Mustang Messenger Summer 2018 by Bishop McNamara High School

Volume 24 No. 2 The Bishop McNamara and La Reine High School Alumni Magazine

excellence in Action

The Mustang Messenger is published two times a year by Bishop McNamara High School's Office of Communications.We sincerely apologize in advance for any errors or omissions contained herein. Notices of misinformation or error may be sent to the Advancement Office at advancement@bmhs.org. Unless otherwise noted, photos are either taken by families, staff or courtesy of LifeTouch, Inc. Available online: www.bmhs.org/publications.

PRESIDENT/CEO

Dr. Marco J. Clark '85

PRINCIPAL

Dr. Nigel A. Traylor

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE Sandy Mammano Director of Development

Melissa Antonio Huar LR ’91 Director of Events and Programs

Dionna Gunter Database Manager/Gifts Processor

Clare McGrath Merkle LR ’74 Director of Foundation, Corporate and Government Relations Santana Questa Communications Specialist

Dr. Robert Van der Waag Director for Mission Advancement

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 5-9

President's Pen Around Campus Class of 2018 Strategic Plan 2018-2023 Mustang Moments

10-13 Academic Excellence The Road to College Continuing the Legacy of Academic Excellence 14

Caritas 2018

Mustang Cup / Sip & Swing

16-19 Faith & Service An Open Heart Calling: Creating Tubesies Gratitude Through Service 20-23 Athletic Pride Coaching with Purpose Go for the Gold: Jasmine Dantzler â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18 Creates KidsGoPlay 24-28 Talent in the Arts Becoming the Band Company Commander The Power of Narrative 29

Excellence in Action VOLUME 24 ISSUE NUMBER 2 26

National Signing Day at Bishop McNamara

30-33 The Faith. Family. Future! Capital Campaign Innovation Night at Bishop McNamara Religious Orders Pledge Support on the Campaign Capital Campaign Honors Steve and Dianne Proctor How to Make a Gift to the BMHS 50th Anniversary Campaign 34-37 Alumni News Triesta Fowler-Lee: Excellence in Medicine 38

Golden Apple Award

Goyette Endowed Chair

40-41 Upcoming Events/Reunion Information 42

Ways to Support

In Loving Memory THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

President's Pen Dr. Marco J. Clark ’85, President/CEO Innovate. Transform. Thrive!

Dear Bishop McNamara and La Reine High School Family and Friends, Another school year is in the books; and another record year it was! Our senior class once again surpassed the $20 million mark for meritbased scholarships and grants to some of the top colleges and universities in the nation, including Dartmouth College, the United States Naval Academy, Xavier University, Morehouse College, Georgetown University, the University of Maryland and so many more. Out of our 203 graduating students, 99 percent will be continuing their studies in higher education…and 100 percent of them are leaving with the competence, confidence, conviction and courage to be change leaders in a world that so desperately needs them. We recognized our local and national award-winning teachers and our graduates continue to make change in society. We all have so much to be proud of ! It has also been a record year of participation in our Spes Unica Annual Fund. The annual fund is the life-blood of our annual fundraising operations and enables us the opportunity to continue to support the growing needs of our students, teachers and programs. Some years ago, the President at Princeton University urged each of the new freshman at their school to look to their left and to their right at the people sitting on either side of them. He then said to them, two out of the three of you are here because of the generosity of someone else who helped to make this possible. Indeed, that is what the Spes Unica Annual Fund does for our students. With nearly two-thirds of our students receiving financial assistance and/or merit-based aid, this would not be possible if not for the generosity of others. Whether $10,000, $1,000, $100 or just $10 every donation makes a difference. Paying it forward is part of our vocation and legacy on this earth. Finally, I am excited to present to you the renderings for the future La Reine Science & Innovation Center. This new Center will commemorate the proud traditions of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and La Reine High School. Likewise, the inspirational new Legacy Courtyard will honor the Bernardine Sisters and the Brothers of Holy Cross who served throughout the years at our two schools. We are asking everyone to get behind us in this new initiative. This project is virtuous. It is necessary and timely. The numbers are confounding—the United States ranks far below other modernized nations in producing engineers. Worse yet, the numbers of women and minorities in these fields is even more staggering. Bishop McNamara High School and the new La Reine Science & Innovation Center can and will address these deficits. Not only will we be able to better meet the needs of our science and tech-thirsty community, but we will create builders, entrepreneurs and innovators who will address the world’s greatest challenges. As we partner with organizations such as the National Academy of Engineering, ACE Mentor DC, Lockheed Martin, Rockwell Collins, Joint Base Andrews and so many more, we know that this Center and the students that will be taught within it will be forces for good. They will innovate, thrive and transform the world! Just as current parent Mrs. Shonda Harmon states in our Campaign video: "If this school is producing these kinds of people, that is something I can get behind." We need to get behind these young people. They need it, this school needs it, this neglected corridor of the county needs it, our country needs it and the world needs it. The longer I am at this School the more I realize that what we are doing is so much bigger than ourselves. Truly, the work of this school is a work of Resurrection. Mrs. Heather Gossart, previous Bishop McNamara High School President used to close her speeches at the School with these words: “The best is yet to come!” I too close this letter with deep gratitude to all those who helped to create our proud past, made possible this thriving future, and for paving the way to an even better future. Truly, the best is yet to come.

Ave Crux Spes Unica! With gratitude, in Holy Cross,

Marco J. Clark '85, Ed.D. President/CEO @mustangprez

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

$20+ million

Class of

2018 203

Students Aliyah S. AbdulBarr Danielle O. Akinbobola Olaedo Akwada Ryan Charles Allegro Sydney Michelle Allen Spencer Donald Anderson Yasmin Paula Arias-Williams Stanton Isayah Askew Joná Avent Alysse Katrina Banks Jaden C. Banks Jován Steven Banks Maxwell C. W. Barbour Meyah Danyel Barnes Michelle Salvador Bautista Madison Beavers Pamela A. Bechet Jillian Kaye Shawna Bishop Joseph Patrick Boone Sydney Char Bowie Cameron A. Boyce William Barclay Boyd Charlie James Brenner Kerrice Ayanna Brooks Kiera M. Brothers Geoffrey Donald Brown Jr. Jonathan Zion Brown Kemah R. Brown David Jarrel Brownlee Nia Elizabeth Harris Burnley Jenaya Marie Dela Cruz Bustamante Kevin Nathaniel Byrd Michelle Therese Cabotaje Sydnee’ Taylor Carter Ravyn Q. Carver Jones Jordan Isaiah Clarke Ja’Von Zyear Conyers Jodi Veronica Cooper Jaide Jolie Cotton Marc Countiss Jr. Jailynn Kahlese Cox Tierra Monique Curseen Jasmine Renee Dantzler Laetitia Zoe Darbeau Jordan Nicholas Daugherty Courtland Girardeau Daverne Alexis Kennedy Davis Lauryn Mikaela Marie Davis Maniaya Elexis Davis Selena Maria Davis Zykeah Tarvé Davis

99%

in Scholarships & Financial Aid

College Acceptance Rate

athletic scholarships awarded

Ryan J. Diehlmann Taylor Elise Dixon Trinity LaShae’ Dixon Thomas Thanhtam Do Jacob Ryan Dougherty Shayla Laniece Ector Kira Nicole Edwards Robert Lewis Edwards Huan Mary Elwood Lauryn Symone Ervin Lindsay Raelyn Felton Nica Gajo Florentino Alexander Perez Flores Arielle Flynn Maury Christopher Fontaine II Ellery James Forssell Destiny Anyia Francois Simone Caitlyn Frederick Makayla Renan Fuller William Edward Barry Garner Troy D. Garrett Jr. Jacqueline Chanelle Gavin Jourdan Michelle Gibbs Trinity Ashleigh Gibson Kyle Dominic Gioffre DeMia Christina Elizabeth Goddard Olivia N. Gray Christopher John Greene Nicole Jean Greenhill Kennedy Simone Grimes Taylor Simone Grimes Maxwel Miles Guy Victoria MaCheryl Hall Kadin Hardy Jeannetta Janae Harris Angel Nicole Harrison Paris Camille Harrison Nia Naomi Hayes Christana Caprice Henry Jazlin Victoria Hinnant Logan Nicole Fennell Holbert Rulondo T. Holland Jr. Nathaniel Eddie Junus Howard Lauren Nicole Huckaby Aaron Harris Ivey Jasmine Nicole-Frances Jackson Kiyanna Renee Jackson Runé Mario Jackson II Tatyana Marie Jackson Brianna Jessica Jefferson Delmar Ollie Jeter

More than

24,000 hours of Christian Service

58% received

Students Received Full Scholarships to College

merit-based scholarships Andre Michael Johnson II Ashley Nicole Jones Joseph Allen Keller III David Benjamin Korendyke Etzer Laurore IV Dominique Armani Linkins Miguel Alexander Lopez Elise Nicole Mack Kyla Magee Kaleb Raelond Malker Andrea Cristina Marrero-Massa James I. Marshall Nigel O’Neal Marshall Tara Nicole Mason Jeremiah McCain Thomas LaFayette McCauley Shannon Leigh McCreary Sydney Paige McKenzie Aidan McNary-Hickey Annelise Jasmine Mejicanos Keyshawn Isaiah Miller Tyler James Miller Jenna Victoria Milner Olivia Lynne Mitchell Kamau Pierre Moody Darius Taríq Moore Justin Alexander Morton Tamia Mya Neal Jairius D. Nelson Arinze Brian Okeke Simisola Soledad Olorunwunmi Nadia Ionie Payne Caleb Joshua Payton Tayler Marie Person Tyrus Crews Pincham Khai Bentley Pinkston Jada DeLisa Prater Catherine Elizabeth Ramsey Joshua Henry Randle Tommi Chanel Reed Micah Joan Corrine Reid Mikayla Danyelle Revell Raemyn Janel Richardson Dashon Phillip Ridley Charlé Christin Robinson Britney Catalina Rogero Kira Simone Royster Tiarra Monet Rush Pamela Salazar Jalyn Mckenzie Sandiford Sydney Felice Savoy-Brown

Tre’von Sawyers Kayla Nicole Scott Steven Marcel Scott II Theodore Sherron III Korron Alexander Shivers Christian Lamont Shortt Brendan M. Singleton Cam’ron Isaiah Smith London Simone Smith Phillip Smith Sydney Sabre Smith Camille Elizabeth Spurlock Sierra Reneé St. Cyr Deion Prince Stewart Bailey Brock Stypolkowski Makayla Oceana Tabron David Ryan Talbot Barrington Louis Taylor LeShoun Clifton Taylor Kobe Thornton Lauryn Janel Titus Camryn Laverne Tucker Kobie Reed Tuckson Jr. Sarah Elizabeth Tutz Brandon Jordan Tyler Cedric Ronen Urcia Nicole Shanell Veney Ndia Lanyce Via Phylicia NiKole Walker Kiana Alexis Ward Kala N. Washington Alecia Nicole Waterman Skylar Dominique Watson Lauren Danielle Weaver Jacob Eric Werzinsky Donté Jaylen Wheeler Noah Brooks Whitaker Quinton Jordan Whitfield Ibn Kareem Williams Joshua-Paul Isaiah Williams Lauren Ashley Williams Reggie Wilson Jr. Rikiah Regina Wise Christa Naomi Wright Kennedi Paige Wright Brookes Derrick-Lee Yates Jaeda O. York Ajani Elijah Young Janaye Amani Young Jordyn Hayley Young n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Bishop Mcnamara High School

Strategic Plan 2018-2023 Vision:

Empowered leaders, inspired by the Gospel, transforming the world.

