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May 19, 2022

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Education Ed Portal Lead Education Ed Portal Lead Spy Top Story

Chesapeake College Gets a Second Wind after the COVID years: A Chat with President Cliff Coppersmith

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The last time the Spy had a check-in with Chesapeake College president Cliff Coppersmith in the spring of 2021, there were far too many unknowns for the CEO of one of the best community colleges in the state as he faced year two of the great COVID pandemic.

In almost every part of Cliff’s portfolio, there were more questions than answers about the college’s future as the school saw a dramatic decline in students, unprecedented budget challenges, confusion on how much state funding his institution was to receive, or whether or not Chesapeake could access COVID recovery funding from the federal government.

Like every other school in the country, COVID has created enough havoc for Chesapeake College’s students, faculty, and staff over the last two years that even its president couldn’t responsibility guess what its future held at the time.

Fast-forward to 2022, and Dr. Coppersmith has almost become a new man. Since our last conversation, the state has come through for its community colleges with an unprecedented 15.1% increase in operational support. And, yes, fed money for COVID recovery did arrive with the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), and just as importantly, the five counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot all agreed to a 3% increase in annual support.

Cliff also notes that during those uncertain months, his board of trustees and staff double-downed on private fundraising and government grant-seeking to create new revenue sources to help with the college’s bottom line with outstanding early results.

But the thing that puts a smile on President Coppersmith is that students are coming back to the classroom. In fact, the school should be able to report soon that enrollment will almost reach its pre-pandemic level.

Last week, the Spy sat down with Cliff Coppersmith at his office in Wye Mills to hear more.

This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about Chesapeake College please go here.

Talbot Board of Education Announces Finalists for Superintendent of Schools

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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.  

 

The Magic of Books at Galena Elementary

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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. 

Talbot Mentors Announce Resignation of Director Gerson Martinez

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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.

Talbot County Superintendent Kelly Griffith to Retire Next Year

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Talbot County Public Schools Superintendent Kelly L. Griffith, Ed.D. has announced that she will retire as of July 1, 2022 after 39 years as an educator.  

Dr. Griffith was appointed as the Interim Superintendent in 2013, and was officially appointed TCPS Superintendent in 2014 after a national search was conducted.  She holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Wilmington University, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Salisbury University, where she also earned her undergraduate degree.  Dr. Griffith began her career as a teacher in Delaware in 1983, and joined the TCPS team in 1988. Her leadership positions included serving as an assistant principal and principal of Easton Middle School, principal of Easton and Chapel District Elementary Schools as well as Easton High School, Director of Student Programs and School Improvement, and Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. 

“As I complete my ninth year and second contract serving in this capacity, I make this decision with mixed emotions,” Dr. Griffith said in a letter to the community.  “Simply stated, it is time for me to embark upon new opportunities in both my personal and professional life.”

Susan Delean-Botkin, Talbot County Board of Education President stated “Dr. Kelly Griffith was just awarded the Maryland Superintendent of the Year, and is now in contention for that same recognition nationally.  What a fitting way to conclude 39 years of professional teaching, child advocacy, administrative leadership, team building, foresight, and inclusivity. In those 39 years, starting as a middle school teacher, she gave so much to so many for so long that there are few in the Mid Shore area untouched by her passion for children, quality education, teacher and staff advocacy, diversity and equity.”  

“Dr. Griffith promoted Talbot County wherever she went and served on multiple community organizations in her efforts to build bridges between the school system and the whole community,” Ms. Delean-Botkin added.   “We wish her and her husband the very best in her retirement. And we salute her for giving Talbot County the wonderful gift of complete dedication for so many years.”

Dr. Griffith will remain actively involved in the community as an Easton Rotarian (currently President-Elect), a member of the Talbot Family Network, Talbot Mentors, Junior Achievement Board, the Local Emergency Preparedness Committee, and an Executive Board Member of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce.  She also volunteers for the Waterfowl Festival, Meals on Wheels, and Junior Achievement.  

 “During the remaining months of my time as your Superintendent, I will continue to work with the Board to promote the best possible decisions on behalf of our children and staff,” Griffith added.  “I am also committed to making the smoothest possible transition for my successor’s administration.  I am truly grateful for my TCPS and community family.”

 

Mid-Shore Education: A Chat with Gunston School’s John Lewis

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It is instinctively hard for any thoughtful leader of an institution to use the word “thriving” to categorize the current state of their enterprise while the country recovers from an international health crisis.  Yet, that might be the only word applied to The Gunston School these days.

