On Saturday, October 1, 2022, Wye River Upper School (WRUS) held its 20th Anniversary Gala at the Talbot Country Club in Easton, MD. With 140 guests in attendance, the school raised over $105,000 in net revenue- a WRUS record-breaking amount. To help celebrate the school’s 20-year legacy of changing the lives of students who learn differently, the evening featured live music from the Gold City Band, a silent auction of seven exciting experiential items, and a “Glitz in a Glass” station where guests played the game of chance by choosing a champagne glass in hopes of winning an item of jewelry donated by Shearer the jeweler. Guests enjoyed the delicious gourmet meal offerings led by the talented Talbot Country Club executive chef David Hayes and his team.

Midway through the event, board member Clayton Railey, and long-time supporter, Richard Tilghman lead a “Stop the Auction” to raise funds to support the school’s Financial Aid program. The goal of $50,000 was largely exceeded, with a total of over $64,000 raised. As part of Wye River’s mission, the school works to make its educational experience accessible for all students, no matter their walk of life or financial background.

WRUS Head of School, Stephanie Borges Folarin comments on the guests in attendance and the atmosphere of the evening, “The warmth of the eastern and western shores was on display on October 1 as we celebrated our 20th Anniversary! Honoring the people who’ve been supportive since Wye River opened its doors and toasting with our newer friends was a joy. Our community is filled with love, friendship, and support. We are excited to share the next 20, 40, 60 years with this fantastic community.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the school’s valuable mission to educate and serve the needs of students who learn differently due to dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, high-functioning autism, and more. The school’s program provides a well-rounded, rigorous, individualized curriculum that recognizes and develops each student’s strengths. WRUS offers an inclusive and uniquely supportive environment enabling each student to thrive and grow socially and academically. WRUS enrolls students from eleven different Maryland and Delaware counties. For 20 years, Wye River has been changing student lives by:

· providing unique real-world experiences that bring students out of the classroom and into the community,

· making possible generous financial awards that open Wye River’s doors to all families and students,

· investing in project-based learning opportunities that allow students to engage in authentic inquiry,

· supporting the Executive Functioning needs of students, and so much more.

Wye River Upper School shares its deepest gratitude for its generous sponsorships from the following community members:

Host Sponsor The Seip Family Foundation

Lead Sponsor Soistman Family Dentistry & Associates

Diamond Sponsors Out of the Fire, Pam & Jim Harris

Platinum Sponsors For All Seasons, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7464, John & Susan Devlin

Gold Sponsors Accounting Strategies Group, LLC, Bridges Behavioral Health and Wellness, Queenstown Bank, Law Office of Patrick J. Fitzgerald, LLC, Dukes-Moore Insurance Agency, Willow Construction, Andy & Gretchen Cheezum, Peter Stifel & Hughlett Kirby, Ed & Elaine Bednarz, Richard & Ellen Bodorff, Tom & Cathy Mendenhall, Beverly & Richard Tilghman, Peter, and Diane Pappas

Silver Sponsors ProMD Health, Shore United Bank

To learn more about how you can support Wye River Upper School and help them celebrate its 20th Anniversary, contact Emma Rose Mumma- Director of Development and Philanthropy, at 443-262-8256 or [email protected].

Wye River Upper School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is focused on students who learn differently, discovering through innovation, developing with rigor, and celebrating their strengths while preparing for success in college, career, and life.

Wye River Upper School will hold an in-person open house on Thursday, Oct. 12th,  2022 from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM. Prospective families will have the opportunity to see the depth of the academic, social and emotional impact Wye River Upper School has on high school students. Families will also be able to meet and speak with faculty and staff, parents and students. Registration is required: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/event-details-registration/in-person-open-house

Wye River School, the brainchild of Chrissy Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, opened its doors in September of 2002 when Aull struggled to find a high school for her son with learning differences. Twenty years and 900 graduates later, Wye River continues to provide the educational and social experiences for students to become successful and fulfilled in all walks of life. Last year, those paths included students who aspire to attend medical school, act on Broadway and to become certified as an underwater welder.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact admissions@wyeriverupperschool.org or call 443-262-8267.

Even the gloomy outdoor skies couldn’t dampen the celebratory spirit of Wye River Upper School’s graduation, with Head of School, Stephanie Borges Folarin, noting that “rain means good luck in many cultures”.

