MISSION
At Glenelg Country School, our mission is to cultivate a diverse community of learners who discover, contribute, thrive, and excel.
ACCREDITATION
Glenelg Country School is accredited, age two through twelfth grade, by the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) and by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA).
The School is affiliated with the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Matt Walsh
EDITOR
Danielle Peterson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jess Dolan, Danielle Peterson, Joseph A. Sierzega Jr.
DESIGN
Danielle Peterson
PHOTOGRAPHY
Danielle Peterson, Memi Pluznik, Classic Photography, and the faculty and staff of Glenelg Country School
© 2024 Glenelg Country School
Please direct questions and comments to communications@glenelg.org.
12793 Folly Quarter Road
Ellicott City, Maryland 21042 glenelg.org
410.531.8600
Cover: Thirteen lifers—students that have attended only Glenelg Country School— pose outside of Dragon Commons behind the Upper School.
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
While every graduating class is filled with a diverse range of individuals with their own unique qualities, it is also true that sometimes a certain class identity or commonalities seem to shine through. Many have commented that in this class, there is a natural ability to lead in an unassuming and humble way. Whether in class, in sports, or on the stage, the Class of 2024 sought to lead through their quiet example, never searching for the spotlight or for recognition. That’s a special quality, especially in what at times can feel like a “look at me” culture in which we live.
Part of this class’ legacy is how they have shown the way for younger grades by contributing whenever they could. Through their engagement with our clubs, their involvement with cross-divisional activities, and their work in the community beyond GCS, they’ve exhibited a quiet, steady leadership and have engendered a special sense of school spirit that has strengthened their bonds with one another and with the community at large. This is a particularly close group with a real love of GCS. On that point, I noticed during graduation rehearsal that when each student was called, the whole class clapped and celebrated—during rehearsal. I hadn’t seen that before, and was struck by how genuine and strong the relationships are in this group.
The high achievements of the Class of 2024 jump from the pages that follow, making their humility and quiet example even more impressive. While I hope you read everything herein, pay particular attention to the outstanding speeches by Chimee Ejiogu and Riya Madaan. As you know, our mission is to cultivate a diverse community of learners who discover, contribute, thrive, and excel, and Chimee offers her insightful perspective on the meaning of the mission’s keywords as they relate to the GCS student experience. Riya’s reflection touches on the unique aspects of community at GCS where differences are respected and cherished and every individual can develop to their fullest potential.
This issue includes great pieces by Hilary McCarthy and Kevin Boland, which deal with the theme of transitions among the divisions. Part of our ongoing commitment is to make the entire GCS experience a cohesive and coherent one wherein students are always well-prepared for what comes next. Hilary dwells on the year-end ceremony where kindergarten students become next year’s first graders. I expect that you will be impressed by the beauty of this ceremony and by how the partnership between fourth-graders and their younger classmates prepares the kindergartners for the ceremony, and more importantly, for the Lower School experience as a whole. Kevin discusses the multiple approaches and events which prepare incoming sixth graders for Middle School and current eighth graders for the exciting opportunities that await them in the Upper School. The Middle School team strikes just the right balance in offering plenty of support and guidance while always preparing students for additional levels of responsibility and personal accountability.
There’s much more to encounter within these pages, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise! Happy reading and go Dragons!