Mission:

To educate hearts and minds in a dynamic, inclusive Catholic school community rooted in the Holy Cross tradition.

Indicators of Success:

1. Fully embrace our Holy Cross, Catholic identity by integrating our mission and vision in all aspects of school life.

2. Create a culture of innovation throughout the institution. 3. Grow endowment to $5 million.

4. Complete the La Reine Science & Innovation Center.

5. Educate the whole person – body, mind, heart and soul – preparing our students to thrive as balanced young adults, global citizens, and leaders with integrity, faith and excellence.

Innovate. Transform. Thrive. Innovate:

Transform:

Thrive:

1. Cultivate an environment that supports creativity and informed risk-taking and provides rich student experiences with an emphasis on bringing social value as global citizens with an unwavering commitment to service and justice.

1. Invigorate the School’s brand in a way that clearly and aggressively communicates the School’s value proposition.

1. Develop the physical, financial, programmatic and human resources necessary to increase capacity, knowledge, competence, performance, and long-term sustainability.

2. Encourage next-generation teaching excellence that is student-centered, handson and holistic. 3. Provide time and physical space for collaboration, exploration, and creativity among faculty and students.

4. Enrich our learning environment through engagement with businesses, institutions of higher learning, and cultural organizations.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

2. Strengthen and maintain a robust and comprehensive network of programs, staff, alumni, and other resources to support the well-being and resiliency of our students. 3. Reinforce excellence across all School programs.

4. Prioritize our graduation outcomes and requirements to prepare our students to be visionary scholars and ethical leaders to advance.

2. Leverage partnerships and collaborations to provide more opportunities to fulfill our Holy Cross mission to make God known, loved and served. 3. Ensure that the School’s environment reflects, serves and celebrates the rich diversity of the Washington Metropolitan area.

4. Develop meaningful ways to integrate and celebrate the legacy of La Reine High School and the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.

Bishop Mcnamara High School Strategic Plan 2018-2023

Innovate: Committed to the integration of traditional education with progressive scholarship and instruction, we will provide students and faculty with unique opportunities to become immersed in a culture of academic excellence, creativity and innovation.

Transform: As a proactive leader in Catholic education and with a focus on long-term sustainability and making a difference in the community and across the globe, we will strengthen the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources to achieve our strategic priorities and ensure that our School remains viable, accessible and inclusive.

Thrive: We are committed to igniting a passion for our School and our mission and vision with a commitment to achieving excellence and distinction in all areas as we endeavor toward local, national and global renown.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

MUSTANG MOMENTS On February 15, Bishop McNamara High School hosted our annual Black History Month Assembly. The event began with a special performance by BMHS Principal Dr. Nigel Traylor on the keyboard and faculty member Ms. Rhoda Sutton singing vocals. Students conducted research on historic African American figures prior to the assembly, then provided their findings in “live museum” presentations. The event featured several performances by our Sankofa Company, the Step Team and the Hip Hop Club. The keynote speaker was Georgetown University Provost’s Distinguished Associate Professor of History and African American Studies, Dr. Marcia Chatelain. Dr. Chatelain gave a presentation on the influence of the unsung heroes in American history who helped promote African American civil rights. n

about her relationship with her parents, both of whom happen to be deaf. Liatu was also featured in a video by WUSA 9 Sports Reporter Chris Williamson. n

The BMHS Lady Mustangs Basketball Team was featured on WUSA9 and 9-Cribs this season, a program which allows studentathletes to give a behind-the-scenes tour of their locker rooms and show how they prepare for games. n Lady Mustangs basketball player Jakia Brown-Turner ’19 was selected to the 2018 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Maryland Girls Basketball Team. Jakia was chosen for this honor based on her achievements during the 2017-2018 basketball season. n On February 18 The Washington Post published an article on our own Liatu King ’20! Not only did the article showcase Liatu’s incredible performance on the basketball court, but it also talked about her rigorous study schedule, how she stays focused, and

In January 2018, Megan Rivera ’19 participated in the Lancaster Archery Classic, an annual archery tournament held in Lancaster, Pa. that features several divisions of archers. Since the age of 10, Megan has been an avid archer. She has competed in local and national tournaments, and has earned several awards and medals. Megan earned a score of 641/660 in the qualification round against 64 archers in her division. She then earned second place in the elimination round. During the championship round, Megan won second place. n

Congratulations to the Lady Mustangs Dance Team for their wins at the first and second MidAtlantic Pom & Dance Association competitions for the season. After their recent victories, they officially qualified to compete in the MAPDA Championships! n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

The BMHS Classical Dance II, Tap III-IV, & Honors Tap classes enjoyed a day at The Kennedy Center. Our dancers had the opportunity to watch a mixed repertoire working rehearsal by the American Ballet Theatre as they prepared for their upcoming shows. n

BMHS Principal Dr. Nigel Traylor and Counselor Jennifer Auchmoody spent a day in February at the Department of Education, where they met with school principals and college counselors from across the nation to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between school leaders and counselors. n Fine Arts Coordinator Michele Vicino-Coleman and her husband celebrated the birth of their baby boy. Cameron David Coleman was born on January 23, 2018 at 6 lbs. 11 oz. and 19.5 inches long. n

Bishop McNamara High School is excited to announce that 19 of our student musicians were selected to be in the 2018 Washington Archdiocesan Music Teachers Council High School Honors Orchestra! n

fees. Kala, who was accepted into every school she has applied to including Virginia Tech and University of Maryland, College Park, has decided that the best fit for her will be North Carolina A&T. n Bishop McNamara High School would like to thank the Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for their incredible generosity, as they have chosen to honor three BMHS students with very generous scholarships! Jacqueline Gavin ’18 received the PGCAC Ethel Rogers Grundy Business Scholarship; Lauryn Ervin ’18 received the PGCAC Improved Performance Scholarship; and Ndia Via ’18 received the PGCAC Youth Female Scholarship. n For the third year in a row, a Bishop McNamara High School student has won an ACE Mentor Program of the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area, Inc. (ACE DC) Scholarship Award. Nathaniel Howard ’18 is the recipient of a $4,000 Clark Construction Scholarship Award to be used for the college of his choice as he focuses his studies and career in the fields of Architecture, Construction or Engineering! n

Congratulations to Saumya Garner ’21, who won Miss Junior Teen of District of Columbia United States! Saumya is looking to do volunteer work to build her platform, preferably with teens and pre-teens - she also enjoys sign language. n

The 2018 WCAC Softball All League Teams have officially been announced! Congratulations to the WCAC Softball Coach of the Year, Angelina Diehlmann LR ’85, and the following BMHS players: Bailey Wilcox ’20 (1st Team All-League), Lindsey Bayes ’21 (1st Team All-League), Jaylah Romero-Thompson ’20 (2nd Team All-League), Jade Greene ’21 (2nd Team All-League), Ndeyah Vaughan ’19 (2nd Team All-League) and Akilah Johnson ’20 (2nd Team All-League). n

Senior Kala Washington ’18 has been awarded a full Army ROTC scholarship to use at the college of her choice. This award covers full tuition, $10,000 toward room and board, and $1,300 for fees each year. Kala was already been awarded a full scholarship to attend North Carolina A&T, including tuition, room & board and

In February, our Sankofa Company was invited to conduct a special performance at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The event was hosted by the Combined Federation Campaign, and Bishop McNamara was the only high school invited to perform. n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

academic excellence

The Road to College

BMHS

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

ne of the most stressful aspects of the high school experience is applying for college. It involves years of preparation, studying for standardized tests, taking up volunteer work and extracurricular activities, and so much more. Students dream of their ideal colleges and universities, and many drive themselves crazy trying to get accepted. At Bishop McNamara High School, there is an abundance of extracurricular activities, sports and fine arts programs for students to add to their college applications. Many alumni, when they reflect on their time at Bishop McNamara, will say that the School did an excellent job of preparing them for college life. Through the numerous projects and papers, the senior thesis especially, Bishop McNamara students are given the best tools and lessons available to help prepare them for college. But despite having all this training and preparation, that does not mean our students become immune to anxiety when it comes time to actually apply for college. “I think for seniors one of the biggest challenges is that they’ve never done this before,” said Senior Class Counselor Jennifer Auchmoody. “So it’s all foreign, and the things that we don’t know and we don’t have practice with can be a little scary. We try to make the process much more visible and demystify it to take away that fear.” Jennifer said that when students come to her fearful about starting their college applications, she reminds them that they already have a little more experience than other students applying to college because they applied to Bishop McNamara. They have gone through an application and interview process before, it is just a little different at the college level. Bridging this familiarity gap with that one simple fact has helped ease the minds of many students. Clare Treichel LR ’72, Senior Class Counselor and Director of Counseling, said that she and Mrs. Auchmoody meet with students during their junior year to prepare them for the application process. They go over the procedures and deadlines to make sure that everyone is on the same page and that the students and their families understand what is required of them when applying to college. According to Ms. Treichel, students are given college essays to review over the summer prior to their senior year. This allows them to see what others have written, what makes a good college application essay, and what phrases to potentially avoid when completing their own applications. “We have a phenomenal senior class team. We hold workshops, the English Department does essay writing activities with [students], they edit their essays so that every student has at least one essay before the November 1st deadline that they’ve crafted and had checked,” said Ms. Treichel. “Then we sit down individually with students, we’ll do their applications with them and whatever they need help with.” According to Mrs. Auchmoody, sometimes the hardest part of helping students through the college application process is dealing with the idea that they are not good enough or smart enough for college. But that is a concern that she says she does not have to

