Best of Both Worlds

The Best of

Calvert Hall believes in educating the whole person. The school’s mission statement commits to “prepare a diverse community of young men to achieve their fullest potential utilizing their unique talents.” Academically, 26 AP courses are offered and more than 90 academic electives. Outside of the rigors of the classroom, ninety-three per cent of students participate in one or more activities. These activities include 19 athletic programs (40 teams) and 60 clubs ranging in intensity.

Experiencing the best of both worlds, Ryan Parker ’22 and Darrius Smith ’24 are members of the marching band as well as the championship football team. Marching band and football are two demanding activities. The Calvert Hall marching band participates in numerous local parades including the Mayor’s Christmas parade and the Towson 4th of July parade. They have travelled to Disney and have performed down Disney World’s Main Street USA. The Varsity football team captured the MIAA “A” title this year, ending a 12-year drought.

The time commitment for both of these activities is challenging. The band rehearses before school three mornings a week along with various summer sessions and evening rehearsals. Football offered optional summer conditioning sessions and once the school year commenced; practiced five days a week and played weekly

games. When asked his thoughts on the two students splitting their time between band and football, Brian Ecton, director of instrumental music, shared, “I firmly believe students should have the ability to pursue all their interests. If they are willing to put the effort in, which I see Darius and Ryan doing, they can be very successful.” Additionally, head varsity football coach, Josh Ward ’04, added, “I am always very supportive of our young men getting involved in as many activities as they can at The Hall.” Darrius Smith ’24

Ryan Parker ’22 has taken Coach Ward’s advice and run with it. As a Senior, he is a member of the National Honor Society, the public relations director for the Science National Honor Society, a Brother Tom Miller Honors student, a peer educator, and homeroom representative. He is also a member of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle club, Asian Student Association, Model United Nations, It’s Academic, and the Cardinal Crazies. In addition to being a member of the 2021 Varsity football championship team, he managed the 2019 MIAA championship F/S soccer team, managed the 2020 MIAA championship JV soccer team, and threw shot put his sophomore year for the 20192020 JV MIAA championship Indoor Track and Field team. When asked how he balances band, football, and his numerous other extracurriculars, Ryan stated,

I try to ensure I get enough rest. The outpouring support and encouragement from the coaching staff and teammates are what has sparked a passion inside of me.”

The Best of

Both Worlds

Photo Credit: Alex Hergan ‘22

Darrius Smith ’24 discovered his passion for football at the age of five. Although he doesn’t remember scoring his first touchdown, the feeling of excitement never left. In the sixth grade he discovered his passion for music. When asked if he found an overlap between the two passions he acknowledged,

“I have found my involvement with music has made me a better football player. Band has a unique ability to channel peace and a calmness inside of me. This sense of quiet translates into focus on the field. The ability to cancel out the noise on the field and devote my full attention to my assignment and the play calls. ”

Ryan and Darrius each have had distinctive paths that have led them to their experiences at The Hall. Their journeys have led them to become independent thinkers and responsible leaders. Their stories are merely a snapshot of the many multi-talented students at Calvert Hall – students who are able to experience the best of both worlds, in and out of the classroom.

BR. JOHN KANE, FSC

Joe Baker ‘76