At a time when many other schools need to slowly work their way back from the devastation that COVID-19 brought to secondary education, Headmaster John Lewis reports in his latest Spy interview on the fact that the Centreville-based Gunston is firing on all cylinders.

Not only is the school hitting record enrollment numbers, with now more than 230 students attending the 9-12 grade school, but, with the exception of the first dark months of the pandemic, those young people have been in the physical classroom as well.

In fact, with this remarkable stability in place, Headmaster Lewis is not thinking of keeping the status quo. He and his board of trustees have now embarked on a new strategic vision intended to allow the school’s physical plant to catch up with the kind of school Gunston has grown into since becoming a co-ed high school in 1995. That includes plans for more STEM classroom space, a dedicated performing arts center, and the addition of an athletic center that matches Gunston’s ever-expanding sports teams and fitness requirements.

The Spy drove over to talk with John Lewis a few weeks ago to hear about this remarkable phase in Gunston’s 110-year history as he begins his twelve-year as its headmaster.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about The Gunston School please go here.

WC Launches American Renewal Program with Help from Easton’s Barbara Denton

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Barbara Denton

The Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture (IRPC), an academic program at Washington College that explores the historic and continuing contributions of religion to political and cultural life and the enduring value of America’s founding principles, is delighted to announce the launch of The Barbara Denton Program for American Renewal. A series of mentoring-intensive programs and scholarships for local high school students exploring the principles of religious freedom, responsible citizenry, and the rule of law, the Barbara Denton Program for American Renewal will forge a new generation of American civic leaders. 

The program will provide scholarship support to local students attending Washington College as incoming Institute Student Fellows and will conduct educational programs for students in local elementary, middle, and high schools.  Details for the 2021-2022 year will be announced this fall. 

About Barbara Denton

Barbara was born in Huntington, WV, graduated from St. Joseph Central Catholic High School, and from University of Notre Dame of Maryland. Barbara rose through the ranks of Sales & Marketing at CSX Transportation to become National Account Manager. She retired from CSX to become Director of Marketing at Maryland Midland Rwy.

Having always been interested in history, civics and politics, she became much more involved after retiring and moving to the Shore. She joined the Heritage Foundation, became a Heritage Sentinel and attended several National Sentinel meetings, where she has taken an active role in supporting  the founding values of the American Republic.

“My creed is axiomatic; God, family and Country, the basic order by which one should live and the order all should pass on to future generations,” Barbara states. She demonstrates this creed by working through Christ Church in Easton, supporting those in need locally and by contributing to God’s work through organizations such as the Kimmel Cancer Institute, Lutheran World Relief, Shriners Hospital for Children and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, among others.

Barbara, and husband Paul, live in Easton, MD. with their much loved dog George. They have two daughters, Cynthia (Bob) and Sara (Craig) and four grandchildren.

For more information or to make a donation to the Barbara Denton Program for American Renewal, contact Director Joseph Prud’homme at jprudhomme2@washcoll.edu.  

                       

​Mid-Shore Education: A Chat with ​Gunston School’s Abbey and Maggie Miller

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The Gunston School announced the other day that seniors Abbey and Maggie Miller of Easton have been selected as semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, making them part of the top 16,000 high school students selected out of 1.5 million qualified applicants.

This is a a major accomplishment for the twins since National Merit semifinalists represent less than one percent of high school seniors in the United States.

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

“Growing up, I was always encouraged to do my best in school,” said Maggie. “I worked hard to achieve my goals and learned that preparation was the key to success. I’ve always enjoyed math and science; I attended coding summer camps when I was younger and this past summer I was a leader for a week-long STEM camp for students at the local elementary school. Leading up to the PSAT exam date, I used some of my extra time on weekends to do practice problems, using resources like Khan Academy. Next fall, I plan on studying at an engineering school in the Northeast.”

Abbey adds, “I have always worked hard in my classes and done well in school. When I was younger, my parents encouraged me to excel academically. They supported me as I developed my interests and set different goals for myself. I would not have been able to achieve this if it weren’t for them. In school, I gravitate towards anything related to STEM, so I plan on majoring in engineering at college.”

English teacher Morey Weimer, who is also the advisor of the new chess club the Millers co-founded, recalled their individual impact in his class, “Maggie’s writing on Margaret Atwood inspired me to not only read a handful of Atwood novels over the summer, but to dive deeply into the realm of cli-fi (re: climate fiction) and to reconsider how stories can function as a sort of looking glass into a world where current issues are taken to an extreme. Abbey’s writing on Ray Bradbury offered insight into the relationship between science, technology, and storytelling. In fact, one of Abbey’s essays inspired an entire unit in my “From Stories to Science” [in the Anthropocene course] about engineering and the power of stories to influence the sort of world that we design and build. Maggie and Abbey both aren’t afraid to ask for help. They take constructive criticism well and consistently make an effort to improve their writing.”