MATT WALSH
THE CLASS OF 2024
COLLEGE BOUND
Abilene Christian University
Alabama A&M University
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Albany State University
Albright College
American University
Anne Arundel Community College
Appalachian State University
Arcadia University
Arizona State University
Tempe
Art Center College of Design
Auburn University
Babson College
Ball State University
Baltimore City Community College
Bard College
Barry University
Baylor University
Belmont University
Bennett College
Bentley University
Binghamton University
Boston Architectural College
Boston College
Boston University
Brandeis University
Bridgewater College
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Buckinghamshire New University
Bucknell University
California College of the Arts
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
California State University, Long Beach
Cardiff University
Carleton University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Catholic University of America
Cedar Crest College
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chatham University
Chestnut Hill College
Christopher Newport University
Claflin University
Clark Atlanta University
Clarkson University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College for Creative Studies
College of Charleston
College of the Holy Cross
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University
Columbia University
Community College of Baltimore County
Connecticut College
Coppin State University
Cornell University
Creighton University
Culinary Institute of America
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
CUNY Queens College
Dartmouth College
Delaware State University
Denison University
DePaul University
DeSales University
Dickinson College
Drew University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
East Carolina University
Eastern University
Eckerd College
Edward Waters University
Elizabethtown College
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
Emerson College
Emmanuel College
Emory University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Fayetteville State University
Flagler College
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida International University
Florida Memorial University
Florida Southern College
Fordham University
Fort Valley State University
Franklin & Marshall College
Frostburg State University
Genesee Community College
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown College
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Gettysburg College
Goucher College
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampshire College
Hampton University
Haverford College
CLASS OF 2024 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Hawai‘i Pacific University
High Point University
Hofstra University
Hollins University
Hood College
Howard Community College
Howard University
Hult International Business School, Boston
Indiana University
Bloomington
Ithaca College
Jacksonville University
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Johnson & Wales University
Charlotte
Johnson & Wales University
Providence
Kentucky State University
Kenyon College
King’s College London
Knox College
La Salle University
Lafayette College
Laval University
Lebanon Valley College
Lehigh University
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lewis & Clark College
Lindenwood University
Lipscomb University
Long Island University Post
Louisiana State University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Maryland
Lycoming College
Lynn University
Macalester College
Marietta College
Mary Baldwin University
Maryland Institute College of Art
Marymount University
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
McDaniel College
McGill University
McMaster University
McPherson College
Mercer University
Mercyhurst University
Miami University
Michigan State University
Michigan Technological University
Middle Tennessee State University
Middlebury College
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Molloy University
Monmouth University
Montana State University
Moore College of Art and Design
Moravian University
Morehouse College
Morgan State University
Mount Holyoke College
Mount St Mary’s University
Muhlenberg College
Nazareth University
Neumann University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York Institute of Technology
New York University
North Carolina A&T
State University
North Carolina Central University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northumbria University
Northwestern University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Nova Southeastern University
Oberlin College
Ohio University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Old Dominion University
Oral Roberts University
Oregon State University
Pace University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Parsons School of Design at The New School
Paul Smith’s College
Penn State Abington
Penn State Behrend
Penn State Berks
Penn State Brandywine
Penn State Harrisburg
Penn State Schuylkill
Penn State University Park
Penn State York
COLLEGE BOUND
Pepperdine University
Pfeiffer University
Point Park University
Portland State University
Pratt Institute
Princeton University
Providence College
Purdue University
Queen’s University
Radford University
Randolph-Macon College
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rider University
Ringling College of Art and Design
Roanoke College
Robert Morris University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Roger Williams University
Rollins College
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rowan University
Royal Holloway, University of London
Rutgers University
New Brunswick
Sacred Heart University
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Michael’s College
Salisbury University
Samford University
San Diego State University
Sarah Lawrence College
Savannah College of Art and Design
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of Visual Arts
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle University
Seton Hall University
Sewanee: The University of the South
Shaw University
Shenandoah University
Shepherd University
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Simon Fraser University
Skidmore College
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Smith College
Southampton Solent University
Southern California Institute of Architecture
Southern Methodist University
Spelman College
St Mary’s College of Maryland
St Mary’s University
St. Bonaventure University
St. John’s University
St. Olaf College
Stetson University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevenson University
Stony Brook University
Suffolk University
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forftrtftestry
SUNY Oneonta
SUNY University at Buffalo
Susquehanna University
Syracuse University
Temple University
Tennessee State University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
The American University of Paris
The American University of Rome
The Ohio State University
The University of Alabama