As the raindrops fell outside, the graduates cast their rays of sunshine, beaming as they walked across the gym stage to receive their diplomas. This graduating class, which is the largest in our history includes: Ian A., Tate G., Andrew G., Nadia H., Douglas H., Mark H., Tyler J., Cameron K., Adon L., Alex M., Daniel M., Jared M., Charlie M., Lindsay M., Cole P., Sam P., Virgil R., Reni Z.

Perseverance, growth and celebrating victories proved to be the recurring themes throughout the ceremony, as Board of Trustees Chair, Alexa Sipe, encouraged students to pursue their dreams and commencement speakers Matt Donohue, ‘17, and Joe Leilich spoke about the challenges they faced as students with learning differences. Quoting Thomas Edison, Donohue encouraged the class of ‘22 to hold
steadfast and follow their dreams. “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up,” said Donohue. “Don’t give up. Be that person who makes a change for the good.”

Continuing on the theme, Leilich, First Commander of the American Legion Jeff Davis Post 18, stressed the importance of recognizing “small victories” when faced with a challenge. A victory can be any achievement no matter how small. “There are going to be times when you don’t succeed the first time,” said Leilich. “But you never give up, and never quit on your goal. And when you reach your goal, congratulate yourself for it.”

Student speaker, Mark H., spoke fondly of the growth and memories he and his classmates shared over the years. “It’s been a great learning environment and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.” No doubt this spirited, determined class will continue to bring joy, humor and determination along with them as they celebrate the beginning of their many victories. Congratulations to the class of 2022!

About Wye River Upper School
Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville MD approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more info contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292.

Wye River Upper School (WRUS) is pleased to announce the commencement ceremony for their 20th graduating class on Tuesday, May 24th at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds adjoining the school campus. At 18 students, this is the largest graduating class in the school’s history. This year’s graduates have chosen many different college and career paths, including architecture, healthcare, computer science, accounting, athletic training, art therapy, digital marketing, science, animal care, sports journalism, working for the National Security Agency, internships, and, in the true spirit of the Eastern Shore, working in the maritime industry.

Commencement speakers include Wye River alumnus, Matt Donohue, ‘17, and Joe Leilich, who is the First Commander of the American Legion, Jeff Davis Post 18. Leilich, who has ADHD, says he “was honored to be asked to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony.”

“I dealt with learning difficulties when I was their age and I wish I had a place like Wye River when I was in high school. I hope I can extend a few words of wisdom to the graduates based on my challenges throughout life that will help them as they move to adulthood,” says Leilich.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville MD approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more info contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292.

Wye River Upper School will hold their annual Art and Theater Expo on Thursday, April 27, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Students’ work will be showcased during this annual event which is open to the public for the first time in two years.

Wye River School, the brainchild of Chrissy Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, opened its doors in September of 2002 when Aull struggled to find a high school for her son with learning differences. Twenty years and 900 graduates later, Wye River continues to provide the educational and social experiences for students to become successful and fulfilled in all walks of life.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact [email protected] or call 443-262-8292.

Wye River Upper School will hold an in-person open house on Thursday, April 21,  2022 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Prospective families will have the opportunity to see the depth of the academic, social and emotional impact Wye River Upper School has on high school students. Families will also be able to meet and speak with faculty and staff, parents and students. Registration is required: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/admissions/open-house-event/

Wye River School, the brainchild of Chrissy Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, opened its doors in September of 2002 when Aull struggled to find a high school for her son with learning differences. Twenty years and 900 graduates later, Wye River continues to provide the educational and social experiences for students to become successful and fulfilled in all walks of life. Last year, those paths included students who aspire to attend medical school, act on Broadway and to become certified as an underwater welder.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact [email protected] or call 443-262-8292.

Wye River Upper School and Connie Simon, Ed.D., will virtually present “Integrating Psych-ed Recommendations at School and Home”, on Thursday, April  7th at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Simon will share tips on ensuring that you get the answers to your questions in your student’s psych-ed report, how to clarify recommendations and how to implement recommendations at home and school.

Join us on Thursday, April 7th for this virtual presentation. Register here: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/

Dr. Simon, a well-known independent consultant in Maryland, earned her Doctorate in Special Education from American University. Dr. Simon also has her Master’s in Special Education from Boston College and is a graduate of the Columbia Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Summer Institute.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at [email protected].

The Board of Trustees of Wye River Upper School welcomes Robyn Green of Annapolis as a new trustee.

Green received a B.A. from Howard University, a Masters of Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University and a Masters of Secondary Education from Ball State University. She is currently employed as the Director of the Naval Academy Primary School, where she also previously worked as a Special Education Lead Teacher. She has served as the Assistant Principal at a public middle school in North Carolina and in various teaching roles. Green currently resides in Annapolis with her husband and children.