“Abbey and Maggie are not just superior students, but also superior citizens,” shared Gunston’s Head of School John Lewis, “They have excelled throughout their career in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in their service to others. As a school, we are deeply proud of their accomplishments.”

Since Abbey and Maggie live only a few blocks for the Spy studio, we thought we’d have a quick chat with them as they begin the process of applying to college this fall.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information about Gunston School please go here.

The Frederick Douglass Honor Society Honors A True American Hero on Saturday

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The Frederick Douglass Honor Society, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and Talbot County Free Library are pleased to announce their annual Frederick Douglass Day celebration will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2021. This virtual event is brimming with awe-inspiring creativity, world-wide participation, and an abundance of history, entertainment, and fun for people of all ages.

The story of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) is immensely inspiring as his life embodies the American dream of surmounting immense obstacles to achieve greatness. His many triumphs changed the way the nation regarded oppression and equality. An abolitionist, statesman, and self-educated man, Frederick Douglass became one of the most prominent Americans of his time. He was a masterful writer, world-famous orator, an advisor to presidents, U.S. Marshall, Ambassador, Bank President, and the first African American to have his name placed in nomination as a presidential candidate for the United States.  Douglass’s publications and speeches influenced the adoption of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Constitutional Amendments, known as the Reconstruction Amendments.

More than most, Frederick Douglass was the author of his life, educating himself, planning and effecting his escape from slavery, and creating his subsequent career as an abolitionist and advocate for equal rights for all oppressed people. His lifetime spanned the Civil War, the end of slavery, and the beginning of segregation. His legacy is timeless – a man for all seasons whose writings to this day inspire people around the world.  He is far and away Talbot County’s most famous native son. 

A broad-shouldered man with wide-set eyes and a deep and memorable voice, Frederick Douglass stood six feet, two inches tall. He was a devoted father and family man. He and his first wife, Anna Murray Douglass, raised three sons and a daughter. Their children worked closely with Douglass as educators, printers, and business correspondents. Anna played many roles, including accomplished chef, business manager, and anti-slavery campaigner. She was also an important conductor on the Underground Railroad. Financially savvy, Anna saved enough money to finance Frederick Douglass’s escape to New York, wearing a sailor uniform she sewed for him for his disguise. 

Twelve years ago, the Town of Easton and the Frederick Douglass Honor Society formed a partnership to bring the Frederick Douglass statue project to a successful conclusion. Over the following eighteen months, they approved a sculptor, secured a permanent location for the statue, and planned a four-day celebration known as “Douglass Returns”. Overwhelming financial support was received from the community, state government and agencies, and generous donors from near and far. Ten years ago this year, on June 18, 2011, the statue of Frederick Douglass was unveiled before a crowd of more than 3,000.  Dr. David Blight of Yale and former Governor Martin O’Malley spoke about the depth of Douglass’s courage, the significance of his life, his messages that have withstood the test of time, and his lifelong fight for justice.  The impact of Douglass’s fight for equality and justice holds a permanent place in America’s history, one that all visitors are reminded of when they catch sight of his statue on the courthouse lawn. 

The virtual event, which goes live at 10 a.m. online at www.FrederickDouglassHonorSociety.com or www.FrederickDouglassDay.com , features four main components:  a Welcome Ceremony with Mistress of Ceremonies Brenda Wooden, President of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society, a libation ceremony led by Harriette Lowery, the Morgan State University Choir, Dr. David Blight, Governor Larry Hogan, Terron Quailes, Rabbi Peter Hyman, Phylicia Rashad, former Governor Martin O’Malley, Professor John Stauffer, Mayor Robert Willey, Talbot County Councilman Corey Pack, Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman, Talbot County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Helga Einhorn, Cameron McCoy, Brandon Coleman, and recollections from the “Douglass Returns” celebration.  

The Talbot County Free Library (11 AM) highlights Kenneth Morris, Jr. (Co-founder and President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives) sharing his story about Anna Murray Douglass, his great-great-great grandmother. Laura Era, local artist, teacher and owner of Troika Gallery will unveil her portrait in oils of Anna Murray Douglass. The portrait will be presented to Director Dana Newman and donated to the Talbot County Free Library. Following the unveiling, Dr. David Blight (Director of the Gilder-Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance and Abolition), Dr. John Stauffer (Sumner R. and Marshall S. Kates Professor of English and of African and African-American Studies, Harvard University) and Dr. Celeste-Marie Bernier (Professor of U.S. and Atlantic Studies, University of Edinburgh) will review one of each other’s published books about Frederick Douglass.  

