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June 30, 2022

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Education Ed Notes

Talbot Schools Recognize Community Partners of the Year

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Talbot County Public Schools began celebrating and thanking their Community Partners at an annual breakfast prepared by the Easton High Culinary Arts Program in 2016. A District Community Partner of the Year is recognized, as well as a partner of the year for each school and one for the Internship Program. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Dr. Griffith and school Administrators continued the recognition by visiting each recipient personally to deliver awards and breakfast baskets prepared by culinary students in lieu of hosting the large gathering. During the visits, TCPS leaders share testimonials about how the partnerships make a difference in the lives of students and staff. This tradition continued this year with visits and presentations throughout the month of May.

“We could not do what we do for the children of Talbot County without the support of our generous community,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent.“Now more than ever, our community partners give so much to our students and staff. Every year we like to take this opportunity to give back, and thank them for their partnership.”

The Talbot County Public Schools Community Partners of the Year for 2022 are:

Choptank Community Health System, Inc.- District Community Partner of the Year

Talbot County Chamber of Commerce- Internship

Carrion Electric- Chapel District Elementary

For All Seasons, Inc. – Easton Elementary

Avalon Foundation- Easton Middle

Lowe’s Home Improvement, Easton- Easton High

St. Michaels Police Department- St. Michaels Elementary

Ed and Debbie Trumbull- St. Michaels Middle High

Brackish Life- Tilghman Elementary

Walmart, Easton- White Marsh Elementary

The Realities of Education in Kent County: A Chat with School Board Member Wendy Costa

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Wendy Costa is the first to say she has been disappointed that, after almost eight years of serving on the Kent County’s Board of Education, she and her colleagues had not met the high standards she set for herself when she first ran for office in 2014. While there have been some wonderful highlights during that time, the fact remains that Kent County Public Schools, like almost every school district in the country, still struggle with test scores and finding qualified teachers.

Those are just a few of the candid observations Wendy discussed with the Spy in advance of voters going to the polls on July 19th for the Maryland primary. She will not be running for reelection. In our chat, she also talks directly about the realities of a small rural region’s governing board, parents’ lack of participation, and the dangers for Kent County as a growing number of children flounder with basic reading skills.

Costa’s observations are particularly valuable given her impressive background. The product of Vassar College; a Masters from Columbia; one of only a handful of women in the early 1980s who won a seat in Texas for her local school district; and a co-founder of one of the most successful charter schools in the country in California, Wendy shares her thoughts about American education as well as some of the challenges that will face the Kent County School District for many years to come.

This video is approximately ten minutes in length. 

 

Talbot County Free Library Now Circulating Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Passes

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The Talbot County Free Library now has Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) Passes that patrons can check out with their library card.

Each pass admits up to four adults and their children or grandchildren under the age of 18. Due to the limited supply of passes, the checkout period is limited to two days.

“There is a natural partnership between CBMM and the Talbot County Free Library as both organizations offer the community equitable access, lifelong learning, and the opportunity to discover new interests,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman. “I know that we will have a number of families take advantage of the passes, especially now with the rising cost of everything. This is a great example of how our community works together.”

All a library card holder has to do is stop by the library and ask if a CBMM pass is available. The pass will be available to check out, free of charge for two days. These passes are available on a first come, first serve basis at the circulation desks of our Easton and St. Michaels branches.

It is recommended to return the passes to the Circulation Desk at the same branch from which the patron borrowed them from. Passes cannot be renewed and cannot be put on hold.

“The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is happy to be able to work in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library,” said CBMM President/CEO Kristen Greenaway. “As an educational organization, and one that values making its resources available to all, offering these passes to library cardholders is a natural fit.”

To obtain a library card, come to one of our branches with a driver’s license or identification card and proof of your address ready. Examples of proof of address include a water bill, electric bill, rent contract, or voter registration card. A Talbot County Free Library card is a key to everything we have to offer including books, e-books, digital media, access to online databases, and more.

“As Chief Curator of CBMM and a member of TCFL’s Board of Trustees, I’m thrilled to see these two organizations find ways to work together,” said CBMM Chief Curator Pete Lesher. “We seek to provide meaningful and accessible experiences to all of our communities and constituencies, and getting more people in the doors of both CBMM and the Library is certainly a worthwhile goal toward that end.”

The library occasionally offers story times at the CBMM. Keep an eye out for this program on the library’s website.

For hours, directions, and other details, please visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum at www.cbmm.org.