deal with here at Bishop McNamara. In other schools, she said that she has spent an immeasurable amount of energy helping students understand that they are good enough for college and that they are smart enough to get good grades. Because she does not have to do that here, Mrs. Auchmoody says she can focus her energy on other obstacles that students face during the college application process. Obstacles such as rejection letters and lack of funds to attend certain choice colleges are the most common here at Bishop McNamara. Bishop McNamara High School boasts a 99 percent college acceptance rate each year without fail – so that is not to say that rejection letters are frequent. However, most senior class students who apply to college receive at least one rejection letter. “We talk about that before it happens, because it is a possibility,” said Ms. Treichel. “We tell them that they could get rejected, and if they do, come and talk to us. We look at why they may have gotten rejected to see if there’s anything we should have done or could have done differently. We always, always, tell them to have a backup school. When the students are making their lists we make sure that, no matter what, there’s a school that they can get into – a good school that they can afford.” Each year, Bishop McNamara High School senior class students line their lockers with their acceptance letters from colleges. It has become a tradition; most of the time when they do this the actual doors of their lockers are barely visible at all! This year, according to Ms. Treichel, was the first year that a student hung up his rejection letter from a college on his locker. He wrote on it ‘that’s okay, this wasn’t my first choice.’ In response, his classmates wrote messages of support on his rejection letter. That, according to both Ms. Treichel and Mrs. Auchmoody, is the perfect example of the attitude exhibited by senior class students at Bishop McNamara High School. Through this incredibly stressful process, rather than tear each other down and criticize one another for their college choices, students encourage each other and push each other to do their absolute best when completing college applications and essays. “It’s not a competition to get into all of the Ivy League schools, it’s a competition to make sure that you’re pushing yourself to be your best,” said Mrs. Auchmoody “I think that collective holding each other up is what allows so many of them to succeed, because they don’t do it for their own gain. They do it for the right reason.” “The atmosphere is very affirming, and once they become seniors, they’re all in this together. It’s just this mentality of support,” said Ms. Treichel. This year was an incredible year for the Bishop McNamara High School class of 2018 – the entire class of 203 students was accepted into 246 of the finest educational institutions in the United States and abroad. Additionally, 58 percent of them garnered more than $20 million in scholarships, grants and financial aid; in particular, 31 students received significant athletic scholarship assistance and 20 students received full scholarships to colleges of their choice.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Thomas Do ’18, who founded the Vocations Club here at Bishop McNamara High School, dreamed of going to The Catholic University of America since he was in fourth grade. Thomas was a student in the St. Joseph’s Program at Bishop McNamara High School, which provides support for students with learning differences. Since enrolling at Bishop McNamara, Thomas’s writing and social interaction skills have improved tremendously, according to program director Anne Dillon. “He is one of those people who totally exemplifies the Holy Cross values,” said Mrs. Dillon. “His faith is so strong. He always shows it through his words and his deeds.” Thomas was a member of the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society. Through his commitment to his studies, Thomas was awarded the prestigious Carson Scholars Award, along with the first place St. Miguel Service Award “Illuminating the Way” for the LaSallaian Scholarship. The Carson Scholars Award recognizes students across the country who consistently demonstrate kindness towards others, dedication to their academics and commitment to their communities.

Thomas will be attending The Catholic University of America in the fall, where he will pursue his faith and his interest in technology through his studies. “McNamara is my home,” said Thomas. “There is no place like Bishop McNamara.” Thomas is not the only student who has excelled throughout the past four years at Bishop McNamara. Shannon McCreary ’18, who was also a student in the St. Joseph’s Program, struggled significantly at first when she started her freshman year. By her sophomore year, Shannon had joined the basketball team and was doing much better in her academics. A shy girl by nature, she came out of her shell and started talking more to her classmates, and through her hard work and dedication she earned several A’s on her papers throughout the year. Her experience only got better from there. In her senior year, Shannon received her two highest grade point averages and received top grades for her senior thesis. She won several scholarships and was increasingly excited about the prospect of attending college. Shannon graduated from Bishop McNamara High School in May, along with Thomas and her other classmates, and she will be attending Caldwell University this fall. “Bishop McNamara is a leading role model for inclusive education,” said Shannon’s mother Barbara. “I see confidence, pride, perseverance, dedication and happiness in my child.” There are countless other success stories like Shannon’s and Thomas’ – not just for the class of 2018, but for every class that walks the halls of Bishop McNamara High School. Each year we hear more and more stories of our students and their unique commitment to their education, and to themselves, as they secure the keys to their futures and start down the road to college. The ambition and drive exhibited by Bishop McNamara High School students is second to none. Colleges and universities are taking notice, and that is undoubtedly part of what makes our students stand out from other applicants each year. “I think a lot of our students have passions that show through their college applications from the arts, to athletics, to academics – they put their whole heart and soul into them,” said Mrs. Auchmoody. “I think their commitment to their own personal education and growth shows through. They have high expectations for themselves.” “I think we do a good job of helping our parents and students,” said Ms. Treichel. “We have an incredible team of faculty and teachers. It really does take a village to get them into college.”

“McNamara is my home. There is no place like Bishop McNamara.”

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Without a doubt, our students have a unique sense of faith, passion and commitment unlike any other high schoolers. Our faculty and staff encourage and hone our students to help them realize their full potential and what they can do when they truly apply themselves. Without these caring and dedicated faculty and staff members, and without our incredible students, we would not be celebrating 50 years of success in education. n

academic excellence

Excellence

Continuing the Legacy of Academic

Since its inception, Bishop McNamara High School has been blessed with an incredibly supportive and involved network of alumni who continue to stay connected with the School, as well as each other. Not only do alumni continue to flock back to campus year after year for Homecoming and general visits, but they also come back to continue our tradition of academic excellence by signing on as faculty and staff. Because they have walked directly in their shoes, some more recently than others, our alumni faculty members share a special connection with our students. All of our faculty and staff, alumni and non-alumni alike, have a unique depth of caring and devotion for students found only at Bishop McNamara. But there is no doubt that alumni faculty have a different perspective to provide. “When students find out that I am an alumna, they connect on a more personal level,” said Amy Belinky ’09, currently a BMHS English Teacher. “For them to know that I was sitting in their shoes less than 10 years ago gives them a certain level of comfort.”

Justin McClain ’00, a Theology Teacher at Bishop McNamara and a well-known author, said that it is his goal to convey to students the importance of being open to God and His callings. Drawing on the Bishop McNamara ideals of faith and service, Justin lives through example for his students both in and out of the classroom. He said: “My experience as an alumnus of BMHS has thus drawn me closer to seeking and finding opportunities to show my students how to live as disciples of Jesus Christ…” Considering just how many alumni have returned to Bishop McNamara High School to teach, serve on staff, coach our athletes and support the School in countless other ways, one has to wonder: What is it that brings alumni back? The answer is actually very simple.

“It feels like home,” said Andrew Bannister ’09, currently a Bishop McNamara Math Teacher. The sentiment that Bishop McNamara “feels like home” was echoed by both Amy and Justin, and has been stated by numerous other alumni faculty and staff as well. Justin felt that God was calling him to the teaching vocation after spending a year studying in the seminary for the Archdiocese of Washington. He began teaching Spanish at Bishop McNamara in 2006, and ended up meeting his wife Bernadette, who was teaching French and theology at the time. Armani Mason-Callaway ’09 has been teaching at Bishop McNamara High School for the past four years. Not only does he commit to his students inside the classroom, but he also serves as a tremendous source of support with extracurricular activities. Armani has helped students organize the Black History Month Assembly by making suggestions for new content and activities each year, as well as helping to arrange guest speakers. In true Holy Cross fashion he has been devoted to the teachings of Blessed Basil Moreau. “We always talk about how educating the mind can change with the times, as it has, but the education of the heart is indeed timeless,” said Armani. Regardless of how they teach or how they connect with students, our faculty and staff are all devoted to our mission of providing a faith-based college-preparatory education. They are all avid supporters of our students and will do whatever is necessary to help them succeed both here at Bishop McNamara and beyond. “I want my students to have a keen awareness that the Lord wants current disciples and future saints in heaven,” said Justin. “My primary duty as a teacher is to get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit accomplish the real ‘work’ of teaching and leading my students to live according to Christ’s principles.” n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Caritas 2018 Congratulations to this year’s Caritas honorees! We certainly had an exciting ceremony this year full of laughs and love. We are so blessed to have you as members of our community. Thank you to everyone who attended the ceremony in celebration of these incredible individuals who are devoted to faith, service and Bishop McNamara.

Business Partner of the Year Grimm + Parker Architecture Firm Distinguished Parents’ Club Volunteer Tracye Burr-Mitchell Distinguished Fine Arts Volunteer Clarence and Nancy Korendyke Distinguished Athletics Volunteer Patrick and Johnetta Boone Distinguished Faculty Service Laura Keller Distinguished Staff Service Patricia Garber Presidential Award Christopher DeCesaris ’91 Distinguished Alumni Jim Dillon ’79 Distinguished Young Alumni Brandon Joyner ’11 St. Andre Caritas Award John “Zeek” Teletchea ’92 Holy Cross Award Adam Greer Caritas Award Marco Clark ’85

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

33 rd Annual Mustang Cup Sip & Swing

Thank you to everyone who attended our Mustang Cup/Sip & Swing event! We couldn’t have asked for better weather, or better company. Your support helps us provide more opportunities and financial support for our students. Our sincere gratitude also goes out to our incredible event sponsors who helped make the Mustang Cup/Sip & Swing possible! Congratulations to the winners from this year’s Mustang Cup Tournament:

1st place:

Brian Morusiewicz Dan Craig

Robert Lynch ’68 John Frank ’73

Pat Jewel Jason Park

Paul Dougherty Jami Dilla

2nd place:

Bill Rhodes ’68 Pat Morrissette ’69

3rd place:

Lance Jewel Carl Bennett

Men’s longest drive: Felipe Ordona

Women’s longest drive: Lauren Morusiewicz

Men’s closest to the pin: Bill Meizsner

We hope to see you all again next year! THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

faith & service

An Open-Heart Calling:

