The Bridge Spring 2024

PICTURED ON THE COVER: Madeline Ortiz ’27

Photo Credit: James Kegley / jameskegley.com

Natalie Moss ‘30

THE BRIDGE is published for alumni, parents, and friends by Severn School’s Communications Office. We encourage all of our readers to respond with comments, questions, and information. Reach us at: 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146 or info@ severnschool.com or 410.647.7700.

ONLINE ACCESS: All issues of The Bridge can be found on Severn’s website for easy online reading. To access this and other past issues, visit https://www.severnschool.com/ alumni/the-bridge-magazine

©2024 Severn School. All Rights Reserved. Severn School does not discriminate against any person in admission, employment, or otherwise because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or age. Severn School is accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS) and is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education.

MISSION STATEMENT: Severn School challenges its students to pursue excellence in character, conduct, and scholarship, to marshal the courage to lead, and to contribute to the world around them. We believe this is best realized in a community where adults model these qualities, where a culture of belonging is fostered, and where each student is known and valued.

Douglas Lagarde, Head of School

Jon Mahan, Board of Trustees Chair

Shannon Howell, Director of Development

Kelley Wallace, Director of Communications and Bridge Editor

Carolyn Campion, Director of Alumni Relations and Alumni Giving

Jessica Popham McDermott ’97, Alumni Association President

Designed by Contrast & Company

HEAD OF SCHOOL DOUG LAGARDE’S

CONVOCATION REMARKS

Every year, you are given a gift when you walk through the doors of Severn School. The gift is not tangible; it is not something you can touch. But it is magical. It forges relationships. It makes community possible. That gift is the gift of trust. Our trust – our confidence, our belief – that we, the adults in this community, have in you. We trust that you will grow and change; we trust that you will reach for new heights; we trust that you will have successes and disappointments; we trust in who you are now and who you will become.

TRUST

is both individual, which fosters personal relationships, and social, which promotes community.

Social trust is a widespread faith in the people who make up a community. It assumes that we are interdependent, our destinies are linked, that we rely on others and are the people on whom others can depend, and that we share common values – a sense of right and wrong. Personal trust exists between two friends who rely on each other. Still, social trust is built within organizations in which people are bound together to do joint work, in which they struggle together long enough for trust to gradually develop, in which they are held to rules and standards of excellence to live up to that keep them trustworthy when their commitments might otherwise falter.

(Brooks, David, America Is Having a Moral Convulsion, The Atlantic, 10.5.20)

Trust is most often seen as a two-way street, with trust offered equally by both parties involved. In other words, I can trust you if you trust me. For a personal relationship to thrive, I agree with this. For a communal relationship like what exists here at Severn, trust often starts as a one-way street. It is a leap of faith on the part of the school that may take time for some students to accept and reciprocate, but we will take that chance every year and travel down that one-way street to offer our trust with no guarantees of it being returned. We are

hopeful, and every year, I am heartened by your commitment to honoring your part of the trusting relationships that make our community flourish.

Trust is the glue that holds people and organizations together, and social trust at Severn gets built through its mission: Severn School challenges its students to pursue excellence in character, conduct, and scholarship, to marshal the courage to lead, and to contribute to the world around them. We believe this is best

us toward self-preservation, where all our energy goes into managing the day-to-day and focusing on getting by. (Magness, Steve, Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness, 6.21.22)

Here’s the tricky thing about belonging. We, Severn, or I, as Head of School, don’t get to proclaim everyone belongs. You can’t give belonging as if it is some badge or a sticker. (Mattingly, Bob, CSEE, Summer 2023) We can do everything

Severn School challenges its students to pursue excellence in character, conduct, and scholarship, to marshal the courage to lead, and to contribute to the world around them.

realized in a community where adults model these qualities, where a culture of belonging is fostered, and where each student is known and valued.

Character, conduct, and scholarship, leadership, and contributions to the communities you are a part of are all habits strengthened by individual decisions and actions. And you are, individually, accountable for all of them. On the other hand, creating a culture of belonging is a collective act that requires significant social trust. Belonging is the feeling that we are part of a larger group that values, respects, and cares for us.

When we feel we belong, we are connected to those around us; we feel supported from a place of growth and development instead of fear; and we are free to be ourselves and perform at our best. If we lack a sense of belonging or connection, fear pushes

here at Severn to create a culture of belonging, but that still may mean there are members of our community who don’t feel as if they belong. And the truth is, the individual gets to decide whether or not they trust this community enough to say, “I belong.” And this can take time – for some much longer than others.

There are ways, however, for each and every one of us to be architects of

belonging, to help build trust – be kind and helpful to others, be thoughtful and honest, keep promises, care deeply about other people, and offer support when they need it. This is harder than it sounds, and I don’t expect you to be perfect. In fact, I expect you to struggle because being a good person is not always easy. We all struggle, even as adults, not to be jealous, spiteful, intolerant, or judgmental, and some days we do better than others. So yes, all of us will make mistakes this year that could derail belonging. But here is the good news: it can be easily affirmed. We simply have to own up and apologize.

At my age, I have made many mistakes in my life, and the ones I regret the most are those for which I did not make amends and did not apologize. Regret can be a wonderful teacher, but only if we are willing to convert our regrets into fuel for becoming a better person. (Pink, Daniel, The Power of Regret, 2.1.22) When you make a mistake this year that excludes someone or hurts them in some way, own up and apologize. It is the most powerful way to build personal and social trust in this community. And when we all accept this responsibility, we will have gone a long way in fostering a culture of belonging at Severn. I trust all of you will be up to this challenge.

I look forward to working with you as we embark on what stands to be an exciting, fun, and fruitful school year.

Doug Lagarde, Head of School

Dear Severn Alumni Family,

I hope this note finds you well and enjoying a wonderful and enriching spring season with your families. I would like to begin by congratulating Severn’s newest alumni, the Class of 2024, on their graduation. What an impressive and talented group—we are honored to have you join the Severn Alumni family!

May is a poignant time in a student’s life, as it typically marks the frenzied end of the rigorous academic calendar year. Still, it is also filled with ceremonies and celebrations to highlight a student’s achievements. It’s a time of both endings and new beginnings. This May will represent a graduation of sorts for me as well, as I step down from the role of Severn Alumni President. I will address the Class of 2024 at the end of this month and introduce them to the newest leader of the alumni community. There will be more announcements on who will enter the role, so please stay tuned!

This is a bittersweet moment for me. I was honored to take over as Alumni President almost seven years ago and have enjoyed the many alumni connections and events in which I have been involved. It has been wonderful to meet alums whose paths did not cross mine while at Severn but with whom I have so much in common, given our shared love of our school. My goal as your president was not only to connect you with one another but also to connect you with the current Severn student body and faculty. My hope and vision was for our Alumni group to give back to the Severn students and empower them. Our amazing and dedicated Alumni group has achieved this in splendid fashion through donations of time, knowledge, and participation in mentor programs. Please continue to support Severn in this way. Your shared knowledge and

experiences are invaluable to the development of Severn students and their futures. We are all the better for your continued involvement.

The theme of this magazine is “Everyone Belongs,” which is one of Severn’s core values. Severn states in its academic philosophy, “We believe in an education that uplifts the dignity, self-worth, and potential of everyone to build a community of lifelong learners and leaders…At Severn, every single member of our community has a valued perspective and voice.” Thank you all for staying in touch with Severn and lending your voices and perspectives back to the Severn community. Thank you for sharing a piece of yourselves with each other and the future Severn Alumni. Severn is more than a school; it’s a place for individuals to come together to grow, learn, develop, and belong…it’s a family. I feel honored to have represented such a wonderful and distinguished group of graduates from this family.

I wish you all well and look forward to seeing you at future Severn events. Please continue to stay active and in touch. The heart of Severn is all of you!

Best,

Jessica Popham McDermott ’97  jessiemcdermott@gmail.com

In 2022, Severn School committed to a bold strategic plan that empowers every Admiral to take on the challenges laid at their feet by previous generations by discovering their own potential and practicing the many ways to lead. We call it Leadership Reimagined, and it serves as both our aspirational north star and a daily touchpoint on which to focus and center our actions.

In the past two issues of The Bridge, we have shared stories demonstrating how our core values are woven into the fabric of our day and throughout the community. We continue that approach in this issue, with Everyone Belongs as the unifying theme.

SEVERN’S FIVE CORE VALUES

We envision a world where education is about the who.

There’s what we learn in school, and then there’s what we do with that knowledge. We prioritize intellectual engagement and a lifelong growth mindset as foundations for an excellent education. Here, education is contextualized for the real world so that every student can explore new ideas and make meaning of what they learn.

Our students learn to take a stand by embracing honesty, integrity, and consideration for others in every interaction, big and small. We prioritize understanding the ethical and moral complexities inherent in today’s world and aligning decisions and actions with honesty, character, and purpose.

As individuals, we are capable of extraordinary things, but together, we are capable of even more. Keeping community at the center gives us the energy and enthusiasm to explore ideas and try new things.

A Severn education prioritizes the whole person – mind and body – to ensure each student has the fuel they need to grow inside and outside of the classroom. In pursuing personal wellness, students learn to develop sustainable habits that lead to fulfillment and joy.

We want every single member of our community to feel that Severn is a place where they belong. When we build towards instinctive inclusivity – the ability to include and engage other people, perspectives, and experiences without prompt –we broaden our knowledge and enrich the Severn community.

Snapsh ts of Severn

Hoops Hype

Severn students showed up in a big way to support the Varsity squad at the MIAA B-Conference Basketball Championship game. Sporting coats and ties, crowns and princess dresses, and in some cases no shirts at all, the students were on their feet the whole game, cheering on their classmates as they captured the program’s first Conference Championship in three decades.

The Severn Student Section cheers on the

Ugly Sweaters and Holiday Vibes

Faculty and staff got festive on the last day of school before the winter break, rocking some truly spectacular ugly sweaters. Prizes were awarded for the Best Interactive Sweater (Andrew Otero), Most Festive Sweater (Catie Martino and Angela Hysan), Ugliest Sweater (Steve Soden and Chris Sapienza), and Funniest Sweater (Skip Sensbach).

Faculty and staff gathered on the steps of Teel for a group Ugly Sweater photo on the last school day in 2023.

Perfect Harmony

Breakwater performs at the SingStrong A Cappella Festival in Long Island, NY.

Breakwater, Severn’s award-winning a cappella group, performed at the SingStrong A Cappella Festival in Long Island in February and came home with a Judge’s Choice Award for the Best Duet. Fletcher Warner ‘26 and Annie Campion ’26 earned the award with their joint performance of “Wonder.” Breakwater released a new EP entitled Breathe in October, featuring three new tracks. It’s available now on all major streaming services.

Over the Moon for the Newest Admirals

Incoming students and sisters

Eloise Moon ‘32 are all smiles as they sport their new Severn gear. They will be entering second and fifth grade at Severn School starting in fall 2024, and we are over the moon about welcoming them and all of the other new families joining this community.

Margot (L) and Eloise (R) celebrate their acceptance to Severn for the 24-25 school year.

G’Day, Admiral!

Thanks to a Stephens Millard ’51 Grant, US Assistant Dean of Students and Physics Teacher Minda Wesley spent time in Australia over the summer. Minda’s father, Tom Wesley, and of course The Admiral, accompanied her on the twoweek excursion, and the “trio” hit all the must-see spots in this trip of a lifetime.

Tom Wesley, The Admiral and Minda Wesley get up close and personal with a koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary outside of Brisbane, Australia.

Say Cheese!

At the start of every new school year, Mr. Lagarde challenges middle school students to learn the names of all their classmates. This group of sixth graders was up for the challenge, and a pizza lunch with Mr. Lagarde was the reward.

Class of 2030 students pictured are: Right side of the tableChase Moore, Lincoln Gaither Lane Fletcher, and Sasha Queen; Left side of the tableTilly Benoit, Claire Crivella Sia Duggal, Scarlett Habashi and Piper Pipkin. Head of the table-Doug Lagarde.

Extra Fun on an Extra Day

These Severn students were jumping for joy in celebration of Leap Day 2024. Because who doesn’t love an extra day of school!?

Kenneth Bauer ‘29, Sebastian Sardi ‘29, Colin Schwab ‘29, Oghosa Ede-Osifo ‘29, Mason Ming ‘29

Snow Much Fun

Students at the Lower School enjoyed a snowy recess after January storms blanketed the area and ended the two-year Northeast snow drought. Thanks to the wintry weather, students also enjoyed the first Snow Day in as many years.

Severn Lower School students play in the snow during recess.

ADMIRAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to all of the Admirals who were recognized in the fall and winter seasons.

Fall 2023

Fall Stand Outs

Emma Patrick ‘26 was named IAAM Athlete of the Week, after placing first in the IAAM Cross Country Championships with a time of 18:14

Bo Fowler ’24 named MIAA Football C Conference Athlete of the Year

Claire McNitt ‘24 and Adele Hlousek ‘24 – IAAM Doubles Champions, Varsity Girls Tennis

Fall Sailing Team named the National Invitational Champions (Annie Sitzmann ‘26 / Helena English ‘24 and Ava Cornell ‘24 / Scarlett Harris ‘24 competed to get the win)

Girls Varsity Cross Country

` Rowan Palmer ‘27, IAAM All-Conference B / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Emma Patrick ‘26, IAAM All-Conference B / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette

Boys Varsity Cross Country

` Timmy Wright ‘25, MIAA 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

Girls Varsity Soccer

` Alaina Subong ’26, IAAM All-Conference B

` Eli Valencia ‘25, IAAM All-Conference B / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

Boys Varsity Soccer

` Will Cawlfield ‘25, MIAA All-Conference B / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Caden Taylor ‘24, MIAA All-Conference B

` Matt Sotiropolous ‘24, MIAA All Conference B / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Hudson Lamb ‘24, MIAA All-Conference B / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Alex Mussog ‘24, MIAA All-Conference B / All-County Honorable Mention Capital Gazette

Girls Varsity Field Hockey

` Cari Davis ‘26, IAAM All-Conference B / All-County Honorable Mention Capital Gazette

` Addison Lamb ‘27, IAAM All-Conference B

` Grace Fankl ‘25, IAAM All-Conference B / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

Boys Varsity Football

` Jules Floyd ’26, MIAA All-Conference C

` Bo Fowler ’24, MIAA All-Conference C / 1st Team All-County (Defense) Capital Gazette / Football Foundation All-State (Private – Div. III)

` Jack Fowler ’26, MIAA All-Conference C

` Reid Gills ’24, MIAA All-Conference C

` Daniel Growney ’25, MIAA All-Conference C / 2nd Team All-County (Offense) Capital Gazette / Football Foundation All-State (Private – Div. III)

` Talin Krashoc ’26, MIAA All-Conference C

` Jack Pumphrey ’24, MIAA All-Conference C

` Charlie Runco ’26, MIAA All-Conference C

` Alan Scheffers ’24, MIAA All-Conference C / Football Foundation All-State (Private – Div. III)

Wrestling Head Coach Tom Wheeler was named Capital Gazette Coach of the Year.

