Perhaps the most important tool an organization can have when entering a serious phase of fundraising is an document called the case for support. In as few words as possible, the school or museum will clearly articulate what the institution needs to carry on their public mission.

Sometimes these come in the form of a physical document, and more than often than not these days, they are starting to turn up as videos, podcasts, and other multimedia tools, but they all have the challenge of winning a sometimes skeptical audience on why the causes need significant philanthropic  investment.

The task of building that argument falls on staff to develop this narrative, and for Benedictine  in Ridgely, Claudia Cunningham, their new chief advancement officer, is on point for this $20 million plus service provider of non-sectarian caring for individuals with special needs.

The Spy sat down the Claudia to talk about making the case for Benedictine.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about Benedictine please go here.

Each school year the Dixon Group awards scholarships to local Maryland High schools to seniors.  One scholarship is awarded to one senior from each school – Kent County High School, Queen Anne’s County High School and Kent Island High School.

The scholarships for KCHS and QACHS are awarded by Dixon Valve and Coupling Company.  The scholarship for KIHS is awarded by KRM Development.  Both companies are part of The Dixon Group.

A successful applicant must complete a scholarship application which includes a high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores, if required, and submit a two-page essay on how they incorporate one of the Six Pillars of Character Counts! in their daily life.  They must also submit two letters of recommendation and a copy of their degree program or acceptance letter stating their major.

A scholarship in the amount of $2000 is awarded to the most qualified applicant who is pursuing a degree in the Business, Engineering or Education field.

The 2022 winners are

Myona Moore – KCHS – accepting her Dixon scholarship from Taylor Goodall, President of The Dixon Group, will be attending UMBC to study Accounting/Business Management.

Ashlyn Conley – QACHS – will be attending St. Mary’s College of Maryland to study Business Administration.  Ashlyn is accepting her Dixon scholarship from Taylor Goodall, President of The Dixon Group.

Brooke Barba – KIHS will be attending the University of South Carolina to study Mathematics.  Brooke is accepting her KRM scholarship check from Jesse Parks, President of KRM Development.

Congratulations to these deserving seniors and congratulations to the Class of 2022.

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. 

 

 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.

“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.”

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.”

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/.

Teddy L. Friedline of Greenville, SC has been awarded the 2022 Sophie Kerr Prize, which is valued at $68,292 this year. Their award-winning portfolio consists of poetry and academic essays focused broadly on gender identity and presentation, religious topics, and literature, among other topics.

Roy Kesey, Associate Director of the Rose O’Neill Literary House and Friedline’s thesis advisor offered this review of their work: “Teddy’s poems use and subvert a wide range of formal concerns to dazzling effect – the language glimmers and glows.”

This prestigious prize is awarded each year to the graduating senior demonstrating the best potential for future achievement in a literary endeavor. The cash prize amounts to half of the annual income from Sophie Kerr’s bequest to the College.  The prize is open to students within all majors. Students who want to compete for the prize submit a writing portfolio, and a committee comprised of full-time faculty in the English Department and the President reviews all submissions and makes the final decision.

“The Committee was electrified by the charge of Teddy’s poetry, engaging with the reader on a psychic journey of beauty through lyrical language, arresting images, and a humorous touch,” said Sean Meehan, English Department Chair and Curator of the Sophie Kerr Endowment. “We observed an expansive understanding of self in the portfolio that is at the same time inclusive and engaging of the reader. They are composing literature that is ambitious and profound and will soon find an audience of readers who will return to this poetry again and again.”

Friedline, an English major and double minor in Creative Writing and Art + Art History, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and served as Acting President of SAGE while at Washington College. This summer, Friedline will complete an internship with the Museum of Motherhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, working on their Journal of Mother Studies. After that, they will be exploring their options, including the possibility of graduate studies in creative writing.

“Teddy Friedline is a live wire,” said James Hall, Ph.D, Director of the Rose O’Neill Literary House. “You never know exactly how the poem will turn, or what might greet you. Structurally, this is an ambitious and high-wire act: poem as game show, poem as calculus equation, poem as cartography of the self. There’s an electricity and a focus to this work.”

“Teddy Friedline will set your heart on fire,” added Hall.

This year’s Sophie Kerr Prize six finalists are: Isabelle Anderson (Baltimore, MD), Emma Campbell (Annapolis, MD), Teddy L. Friedline (Greenville, SC), Chloe Mello (Greenville, SC), Erica Quinones (Playfair, MD), and Nicholas Ritter (Waldorf, MD).