Creating

Cecilia Auth LR â&#x20AC;&#x2122;91 Invents Therapeutic Garment for Babies 16

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

ear after year, hundreds of babies are born with complications that make it difficult or impossible for them to eat on their own. Typically a gastrostomy tube, also known as a feeding tube or g-tube, is used to address this issue and ensure that the babies get the nutrition they need. While this addresses the child’s immediate health concern, it also causes new obstacles of its own. Any parent knows how vital it is to establish a baby’s proper sleep pattern, as well as how important it is to encourage playtime and social interaction with other children as they grow. When a child has a feeding tube installed, the port needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent infection and the spread of bacteria. This sometimes means that parents are waking their sleeping babies in the middle of the night or interrupting them during play in order to clean the port; it can also mean completely changing babies and children out of their onesie/clothes when/if the port leaks and soils the garment. This creates additional stress on both parent and child that no new family needs. Having been a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse for 10 years before moving on to a clinic outpatient center at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital - for a grand total of almost 19 years in nursing - Cecilia Auth LR ’91 was well aware of this problem with g-tubes. While she had developed a feeding therapy program for parents of children with feeding tubes, she wanted to

do more; she thought that there had to be a better way to clean and manage the g-tube port. Thus the idea of Tubesies was born. Cecilia developed a prototype of a new therapeutic garment that provided direct access to a child’s feeding port – she called the garment “Tubesies.” The garment at a glance looks like any other child’s clothing or onesie, but there is a special flap in the front, usually blending in with the garment’s design, which opens up to the feeding port, allowing parents and nurses to access it with ease. Additionally, the garment has a protective window under the flap to absorb any moisture or discharge from the port, keeping the child as dry as possible. But Cecilia did not immediately jump on the idea of starting her own business in producing Tubesies. She admitted that she was intimidated by the prospect, and that she didn’t know what to do or how to get started. “These thoughts were really fear thoughts,” she said. “You start to talk yourself out of accomplishing your goals. But in thinking about the kids and what kind of struggle I was having and how I was creating a non-therapeutic environment for them by not [starting Tubesies], I just thought of what could happen if I accomplished this and how much it would help. So I started putting out questions to families and parent groups for children with g-tubes and there were comments right away. I realized from their responses that there was a need.” Cecilia said that as she thought about moving forward with starting her Tubesies business, she remembered a motto from La Reine High School, printed on a banner in the stairwell: “If it is to be, it’s up to me.” Despite not knowing the first thing about running a business, Cecilia said that the teachings she received from La Reine helped her push away her doubt and charge headfirst into this new endeavor. Those daily influences of positivity and motivation through failure as well as success made her feel confident that even if she did not succeed in her new business, she would at least learn something new and be able to contribute to the g-tube family community in some other way. “I think if God places something in your heart, it’s there for a reason. So I just had to believe that,” Cecilia said. “[Tubesies] was planted in my heart for a reason, and it would come about if I just took that first step. It was basically just taking that step of faith, and then the answers will come.” It was a step of faith that paid off. Through social media outreach and word-of-mouth advertising, Tubesies received an immediate outpouring of enthusiastic support from parents and medical facilities. Mount Washington Hospital, the birthplace of Cecilia’s Tubesies idea, currently gives the garment to families in need as a gift when they leave the hospital. Tubesies are now being utilized in two medical hospitals and are available for purchase online. According to Cecilia, families of children who need g-tubes are an incredibly tight-knit community, so word-ofmouth spread like wildfire amongst them.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

something we really wanted, that may not have been what God wanted for us. So we fail, we learn, and we move on to what we were meant to do.

Families who have utilized Tubesies have expressed their passionate gratitude through their medical providers, as well as through the Tubesies website. It’s a simple solution to a previous source of immeasurable stress, and it’s also very discreet; children and infants who wear Tubesies don’t look like they are wearing a garment specially formulated for them. It looks the same as any other garment. “Nurses want to help bring ease and comfort to others in their caring way,” Cecilia said. “So the fact that I’ve created something that gives a family in need comfort and ease, it’s the most rewarding feeling.” Tubesies is still a young company, having only been on the market for about one year. But in that year, Cecilia has been contacted by parents, doctors and medical facilities in Australia, South Africa and other countries requesting her product be made available internationally. Cecilia is currently working to fulfill these requests, making her product available worldwide to help any and all children in need. Tubesies are currently sold in the United States and Canada, and Cecilia has given demonstration products in the United Kingdom. Simultaneously, Cecilia is also pursuing a potential retail partnership deal. Cecilia jokingly said that she feels like she needs to pinch herself to make sure that this is all really happening.

While nursing and entrepreneurship seem like they were obviously meant for Cecilia now, she did not start out wanting to own a business…or even to be a nurse in the first place! After graduating from La Reine, Cecilia went on to pursue a degree in special education. But as she continued her undergraduate studies, she began taking more science classes and found that she had a true passion for the subject. So she switched majors, and schools – the rest is history. “That just goes to show that you don’t really know what you’re interested in unless you try it and know that there’s a variety out there,” Cecilia said. “Have an open heart, God might have other plans for you. Stay true to your interests, stay true to your passions; but if you can find a way to merge your passions with your Godgiven talents, you’ll be exactly where you need to be.” Cecilia was excited to learn of the anticipated construction of our La Reine Science & Innovation Center. She had loved her science classes that she took while attending La Reine, and said that is really where her interest in the science field was sparked. Cecilia loved the idea that so many young men and women will continue the legacy of La Reine and that the spark of interest in science and technology will be instilled within them. But most of all, Cecilia was excited about the opportunities that will open up for our young men and women as they continue their Holy Cross education at Bishop McNamara, and continue their devotion to faith and service in their own way. “One can accomplish so much in a short amount of time. But it’s what they do today that helps them get to where they want to be tomorrow.” To learn more about Tubesies, visit https://www.tubesies.com/

“I don’t have an MBA, I’m not an accountant, I hate math – and yet I’m running a business!” she laughed. “It doesn’t make any sense, but that’s a key thing in and of itself. Nothing has to make sense. Sometimes we spend so much time waiting for things to make sense before we pick up, but you can use the resources you have now to get you through anything.” Cecilia said that she could not have gotten this far without that first step, that first leap of faith, and accepting the idea of potential failure. Failure, she said, is something we should not be afraid of because through failing, we have tried something new, and therefore we have learned something new. Even if we tried

“ 18

Have an open heart, God might have other plans for you. Stay true to your interests, stay true to your passions; but if you can find a way to merge your passions with your God-given talents, you’ll be exactly where you need to be.”

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

faith & service

Her homework is done, she has studied for her math test, she has practiced her clarinet for the day, and now she is…jumping into a fire engine to respond to a house fire? ____________________________________________________

Gratitude Through

Service

Andrea Marrero-Massa ’18 is a member of the National Honor Society, peer ministry and the Life Information for Teens (LIFT) club at Bishop McNamara. She also spends four hours a day a few times a week working at the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department. She has responded to car fires, gas leaks, brush fires, a house fire, a drug overdose and a pedestrian who was hit by a car. These are definitely intense situations for anyone to witness, particularly an 18-year-old. “[Being a volunteer firefighter] has opened my eyes to what people go through,” Andrea said. “It gets tough sometimes, seeing people in those situations. But we have to push it down in that moment, keep going on, keep helping…” She also said that the support she receives from her fellow volunteer firefighters has helped her adjust to seeing such dire situations. That teamwork, knowing that someone has your back, helps her to stay calm and deal with each situation effectively. These skills of managing stress and responding to such situations quickly and effectively will serve Andrea well as she goes on to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Ultimately, Andrea is hoping to attend the United States Naval Academy to serve in the military. She said that she would like to become a service warfare officer to be in charge of a small crew on a ship. Andrea has been interested in a military career since the fourth grade, an interest she says stems from wanting to be “part of something greater than [herself ].” She is the first in her family to ever pursue a military career. “The United States has done so much for me and my family,” Andrea said, explaining that the federal government paid for her father, an engineer, to come from Puerto Rico to come study in the U.S. mainland. “[Serving in the Navy] is a way of paying that back and showing my gratitude. When someone does something for you, you show thanks.” She also said that she is interested in the Navy because it does goodwill work, such as providing aid to civilians after natural disasters. Through her work as a volunteer firefighter and with the BMHS peer ministry and LIFT club, Andrea has been devoted to service to her community. She has visited eighth grade classrooms in local Catholic schools to give advice to students transitioning to high school, she helped plan our Kairos Retreat this year, and she regularly engages in peer discussions and debates about how to comfort and forgive other people in true Christian fashion. We have no doubt that her continued commitment to serving others will make her an ideal member of the United States Navy someday. n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

athletic Pride

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Aliyah Matharu ’19 faced a difficult obstacle as she went to the gym. She was attending Forestville High School, which announced that it would be closing. She would have to find another school. Aliyah started her workout and training for that day with “the Shot Doc,” Coach Keith Veney ’92, who listened to her problem. He asked her a question: “Do you want to be great?” Confused, Aliyah looked at him to explain the reasoning behind his question. Keith had an ideal solution for her: To enroll at Bishop McNamara High School. “I talked to her about McNamara, but she was scared because it was a new school, a private school, and it was going to be hard,” Keith recalled the conversation. “I told her it would be! You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I told her if she wanted to be great, then McNamara was the place for her.” Aliyah did indeed enroll at Bishop McNamara High School, and has been making a name for herself as a member of the Lady Mustangs Basketball Team. She was celebrated in the last edition of the Mustang Messenger for breaking the 1,000-point mark in her high school basketball career. Encouraging people and coaching them to become their best selves has been Keith’s business since childhood. In the last 10 years he has launched his own business, Keith Veney Enterprises, focusing on helping basketball players – professional and otherwise – hone their skills. But Keith also helps his clients in their entrepreneurial ventures, inspiring them to push themselves and “be extreme.” “To get what you want, you need to be extreme about it. If you’re not extreme, you’re not motivated,” he said. “Being around a lot of NBA players and entrepreneurs who are successful, they are very intentional and extreme in how they eat, how they train and how they enjoy life. Everything they do is extreme.” Keith has worked with a variety of people, including professional NBA players such as Malcolm Brogdon, Paul Pierce, Caron Butler, Tina Thompson and countless others. In particular, Keith met Tina Thompson when he was working for Nike, and the two developed a business partnership. Together they started the She Got Game classic tournament, which started in 2008 with only eight teams. Today, the tournament boasts 128

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

teams and is the largest basketball tournament for young women in the world! Approximately 175 colleges from the NCAA Divisions I, II and III attend to observe these young athletes in action. According to Keith, it is an opportunity for the players to showcase their talents and abilities for the chance to obtain a free, or nearly free, college education. For Keith, being an athlete doesn’t mean that you can’t excel in academics at the same time. Based on his personal experiences, and his avid support of the extreme mindset, he says that there is no limit to what a person can do. “People want to put you in a box and say that because you’re good at academics you can’t also be good at sports, or vice versa” he said. “But you can absolutely do both! Malcolm Brogdon for example; he was the NBA Rookie of the Year last year, he’s one of my clients. He has a Master’s [degree] in public policy from [the University of Virginia]. When you don’t let people put you in a box, you can blow their minds, as well as your own!” While Keith’s business mainly focuses on helping athletes with their skills in basketball, he said that an integral part of his business comes in listening to his clients and understanding their passions off the court. He talks to his clients, learns what their goals are and what they want to do, be it starting a business or helping others, and he continues to work with them to help those goals become reality. Keith believes that as a coach and an entrepreneur, it is his job to get his clients from one place to another; to get them from where they are to where they want to be. While devoted to the extreme mentality, Keith is also a devoted servant-leader who enjoys helping people become their best selves for the sake of helping people. He considers coaching to be his vocation. “I believe that everybody needs a coach; whether it’s a spiritual coach, a life coach, physical or financial, we all need it,” Keith said. “If you think you can do everything by yourself, it’s just too much. People need to understand that they need help, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Let somebody help you get to where you’re supposed to get.” For Keith, his coach was, and to this day continues to be, John “Jay” Somerville ’74, former BMHS Basketball Coach. Jay Somervillle was recently inducted into the Bishop McNamara High School Athletic Hall of Fame. During his time at BMHS, Keith said