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Manchester
The University of Tampa
The University of Tennessee
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of West Florida
Toronto Metropolitan University
Towson University
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity University
Tufts University
Tulane University of Louisiana
United States Coast Guard Academy
United States Military Academy at West Point
United States Naval Academy
University College Dublin
University College London
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Arizona
University of Bedfordshire
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of British
Columbia
University of Calgary
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Merced
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Central Florida
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Denver
University of Connecticut
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Hartford
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Health
Sciences & Pharmacy
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Indianapolis
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Leeds
University of Louisville
University of Lynchburg
CLASS OF 2024 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
University of Maine at Presque Isle
University of Mary Washington
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Boston
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
University of Memphis
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Michigan Dearborn
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina Asheville
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina Charlotte
University of North Carolina Greensboro
University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of North Dakota
University of North Florida
University of Northern Colorado
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Ottawa
University of Pittsburgh, Bradford
University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of Scranton
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of St Andrews
University of the Sciences
University of Tokyo
University of Toronto
University of Utah
University of Valley Forge
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
Madison
University of York
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia State University
Virginia Wesleyan University
Wagner College
Wake Forest University
Waseda University
Washington and Lee University
Washington College
Washington State University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wesleyan University
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Liberty University
West Virginia University
Western Carolina University
Western Michigan University
Western University
Wheaton College
Widener University
Wilkes University
William & Mary
Williams College
Wingate University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Xavier University
Xavier University of Louisiana
York College of Pennsylvania
York University
THE CLASS OF 2024
FIFTH ANNUAL CAR PARADE
STUDENT SPEAKERS
Today marks yet another significant milestone in our lives; a moment we’ve eagerly awaited, and one that signifies the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Although we’ve all had different experiences here, each one of us has been molded by the unique environment that is Glenelg Country School (GCS).
My journey as a Dragon began in fourth grade. I vividly remember the excitement and nervousness I felt when I first stepped on campus. From that moment, I knew this school was different. What set GCS apart was the supportive environment, the sense of belonging, and the dedication of our incredible teachers. I discovered the true value of community, where everyone is encouraged to grow and thrive. As we stand at this crossroads between childhood and the adult world, it’s important that we take a moment to reflect on the invaluable lessons learned during our time here. At GCS, we’ve always been guided by a set of core values: discovery, contribution, thriving, excellence, and curiosity.
Our time at GCS has been full of exploration. While examining science with Mrs. Deborah Lieberman, history with Mr. Charlie, and art with Ms. Joan Weber, we’ve discovered our strengths, passions, and unique perspectives. I urge you to carry this spirit of inquiry forward, to seek new knowledge and challenge assumptions.
Second is contribution. We’ve been part of a community that values service. Once you leave Glenelg Country, continue to contribute meaningfully. Advocate for the causes close to your heart, mentor others whenever possible, and try to leave the places you touch better than you found them.
The third value, thriving, isn’t simply about personal success or reaching a point in your life where you’re comfortable enough. Instead, it’s an ongoing evolution that allows you to achieve an authentic sense of well-being.
Fourth is excellence. Excellence isn’t perfection, but rather the relentless pursuit of improvement. Always strive for excellence, not to impress others, but because we owe it to ourselves— this is the bridge between potential and achievement.
Finally, curiosity. Throughout our time at GCS, we’ve been encouraged to ask difficult questions and think critically about the world. This curiosity should not be just a trait; it’s a mindset that allows you to embrace the unknown. Remember those childhood days when you asked “why” incessantly? Don’t let that flame flicker. Curiosity is the spark that ignites creativity, innovation, and progress. Education is a lifelong journey, and it doesn’t end with a diploma. Going forward, continue to cultivate your curiosity.
Don’t let these five core values remain simple words on a page; aim to embody them in everything you do. Remember that we’re not just products of Glenelg Country School, but also its architects. We’ve been shaped by this institution but have also left our indelible marks on it. While we may not be Glenelg Country students anymore, we’ll never forget the lessons learned, friendships forged, and memories created. To put it simply, we’ll always be Dragons, and we’ll always be a family.
And as Dragons, we’re also innovators, leaders, and dreamers. We’re the architects of our own destinies, armed with the tools and skills honed here. So, as we bid farewell to GCS, let us carry its legacy with us, not as a chapter that has ended, but the foundation of a story yet to be written. Congratulations, class of 2024, our journey ahead is filled with passion, purpose, and endless possibilities. n
CHIMEEREMAMARA EJIOGU
On my first day at Glenelg Country School, I was seven years old and afraid of what lay ahead of me. Sitting in the Lower School common area, I felt alone. That feeling was short lived though, as a very lively person immediately walked up and said something like, “You look lonely! Wanna be friends?” It was this seemingly small moment of connection that marked the beginning of my transition from the wallflower who sat alone to the person who is confident enough to stand before you today.