Head Coach Mike Glasby was named Capital Gazette Co-Coach of the Year and 2023-24 MIAA Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.

Winter 2023-2024

For the first time in a decade, the Severn Admirals earned four conference championships in the winter season, with MIAA B-Conference tournament wins by JV and Varsity Boys Basketball, Varsity Wrestling, and Varsity Boys Swimming.

Boys Varsity Swimming

Boys Varsity Swim Team placed 1st at MIAA B Conference Championship Meet after an undefeated 23-24 season.

` Court Barrett ‘26, bettered his 100m backstroke record to 54.21 seconds. He previously set the record on 11/17/23 at 54.36 seconds.

` Harlan Erskine ‘25, Rhett Walker ‘27, Cal Olenec ‘26, and Court Barrett ‘26, bettered their record for the 200m free relay to 1:38:38. They set the previous record on 12/1/23 at 1:38.62.

` Callum Olenec ‘26, MIAA All-Conference B

` Rhett Walker ’27, MIAA All-Conference B

` Court Barrett ’26, MIAA All-Conference B

` Harlan Erskine ‘25, MIAA All-Conference B

Girls Varsity Swimming

Kenzie Getz ’25 set a new school record in the 100m freestyle – 54.16 seconds (previous record of 54.34 stood since 2000)

` Aliza Monaldo ’24, IAAM All-Conference B

` Whitney Grimes ’24, IAAM All-Conference B

` Kenzie Getz ’25, IAAM All-Conference B

` Noelle Salamandra ’27, IAAM All-Conference B

Wrestling

Varsity Wrestling, MIAA B-Conference Tournament Champions and the MIAA B-Conference Dual Meet Champions

` Jack Hayman ’24, MIAA All-Conference B

` Aidan Shenck ‘24 , MIAA All-Conference B

` Talin Krashoc ’26, MIAA All-Conference B

` Nick Melfi ‘25, MIAA All-Conference B

` Dom Montgomery ’27, MIAA All-Conference B

Girls Varsity Basketball

Amyah Heylinger ‘27 was the only freshman on the Varsity squad, and in her first season she earned IAAM All-Conference B honors.

Boys Varsity Basketball

Boys Varsity Basketball Team, MIAA B-Conference Champions

` Kingston Price ’24, MIAA All-Conference B / Baltimore Sun All-Metro Boys Basketball 1st Team, 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Jacob Randall ’25, MIAA All-Conference B / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

Boys JV Basketball

` Boys JV Basketball Team, MIAA B-Conference Champions

Winter Stand Outs

Aliza Monaldo ’24 set a new school record in the 200m freestyle, completing it in 1:55:16 to beat the previous record of 1:56:68 which was set back in 1992. Monaldo was also named IAAM Athlete of the Week for Swimming.

Nick Melfi ’25 became the ninth ever All-American for Severn Wrestling at the National Prep Wrestling Championships, defeating both the seventh and ninth-ranked wrestlers. Melfi was also named MIAA B-Conference Wrestling Athlete of the Year.

Kingston Price ‘24 In a January matchup against Annapolis Area Christian School, Price put up 32 points, putting him over the 1,000-point mark in his Severn basketball career. He ended his Severn career with 1,276 total points. Price is one of only seven Admirals to achieve this milestone. Other Admirals with over 1,000 points are: LJ Owens ’18, AJ Burch ‘19, Deon Peters ‘05, Brad Fowler ’93 P’24,‘26, John Vereen ’95, and Denard Melton ’98.

YES WE DO! , We’ve Got Spirit

2024 Spirit Week & Homecoming: October 1-7

Pictured: Top Row: L: Scarlett Harris ‘24, Skyler Morton ‘24, Ava Cornell ‘24; R: Mikey Batchelder ‘27; 2nd row: L: Freshman boys compete in the Tug of War; Center: Paisley Pentecost ‘25, Kenzie Getz ‘25; young Admirals enjoy Homecoming Saturday with The Admiral; 3rd Row: Chase McLure ‘27, Grayson Skeeter ‘27, Kingston Price ‘24, Ezra Rojes ‘26, Jack Stamato ‘24, The Admiral; 4th Row: L: Junior girls compete in the Tug of War; R: Kyla Towa ‘26, Val Waugh ‘26

In true Severn style, the run-up to Homecoming Day – dubbed Spirit Week – was jam-packed with activities in the Upper School. Spirit Week officially kicked off on Sunday with the Fresh/Soph Picnic, followed by the Junior/Senior Girls Flag Football Game. Starting on Monday, students came to school each day that week dressed in a new theme, while at the same time, classes competed to fill a bus with donations for the annual food drive benefiting SPAN. Friday’s culminating events were all about

showmanship and strength. After practicing throughout the week, Upper School students showed off their many talents during the annual Sing for Your Supper competition. The performances did not disappoint, but in the end, the Class of 2026 was declared the winner. This spirited event was followed by the annual Tug of War contest. Spirit Week also included the Class Banner and Hallway Decorating contests. Overall the Class of 2024 was named Spirit Week Champions.

Ezra Rojes ‘26

The Class of 1973 (50th Reunion) is honored at the halftime of the football game. Doug Lagarde, Greg Kerchner, The Admiral, Court Williams, Tom Kiefer, George Graefe, G.P. Lindsay, Jim “Woody” Wooddell, Mike Houser, Griff

Generations of Admirals Enjoy HOMECOMING & CLASS REUNION FESTIVITIES

Teel Campus buzzed with energy and excitement on Homecoming Day as students, families, friends, faculty, and alums came out to cheer on the Varsity Field Hockey and Football teams, grab some fresh gear at the Admirals’ Collection, and stroll down memory lane at the Archives display in the Memorial Gym.

After the football game, alumni gathered on the Daiger House back lawn for the annual Sunset BBQ Bash, a festive affair that included games for the kids, good food, good friends, and the sharing of many Severn stories.

Members of the Class of 2018 gather in celebration of their 5th Reunion during the Class Reunion festivities.

Penny and Jock Hopkins ‘63

Class of 1983 (40th Reunion):

Molly (Moore) Green, Mary Anne (Koubek) Smith, Cash Hilmer, Mark Carroll, Mark Goodman, Stevie Beardmore, Noel Patterson

Hall, Jack Flanagan, and Geoff Riefe

D’Lina Santa-Kingsley ‘03 and Wilber Abreu

Four New Members Inducted into the Severn Athletics

Hall of Fame

In a special ceremony held October 6, 2023, on Severn’s Teel Campus, Stephen K. Beardmore ’83, Jennifer R. Gens ’02, R. Scott Steele ’76, and Brandon R. Wright ’01 became the newest inductees into Severn’s Athletic Hall of Fame. This year’s Hall of Fame festivities included an outdoor reception and a formal program featuring remarks by the 2023 honorees.

R. SCOTT STEELE ’76

Beardmore

CLASS OF 1983

1981-1983 LACROSSE | BASKETBALL

1991 & 1992

BRANDON R. WRIGHT ’01

The Severn Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1981 by Severn’s Athletic Association. The Hall of Fame recognizes those who have contributed to athletic excellence at Severn School as a player, coach, or athletic director. At least ten years must pass between the honoree’s last participation at Severn and his or her induction into the Hall of Fame.

To see all previous Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, visit severnschool. com/athletics/athletics-hall-of-fame

R.

1971-1976

R. Scott Steele

SAILING | WRESTLING

CLASS OF 1976

2004

Rhode Island Heritage (Sailing) - Hall of Fame

Professional Indoor Lacrosse – Baltimore Thunder 1989 & 1990

Professional Indoor Lacrosse – Washington Wave 1983-1987 University of Maryland Lacrosse 1983

Stephen Beardmore ‘83, competed in lacrosse and basketball at Severn, where he captained the basketball team as a senior. The Admirals were back-to-back MSA BB Lacrosse Conference Champions in 1982 and 1983.

1997

Anne Arundel County- Hall of Fame

1990

R. Scott Steele ’76 was part of Severn’s sailing and wrestling teams. After graduation, Steele sailed competitively at St. Mary’s College, where he was named an All-American in 1978 and 1979.

MSA BB Lacrosse Conference Champions, Varsity Basketball Team Captain, All-Metro First Team Lacrosse, All-AACO First Team Lacrosse 1982

1997-2001

SOCCER | BASKETBALL | LACROSSE

Wright

CLASS OF 2001

2001-2005

Brandon Wright ’01 was a three-sport athlete at Severn School from 1997-2001.

Dartmouth College Lacrosse 2003 Ivy League Lacrosse Champion

2001

Jennifer Gens

1998-2002

FIELD HOCKEY | LACROSSE

CLASS OF 2002

2003 Boston College Lacrosse 2002 Lacrosse:

James Sullivan Award - Honorable Mention, Goodwill Games - Silver Medalist, W. Van Alan Clark Trophy, St. Mary’s College - Hall of Fame 1984

MSA BB Lacrosse Conference Champions, All-Metro First Team Lacrosse, All-AACO First Team Lacrosse Coach

Severn Class of 2001 Athletic Award, Severn Class of 2001 Dawson Leadership Award, Second Team All-County Lacrosse

2000

Beardmore was named All-Metro First Team Lacrosse and All-AACO First Team Lacrosse in 1982 and 1983, respectively. He played lacrosse at the University of Maryland from 1983-1987.

Following that, he played professional indoor lacrosse from 1989 to 1992. Beardmore later returned to Severn in a new role, serving as the Varsity Boys Lacrosse Coach from 1999-2001 and the Eighth Grade Boys Lacrosse Coach from 2010-2014.

Olympics - Silver Medal Windsurfing

1983

World Champion Windsurfer

1978 & 1979

1999-2001 Severn Varsity Lacrosse, 2010-2014 Severn 8th Grade Lacrosse

In 1983, Steele earned a World Champion title for windsurfing. Following that, he earned a silver medal for windsurfing at the 1984 Olympics. Steele was inducted into the St. Mary’s College Hall of Fame, awarded the W. Van Alan Clark Trophy, earned silver at the Goodwill Games, and was a finalist for the James Sullivan Award.

He matriculated to Dartmouth College, where he played lacrosse and was part of the squad that won the Ivy League Lacrosse Championship in 2003.

1999

All Metro Honorable Mention, Capital All County Second Team, Team Kimball Groundball Award, C. Markland Kelly Jr. Athletic Service

First Team All-County Soccer, First Team All-Conference Soccer, Soccer Team Captain, Soccer Co-MVP, Basketball Team Captain, Second Team All-County Lacrosse

Jennifer Gens ’02 competed with the field hockey and lacrosse teams from 19982002. Following graduation, Gens played lacrosse at Boston College.

2001

Field Hockey:

1998

St. Mary’s College - Two-Time All American Coach

Steele later served as Sailing Team Head Coach at Georgetown University, a Consultant/Coach for the US Olympic Yachting Committee, and Head Coach of the Severn Sailing team.

First Team All-County Soccer, First Team All-Conference Soccer, Soccer Team Captain, Soccer MVP

First Team All-Conference Soccer, Fresh-Soph Lacrosse Co-MVP

Head Coach Sailing at Georgetown University, Consultant-Coach US Olympic Yachting Committee, Severn School Upper School Sailing

Wright earned All-County and All-Conference honors multiple times throughout his athletic career and in all three sports. He was Captain of both the soccer and basketball teams, co-MVP of the soccer team three years running, and the recipient of the Severn Class of 2001 Athletic Award and the Dawson Leadership Award.

All State First Team, All Metro Washington DC Honorable Mention; Second Team; Baltimore Sun All County First Team, Capital All-County Team, IAAM All Star, Senior All Star Representative, Team MVP Hodges Team Captain, Team Maryland 2000

Field Hockey:

During her Severn athletics career, Gens earned numerous field hockey accolades. She was named to the Olympic Development Team for field hockey and earned All-County, All-State, and IAAM All-Star honors multiple times. She was Captain of the varsity squad, received the Team MVP Hodges Award, and was part of Team Maryland’s field hockey team.

All State First Team, Baltimore Sun All County First Team, Capital County First Team, IAAM All Star, Team Captain, Team Maryland, Development Team

1999

Field Hockey: Baltimore Sun All County Second Team, Olympic Development

As a lacrosse athlete, Gens earned an All-Metro Honorable Mention and the Kimball Groundball Award in her senior year. Gens also received the C. Markland Kelly Jr. Athletic Service Award.

Stephen K. Beardmore ’83

Jennifer

Gens ’02

OUR VALUES.

We want every single member of our community – past, current, and future – to feel that Severn is a place where they belong. We call it instinctive inclusivity, and it signifies the ability to include and engage other people, viewpoints, and experiences without prompt. Because when every voice is heard and learning is equitable, we broaden our knowledge and deepen our community.

DISCOVER WHAT MATTERS

TAKE A STAND

BUILD COMMUNITY

BE WELL, LIVE WELL EVERYONE BELONGS

EVERYONE BELONGS

John Szynal ‘24, Dan McNair ‘24, James von Rosenvinge ‘24 and Ben Veiel ‘24 enjoy an early spring day.

Taylor Belo, Severn’s new Open Doors Teacher, can barely contain her excitement when she talks about this signature initiative, what she’s doing to make it fun and engaging, and the connections she sees students making due to the lessons. And her enthusiasm is contagious.

Take, for example, the first trimester lesson: What’s Your Superpower? For maximum impact, Belo donned a superhero mask and cape, striking a powerful pose as she greeted arriving students. Ask her about the book she chose for the second lesson – The Colors We Share – and she is in awe of one particularly striking page and what it revealed. And ask her what she enjoys most about this new role, and she can’t hide her smile when sharing how rewarding it is that the students get excited for the next lesson as soon as she’s finished teaching the current one.

There’s good reason for that excitement, too. In Belo’s debut Open Doors curriculum, she designed an engaging series of lessons that began with students looking within to uncover their personal superpowers. Then, they looked at themselves on the outside to better understand skin tone and how colorful the world really is.

Open Doors Teaches Young Learners to Look on the Inside, the Outside, and at the World Around Them.

What’s Your Superpower?

When the kindergarten students arrived for their first Open Doors library time of the school year and came face-to-face with a mysterious masked figure, some shied away, unsure who was behind the mask. Others began chattering excitedly, anxious to share their superhero knowledge even before the topic had been formally introduced.