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, digital devices, free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

Annual DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament Benefits Benedictine

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The DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Benedictine raised over $52,000. Pictured left to right: Thad Fletcher, Benedictine Trustee; Charley Mills, President, Benedictine Board of Trustees; Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer

A group of supportive golfers gathered at the Country Club at Woodmore in Mitchellville to participate in the Annual DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Benedictine. Graciously hosted by Benedictine parents, trustees, and lead sponsors Thad Fletcher and his wife Donna Rochelle, over $52,000 was raised to support programs and services that support the developmentally disabled and autistic children and adults that Benedictine serves.

“It was a great day to gather at Woodmore to share in camaraderie and raise important funds to support Benedictine,” commented Thad Fletcher, Benedictine Trustee Board Member. “Our daughter Gabby has had a wonderful experience at Benedictine and it so important to ensure that Benedictine can continue to do the important work in serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Their quality of care is exceptional.”

The tournament introduces players to Benedictine’s mission and the generosity and commitment of the Fletcher family. Participants from as far away as Texas, Illinois and Oklahoma joined the Fletchers for this fun day of golf and philanthropy.

“We are so grateful to Thad and is family, along with his incredible network of supporters that join him each year in Mitchellville to participate in this golf tournament,” stated Charley Mills, Benedictine Board of Trustees President. “Benedictine’s mission to provide a welcoming atmosphere, dignity for the individuals they serve, and to provide a compassionate caring environment has been the backbone of this organization since its founding in 1959. Now more than ever we need to make sure that Benedictine can continue to provide the critical support and life enhancement for the many individuals it serves.”

The DC/Baltimore Area Charity Golf Tournament winning team was (pictured from left to right) JT Trevino, JD Davis, Danny Fotuna and Jim Kottage.

The day finished off with recognition of long-time participants and several new faces and an awards ceremony where the winning team was announced – JT Trevino, JD Davis, Danny Fotuna and Jim Kottage. Before the day ended, golfers were challenged to a long shot across the pond for more fundraising opportunities.

During the awards ceremony, Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, echoed his appreciation for the generous support. “These funds are truly appreciated in support of Benedictine’s mission and its programs. Thank you for coming out each year to support us!”

Benedictine, a nonprofit organization, offers community-based learning opportunities for adults ages 22 to 70+ including those that live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties, as well as special education and home-like living options for children ages 5 to 21 on Benedictine’s Ridgely campus. Their Easton Office prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and also collaborates with the local public schools to provide services to their students.

For more information on Benedictine’s services and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at claudia.cunningham@benschool.org or call 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. 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. The Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and 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. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

TCPS Announces Class of 2022 Accomplishments

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The Easton High School Class of 2022 included 271 diploma recipients.

Easton High and Saint Michaels Middle High schools have announced preliminary achievement results for the graduating class of 2022. A total of 333 students received diplomas or certificates, 276 from Easton High and 57 from St. Michaels Middle High.  Of the students receiving diplomas, the school district reports that224 plan to enter a two- or four-year college or technical school,87 will enter directly into the workforce and a record high 17 will serve our country in the military.

Of the TCPS Class of 2022 diploma graduates:

  • 177 (54%) completed at least one Advanced Placement course before graduating.
  • 76 (23%) students earned credit for at least one dual enrollment course at the community college level.
  • 129 (39%) seniors fulfilled requirements for at least one Career and Technology Education Completer program, with 14 student students completing more than one.
  • The composite SAT score was 1051 for math and critical reading.
  • TCPS graduates were awarded a total of $18,862,603in scholarships, with $861,948 in local scholarships.
  • The preliminary graduation rate for TCPS high schools is 97.03% with a drop-out rate of just.60%.

“These graduates have persevered through a very challenging time for students and educators.” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, TCPS Superintendent.“Their successes are a direct result of their talent, determination, and resilience, and the dedication and support of our staff. I congratulate the class of 2022 for their outstanding results. I am very proud of them all and wish them continued success in their next endeavor in college, career or military service.”

The Saint Michaels Middle High School Class of 2022 included 57 graduates receiving diplomas.