Alexa Seip, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says that “Green will be a gift to the WRUS Board of Trustees.”

“She is an accomplished, dedicated educator who understands the school’s student population. She will bring her perspectives as an educator, a parent of children with learning differences and a strong community member of the Western Shore,” says Seip.

Welcome, Robyn!

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at [email protected].

Wye River Upper School and Connie Simon, Ed.D., will virtually present “Integrating Psych-ed Recommendations at School and Home”, on Thursday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Simon will share tips on ensuring that you get answers to your questions in your student’s psych-ed report, how to clarify recommendations and how to implement recommendations at home and school.

Join us on Thursday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. for this virtual presentation: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/admissions/speaker-series/

Dr. Simon, a well-known independent consultant in Maryland, earned her Doctorate in Special Education from American University. Dr. Simon also has her Master’s in Special Education from Boston College and is a graduate of the Columbia Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Summer Institute.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at [email protected].

Wye River Upper School (WRUS) is pleased to announce the commemoration of its 20th anniversary. For over two decades, this small independent school located in the heart of Centreville, Maryland, has educated nearly 900 students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and executive function challenges. Wye River Upper School has become a leader in educating bright neurodiverse students.

The 20th Anniversary lands at the completion of Stephanie Borges Folarin’s first year as Head of School at Wye River Upper School.

“Wye River Upper School is building a legacy of excellence in education. We are unlike any other high school in our area. We tend to the academic needs of our twice-exceptional students, and we dedicate ourselves to supporting the growth of our parent body, building strong and supportive relationships with neighboring schools and businesses, and placing community service at the core of our programming. The culture at Wye River Upper School is rooted in inclusivity, acceptance, and the joy of learning. As we reflect on the first 20 years of our history and plan for the next 20, 40, 60 years, we want to say we appreciate everyone involved in the inception and growth of our school and invite them to continue supporting us in all ways.” – Stephanie Borges Folarin, Head of School

Wye River Upper School began when founding Head of School Chrissy Aull and Co-founding Administrator Patricia McGlannan realized there was no specialty high school on the Eastern Shore for their twice-exceptional 8th-grade children – so they decided to open a school of their own. These dynamic mothers rented classrooms at Chesapeake College, and with the aid of three teachers and a student body of nine, Wye River Upper School was born. This labor of love blossomed, and by 2014, WRUS opened its new home at the Centreville Historic National Guard Armory.

Chrissy Aull and Patricia McGlannan were ahead of the curve when designing an educational environment that recognizes and responds to the way each student learns. The school currently serves students from eleven different Maryland and Delaware counties and is the only high school of its kind on the Eastern Shore and beyond. Wye River Upper School provides the opportunity for students to build confidence and reach new levels of academic and personal success.

The WRUS experience is incredibly unique because of its small class sizes, individualized student attention, and student-centered curriculum abundant with hands-on learning experiences and real-world problem-solving. The students describe their time at WRUS as both life-changing and transformative and parents regularly express their relief at finding a school that enables their child(ren) to be their true authentic selves.

“Wye River Upper School has provided my daughter with a safe and supportive learning environment that has enabled her to overcome challenges and has encouraged her to find her passion with a positive outlook towards the future. The entire staff truly cares about each student reaching their potential”. – Mike Lysinger, Current parent and WRUS Parent-Teacher Organization Secretary

Wye River Upper School has launched a robust campaign for the 20th Anniversary Endowment Fund to ensure the security and longevity of the school’s future.

“Wye River’s mission fulfills a critical need within our community. For twenty years, this exceptional school has changed the trajectory of hundreds of student paths. As we reach this milestone as an institution, we recognize the importance of building our Endowment to continue improving and enhancing our unique experience for these deserving students. A stronger Endowment will offer the flexibility and financial stability needed to grow our program in ways such as providing more tuition assistance to those in need, adding courses that offer glimpses into different career options, and maintaining our qualified teaching staff.” – Lori Ramsey, WRUS Trustee and Finance Committee member

Wye River Upper School shares more about its vision for the future, stories from its past, and information on the year of celebration ahead at wyeriverupperschool.org/20th/

For more information on how to get involved, contact the Director of Development and Philanthropy, Emma Rose Mumma, at 443-262-8291 or [email protected].

Wye River Upper School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is- students who learn differently, discover through innovation, develop with rigor, and celebrate their strengths while preparing for success in college, career, and life. For more information visit www.wyeriverupperschool.org or call 410.758.2922.