THE BRIDGE FOR SEVERN ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
SUMMER 2013
100! Severn School Centennial 1914 - 2014
Boardwalk blast
! They made it
Cheesin’ at Prom
nd monkey-ing arou ol at the lower scho
a snapshot of spring 2013 We hope you enjoyed your summer and are getting ready to dive into the 2013-2014 school year. This year will surely be one to remember as we welcome the Lower School students into the community and celebrate our 100th anniversary! Stay up to date with the exciting events on our website, www.severnschool.com.
Check this out! The Lower School students created this masterpiece using their fingerprints, and presented it to Headmaster Doug Lagarde at the end of the year.
The Bridge SUMMER 2013
FEATURES
EDITOR/DESIGNER
100!
Nicole Parker
CLASS NOTES
Class Secretaries
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION We hope you will help us celebrate our big 100 at a number of events this year. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the can’t miss Centennial Weekend, May 16-18, 2014!
Severn School Centennial 1914 - 2014
The Bridge is published for alumni, parents and friends by Severn School’s Advancement Office. We encourage all of our readers to respond with comments, questions and information.
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COVER FEATURE
THE 99TH COMMENCEMENT On June 1, 2013, the community came together for Severn’s 99th Commencement ceremony.
Editorial Office
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Severna Park, MD 21146
Severn School Website
www.severnschool.com
Editor’s Email
116 Maple Avenue
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LIFELONG LEARNING AT SEVERN The Summer Professional Development Institute is unique to Severn and provides our faculty with tailored workshops with convenient, relevant, and engaging continuing education.
info@severnschool.com
Headmaster
Dougas Lagarde Board of Trustees, Chair
John S. Bremer
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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
VICKI D’ANDREA It is an honor to introduce the Severn community to this special Severn Lower School faculty member, Vicki D’Andrea. She is
Alumni Director
known for successful and innovative teaching strategies that
Tyler Larkin '03
challenge and empower her students and has been doing so now for 25 years.
© 2013 SEVERN SCHOOL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Severn School does not discriminate against any person in admission, employment, or otherwise because of race, creed,
DEPARTMENTS
color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
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Severn School is accredited by the
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SEVERN NEWS
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SEVERN ATHLETICS
Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the Association
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
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ALUMNI NEWS
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CLASS NOTES
of Independent Schools (AIMS), and is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education.
On the cover: The Class of 2013 gathered June 1, 2013 for Severn’s 99th Commencement.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
100!
THREE DAYS ONEYOU’RE BIG INVITED! PARTY and
CENTENNIAL WEEKEND MAY 16-18 2014
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www.severnschool.com/100
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
CENTENNIAL CALENDAR We hope you will help us celebrate our big 100 at the following events this year. And don’t forget to mark your calendar now for the can’t miss Centennial Weekend!
100! Severn School Centennial 1914 - 2014
August 30 2013
Spring 2014 (Date and Speaker TBA)
Opening of School Convocation
Astle Lecture
October 12 2013
May 2 2014 6:00 pm
Homecoming and Lower School Fall Festival
Upper School Starry Night Art Opening
Game schedule on severnschool.com May 8-10 2014 October 16 2013
Lower School Spring Musical and Renaissance
State of the School Address
Showcase
November 7 2013 6:30 - 8:30 pm
May 16 2014
Annapolis Alumni Reception
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Assembly
“A Toast to Severn” May 17 2014 11 am - 3 pm Alumni Lacrosse Game and Picnic
November 8 2013 Founder’s Day Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony
May 17 2014 7 pm - 10 pm
Middle & Upper School Grandfriends Day
The “Big Party” The can’t miss celebration of the century! Severn friends from every corner of the world including alumni, family, friends,
November 15 & 16 2013 Upper School Centennial Play Severn Steps
trustees, faculty and staff are invited. The evening will feature fabulous food, friends, great music, open bar and surprises. We welcome you to join us for this delightful evening featuring the best of Severn and the best of Maryland.
Early 2014 (Date and Artist TBA) Musician in Residence Concert
May 18 2014 10:30 am - 12 noon Kesmodel Lindsay Brunch
February 20-22 2014 Upper School Musical Production
Stay informed on all things Centennial! We have special events planned for our community all year and we want to help you stay up to date on the details. Go to www.severnschool.com/100 for everything Centennial.
www.severnschool.com/100
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
COMMUNITY FOCUS THROUGHOUT OUR CENTENNIAL YEAR we will highlight profiles of members of our community and donors who have helped make Severn what it is today. Please join all of us at Severn in thanking them for what they have provided for the School.
The Lifer
Michael DeStefano '84
You are only as old as you feel and writing this article made me feel old (REALLY OLD!), but it also reminded me why I have supported Severn since 1996 when I made my first donation to the school.
School, but that of its faculty and students. At the heart of the campaign is the renovation of Teel Academic Center, the final piece set forth in our long-term strategic plan. Teel Academic Center, built in 1967, originally designed as a residence hall was updated in the 1980s. Even with updates and additions, it is now at its limit in terms of how we can adequately improvise this space for learning. It is clearly outdated. Board members before me had the foresight to recognize that the renovation would be needed in the future and included this element in the strategic plan as the final piece needed to fully realize the Severn campus which will have an impact on how our students, present and future, learn. I am honored to continue to work with the Board in this capacity and am excited to continue to strive toward reaching our goal of raising $11.5 million. I look forward to updating you on the campaign in the coming months and year ahead.
Next June, in Severn’s centennial year, exactly 30 years from when I graduated, my youngest child, Brian, will receive his diploma from Severn School. Where does the time go? I started as a student at Severn in 9th grade in 1980, graduating in 1984. Fast forward 18 years and I became a Severn Parent when my oldest son, Jack ‘09, became a 6th grader. During my time at Severn I was provided with a solid foundation in education and leadership. I was given the opportunity to play multiple sports I am passionate about. Over the course of my career as a student and athlete, both faculty and staff encouraged me to hone my skills on and off the field so that I was lucky enough to study and play lacrosse at an Ivy League school after graduation. Since that time, I knew I wanted to give back to Severn; to repay what the School had given me and my family. Severn had invested in me and it was my responsibility to reciprocate. At the end of my third term on Severn’s Board of Trustees, in 2011, the same year my daughter Kelly graduated from Severn, I was asked to chair the Severn on Course Campaign committee. I agreed to take the role without hesitation. Why would I assume
“I knew I wanted to give back to Severn; to repay what the School had given me and my family.” such immense responsibility like this at the end of my Board career? The Severn on Course Campaign truly encapsulates what Severn is all about. Over the course of 100 years Severn has grown and changed with the times. This campaign is a vital piece that will enable that growth to continue. The campaign itself affords the Severn community an opportunity to not only support the continued growth of the
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toward a school fully realized
I am a big fan of Severn School. I believe that its philosophy and its mission have dramatic impacts on the development of our children. I don’t just have my experience to go by but that of my children’s. My wife, Molly, and I are proud of how our children have matured and we give a lot of credit to the School for this result. This campaign will put Severn on course for its next 100 years.
Mike
For information on the Severn on Course Campaign contact Danielle DeVeau Crawford, Director, Campaign & Major Gifts at d.crawford@severnschool.com or 410-647-7701 ext 2357.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
A CENTURY of
CHANGE The School has undergone a total transformation over the past century. Take a look at some of the School’s more recent physical changes.
THE PENDULUM In 2001 construction began on the new Upper School Academic Building on what was known as the Sackett property. In 2006 the building was renamed Creeden Hall in honor of former headmaster, Bill Creeden and his wife, Debbie.
ALUMNI WALKWAY In 2000 the Alumni Walkway, the central passage through campus, was dedicated to all Severn School alumni.
DINING HALL DEMOLITION The old Dining Hall was demolished in 1997 and in its place today stands the “Little Field.” Watch for more A CENTURY of CHANGE photos throughout the year as we share Severn’s transformation over the past 100 years.
Severn On Course toward a school fully realized
Summer 2013
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CLASS OF 2013 GRADUATION
The 99th commencement ON JUNE 1, parents, friends, trustees, family members, faculty and staff came together for Severn’s 99th commencement ceremony. The commencement speakers delivered final words of wisdom, shared joyous memories, and congratulated the class for their accomplishments and successes while at Severn. There was laughter, tears, high-fives, and hugs as the class was celebrated by the Severn community.