The list of colleges and universities to which TCPS students were accepted includes highly competitive colleges and universities focused on liberal arts and science and technology, military academies, and art, culinary and technical institutes.  The complete list is as follows:

Albion College
Alfred University
Allegheny College
Appalachian State
Arcadia University
Auburn University
Automotive Training Center(ATC)
Bates College
Belmont University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowie State University
Bradley University
Bridgewater College
Butler University
Capitol Technology University
Catholic University
Catholic University of America
Cedarville University
Champlain College
Chesapeake and Regent University
Chesapeake College
Christopher Newport University
Clark Atlanta University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
College of Notre Dame
College of William and Mary
Colorado State University
Converse University
Delaware Valley University
Drexel University
Duquesne University
East Carolina University
Edinboro University
Elizabethtown College
Elon University
Emory and Henry College
Endicott College
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of Technology
Frostburg State University
Furman University
Gannon University
Gardner- Webb University
Geneva College
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgia Tech
Goucher College
Hampton University
High Point University
Hofstra University
Hood College
Howard University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Iowa State University
James Madison University.
Juniata College
Kansas University
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Liberty University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University of Maryland
Marist College
Maryland Institute College of Art
Marymount University
McDaniel College
MD State Police Cadet Program
Mercyhurst University
Methodist University
Miami University
Michigan State University
Millersville University
Morgan State University
Mount St Mary’s University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York Institute of Technology
Newman University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina State University
Northwestern University
Norwich University
Notre Dame of MD
Nova Southeastern University
Ohio University
Old Dominion University
Pace University
Palm Beach University
Penn State Mont Alto
Penn State University
Penn State- University Park
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Purdue University
Quinnipac University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Salisbury University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Seton Hall
Shepherd University
Shippensburg University
Slippery Rock
South Carolina University
St. Johns College
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
State University of New York (SUNY)
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevenson University
Stony Brook University
Susquehanna University
Temple University
Texas Christian U
Towson University
Transylvania University
Universal Technical Institute (UTI)
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Dallas
University of Dallas – Arlington
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Lynchburg
University of Maine
University of Maryland Baltimore County
University of Maryland College Park
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Boston
University of Massachusetts
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of Montana
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
University of New Hampshire
University of New Mexico
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina Charlotte
University of North Carolina Greensboro
University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of North Florida
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of Scranton
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of Vermont
University of West Florida
University of Wyoming
Ursinus College
Utah State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Tech
Virginia Wesleyan University
Washington College
Washington University in St. Louis
Waynesburg University
West Chester University
West Virginia University
Western Carolina University
Widener University
Wilson college
Winthrop University
Xavier University
York College of Pennsylvania

TCPS Elementary Schools Host Raising A Reader Program

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What do you get when you combine watermelon, a “story stroll”, 600 Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten students, and a librarian? Pure Joy! That is what happened in Talbot County during the month of Maywhenfive public elementary schools held Raising A Reader Blue Bag Bashes. All PreK and Kindergarten students participated in a program called Raising A Reader, an evidence-based family engagement literacy program designed specifically for young children and their developing brains. The program aims to substantially increase the number of families who frequently and routinely share picture books and stories with their children. Each week young learners take home red bags containing four high-quality diverse books. Loving adults “book-cuddle” with children to encourage development of early language and literacy skills that are critical for academic and life success.

“Our family loves the Raise a Reader program. Our daughter Jordan is so excited to get new books to read every week. We put all the books out and read each title and then let Jordan decide which one she wants to read first. After we read all the books Jordan will grab two books and ask us which one we want to read.” says one Easton parent, highlighting the importance of fostering intrinsic reading motivation. “Children are more likely to enjoy something that they see their families enjoying. Bonding over books encourages young children to form positive associations with books and reading now that will carry through later in life,” says Katie Fox, a program co-coordinator.

“Usually, at the end of the school year, PreK students celebrate the program’s culmination by taking a field trip to the library. They receive their library card, a blue library book bag to keep, tour the library, listen to a story, and check out books. It’s so exciting and meaningful. Supporting families in enhancing or establishing home-based literacy routines is the most important part of this program. The library is the cornerstone of that.” explained Amy Walstrum, the other program co-coordinator. “But COVID made us think differently about providing access to the program and to the library. Our current Kindergarteners missed out completely last year. We felt compelled to include them somehow in the program. I mentioned it at a Talbot Early Childhood Advisory Council (TECAC) meeting. Our Judy Centers jumped on the opportunity to provide the classic red bag rotation for our Kindergarten students in Easton and St. Michaels and local funds were prioritized for our three other schools. We more than doubled the number of families engaged in the program. We also expanded the program at Critchlow Adkins Childcare Centers to include two and three year-old’s! It was a very productive TECAC meeting.” The site coordinator of the St. Michaels Judy Center, Genevra Farrare adds, “Our kids and their families have missed out on so much. Stepping up to expand this literacy program is everything The Judy Center stands for. Partnering in this way is the least we can do to support our children and their families.”