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

that he learned a great deal from Coach Somerville. When Coach Somerville left the School, Keith continued to work with him running basketball camps for youth. As Keith described it, he was “serving as an apprentice under a master.” Coach Somerville taught Keith everything about running his camps, right down to the nittygritty details of arranging insurance, payroll, and the intricacies of running a business. Soon enough, Keith was running the camps for Coach Somerville. Coach Somerville’s influence was so strong, that when Keith was offered the position of Head Coach for Boys’ Varsity Basketball at Bishop McNamara this year, he almost immediately called Coach Somerville for advice. Keith said it was a natural call for him to make; “[Coach Somerville] taught me business, he taught me life.” Not that Keith had any hesitation about accepting the position at his alma mater. “I’ve been here, I never left! I’m a McNamara guy, so when the job presented itself, for me it was a no-brainer,” Keith said, laughing. Keith said that his goal for the team is to help them win as many games as possible this season. Through intense focus on skills and a team-building mindset, along with a focus on game basics and “playing right,” he says that the wins will come naturally. Obviously, coaching adults and professional NBA players is vastly different from coaching high school student-athletes. Keith was able to boil it down to one simple fact: High school athletes are hungry for success. “They’re humble, they want to go to college. They know that they need to have a certain level of commitment and dedication,” he said. “You can’t have a day off, you’re competing against the world.” For Keith, one of his biggest goals for his players individually is to coach them to be their absolute best so that they can earn full athletic scholarships to the colleges of their choice. He said that championships and celebratory rings are nice, but once they are put on display they are never used again. Whereas an education is something one uses forever. He plans to push the Mustangs to their limits and beyond this season to help them become their best selves. “Don’t be afraid to fail,” Keith said when asked for advice to give to students. “If you didn’t fail at anything, you didn’t try anything new. Take a chance, because in failing, you learn.” n

athletic Pride

Go Gold FOR THE

Jasmine Dantzler ’18 Creates KidsGoPlay

Like many Bishop McNamara students, Jasmine Dantzler ’18 was involved with an abundance of campus activities. She was a member of the Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (FADE) Program, she was in the Choir, she was a member of the Sankofa African Dance and Music Company, as well as both the ACE Mentoring Program and the Black Cultural Alliance. Jasmine was also Senior Class President, and a member of the National Honor Society as well as the English, Science, Mathematics and Music Honor Societies. As if all that wasn’t enough, Jasmine also created her KidsGoPlay project, which serves children ages five through 12, giving them the opportunity to experience eight different sports clinics during the course of one day; sports they may not have been able to play otherwise. Jasmine created and managed this project in an effort to achieve her Girl Scout Gold Award. Jasmine recruited her classmates who were also varsity sports players to volunteer for this project and help teach the students who enrolled. In total, there were 22 students from the local area who participated. Jasmine set up stations throughout the Bishop McNamara campus, featuring well-known and typically-played sports such as basketball, football and soccer; but she also provided stations on other sports such as tennis, track and field, lacrosse, golf and volleyball, to give students a variety of sports to experience. The project was an incredible success! The students who enrolled had an incredible time and loved having the chance to play a new sport. The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. It is an award earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts, and only 5.4 percent of the eligible girls receive it. The Gold Award challenges girls to change the world in some way. Jasmine graduated from Bishop McNamara High School in May, and will attend Temple University in the fall. She will major in public health with a focus in pre-physical therapy and kinesiology. She hopes to one day become a doctor of physical therapy. n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

talent in the arts

Becoming the Band Company

Commander Founded in 1839, Virginia Military Institute is a renowned military college, housing approximately 1,700 cadets each year in its barracks. The famous World War II General George Marshall stands among the countless VMI alumni who have shaped the United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; military history. WWII General George S. Patton also attended VMI for a time prior to his transfer to West Point.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

One of the highest ranks at VMI is that of Band Company Commander of the Regimental Band – a rank which has been achieved by our own Travis Arnold ’14, who participated in band during all four years at Bishop McNamara. According to him, music and the military have always been major influences on his life. “Since I was a child, I’ve always had a desire to join the military to serve our country. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” Travis said. Band Company Commander of the Regimental Band is not an easily-earned rank. Every freshman class is split into 10 companies, with Band Company being the only voluntary company. Those interested in joining Band Company must specify as much, otherwise they are selected for other companies based on their height. Being selected for Company Commander is a decision based on one’s academic, military and physical performances. The Company Commander is the person that everyone in the company looks to for guidance. Therefore, the chosen cadet must be reliable and completely dedicated to his or her company, and serve as an example. According to Travis, as Company Commander he is responsible for training, supply, discipline, accountability, internal administration, appearance and morale for the entire company – essentially he is responsible for every aspect in the daily life of a cadet. He must also oversee the training schedule for the incoming freshmen during their rigorous six-month introduction to VMI. Travis makes sure that these freshmen cadets are able to meet all basic VMI standards at the end of that six-month period.

I’ve always had a desire to join the military to serve our country. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.

••

••••••••••

•

••

“

••

“Music seems to be one of the very few things that we can all connect to in some way. It has so many different meanings to each individual. [Music] is a way to express ourselves in ways that words or actions simply cannot. I could not imagine the path that I’d be on had I not had music or band in my life.” n

•••

••••••••••

After graduation, Travis will be commissioning in the Army National Guard as an officer in the United States Army Cyber Command. He will also be working full-time as a Cyber Officer for the U.S. Federal Government. However, his love for music still resonates within him.

•• •

•• ••

••

“The values that I learned in the music program at BMHS are values that I still follow and hold myself accountable to today,” said Travis. “I enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of so many different communities all at once without being completely restricted to one. [At Bishop McNamara] there is only positive reinforcement for pursuing more than one passion, and I believe that is extremely important to developing as a young man or woman.”

••

“

•••••••••••

During his time at Bishop McNamara High School, Travis was a member of both the Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Ensemble. He said that the experience made a tremendous impact on the person he has become.

••

•

••

•• ••

As Company Commander of the Regimental Band, Travis has a few additional duties unique to his rank. He is responsible for planning all band practices and band-specific training, along with coordinating any and all band trips. The band has marched in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., the Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C., the Virginia Governor’s Inaugural Parade, and several others since Travis has been at VMI.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

••

•••

•••••••••••

•• •

talent in the arts

The Power of

Photos by Laura Shipley

NARRATIVE 26

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

So what is it that sets Jason’s writing apart from other authors of his genre?

But through his writing, and portraying young people in these circumstances, Jason is inadvertently challenging society to think about the reality of these situations, which exist for more youth than we would likely care to admit. Simultaneously, he is also providing those children who have experienced circumstances similar to his main characters the chance to feel less alone.

••• •

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

•

•• ••

• •• ••

•

••••••••

•••••••

•

••

The truth of the matter is that there are tons of young people who don’t feel seen or heard or acknowledged.

••

••• •

•• •••

••

•••

According to Jason, it was his high school sophomore English Teacher, Ms. Beth Blaufuss, who first identified his talent and ability for writing. She created a creative writing course and allowed Jason to sit in on, and encouraged his mother to send him to a school with a good writing program. This helped set Jason on the path to his writing career.

“

•••••••••

••

Jason has been an avid proponent of youth literacy and making books available for young people. He said that he wants to write books that he himself did not have in his youth, to promote a better relationship between children and literacy. However, Jason did not always intend to be an author. He enjoyed poetry and loved to tell stories, and used the medium to express himself.

•

• ••

• •••

••

“When you’re not getting that love and interaction in your everyday life, something like a book could be the very thing that you need to take the place of being dismissed,” he said. “It can make your life feel valid, to know that perhaps someone, even a fictional character, can understand what it is that you’re going through. If a fictional character can understand it, someone else might be able to understand as well.”

•••••••••

Jason is the author of incredible works such as When I Was the Greatest, Boy in the Black Suit, All American Boys, Long Way Down and several others. Long Way Down received both a 2018 Newbery Award and the 2018 Michael L. Printz Honor; the book features young William Holloman, who wrestles with the internal conflict of murdering the man who killed his brother. Many of Jason’s works feature youth in situations such as William Holloman’s – situations of dire consequence, action and strife, situations which every parent wishes their child would avoid.

For his creative and innovative works, Jason has received several awards and accolades. The New York Times has recognized his books on several occasions on their best-selling lists, and Jason has won such awards as the 2017 NAACP Image Award, the 2017 Schneider Family Book Award, and countless others.

•••

“The truth of the matter is that there are tons of young people who don’t feel seen or heard or acknowledged,” Jason said. “I don’t think it’s my job to teach any particular lessons, but to show that children are full people with really complex lives that are distilled down to a young time frame of experience.”

The influence of these faculty members, combined with the experiences he had from other campus activities such as peer ministry, helped to shape Jason’s mindset and understanding of the world. He made lasting friendships during his high school career, and he says that the graduating class of 2000 remains tight-knit and well-connected with one another to this day.

••

Jason Reynolds ’00 did not read a full novel cover to cover until the age of 17; now he is a bestselling award-winning author. While he said that he does not have a specific goal in mind for his work, he does want to use his writing to “humanize” children. He said that oftentimes people will underestimate the experiences of children because of their youth, and think that their lives lack complexity simply because they have not existed in this life for very long.

••

But what we idealize is not always a reflection of reality.

“There are all kinds of things about Bishop McNamara that continue to influence me,” Jason said. “There was Mr. [Vincent] Herman, he helped us to think about humanity in a different way and helped us understand how to build our own moral thresholds. And Mr. [Christopher] Williams, he’s still a good friend of mine! He taught me how to be a citizen of the world. He gave me a humanity that I had never seen before, that we had never understood before.”

“

There is the idealized thought that children, by dint of being children, feel loved and appreciated by family, friends, teachers – anyone involved in their lives. Society paints the picture of a child as happy, laughing, playing with some toy or another with friends.

•

•• ••••••••• ••• Jason went on to say that protest efforts made without this preparation for the next step often become a detriment to the cause for which a person or group of people are protesting. Being informed on the subject that means so much to you and prepared for the steps after a protest are the foundations for good, solid change – or at least the start of the conversation.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

“

“I think to disrupt is to upend, to break the status quo. But we need to make sure that we push back against the things that are seen as oftentimes authoritative if that authority is oppressive. It has to be a responsible decision,” Jason explained what he meant behind the idea of ‘responsible disruption.’ “I’m all about pushing back against things that you know feel wrong to you. Where the thin line is sort of crossed is if you try to push back against something that is oppressive and you are unprepared for the rebuttal. Make sure you are prepared for that experience; fight back with information.”