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Left Headmaster Doug Lagarde addresses guests at Severn’s commencement.
Headmaster’s address
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ou’re welcome. My pleasure. Two phrases that have almost disappeared from our everyday conversation. Have you noticed this? Next time you express your gratitude with, “thank you,” listen carefully to the response. On the rare occasion, you will be met with, “you’re welcome,” or perhaps, “my pleasure.” The majority of the time you’ll hear no problem, no big deal, no biggie, you bet or whatever – essentially, shrugging off the acknowledgment. By responding with a simple “you’re welcome,” one clearly and gracefully accepts the expression of gratitude and shows appreciation for the person giving it. Recent research has suggested that people who are more welcoming have higher levels of subjective well-being, are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and social relationships. Welcoming people also have higher levels of control over their environments, personal growth, purpose in life, and self acceptance. They have more positive ways of coping with the difficulties they experience in life, being more likely to seek support from other people, reinterpret and grow from the experience. Roman philosopher Cicero espoused “gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues, but the parent of all others.” On Monday, July 3, 2006, my first day on the job here at Severn, I was walking to my new office and encountered two young girls in front of Creeden Hall. “Hi girls, I’m Mr. Lagarde.” “Hi, I’m Jenny,” “Hi, I’m Meg,” they responded. We chatted about how they would be new 6th graders and that I was new as well, and how excited we all were to be joining this community together. They were amazingly poised, positive, and confident, and when I thanked them for greeting me so graciously, they chime together, “You’re welcome.” I can think of no better way to illustrate the essence and legacy of the class of 2013 than as welcoming and grateful. For the past seven years they have welcomed their classmates, faculty, visitors, challenges, ideas, opinions, pleasures and all that life has thrown at them, good and bad. Their welcoming posture has allowed the class as a whole to grow, find purpose, be self accepting, and cope with difficulties of tragedy and heartbreak. For the past seven years they’ve invited conversation, open-minded, thoughtful, reflective and
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Left Marc Buckley was chosen by the class of 2013 to deliver the faculty address. Top right Jack Noble ‘13 delivered a witty, energizing, and motivating speech to his fellow graduates Bottom right Bea Fuller, Upper School Head, held back tears as she bid farewell to the class. Below Tori Graw ‘13, Student Council Representative
have built an understanding of the values that matter most in the world. I recently attended a conference at which the speaker gave advice to a group of headmasters as to how to connect with the Millennial generation. Her suggestion was that the baby boomers get on their bus and acquiesce to their values. She then listed some of these so called “values;” informal, flexible, interactive, freedom, convenient, empowerment, participation. I raised my hand and said, “Millenials may value these conditions, but I must take exception with you characterizing these as values.” She didn’t take to kindly too my comment. She was also in her mid-twenties. This group of young people in front of me today, the class of 2013, gets it. They value what is most important: integrity, compassion, respect, courage, excellence, love. These values emerge from being welcoming and then are deepened by connecting with communities and people in personal ways. We live in the most connected time in history but technology has created an unwelcoming distance between people. Too often we confuse electronic connection with real human connection that can only develop
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Left Class Valedictorian, Austin Wang ‘13 Below Alex Kostiuk ‘13
when one invites and welcomes people into their lives. In her book, Alone Together, Sherry Turkle articulates the problem of connection we all face today because of the outsized role technology plays in our lives. We think that we are connecting with others when we are communicating electronically, but we are not connecting in the ways that we need to connect to foster the values that come from human relationships. She writes, “These days, insecure in our relationships, and anxious about intimacy, we look to technology for ways to be in relationships and protect ourselves from them at the same time. . .Technology allows us to edit and project the self we want to be... Technology offers us the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship.” Relationships are wonderful. They are also messy and challenging. Perhaps there were times over the past seven years that the class of 2013 would have liked to hit the delete key, or edit their actions and words, but that would not be them. They are who they are. They are comfortable with who they are and, therefore, those of us who are welcomed into their lives are comfortable as well. So, let us look forward. As you welcome new communities and classmates into your lives and as you are welcomed into theirs, do me this favor. In 2043, at your 30th Severn reunion when asked what you’ve done for the past thirty years, please reply, “I optimized both skill and passion.” At one of my lunches with seniors one senior reflected, “I wouldn’t be the same person if I hadn’t gone to Severn.” Agreed. But also, Severn would not be the same school if the class of 2013 had not walked its halls. It was my pleasure to begin my Severn career with the class of 2013, and it is now my pleasure to send them off knowing they are able and ready to welcome new people and challenges into their lives. - Headmaster Doug Lagarde June 1, 2013 Summer 2013
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Class of 2013 by the Numbers 99th graduating class 96 students 100% will attend college or university in the fall 3.48 mean GPA 47 of the 96 have attended Severn since 6th grade 24 have committed to play a sport
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Below from top to bottom: Alec Green ‘13, Jack Hiltabidle ‘13, Maddie Zuschnitt ‘13 and Anne McGarvey ‘13 represent just a few of the student performances at the ceremony
Baccalaureate THE FAREWELL ADDRESS. Baccalaureate was an impressive and delightful evening dedicated to celebrating the graduating class. The standing room only crowd was treated to readings, reflections, singing, music, and many memories.
Left The evening was emotional and full of excitement and anticipation for the class of 2013.
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Class of 2013 Matriculation Taylor Anderson Jessica Ashworth Janat Bashir Muzamil Bashir Haleigh Bass Brett Bedard Nicole Bednarik Allie Bennett Ian Bennett Adam Boldt Grace Bowden Andrew Caple Matt Caple Travis Cherry Grace Clagett Blair Coughlin Jordan Cox Kate Crabtree Tinos Critzos Jenny Davis Katherine Dean Will Dengler Mike Dennin Boo Devanny Hannah Diedrich Anna Ewald Carolyn Exarhakis Brigid Finlay Patrick Floyd Colin Flynn Ryan Frey Chloe Fu Andrew Garske Meg Gesner Ruby Gilmor Tori Graw Hunter Gray Alec Green Patrick Haefner Justin Hampton Jack Hiltabidle Janai Hollinger Darby Houck William Hupp Max Hurlebaus Leishka Jacome David Jones Sam Kahan
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James Madison University Colorado State University Elon University Washington College University of Richmond UNC at Chapel Hill Clemson University Elon University University of Kentucky The University of Tampa Boston University Bucknell University University of Delaware Bowie State University Virginia Tech Catholic University Carnegie Mellon University Indiana University University of Colorado Dickinson College Emory University Colorado College Colgate University American University American University University of South Carolina University of Colorado Boston College Dartmouth College Colorado College St. Mary’s College of Maryland Pennsylvania State University Boston College St. Mary’s College of Maryland Pennsylvania State University University of Maryland Trinity College The Peabody Institute University of Delaware Anne Arundel Community College DePaul University Rutgers University of Colorado University of Wisconsin James Madison University Anne Arundel Community College Naval Academy Preparatory School Roanoke College
Audrey Kaiser Garrett Kendall Alex Kostiuk Ryan Lamon Kaila Lewis Amanda Li Anne McGarvey Zach Meyers Lauren Michael Shelby Mitchell Mary Kate Montgomery Christopher Morris Logan Morris Devlin Nelligan Emmett Nelson Jack Noble Kevin O’Malley Olivia Orr Veronica Pierce Ben Priddy Kelly Reese Delia Repasky Grant Ritter Olivia Roche Will Schaller Keenan Schlegel Conor Sheehan Grant Smith Rachel Steinberg Ana Taylor Jessie Thiergartner Jack Treanor Jason Utz Austin Wang David Watt Babs Weiss Christian Wheeler Maeve White Cami Whiteford John Willauer Cortez Wilson Anna Woepke Claire Wyatt Anne Wyrough Sydney Zarriello Annelise Zeender Brigitta Zeender Maddie Zuschnitt
College of Charleston Drexel University University of Pennsylvania Mount Saint Mary’s University University of South Carolina University of the Sciences Hamilton College York College of Pennsylvania Kenyon College Miami University, Oxford Columbia University Northeastern University Stevenson University Williams College University of Maryland Carleton College St. Mary’s College of Maryland UMBC Stetson University Georgetown University University of Virginia Purdue University Northeastern University University of Delaware Bucknell University Gettysburg College University of Virginia Virginia Tech University of Oregon University of Delaware University of South Carolina Fordham University University of Maryland, College Park Yale University College of Charleston Maryland Institute College of Art Hendrix College Stanford University Loyola University Maryland Virginia Tech Catholic University University of Illinois University of Vermont University of British Columbia University of Miami Maine College of Art University of Connecticut Lafayette College
To view the complete graduation program go to severnschool.com > The Bridge
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FACULT Y FAREWELL Sad but true, faculty occasionally move on to new adventures. While our departing faculty will certainly be missed, they will not be forgotten. Our best wishes to all who are leaving with a special tip of the hat to those who have spent many wonderful years at Severn.