Belo jumped right in, welcoming students and quickly settling them crisscross applesauce-style on the carpet. She then began by guiding the young students through an ageappropriate introduction to the first trimester Open Doors topic, asking students first if they understood what superpowers are and if they could give her some examples. They were quick to share, shouting out things like the ability to fly, to be superfast and super-strong, or to be like Superman or Ironman. When Belo asked what superpowers they had, one student exclaimed that he had a million superpowers.

With the basic concept established, Belo introduced the class to the book central to her lesson, The Big Book of Superpowers, by Susanna Isern. This beautifully illustrated children’s book contains eighteen stories of kids with everyday superpowers and was a perfect fit for her first lesson.

Belo enthusiastically repeated this process with students in every grade over the week, adjusting the presentation and followup activity as needed based on their age.

Interestingly, Belo found the book after hitting upon superpowers as the theme of her inaugural Open Doors session.

The idea was sparked at a conference she attended the previous fall. One of the workshops touched on an interesting question: How does one get a child to feel that what they offer is important? To illustrate this point, the presenter put up a Superman logo, which got Belo thinking. She decided to design a lesson that would teach students that what they have inside is special and that those qualities they already possess are their own personal superpowers.

Belo was a little nervous about finding a book to match the topic but said, “As it turns out, the perfect book already existed. The Big Book of Superpowers explains it well –from walking the reader through the different character traits to explaining how having these traits is helpful and can connect them to their friends.” The short stories within the book cover traits such as adaptability, storytelling, perseverance, humor, and agility, among others. Music is also a superpower because in the book, when Maria plays music, it puts a smile on everyone’s face, and even animals go still to listen.

Hugh ’31 declared that his superpower is athleticism and that it can be used to help others because playing sports “lets me meet more people and make new friends.” It’s also a way for him to stay healthy, have a sense of accomplishment, and be happy.

“Athleticism can help other people by allowing me to be a friend to those who may not have many friends but like to play sports, like me!” he added.

While the superpower lesson benefited all age groups, Belo found it particularly poignant for fourth and fifth-grade students. “They’ll be in middle school soon, and I want them to have that mindset that who they are is enough and that they don’t have to change to fit in,” she said. “Staying true to yourself is something I really hope they understand and embrace.”

During the fifth-grade lesson, Belo pointed out that big changes are coming up for them and that being adaptable will help. “You’re going to be at a new school next year, with new responsibilities and more independence,” she told them. “Tapping into adaptability as a superpower will help you with that transition.”

Belo also reflected on the power of perseverance when things get tough. “Block out those negative thoughts,” she implored. “Put earplugs in with positive thoughts. This mindset will guide you through life in all stages. Be persistent. Put in those good earplugs and push forward.”

Taylor Belo introduces The Big Book of Superpowers to Lower School students during her first Open Doors lesson.

The Colors We Share

In the January lesson, kindergarten through fifth-grade students read the book The Colors We Share by Angelica Dass. The book features beautiful portraits that celebrate the diverse beauty of human skin and how wonderfully colorful humans are.

Taking her inspiration from a curriculum shared with her by Lower School leadership, Belo spent time with the book and watched the author’s video talk. “Listening to her talk about how this book supports both reading comprehension and building critical thinking skills is what sold me on it,” she said.

Within this lesson, students learned about melanin – what it is and what it does. The book challenged students to think about how assignments of race ascribe to how much – or how little – melanin a person has.

“I was so proud of the students and how they ‘got’ the second lesson because this topic was a little bit heftier than the first one,” said Belo. “They dug in, analyzed the material, and realized that the world is really, really colorful and that it’s much bigger than just what they see. It was inspiring.”

Preschool and prekindergarten students read from a different book for this lesson, instead reading The Skin We Live In. The same lessons applied, but this book was a better way to illustrate these ideas to the youngest learners.

In addition to reading one of these books, students all made “mini-mes” – miniature versions of themselves that they cut out and decorated with felt, yarn, and other materials. They chose from various base colors and then used Colors of The World markers and crayons to further customize their mini-mes to what they feel they look like on the outside. In the January Open Doors extension activity, students used various paint colors to create their own skin tone.

“I personally thought this was an awesome learning experience for me and my class,” said Janelle ’32. “I really liked learning about the pigmentation in our skin. I thought a lot about it after Open Doors – it kind of opened a new part of my brain.”

Helping the World Around Us

The final chapter of Open Doors in 2023-24 will look beyond the self and help students think about how they can help the world around them. It will be a lesson in giving and compassion.

Belo is also pleased to see Open Doors lessons expanding to other classes; for example, the Lower School Spanish Teacher, Diana Doroteo, integrated both trimester Open Doors lessons into her teachings by reading the books Spanish is My Superpower and Nuestra Piel. Students learned words like fast, strong, smart, and special in Spanish and colored superheroes to hang in the hallway. Students also learned the word for skin – piel – and discussed how different skin tones come from family heritage. They also learned the Spanish words for melanin and sun and concluded with an age-based activity where students matched a drawing to their own skin tone. The mini-mes were created in Art Class during the second trimester Open Doors programming— another example of Open Doors expanding beyond library time.

But even when it’s not a formal integration, what the students learn in Open Doors is spilling over into the rest of their classes. Belo shared that during a fourth-grade lesson given by Mrs. Sastry, the presenter was talking about melanin but needed help remembering the word. “She stopped me to tell me that the students knew the word and yelled it out. When she asked how they knew that, they said, ‘We learned it in Open Doors!’”

That feedback is meaningful for Belo, who hopes to continue connecting what the students learn in Open Doors to their general education and personal development. But the most rewarding part is when the students get really excited about what they just learned. “I love seeing them make those connections,” she said. “They’re enjoying what they’re learning, they’re getting it, and they’re excited about it. That warms my heart.”

Theo ‘37 colors a superhero drawing during Open Doors.

A masked Taylor Belo greets Reese ‘37, Grant ‘37, and Peter ‘37 as they arrive in the library for Open Doors.

What’s_New Severn

The Gentlemen of Severn Hit

Just the Right Note

Severn’s thriving music scene has a new performance option thanks to Sean Ward ’24 and Ben Campion ’24. The two friends recently started an all-male a cappella group they call The Gentlemen of Severn. Already members of Breakwater, Severn’s awardwinning a capella group, they realized that there was a market for a group that strictly operated within the school day. Initially, a group of six singing friends banded together. An open audition then netted three new members, and the group was official. They are limiting all rehearsals and performances to the school day and having a ton of fun doing it. “We gave our first performance in Creeden Commons, and I think the whole Upper School turned out,” said Campion. They also performed a four-song set – arranged by Fletcher Warner ’26 – on Valentine’s Day and delivered singing telegrams throughout the day.

Homerun Effort for Middle School Baseball in Inaugural Season

The Middle School sports lineup expanded in Spring 2023, adding baseball to the mix for the first time. The 13-man squad got off to a strong start, going 3-1 in the first season. Ben Hillard served as Head Coach and was very pleased with the team’s results. “It was an outstanding inaugural season with a great mix

of talented, experienced players and players new to the game, who all came together to field a cohesive and supportive team,” he said. “Everybody learned a lot and had great success. We look forward to building a strong feeder system for the high school team.”

Athletics Serves Up an Ace for Fall Sports in 2024

Severn Athletics is adding Girls Volleyball to the lineup for the 2024-25 school year. The Admirals will compete as a club sport in the inaugural season and then move to Varsity competition, playing in the IAAM beginning with the 2025-26 school year. Erin Bernhardt has been tapped as the Head Coach. “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to lead the inaugural Girls Volleyball program at Severn,” said Bernhardt. “I can’t wait to get started. Go, Admirals!”

Leading the Way

Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Aegina Martin, US Science Department Chair, Severn’s engineering offering has gotten a reboot. Martin recently adopted a curriculum developed by Project Lead The Way (PLTW), billed as a “teacher-empowered curriculum for a STEM-driven world.” The program is designed to develop a problem-solving mindset in students as they engage in compelling, realworld challenges. Martin now teaches two PLTW courses – Principles of Engineering (POE) and Introduction to Engineering Design (IED). POE is more of a survey course, while in IED, students use the CAD program Fusion 360 to design solutions to problems.

There are no lectures in these hands-on courses. Instead, students are tasked with a problem that needs to be solved through the design thinking process. For example, students were presented with this challenge: a bakery offered three primary products that ranged in size – a muffin, a cupcake, and two tarts. They wanted one universal product that could effectively display and ship all three. Students worked in the CAD program to design a solution and then used one of the six 3-D printers available in the Graw Innovation Center – home of these classes – to print out a sample container that they felt met the bakery’s needs.

Both classes are electives that are offered to students in grades 9-12. “They’re great for kids who are interested in what engineering is and also for kids who are interested in a hands-on class where they can learn new skills and try new things,” said Martin. “They’re going to learn a new approach to projects, practice collaboration, and enhance other important skills like organization, documentation, and neatness.”

Good Vibes Only

What do an Escape Room Social, a Team Trivia Contest, and a Murder Mystery Night have in common? They’re all events that Severn’s new Good Vibes Team has organized to further build community amongst the faculty and staff. The fun activities organized so far run the gamut from a Halloween Costume Contest to indoor pickleball to a Holiday Cookie Exchange to monthly lunches that include get-to-know-you activities. “I really like this Good Vibes initiative because it’s a way to connect with people from every division,” said Kathleen Donovan, Middle School Dean of Students. “It’s been fun to get to know new people outside of school, and because there is such a variety of activities, there’s something to look forward to every month.”

THANK YOU, ADMIRAL AUCTION SPONSORS!

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t the Upper School Leadership Lab in August, everyone is welcome, and every voice is heard. Through this signature Severn initiative, returning Upper School students come together at the end of each summer to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the school community, participate in interactive skill-building seminars, and come up with a unifying call to action for the school year, or what is known as the Adaptive Challenge.

But underneath the ambitious agenda and the lively leadership training, something even more significant is happening—by showing up and engaging in these sessions, students are molding, modeling, and directly contributing to the continued development of Severn’s culture. And without fail, the culture that they aspire to each and every year is one that makes everyone feel like they belong.

“When you think about it, we are with each other here at Severn more than we are with our own families,” said Marc Buckley, Upper School Dean and Assistant Upper School Head. “So, this initiative challenges students to invest and take an active role in creating the kind of community we all want to live in and be a part of. And every year, this gathering of motivated students validates the fact that what’s important to them is making sure that, in an authentic way, everyone feels a sense of belonging.”

‘It’s Like Climbing Mount Everest’

Coming up with the Adaptive Challenge is the culminating component of the August event. Chosen entirely by the students, it is an overwhelmingly positive call to action and a rallying cry for the school community. It is always active and always aspirational. There is, though, one catch when selecting the Adaptive Challenge—the final decision must be unanimous.

The Adaptive Challenge aims to offer a solution to something that Leadership Lab participants identified as a challenge in the earlier seminars. For example, coming out of the COVID year, the motto was Let’s Connect—a call to action meant to address students’ lack of connection with the community after learning remotely. In 2022-23, it was Let’s Actually Go – a lighthearted and somewhat tongue-in-cheek motto designed to encourage more school spirit and participation in non-academic events. In 202122, it was All In.

It’s generally a short—but powerful—phrase that seeks to include everyone and has relevance throughout the entire school year. Students embrace this motto by showing up at athletic events, diving into clubs, demonstrating overall school spirit, meeting new people, celebrating college admission milestones and acceptances, and simply being good members of the school community.

Pictured L-R: Iwinosa Ede-Osifo ‘25 / Skyler Morton ‘24 at the center of the trust circle, supported by Nate Long ‘24 / Dammy Adepoju ‘25 (L) gets support from Jack Hayman ‘24 (R) during the outdoor team-building activities / Mayo Keturah Mabifa ‘26 and Tenley Mann ‘26 work at the whiteboard during a discussion session.

THE LEADERSHIP LAB

Buckley has been running the Leadership Lab for the past nine years and says the Adaptive Challenge is like climbing Mount Everest. “You might not reach the summit, but you’re better off for having attempted it,” he said. “It’s essentially an unattainable goal,” he added, “but by everyone pursuing it to varying degrees, the entire community gets stronger.”

Participation is a Choice

Participation in the Leadership Lab is voluntary, and typically anywhere from 100-125 students attend—or roughly 30% of the student body. This is precisely why Em Fritz ‘25 thinks the Leadership Lab is so effective at modeling that instinctive inclusivity that is part of the Severn culture. “There isn’t anybody at Leadership Lab who doesn’t want to be there,” said Fritz. “If you’re coming to school over the summer or on a Saturday, then you really want to be a part of this.” It’s also why they enjoy it. “Everyone who’s there cares a lot, and because everyone is invested, we make meaningful connections with people we maybe didn’t know before and then have these really great conversations.”

organization. For students, this translates to how to lead the various clubs they are involved with more effectively. An outdoor activity at the James M. Stine Environmental Center on Teel Campus focused on team building, leadership, and collaboration. And in a third interactive session, faculty moderators led students in discussions about what it means to live in an honorable community.

“This is a chance for students to see each other before the school year starts and to frame the year,” said Buckley. “The programming is very intentional. Leadership Lab participants are true believers, so we want to match their excitement through seminars designed to help them become better people and better leaders while highlighting and trying to solve some of our community’s biggest challenges.”

“THERE ISN’T ANYBODY AT LEADERSHIP LAB WHO DOESN’T WANT TO BE THERE.”

“People care, and the fact that we can come together like this to discuss the culture and then agree to a call to action that helps improve it says a lot about the community,” said Jameila Pennant ’25, secretary of the Student Council and a Leadership Lab participant. “It’s a great example of the real spirit of Severn.”

Participating in the Leadership Lab is a choice,” added Fritz, “so if you’re looking for a sense of belonging, that’s where you’re going to find it.”

Better People, Better Leaders

The August Leadership Lab spans three days, and students invest about ten total hours. The first thing on the agenda is always a welcome-back dinner. After getting reacquainted after the summer apart, students get down to business, starting with small group discussions about what they believe are the school’s strengths and areas in need of improvement.

On the second day, students rotate through three separate seminars, all led by Severn faculty. This past August, one of the seminars focused on how to lead a more effective

With these leadership training exercises and thoughtful discussions as the foundation, students come to

the last day of the August Leadership Lab ready for the final challenge: coming up with the Adaptive Challenge.

Anna Clark ‘25 participates in an outdoor team-building activity during the 2023-24 Leadership Lab.

‘Alright, Call It Out!’