For most of the year field trips were not allowed due to the pandemic, so Fox and Walstrum worked to bring the library celebration to the schools. Students rotated between three read-aloud stations including a “story stroll”, a snack, and blue bag presentations by the librarians. “It was so fun. The kids were so engaged. It was amazing to see them so happy about receiving their blue bags and library cards.” says Sue Tucker, a Kindergarten teacher at White Marsh Elementary.

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) staff processed over 400 Library cards! “We designed a specific bi-lingual library card application. 80% of our PreK and K students now have their very own library cards along with their very own blue library book bag,” says Fox. “It’s nothing short of amazing and speaks volumes to the dedication TCFL has to our young readers and their families.”

The program was a massive success due to the collaboration among many community partners; The Judy Centers of Easton and St. Michaels, University of Maryland Extension Office SNAP-Ed, Chapel District PTO, Tilghman Area Youth Association, The Talbot Family Network, and of course the Talbot County Free Library.

“We dedicated May as Blue Bag Month. Families started showing up at the library immediately after the first bash.” Says Laura Powell, the TCFL’s Children’s Librarian. “The children are so excited to complete the scavenger hunt, choose a prize, register for our summer reading program, and most importantly, check out books!”

A St. Michaels parent sums up the incredible impact of this program, “I knew how much my older son enjoyed Raise a Reader when he was in PreK, so I was thrilled to have Sadie experience it this year in Kindergarten. We love visiting the library as a family and she was so excited to receive her own library card. Her blue bag hangs proudly in our entryway at home!”

Woman’s Club of St. Michaels Presents Scholarships

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The Woman’s Club of St. Michaels recently presented scholarship awards to three graduates of St. Michaels High School (SMHS), Victoria Bately, Matthew Fisher and Haley Sadler, at the Club’s annual luncheon at the Oaks in Royal Oak.

Victoria Bately, valedictorian of her class, will attend the University of Maryland in the Integrated Life Science honors program which requires 25 hours of community service and 240 hours of project research. The love of medicine is in her blood, her mother is the school nurse at Tilghman Elementary School and Victoria has been interning at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Hospital in the emergency department in both Easton and Chestertown. Victoria says she loves the constant challenge of the emergency department. Victoria also founded the biomedical engineering society at SMHS which is one of only nine in the country.

Matthew Fisher, participated in the ACE Mentoring program throughout his high school career and also led the group project for SMHS in his senior year. The ACE program, founded by nationally recognized structural engineer Charlie Thornton, exposes students to architecture, construction and engineering. Through the ACE program, Matthew completed an internship program with Rauch Inc. which confirmed his interest in civil engineering. Matthew will major in civil engineering at Chesapeake College and the University of Maryland. Matthew said JR Burkhardt, SMHS’school counselor, was an invaluable resource helping him sort out the process of applying to colleges and applying for scholarships.

Haley Sadler, the first in her family to attend college, is off to Virginia Wesleyan University in the honors program for forensic accounting where she will also be playing softball for the number one team in Division 3. As a star softball pitcher Haley was recruited by Virginia Wesleyan in her sophomore year of high school. Haley, a strong math student decided, to put her math skills to use and study forensic accounting after learning of the $100,000 stolen from the Watermen’s Association.

Two returning scholarship winners attended the luncheon as well. Rebecca Bibeau, from the class of 2018 was to go to Towson University but due to COVID attended Chesapeake University where she received an Associates Degree. Rebecca will now be continuing her education in pursuit of a BA in graphic arts at Salisbury University. Sincere Taylor’s mother attended in Sincere’s place as Sincere had wisdom teeth removed the day before. Sincere (SMHS class of 2020) is in pre-med at Stevenson College and is also on the Dean’s List.

The Woman’s Club is excited to follow their futures and is proud to contribute to the cost of furthering the education of these exceptional students.

Through its annual scholarship to a St. Michaels High School senior, the Woman’s Club of St. Michaels has been dedicated to helping young people who have demonstrated academic excellence and service to the community, achieve their promise and potential. This scholarship award is the major philanthropic outreach of the club.

The first scholarship award was granted in 1977. The scholarship may be given to an applicant planning to attend a two-year or four- year college or a vocational or technology school. In the last forty years, the Woman’s Club of St. Michaels has awarded more than $200,000 to deserving St Michaels High School students.

The Gunston School’s 111th Commencement Honors 53 Students

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The Gunston School celebrated its 111th commencement this past Saturday, June 11, honoring the Class of 2022 with a waterfront ceremony overlooking the Corsica River, as family and friends looked on. The procession began with Bagpiper Robert Wallace, followed by school faculty and staff, and then the graduating seniors.

