REUNION WEEKEND

INSPIRES TOURS, MEMORIES, AND MORE

Calvert welcomed alumni back to campus for the 2023 Reunion Weekend on May 12 and 13. The festivities began with the Head Master’s Luncheon on Friday afternoon. Alumni celebrating reunions of 50 years or more along with Hillyer Society and Signature Society members gathered at 2 Oak Place to reminisce and learn about Calvert today. The luncheon included a performance by members of the Middle School String Ensemble and the presentation of state reports by Tenth Age students Austin Park ’27 and Juliet Boughan ’27 . Alumni were then offered tours of the campus.

Later on Friday afternoon, alumni gathered in the Luetkemeyer Athletic Center for a squash round robin. Thank you to all of the players, and a special congratulations to finalists Ben Hearn ’07 and Blake Otenasek ’17.

The rain on Saturday did not deter the Class of 1973 from touring the campus with Middle School Head Matt Buck ’87, Alumni Board member Farrell Gregory ’18, and Director of Development Sarah Walton. For some, this was their first time seeing the Francis J. Carey, Jr. ’38 Middle School.

The celebration continued with the All-Alumni Cocktail Party and the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award to former Calvert Trustee Josh Perry

’96 in recognition of his extraordinary service to Calvert and the greater community. While presenting the award, Alumni Board President Charlie Albert ’72 shared a special message from Josh’s classmate and friend Reuel Belt ’96.

“From his charitable work in the community as a trustee to his accomplishments as a sought-after strategic advisor in the investment and finance industry, Josh exudes a character of excellence and humility,” Belt said. “Tonight's well-deserved honor demonstrates Josh's discipline to remain true to himself, and it recognizes the principles instilled in him during his youth. Josh has consistently represented what it means to be a Silhouette Child.”

Classes ending in “3” and “8” celebrated reunions this year. Several alumni from these reunion classes traveled home to visit with their classmates and gathered for a celebratory dinner in 2 Oak Place. Graduates from the class of 1973 commemorated their milestone 50th reunion at the home of Tom Mooney and Kingsley Moore Mooney ’73, which was also the exact location of their graduation party 50 years ago.

Thank you to those who hosted, served on reunion committees, and rallied classmates as Class Captains. We look forward to celebrating classes ending in “4” and “9” next year!

New Calvert graduates stand on the stage every June looking out at their proud families and teachers. Crisp certificates in hand and gold CS pins shining, they proudly sing the song, "We're Going Far from Calvert." The graduates process down the aisle and on to their next adventures. Their stories are unique and varied, but many, draw upon their Calvert roots and embark on careers in education.

“The stories are the fabric of who we are and who we’re going to be,” said Clark Wight ’81

Now the president of The St. Paul’s Schools in Brooklandville, Maryland, Clark has traveled the world thanks to his career as an educator. Prior to joining St. Paul’s, Clark served as the project lead for innovation and transformation at Guildford Grammar School in Perth, Australia. He previously held roles as director of leadership at Hale School, headmaster of the primary school at Christ Church Grammar School in Perth, and

middle school head at University School in Cleveland

“One driving passion as a school leader is figuring out how to continue creativity, awe, and wonder all through school,” Clark shared. He was inspired by Calvert teachers such as Mac Gillet ’40 and Mike Paul.

“They were authentic and passionate about what they taught,” he said.

Now as a school leader, Clark strives to create a school environment that is fun, firm, fair, and focused.

Clark recalls shaking Head Master Bill Kirk’s hand each morning as a student. Its impact led Clark to start a handshaking tradition at each school he led. He believes that greeting students as they enter school provides a glimpse into how their morning went or if they’re excited or nervous about something that day.

“Great teachers know that an emotional connection is necessary,” Clark said.

Much like Clark, Isabel Harris ’14 understands the importance of connecting with her students. Following her spring 2022 graduation from the University of Delaware, Isabel knew she wanted to work in a school that recognizes the whole child and where teachers are encouraged and supported to do just that.

“Kids inspire me,” Isabel shared with a smile.

Returning to Calvert was Isabel's dream, and the Clapp Teaching Fellow position was the perfect opportunity to get her start as an educator. Established by the Clapp family in 2012, The Ann and Harvey Clapp III '51 Internship Fund provides an opportunity for a new or inexperienced teacher to join the faculty for a year under the guidance of mentors on the Calvert faculty. Among the necessary characteristics for this position are a commitment to tradition and innovation and a desire to “inspire students to learn, explore, master, grow, and develop a lifelong love of learning.”

These are qualities that Isabel has in spades. She recognizes the impact teachers have on their students beyond academics. Independence and confidence come when students have teachers who genuinely know and care about them. “I want to be that person for my students," she said. “I want them to feel comfortable raising their hands in my classroom.”

“I held my Calvert teachers in such high regard,” said Skip Howe ’77. His journey began in Seventh Age math class with Peg Licht. When one student had a question about a new concept, Skip found that he was able to connect the dots for his classmate.

Fast forward 27 years to when he received the Calvert calendar in the mail just as he was contemplating a career change. Determination landed Skip an interview with Head Master Merrill Hall. The interview led to a one-year internship and, eventually, a position as a Ninth Age teacher. Now a math teacher in the Middle School, Skip says that his motivation is supporting his students to reach the “a-ha” moments.