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PICTURED FACULTY MEMBERS:
Can you identify the two faculty members below? These photos are from their first Severn yearbook.
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5
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1 Jane
Merrill (15 years)
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Andrew Greeley (6 years)
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Collin Welsh (6 years)
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Margaret Foster (4 years)
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Sharon Garrott (5 years)
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Mary Lou Hruska (32 years)
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Tom Worthington (36 years)
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LIFELONG LEARNING AT SEVERN ARTICLE
NICOLE PARKER
PHOTOS
NICOLE PARKER, MARY COUTTS, JULIA MAXEY
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COMPUTER LABS WERE TEEMING WITH ACTION this summer with teachers from all three divisions busily learning and honing their tech skills all the while exploring innovative iPad applications for the classroom.
Thanks to the efforts of the professional development team and summer workshop educators, the Summer Professional Development Institute provides our faculty with tailored workshops with convenient, relevant, and engaging continuing education. The program began three years ago when Academic Dean Lise Charlier, Head Librarian Mary Coutts, Technology Coordinator Julia Maxey, and Upper and Middle School Learning Specialist Margaret Foster, joined forces and combined their expertise in scholarship, academic research, technology and emerging brain research. What began as a small series of collaborative workshops run by these four educators has grown to a summer-long program offering 13 workshops. In addition to the original team of instructors, several other teachers have joined the summer teaching staff. Participants in the workshops came from all three divisions, (Lower, Middle and Upper School’s) blending quite seamlessly.
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STUDENTS AT THE CENTER Historically, Severn is a school that places students at the center. The interaction between student and teacher has always been the hallmark of the Severn experience. Yet the advent of the digital age has inserted another facet into that relationship; technology is ubiquitous today. Severn’s Summer Professional Development Institute aims to help teachers and students evolve together as we introduce iPads into every classroom. Guiding principles for our courses this summer followed the tenet that the best professional development for teachers is research-based, includes best practices, is reflected in school culture, is innovative, inspires self-reflection, and has real-life application. Severn’s hope is that faculty engage frequently in professional development so as to remain nimble for change in our evolving world. Fortunately, Severn has a large pool of talented educators whose willingness to teach summer workshops enables us to offer a wide variety of opportunities for advancement during the summer.
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WHEN THE TEACHER BECOMES THE STUDENT
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER, iPADS IN TOW
By stepping into the role of students, the teachers develop a deeper understanding of the perspective of their students. Teachers are able to explore and discover; struggle with failure, and then succeed. This new perspective helps them understand how the students may respond to new material and technological challenge, which enables teachers to maximize classroom learning. By staying current on the best practices in brain research, technology, research and methodology, Severn faculty can continue to inspire student learning in a vibrant manner.
This summer’s workshops were diverse, with a strong emphasis on research-based best practices using our new iPads as a springboard for innovation. What was truly special about the summer workshops is that faculty members from all disciplines and grade levels had the opportunity to collaborate and create a closer community among all three divisions. This summer program is building upon the hundred year tradition of collegiality and scholarship.
SEVERN’S HOPE IS THAT FACULTY ENGAGE FREQUENTLY IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SO AS TO REMAIN NIMBLE FOR CHANGE IN OUR EVOLVING WORLD.
GLIMPSE INTO SUMMER OFFERINGS Managing a Paperless Classroom/Notability Plus Instructors: Julia Maxey (Technology Coordinatory) and Mary Coutts (Head Librarian) Participants in this workshop learned how to take advantage of the iPads by managing their classes with less paper distribution. This workshop prepared teachers to use Notability, Pages, and Keynote on their iPads to receive work from their students and return it with comments, all without printing. Teachers won’t have to make handouts any longer, but can rely on electronic distribution of a variety of content from paper to multimedia. Using the iPad and Thinking Routines in Math and Science Instructors: Janet Fort (US Math Dept Chair) and Rachel Garvey (8th Grade Math Teacher) Math and science teachers gathered to learn and practice different techniques such as Nearpod, Popplet, Whiteboard Lite, Educreations, Desmos Graphing Calculator available on the iPad. In addition, the instructors modeled a number of thinking routines. These routines are part of Harvard University’s Project Zero: Making Thinking Visible program. Research Instructors: Mary Coutts (Head Librarian) and Whitney Etchison (Librarian) Teachers designed a research project to implement during the school year. Projects incorporated high quality information resources, built critical thinking skills, and reinforced efficient online search strategies. Special emphasis was placed on classroom thinking routines that boost student engagement and prime students to dig deeply into their research challenges. Other workshops include Writing a Good Lesson Plan (Margaret Foster and Dan Keller, MS), How to Write a Test (Margaret Foster and Dan Keller, MS), Creating an Engaging Classroom (Lise Charlier and Margaret Foster), Exploring a Blended Classroom (Mary Coutts and Julia Maxey), Making Movies with iMovie (Leslie Brannigan, MS), Using Garageband for Podcasting (Julia Maxey), Using Edmodo (James White, MS and Diana Belisario, MS), iPad 101 (Whitney Etchison), and Collaboration Teams.
A VALUED TRADITION The tradition of supporting Severn’s faculty and staff’s continued education has been long standing and is possible due to alumni support. In addition, The Millard Faculty Travel Grant, funded by Stephens F. Millard ‘51, also provides professional development for Severn faculty members. Two grants are
awarded each year to those applicants who either contribute significantly to a faculty member’s professional growth in his/her areas of service to the school, or contribute to the development of the curriculum and programs of the school. We are thrilled to offer Severn’s professional development opportunities to support the growth of our hard working faculty as they stretch into the future.
WHAT THE TEACHERS SAY ABOUT THE SUMMER INSTITUTE I liked... …learning how to use a new program that will benefit me in all areas of my teaching. ...eliminating paper in my classroom, while concurrently constructing a text that fits my class to a tee! ...that there was a good amount of time to work on things. Very little of it was lecture-based, which is fantastic. ...understanding what my options are to present/deliver content to my students. ...getting a lot of time to try it out with my own material, rather than trying to recreate a model. ...the hands on training! Being able to create the book I will actually be using in class was an excellent use of my time and having knowledgeable people there to have questions answered was fantastic. ...having time to work and having colleagues there to bounce ideas off of. ...having the time and support to think through how to improve class content. ...the undivided attention of our instructors and having dedicated time to work on individual projects. ...learning what resources our school has available. ...learning about some of the resources, such as the databases available from the Severn library, and how they can be used for research projects. ...learning new ways to approach research as a curiosity builder - specifically with the MTV exercises ...meeting new teachers and learning about new apps for education and productivity that will help my professional life.
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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT // Vicki D’Andrea It is an honor to introduce the Severn
What led you to a career in teaching?
community to this special Severn
I really followed in my mother’s and aunt’s footsteps because they were teachers when I was young. Even so, I found that teaching really is my passion – otherwise, I wouldn’t still love coming to school and teaching every day!
Lower School faculty member, Vicki D’Andrea. If your child attended Lower School at Chesapeake Academy, it’s more than likely you’ve heard of this legendary grade 5 teacher. She is known for successful and innovative teaching strategies that challenge and empower her students and has been doing so now for 25 years.