Head of School John Lewis then introduced the commencement speaker, Kristen Greenaway, the President of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, Md. Under her leadership, CBMM has seen a healthy increase in attendance through the presentation of increasingly innovative exhibitions, and expanded education and Shipyard programming, as well as being awarded a grant of $5M from the State of Maryland to build a new Maryland Dove for Historic St. Mary’s City Commission. Additionally, Greenaway was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the National Maritime Historical Society in April of 2022.

“As each of you moves forward into the next phases of your life,” said Ms. Greenaway, “you will encounter incredible opportunities to explore and chart your own pathways. Some of you may have clear and focused journeys, while others may catch a strong breeze and head for new waters. Look for opportunity in whatever form it presents itself to you. And as you do that, I have three pieces of advice for you to carry forward: Have courage to take risks and make decisions; Be mindful, useful, kind, and show empathy for others; and Build the world you want to live in.”

Mr. Lewis and Gunston’s Vice Chair and Treasurer 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 senior class had a successful college admission season and worked hard to earn $7.8 million dollars in merit scholarships. The graduates are listed here with the honors presented to them the day before on Friday, June 10 during the school’s Green & White ceremony, which featured the valedictorian address, personalized comments about every senior, academic department awards, special named awards, and recognition from the greater community, as well as the much-anticipated announcement of the Green & White Cup.

Mr. Lewis began the previous day’s awards ceremony with thank you’s and one very special one in particular to the parents out in the crowd. “You’ve been extraordinary partners with us through some of the most difficult years in recent memory. This is a group of young people who possess a high level of responsibility, character, and independence.  Their future is bright, and they wouldn’t be here without you.”

And to the Class of 2022, “As a class, you’ve amassed as impressive an academic, extracurricular, social service, and athletic resume of any class in the history of Gunston—that’s not hyperbole—and you’ve done so with grace, fortitude, and fun. You’ve also pulled together impressively as a community of classmates, and thanks to you, I finish this year deeply optimistic, because Class of 2022—I know that your learning and leadership has just begun.”

This year’s valedictorian honor (also called the Samuel A. Middleton Award) was bestowed upon two very deserving students, Abigail Miller and Magdalena Miller, of Easton, Md.

“It goes without saying that Abbey and Maggie’s academic records are exceptional, having earned perfect grade 4.0 point averages across perhaps the most rigorous course loads ever taken at Gunston, including 11 AP courses where they have already been honored as AP Scholars with Distinction, and a math curriculum that includes AP AB/BC Calculus, AP Statistics, and a multivariable calculus course. Outside of the classroom, they are student-athlete-artists, having been on the Varsity Lacrosse and sailing teams, the Champions of the 2022 Eastern Shore Mathematics Competition Champions, National Spanish Exam Medalists, and honorees of the Congressional Art competition. They were both inducted into the National Honor Society, and they are both National Merit Scholarship Finalists, which means that of the 1.5 million American high school seniors who took the PSAT, they were in the top 7,500. That’s the top 1/5th of 1 percent.”

Abbey will be studying mechanical engineering at the University of Rochester and Maggie will be studying chemical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Our mom always tells us, ‘Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.’ It’s easy to see the truth of the matter once it’s over, but you have to stay focused on what is in front of you. That is why I look forward to seeing where life takes all of you in the next four years, and congratulations once again to the class of 2022,” said Maggie.

Presented by Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis, the prestigious Gunston Award, which began in 1969 and is “unique in that it’s chosen by the vote of the entire school community,” was presented to Lucy Bamford of Chestertown, Md. who is headed to Ursinus College in the fall. “Leader, scholar, athlete. This student completed 26 total credits, nine honors classes, six AP classes, participated in 12 seasons of varsity level athletics, and held leadership roles in student government, national honor society, diversity leadership, yearbook, and on our Green & White teams. A member of the National Honor Society, this student models the qualities of scholarship, leadership, service, and character both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Mrs. Grabis.