Many of us have similar transformation stories, and it made me wonder what it is about Glenelg Country School (GCS) that made it possible. We know our changes are a product of the people we surround ourselves with and the lessons we’ve absorbed over the years, but there’s more to it. After much contemplation and conversation, I realized the foundation of our transformations was unconditional love.
At GCS, we have been taught to respect the differences that make us unique. No matter the context, respect became a tenet of our education. In class seminars, heated debates about pineapple on pizza, and more, we maintained a level of respect towards one another. This respect came from a place of love, and it made us all more open-minded.
This consistent respect strengthened our community. It gave us the space to make mistakes without fear of judgment. It gave us confidence: the kind that allows a person to stop hiding behind their books, step out into the sunlight, and become who they truly are. Through this, we became unified. When we sat in collective awe at the talent shown in the Mulitz Theater and we laughed at each others’ jokes, we were one. Together we became a family of dragons as we endured a pandemic as freshmen and the horrors of integrative as seniors.
Through all of this, we learned that to be loved is to be changed. I was transformed by every bit of love I received. Think of a time when an action derived from love changed you in some way. For me, it was that first day, where instead of allowing me to sit alone, my now best friend decided to say “hi.” This action represented the kind of inclusive and loving community, or rather family, that is Glenelg Country. The unconditional love GCS has shown us, that we continue to show each other and the world, reflects who we are as a class. That love will stay long after us, it’s our legacy, and it’s up to us to continue it as we move forward.
I want to take a moment to congratulate my peers as we conclude this chapter of our lives. As I look out at this brilliant, diverse, and loving group of people, I see both the past that you all have shaped, and the better future that we are going to create. It is in this moment that I realize something. Just like love, we, as the GCS class of 2024, are infinite. n
RIYA MADAAN
CELEBRATING TRANSITIONS
KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS’ MOMENTOUS MOVE TO THE MANOR HOUSE HAS SIGNIFICANT MEANING.
By Hilary McCarthy LOWER SCHOOL HEAD
As the school year draws to a close, an eagerly anticipated event fills the hearts of students, teachers, and families with joy and excitement. This special ceremony marks the transition of kindergarten students to their new role as firstgrade students, moving from the Primary Building to the historic Manor House. This tradition, steeped in community spirit and continuity, embodies the essence of growth and connection within our school.
Months before the ceremony, the fourth-grade students and their teachers plan meticulously to ensure this day is memorable for the rising first-grade students. As next school year’s Lower School leaders, fourth-grade students take on their role seriously, understanding the importance of this rite of passage. They are paired with kindergarten buddies early in the school year, forging bonds through shared reading sessions, supportive activities, and fun projects. This buddy system not only helps the younger students feel secure and welcomed but also fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership in the older students.
The ceremony begins with families gathering to witness this significant milestone. With pride and enthusiasm, students reveal the house colors to the rising class. These colors symbolize the identity and unity of the first grade, marking them as a family for their entire journey through Lower School.
Each kindergarten student receives a certificate to commemorate their achievement, personalized gifts, and
a treat. The event is thoughtfully color-themed to align with the newly revealed House Color, adding a vibrant and cohesive touch to the celebration.
The newly minted first-grade students, accompanied by their families and grade buddies, embark on a symbolic walk to the Manor House after the ceremony. This walk signifies their transition and the beginning of a new chapter in their educational journey. The sight of these young students, hand-in-hand with their buddies, walking toward their future is heartwarming for everyone.
The transitioning class leaves a unique art installation to express gratitude for their time in the Primary Building. Students create and install the piece on the grounds or within the building. This tradition allows each class to leave a lasting mark, symbolizing their journey and the memories they’ve made together. It is a testament to their growth and enduring bond with the Primary Building.
