Building a Future Together: How Delone Catholic Prepared Emma ‘15 and Luke ‘15 Woolford for Career and Life

by John T. Urichek ’25

Emma (Baugher) ‘15 and Luke ‘15 Woolford met as students in the halls of Delone Catholic, but their journey together has taken them far beyond the Hanover community. Now married and building a life in Michigan, they are a testament to the strong foundation provided by their shared Delone Catholic experience.

Both Emma and Luke came to DCHS from different backgrounds. Emma grew up in Westminster, Md., and was homeschooled until she transferred to Delone Catholic as a sophomore. She quickly immersed herself in school life, becoming heavily involved in the music program, cantoring at school Masses, and landing lead roles in musicals like “Cinderella” and “Little Women”. She was also active in the faith life, participating in the Respect Life Club, attending the Kairos retreat, and serving as a Squire Ambassador.

Luke, who lived in Towson, Md., before moving to Hanover in fifth grade, came to DCHS after attending Annunciation B.V.M. School. He was a dedicated athlete, running cross country all four years and serving as captain his senior year. Like Emma, he was also involved in the faith community, attending Kairos and prayer groups.

A Delone Catholic Love Story...

Emma and Luke met through a similar circle of friends at Delone Catholic, but their connection deepened their senior year. A serendipitous schedule change brought them together in two of the same open-campus classes. They began chatting, and their friendship blossomed into a relationship. They started dating in October of their senior year and went to prom together.

Their bond proved to be strong, as they continued their relationship long-distance through their college years, visiting each other during breaks and over the summer. Luke proposed on their five-year anniversary in October 2019 at Codorus State Park, a special place where they often picnicked during high school and college. They were married in June 2021 and moved to Novi, Mich., where Luke was pursuing a career in automotive design.

They now live there with their Golden Retriever, Goose, and welcomed their baby girl in September of 2025. Their shared Catholic faith, which was an important part of their high school experience, remains a cornerstone of their lives.

Inspired by Delone Catholic, Pursuing a Calling...

Delone Catholic not only brought them together but also prepared them for their individual careers.

After graduating from DCHS, Emma attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she studied early childhood education and graduated with honors in 2019. While there, she spent a semester abroad in Austria, co-teaching in the local school system. She later taught third grade for two years in Maryland and recently completed her fourth year teaching fifth grade at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Farmington, Mich.

“Delone Catholic prepared me for my current career in a few ways,” Emma says. “I was heavily involved in the Teens for Tots program, which provided hands-on experience in the classroom. This gave me confidence and solidified my desire to work with children. The Human Growth and Development class I took my senior year also provided valuable background knowledge for my college courses.”

Luke graduated from DCHS in 2015 and spent a year studying engineering at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown before transferring to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich. He spent four years studying transportation design and graduated in 2020. He was hired by General Motors, where he has worked on various production vehicles. He now works in one of the advanced studios, designing concept cars and car interiors.

“Delone Catholic prepared me by teaching me work ethic and self-confidence,” Luke shares. “The drafting classes were very hands-on and didn’t rely on CAD software. This put me ahead of the curve in my college engineering classes. I was taught to think through and learn ‘why’ things were the way they were, and not rely on the computer.”

A Lasting Connection...

The Woolford family’s connection to Delone Catholic remains strong. Emma and Luke continue to visit often for events and performances. Emma’s younger brother, Peter Baugher ‘22, and Luke’s brother, Patrick ‘13 and sister, Annie Woolford ‘25 are also graduates. The family has continued to support the music and cross-country programs that were a big part of both Emma and Luke’s time at DCHS.

Emma and Luke shared a few pieces of advice for current and future Squires:

• Take pride in your school. “The name of Delone will carry you far. Local employers know Delone students as respectful, dependable, honest, and hard workers.”

• Don’t lose your faith. “Whether heading to college or entering the workforce, you will face challenges. Rely on your faith to carry you through the tough times, as well as to help you celebrate the joys.”