Graduating Seniors & Recognitions:
Sofia Angarita (Wye Mills) Leadership Award, Spanish Award, Sciences Award, Senior Paradigm Award, SGA President, CHSAA Memorial Scholarship, Lucy Bamford (Chestertown) Gunston Award, Captain Green Team, Senior Class President, The Anita Gruss Athletic Award, 12 Star Athlete, Curtis (Andrew) Baughman (Worton), Sebastian Borland (Easton) 12 Star Award, John (Jack) Brady (Galena) 12 Star Award, Gracie Callahan (Denton), Joshua (Josh) Campbell (Centreville) 12 Star Award, Anastasia Clair (Middletown, Del.) Community Service Award, Charlotte Cook (Easton), Robert Crow (Friendship) Engineering Award, Benjamin (Ben) Cunningham (Dover, Del.) Senior Class Vice President, 12 Star Award, Jian (Daniel) Dang (Henan, China), Isabella (Bella) De Leon (Chestertown) The Faculty Award, 12 Star Award, Ava Duvall (Queenstown), Ashley Escobar (Cambridge) Diversity Leader Award, Spanish Award, Senior Class Treasurer, Sen. Van Hollen Public Service Award, George B. Todd Scholarship, Woicke Family Scholarship, Nora FauntLeRoy (Annapolis) Fine Arts Award, James (Jimmy) Fraser (Annapolis), Nina Friedman (Easton), Noah Friel (Grasonville), Morgan Garner (Annapolis) Moore Award for Improvement, Georgia Gillespie (Chestertown), Sheila Groz (Grasonville), Evelyn (Evie) Hagan (Chestertown) Environmental Stewardship Award, Madison (Madi) Hanlon (Middletown, Del), Paige Holmes (Chestertown), Aidan Ireland (Annapolis), Kallena Kemp (Centreville) Theater Award, Senior Paradigm Award, Zachary (Zach) LaFleur (Chestertown), Colin Lang (Trappe) United States Naval Academy Appointment Recognition, History Award, 12 Star Award, Samantha LeCrone (Preston) Sciences Award, 12 Star Award, Juyoung (Ju) Lee (Seoul, South Korea), Engineering Award, Rui (Spencer) Liu (Beijing, China) English Language Acquisition Award, Cameron (Cami) Lord (Chestertown), Alexis (Lexi) Meiklejohn (Cordova), Abigail (Abbey) Miller (Easton) Valedictorian, Math Award, National Merit® Scholar, Magdalena (Maggie) Miller (Easton) Valedictorian, Math Award, National Merit® Scholar, Alexandrea (Lexi) Norman (Chestertown), Adam Papadopoulos (Townsend, Del.) Literature Award, Fletcher Parsons (Easton), Ainsleigh Pocock (Annapolis) 12 Star Award, Summer Salos (Stevensville) Senior Class Secretary, Alec Sanderson (Arnold) Music Award, Leonardo (Leo) Santoboni (Annapolis) Computer Science Award, Lilly Santora (Annapolis), Tessa Schut (Chestertown) English Award, Nicholas (Nick) Scribner (Easton), Ashton Seaman (Severna Park) 12 Star Award, Matthew Sharpless (Easton), Danielle Simmons (Chestertown) The Faculty Award, Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal, Chestertown High School Alumni Association Scholarship, Presidential Fellow at Washington College, Jude Smith (Stevensville) The Anita Gruss Athletic Award, 12 Star Award, Andrew Steele (Centreville), Thomas Umidi (Arnold), and Yutong (Vera) Xie (Kunming, Yunnan, China).

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 in Centreville, Md. celebrating its 111th commencement, celebrating the 53 members of the Class of 2022. This year’s senior class had a successful college admission season and worked hard to earn $7.8 million dollars in merit scholarships. 

Pictured: (Left) Commencement Speaker and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum President Kristen Greenaway, Head of School John Lewis (Right) Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis and Vice Chair of the Board of Gunston Trustees Joe Janey, P’21. 

Front Row: Isabella De Leon, Yutong (Vera) Xie, Abigail (Abbey Miller), Madison (Madi) Hanlon, Ashley Escobar, Paige Holmes, Morgan Garner, Alexis (Lexi) Meiklejohn, Ainsleigh Pocock, Magdalena (Maggie) Miller, Danielle Simmons, Summer Salos. 

Second Row: Kallena Kemp, Tessa Schut, Nina Friedman, Lexi Norman, Georgia Gillespie, Nora FauntLeRoy, Evelyn (Evie) Hagan, Lilly Santora, Anastasia Clair, Samantha LeCrone, Gracie Callahan, Ava Duvall.

Third Row: James (Jimmy) Fraser, Joshua Campbell, Charlotte Cook, Lucy Bamford, Sofia Angarita, Sheila Groz, Cameron (Cami) Lord, Aidan Ireland, Nicholas Scribner, Matthew Sharpless.