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What grade levels have you taught? I have a varied background from second through fifth grade. I actually started teaching with the Department of Defense military schools where I taught a combined fourth and fifth grade classroom. I then moved overseas and taught at the Embassy School in South Korea. I’ve taught from second through fifth grade while at Chesapeake Academy, and I am currently a fifth grade teacher.
What can incoming students look forward to in your classroom? The fifth grade curriculum has been revamped to reflect a more global understanding of our studies. We strive to tie all of our learning activities around a central theme and correlate the subjects around the relevant theme or questions we’ve developed for the class. My aim is to extend classroom learning into the real-world and to show my students that learning doesn’t end at 3:30 every day. Can you describe one of your unique lesson plans? This past year we completed an entrepreneurial unit that began with a new literature selection called, Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen. The book tells a tale of a young boy who receives
Left Vicki D’Andrea sits with some of her past students: Lizzie Purnell '15, Jack Munroe '14 and Anthony Roccograndi '14
“We have a good time in my classroom, but they really learn in a way that’s best for each individual. I respect their learning styles and teach each student in whichever way is best for him or her. My goal is that every student has success in some way, every day.”
a lawn mower for his birthday, then capitalizes on the opportunity and through investments becomes very wealthy. So, to look at the free-market economy we researched economics, stocks, bonds and risk taking and learned how entrepreneurs are willing to step out of the box and develop new ideas. We also asked parents to come in and share their experiences in entrepreneurial ventures. A variety of professionals came in and really engaged the students because they were so prepared in the subject. We also visited local business owners in their workplaces like Ledo Pizza and Clement Hardware, where the students got a top to bottom tour and had the opportunity to interview the owners. The students could really articulate their knowledge about business practices at the end of the unit. What has been your biggest challenge while working as a teacher? I taught two classes that were all boys. I think that speaks for itself!
Would you care to share your words of wisdom after 25 years with the school? You have to have a sense of humor with kids. It just doesn’t work without it. We have a good time in my classroom, but they really learn in a way that’s best for each individual. I respect their learning styles and teach each student in whichever way is best for him or her. My goal is that every student has success in some way, every day. Tell us about your fifth grade team at the Lower School?
Nancy Rutledge is the other member of the team whom has been with the school for a long time, but this was her first year with grade 5 and she is a fabulous addition. It is a privilege to work in an independent school because we are able to exercise different teaching styles and not stick to a traditional delivery. Kids really appreciate a multi-sensory approach to each topic we teach, and Nancy and I are great at working together and bouncing ideas off each other to come up with new differentiated learning ideas. What do you find is special about Severn and the Lower School? I think the most differentiating thing about the Lower School from other elementary schools is that parents know when they drop their child off in the morning there are people here who care for him/her, care about them, and take a real interest in them, in a way that parents never have to worry. We have always been, and will always be family oriented and a community of learners – from the tiny ones to the parents. What do you look forward to about the merge into one Severn School? First of all, I am so thrilled that we are one school now because it’s something the longtime teachers have wanted for a while. We’re excited to have the new resources and the ability to work with the Middle School faculty to help our kids with the transition. We watch the little ones grow from preschool through fifth grade, but now it will be so special to see them succeed in the Middle and Upper School.
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SPRING ATHLETICS The SAILING TEAM had a great spring
Severn’s VARSITY BOYS LACROSSE sea-
The Severn BOYS TRACK AND FIELD
season. The team placed first in the MidAt-
son was filled with determination and always
team finished the regular season 5-3. The team
lantic Scholastic Sailing Association (MASSA)
playing hard to the final whistle. The final re-
lost to Spalding, the perennial league cham-
championships in both fleet and team racing.
cord showed 9 wins and 11 losses, which does
pion, by only a single point in our regular
The finishes qualified Severn for two high
not reflect just how hard this team worked.
season meet. The boys defeated both Spald-
school sailing national championships includ-
The team lost 8 of the 11 games in the MIAA
ing and John Carroll in the Patriot Games
ing the Mallory Trophy hosted by the Chicago
A Conference which is considered the tough-
Championship to take second overall in the
Yacht Club in Chicago, and the Baker Tro-
est league in the country. Senior Captain Ryan
league. Congratulations to an incredibly
phy hosted by the Davis Island Yacht Club in
Frey handled most of the goal tending duties
gutsy, competitive and successful boys team.
Tampa, Fla. The Joseph Morris Award for out-
and had double digit saves in 9 games with
Special congratulations go to Jarid Ryan ’14
standing talent and work ethic was awarded
a 16 save performance versus Gilman. Senior
who won the high jump in both A and B con-
to Patrick Floyd ‘13, the Freedom Trophy for
Captain David Jones (10 goals, 7 assists) was
ferences, making All MIAA and All County.
“Unsung Hero” awarded to Lauren Michael
our number one defensive midfielder. The la-
The Coaches MVP Award went to Michael
‘13, and the Hannah Watt Award for the best
crosse team helped raise $9,820 for the Child-
Byrns ’14 while Jack Noble ’13 took home the
all around crew awarded to Evan Morgan
rens’ Cancer Foundation by participating and
Players Award. The GIRLS TRACK AND
‘14. The experience and leadership of all five
marketing the Rumble in the Jungle event.
FIELD team completed a memorable season
of our seniors, Andrew Caple, Boo Devanny,
Coach: Brian Wood; Assistant Coaches: Christo-
with a 9-1 record, and won the IAAM Cham-
Patrick Floyd, Lauren Michael, and Maeve
pher Howes and Bradley Jones
pionships for the second year in a row. Coach: Richard Zmuda; Assistant Coaches: Kathleen
White - proved invaluable over the course of the season. Coach: Anne Megargel; Assistant
The Severn VARSITY GIRLS LACROSSE
Coaches: Thomas Sitzmann and Alex Steele
team had a great season. The girls beat every
Donovan and Michael Retzlaff
county team they played including Spalding,
The BOYS TENNIS team had a challenging
The VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM ended
St. Mary’s, Severna Park, and Broadneck. As
season in the MIAA A Conference. Captains
the season with a 16-6 record with notable
a result, the team was the number one team
Ryan Buhrer ’14 and George Bell ’14 led the
wins over Glenelg County School and Boys’
in Anne Arundel County. Within the IAAM
team which competed in several close match-
Latin. The team was led by seniors Jack Tre-
A Conference, the girls earned the fifth seed
es losing 3-2 to Boys’ Latin, St. Paul’s and
anor, Justin Hampton, Ben Priddy and Keen-
out of 12 teams going into the tournament.
Beth T’Filoh. Despite the overall record, the
an Schlegel. The future looks bright for the
Though they did not make it to the final four,
individuals on the team improved and gained
team with returning players including Chris-
this is certainly the highest seed earned for the
valuable playing experience that will help
tian Marciano ‘14, David Jaklitsch ‘14, Zach
Severn team. While a strong group of seniors
them next year. Coach: Cathy Officer
Domenech ‘14, Jack Elstner ‘16 and Ricky
led the team this season, the team boasts a core
Treanor ‘16. The team played well in two
group of underclassmen leaving little doubt
The Severn GOLF team had a terrific season.
playoff games, but ultimately lost 5-4 and 8-6
that Severn girls lacrosse will continue to be
The team improved on a 2-6 season last year,
in extra innings. Congratulations to All Star’s
a contender in Anne Arundel County and in
due to hard work and team camaraderie. The
Keenan Schlegel, Jack Treanor and Christian
the IAAM for years to come. Coach: Renie Soti-
players committed to improving, while shin-
Marciano who made the MIAA B Conference
ropoulos; Assistant Coaches: Julian Domenech ‘84
ing in tough conditions and in clutch situa-
– 1st team. Coach: Hal Sparks; Assistant Coach:
and Erin McCarthy
tions. The team finished the regular season
Gus Kaplanges
5-2 earning our team the number three seed in the MIAA B Conference playoffs. We lost two regular season matches by a total of sev-
SPRING
2013 PLAYERS AND COACHES MVP AWARDS
Sailing
Players: Maeve White '13
MVP: Patrick Floyd '13
Baseball
Players: Jack Treanor ‘13
MVP: Christian Marciano ‘14
Boys Lacrosse
Players: Ryan Frey ’13
MVP: Brett Bedard ‘13
Girls Lacrosse
Players: Jenny Davis ’13
MVP: Cami Whiteford ’13
Boys Track & Field
Players: Jack Noble ’13
MVP: Michael Byrns ’14
Girls Track & Field
Players: Kate Crabtree ‘13
MVP: Delia Repasky ‘13
Boys Tennis
Players: George Bell ‘14
MVP: Matt Alden ’15
Golf
Players: Colin Flynn ’13
MVP: Eric Hall ‘13
en points. During the playoffs they won the first two matches 18-3 and a thriller at Cattail Creek against Glenelg 11-10. The team won the MIAA B Conference Championship, where they played an undefeated Saints Peter and Paul squad. Coach: Chris McBee
SEVERN ATHLETICS
Admiral College Athletes! The following students from the Class of 2013 have committed to play a sport at a college or university in the fall. Go Admirals! BASEBALL
LACROSSE CONT.