The Children’s Village (11 AM) provides great entertainment for young children including free Frederick Douglass coloring books, a map game showing where Frederick Douglass lived and traveled, story time with Shauna Beulah, Talbot County Free Library- St. Michaels Branch Librarian, Zoom background, memes and opportunities to win fun experience based prizes from a visit to the Maryland Zoo Baltimore to the National Aquarium, a ride aboard the Oxford Bellevue Ferry, membership to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, gift certificates and more.   

The Frederick Douglass Honor Society invites you to virtually join them at 11:30 AM as they introduce their new video “The World Honors Frederick Douglass”. This film brings together people and places across our nation and abroad paying homage to Frederick Douglass and the footprints he has left over the past two centuries. 

The 2021 Frederick Douglass Lecture features Historian and Pulitzer Prize Winner Dr. David Blight and Keidrick Roy, a PhD Candidate in American Studies at Harvard University. The virtual lecture will go live at 1 PM. Following the lecture, questions can be presented to Dr. Blight and Keidrick Roy on the Frederick Douglass Facebook page.  

At sunset on the evenings of September 24 and September 25, a special illumination of Frederick Douglass images will be shown on the front of the Talbot County Court House. The presentation is provided by Patrick Rogan, a designer of exhibitions for museums. His firm, Assemble, works with institutions to share compelling stories through images and other multimedia tools. 

Last year, thousands of people visited our virtual Frederick Douglass Day events. Favorable comments were received from around the globe. “With so many viewers enjoying our 2020 Virtual Frederick Douglass Day celebration, the Frederick Douglass Honor Society will make all components of this year’s event viewable on our website for the next eleven months”, said Brenda Wooden, President of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society.    

All events, timeline, and virtual instructions can be viewed at www.FrederickDouglassDay.com and www.FrederickDouglassHonorSociety.com.  The virtual event is made possible by the Talbot County Arts Council, Maryland Arts Council, Paul and Joanne Prager, Blue Point Hospitality, Rise Up Coffee, The Town of Easton, Bay Photographic Works, Dr. Dodson House, the Star Democrat, Dock Street Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Herb Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tilghman, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Hill, Jennifer Stanley, Queenstown Bank, and other community donors. 

 

 

The Journey to Chestertown: A Chat with Washington College’s 31st President Michael Sosulski

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Perhaps one of the greatest challenges that faced Michael Sosulski after he finished his undergraduate work at Georgetown University was whether to become a jazz sax player or pursue an academic career in foreign languages.

There was more to this decision than wishful thinking on Michael’s part. As someone who had spent his junior year abroad, he was part of a jazz band that played professional gigs throughout southwest Germany. This was ample evidence he could provide his parents, who raised their family in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, that he had both the talent and the ambition to “make it” a career.

Their response was a thoughtful one. Rather than convince Mike to follow the more financially secure route into scholarship, they made the case that he should pursue a career in music by entering a well-respected conservatory. He felt this was a reasonable suggestion, and the following year he entered the highly regarded Berklee School of Music.

To make a long story short, Michael Sosulski failed brilliantly at Berklee. For many reasons, large and small, he realized that he was never intended to be a professional musician. And so, with the help of some generous scholarship support, he enrolled in the language graduate program at the University of Chicago, where he would earn both his master’s and a doctorate in Germanic Studies.

And it was at Chicago that Michael realized that his future in academics was to be in the small liberal arts college environment. While he was the product of much larger schools, he had come to conclude that the best form of higher education was when small communities of students and teachers could built a foundation of critical thinking and knowledge in a close, personal way.

From that point on, Dr. Sosulski has followed up on that intuition. Over the past two decades, he has served on the faculty of  small schools like Valparaiso University, Pacific Lutheran University, Kalamazoo College, and eventually Wofford College.

It was at Kalamazoo College that Sosulski first became interested in the administration of a college. As a department head there, he started to see how one could have a more significant impact on an institution’s mission which eventually led him to Wofford, where he began Provost in 2016.

All of this was done while supporting his wife, Dr. Corinne (Cori) Crane, in her own academic career, and the raising of two boys, who have both now graduated from college themselves.

In this introductory interview with President Sosulski, the Spy’s Dave Wheelan and Jim Dissette learn about his unique journey to Chestertown, his impressions of Washington College and his passionate conviction that America’s needs to double-down on the liberal arts tradition.

This video is approximately minutes in 11 minutes in length. For more information about Washington College please go here.