•

As stated, Jason said that he does not write with a particular goal in mind. But inadvertently, his works seem to challenge the social status quo and call to attention the societal norms that many believe need to be changed. While this isn’t his goal, Jason said that he very much supports protest efforts, and even said that we as human beings need to be disruptive…but we must do so responsibly.

I’m all about pushing back against things that you know feel wrong to you.

••••••

Jason is very much about being authentic and real in all that he does. All artists draw inspiration from somewhere or something, and Jason is no different in that regard. But everything he creates comes from himself, and no one else.

•

••••

“We all have our own thing. I think that the beauty of art is authenticity. I just do my thing my way. I’ve always got to come through my authentic filter,” was Jason’s answer. “The very thing that separates us and sets us apart in real life is what sets us apart in art.”

••

“

•••••••••

••

•• ••

Whether he intended to or not, Jason has become a trendsetter and leader in the literary world, advocating for children and humanity as a whole. Last year, Jason was awarded the Caritas award from Bishop McNamara High School; the highest award the School can bestow upon its community members. At our Innovation Night event in early May, Jason sent a video encouraging students to push the envelope as they continue on their chosen paths to their careers and through life. “If you can take anything from McNamara, it’s that excellence has to be a habit,” Jason said. “Live a life of excellence. Now that doesn’t mean that you have to be the top of everything, it means that you have to push yourself to be your top at all times. It takes discipline, it takes fortitude, it takes passion. It takes humility in a way that we don’t typically think about humility.” This pursuit of excellence and the commitment to serving others is a trait engrained into all Bishop McNamara and La Reine High School alumni. Jason has the blessing and ability to use his talents to help others, even if that isn’t his intended purpose each time he sets pen to paper. His works will continue to inspire and, hopefully, encourage youth to pick up a book and immerse themselves in a new experience. “I believe that the greatest connective tissue of all humanity is the power of narrative,” he said. “It is the conduit to compassion, the bridge to empathy, and I truly mean that. I truly believe that our greatest glue is our ability to share stories with one another.” n

Jason's works can be found on his website at www.jasonwritesbooks.com

National Signing Day at

National Signing Day is a special celebration honoring student-athletes as they sign letters sealing their commitment to their colleges of choice for a collegiate-level sport. This day celebrates not just athleticism, but it also celebrates the studentathletes themselves and their commitment to higher education. This year, Bishop McNamara held two National Signing Day ceremonies. The first was held on February 7, and Jerome Couplin III ’09 attended as a guest speaker with words of wisdom for our student-athletes on the importance of education combined with athletic prowess. We could not be prouder of our incredible student-athletes and their commitments to higher education. Congratulations to you all! Sydney Allen ’18 - (Women’s Soccer)

Geoffrey Brown ’18 - (Football)

DeMia Goddard ’18 - (Volleyball)

Jeremiah McCain ’18 - (Track & Field)

Spencer Anderson ’18 - (Football)

David Brownlee ’18 - (Football)

Taylor Grimes ’18 - (Track & Field)

Steven Scott II ’18 - (Football)

Stanton Askew ’18 - (Football)

Keving Byrd ’18 - (Football)

Victoria Hall ’18 - (Track & Field)

Phillip Smith ’18 - (Men’s Tennis)

Jovan Banks ’18 - (Men’s Soccer)

Michelle Cabotaje ’18 - (Golf)

Rulondo Holland ’18 - (Football)

Sierra St. Cyr ’18 - (Women’s Basketball)

Madison Beavers ’18 - (Women’s Soccer)

Lauryn Davis ’18 - (Volleyball)

Kiyanna Jackson ’18 (Women’s Lacrosse)

Kobie Tuckson ’18 - (Men’s Rugby)

Joseph Boone ’18 - (Men’s Soccer)

Trinity Dixon ’18 - (Women’s Lacrosse)

Charlie Brenner ’18 - (Wrestling)

Robert Edwards ’18 - (Football)

Kiera Brother ’18 - (Volleyball)

William “Liam” Garner ’18 - (Men’s Soccer)

Hampton University

University of Maryland, College Park Shepherd University Lycoming College

Long Island University

Mt. St. Mary’s University Norwich University Benedict College

Merrimack College

University of Maryland Gannon University

St. Francis University Stevenson University Bethany College

Dodge City Community College St. Andrews University

Coppin State University

Georgia Institute of Technology Methodist University Stonehill College

Bowie State University Morehouse College

Shenandoah University Kutztown University

Howard University

Delmar Jeter ’18 - (Track & Field)

Salem International University

Nigel Marshall ’18 - (Men’s Basketball) Coppin State University

Lee University, TN

Lauren Weaver ’18 - (Volleyball)

North Carolina Wesleyan College

Ibn Williams ’18 - (Men’s Basketball) Coppin State University

Rikiah Wise ’18 - (Women’s Lacrosse) Bethany College

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Gala Event Kicks off Science Center Project Announcing the Plans for the La Reine Science & Innovation Center On May 5th, more than 150 parents, alumni, students and local business leaders gathered in the Andy Mona ’82 Student Center on the Bishop McNamara High School campus to celebrate science and technology at the School and to launch Phase IB of the 50th Anniversary Faith. Family. Future! Campaign – a $15 million effort devoted to the construction of the La Reine Science & Innovation Center, enhancement of campus facilities and increased scholarship endowment for students. To date, $3,495,000 (23 percent) of this goal has been raised in cash and pledges. Phase IA of the Campaign resulted in the construction of the Andy Mona Student Center, dedicated on September 14, 2017 and blessed by His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl. The Innovation Night event on May 5th marked the formal kick-off of the La Reine Science & Innovation Center, a 20,000 sq. ft. facility that will be located adjacent to the main classroom building, facing Marlboro Pike. The Center will provide students and faculty with seven new science and innovation laboratories, an exhibit atrium,

audio/visual presentation areas, faculty and student meeting rooms and a “shark tank” space for presentations and competitions. The theme of the evening was “Science and Technology at Bishop McNamara.” We focused on the achievements of Bishop McNamara and La Reine High School alumni, parents and community members in these arenas. Featured speakers included Dr. Rhonda Jordan-Antoine ’00, Darius Baxter ’11, Tiffany Norwood LR ’85 and renowned engineering expert Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey. Architects from Grimm + Parker displayed renderings of the La Reine Science and Innovation Center and provided a virtual tour of the building for the event attendees. A new capital campaign promotional video also premiered. The La Reine Science & Innovation Center, slated for construction in fall 2020, is an $11.5 million effort. For more information on how to support the campaign, please contact the BMHS Campaign Office at (301)735-8401 ext. 171 or via e-mail to michael.brodie@bmhs.org or elizabeth.dobbins@bmhs.org n

La Reine Science & Innovation Center Naming Opportunities The Capital Campaign announced the following naming opportunities in the new La Reine Science and Innovation Center: __________________________________________________

Science & Innovation Center

$ 5,000,000

Innovation Atrium

$ 1,000,000

La Reine Historical Display

$ 500,000

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Audio Visual Studio & Media Room $ 250,000 __________________________________________________

Shark Tank Presentation Space

$ 100,000

Science Laboratories

__________________________________________________

75,000

(5 available) __________________________________________________

Innovation Laboratories

75,000

(2 available) __________________________________________________

Faculty Conference Room

50,000

Project-Based Learning Rooms

25,000

__________________________________________________

(3 available) __________________________________________________

For more information, please contact the BMHS Campaign Office at (301) 735-8401 ext. 171 30

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Religious Orders Pledge

We are pleased to announce that the Brothers of Holy Cross and the Bernardine Sisters have each pledged $100,000 towards the Legacy Courtyard project of the Faith. Family. Future! Capital Campaign! Pictured above, the Legacy Courtyard will be the main entry point to the campus and the La Reine Science & Innovation Center.

Support

to the Campaign

Bishop McNamara is incredibly grateful to these two organizations whose members have played such a pivotal role in the history and charism of Bishop McNamara since its founding. n

The 50th Anniversary Faith. Family. Future! Capital Campaign â&#x20AC;&#x201C; By the Numbers La Reine Science & Innovation Center $11.5 million Campus Enhancements including new weight room, locker rooms, gymnasium air conditioning, bleachers, renovated classrooms, and the Legacy Courtyard $2.5 million Scholarship Endowment $1.0 million Total: $15.0 million THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Bishop McNamara High School Dedicates Leadership Center On April 19th, a gathering of prominent legislators, business leaders, Bishop McNamara High School alumni, parents and faculty gathered to honor longtime friends and benefactors Steve and Dianne Proctor for their years of faithful service to the school. Among the guests were Maryland State Senator Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr., House Minority Whip Congressman Steny Hoyer, Congressman Anthony Brown, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, and United Way of the National Capital Area President/CEO Rosie Allen-Herring.

and provide opportunities for those in need. They have provided scholarship funding for students to attend Bishop McNamara High School year after year to ease their financial burden. The Steve and Dianne Proctor Leadership Center will serve as a devoted space for Bishop McNamara students, faculty, staff and visitors to focus their talents and network with others to find new and greater ways to serve the community, just as Steve and Dianne do each and every day. n

The highlight of the evening was the dedication of the Steve and Dianne Proctor Leadership Center, which is located in the Andy Mona ’82 Student Center. Steve and Dianne Proctor have been members of the Bishop McNamara High School community for more than 20 years. As residents of Upper Marlboro, Md., they are faithful parishioners at Most Holy Rosary Church, and are the proud parents of a Bishop McNamara alumnus. Steve was a Bishop McNamara High School Board Member for several years, lending his talents and support to the School whenever needed. Steve and Dianne are very much people of action. They feel it is their responsibility to give back to the community and help expand

Photo credit to a little bit of whimsy photography.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

How to Make a Gift to the

BMHS 50 th Anniversary Campaign

I. Cash

The easiest and fastest way to make a gift to the Campaign. You may pay by check, credit/debit card, by mail or through the Bishop McNamara website. Pledges are accepted up to three years (five years upon special request). Please mail checks to:

Bishop McNamara High School Advancement Department, Alumni Hall 6800 Marlboro Pike Forestville, MD 20747

In the past, gifts of cash could eliminate tax on up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income each year. This amount was increased to 60 percent under the new tax law. Any amounts not deducted can still be used to reduce your income taxes for up to five additional years.

When making gifts of cash, please remember that your employer may match your contribution. Please contact your personnel office to see if your gift qualifies.

II. Gifts of Securities

If you own stocks, mutual funds or other securities that have increased in value, and you have owned them for more than one year, it may be a wise option to use them to make a gift to Bishop McNamara.

You may still claim a deduction for their full market value, not just the amount you paid, and you do not have to pay capital gains tax that would be owed if you sold those securities and donated the proceeds. Oftentimes these types of gifts cost less than giving cash.