That final session begins with Buckley standing in front of everyone who has gathered for day three in Roche Hall. As Julia Hlousek ‘24 put it, “Mr. Buckley stands up and says, ‘Alright, call it out!’, and after a bit of uncomfortable silence, one brave soul decides to go first. That’s generally all it takes to get us started.” At the end of this first phase, the group ends up with anywhere from 20-40 initial suggestions on the whiteboard. Then comes the important work of discussing each one.

“Everybody’s ideas were heard,” said Kyla Towa ’26, who participated in her first Leadership Lab in August. “We discussed every single suggestion. No one’s idea was dismissed or given more weight than someone else’s. It really felt like we were all being listened to and that it was an environment where you had total comfort to speak up.”

The energy is always high as students go through and begin to eliminate, combine, and refine the suggestions for the Adaptive Challenge for the school year. They generally winnow the list down to two or three options quickly, and inside of two hours they almost always reach a consensus.

Hlousek, now a senior, has participated in the Leadership Lab every year

since she was a rising sophomore. She has looked forward to every single one. “Looking back on it now, I realize how much I looked forward to those events, especially the interesting conversations and bonding with new people,” she said. “I really think that’s one of my favorite things about Severn. There are always opportunities to get to know people in different grades and hear their stories.”

“It’s a nice way to bring the student body together as equals,” said Towa. “No one person was dominating the conversation. People who had maybe never spoken to one another before were working together to build consensus. It was honestly really beautiful to see.”

Be the Difference

When all was said and done, Be the Difference was the unanimous choice for the 2023-24 Adaptive Challenge. The phrase is displayed on posters around the Upper School, added to emails promoting clubs, games, performances, service opportunities, and more, and is an oft-repeated refrain during Morning Meeting presentations. It means something slightly different to everyone, but for Towa, “It means you can always be the good, even in bad situations. You’re never too small to make a difference.”

For Fritz, Be the Difference is a continuation of a culture that already exists at Severn. “People here are generally proactive about making a difference,” they said. “They want to hold leadership positions, serve on committees, and help introduce Severn to new students and families. I think that’s partly because we are a small school, so everyone’s individual impact on the community is just a little bit bigger.”

Hlousek agreed, adding, “It’s all about positive changes, and they can be big or small. The point is to make a positive difference in your life and your community.”

“I see it reflected everywhere at Severn,” added Towa. “It’s a place where you don’t just pass by teachers in the hallway and not say anything. We hold doors for everyone. And maybe sometimes the person ahead of you forgets to do that, but ‘Be the Difference’ means that despite that, you still hold the door for the person behind you.”

Finn Fries ‘25 contributes to a Leadership Lab whiteboard session.

Eighth-Grade Enlightenment

Within the start of each new school year lies opportunity. Eighth grade, in particular, is a transitional year for students—a year marked by significant opportunities for growth, leadership, and culture-building. Which is why the eighth grade comes together in the early days of September for a two-day team-building experience. They gather not for academic purposes but to map out the next nine months and evaluate and collectively define a culture in which every student can thrive.

Hudson Grow ‘28 flexes for a photo during the eighth grade leadership seminar.

E

“Endgame with this event is creating a positive environment where everyone feels supported and understood for exactly who they are,” said Lauren Paul, Chair of the Middle School English Department and an English teacher. “But it also sends a clear message to eighth graders: that they are now the leaders—the sixth and seventh-grade students are looking at them and doing what they’re doing. It’s important that they recognize and accept that responsibility and that leadership role. It’s their turn to set the tone.”

The format of this engaging seminar has evolved in recent years. Still, the overarching goals remain the same: to foster genuine connections among students, to spotlight their pivotal role as the division’s elder statesmen, and to pave the way for a seamless transition to the increased challenges of Upper School.

Crafting Culture with Care

The most recent version of this event took place in September 2023 and was tailored for the Class of 2028. It was designed to coalesce students around the idea that they were a team while also harnessing their natural social behaviors into leadership skills. The two days were punctuated with sessions aimed at developing leaders and honing teamwork while staying true to who they are.

“Bringing students together outside of the normal classroom setting allows them to learn more about one another,” said Paul, who was instrumental in shaping the 2023 program. “It gives them a chance to look deeper and to be real. In doing so, they get to see how much better their relationships are when they are authentic. It creates a dynamic where students feel supported. And when they can build trust with us and each other, they feel safe to reveal their challenges, triumphs, and vulnerabilities.”

Faculty led students in meaningful discussions around fitting versus belonging, what it means to be a good leader, identity, what they wanted the school year to look like, cliques, and how they would describe the “best year ever” (BYE). Activities that supported the major themes included short meditations, a “where am I

Irelyn Beaulieu ‘28 writes descriptors on the board during the ‘I Am Also’ session.

known” activity, the creation of a life-sized word cloud, team building at the ropes course, an escape room, making “I AM” t-shirts, a vulnerability circle, and the burning of grayscale images to signal each student’s fresh start for the school year.

“Getting an entire class of eighth-graders to adopt common goals and start off the school year on a positive note doesn’t happen by accident,” said Lisa Clarke, Chair of the Middle School History Department and also one of the architects of the 2023 seminar. “This type of programming allows us to be intentional in charting the course for the year ahead.”

The seminar concluded with students scripting personal commitments—pledges to themselves, their peers, and the broader school community. Stored with advisors, these written commitments extended the shelf life of the work students put in over those two days.

“The commitments are a tangible reminder of the positive foundation we set at the start of the year,” said Clarke. “Kids will get off-track, and their focus will drift, but now we have this opportunity to refocus them in a way that is reflective of the behaviors and attitudes they committed to and a way to have a more productive conversation about what they might need to do to course-correct.”

Head of the Class

As the oldest students in the Middle School, the eighth graders are uniquely positioned to set the tone for sixth and seventh graders while also anticipating their upcoming transition to the Upper School.

“We want them to start thinking about how they can impact their new environment next year and how the choices they make now really matter,” said Paul. “The pressures in the Upper School are greater—both socially and academically. It’s important that eighth-graders put the work in so that when they enter a

The ‘I Am Also’ exercise encouraged students to express how they wish to be known by others.

bigger pond next year, they feel confident in who they are and comfortable in doing what they want to do.”

To drive that message home, the eighthgrade team positioned the 2023 seminar as a clean slate—a way for everyone to shed the preconceived notions they were carrying around about classmates, teachers, and even themselves. While much of the programming tied into the idea of being known, the signature activity that underscored this idea of a fresh start used grayscale images. At the end of day one, the homework assignment was to email a photo. Students were then given that photo back in grayscale, and on it, they wrote something about themselves that they did not wish to carry into the new school year. The marked-up image was sealed in an envelope. During a lively ceremony on the second afternoon, students were announced individually, invited to get their envelope, and take it to a fire pit to be burned—representing the end of that version of themselves and the start of something new.

“Sometimes you plan a lesson and think it’s going to go one way, but instead, they get jokey or silly, and it doesn’t resonate,” said Clarke. “But not with this one. They took it seriously, and seeing them smiling and lightening up as they dropped off those images was really beautiful.”

On the Ropes

Next up for this bonding experience is the Class of 2029, and to kick off the 2024-25 school year, this cohort will participate in an off-campus overnight trip. On the first day of the trip, students will participate in a ropes course led by professional instructors. While the central activity differs from the year before, there will be a similar focus on teamwork, communication, and understanding and valuing the contributions of each team member.

After the ropes course, eighth-grade faculty will lead the class in the same type of community-building exercises that students participated in the year before. “The central idea remains the same no matter where we take students,” said Paul. “It’s that this is their school, so what do they want it to look like? How do they want the school year to go? What do they think it should feel like in the hallways?”

“We’re consistent with this age group in reminding them that it’s okay to be vulnerable and that their connections with their classmates are more real the more authentic they are,” she added.

The ropes course that the Class of 2029 will conquer is another way of bringing that to the forefront. “With this activity, you may be 40 feet up in the air and scared,” said Paul. “That’s okay, and it’s okay to be vulnerable, tell your teammates you’re scared, and ask for the support you need. Just like it’s okay to admit you’re scared about something else and to ask for the support you need to get through it, whatever it may be.”

had never really gotten along, but the ideas presented in the sessions resonated enough that the students wanted to start a dialogue.

Stories like these—and so many more that go untold—underscore the reality that this annual seminar is not merely an event; it’s a transformational experience that sets the tone for better communication, more authentic connections, and a collective commitment to a culture that places community and acceptance at the forefront. It’s a template not just for one school year but for a lifetime.

“I think with every year that passes, we’re seeing the Middle School continue to

A Place For Everyone

Of the many positive outcomes of this eighthgrade seminar, one of the most important is that every single student starts the year feeling like they have a place and a person at Severn. “Kids don’t need 400 friends, but if they have that one person they trust and have a connection with, that means everything,” said Paul.

The lessons that land most effectively in these sessions point to an overall ethos of respect and understanding amongst students. Afterward, students shared with their teachers about having a better understanding of others, now recognizing that people are going through things about which they have no idea, and giving grace where maybe they hadn’t before. One parent even reached out this fall to share that his student had connected with another student in the wake of the seminar. The two

“I think with every year that passes, we’re seeing the Middle School continue to transform as a community.”

from L-R: Eighth-graders

Austin, Sofia Keefer Beard, and Jules Hess-Goldstein

transform as a community,” said Paul. “It’s a change that starts with eighth grade, and then when the sixth and seventh graders witness it, there is naturally a trickle-down effect. While every class has a different chemistry and faces different challenges, this seminar is an annual reminder that we all want the same thing: a school culture built on kindness, empathy, and doing the right thing.”

Allie Patrick ‘28 (L) and

Pictured

Addison Gilmore ‘28

represents the highest ideals of fair play, integrity, and respect between opposing members of the Interscholastic Association of Maryland (IAAM), which provides structure and support for female student-athletes at member schools. At the beginning of the sports season, each IAAM varsity head coach is given two Character Coins, affording them two opportunities to present the coin to opponents who display notable acts of sportsmanship and respect for their opponents and the game. During the fall 2023 sports season, Admirals received the Character Coin on three separate occasions. Congratulations to the following:

Adele Hlousek ’24

Severn Varsity Tennis Captain Adele Hlousek was presented with the IAAM Character Coin by John Caroll's Coach, Kaitlin Loftus, after a hard-fought match that ultimately ended up in a win for John Carroll.

The September 12 match was a brutal three-set competition against John Carroll's Emma Bison that lasted 2.5 hours. According to Loftus, it's the kind of match where emotions can run high. But both Hlousek and Bison showed determination, grittiness, and overall great sportsmanship, which is what led Loftus to present Hlousek with the IAAM Character Coin. After Loftus explained why she gave the coin to Hlousek, the Admiral asked Bison to join in the photo, further demonstrating her commitment to good sportsmanship.

Soccer

Severn's Admiral TV crew was highlighted during the Character Coin presentation before the Varsity Girls Soccer match on October 18, adding a unique twist to this celebrated recognition of good sportsmanship.

Breaking from tradition, the Maryvale Prep Coaches – Colin Devlin and Kait Manning – invited Mr. Jonathan Maggart, Admiral TV Advisor, and that day’s crew to join them on the sideline during pre-game warmups. While the Character Coin is usually given to a player or players, Coach Devlin announced that he was presenting the Admiral TV crew with the IAAM Character Coin in recognition of their hard work in preparing for and broadcasting each Varsity home game.

Admiral TV members who were running that day’s broadcast and were part of the presentation included Ben Campion ’24, Jack Read ’24, and Dominic Medile ’26. The Varsity Girls Soccer team officially received the Character Coin from Maryvale Prep, but the coaching staff specifically wanted to spotlight Admiral TV and their contributions to the games all season long.

Tenley Mann ’26

Cross Country athlete Tenley Mann ’26 was presented with an IAAM Character Coin by John Caroll’s Head Coach, Robert Torres. Torres selected Mann as the recipient in recognition of the support and encouragement she offered one of the John Carroll runners who was struggling during a race earlier in the season.

Travel Diary of the Severn Alumni Office

You’ve heard it said before, “Once an Admiral, always an Admiral.” This year, the Alumni Office staff set out on four different road trips to connect with our Admirals around the country. In each city, our message was the same: no matter where you are, Severn is a place where you belong.

FirstStop:Annapolis,MD

WehostedoursecondannualThanksgivingEveAlumni SocialinEastportatForwardBrewing,abrewery #knownandvaluedisforever

November22,2023

Sara(Tabasi)Toomey‘86

Staci Foster ‘86,

Seated at table:EmilyBradshaw‘20, Tina Bradshaw, andKristin(Quirk)Clevenger‘86

Admiral Love Stories Dave McDermott ‘97, Jessica(Popham) McDermott ‘97 Jenny(Hartman)Songer‘98 and

familyandclassmates

Front Row: Bob Graw ‘85, Tori(Graw) Keever ‘13, BooDevanny‘13, Back Row:MaryGraw‘15, Chris Crase, Rebecca Hattar ‘14

Sara(Morgan)Watters‘06 (Horn)McCleary‘04

Katie(Weaver)Haley‘06, Jenn Presswood ‘04 Chase Sutton ‘06, RoddyJabin‘06, JeremyBurns‘06, and Jackson Killelea ‘20.

NextStop:Washington,DC

DCWekickedofftheholidayseasonwithour GuessAlumniatTeddyandtheBullyBar. Severnwhomadeaguestappearance? legendMr.JohnBodley! , Jack Cauley‘12, CarolynExharhakis ‘13, andMegGesner‘13 then and now! Carson Smith ‘10 and Max Schechter ‘10

December 1, 2023

Swappingstorieswitha favorite teacher

Jen(Scott)Gatewood‘99,JohnBodley (Faculty), Dan Ericson ‘98, and Ali (Clark)Collins‘95

ThirdStop:Austin,TX

We traveled to Austin for the annual CASE-NAISaconference,andthehighlightofourtrip,without Cocinadoubt,wasourAdmiralDinnerattheATX indowntownAustin.Lotsofmemories,lotsoflaughs,andlotsofstoriesaboutour alums’uberimpressivecareertracks!

January22,2024

alltheseyears AshleyTempleton‘05 and Sheri Stavac ‘05

Movers and shakers in AustinAnnie(Schorreck)Wilkerson‘92, Matt Baker ‘91, andJayManickam‘92

Sohappyto connectwith alumnispanning Severn40yearsofgraduates!