This ceremony is more than just a transition; it celebrates growth, community, and the enduring bonds formed within the school. As kindergarten students move to the Manor House, they carry with them the support of their buddies, the love of their families, and the memories of their early school years. This tradition encapsulates the spirit of Glenelg Country, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity that resonates throughout the Lower School. n
LOWER SCHOOL AWARDS
DRAGON
Emma Ro
CITIZENSHIP (ADELMAN)
Nick Patrone
CITIZENSHIP (CAVAZOS)
Ace Hart
CITIZENSHIP (SCHROUGHAM)
Layla Zakaria
MATH (KOFFEL)
Zachary Chen
MATH (ADELMAN)
Kirsten Cocks
MATH (CAVAZOS)
Reagan Pemberton
MATH (SCHROUGHAM)
Pierce Brault
LANGUAGE ARTS (ADELMAN)
Layla Hamdallah
LANGUAGE ARTS (CAVAZOS)
Sean Johnson
LANGUAGE ARTS (SCHROUGHAM)
Ameerah Shah
SOCIAL STUDIES (ADELMAN)
Felix Ehrenfeld
SOCIAL STUDIES (CAVAZOS)
Kareena Sokhey
SOCIAL STUDIES (SCHROUGHAM)
Nick Patrone
FRENCH (DE CORNIELLES)
Roxy Sadaat
SPANISH (FONSECA)
Lien Brown
MUSIC (REIS)
Gabby Frietas
SCIENCE (LIEBERMAN)
Josie Lacey
TECH (DODGE)
Alex Knight
ART (STONE)
Jake Gordon
LIBRARY (WALKER)
Caroline Rowlett
PE (BOLAND)
Addy Lenes
BAND (KANG)
Jacob Lombardo
STUDENTS THRIVE AND EXCEL IN TRANSITION
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL HELPS STUDENTS AND PARENTS EMBRACE CHANGE.
By Kevin Boland MIDDLE SCHOOL HEAD
In the Middle School, there is great pride in a commitment to preparing students and families for each step in the Glenelg Country educational journey. The transitions from fifth to sixth and eighth to ninth grades are fundamental. Students move first from the comparatively controlled environment of the early grades to the hustle and bustle of middle school life. It’s then on to the freedom of the Upper School, which prepares graduates for college and adult life responsibilities.
The Middle School takes a deliberate and comprehensive approach to these transitions, providing opportunities for parents and students to familiarize themselves with the Middle and Upper School programs and experience firsthand the unique culture of each division. These events are essential in easing anxiety and fostering a sense of preparedness and enthusiasm for the experiences ahead.
THE FIFTH- TO SIXTH-GRADE TRANSITION
Informative parent coffees give families an overview of what to expect as they enter middle school, covering everything from curriculum and schedule to informal conversations with teachers. Parents ask questions, engage with teachers and administrators, and gain confidence in their ability to help their children navigate the challenges of this exciting time.
Equally important are events for students. Current fifthgrade students visit the division in the fall to engage with their future teachers through a variety of activities designed to showcase the dynamic and exploratory nature of middle school. New students visit campus for a summer
celebration in early summer, introducing them to peers in a relaxed and informal setting. These events are fun and foster a sense of connection and camaraderie that makes the transition smooth in September.
THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF EIGHTH GRADE
Early November is busy for eighth-grade families: a successful and well-attended evening event, “Discover the Upper School,” highlights many of the exciting strands of the ninth-grade curriculum for current and prospective parents. Families visit the Upper School, meet teachers, and participate in various activities that convey the dynamic character of ninth grade and demonstrate the Upper School living the school’s mission.
The signature event of eighth grade is the Closing Ceremony, where the division takes the opportunity to commemorate accomplishments, laud challenges overcome and growth achieved, and celebrate memories and contributions made throughout the middle school journey. By highlighting these successes, whether academic, athletic, or extracurricular, Glenelg Country School instills a sense of pride and confidence in our students as they transition to high school, a significant step on the road to adulthood.