III. Donor-Advised Funds

A donor-advised fund, which is akin to a charitable savings account, gives the donor flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to Bishop McNamara High School and other charities. You transfer cash or other assets to a taxexempt sponsoring organization (i.e. Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Foundation, Fidelity Donor Advised Fund, etc.). You can then recommend - but not direct - how much and how often money

is granted. In addition, you avoid the cost and complexities of managing a private foundation. In return, you qualify for a federal income tax deduction at the time you contribute to the account. This method also allows for a centralized giving and recordkeeping system in one location.

IV. Tax-Free Giving through IRAs

For those who are age 70 Â˝ and older who are required to withdraw funds annually from your IRA, there is a special provision that allows you to make charitable gifts directly from your accounts without having to pay taxes that would otherwise be due. The amount you give will count towards your annual required minimum distribution but will not be considered income to you.

Donors may choose to make charitable gifts directly to Bishop McNamara from their IRA up to a total of $100,000 per year. Check with your tax advisor and IRA administrator for the forms necessary to give in this manner.

V. Gifts of Real Estate

Perhaps your first thought is that you do not own property near our location to donate for our use. The fact is, almost any real estate, whether close to Bishop McNamara or not, developed or undeveloped, is potentially a charitable gift.

If you have owned a home or second property for a long time, it likely has significantly increased in value. To contribute to the Campaign, your property opens the door to a unique opportunity. Options include gifting your second property outright to Bishop McNamara, or donating the property to us now, placing it in trust and living in it for the rest of your life. All of these methods will enable you to enjoy financial benefits while supporting our 50th Anniversary Campaign.

VI. Gifts of Paid-Up Life Insurance

Do you have a paid-up insurance policy that you no longer need? Donors can make a gift of such a policy to Bishop McNamara by making the School the owner of the policy. BMHS then cashes in the policy and directs the proceeds to a campaign priority of your choice.

For more information about ways to make a gift to Bishop McNamara that will directly benefit students today and for generations to come, please contact the Director of Development Sandy Mammano at (301) 735-8401 ext. 295 or sandy.mammano@bmhs.org. For assistance in planning charitable gifts with tax and other financial implications, the services of appropriate advisors should be obtained. n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

T riesta F o w ler - L ee

L a R eine C lass of â&#x20AC;&#x2122;91

Excellence in

Medicine

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

•• ••

•

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

••

I credit my La Reine education with helping me to develop my work ethic and drive that I have to excel in my field. •••••••

•••••••••

•

••••••

•• ••

••

••• •

Not only is Dr. Fowler-Lee an alumna of La Reine High School, but she is also the mother of current Bishop McNamara High School student, Devon Lee ’21, who will be entering his sophomore year this fall. Dr. Fowler-Lee said that she knew the moment he was born that she wanted the same kind of education for him that she received at La Reine.

“

••••••••••

•••

“Excellence in education was deeply woven into the fabric of the culture of La Reine High School,” she said. “I credit my La Reine education with helping me to develop my work ethic and drive that I have to excel in my field.”

••

•• ••

••

Clearly a leader in her field, Dr. Fowler-Lee credited the formation of her ambition to the educational foundation she had at La Reine High School.

“I want McNamara students to feel as special as I did to be exposed to state-of-the-art STEM education. I hope that it will produce scientists, engineers or doctors who will make discoveries that will change lives,” she said as she considered advice for current students. “It is never too early to prepare. Once you discover all that is required for your desired career path, start now in high school getting yourself prepared. These experiences will give you an advantage and a unique perspective as you pursue your career.” n

••

Dr. Fowler-Lee is also working on a detail assignment in the Office of the Vice President for Research at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) focusing on developing obesity prevention and treatment curricula for military families. Her work on this particular project will address the effect of the obesity epidemic on military readiness and future recruitment.

Dr. Fowler-Lee was overjoyed to learn about this new Science & Innovation Center, especially with its homage to La Reine. Considering that she herself knew from the age of five what she wanted to do as a career, she is an avid proponent of starting early when preparing for college and ultimately the professional world. This Science & Innovation Center will give our students the opportunity to do just that.

•

Dr. Fowler-Lee has worked at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) since 2007, and in 2009 she led the creation and launch of The National Child and Maternal Health Education Program (NCMHEP). THE NCMHEP, which Dr. Fowler-Lee continues to lead, has a Coordinating Committee which includes more than 30 of the nation’s most prominent health care provider associations, federal agencies, and nonprofit maternal and child health organizations. Since then she has lead a variety of endeavors and has launched some incredible programs and initiatives, all devoted to the health and wellness of children and mothers, such as Moms’ Mental Health Matters (MMHM) Initiative, Know Your Terms Initiative which educates women about the new pregnancy designations, the Is It Worth It? Initiative which is about avoiding non-medically indicated deliveries prior to 39 weeks, and the Mental Health Across the Lifespan – Be More Than a Bystander Bullying Module.

••• •

A medical officer trained in pediatrics, Dr. Fowler-Lee received her B.A. from The Johns Hopkins University, her M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at the Einstein Medical Center and the Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.

In a continued effort to maintain the La Reine legacy, Bishop McNamara High School will be constructing a new Science & Innovation Center named in honor of La Reine. This endeavor is part of the second phase of our Faith. Family. Future! Capital Campaign. This Science & Innovation Center will encourage the pursuit of STEM subjects and careers. Students will have an exclusive space to engage in hands-on activities and projects, and hopefully develop further interest in the subject matter. It will give them increased experience compared to their peers when they continue on to college.

•••

“I became focused and determined from that day forward to see it to fruition,” said Dr. Fowler-Lee. “It was the best decision I made for my life, even though I made it when I was only five years old.”

••

Her mother’s answer, pediatrician, would set Triesta on the direct course for her career path despite her being so young. It was a calling she felt drawn to, and it was far stronger than what a typical child dreams of being when they are that age.

“Bishop McNamara held a special place in my heart because of its commitment to the La Reine alumnae and keeping the spirit of La Reine alive,” said Dr. Fowler-Lee. “I was so impressed by how it has evolved over the years to meet the current demands of education. I could also see that McNamara carried on that belief in excellence in education that I learned at my beloved La Reine. I knew [Bishop McNamara] was the best place for my son.”

••

For five-year-old Triesta Fowler-Lee LR ’91, the answer was simple, but she didn’t know the precise word for it. She went to her mother and asked: “What is the name of the doctor that takes care of children? Because that is what I want to do.”

Not only did Bishop McNamara High School become co-educational in the early 1990s to accommodate the La Reine students when the school closed, but Bishop McNamara has continued to honor and cherish the La Reine legacy.

“

The assignment: What do you want to be when you grow up?

La Reine & McNamara

ALUMNINEWS

These pages represent news shared with the Advancement Office from January 17, 2018 - May 16, 2018 ’67 The La Reine Class of 1967 had some funds left over after their reunion - which they generously donated to Bishop McNamara High School! n ’71 In May 2018, Dale W. Trott ’71 was elected as the State Deputy of the Maryland Knights of Columbus during the Annual State Convention held in Ocean City, Md. n ’74 After a national search that concluded with a unanimous vote, James Dean, Jr. ’74 has been appointed the 20th president of the University of New Hampshire. n

’89 Deep Ellum Foundation has named Phillip Honoré ’89 as their new Public Safety Manager. Phil Honoré is a law enforcement professional with experience that encompasses more than 26 years. Phillip also served as a member of the United States Coast Guard. n ’90 After eight years at Bank of America, Keith Thornton ’90 joined SunTrust Bank as the new Deputy General Counsel for Employment. n

’03 Stacey Rowe ’03 has been inducted into two honor societies as she continues her Master’s program in mental health at Bowie State University. She has been inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society, and the Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society. n

The 2017 New York Military Affairs Symposium announced the winners for the Arthur Goodzeit Book Award and the Eugene Feit Award. This year the winner of the Arthur Goodzeit Award was none other than Michael Walker ’74 for his book The 1929 Sino-Soviet War; the War Nobody Knew. n ’88 Angelo Piazza ’88 was recently named the Police Officer of the Year for Prince George's County! Not only that, but he also received the Gold Medal of Honor for his dedication and service to the community. n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

’01 Chef Lauren Williams ’01 was recently featured by Respect-Mag. They did a Q&A with Lauren, asking him about his experiences growing up, why he became a chef, and the work he does for his community. n

’97 The Daily Record has announced its 2018 Leadership in Law honorees. This year 37 professionals were honored; among them was LaKeecia Allen ’97! n

’08 A few weeks earlier than expected, Anastasia Wroblewski ’08 and her husband Ed celebrated the birth of their daughter on Jan. 28, 2018 - Cecilia Rose Ewing! At 7 lbs. and 19.5 inches long, Cecilia is happy, healthy, and growing fast. n

’12 Devin Swiner ’12 was named the recipient of the CBC College of Arts and Sciences 2017-2018 Susan M. Hartmann Mentoring and Leadership Award. This award is presented annually to a faculty member, regular staff member or student from within The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences who has demonstrated outstanding mentoring and/ or leadership on behalf of women or other historically underrepresented groups at the university. n

’13 Trevor Robinson ’13 aka “Nabor” recently launched his latest music album, Refresh! To promote the album, Nabor was featured in a Q&A article by Alexandra Russell, a prominent DC artist. n

Andrew Smith ’13 graduated from the Maryland State Police Academy Class 147. Andrew received his Associates Degree in Law Enforcement and plans to get his bachelor›s degree in criminal justice during the next 18 months. n ’14 Sierra Armstrong ’14 has received her official invitation to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer! On Sept. 19, 2018 Sierra will depart for Cameroon to serve as a Community Health Specialist n

’15 Rachel Leader ’15 did a special presentation at an academic symposium held at St. Edwards University entitled: Racial Civil Rights: Comparing Participation in the Civil Rights Movement to Contemporary Austin, Texas. Rachel presented findings from personal interviews and analysis of literature surrounding racial activism; she wanted to learn which demographic factors might predict whether a person would be likely to participate in a social movement, and what forms of participation they might engage in. n

Carlos Souffrain ’17 participated in a nine-week internship opportunity at Duke University entitled: “Meeting the Grand Challenges.” The program gives students the opportunity to work on a research project aimed at solving one of the grand challenges of engineering for the 21st century - 14 complex tasks aimed at ensuring the resiliency and sustainability of the world’s population and of future generations. n

’16 Thus far, Michael Haynes ’16 has achieved a GPA of 3.781 at Morgan State University, and he has been inducted into three honor societies: The Golden Key International Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and Beta Gamma Sigma (School of Business) Honor Society. n ’17 The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial STEM Awards at Tuskegee University has announced the latest awardees! They expected to make only one award, however they were very impressed with the quality of their applicants for this year. One of the incredible scholars who applied this year was our own Jania Harrod ’17 - and she won! Jania plans to open a private practice as a veterinarian. n

CALLING ALL ALUMNI! Do you have a big announcement? Maybe you're getting married, having a baby or graduating from college – we want to know! Send us your news so that we can share it with your BMHS family!