The NYC Field Trip Crew at MML Partners

Standing: Shannon Howell (Director of Development), Julian Domenech ‘84 (Athletic Director), Sean Quinn ‘06, George Broadbin ‘06, Hudson Lamb ‘24, Harrison Szot ‘27, Julien Meyer (Math Department Chair and Investment Club Advisor), Rowan Ward ‘27, John McCone ‘24, Matthew Fisher ‘25, Ben Kennedy ‘25, Alex Tarallo ‘25, Charlie Hilgartner ‘25, and Chris Sapienza (Director of Business and Finance) Seated: Zahria Grimes ‘24, Alexa Wahba ‘24, Julia Hlousek ‘24, Jack Lefever-Farino ‘25, Alex Zaremski ‘25, Megan Calabrese ‘25, and Davis Mann ‘25

Next Up: New York City, NY

February 7, 2024

What made this alumni road trip extra special was that we got to share it with our Severn students. At 7 am, we hopped on an Amtrak train with 15 of our Investment & Finance students and headed north to the Big Apple. Our first stop was MML Partners, where Sean Quinn ‘06 (Managing Director at MML) and longtime friend George Broadbin ‘06 (Principal at Acacia Research) led a boardroom discussion about their career tracks, their industries, and case studies of current projects. After that, we grabbed some lunch and walked to Cornell Capital, where Emily Mason Larkin ‘04 (Head of Investor Relations and Fundraising) and three members of her team talked to our students about investments, risk-assessments, case studies, career training, and more. We are so grateful for our alums’ incredible investment of time in our students.

After our students and chaperones boarded the train back to Maryland, we headed over to the Harvard Club of New York (Thank you for the sponsorship, Adam Jones ‘02) for our NYC Alumni Social. We loved hearing about all the ways our Admirals are making an impact in their career fields and their communities!

Bring on the 80s

Rob Kyle ‘85, Shannon Howell (Director of Development), and Matthew Finlay ‘85

Young alums leaving their mark in NYC

Joe Kotler ‘12, Torey Cole ‘11, and Dean Marchitelli ‘10

Our afternoon presenter Emily Mason Larkin ‘04 and Carolyn Campion

Our morning presenters George Broadbin ‘06, Sean Quinn ‘06, and Carolyn Campion (Alumni Director)

The NYC Field Trip Crew at Cornell Capital!

Standing: John McCone ‘24, David Mann ‘25, Alex Zaremski ‘25 Charlie Hilgartner ‘25, Alex Tarallo ‘25, Hudson Lamb ‘24, Jack Lefever-Farino ‘25, Julia Hlousek ‘24, Alexa Wahba ‘24, Zahria Grimes ‘24, Julien Meyer, and Shannon Howell.

Seated: Chris Sapienza, Rowan Ward ‘27, Harrison Szot ‘27, Ben Kennedy ‘25, Megan Calabrese ‘25, and Matthew Fisher ‘25

Katherine Graw Lamond ’96 Named Severn School’s 2023 Distinguished Alum

Dr. Katherine (Kate) Graw Lamond ’96 is the recipient of the 2023 Rolland M. Teel Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor Severn School can bestow.

As the recipient of the 2023 award, Lamond delivered the keynote address at a Severn School assembly in November. Afterward, Lamond visited several Upper School classes, including AP Chemistry and Honors Biology, where she had the opportunity to share more about her background and experiences with students. She also toured the Graw Innovation Center. Lamond was officially presented with this prestigious award the previous evening during a formal reception at Daiger House.

“The foremost reason that Kate is so deserving of this award is the example she continues to set through her love of learning for learning’s sake,” said Head of School Doug Lagarde. “I hope that the entire Severn community looks to her as a role model and emulates the way that she has devoted herself to learning.”

In 2015, the Graw Family established the Graw Innovation Center (GIC) at Severn to spark that same enthusiasm for lifelong learning amongst all students. The GIC is a space for exploration where Severn students and faculty alike are challenged to think outside the box. It includes cutting-edge tools such as 3-D printers, a laser cutter, and more; a computer lab equipped with Mac desktops; and moveable equipment that can be configured in multiple ways to optimize collaboration.

Lamond, who attended Severn School for seven years, is the Chief of General Surgery at Sibley Memorial Hospital and Assistant Professor of Surgery

for Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. A practicing surgeon, she is also the Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery and the Director of the Surgical House Officer and PA programs.

Dr. Lamond currently sits on the Severn School Board of Trustees, a position she has held since 2016. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is active in the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Lamond was a multi-sport athlete while at Severn, playing soccer, basketball, and lacrosse for the Admirals. After graduation, she attended Dartmouth College, where she continued her lacrosse career, earning All-American Honors in 1989, 1999, and 2000. Dartmouth won four straight Ivy League Championships during her time there. She was also a member of Team USA for five years and was on the coaching staff at Georgetown University

for two years while she attended the GU School of Medicine.

In recognition of her athletic achievements, Lamond was inducted into Dartmouth’s athletic hall of fame – known as the Wearers of the Green –and into Severn’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.

Lamond resides in

About the Rolland M. Teel Distinguished Alumni Award

Named in honor of Severn School’s founder, The Rolland M. Teel Distinguished Alumni Award honors Severn graduates who have

AN AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE

SEVERN EXPERIENCE

of Severn students benefit from some level of financial assistance. In addition to tuition assistance, Severn looks for other ways to support families, such as the free uniform exchange.

At Severn, our mission is to create a diverse and inclusive community where every individual feels a sense of belonging. This commitment to diversity is demonstrated at the outset as we actively engage students who bring a myriad of interests, talents, and cultural perspectives to the community during the admission process. By welcoming a broader mix of students—including those from varied socio-economic backgrounds—the educational experience at Severn is more innovative, thoughtprovoking, and creative and the student life experience is richer, more robust, and more rewarding. For all these reasons, we remain committed to widening the doors of learning and making a Severn education accessible to a broader audience.

In support of that goal, Severn School awards nearly $4 million in need-based financial aid annually, much of which is funded through generous donations from Severn alums, foundations, and other major donors.

"Financial aid is a critical tool for ensuring that Severn remains a vibrant community, and we are committed to providing support to those who demonstrate financial need," said Kim Slade, Director of Enrollment Management and Outreach. "We want any student or family who feels that Severn is the right place for them to know that financial resources are available to assist in making it possible."

On average, 25% of students benefit from some level of financial assistance each year. However, there is a larger story behind that figure because support for each qualifying family is personalized

to ensure they feel supported during their Severn years. This is accomplished by working with families to acknowledge and address specific circumstances that might prevent a student from fully participating in the Severn experience.

This type of supplemental support can range from early access to Severn’s free gently used uniforms prior to the start of school, to fee waivers for AP exam fees for those who qualify. "The goal isn't just to make it possible for these great students to be here–it's to make sure that once they're here, they aren't missing out on the experiences that define student life and integrate families into the community," said Slade. "We do everything we can to ensure students find their place here and are set up for success."

"We do everything we can to ensure students find their place here.”

– Kim Slade, Director of Enrollment Management and Outreach

Underscoring that point, Cynthia Miller P’18’20 shared that one of the things she valued most about the experience was how it was possible to be side by side with students and families from very different socio-economic backgrounds, yet still feel a part of the same community. "I think it's notable that Severn can go about this in a way that allows all students to feel equal," she said. "And I can't speak highly enough about Severn being willing to open its doors wider and make this experience accessible." The Miller family applied for and received financial aid for their two daughters.

Preparation for College and Beyond

Bill Zimmerman ’67 has contributed to Severn School for the past two decades for one consistent purpose: to make it possible for motivated students from all backgrounds to come to Severn. “I think that the experience students get at Severn is something they won’t get at 99% of other schools,” said Zimmerman. “It prepares them for college and beyond.”

"In today's world, education is the difference," he added. "But it's more than just what you're learning; it's the environment you're learning in. That's the key."

Zimmerman wants to ensure that funds are available to help a family send their child to Severn and have this experience. “It’s important to me that Severn be accessible to a student who would thrive here, even if a family can’t afford it on their own. Maybe they have two or three kids, or perhaps it's just too much of a reach.

“Giving towards financial aid means that we can talk to all the students who want the Severn experience and who would contribute to the community in positive ways,” he said, “and that coming here is a possibility for them regardless of income. It’s a win for the family and for Severn.”

As a family who benefited from that philanthropic mindset, Cynthia Miller couldn’t agree more. “As a parent, it’s a huge thing to feel like you can get this amazing experience without having the resources to back it up,” she said.

Zimmerman’s Severn experience in the 60’s was very different from what students enjoy today. He attended Severn when it was an all-boy prep

school for the Naval Academy. There were only 300 students–150 "day hops" and 150 boarders. Tuition then was around $1,000, and many of the students were what he categorized as "military brats from families that didn't make a lot of money."

Zimmerman has contributed to various areas within Severn but consistently directs at least a portion of his annual gift toward financial aid.

For Zimmerman, there is great pride in seeing students benefiting from this resource thrive. But he also points to

“When you give to Severn, you’re putting your money into the betterment of society.”

– Bill Zimmerman ’67

the bigger picture in articulating why he continues to give. “When you give to Severn, you’re putting your money into the betterment of society,” he said. “I think supporting Severn is a small fee with a big reward. The students who have the opportunity to learn and grow here have a leg up on their peers. They will become leaders in the medical field, our government, business, and beyond. Therefore, it's a foundation that you support in the hope that it's building something positive."

An Investment in Their Future

Susan Handy P'27'28'31 fully agrees with Zimmerman that academics are the best way to secure your future. It's what attracted Susan and her husband, Jeff, to Severn School in the first place. But as a family with three boys, making the experience a reality came down to financial aid.

Their oldest son, Jake ’27, started Severn in eighth grade and is finishing

his freshman year. He will be joined at Severn for the 2024-25 school year by younger brothers Nick ’28 and Josh ’31. Handy has been blown away by the incredible academics and how Severn challenged Jake and supported him, helping him pursue excellence and build the skills necessary to overcome difficult situations.

“Jake’s confidence has grown among his peers and in the classroom,” she said. “He doesn’t shy away from pressure, and he accepts challenges. He has developed many great study habits and learned time management.” Jake received the Laura Kang Principal’s Award at the eighth-grade promotion ceremony in June 2023 as a testament to his development. During the award presentation, it was noted that despite experiencing some setbacks in his first year, Jake always managed to turn things around, both in the classroom and on the field.

Having witnessed Jake’s growth and development at Severn, the Handys naturally wanted the same for their other two sons. "I know that Severn will set them up for success," said Handy. "We're confident that Severn will challenge them in ways that will put them on a path to a good college, a good career, and a successful future."

"Severn is a real blessing to us, and the financial assistance we receive makes it possible for us to be a part of this community," said Handy. “Severn is an investment in their future.”

What I Miss Most About Severn School

The Uniform I miss not having to think about what to wear! College was the first time in seven years that I had to pick out an outfit. I was texting my friends and asking, ‘What are you wearing? Is it business casual for class?’ I had no idea!

Authentic Involvement

I miss how involved everyone was with something on campus. It didn’t feel forced either--it authentically felt like everyone had a thing, a place to go, and a passion they were pursuing.

In college, fostering hobbies outside of school is more difficult as you try to balance the demands of your classes, social life, etc.

Seven Years at Severn

Emma Miller ’20 is a recent graduate from the University of Richmond, having earned a dual degree in art history and political science and a minor in Spanish. She credits her Severn experience with getting her this far and with the bright future ahead—a Severn experience made possible thanks to financial aid.

Make no mistake, Miller has put in the work, challenged herself, and sought out opportunities through internships, jobs, and travel experiences. But the things she learned during her seven years at Severn empowered her and built the foundation upon which she stands. “I don’t think I would be where I am, with the opportunities in front of me, if I hadn't attended Severn," said Miller.

Among the many lessons she took from Severn, Miller cites how her experience as a student impacted the way she approached relationships with adults. "I actually expect that the adults are there to provide mentorship, so I don't hesitate to seek help and guidance," she said. She noticed that many of her peers in college hesitated, whereas it never occurred to her not to approach a teacher and build rapport. "It was such a point of emphasis at Severn; it's just what I know—and I've found to be really valuable."

“I don’t think I would be where I am, with the opportunities in front of me, if I hadn’t attended Severn.”

– Emma Miller ’20

Severn’s emphasis on language study has also been beneficial. Miller is fluent in Spanish, and even though she tested out of taking language classes at Richmond, she continued her language study anyway. These are skills she used during a semester abroad in Spain and a research trip to an archaeological site in the historic district of Mexico City.

Miller also credits Severn with teaching her how to write. She is a published author already, having written a piece for Yale’s undergraduate art history journal. “This is another point of emphasis at Severn—what good writing skills can do for you in life,” she said. “And I’ve found writing to be an extremely valuable skill in college, professionally, and onward.”

"Severn is a place where you can learn what your skills are and then be challenged to improve them," she added. “The teachers care about you and recognize your talents. They will critique you, but it’s done in a caring way, and it makes you better.”

Miller notes that while the academics are clearly strong, Severn also focuses on building well-rounded students. "Severn wants students to be whole, equipped with social and practical skills, able to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to tap into their leadership potential," she said.

“There are so many ways that Severn prepares students to go out into the world – even something small like learning to tie a tie can’t be taken for granted,” said Miller. “I had amazing teachers whose guidance and advice have taken me far. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Severn community."

FROM THE ARCHIVES MESSAGE TO OUR GRADUATES, THEN AND NOW.

These words from Severn School Founder Rolland M. Teel ring as true today as they did in 1932.

Class of 2024 -

Severn Alum Colonel (Ret.) Ron Dabbieri ‘64 was the 2023 recipient of the annual Army Engineer Sapper and Miner of Distinction Award for his remarkable 30+ year career as an Army leader and continued service to the Engineer Regiment.

After two years at the University of Maryland on a wrestling scholarship, Ron was drafted into the Army in 1967. Commissioned from Engineer OCS, he was deployed to Vietnam as a Second Lieutenant and extended to return as a decorated Captain with a Combat Infantryman Badge.

all USACE networks and data centers and developing the Corps of Engineers Financial Management System, which is still in use today.

Dabbieri credits the Army with “opening a lot of doors” for him. The Army sent him to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a computer science degree with a math minor. He explained that back then, most of the Army thought of computers as business machines, but the Corps of Engineers recognized their potential

Colonel Ron Dabbieri ‘64

2023 Recipient of the Army Engineer Sapper and Miner of Distinction Award

Colonel (Ret.) Dabbieri later continued his education at the Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Subsequent assignments included: Executive Officer, 19th Engineer Battalion, 194th Armored Brigade, Fort Knox, Kentucky; a staff assignment in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Pentagon, Washington DC; Commander, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea; and Chief of Tactics, Training and Doctrine, Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

After graduating from the National War College, Colonel (Ret.) Dabbieri was selected as Commander/District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Japan District, responsible for the construction of all services in Japan. His final military assignment was as the Corps of Engineers Chief Information Officer / Director of Information Management, where he was responsible for operating

for solving complex engineering problems and automating construction. Hence, his USACE experience and computer science degree gave him a valuable foundation in technology.