Fourth Row: Ashton Seaman, Alec Sanderson, Andrew Steele, John (Jack) Brady, Jude Smith, Leonardo (Leo) Santoboni, Sebastian Borland, Juyoung (Ju) Lee, Jian (Daniel) Dang, Adam Papadopoulos.

Fifth Row: Robert Crow, Zachary (Zach) LaFleur, Colin Lang, Fletcher Parsons, Benjamin (Ben) Cunningham, Thomas Umidi, Rui (Spencer) Liu, Curtis (Andrew) Baughman, Noah Friel.

2022 G&W AWARDS

Valedictorian (Middleton) Award: Abigail & Magdalena Miller

Head of School John Lewis presents the Samuel A. Middleton (Valedictorian) award to Abbey Miller and Maggie Miller of Easton, Md. 

The Gunston Award: Lucy Bamford

Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis presents The Gunson Award to Lucy Bamford, Chestertown, Md.

Community Service Award: Anastasia Clair
Leadership Award: Sofia Angarita
Diversity Leader Award: Ashley Escobar
Moore Award for Improvement: Morgan Garner
Paul M. Long Award: Zach Mozher ’23
The Marie Whittico Award: Damian Renè ’23
Megan Virginia Batdorf Award: Aaron Sanderson
Clare Poussard Award: Cy Johnston ’23
Environmental Stewardship Award: Evelyn Hagan
The Faculty Award: Danielle Simmons & Isabella De Leon

The Anita Gruss Athletics Awards: Jude Smith and Lucy Bamford
12 Star Awards: Lucy Bamford, Sebastian Borland, John (Jack) Brady, Josh Campbell, Ben Cunningham, Isabella De Leon, Colin Lang, Samantha LeCrone, Ainsleigh Pocock, Ashton Seaman, and Jude Smith. 

English Award: Tessa Schut
Literature Award: Adam Papadopoulos
Senior Paradigm: Sofia Angarita & Kallena Kemp
Junior Symposium: Zach Mozher ’23
Immersion Award: Jan Serraviñals ’23
English Language Acquisition Award: Rui (Spencer) Liu
Spanish Award: Sofia Angarita & Ashley Escobar
History Award: Colin Lang
Math Award: Abigail & Magdelena Miller
Sciences Award: Sofia Angarita & Samantha LeCrone
Engineering Award: Robert Crow & Ju Lee
Computer Science Award: Leonardo Santoboni
Fine Art Award: Nora FauntLeRoy
Theater Award: Kallena Kemp
Music Award: Alec Sanderson

Greater Community & College Awards:
Colin Lang, United States Naval Academy Appointment Recognition
Danielle Simmons, Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal, Chestertown High School Alumni Association Recognition
Ashley Escobar, Senator Van Hollen Public Service Award, George B. Todd Scholarship, Woicke Family Scholarship
Sofia Angarita, CHSAA Memorial Scholarship
Nora FauntLeRoy, Senatorial Scholarship from Senator Ed Reilly

Benedictine Spring Gala Held at the Tidewater After 3-Year Hiatus

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 After a 3-year hiatus, Benedictine staff, families, board and community members and the developmentally disabled and autistic children and adults that Benedictine serves, held its spring gala weekend. Held at the Tidewater Inn in Easton, this event allows for a celebration of the organization’s accomplishments of the past year and to also raise funds to support the needs of Benedictine and those they serve.

Sister Mary Agnes is overwhelmed as she is presented with the new “Heart of Benedictine” award by Tom Collamore, past Board president.

“It was great to get back to Benedictine’s Spring Gala tradition,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “Friday night we focused on the backbone of Benedictine – our employees. It was an opportunity to thank them for everything they do to support our mission, students and adults in our programs. The energy and excitement flowed into Saturday night where we gathered to honor those that support Benedictine in various ways and to premier the “Everyday Miracles” video which moved everyone in the room. It was great to be back in person to celebrate the mission of Benedictine!”

Over the course of the 2-day event, three women were celebrated for the work they have done to contribute to the success of Benedictine. The first was Blanche Ell, a group home house counselor that received the Sister Jeannette award. This award is given out each year to a staff member that exemplifies Benedictine’s mission and values of hospitality, dignity of work and compassionate caring. The Award was presented by Pfizer executive Maggi Madden, Benedictine’s new Board President and relative to a Benedictine supported person. “Blanche has dedicated her life to helping children and adults with disabilities and is a fierce advocate for those she serves,” stated Maggi Madden. “It was an honor to present this award to Blanche during our Welcome Reception with family and friends in attendance to applaud her dedication.”

Bette Kenzie showed surprise as she is honored with the Cornerstone Award.