In their acceptance speech, Friedline acknowledged and thanked their fellow finalists and friends, noting that they would not have been there if not for them. Friedline and fellow finalist Chloe Mello both studied at the Fine Arts Center, an arts high school in Greenville.

The Talbot County Board of Education has identified finalists for the Talbot County Superintendent of Schools.  The four finalists, in alphabetical order are:

James C. Bell, Jr., Ed.D., Director of Student Services and Secondary Leadership for the Seaford School District, Seaford, Delaware.  

Dr. Bell earned a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Mathematics from Southern University A & M,  and a Master of Education in School Leadership and a Doctor of Education in Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University in Georgetown, Delaware.  He began his career as a mathematics teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was recruited by Talbot County Public Schools to teach at Easton High School, where he was later promoted to Assistant Principal.  Dr. Bell has also served as Principal of Maces Lane Middle School and Supervisor of Student Services for Dorchester County Public Schools.  

Carol E. Flenard, Ed.D., Interim Superintendent, Spotsylvania County Public Schools, Virginia. 

Dr. Flenard earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Penn State University, and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She began her career as an elementary teacher, and has served as an assistant principal, principal, director of education, executive director of instruction, deputy superintendent-chief academic officer and interim superintendent.   

LeTrecia M. Gloster, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Schools, The School District of the City of York, Pennsylvania.   

Dr. Gloster earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Bowie State University, a Master of Science in Administration from Trinity University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Bowie State University.  She taught secondary mathematics in Talbot and Prince George’s County, Maryland and Charlotte, North Carolina, before returning to Maryland and serving as a middle school principal in Caroline and Prince George’s counties. She has also been Executive Director of School Support and Improvement for Metro Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee, and Director of Learning for the District of Columbia Public Schools Leadership Development Division, Washington DC.  

Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of PreK-5 Schools, Appoquinimink School District, New Castle County, Delaware. 

Dr. Pepukayi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, from Bennett College, a Master of Arts in Early and Middle Childhood Education from Ohio State University, and a Doctor of Education in Innovation and School Leadership from Wilmington University.  She previously served as Assistant Superintendent of PreK-12 Schools, principal, and assistant principal in the Appoquinimink School District.   She also taught in the Dublin School District and was a teacher and an administrator in the Red Clay Consolidated School District in Delaware.  

The four finalists will participate in interviews with the Talbot County Board of Education and with stakeholders to include members of the community, staff, students, and parents. 

The Board has been working with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education  (MABE) to conduct the superintendent search. 

Any questions regarding the search process should be directed to William Middleton, search consultant at MABE at 410-841-5414, or at wmiddleton@mabe.org.  

 

Last week at a special assembly, kids at Galena Elementary were treated to the magic of books and reading as magician Brian Curry showcased his favorite children’s books while performing magic tricks to engage the students.

The Book Club: The Magic Assembly was sponsored by Chestertown Rotary Club supporting Galena Elementary School One School One Book program, a national nonprofit whose mission is to “create a culture of literacy in every home.”

Curry, who travels from Florida to Vermont with his magic show promoting reading, says that each school engagement is unique and always satisfying. The contagious excitement in the room spoke for itself. Teachers and staff were not immune to being called to the stage to help perform some of Curry’s illusions, and there was a certain glee when physical education teacher Jillian Kinnamon got sprayed with silly string by one of the students.

Each of the four books covered during the Magic Assembly were donated to the school, along with copies of The Mouse and the Motorcycle for each student.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about the One School One Book Program, go here. 

The following is a statement issued this week by David Willse, Chair, Board of Directors of Talbot Mentors:

With both sadness and gratitude we announce Gerson Martinez’ resignation as Executive Director of Talbot Mentors, effective December 31, 2021.

Gerson joined our team four years ago and has been instrumental in fine-tuning the organization’s vision, mission and values. His work and passion for mitigating socioeconomic systemic barriers to young people’s success has been a guidepost for strengthening our youth mentoring services and more fully engaging our families in the process.

Gerson leaves Talbot Mentors in a strong position for continued growth. We sincerely thank him for his leadership and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. The good news is Gerson plans to remain in the area and will continue to be a wonderful advocate for the organization.

An outside executive search firm is being engaged to hire a new Executive Director. In the meantime, Kentavius Jones, Program Director for Talbot Mentors and Mid-Shore Scholars, will assume the responsibilities of the Executive Director. We are confident that Kentavius and all our team members will continue to professionally execute our mission for the benefit of the youth and families we serve, along with our community partners.

If you have any questions about the transition or Talbot Mentors, do not hesitate to reach out to the Board of Directors at board@talbotmentors.org.