After retiring from the Army in October 1996, he spent the first few years working in a small tech firm and eventually founded his own tech company – Bridge Technology Corporation, which he sold in 2004. Intending to retire, a senior intelligence community official appealed to his sense of patriotism and convinced him to return to work, coordinating the construction of several IT facilities in Afghanistan. Ron had to form a new company, TurretTech, to do this work.

Colonel (Ret.) Dabbieri is now semiretired but remains the President of TurretTech, LLC, and the Managing Partner of 3TowersTech, LLC, a valueadded reseller of IT equipment.

Looking back on his days at Severn, Ron is most grateful for three things:

The athletic opportunities he had at Severn, namely on the football and wrestling teams. Ron was an acclaimed high school wrestler who was undefeated and unscored against in his senior year. This distinction earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Maryland.

The education he received at Severn—especially the solid grounding in math. He credits this education with getting him a regular army commission as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers with only two years of college.

The Severn bond that connects classmates in the most remote places. When he was a Lieutenant Colonel commanding the 2nd Engineers in Korea in 1984-85, his former Severn roommate, Major Fred Wilhelm ’64, was the Executive Officer of one of the Infantry Battalions in the Division. He couldn’t believe that his Severn connections followed him around the world.

The Arts are alive—and thriving—at Severn School. Since the start of the school year, students in every division have been creating exciting art in the classrooms, exploring their musical range vocally and instrumentally, and delivering sensational stage performances. These are some of the highlights from the fall and winter programs.

LOWER SCHOOL

Evening with the Arts

Fourth and fifth-grade students presented their Fall Renaissance Program projects at the annual Evening with the Arts showcase in December. The evening highlighted student work in Funtography (Digital Design and Photography), Advanced Art, Lego Robotics, and Drama. The winter drama production was Aesop, Come Back! This play is a fun twist on the classic book Aesop’s Fables and features all of the characters students know and love: The Tortoise and the Hare, the Woodsmen and the Mermaids, the Lion and the Mouse, the Simpletons, and more. Students performed two shows to packed houses in the Sivy Theater.

Holiday Sing

The Lower School knows the best way to spread holiday cheer is by singing loud for all to hear! Students wore their best holiday PJs during the annual holiday sing-along, and each class performed a different song for the audience.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Drama Club Presents: A Ghostly Manor Musical

In the fall, the Sixth and Seventh-Grade Drama Club performed Eerie Echoes: A Ghostly Manor Musical, a Halloween-themed show that took audiences through various scenes in a haunted house. Scenes included Ghost Gone Wild, Monsters Anonymous, The Allen Family Seance, and Halloween Hijinks, among others. Nearly 20 Middle School students contributed to the lively eight-scene production as both cast and crew.

Winter Arts Concert

The many talents of Severn’s Middle Schoolers were on full display at the 2023 Winter Arts Concert. Emceed by two students, the evening featured performances by the Sixth-Grade Chorus, Strings Ensemble, Band, Dance, Seventh-Grade Chorus, and the High C’s (a capella group). It also marked the debut of a performing arts video produced by student directors.

UPPER SCHOOL

Revels Concert, an Upper School Musical Celebration

A Severn tradition, the annual Revels Concert is a musical celebration that showcases all of the Upper School performance groups. The December concert featured terrific performances by Treble Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Breakwater, Instrumental Ensemble, and two different Jam Bands.

Winter Production: Into the Woods

Water Street Players Fall Production: The Play That Goes Wrong

In the fall, the Water Street Players pulled off the highly physical and stylized comedy The Play That Goes Wrong. The comedic performance was a play within a play, as the members of the fictional Cornley Drama Society attempted to deliver their performance of the mid-century style murder mystery, “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” What the audience saw, however, were the many disasters, miscues, and other mistakes that happened to—or because of—the cast. Sticking doors, falling props, an actor knocked unconscious (and a replacement who refused to yield when said actor returned) were just a few of the things that went wrong while the cast valiantly attempted to continue on with the show.

For the company’s winter production, the Water Street Players performed Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning take on everyone’s favorite storybook characters. Featuring a score that is both enchanting and touching, Into the Woods brings beloved storybook characters together for a timeless piece that is also a rare modern classic. Nearly 40 Upper School students helped bring this musically sophisticated production to life in Price for three nights in February.

Italian artist Paolo Schianchi hits just the right note as 2024 Dillon Moran Musician in Residence

In January, Severn School welcomed famed Italian musician Paolo Schianchi as the 2024 Dillon Moran Musician in Residence. Schianchi is not only a world-class guitarist but also a composer, arranger, researcher, and inventor specializing in different guitar variations, including the Renaissance lute, the electric guitar, and various instruments he designed and created himself. His most recent innovation, The Octopus, is an electro-acoustic system that allows him to play several guitars simultaneously with both his hands and feet.

From January 18-20, Severn students had the unique opportunity to see Schianchi perform and learn from him individually in the classroom. At the conclusion of the program, students from several performance groups joined Schianchi on stage for select pieces during an evening concert that was open to the entire community.

About the Dillon Moran Musician in Residence Program

The Dillon Moran Musician in Residence program was created to commemorate the passion, exuberance, and solid musicianship exemplified by Dillon Moran, a Severn student whose life was tragically cut short in the fall of 2011 as the result of an accident at his home in Davidsonville, Maryland. The purpose of the program is to invite outside musicians to spend a defined period of time at Severn working with students, faculty, and the entire community to inspire, create, and perform great music. Past performers include pianist Julian Gargiulo, local band Super City, and singer-songwriter Mackenzie Shivers.

ADMIRAL ONCE AN

MENTORS

Paying it Forward is The Admiral Way

Alums Mentor American Public Address Students

We’d like to give a big shout out to these 14 alums for serving as interviewees in Dr. Baugh’s American Public Address project, where they each spoke about the role of public speaking in their professions.

Severn Alums Share Inside Look at Government with AP Students

We’d also like to shout out three alums who served as mentors for a project in Ms. Sotiropoulos’s and Mr. Kohl’s AP Government course: Julia Pitcher ‘98 who mentored students on the topic of lobbying on Capitol Hill; Rebecca Hattar ‘14 who mentored students on the topic of environmental policy; and Judge Richard Bennett ‘65 who mentored students on the topic of our state judicial system.

Jennifer Gomez-Gallardo ‘24, Judge Richard Bennett ‘65, and Alexa Wahba ‘24

2023 SPEAKERS

9/8

10/31

It was an honor to host Kristi Jobson ‘02, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Chief Admissions Officer at Harvard Law School, as our keynote speaker for the Upper School Honor Code Assembly. After her presentation, Ms. Jobson talked to students in Dr. Baugh’s American Public Address seminar about how she crafted her speech. Following that session, she had lunch with students interested in law, answering their questions about graduate school and the different career paths a lawyer might take.

Thanks to Emily Mason Larkin ‘04, Head of Investor Relations & Fundraising at Cornell Capital, for speaking to our Investment Club about her career in finance.

11/3

11/9

It was great hosting Nathan Irving ‘00 on campus, where he spent time with the MS and US Black Student Alliances, as well as Severn’s B.E.S.T. (Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust) students.

Special shout out to Lyon Ellison ‘03, who delivered the keynote address at the Lower School Veterans Day Assembly. Lyon went to the USNA from 2003-2007 and served in the US Navy from 2007-2013.

11/10

11/15

11/29

12/13

Congratulations to our 2023 Rolland M. Teel Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Dr. Katherine Graw Lamond ‘96, the Chief of General Surgery at Sibley Memorial Hospital and Assistant Professor of Surgery for Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Kate delivered an inspiring speech at our Friday Assembly about sharing stories of triumph and defeat with the generations that came before us and then visited Chemistry and Biology classes, answering questions about her career as a surgeon. (See full story on Page 35.)

Laura-Gray Street ’80–poet, editor, and English Professor at Randolph College–came in to talk with Upper School English classes about her career as a writer.

Midshipman Second Class Ryan Wahba ‘20 returned to Severn to talk to students interested in attending the Naval Academy.

Ms. Sotiropoulos’s and Mr. Kohl’s AP Government students got a real treat on their trip to the Capitol to watch our government in action. In addition to watching Senators Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell give opening speeches for the day AND touring the Capitol building, they also had the opportunity to visit the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Room in the Dirksen Senate Office Building and hear three Severn alums–Boo Devanny ‘13, Adam Gottlieb ‘97, and Rebecca Hattar ‘14–give presentations about what they do in the Senate. Boo is the Press Secretary for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Adam is the Senior Assistant Journal Clerk at the United States Senate; Rebecca as a Legislative Assistant at the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

ALWAYS AN

ADMIRAL

2024 SPEAKERS

1/5

1/30

2/7

Six members of the Class of 2022 – Daniel Berlin ‘22, Kendall Jenkins ‘22, Zach Roberge ‘22, Ella Fingado ‘22, Lila Gibson ‘22, and Taylor Boteler ‘22 – came to campus to talk to our seniors about college life.

The first grade had a fantastic Zoom meeting with Zack Mills ‘98, Executive Chef and Partner at True Chesapeake Oyster Co., to learn about oysters as part of their service-learning project.

Organized through a collaboration between Math Department Chair Julien Meyer, Alumni Director Carolyn Campion, and Nick Elsmo ‘07 (Wealth Advisor at JP Morgan), 15 Severn students took a field trip to Wall Street to learn more about finance and investing with alumni business executives. The first presentation was given by Sean Quinn ‘06 (MML Partners) and George Broadbin ‘06 (Acacia Research). Sitting around the boardroom table, our students learned the intricacies of private equity, complete with whiteboard diagrams, PowerPoints, case studies, and many entertaining anecdotes. The afternoon presentation was given by Emily Mason Larkin ‘04 and three of her team members at Cornell Capital, where our students were invited into the boardroom for a 90-minute discussion about investments, risk-assessments, case studies, career training, and more.

2/15

2/26

The Severn Mindfulness Club invited Allison (Clark) Collins ‘95, Adjunct Professor of Health and Wellness at George Washington University, to campus to speak about mindful eating. After an informative discussion, the group put the lessons into practice, sampling oranges, dates, crackers, and chocolate . . . mindfully, of course!

Students in Dr. Baugh’s Creative Writing Seminar were treated to a special lesson on the creative process delivered via Zoom by former Severn art teacher Ameri’ca (Jones) Tickle, who currently makes art in Fairhope, Alabama. Ameri’ca emphasized the importance of pushing past one’s comfort zone creatively once things start to seem “easy” or “routine.”

2/28

Severn’s Umbrella Club, a student-run organization that promotes mental health, invited Performance Psychology Consultant Melanie (Topel) Walter ‘00 to speak specifically to our studentathletes. Close to 40 students attended the session, which focused on giving students tools to respond productively to intrusive thoughts on the field.

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

1962

1954 Reunion

70th Reunion 2024—Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

1955

Bob Cushman wrote in to say, “All is well here in the Arizona desert—after a scorching summer of many 120-degree days! I successfully fried an egg on the sidewalk, but baking bread in the mailbox failed! I shoulda tried the front seat of the car! Year-round softball is going well, and there are always a million laughs when 70-80-90 year olds try to play like they did when they were 20! But, seriously, my golf game needs help—maybe new clubs or a new operator!”

In a letter to his classmates, Doug Gates wrote, “The friends I made at Severn have been lasting, not that I have kept in touch with many of you, but the memories of all of you are pleasant, some remarkable, and I thank you for that.” In a later conversation with the Alumni Office, Doug explained, “I came to Severn on a wing and a prayer without much academic promise… Nevertheless, Dr. Teel enrolled me on a trial onemarking-period basis. Add to that, I had to earn part of my keep…in the dining hall, picking up paper and the like around campus, and raking leaves around Dr Teel’s home. Not such a bad deal as I look back on it. The school saved my butt. I hope that sort of generosity and thoughtfulness continues.” Doug recently caught up with Dave Cobb, OC Gregg, and Ken Defiebre, and he would love to get in touch with even more of his classmates!

1959 Reunion

65th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

On April 4, 2024, Severn welcomed Caleb Deschanel back to campus as our 2024 David Astle Memorial Lecture Speaker. Stay tuned for more details and pictures from this event in our next issue of The Bridge

Ron Engle reports that he is still in Easton, Maryland. He is finally off the town council and now has time to relax. His mom is now 100 years old so he has his hands full.

Robert Kesmodel wrote in to say, “My brothers PJ Kesmodel ‘61 and Ned Kesmodel ‘65 both have homes in Rehoboth Beach, DE so I visit often in the summer. I visited with John and Lida Hudson in Norfolk a few months ago during a visit with Gail Frey’s sister Prissy and her husband Admiral Wick Parcels who are neighbors and now have become good friends. John is happily retired and doing well. I am still trying to locate Hank Knoblock. Last I saw him was in St. Barths getting ready to sail around the world in a very small boat. By the way, sorry for you Navy boys this year—it was a good game as always. I semi-retired about 2 years ago, but I am still active in real estate on a very limited scale, dealing only with properties within walking distance!”

Bill Torgerson and his wife Maureen have finally gotten around to executing a long-festering down-sizing plan. They sold their place in Annapolis about a year ago and relocated to Vero Beach, Florida. This puts them about a 2.5 hour drive from their son, daughter-in-law, and cool little grandchild who live in a “new town” called Babcock Ranch, just northeast of Fort Myers. Bill’s guest room is ready for visitors!

Later this year Skip Wilson and his wife Linda are relocating from their coastal North Carolina perch to Denver, Colorado to join a continuing care community called the Vi. While they loved their house on the water and all of their friends in NC, they are excited to be closer to their two children’s families and watch their 5 grandchildren (all living in Denver) grow up! The next chapter beckons…

Doug Gates

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

1963

Jock Hopkins wrote in to say, “Penny and I take a family vacation each year at the beach. This year we were on Treasure Island in Florida, and Paul Warren and his wife Mary joined us one evening. We discovered we had seven Severn grads and a future grad all in one place!”

L-R: Paul Warren, Jock Hopkins, Haley Kerridge ‘17, Travis Kerridge ‘18, Whitney (Hopkins) Kerridge ‘88, Kylie (Hopkins) Holland ‘01, Jack Kerridge ‘24, and Scott Kerridge ‘87

1964 Reunion

60th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

1969 Reunion

55th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool. com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

1973

Admiral alumnus Leo Murray ‘64 and his wife Ursula stopped by the Alumni House last November to connect with Shannon Howell and Severn! This visit was a special treat since Leo and his wife live in Geneva, Switzerland!