The Cornerstone Award is an award given to those that go above and beyond in supporting Benedictine. With only 5 awards ever given, this year proved time to present it to Bette Kenzie. As the inscription reads, “Like a steadfast cornerstone, your loyalty is a firm foundation and powerful example…,” truly reflects her 17 years of dedication to Benedictine especially most recently in supporting staffing needs during the pandemic.

“It was incredibly special to be honored with the Cornerstone Award and have my family with me at the gala to share in this moment.  Benedictine has been such a blessing to my grandson and, because of the love and support of the staff, he achieves his greatest potential every day. I consider it a privilege to be able to help Benedictine and the amazing good work they do.”

Blanche Ell pictured with Maggi Madden upon receiving the Sister Jeannette award.

A very special dedication was also announced at the gala. Sister Mary Agnes Dugan, who has been with the Benedictine school in Ridgely since 1975, was tearful as she heard the announcement of a new award called “The Heart of Benedictine,” dedicated in her honor. This award celebrates the entire community that supports Benedictine and will be given out each year to a volunteer, parent, donor, community or staff member.

Another highlight of the evening was the debut of the newly produced “Everyday Miracles” video that captured the stories of a student and an adult served by Benedictine. It also provided an insider’s glimpse of Benedictine’s Easton Office vocational training program. Attendees were deeply touched and grateful for the heartfelt and honest sharing of the families that Benedictine serves.

Gratitude is extended to the Benedictine families and staff that supported Benedictine during the gala weekend along with the gala sponsors that included The Tidewater Inn; Mullen, Sondberg, Wimbish and Stone; Celadon Design; Cox, Graae and Spack Architects; and Chris Dorr Photography.

For more information on Benedictine’s services and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at claudia.cunningham@benschool.org or call 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

To view the “Everyday Miracles” video and other Benedictine news, go to https://benschool.org/about-us/event-directory/.

Easton Middle School Students Inducted into National Junior Honor Society

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The Easton Middle School Chapter of The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) held a ceremony to induct new members for the 2021-2022 school year.

NJHS recognizes outstanding middle school students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) officially established NJHS in 1929, eight years after it founded National Honor Society for high school students.

Students who qualify must submit an application and essay, and are selected based on the five criteria.  Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through
active involvement in school activities and community service.

The current officers of the Easton Middle School Chapter of NJHS are Addison Eader, President; Samantha Townsend, Vice President; Lily Secrist, Secretary; My’A Johnson, Treasurer; Mary Claire O’Connor, Historian.  Mrs. Lindsay Matthews, Social Studies Teacher, serves as Advisor for the club.

The 2021-2022 inductees are as follows:

Fall Inductees

8th Grade

Madelyn Abbatiello, Ella Ball, Kali Gregory, Megan Kirby, Miranda Stup, Gemma Vogel

Spring Inductees

8th Grade

Cayce Allen, Ali Bahar, Dustin Blue, Annalyn Crist, Jada Drummond, Eliot Hunter-Watts, Briana Ocampo-Serrano, Destiny Strawberry, Ryan Tate, Serenity Velez, Toren Willis

7th Grade

Claire Adelman, Paige Bodle, Miles Chaney, Hunter Colombo, Charlotte Cordeiro, Carolyn Crist, Sean Curry, Hannah Dahlen, Austin Eader, Caroline Fink, Corey Fisher, Emmett Fox, Finley Golden, Shiza Gondal, Cassidy Gwin, Samantha Haas, Ella Hines, Landon Hollingsworth, Jordan Horsey, Chandan Hosamani, KJ Howie, Christopher Jackson, Cruze Janes, Abigail Jobeck, Morgan Kelly, Maddie Knight, Alexander Knopp, Addison Knox, Nicholas Lesher, Oliver Lloyd, Paige Marion, Anthony Melendez-Martinez, Nergiz Mentese, Adeline Moore, Jonah Morris, Cole Murphy, Heaven Murray, Luke Myers, Charlotte Newman, Penelope Nowak, Alison Ocampo-Serrano, Riley Pedersen, Stella Petrichenko, Benjamin Phillips, Nicole Phillips, Brooklyn Pierce, Ryann Quicke, John Seymour, Kyleigh Simpkins, Daniel Smith, Gabby Smith, Maxwell Smith, Georgia Spies, Avery Stamerro, Annie Straczewski, Chloe Swartz, Elena Szwaja, Ava Thomas, Ava Timms, Sterling Washington, Jordyn Wilson-Colbert, Kylee Zajac