of Education and County Council at their quarterly joint meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The Culinary Arts Program, led by Mrs. Linda Brown and Mr. Joseph Candel, allows students to learn basic and advanced culinary skills that puts them in a prime position to pursue internships, careers, and post-secondary education in the culinary field. The program was recently identified as “Exemplary” by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission.

In their classroom space called “The Garden Bowl,” students serve guests in a restaurant-like setting. After a delicious meal, the Board and Council convened their meeting.

Chapel District Elementary School Renovation

Kevin Shafer, Director of Operations for Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS), provided an update on the renovation of Chapel District Elementary School located in Cordova, Maryland. Currently, TCPS is evaluating contract options for engineering and construction of the new facility, with the Board aiming to approve a contract in their May 17, 2023 meeting. Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2024, with completion in Summer of 2026.

More information about the renovation project can be found here: tcps.k12.md.us

Test Scores and Addressing Achievement Gaps

Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at TCPS provided an update on Test Scores and Achievement Gap. The school system uses a variety of assessments to identify areas of success and needed improvements across all grade levels.

The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) tests students’ skills across four areas: language and literacy, mathematics, social foundation, physical well-being and motor development. 45% of TCPS students demonstrated readiness this school year, 3% higher than the state average, and 4% higher than last year. There continues to be a large gap in readiness when data is disaggregated by race.

Einhorn discussed several initiatives that can address these gaps. Specifically, during the meeting, she discussed the need for continued support for Universal PreK, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (eLETRS) professional learning, use of early learning assessments, Judy Center Programming, and participation in the Raising a Reader program.

The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) tests school and student progress toward Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards based on Common Core standards. 43% of tested students in grades 3-8 and grade 10 were proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) in 2022, which shows progress to pre-pandemic performance. The data also shows a discrepancy between all students and traditionally underserved students.

Einhorn discussed several strategies to address ELA. Specifically, she discussed the need for professional training for all elementary teachers and administrators aligned with the science of reading (Lexia LETRS), development and implementation of a Comprehensive Literacy Plan, Purchase and implementation of Tier 2 intervention, and additional Tier 3 Rea ding Teachers.

15% of students tested in grades 3-8, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry were proficient in mathematics in 2022. This is an improvement from the Early Fall assessment, but is still below pre-pandemic averages. The Board of Education asked for a plan to improve student outcomes in this area. Dr. Pepukayi will be presenting a 2023-2024 interim plan at the Board’s May 2023 meeting.

Finally, the Maryland School Report Card is an outcome of Every Student Succeeds Act. The accountability system allows schools to see how they rank among other schools in the state. All Talbot Schools received at least 3 stars on a 5-star ranking. Chapel District Elementary received a 5-star rating.

For more information specific to TCPS studen t achievement data, please see the Board of Education meeting archives here: https://talbotschools-md.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1

Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

Finally, Kristen Tilghman, TCPS Blueprint Implementation Coordinator, provided an update on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

TCPS submitted their State-required local implementation plan on March 15, 2023. They also provided an update on their work on Pillar 3 of the Blueprint, College and Career Readiness (CCR).

In accordance with the Blueprint, the school system is working to provide continued access to Dual Enrollment at Chesapeake College and to cover costs for tuition, books, and fees for dually-enrolled students during the 23-24 school year. They meet monthly to discuss course articulations and pathways for students to receive college credit and/or industry recognized credentials, and are in the process of finalizing a new Dual Enrollment Agreement with the College.

TCPS would also like to provide improved career counseling for students. They are currently hiring for two full-time career counseling positions which will focus on delivering career exploration and developmental activities and explore program components to include guidance-led education and career planning, career exploration trips, and community events. TCPS is working to develop a MOU with Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board and Chesapeake College to assist with this initiative.

For more information about TCPS specific goals for the Blueprint: Blueprint for Maryland’s Future | Talbot County Public Schools (tcps.k12.md.us)

The Talbot County Council meets quarterly with the Board of Education. These meetings are open to the public.

Dr. Pepukayi, Superintendent for Talbot County Public Schools, shares a story with Council President Chuck Callahan during the dinner portion of the meeting. Students of the Culinary Arts Program were in charge of serving and preparing the meals in their lab kitchen space at Easton High School.

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Talbot County Parks and Recreation to Host Summer Camp and Sports Clinics

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Each summer, the Talbot County Department of Parks and Recreation hosts several weeks of camp filled with sports, crafts, field trips, and more. This year, the department will host 9 weeks of camp programming from June 20th to August 18th for ages 5 to 12.

In addition to traditional summer camp activities hosted at the Community Center, campers get to go on two exciting field trips and one of the community pools once during the week.

“The field trips are a great way to let children participate in programming that we can’t offer directly at the Community Center or even within the county,” said Preston Peper, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We’ve worked hard to put together a pretty exciting list of field trips for the 2023 summer schedule.”

Field trips for this year include Cabin Fever, Tardigrade Obstacle Course Racing and Fitness Facility, Extreme Play Laser Tag, Altitude Trampoline Park, Easton Bowl, Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake, Killens Pond Water Park, Main Event, and Amped Up.

“The campers, and honestly the counselors too, love going to Altitude Trampoline Park. Not only is it great exercise, but it’s just a ton of fun to jump around, showing off flips and tricks, and playing dodgeball on the trampolines,” mentioned Peper. “But of course, you also can’t go wrong with a water park in the summer. Killens Pond is great for that.”

The field trips offer a way to let campers explore Maryland with their peers in a safe and friendly environment.