Leo Murray and Shannon Howell (Director of Development)

Jack Flanagan, a Co-Chair of the 50th Reunion Committee, wrote: “The Severn Class of ‘73 celebrated its 50th Year Reunion last October with two events. Jim “Woody” Wooddell, also a Co-Chair of the Reunion Committee, was gracious enough to host a kickoff reunion party at his waterfront house in Edgewater on Friday evening. In attendance were 30+ people, including 21 Severn alumni from the Class of ‘73 and other adjacent classes, all enjoying good food, good cheer, great live music, and even better beverages. It was especially fun to reacquaint with alumni who traveled into town from afar, including Greg Kerchner (Florida), Eola Lewis Scott ‘75 (Colorado), Court Williams (Connecticut), John Royen (Louisiana), and Jeff Popham ‘74 (Rhode Island). Others from the awesome Class of ‘73 in attendance were: George Graefe, Scott Burns, Tom Keifer, Jack Flanagan, Doug Mayer, Griff Hall, John Donoho, Bona Hurst Ellis, and Geoff Riefe. Other Severn alumni in attendance were: Murray Leigh ‘74, Mia (Chandler) Antonelli ‘74, Ann (Wallace) Reife ‘76, Joni (Adrian) Morgan ‘75, Gusty Taler ‘74, and Howdy Knipp ‘74. It should be noted that Leslie Passano, a third Co-Chair of the Reunion Committee, worked tirelessly to locate everyone and send invitations—she was a big reason the night and weekend were such a success. The highlight of the evening was when John Royen sat

down at Woody’s grand piano and performed jazz classics for an hour with a gifted clarinet accompanist. John is a talented musician and has performed for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, plus other jazz ensembles in New Orleans.

On Saturday, the Class of ‘73 showed up in force for the Homecoming football game, the halftime recognition ceremony, and the post game reception / picnic. Taking the field after 50 amazing years were the following alumni: Greg Kerchner, The Admiral, Court Williams, Tom Kiefer, George Graefe, G.P. Lindsay, Jim “Woody” Wooddell, Mike Houser, Griff Hall, Jack Flanagan, and Geoff Riefe

Back Row: Scott Burns, Bona (Hurst) Hurst-Ellis, John Donoho, Doug Mayer, Gerg Kerchner, Woody Wooddell, John Royen, Jack Flanagan, Leslie Passano, and Griff Hall Front Row: George Graefe, Tom Kiefer, and Geoff Riefe

Lagarde (Head of School), Greg Kerchner, The Admiral, Court Williams, Tom Kiefer, George Graefe, G.P. Lindsay, Jim “Woody” Wooddell, Mike Houser, Griff Hall, Jack Flanagan, and Geoff Riefe.

1974 Reunion

50th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

1978

The ‘78’s had a blast celebrating their 45th Reunion last fall. In addition to the on-campus festivities on Saturday, classmate Kim (Harquail) Todd hosted an off-campus gathering the night before. Paul Owen, Linda (Kiser) Graefe, Craig Saunders, Randy Heller, Erin (Mulloy) Stringfellow, Jeff Helferstay, Tom Foard, Joe Schaller, Rod Jabin, Robin (Ricks) Jabin, and Kimberly (Harquail) Todd. Thanks to Randy Heller for all his hard work as Reunion Chair.

Please join us in congratulating Rick Mathieu, who was appointed President of the Charlotte Campus for Johnson & Wales University in December 2022. Go Admirals!

Doug

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

1979 Reunion

45th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

1982

Congratulations to Arthur Egeli on the opening of his film Art Thief at the Alexandria Film Festival last November! This movie, inspired by true events, chronicles a passionate but untalented artist who steals a painting from a local museum and then is thrust into the midst of the biggest art theft in modern history.

Congratulations to Lucy Osius who published My Left Hand: A Memoir in November. Lucy says, “In writing this memoir, I’ve tried to learn more about myself and other people and to relive my life from my place now in a wheelchair. Writing has given my life purpose and focus and shape.” Lucy is a 58-year-old teacher, writer, and parent. In 2019, she had a stroke while she was teaching in Mexico. To her readers, Lucy writes, “I hope you come to care about the girl in the book. I hope you see yourself in the contrasts and in other ways, too. We are all connected in some way, like a root system.”

1983

Mark Carroll and Molly (Moore) Green, the ‘83 Reunion Chairs, wrote in to say, “We had about a dozen from our class meet up at the Daiger House BBQ last October. We really enjoyed seeing everyone! As a side note, many of us attended the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction the night before to support our classmate and new inductee Steve Beardmore ‘83.”

Mark Goodman, Mary Anne (Koubek) Smith, Cash Hilmer, Mark Carroll, Brooks Tucker, Molly (Moore) Green, Noel Patterson, Steve Beardmore, and Julian Domenech, Jr. ‘84

1984 Reunion

40th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

1985

Friends Doug Merrill, his wife Lisa Merrill, Matt Finlay, his wife Teresa Finley, Jenn Carter, and Tom Carter (also former Severn Trustee) met up for a weekend in Ithaca, New York where they all have kids at nearby colleges.

Doug Merrill, Lisa Merrill, Matt Finlay, Teresa Finley, Jenn Carter, and Tom Carter

1988

Class of ‘88 Reunion Chairs, Whitney (Hopkins) Kerridge and Kim (Selby) Gauthier, gathered classmates from around the country for their 35th Reunion, including Phil Quinton (Clearwater, Florida), Tracy (Minnig) Thomas (Grand Rapids, Michigan), and Dean Felipowicz (San Francisco, CA).

Dean Felipowicz and his family

Back Row: Phil Quinton, Whitney (Hopkins) Kerridge, Christy Bishop / Middle Row: Paul Caswell, Tracy (Minnig) Thomas, Penny (Mann) Tucker, Alison (Wallop) Griswold, Becky Burrows, Anne Sherwood, Shannon Hodges, Kim (Selby) Gauthier / Front: Doug May, Drew Burns, Heather (Sange) Mahland

1989 Reunion

35th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@ severnschool.com if you’d like to join Grant Davis on the Reunion Committee for your Class. Feel free to reach out to Grant as well at: grant@davisexecutiveconsulting.com.

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

1993

With the help of Reunion Chairs Chris Accinelli, Todd Fletcher, and Dave LaChapelle, the Class of 1993 celebrated their 30th Reunion in style! Special thanks to Chris Accinelli for hosting the off-campus gathering at his house on Saturday night.

Christy (Cole) Wade, Chris Accinelli, Brad Fowler, Robin Quinton, Todd Fletcher, Jake Mack, Joe Feldman, Bryan Depew, and Adam Wexler

1994 Reunion

30th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

Congratulations to Brian Nagy on the birth of his son Ethan Pfeffer Nagy on January 7th!

1997

The ‘97s still have fun hanging out. Last February, a group of them got together for “Adult Prom”! Jess (Popham) McDermott, Colleen (Cassidy) Bastian, Jenny (Hartman) Songer ‘98, Lida Barniea, Ann Pailthorp, Katie Johnson (parent of Whit Johnson ‘29), Amy (Galebach) Crone, Bess (Freedlander) Langbein

Jeff Johnson, Sean Songer, and Dave McDermott.

1998

The ‘98s enjoyed the BBQ Bash at the Daiger House over Homecoming Weekend and then headed to Park Tavern to continue their 25th Reunion celebration!

Mattonen, Kim (Blouin)

and

1999 Reunion

25th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Dan Ericson, Ellen Ericson, Alex Schwab, Carol (Prickett)

, Carla (Chance) Scott, Lee

(Gates) Grimm, Dan Grimm ‘01, Kelly

,

,

,

Gerry Connolly (former US Head), and Randy Newman

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

How wild was it for Marshall Feldman to learn that Timmy, one of the boys on his Green Hornets Rec Soccer Team, is the son of fellow Admiral Chrissy (Baugh) Gilliand ‘00 and grandson of his Severn English teacher Dr. Jackie Baugh. Go Admirals! Marshall told us, “I love having the current connection to faces I used to see everyday. I love seeing Chrissy and Dr. Baugh at our soccer games, cheering on the boys.”

Congratulations to Kent Phillips on the birth of his daughter Elora on January 9th! She joins seven-year old brother Royce in the Phillips family.

2002

Congrats to Sean Etter who finished his 4th Ironman last fall in France. Sean wrote, “It was my first world championships, and it was an amazing experience for my whole family! That part of the world is beautiful.” What we want to know is how does Sean find the time to train while also being a dad and a veterinarian?

Ian

Mattonen,

Julia Pitcher

Snyder

Nina Paradiso

Scott

Meredith Braden-MacMullan

Emily

Newman,

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

2003

It was fun to see our ‘03s back on campus for their 20th Reunion with their young families!

Natalia and Michael Biles with Siena ‘39 and Baby Camila

2004 Reunion

Megan and Nick Larkin; Tyler and Amanda Larkin and Baby Blake

20th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to join Ryan Brassel, Caitlin (McCleary) Horn, and Jennifer Presswood on the Reunion Committee for your Class.

A salute to Major Jack Rosson, who is currently the Commander, 28th Comptroller Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. In this capacity, he leads 35 military and civilian personnel in the execution of all aspects of financial management support for the 38th Bomb Wing. Jack and his wife Kate have two daughters, Emma (11) and Grace (8), and two golden doodles, Cheyenne and Juniper. Thank you for your service, Jack!

Schuyler (Sutton) and Danny Gavula with Richie ‘39, Oliver ‘35, Lola ‘37, and Baby Ivy

2005

D’Lina (Santa) Santa-Kingsley and husband Damon

It was great seeing Bridget Rafferty at The Alumni House last December! She currently lives in Texas and works in the film/TV/ media industry. Lucky for us, she was on campus visiting with her nephew Luca Gargagliano ‘27. As a special surprise, we were able to give Bridget back her Creative Writing portfolio that Dr. Baugh had saved for her these last 18 years!

2006

Congratulations to Jeremy Burns and his wife Annie on the birth of their daughter Audrey Ziyi Pi-Burns on January 2, 2024. Audrey is our first Baby Admiral born in 2024!

Congratulations to Sean Quinn and his wife Sophie on the birth of their daughter Elizabeth (Lily) Alexandra Rosie Quinn on November 13, 2023.

2008

We enjoyed catching up with the Class of 2008 for their 15th Reunion at the Sunset BBQ Bash last fall!

Madison Wilbur (Faculty), Alex Wilbur, Jeff Bennett, Dorothy Fisher, Katherine Little, Guest of Katherine Little

Brittany (Schuh) Acree has a bunch of exciting news to share. First, in October 2023, she got married to Alex Acree on Gibson Island! Second, she is now an official board certified OB/GYN and is currently working at Luminis Health in Annapolis. Brittany and her husband Alex currently live in downtown Annapolis with their dog and two cats and will probably be moving to Severna Park soon. Congratulations, Brittany!

2009 Reunion

15th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

2010

Alex Adams, an avid runner affiliated with Baltimore’s RIOT Run Squad, has participated in various races, notably completing the challenging Transrockies 3-Day Race in Colorado. Alex hopes to see fellow alumni at the upcoming Baltimore Marathon later this year!

2011

Katie (Carroll) Lyon and her husband Phil welcomed their sweet baby boy Beau on June 20, 2023. The Lyon family currently lives in Southern California.

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP 2012

Welcome to DC, Jack Cauley! Jack moved from NYC to DC last fall. He currently works for HWP based in Washington, DC as a commercial insurance broker who specializes in the Private Equity, Construction, and Commercial Real Estate industries. He is a member of the Association for Corporate Growth, ABC Chesapeake Shores, and the Tunnel to Towers Young Professional Network. Jack credits his Severn network for helping him transition smoothly to his new hometown. In particular, he named Matt Nicholson ‘01, Meg Gesner ‘13, and Carolyn Exarhakis ‘13 as ”unbelievably helpful in helping me settle back into the DC Area!”

Congratulations to Natalie Mardirossian and her fiancé Tyler Whitby, who are getting married in Chestertown, Maryland this October. Tyler is a business owner on Kent Island, where the couple currently lives.

NYC’s highly-acclaimed Freestyle Comedy group, featuring Severn’s very own Zach Russell, has been performing in various cities up and down the east coast this past winter and spring. To try and catch Zach at a show, check out his Instagram page @ freestylecomedyshow.

Here’s a great “Where Are They Now?” story for the Class of 2012. Do you all remember the 9-panel graphic design project that Erin Littlepage and Grace Rudder created for their Fellows Project? (FYI: Fourteen years later, the project is still on display in the Spiral Staircase area of Creeden Hall!) Well, fast forward 12 years, and both of these young women have gone on to have great success in the design world. Grace had her career start with Monumental Sports (Caps, Wizards, Mystics) earning her promotion to Art Director after only a few years. Erin took a huge leap of faith by relocating to LA and landed a job with the famous photographer Gray Malin where she worked on photo shoots around the world! After much consideration and hardwork, they have both gone the route of entrepreneurs with their own design businesses! It is incredible that all these years later they find themselves in another collaboration. Through her branding & design business (Charm Studio), Grace has recently completed the branding for Erin’s very new venture Littlepage Studio. While they don’t see each other as often as they’d like, the friendship formed in the halls of old Teel is as strong as ever!

Erin Littlepage and Grace Rudder at their Fellows Presentation in 2012

Grace Rudder and Erin Littlepage, still collaborators today

2013

Boo Devanny, the Class of 2013 Reunion Chair, rallied her classmates last October to enjoy the the Sunset BBQ Bash and then Garten, a new restaurant down the street from Severn!

Tori (Graw) McKeever, David McKeever, Andrew Kaelin, Garrett Kendall, Ana Taylor, Christian Wheeler, Grace Dearing.

2014 Reunion

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Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

2015

Kudos to Jasmine Wright, who is playing for the Cambridge University Association Football Club (soccer) while also completing her MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School in England! Photo Credit: The Cambridge MBS Stories

2017

Congratulations to Andrew Medile ‘17, who married Darby Gall in June 2022. The couple met at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, where they currently reside. Darby is a nurse, and Andrew works in the tech industry.

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

2018

Cooper Emmons and Inde Lauer did a fabulous job as the Class of 2018’s 5th Year Reunion Chairs, working to bring back the most folks of any Milestone Reunion class in 2023. Inde wrote in to say, “The Class of 2018’s first reunion was one for the books. We brought around 35 alumni back to celebrate this milestone. To start the festivities off, we reserved the outdoor area at Agave in West Annapolis on Friday night. Saturday we enjoyed the Homecoming games and reunited at the the Sunset BBQ Bash. The Class of 2018 has achieved some notable things in a short amount of time, and I know that there will be even more in the next five years. We’ve got roots in many different places across the country, so much so that I believe there will always be a familiar face wherever we go. We are all looking forward to what the next milestone brings.”