“I want to be the teacher that I needed as a student,” he said. “I try to look at school through their eyes.”

Jonathan Koch ’01 also found the “a-ha” moments rewarding during his time as a high school teacher. Now a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English at Pepperdine University, Jonathan says, “I enjoyed giving my students the tools to go out and find something they’re passionate about. At the college level, it’s about giving students the tools to go create their own a-ha moments.”

After 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy, including combat missions over Iraq and a yearlong tour in Afghanistan, Steve Snyder ’74 followed in the footsteps of his father, former Eighth Age teacher Dick Snyder, and began a career in education. Steve is now an adjunct professor at Regent University in Virginia Beach. He is also pursuing a Ph.D. in education leadership designed for those who want to teach at the university level.

“Education has always been at the core of our family. Starting with my father, who instilled strong values early, and onto my experience at Calvert, where you were challenged to do your best in the classroom; my brother, Rick ’73, and my sister, Stacy ’80, and I understand and believe in the importance of a solid educational foundation.”

Caroline Greene Morin ’85 remembered the impact of Sally Carr, who joined Calvert in 1976 and succeeded Patricia Harrison as assistant head in 1995.

“Mrs. Carr was an amazing role model,” she said. “I still try to mimic the grace and care she provided to the students and faculty, ensuring their wellness and happiness at Calvert.”

With national board certification, Caroline is now a thirdgrade public school teacher at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach and a certified health and wellness coach.

Laura Spadone ’77 also credits Mrs. Carr with leading her to a career teaching. Much like classmate Skip Howe, Laura found herself considering next steps. As fate would have it, Laura spoke with Mrs. Carr at Calvert’s centennial celebration in the fall of 1996 and mentioned she was considering teaching.

“I came back because Sally Carr told me I would make a good teacher,” she shares. Laura recalls how she benefited from dedicated Calvert teachers during her time at the School, and she thought she would have something to offer today’s students: “Make your best effort. I felt that was so empowering as a student.” As a Ninth Age homeroom teacher, Laura now encourages her students with the same message.

“Teaching is hopeful work,” she shared.

For John Simms ’09, teaching is also a calling.

“I became an educator because of how much my teachers, especially the teachers that I had while at Calvert, helped me. During the pandemic, I realized how many unique challenges students are facing and felt a pull to help,” he said.

John is an assistant learning and support coordinator in Calvert’s Middle School, where he works closely with alumnae Kait Gentry ’97 and Isabel Cooke ’12. Not only is Kait an alumna and the Middle School learning and support coordinator, she is also the daughter of long-time Calvert teacher Mary Alice Lears. Education, and Calvert in particular, are so woven into the fabric of Kait’s childhood, that when the time came to choose a career, she had a singular focus.

“I always wanted to teach at Calvert because it was foundational to who I am,” she said.

Napoleon Sykes ’96 also credits Calvert with helping to shape his career path.

“I’ve carried those fundamentals I learned at Calvert through Gilman and Wake Forest and into my professional life,” he said.

Napoleon works at The Lawrenceville School as the assistant director of admission, diversity coordinator, and head football coach. His first teaching position was at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he taught English and creative writing. Napoleon spent the next 12 years coaching football. He held positions at his alma mater Wake Forest, the Naval Academy, and UNC Charlotte as well as with the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and the XFL’s DC Defenders.

While recruiting for these programs, Napoleon became adept at listening to students and finding players who were good matches for the programs.

“You’re going out and finding people who fit what you do,” Napoleon said.

“Coach Poe,” as he is affectionately known by his players, said this experience naturally led him to a position in the admission office at Lawrenceville.

“I still have to find the right fit for the school,” he shared.

“I utilize all of the skills I learned through coaching and recruiting to be able to talk to the kids at their level and talk to parents and make them feel comfortable.”

His career path led him back to his Calvert roots in a special way as he now works with the Eighth Grade students applying to Lawrenceville. Napoleon is impressed by the students he meets.

“Calvert really prepares kids for what higher education is looking for at a young age,” he said. “The emphasis on being a strong reader and writer is still central at Calvert.”

Napoleon works closely with Calvert Upper School Placement Coordinator Kathy Cole Liotta ’79. Kathy is about as entrenched in the Calvert story as one can be. A third-generation Calvert student, Kathy continued the tradition by selecting the School for her daughters, Maclean Liotta ’10 and Liza Liotta ’12. She served on the Board of Trustees, chaired the Board's Development Committee, and taught a Fifth Grade homeroom before stepping into her current role in upper school placement.

“Working at Calvert has been one of my greatest hon- ors,” Kathy said. “Calvert has had an incredible impact on me as a former student and many members of my family, including our two daughters. It is so special to be part of that same life-changing journey for so many other students and their parents. Every day, I am so proud of our unique community and our graduates as we launch them off to their next phases of life.”

Calvert Middle School Head Matt Buck ’87 is certainly a central figure in that journey. His vision and leadership have brought unprecedented growth in Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades. Prior to becoming a Calvert administrator, Matt taught at Gilman School.

“Collectively at Calvert, we have had the gift of time with our students and their parents during the most formative years of their lives,” said Kathy. “It is our passion and commitment to help them grow into the best humans they can be to go on and carry the Calvert legacy and to make the world a better place.”