Justin Hampton
Ryan Lamon
AACC
Mount St. Mary’s
Keenan Schlegel
Anne McGarvey
Gettysburg University
Hamilton College Devlin Nelligan
FIELD HOCKEY
Williams College
Jenny Davis
Kevin O’Malley
Dickinson College
St. Mary’s College of MD
Sam Kahan
Kelly Reese
Roanoke College
University of Virginia Rachel Steinberg
FOOTBALL
University of Oregon
Ben Priddy
Christian Wheeler
Georgetown University
Hendrix College
Jack Treanor
Cami Whiteford
Fordham University
Loyola University
Cortez Wilson * Catholic University
SAILING Patrick Floyd
LACROSSE
Dartmouth College
Brett Bedard
Maeve White
UNC
Stanford University
Mike Dennin Colgate University
TRACK
Ryan Frey
Jack Noble
St. Mary’s College of MD
Carleton College
Meg Gesner St. Mary’s College of MD
SOCCER
Hunter Gray
Delia Repasky
Trinity College
Purdue University
David Jones * Naval Academy Prep School
* Not Pictured Summer 2013
21
THROUGH OUR LENS Our photographs tell the Severn story in a way that no words ever could. That’s why can you always expect to find someone donned with a camera at school events, athletic games, musicals, awards ceremonies, alumni gatherings, and more. Here we show you all the wonderful things happening every day at Severn.
22
The Bridge
2
1
3 1. 5th grade boys cheese for the camera / 2. The Murphy family / 3. The Lashgari family / 4. Brooke Arnold ‘20
5 th GRADE GRADUATION Here’s a sneak peak at Severn’s class of 2020
4 Summer 2013
23
1
2
8 TH GRADE PROMOTION
Congratulations to the class of 2017
4
6
3
7
5
8
1. Wyrough family with Paul Wyrough ‘17 and Anne Wyrough ‘13 / 2. Patrick Wong ‘17, Patrick Schaeffer ‘17 and Liam Ryan ‘17 / 3. Sophia Taczak ‘17 / 4. Savannah Siegrist ‘17 and Tyra Scott ‘17 / 5. Leslie Brannigan and Connor Bayless ‘17 / 6. Jack Mellin ‘17, Aidan Morgan ‘17, and Darby Nelligan ‘17 / Alec Green ‘13, Molly Moore Green ‘83, Ella Green ‘17 and Ernie Green / 8. Burns family with Duffy Burns ‘17
2 1
3
4 5
6
22 nd ANNUAL ADMIRAL’S CUP Supporting Severn Athletics
8
7 1. Jerry Jaines, Keric Blackman, Keith Singletary and Tony Ivey / 2. Laurie Buhrer, Cathy Dea Code, Cathy Officer, and Elaine Soderlund / 3. Nice putt! / 4. Randy Boldyga and foursome / 5. Rich and Theresa Gergar / 6. Andrew Igler ‘11 / 7. Alden Family / 8. Stu Kiehne ’79, VJ Keith, Julian Domenech ’84, Scott Jay ‘62
Summer 2013
25
1
2
THANK YOU SEVERN VOLUNTEERS Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
3
4
6
5 26
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1.June Davis, Kate Brown ‘81, and Holly Carroll / 2. Kirsten Elstner, Melissa Outland, and Renee Farnham / 3. Kathleen McCoun, Rebecca Fieni, and Laurine Connors / 4. Elizabeth Rosborg, Allison Jaccard ‘85, and Leisa Russell / 5. Leisa Russell and Claudia Boldyga / 6. Nancy Dennin, Kathy Albers, and Mary Byrns
ALUMNI NEWS
Back and in the Boone House Recognize these twin charmers? They have certainly grown up since this 2003 prom photo! Tyler Larkin '03, Severn’s new Director of Alumni Relations, is on the left and his twin brother, Nick '03, is on the right.
S
evern School has been a huge part of
and our alumni both near and far. It is my
my life starting at a very young age
sincere hope that through engagements,
growing up in Severna Park. Living just
informal gatherings and activities like
two blocks from the Water Street campus,
Homecoming and the Centennial Celebra-
built on the legacy of excellence paved by
watching my father coach the varsity
tion, I can bring graduates together to
generations of Severn alumni. The campus
lacrosse program, and eventually hav-
support and celebrate an institution that
certainly looks different but I assure you it is
ing the chance to attend Severn’s Upper
has shaped many people’s lives.
the same special place you left behind, how-
School in the early 2000s, I always knew I
ever many months, years, or decades ago.
would stay closely connected to the Severn
encourage everyone to visit campus and
community. As the new director of alumni
discover just how much Severn has trans-
tour and I especially look forward to seeing
relations I’m thrilled to have the opportu-
formed over the past 100 years through
you at our Centennial Celebration weekend,
nity to be welcomed back to continue to
the strong support of its alumni. You
May 16-18, 2014.
develop relationships with alumni and the
can’t miss the new architecture, beautiful
community as a professional.
grounds and new Lower School campus.
More importantly, you will witness a
My goal as alumni director is to
strengthen the ties between the School
With our centennial on the horizon, I
student body that is stronger than ever,
Admiral athletes and coach inducted into Severn’s Athletic Hall of Fame
I hope you will stop by this year for a
Tyler Larkin ‘03
Severn’s 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
The 2013 inductees Andrew L. Habeck ’01, Kelly W. Burrows ’90 and Dr. Thomas P. Heslin Jr. Severn’s Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is chaired by Stacey Hendricks Manis ’81 (far left). To view the complete AHOF roster, go to severnschool.com > The Bridge
Summer 2013
27
Alumni Weekend 2013 Thank you to everyone who made it to Alumni Weekend 2013 this past May. A great time was had by all between the Alumni Lacrosse
The class of 1963 (above) celebrated their 50th reunion. Notice that there are no women in the class, because these guys graduated almost 10 years before women were admitted to Severn!
game, Family Picnic, and Toast to Teel Reunion Dinner.
Food, family and fun - what more could you ask for? A moon bounce, clown, and live band entertained all ages for hours at the Alumni Family Picnic in the Edward St. John Athletic Center.
To view more photos from Alumni Weekend go to www.severnschool.com > Alumni 28
The Bridge
The alumni team played like champs at the Alumni Lacrosse game. It’s always entertaining to see who can still keep up with the young guys.
4s and 9s
may 17, 2014 is your reunion!
save the date / 5.17.14 / “the big party” Summer 2013
29
IN MEMORIAM ALUMNI
FRIENDS & FAMILY
1941
1971
Robert (Bob) Minot Knowles June 29, 2013 (see obituary on page 31)
Robert Graves December 26, 2012 (see obituary on page 32)
1942
1983
George Bauernschmidt, Jr. June 19, 2013 (see obituary on page 31)
Deborah “Debbie” Reilly April 9, 2013 (see obituary on page 33)
Don Buhrer Grandfather of Russell Buhrer ’11 and Ryan Buhrer ’14 Alvin Goldman Grandfather of Zachary Goldman ’03 and Samantha Goldman ’07
1954
Judith Greer Grandmother of Greg Herman ’10 and Chris Herman ’14
James G. Belch February 6, 2013 (see obituary on page 31)
Richard “Dick” Hug Grandfather of Leanne Hug ’09
1958
Betty Miller Grandmother of Luca Hagen ’18
Richard L. Mellen Jr. August 26, 2011 (see obituary on page 31)
Frank Williams Grandfather of Jack Cauley ’12, Gavin Cauley ’15, and Owen Cauley ’19
TALK WITH US TODAY ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER. OUR OFFICIAL NAME: Severn School, Inc. OUR ADDRESS: 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146
Please contact Severn’s Director of Annual and Planned Giving, Mary Kernan Salsich, and find out how you can include Severn in your will and the other giving opportunities available. 410.647.7701 ext 2261 or m.salsich@severnschool.com
OUR ORGANIZATION: Registered as a charitable organization in the State of Maryland OUR IRS STATUS: 501c3 non-profit organization Federal ID # 52-059-1466 OUR TAX STATUS: Gifts and bequests are deductible from income tax and estate tax to the full extent of the law.