Carolyn Campion (Alumni Director) and Aidan Wang

It was great catching up with Aidan Wang at The Alumni House last fall! Aidan currently teaches US History and English at The Cambridge School of Weston in Massachusetts, where Severn’s former Director of Studies Lise Charlier is the current Head of School. Congrats are in order for Aidan - last year he received a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching and spent a semester in Spain.

2019 Reunion

5th Reunion 2024 - Save the Date 10.5.24

Please contact Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool. com if you’d like to be part of the Reunion Committee for your Class.

Back Row: Alan Liao, Jimmy Diamondidis,Ryan Andrews, Teddy Douglas, Anna Sfakiyanudis, Charlotte Kraft, Tori Cronin, Grace Mong, Inde Lauer, Luca Hagen, Evan Judge, Trevor Marvin, Sam Williams, Alex Marvin, Jake Lilly, Dylan Gergar, Michelle Rubinetti, Cooper Emmons, Burt Gesner, Topher Urban / Middle: Liz Townshend, Elizabeth Chappell, Reilly Miller, Amanda Le / Seated at table (back): Hillary Hardig, Caroline McNeil, Kendall Gay, Addison Porter / Seated at table (front): Victoria Decker, Ellie King, Kennedy Albers, Christopher Prater

2020

Congrats to Julia Christie, a senior at the USNA, who had the opportunity to lead and organize the 40th annual Naval Academy Leadership Conference, held in Annapolis. Not only was Julia’s selection as a conference leader of note, but so was her choice of a guest speaker at the conference. Moved by her speech at our Veterans Day Assembly in November, Julia invited fellow alumna Dr. Katherine Graw Lamond ‘96 to be a guest speaker at the Navy Leadership Conference. We love the Admiral networking connection!

Julia Christie, Dr. Katherine Graw Lamond ‘96, and Julian Domenech, Jr. ‘84

Congrats to Chris Roth (pictured on the far left) for receiving the Management Academic Achievement Award from Clemson University! A second congrats to Chris, a student in the Army ROTC program at Clemson, for selecting the Signal Corps.

Last December, we caught up with Jewel Barner and Melissa Wong at the Alumni House! Jewel is graduating from Virginia Tech this spring and plans to pursue law after graduation; Melissa is graduating from Chapman University in Orange, California this spring and has an internship in TV marketing lined up after graduation.

Faculty

2021

We were so happy to see three Severn alumnae— Sophia Amplo ‘23, Julia Christie ‘20, and Mori Sokoloff, all of whom currently attend the United States Naval Academy—on campus for the Middle and Upper School Veterans Day Assembly on November 10! We thank you for your sacrifice, Admirals!

2023

Last fall, five Admirals from the Class of 2023 watched the Orioles beat the Red Sox at Fenway in Boston!

KJ Lloyd, Skylar Kagan, Cole Fairweather, Megan Murphy, and Maddie Howell

Congrats to KJ Lloyd, who was part of a team that won a simulated business competition called G-Pitch at Bryant University. Their company was based out of Singapore and recycled electric vehicle batteries to create a more sustainable battery replacement process. They competed against 80 teams that made up around half of the 2027 class at Bryant.

KJ Lloyd (2nd from the right) and his business team

Richard Zmuda (retired English Faculty) has been hard at work in his first year of retirement writing a novel! His book The Mole of Vatican Council II weaves a riveting—and historically accurate—storyline that pits a subversive group of powerful cardinals in the Vatican Curia against two popes, 2,500 cardinals and bishops, and one determined American priest risking everything to expose the truth. The future of the Catholic Church is literally at stake and the ending is in doubt until the very last pages. Mr. Zmuda’s book is available on Amazon—check it out!

Submit Your Class Notes

We love to hear from our alumni about their lives after Severn. Keep us up-to-date on recent trips, internships, research projects, stories with classmates, graduations, new jobs, new homes, weddings, and babies. Email Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com or drop us a note through our alumni social media pages.

IN MEMORIAM

Captain Edmund T. Wooldridge, Jr. ‘45, USN (Ret.)

Captain Edmund T. Wooldridge, Jr., USN (Ret.) passed away on January 17, 2023. Edmund was born in Annapolis, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1950, and earned his wings at Pensacola in April 1952. During sea duty and shore duty over the next twenty-six years, he enjoyed flying with various fighter squadrons on numerous deployments on Atlantic Fleet carriers. The highlight of four different staff assignments was a tour as Flag Secretary to Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe. After retiring from active duty in 1976, Edmund joined the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) as Assistant Curator. He eventually became Chairman of the Aeronautics Department and Assistant Director for Operations, after which he was selected to be the Adm. Dewitt C. Ramsey Fellow at NASM, writing a number of award-winning books on naval aviation history. After twenty-four years at NASM, Edmund retired and volunteered to supervise the administration of the U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archives. He enjoyed spectator sports of all kinds, particularly Navy football, reading, raising Cairn Terriers, and life with family and friends on the Chesapeake Bay. In 2010, he moved to the Ginger Cove Retirement Community near Annapolis. He was active in Residents Club activities, chaired the Employee Appreciation Fund (EAF) for five years, and received a Volunteer Award for his contributions to the Ginger Cove Community.

Henry G. Hiatt, Jr. ‘46

Henry G. Hiatt, Jr. passed away on November 26, 2022 in Hagerstown, MD. Henry attended Annapolis High School, Severn School, and the USNA, graduating in 1950. He received his wings in 1951 and flew the F9F-6; he served on the USS Tarawa and the USS Midway. After 10 years in the Navy, he resigned as a Lt. Commander. After his Navy career, he worked for Westinghouse for 30 years as a Senior Engineer. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, bowling, and reading.

Robert “Bob” L. Miller ‘47

Robert “Bob” L. Miller died peacefully in Newville, PA, on September 16, 2023. Bob was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1951, and he played on their 1949 National Championship Lacrosse Team. Bob served on a destroyer during the Korean War and later had a career in submarines, attaining the rank of Commander. Duties included a tour in Argentina and command of the USS BANG (SS-385). Bob retired from the Navy in 1973 and then began a second career with Merrill Lynch for 15 years. He capped his endeavors with 12 years as Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Presbyterian Homes, Inc. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, a member of Lions International, and a lifetime member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and the American Legion. Bob will be remembered for his love of family and his deep Christian faith. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, summering since age one in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, and wintering with his wife Marilyn in Tavares, Florida.

CDR William F. Bass ‘55, USN (Ret.)

William F. Bass, USN (Ret.) died on February 11, 2023. He and his wife Annette had been married over 50 years.

William “Bill” E. Clark ‘57

William “Bill” E. Clark died June 2, 2022 in Annapolis, MD. Bill lived a life of service, first joining the Annapolis Volunteer Fire Department in 1954 when he was just 16 years old. He enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter and served aboard the USS Boston, the world’s first guided missile cruiser. After serving in the Navy, Bill became the director of photographic and film services at the University of Maryland in College Park. While there, he was asked to cover the Apollo 11 mission for National Geographic and received an award from NASA for his work. His experience at University of

Maryland led him to a job as Director of Public Information for the Maryland State Police. During his time with the police, one of his programs received a Presidential Award from President Jimmy Carter. Bill later joined the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), where he oversaw a 700-person clinical and field operations team. His medical experience at MIEMSS led him to a position in the federal Department of Health and Human Services as its first deputy director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness and the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). With great foresight, he pushed for chemical and biological terrorist attack response plans. Bill served as the U.S. civil member of the NATO Joint Medical Committee for a decade. Notably, following the tragic crash of TWA Flight 800, he helped develop a new system in the U.S. to provide family assistance following major transportation accidents. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Bill was asked to help develop the Department of Homeland Security. He ultimately joined the Department of Homeland Security as Chief of the Incident Response Section and later became the Team Commander of the NDMS-1 emergency response team. In addition to being a dedicated public servant, he was actively involved as a volunteer in the fire and rescue services in Maryland, enjoyed sailing on the Severn River, and was a talented photographer. He was seldom seen without a camera in his hands, and many family, friends, and acquaintances have his photographs proudly displayed in their homes.

Benjamin “Ben” M. Gregg ‘57

Benjamin M. Gregg, of Virginia Beach, passed away at his residence on April 5, 2023. Ben graduated from USNA in 1961 with a BS in Engineering and went on to serve in the Vietnam War as a Navy pilot. His last command was on the USS Ticonderoga. From there he moved on to a career as an airline pilot for TWA and retired after 37 years. During his life, Ben loved music, traveling, playing the autoharp, mandolin, guitar, and piano, and watching Akira Kurosawa films. He also loved spending time in London on his traditional narrowboat,

Malourie, traveling through the canals of England. Ben, a kind and sensitive man, always had an understated sense of humor, a calming presence, and an endearing charm. But he could also be stubborn at times—he said he’d “fight until the end” and he did.

Edgar Robert “Bob” Kent, Jr. ‘59

Edgar Robert “Bob” Kent Jr., an investment banker and philanthropist, died of Parkinson’s disease on December 16, 2023 in Towson, Maryland. Bob was a 4-year Severn student who played lacrosse and football and was a member of the Navigator staff and the Student Council. After Mr. Kent graduated from Severn, he went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Princeton University, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and then a degree from what is today the University of Maryland School of Law. He also served in the Army National Guard. In 1968, Mr. Kent began working at the old Alex Brown & Sons, an investment bank started in Baltimore, and sat on the company’s board, as well as several other advisory boards, including those for the Baltimore Community Foundation, Calvert School, Roland Park Country School, and Baltimore Center Stage, among others. Mr. Kent also started the Kent Family Foundation to support charitable causes in Baltimore. One of his three children, Bob Kent III, said, “He loved Baltimore…and he’s one of those guys who when he did well, he shared…he gave back.”

John S. Meneely ‘62

John S. Meneely, a proud Severn alumnus, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023 at Hospice of the Chesapeake in the presence of his family. John graduated from Severn School and went on to major in business and general studies at the University of Maryland. After graduating from college, he worked for his father at Annapolis Boat Works in Eastport before helping to found Port Annapolis Marina in 1977. He ventured out on his own in 1986, establishing a marina in Deale, Maryland, named Shipwright Harbor after his childhood home, which he grew into a thriving full-service marina, attracting sailors and powerboaters up and down the Chesapeake Bay. A well-respected leader in the Annapolis and Maryland maritime industries, John served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Marine Trades Association for several years. Proud of his family’s history as a prominent bell maker, John revived the family business in the early 1980s,

casting his first bell alongside his father, Hank, using the Meneely Bell Foundry’s formula and patented design. His passion for making bells culminated with the honor of being commissioned to cast the ship’s bell for the USS Annapolis submarine in 1992, a replica of which still hangs behind the bar of the Annapolis Yacht Club. John’s true passion was his children, about whom he was happy to boast to friends, family, and strangers alike. John could light up a room with just a smile, and his belly laugh was contagious. If you met him, you were his friend.

James N. Culp ‘65

James N. Culp passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024. James enlisted in the Army and served his country in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. He loved his family, music, playing the guitar, going to the beach, swimming, and Jimmy Buffet. He also enjoyed going to Disney World and Sea World, especially the water parks. He was funny, goofy, witty, and loved a good joke. James resided in Arnold, Maryland before moving to Sanford, Florida in 2006.

Joseph “Joe” A. Walkowski, Jr. ‘67

Joseph “Joe” A. Walkowski, Jr. passed away on June 13, 2023 in Sandpoint, Idaho. After graduating as Valedictorian at Severn, Joe attended the University of Delaware, where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1971. Joe then attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a J.D. law degree. Joe then attended Oklahoma City University and received his M.B.A. with high honors. Throughout his career, Joe was repeatedly recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” in the field of Patent Law, as well as one of Intellectual Asset Management’s “Patent 1000.” He was also recognized as a “Mountain States Super Lawyer” and among the “Utah Legal Elite” by Utah Business Magazine. Joe loved living in the west and was an avid fly fisherman and snow skier. He enjoyed spending time on the lake at his vacation home in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Former Faculty Robert William Muldoon,

Jr.

Former Faculty Robert William Muldoon Jr. passed away December 25, 2023 in Florida at the age of 77. Robert graduated from

Sewanee University of the South with a B.A. in Philosophy in 1968. He came to Severn in the fall of 1969 to teach English, Creative Writing, and Speech. While at Severn, he was also the advisor to the The Navigator and a student in the Masters of Liberal Arts Program at Johns Hopkins. He left Severn in the spring of 1976 to complete a Ph.D. program in English at Pennsylvania State University. After years in education, Robert transitioned to a career in development. He worked as the Director of Development at both the University of Scranton and Carson-Newman College and as the Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer at Piedmont College. Later, Robert joined Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti as the Chief Officer for Advancement, where he traveled extensively throughout the US, Haiti, Canada, and Europe leading fundraising campaigns. He ended his career as an independent fundraising consultant, with much work given pro-bono. Travel and golf were some of Robert’s biggest enjoyments. He traveled to over 100 countries for pleasure and for work and enjoyed hiking, canoeing, gardening, theater, and bridge. After moving to the Villages, Robert became active with the Way Way Way Off Broadway Players. Later, at Freedom Point, he was a member of the Residents’ Advisory Council and served as its president for a year.

Former Faculty Sharie L. Valerio

The following tribute was written by colleague and friend Cathy (Hewitt) Carper ‘81: “Sharie passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Sharie began teaching Upper School Acting at Severn in 1998. For 16 years, Sharie directed multiple productions including Les Miserables, The Secret Garden, Bye Bye Birdie, and Severn Remembered, an original production capturing Severn School’s history. Sharie retired from Severn in 2014. Throughout her life, Sharie thrived on great connection, storytelling, and partnership. She found great joy in bringing people together. Sharie’s legacy is the countless number of young people she directed and coached. She had the ability to help young people leverage the power of theater to build confidence and develop their own personal talents, on and off the stage. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all, and may we strive to honor her legacy by continuing to connect, tell stories, and build partnerships in our own lives, just as she did with such grace and passion.”

Severn School is more than our campuses. It’s one school, one community, filled with the voices of families, alumni, faculty, and friends—each with a unique Severn story to tell. Our 2023-24 Admiral Fund Chairs—the Freas Family, The Pipkin Family, and the Scott Family—each have their own Severn stories and reasons they give to the Admiral Fund.

Join them and give back to your Severn community by making a gift to the 23-24 Admiral Fund today. HOW DO I MAKE A GIFT? Visit www.severnschool.com/support Call Meredith Garfield at 410.647.7701 x2357