Jamir Moultrie ’17 signed on to play basketball for La Salle University. He was recently featured on philly.com for his performance on the team. Specifically, the article talks about how Jamir has adjusted to collegiate life, and how he has continued to learn and grow as an athlete and as a student. n

Please contact us at advancement@bmhs.org and let us know what's new and exciting!

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

For the second year in a row, a Bishop McNamara High School faculty member was named a recipient of the Golden Apple Award from the Archdiocese of Washington! The Golden Apple Awards are issued annually in just five dioceses nationwide; in Pittsburgh, Youngstown (Ohio), Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) and Toledo (Ohio). The award expresses deep appreciation to Catholic school teachers for their commitment to providing a quality academic and faith-filled education for children. This year, the awardee from Bishop McNamara High School was Theology Teacher Mr. Paul O’Brien! On April 16, BMHS and the ADW held a surprise celebration in the main gymnasium on campus. The entire school and some of Paul’s family members were in attendance. Paul O’Brien has been a Theology Teacher at Bishop McNamara High School since 2014, and also serves as the Assistant Coach for Varsity Softball. Prior to his time at BMHS, Paul taught at St. Vincent Pallotti High School, and coached softball for Seton Hill University. He has participated in several coaching clinics to help provide the best instruction and support for his student-athletes; in particular, Paul has participated in The Be the Best Coaches Clinic for several years, with 2018 being the most recent. n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Golden Apple Award Two Years in a Row

Goyette Endowed • ••

• •••

••••••••

••

•••••

•••• •

••

•

•••

••

•

“

• ••

•••••••

••••••

•••

•

Dr. Marco Clark

• • • •

the nominations for Mr. Klimczak gave evidence of his impact on this community, on both colleagues and students.

••

•• •••

••

“

••

Chair

A Unanimous Decision Although we unfortunately had to say goodbye to Mr. E. Matthew Goyette earlier this year, the Endowed Chair in his name continues at Bishop McNamara High School. The Goyette Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence is awarded to a BMHS faculty member who goes above and beyond their call of duty in service to colleagues and students alike. Recipients are given a cash stipend, augmented funds for professional development, and a reduced assignment of duties for the following school year. This will be the third year for the Endowed Chair, and since its inception, more than 95 nominations have been made. This year, Bishop McNamara High School is proud to announce that Mr. Nicholas Klimczak ’07 is the winner of the Goyette Endowed Chair! A selection committee reviewed all unedited recommendations after nominations closed for this year’s Endowed Chair. The selection committee included several former Caritas winners, Academic Dean Charles Shryock, and the first two endowed chairs Kathryn Heneghan and Michael Pozniak. The final decision was unanimous. President/CEO Dr. Marco Clark ’85 commented on this selection by pointing out that, “the nominations for Mr. Klimczak gave evidence of his impact on this community, on both colleagues and students.” Another faculty member wrote, “Every time I am around Mr. Klimczak I learn something, whether it be about science, a best practice or a student. I am constantly in awe of his ability to recall specific details about students he has taught in the past, including where they sat in class!” Nick was recognized and presented with this honor at the 2018 Caritas Award Night. n

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Event & Reunion Information

Let Bishop McNamara Help Plan your Class Reunion! Bishop McNamara High School is reaching out to the following Bishop McNamara and La Reine High School classes to help organize their upcoming reunions:

Bishop McNamara and La Reine ’73, ’78 and ’83 Bishop McNamara High School ’93, ’98, ’03 and ’13 Thank you to the Bishop McNamara and La Reine class of 1968 for attending our Commencement Ceremony this year in celebration of your 50th reunion!

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Homecoming Weekend

Weekend of September 29, 2018

Hall of Fame 2018 September 28, 2018

Homecoming game is on Saturday, September 29th against Landon School Be sure to join us for Homecoming Weekend! Celebrate your reunion year at Bishop McNamara, reconnect with classmates and learn all about what is new and exciting at Bishop McNamara High School! For our Homecoming Game, we will host our annual alumni barbecue and other fun activities for our McNamara Family. On September 28th, join us for our annual Hall of Fame Ceremony, celebrating our athletic Bishop McNamara and La Reine High School alumni - some of them may be your own classmates!

You don't want to miss it! THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Ways to Support Each day generous Bishop McNamara High School community members like you decide to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students by contributing to our Spes Unica Annual Fund. Approximately two-thirds of the students at Bishop McNamara receive some form of tuition assistance or scholarship support. Oftentimes this tuition assistance is the only difference between a student attending Bishop McNamara, or having to go someplace else for their education. While we want to give as much financial aid and support as possible to all of our students in need, at this time we are only able to provide approximately $4,000 for each student who is eligible for financial aid. Help us provide more financial support for our students in need - remember your days at Bishop McNamara or La Reine High School, and help pay it forward to give those memories and experiences to this next generation of students. The annual goal of our Spes Unica Fund is really about making an impact on the educational experience and lives of the students we are privileged to serve. Your donation supports initiatives such as the Saint Joseph Resource

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

Center, which provides academic support, tutoring and remediation for all students; the Bridge of Hope Fund for emergency financial assistance for seniors who have come upon financial hardship; the Saint Andre Bessette emergency fund for underclassmen; program support for our more than 60 co-curricular programs, 22 athletic programs, comprehensive fine and performing arts department, our campus ministry, retreats and Holy Cross Service Program, and to enhance technology in the classrooms. You are part of what makes Bishop McNamara High School so successful in educating the hearts and minds of our students. n

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• United Way of the National Capital Area: #8895 CFC: #62489 Maryland Charity Campaign: #6137 For more information, please contact Director of Development, Sandy Mammano at sandy.mammano@bmhs.org

in loving memory...

Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

"The information included on these pages reflects news shared with the Advancement Office from January 17, 2018 - May 16, 2018

John Alfieri, father of Michael Alfieri ’73, Eileen Abecassis LR ’78 and John A. Alfieri ’86, passed away February 28, 2018. n Clifford Lyle Bates, father of Clifford Martin Bates ’73, Sharon Bates Dvorak LR ’75, Peggy Bates Campbell LR ’77 and Timothy Bates ’78, passed away January 20, 2018. n Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Robert Lee Black, father of LaTonya Black ’93 and Robert Black ’96, passed away April 19, 2018. n Albert Butler, grandfather of Miguel Butler ’02 and RoXelena Butler Cefaratti ’03, passed away on December 22, 2017. n Deacon Kevin Butler, uncle of Miguel Butler ’02 and RoXelena Butler Cefaratti ’03, passed away on December 5, 2017. n Michael L. Calhoun ’73, passed away on July 29, 2017.

Dr. Stephen J. Carroll, father-in-law of Scott Kinney ’85, passed away January 31, 2018. n Dr. Georgette Chambers, mother of Candace Chambers ’10, passed away on February 23, 2018. n Mary Crilley, mother of Mary Crilley Zamary LR ’65, Frank Crilley ’67, Jean Crilley Hobb LR ’68, Joseph Crilley ’75, Christopher Crilley ’78 (deceased), John Crilley ’78 and Lawrence Crilley, passed away November 26, 2017. n Juana De Dios Suarez, mother-in-law of Tim Breen, previous faculty member of La Reine High School during the late 80s and 90s, passed away April 11, 2018. n Kimberly Harris, mother of Erika Harris ’07 and Sara Harris ’08, passed away February 25, 2018. n Mary T. Kline Shenton LR ’71 passed away on December 13, 2017. n Ruth Malarkey, mother of Michael Malarkey ’68, Cheryl Malarkey Pilkington LR ’68 and Pat Malarkey LR ’73 passed away September 2016. n Frank Oleksak, father of Connie Oleksak Warner LR ’79 and Shelly Oleksak Seaman LR ’82, passed away on February 24, 2018.

Photo credit to a little bit of whimsy photography.

James Robertson ’88, brother of Jonathan Robertson ’02, passed away on March 1, 2018. n Adele A. Shinsky mother of Nancy Shinsky Ratherdale LR ’65 and Michael Shinsky ’69, passed away at age 98 on February 16, 2017. n Nancy J. (Shinsky) Ratherdale LR ’65, sister of Michael Shinsky ’69, passed away suddenly on February 16th, 2016. n Lillie Mae Sims, grandmother of BMHS staff member Erika Stockton ’07, passed away February 16, 2018. n Theresa Sullivan David LR ’75, sister of Kathy Dopkowski LR ’65, Janet Jannetti LR ’67, Sharon Lizama LR ’74, Christine Welch LR ’77, Barbara Mulligan LR ’79 and Daniel Sullivan ’82, passed away on February 21, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. n Joseph Thompson, uncle of BMHS Director of Admissions Abigail Greer, passed away February 19, 2018. n Victoria E. Thompson Burton, wife of Dennis Burton ’68, passed away on April 10, 2013. n Tone Thostensen, grandmother of Alyjah Carver ’19 and Jaylon Carver ’20, passed away on April 13, 2018. n Janet Tippett, mother of Janet Tippett Absher LR ’70, Peggy Tippett LR ’72, Jeanne Tippett Young LR ’74, James Tippett, Jr. ’74, Patrick Tippett ’77 and Karen Tippett Dillon, passed away December 5, 2017. n Donna Uhlenhake, grandmother of Emily Porcari ’07, James Porcari ’12, Anna Porcari ’13, John A. Porcari ’16 and Julia Porcari ’19, passed away February 26, 2018. n Joan Wells LR ’64 passed away on April 1, 2018.

Bricks and benches for the Memorial Garden are available to purchase and personalize in memory of your loved ones. Additionally, memorial Mass Cards can be purchased from the Advancement Office.

For more information, please contact Sandy Mammano, Director of Development at 301.735.8401 ext. 295.

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

BISHOP McNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL 6800 Marlboro Pike Forestville, MD 20747-3270 301.735.8401 www.bmhs.org Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Forestville, MD Permit No. 2048

OUR MISSION To educate hearts and minds in a dynamic, inclusive Catholic school community rooted in the Holy Cross tradition.

Social Media Icons - Vector Set - Basic by @garrettgee

Join us for Open House on November 4th, 2018 at 11 a.m.

Stay connected with Bishop McNamara! visit our website: www.bmhs.org Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2039;ishop McNamara High School is an exempt organization as described in Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code: EIN 52-0805939. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. A copy of the current financial statement of Bishop McNamara High School is available by writing to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Bishop McNamara High School, 6800 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747 or by calling 301-735-8401. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.

garrettright 2012 - Please do not redistribute as your own. THE MUSTANG MESSENGER