30
The Bridge
100!
CLASS NOTES 1941 Robert (Bob) Minot Knowles passed away peacefully on June 29, 2013, at his home in Naples, Fla. Bob was born at home in Boston, Mass. on September 8, 1923, the son of Commander Herbert P. Knowles, (USNA Ret.) and Irene Patch Knowles. Bob attended North High School in Worcester and graduated from Severn School. In 1941, he entered The United States Naval Academy, following in the footsteps of his father, graduating in June 1944. Upon graduation, he elected to serve in submarines, completing sub training in New London, Conn. After active duty for three years, Bob went on to pursue a career in medicine and entered the Long Island College of Medicine in Brooklyn, N.Y., graduating in 1952. In1957, he and his family (his first wife, Anne, and four children) moved to Portland, Maine, where he joined a private practice in ObGyn resulting in a rewarding 30-year practice. Bob was always onto the new thing and he relished sharing his discoveries and passions with family and friends. In the mid1950s, Bob bought one of the earliest aqualungs and taught himself to scuba dive. It wasn't long before he and friends were diving in the Caribbean, taking underwater photos and spearfishing. He taught his oldest daughter, Pam, to dive when she was only 8. Bob loved computers, was a Civil War scholar, loved hunting and fly fishing, cooking, photography, reading, music and woodworking. Bob is survived by his wife Rebecca, whom he married in 1975. He is also survived by his children, five from a previous marriage to Anne Marie Washburn (who predeceased him); plus 16 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His sister, Nancy Higgins, and brother-in-law and submarine shipmate, James Higgins, of Brunswick, ME also predeceased Bob.
1942
Bob Knowles ‘41
George William Bauernschmidt Jr., 89, a 56year resident of his family homestead on the Severn River, died June 19 after an extended illness. He grew up as a Navy junior, the son of the late Rear Adm. George William and Maude
Pearce Bauernschmidt. He was the grandson of the late Marie Oehl Von Hattersheim Bauernschmidt who had been active in Baltimore politics. He attended St. Albans and Severn School and was in the class of 1946 at the Naval Academy. As World War II ended, he was not spared from the Navy's downsizing one month before graduation. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree from George Washington University and an MBA from New York University. He obtained a law degree from the University of Maryland and was a member of the Maryland Bar Association. He worked as a trust officer at union trust bank in Baltimore. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Roberson, whom he married in 1957; five children, George W. Bauernschmidt III, Janet Diane Gill, Emilie B. Langfitt, Nancy B. Kasner, and James R. Bauernschmidt; and ten grandchildren. George Bauernschmidt Jr.‘42
1944
Reunion Year
Send notes to: Karl “Chris” Christoph radmx@msn.com
Severn School Centennial 1914 - 2014
1954
Reunion Year
Send notes to: Jack Kelly jmkelly@norwoodlight.com James G. Belch, 77, of Venice, Fla., died February 6, after a bout with cancer. He was born September 10, 1935 in Annapolis. After graduation from high school, he entered military service and was stationed in Manheim, Germany. He served with distinction and honor during the occupational transition of World War II. Upon completion of his military service, he graduated in 1960 from Washington College in Chestertown, Md. He had a long career in the field of economic development, then a fledgling profession. Jim served in three states and as a certified industrial developer, helping to standardize many of the aspects of the programs which are used today. He was respected by his peers and recognized as a "professional's professional." He was an officer and member of the American Economic Development Council, the Southern Industrial Development Council and many local, county and city development groups. Jim was also a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Venice, Fla. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; two sons, Rogers Bond of Annapolis, Md. and Davis Matthews of Bradenton, Fla; and three grandchildren, Rowan, Ena and Jenna. See photo below.
1946 Send notes to: Hugh “Dick” McLean PO Box 1735 Borrego Springs, CA 92004
1947 Send notes to: Buzz Hall blairhall@aol.com
1948
The class of 1954 senior photo. James Belch ‘54 stands in the middle row, second from the left.
Send notes to: Bill Fisher wgf50929@yahoo.com
1958
1952
Send notes to: John Eller johnceller@aol.com
Send notes to: Nick Goldsborough ngoldsborough2@verizon.net
Richard L. Mellen Jr., 72, of West Chester, Pa. passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2011. He was Summer 2013
31
CLASS NOTES the loving husband of Carol Latona Mellen of West Chester; and father of Jenny Mellen of Devereux, Pa., and Rich Mellen of Dunkirk, Md. He is also survived by his favorite daughter-in-law, Erika Mellen; and the two best granddaughters ever, Joanna and Natalie. He is further survived by his sisters, Margo Meehan of Naples, Fla., and Betsy Hills of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and many nieces and nephews. Born in Ketchikan, Alaska, he was the son of the late Richard L. Mellen and the late Margaret Mellen Fabik. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, attended the University of Maryland and had a career as a sea captain for Sun Oil Co. He enjoyed attempts at golf, Fox News, and bridge games with family and friends. Richard Mellen, Jr. ‘58
Send notes to: Robert Kesmodel rkesmodel@gmail.com Skip Wilson dropped a line after the 2013 Alumni Weekend, “Had a fun time at our 50th! Hope to see everyone, including Dick Taylor again at the 55th.”
1965 Send notes to: Sandy Clark sandyclark@yahoo.com
1966 Send Notes to: Richard Templeton templetonrk@gmail.com Recently Dan Graham and John Horne ’66 got together after a many decade gap. Dan has been a long-time Professor of Philosophy at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He recently completed a stretch as chair of the philosophy department at the University and is now enjoying a sabbatical for a year. Dan and his wife, Diana, were in Arizona for a philosophy conference and met up with John on their way back to Utah. Dan has a number of books to his credit and is well-known in international philosophical learning circles.
The Bridge
1968 Send notes to: Shannon McDowell shannonmcdowell2006@comcast.net
1969
Reunion Year
Send notes to: Nick Codd nickcodd@verizon.net
1970 Send Notes to: Tyler Larkin t.larkin@severnschool.com
1962
32
John Horne has lived in Tempe, Ariz. for nearly 18 years. He is an organizational development consultant specializing in the development of resilience to manage change in organizations. He also serves as a volunteer public affairs officer in the Civil Air Patrol and a volunteer at the Phoenix zoo. After 18 summers in Arizona he now qualifies for "Desert Rat" status.
Tom Murphy writes, “I am pleased to share that after Severn, I graduated from the University of Maryland. After serving in several government and private sector capacities, I joined the State Department's Foreign Service in 1980 where I served in a variety of interesting positions that spanned a period of twenty five plus years. After retiring from the foreign service, I returned to the State Department as a consultant in the Office of the Coordinator for Counter Terrorism. Some of the foreign service jobs that I held during my career that might be of interest include; senior advisor to the secretary for Homeland Security; Consul General, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Deputy Chief of Mission, Republic of Malta; Charge d'affaires (Acting Ambassador) Republic of the Marshall Islands; special assistant to the ambassador in London, UK; and Vice consul, Cameroon, West Africa. My wife, Jey, and I live in San Diego, Calif., where I am semiretired. Our oldest son, Kevin, is currently a sophomore at Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, our youngest son, Connor, is a freshman in High School. We also have a huge german shepherd named Sage. Go Admirals!”