Summer Sports Clinics

Parks and Recreation will also host several summer sports clinics to help young athletes work on their skills in the off-season.

This year, they will offer volleyball, basketball, and indoor soccer sessions. Each class will be held once a week for an hour for each age group. Each clinic costs $60 per participant and runs for 6 weeks.

  • Volleyball: Tuesdays, June 20th-August 1st
    • 5th– 8th grades
    • With St. Peter and Paul Coach Rebekah Byrnes
  • Basketball: Wednesdays, June 21st-July 26th
    • 1st– 8th grades
    • With Coach Kentrell Ricketts
  • Indoor Soccer: Thursdays, June 22nd– July 27th
    • 1st– 8th grades
    • With Coach Kayleigh Titz

Registration for Talbot County Department of Parks and Recreation Summer programing is now open, and slots are filling up fast.

Summer Sport Clinics

Summer Camp

Field Trips that occur during their summer camp programming.

For more information, please contact Parks and Recreation at 410-770-8050. To register for summer programming, visit talbotcountymd.myrec.com.

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Take a Hike and See Springtime at Its Best on Bolingbroke Creek

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Mountain Laurel is in bloom at Bolingbroke Park in Trappe, 2665 MoneyMake Road, 10:00 am – 4:00, Saturday, May 20, rain or shine.

The MID-SHORE Chapter of the Izaak Walton League is sponsoring an opportunity for our community and friends to come out to Bolingbroke Park to see the splendor of the magnificent blooming Mountain Laurel shrubs throughout the park.  Enjoy a walk on our 1.5 miles of wooded trails, try-out our kayaks, stop by the pavilion for a refreshment.

About Mountain Laurel (Kalmia Latifolia): It is a native broadleaf evergreen shrub. The leaves are about 3 inches long by 1 inch wide. Locally the shrubs may reach up to 15 feet tall with dark red bark up to 4 inches in diameter. In winter the shrubs are attractive with the bright, glossy leaves and snow on the ground. In the spring the laurel blooms in clusters up to 5 inches across. Mountain Laurel is normally found in cooler climes and, as the name implies, found in upland environments.  Finding Mountain Laurel on the Eastern Shore, and in the quantity in our park, is exceptional.  Visiting Bolingbroke Park should be an enjoyable morning or afternoon excursion for the family.

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Easton Tractor Supply to Host Farmers’ Market

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On May 27, 2023, the Easton Tractor Supply store will host a Farmers’ Market featuring locally-grown, fresh produce, as well as other seasonal products.

“This is a great opportunity for members of our community to support local farmers while also getting to enjoy deliciously fresh food,” said Jamie Ciolek, manager of the Easton store. “As a company, we believe in fostering community relationships while supporting the rural lifestyle, and this event allows us to do just that.”

From 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., shoppers can stop in for goods all produced by neighbors in the Easton area.

Participating vendors will have tables set up at the tented space by the storefront where they will showcase their goods. Some of the local vendors participating include:

  • Petting Zoo
    • On site 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.
  • Plant-a-Seed Event
    • On site 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.

This event is open to the public and will take place at 29328 Cecil Drive. For more information, please contact the Easton Tractor Supply at 410-770-6413.

About Tractor Supply Company

For 85 years, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 294 on the 2022 Fortune 500. The company’s more than 52,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve.

As of April 1, 2023, the Company operated 2,164 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states, including 81 stores acquired from Orscheln Farm and Home in 2022 that will be rebranded to Tractor Supply by the end of 2023. For more information on Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer providing products and services for pet owners. As of April 1, 2023, the Company operated 189Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states.  For more information on Petsense by Tractor Supply, visit www.Petsense.com.

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Benedictine Celebrates Sr. Jeannette Award Winner and All Nominees

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Benedictine celebrated the winner and all the nominees of the distinguished Sister Jeannette award during a luncheon earlier this spring. The award was established in 2012 by the Benedictine Board of Directors in honor of Sister Jeannette, who served as Benedictine’s leader for over 30 years. The annual award recognizes an employee who exemplifies Benedictine’s values of Hospitality, Dignity of Work and Compassionate Caring.

This year’s award was given to Sharon Walbert, Adult Services House Counselor. Among the long list of accolades, it was noted that she works tirelessly to provide the adults she supports with opportunities to increase their skills, to be involved in the community, to stay connected with their families, and to be as independent as possible. Sharon works at several of Benedictine’s 18 adult group homes and she willingly fills in for night shifts when needed.

Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, commented at the award luncheon, “This is truly one of my favorite things to do at Benedictine as it provides an opportunity to stop and reflect on the incredible work that is being done here every day. We celebrate those that go above and beyond in making a difference in the lives of the students and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. I applaud all the nominees!”

The nominees includedGalan Anderson, School Vocational Liaison and Team Leader; Steve Ebell, School Education Assistant; Karen Gibson, Payroll Coordinator; Jody Mitchell, School Teacher; Danielle Poore, School Teacher; Corina Schline, School Nurse; and Marie Truitt, Adults Services House Counselor. All the nominees were presented with a framed image of Sister Jeannette’s “Rules To Live By” which includes, “respect the dignity of those you help by giving in quiet and hidden ways.”

Sharon Walbert was presented with the Sister Jeannette award at a celebratory luncheon that recognized all the nominees. Pictured (left to right): Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Sister Mary Agnes, Benedictine Board of Directors; Cecelia Duckworth, Emeritus Board Member; Sharon Walbert, Adult Services House Counselor and Winner of Sister Jeannette Award; Charley Mills, Benedictine Board of Trustees President.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

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