1971 Robert G. Graves, 59 of Newtown, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2012. He
4s and 9s
is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Janet (Gheduzzi) Graves. He was a devoted father to his children Jason, Douglas and Rachel. Robert was born Robert Graves ‘71 in Key West, Fla. the son of Elizabeth Graves of Chesapeake, Va. and the late Robert F. Graves, Jr. He is also survived by a brother, Daniel Graves of Chesapeake, Va., and sisters, Mary Kearney of Ruckersville, Va. and Melanie Brannan of Chesapeake, Va. along with many nieces and nephews. Robert was a graduate of Villanova University. He proudly served the U.S. Navy for four years then graduated from Touro Law School and worked as an attorney. An avid civil war reenactor, he participated with two regiments in the New England area. For several years he educated students at Newtown middle school about the Civil War with a living history exhibit.
1972 Send notes to: John Norton john@declarity.com
1973 Send notes to: Bona Hurst Ellis rellis@msn.com
1974
Reunion Year
Send Notes to: Tyler Larkin t.larkin@severnschool.com Cheryl Ritchie wants to remind the class of 1974 that Severn School yearbooks for all classes can be viewed online at www.severnschool.com under Alumni.
1976 Send notes to: Catherine Clarke catherineclarke@verizon.net
1979
Reunion Year
Send notes to: Kim Corbin Aviles kaviles@csalaw.com
may 17, 2014 is your reunion!
1981 Send notes to: Stacey Hendricks Manis maniss@comcast.net
1982 Send notes to: Tracy Tischer tctischer@gmail.com
1983 Send Notes to: Molly Moore Green m.green@severnschool.com
Deborah Reilly ‘83 Deborah Lynn Reilly, 47, of Delray Beach, Fla., and Bethany Beach passed away April 9, 2013, in Delray Beach due to complications caused by pancreatic cancer. She was born to Robert W. Reilly and the late Carol K. Reilly November 16, 1965, in Annapolis, Md. Debbie graduated from Severn School in 1983. She earned a degree in business administration from the University of Delaware in Newark in 1987 and became a successful entrepreneur, who owned and operated businesses in Palm Beach County, Fla., and Sussex County, Del. Most recently in Florida, she was general manager of Pineapple Podiatry LLC, a private medical practice, with her sister, Elizabeth Reilly, DPM. Reilly also owned the Key Westinspired office building where the medical office is located. Before moving to south Florida, her Bethany Beach business interests were varied and successful, including her Shore
Fun Amusement Center. Reilly was known as a happy, cheerful, sensitive and approachable person whom people instinctively trusted. The loves of her life were her niece, her sister, her mom and her dad. The emphasis on a well-rounded education was a family tradition perpetuated by Reilly’s mother, who was an educator. Reilly was also blessed with an exceptional memory, with an unusual ability to remember personal and work details, both great and small, even dinner orders for large parties of people. She is survived by family in Delray Beach, including her father, Robert; sister, Elizabeth, and niece, Reilly Arena. Lifelong friend Judy Labashosky of Unionville, Pa., and fiancé, Paul Jankovic of Bethany Beach and Boca Raton, Fla., also survive her. See photo to left. Patrick Smith is currently serving his fifth deployment in Afghanistan. Smith is in the Navy and currently deployed with Marines in Helmand province, and will return in 2014. During the September 11 attacks, Smith was onboard ship and the first to fire tomahawk missiles at terrorist camps in Afghanistan in 2001. He returned four times from 2003 through 2005 with Special Operations. Currently serving as a chaplain with the Marines, Smith reports improved governance, education and economic development in Afghanistan. Patrick’s wife, Tammie, teaches at a local preschool in Swansboro, N.C., while their oldest son is an attackman for St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, N.C. Their middle son plays football and lacrosse at a local high school and is considering joining the Navy as an explosive ordnance disposal technician. Their youngest will be in sixth grade in the fall and just enjoys being a kid. Patrick says, “I miss you as classmates and grateful for both the good and bad times of high school and the overall Severn experience. Anchors Away… Semper Fidelis.”
1984
1987
100! Severn School Centennial 1914 - 2014
Send notes to: Penny Leatherwood Kennedy penny.kennedy@gmail.com
1988 Send notes to: Drew Burns drew.burns831@gmail.com
1989
Reunion Year
Send Notes to: Holly Hodson holly@hollyhodson.com Matt Stader recently checked in and writes, “I’m currently serving my fifth deployment as a Field Artillery Battalion Commander and an advisor to Afghan National Army (ANA) Infantry Brigade. We are located in Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province and making steady progress with the ANA as they are taking over more of the security responsibilities from the coalition. We are gradually reducing our footprint to allow Afghanistan to start to handle many of their own security problems, a definite step in the right direction. My wife, Tresa, and son Ryan (9) are handling the stress of the deployment and taking care of the soldiers and their families back at Fort Campbell, Ky. I will finish up command in October and most likely depart the 101st Airborne Division after nearly 11 years. It has been an absolute blast serving with the Screaming Eagles. I hope everyone is doing well. My parents are still living in Annapolis and attending Army/Navy Games, surely this will be the year we win! Go Army, Beat Navy! Balls of the Eagle!”
Reunion Year
Send notes to: Susan Tyndall Leonard susanleonard1921@mac.com
1985 Send notes to: Julie Katcef julie12@comcast.net
1986 Send notes to: Sara Tabasi Toomey charleysangels@verizon.net
Lt. Col. Stader and Col. McGee posing for a picture with three ANA (Afghan National Army) counterparts.
Summer 2013
33
CLASS NOTES
1990
1994
Send Notes to: Blairlee Meade Owens Blairleeowens@comcast.net
Send notes to: Mike Calabrese calabrese_michael@hotmail.com
Ingrid Egeli recently completed the portrait of Donald A. Henderson, Dean Emeritus of the Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Md.
1995
1991
Reunion Year
Send notes to: Darcy Watt Gurganous drwatt21@hotmail.com
1996
Send Notes to: Heather Piskorowski heatherpisko@gmail.com or Matt Sarro msarro@bridgeborn.com
Send notes to: Erika Huebner Rollins erika@designstudio13.com
Sara Root reports that she is still serving as a judge advocate in the Army, and was promoted to lieutenant colonel this January. She completed a two-year assignment as the deputy commander of the Department of Defense Criminal Investigation Task Force at Ft. Belvoir, Va., and was recently reassigned and moved to Wiesbaden, Germany. Sara and her husband, Rob, are expecting their fourth child this fall. See photo below.
1997
Ryan Gorman ‘01 married Nina Arias, on a beautiful May evening just outside of Charleston, S.C.. The ceremony took place at Wide Awake Park right on the banks of the Stono River at sunset, and a Southern, vintage inspired reception and party followed. Ryan and Nina want thank all of their friends and family that attended the wedding, especially all the illustrious Severn alumni, including: Ryan Turner ‘01, Brady Nolan ‘01, Ben Dammeyer ‘01, Will Dammeyer ‘99, Matt Larkin ‘01, Matt Furbish ‘01, Brandon Wright ‘01, Brendan Barry ‘01, Gina Bagley ‘03, Drew Turner ‘02, George Turner ‘68, Charlie Neely ‘01 and Brett Farr ‘01. Currently, Nina and Ryan are busy launching their new company, Tayrona Weddings & Events along with their Boutique Beach Resort, Gitana Del Mar on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, South America. See photo on page 33.
Send notes to: Gussie Habeck Melendez augustamelendez@gmail.com
2002
1998
Send notes to: Kristi Jobson kristi.jobson@gmail.com
Send notes to: Dan Ericson ericson@gwmail.gwu.edu
2003
1999
Send Notes to: Laura Lutkefedder llutkefedder@gmail.com or Tyler Larkin t.larkin@severnschool.com
Reunion Year
Send notes to: Jen Scott scottj@advisory.com
2000
Claire Bowersox Vetter and her husband, Brian, welcomed a son, Wroxeter Stephen Vetter (8 pounds 8 ounces) on May 13, 2013. They reside in Eastport, Md. See photo below.
Send notes to: Jane Friend jfriend12@gmail.com
2001 Sara pictured during her promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Brigadier General Mark Martins, Chief Prosecutor for the Office of the Military Commissions, performed the promotion ceremony.
1992 Send notes to: Jennifer Molesevich jennpm1@msn.com
1993
Send Notes to: Helen McCaffrey Birney helenwb@gmail.com Nathan Benefiel and Sarah Thibault tied the knot June 8, 2013 at Kent Manor in Stevensville, Md. Nathan’s brother Christian Benefiel ’99 was the best man. Severn alumni, Elizabeth Morrshead Benefiel ’99, Brendan Barry ’01, Virginia Bagley ’03, Michael Bailey ’01, Matthew Larkin ’01, Brandon Wright ’01, Ben Pfinsgraff ’02, J.P McDermott ’02, Samuel Klein ’01, James Brett Farr ’01, David Roahen ’01, Alex Golod ’01, were in attendance to share the special day. See photo on page 33.
Send notes to: Dave Sobel dave@evolvetech.com
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The Bridge
4s and 9s
Wrox, son of Claire Bowersox Vetter ‘03 and Brian Vetter Julia Schechter ‘03 and Ben Michelman ’03 were married June 1, 2013 in Atlanta, Ga. Several Severn alumni made the trip down to celebrate. They will continue to live in Atlanta as Julia finishes her Ph.D. at Emory University in clinical psychology. Ben teaches English at
may 17, 2014 is your reunion!
! n o s a e S g n i d d e W s ’ t
I
100! Severn School Centennial 1914 - 2014
We are so thrilled you shared your special day with The Bridge. Here are some of the wedding day photos submitted by our Severn alumni newlyweds!
Top left to bottom right: Ryan Brassel ‘04 and Kelly Moran; Ryan Gorman ‘01 and Nina Arias; Nathan Benefiel ‘01 and Sarah Thibault; Mark Parker ‘04 and Elizabeth Naish; Patrick Moran ‘05 and Kelsey Darnell ‘05; Julia Schechter ‘03 and Ben Michelman ‘03
Summer 2013
35
Paideia School and is finishing his master's in creative writing at Georgia State University. See photo on page 33.
2004
Reunion Year
Send Notes to: Jennifer Presswood jennpresswood@gmail.com Ryan Brassel and Kelly Moran were married on June 15, 2013 in Annapolis, Md. Severn alums, Mark Parker ’04, Brook Bolger ’04, Patrick Grimm ’04, Patrick O’Connell ’04, Jane Friend ’00, Marc Delionibus ’04, Lt. j.g. Patrick Moran ’05, Kelsey Darnell Moran ’05, Briana Darnell Jatlow ’04, Ben Jatlow ’02, were in attedance for the wedding. The wedding was held at St. Mary’s Church with the reception held at the Annapolis Yacht Club. See photo on page 33. Mark Parker and Elizabeth Naish were married on June 1, 2013 at Saints Philip and James Catholic Church in Baltimore, Md. Severn alums, Scott Parker ’00, Ryan Brassel ’04, Marc DeLeonibus ’04, Brook Bolger ’04 were all groomsmen. See photo on page 33.
2005 Send notes to: Janessa DelSesto DiMenna jmdel87@yahoo.com Lt. j.g. Patrick Moran ’05, and Kelsey Darnell, both 2005 graduates, tied the knot on April 20, 2013 at the River Course in Kiawah Island, S.C. Severn grads, Briana Darnell Jatlow ’04, Ben Jatlow ’02, Ashley McCarl Harrison ’05, Jessica Rausch ’05, Lesley Sutherland ’05, Allison Nagle ’05, Richard Distad ’05, Janessa DelSesto Dimenna ’05, Steve Hyatt ’05, Ryan Brassel ’04, Mark Parker ’04, and Allyson Gambarani ’05, were in attendance to join Patrick and Kelsey in the wonderful celebration. See photo on page 33.
2006 Send notes to: Courtney Dunn ctd231@gmail.com
2007
Brian Distad recently accepted the E. Allen Robinson Most Likely to Succeed award from The Summit School for outstanding personal and professional accomplishments. After graduating from Severn, Brian graduated from Salisbury University in 2012. He is currently a public affairs specialist for IRS criminal investigation in Washington, D.C., and an award-winning photographer.
2008
in the 2013 David Mark Cohen National Playwriting competition which is open to professional playwrights. Ariel will graduate with honors from BYU in April. She defended her honors thesis, a new play, Give Me Moonlight, in January. Her future plans include graduate study in dramatic writing and writing for musical theater (book and lyrics). She is currently deciding between MFA programs in New York and elsewhere. As always, she is looking for producers who want to stage her plays.
Send notes to: Annie Weber acw5133@gmail.com
2010
2009
Send notes to: Mackenzie Carroll carrom10@highpoint.edu
Reunion Year
Send Notes to: Katie Dickerson kdicker@emory.edu or Justin Kiehne kiehnej@dickinson.edu
2011
Josie Cipriano of Chester, Md., graduated May 19, 2013 from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. with a degree in global studies. Ariel Mitchell won the 2013 Harold and Mimi Steinberg National Student Playwriting Award, for A Second Birth, which was produced at Brigham Young University in September of 2012. A Second Birth is set in Afghanistan and involves the coming of age of a girl who has been secretly raised as a boy in strict Islamic society. The play also took third place
Send notes to: Beanie Antonini beanslacrosse@hotmail.com or Katlyn Flynn katlynivy@yahoo.com
2012 Send notes to: Kaya Gordon kagg.12@gmail.com Or Grace Rudder grace.rudder@gmail.com
2013 Congratulations Graduates! Welcome to Severn’s Alumni Association.
As the winners of the 2013 Anne Arundel County Battle of the Bands, Davey Jones and the Sailors of Funk recorded their first single “Titanic Splash” and played recently to a full house at RamsHead OnStage in Annapolis. Unfortunately, that will be their last gig for awhile as six of the eight band members head off to college. (Adam Boldt saxophone - University of Tampa; Alec Green bass - Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University; Jack Hiltabidle guitar - DePaul University; David Jones vocals – NAPS; Garrett Kendall percussion - Drexel University; and Austin Wang keyboards - Yale University). The other 2 band members include Darius Hannah ’16 on trumpet and Chad Ivey ’15 on drums.
Send Notes to: Samantha Goldman Goldman.sg@gmail.com
Reunion Chairs Needed for Alumni Weekend 2014!
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The Bridge
If you are in a class that ends with a 4 or 9, contact Tyler Larkin ‘03 at t.larkin@severnschool.com if you are interested in serving as your class reunion chair for the party of the century!
IN LOVING MEMORY OF TOM ''DOC'' HESLIN 1955-2013 Beloved teacher, coach, parent, friend and colleague in the Severn School community for 27 years.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE R est I n P eace
Severn Alumni and Friends REMEMBER DOC Doc always had a smile on his face and something positive to say, no matter what. Keep smiling Doc. • Doc Heslin was a wonderful teacher, coach and mentor. Prayers are with his family. • Severn has lost an incredible member of the community - while I never had him as a teacher, his warm smile and care for all students is something I will always remember. • He was one of my all-time favorite teachers. Praying for his family during this difficult time. • He was someone who was truly there for his students, swimmers, and everyone else who was simply around him. I’ll be thinking of him each time I swim for a long, long time. • Doc was such an inspirational teacher and so dedicated to his students. He will be missed. • Truly a man with a large and compassionate heart, always willing to take the time to listen. So glad that I could call him my friend. • Made Latin fun. He will be very missed. • Doc was a great man and teacher. He will be missed by all! • The Severn community has so tragically lost a true gem. He was an incredible educator and kind man. Share your memories with the community on Facebook or Twitter @ S E V E R N S C H O O L # f o r e v e r a n a d m i r a l
SEVERN SCHOOL Office of Alumni Relations 201 Water Street Severna Park, MD 21146 410.647.7700 www.severnschool.com Change Service Requested
SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE! The 6th grade performed School House Rock Live, Jr., this spring and man was it out of this world! The lively songs of the popular School House Rock series, had fans singing along and ready to get up and dance. If this musical is any indication of what the Severn arts department will look like in just a few short years, we are in for a treat. Take a look at more photos on Severn’s Flickr account.
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