In late June, after the end of the school year, rising ninthgrade students return to campus for a summer event that allows new and current students to meet, mix, and play. Again, the goal is to ensure a smooth, comfortable transition that will enable students to thrive in the fall. n
MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS
MARYLAND MATH LEAGUE CONTEST
GRADE 6
Lylah Percival
Daniel Senker
Hannah Setz
Owen Stiteler
Alivia Ward
Riley Whittingham
GRADE 7
Maeva Hunter
Teddy Lacy
Louisa Mantzaris
Daniel Palombo
Vir Srivastava
GRADE 8
Margaret Bittinger
Vedaarush Gondi
Anna Osgood
Riya Shetty
Jordan Spence
William Wang
NATIONAL LATIN EXAM
INTRODUCTION TO LATIN
Certificate Magna Cum
Laude
Eva Schulte
Zoe Brown
Calvin George
Silver Medal, Maxima Cum
Laude
Kolton Kistler
Saad Shafi
Otto Horjus
Evie Wilder
Connor Shea
Michael Yoon
Gold Medal, Summa Cum Laude
Louisa Mantzaris
BEGINNING LATIN
Certificate Magna Cum
Laude
Jeremy Senker
Cecelia Shovlin
Silver Medal, Maxima Cum
Laude
Colin Goebel
Kaitlyn Kennedy
Ella Osgood
Gold Medal, Summa Cum
Laude
Margaret Bittinger
Anneka D’Souza
Addison Laycock
Anna Osgood
MIDDLE SCHOOL
STEAM FAIR
GRADE 6
Evelyn Ashmore
Sydney Fine
Alyce Kadell
Armaan Kishore
Laura Kurc
GRADE 7
Maeva Hunter
Olivia Lee
Louisa Mantzaris
Christopher Solomon
GRADE 8
Franny Battista
K’Lynn Leonard
Simi Paper
Eliza Vander Voort
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN TECHNOLOGY
GRADE 6 TECHNOLOGY
AWARD
Rhys Pinder
GRADE 7 COMPUTER
SCIENCE AWARD
Adrian Pullen
GRADE 8 ENGINEERING
AWARD
Xuan Brown
EXEMPLARY CHARACTER AWARD
GRADE 6
Dillon Johnsen
Lylah Percival
JP Preston
Jaela Sedney
Clara Wheedleton
GRADE 7
Zoe Brown
Dylan Caslin
Rocco Peluso
Saad Shafi
Evie Wilder
GRADE 8
Addi Walsh
Grayson Ashmore
Jordan Spence
Max Hart
Katie Duvall
GRADE 6 AWARDS
GEOGRAPHY
Michael MacGill
SCIENCE
Sophia Jo
MATH
Daniel Senker
ENGLISH
Hannah Setz
GRADE 7 AWARDS
HISTORY
Saad Shafi
SCIENCE
Jonah Berkowitz
MATH
Teddy Lacy
ENGLISH
Louisa Mantzaris
GRADE 8 AWARDS
ART
Dessie Hoewing-Moxley
DRAMA AWARD
Kaitlyn Kennedy
Cecelia Shovlin
CHOIR AWARD
Emma Rowlett
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Margaret Bittinger
FRENCH
Vedaarush Gondi
LATIN
Addison Laycock
SPANISH
Charis Mershon
HISTORY
Jeremy Senker
SCIENCE
Anneka D’Souza
MATH
Margaret Bittinger
ENGLISH
Anna Osgood
SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD
Macey Greco
Link Hoewing-Moxley
Miles Naga
DESTINATION IMAGINATION
GLOBALS PARTICIPANTS
INCORPORATED
Margaret Bittinger
Anneka D’Souza
Addison Laycock
Anna Osgood
Cecelia Shovlin
COACH DO
Christiana Brown
Hannah Setz
David Chandler
Aiden Flemming
Otto Horjus
Olivia Lee
Connor Shea
ALGEBROS
Jack Cavanaugh
Calvin George
Kolton Kistler
Teddy Lacy
Vir Srivastava
Michael Yoon
BUILDING ESSENTIAL SKILLS IN THE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
By Chimeeremamara Ejiogu ’24
This year, 14 seniors will graduate from Glenelg Country School with distinction for their efforts in the Scholars Program, a unique “challenge by choice” program that provides students with an avenue to explore their interests and further develop skills in one of five interdisciplinary areas: aesthetics and culture, convergent science, entrepreneurship, global leadership, and technology, engineering, and design (TED). Students apply for the program in the spring of their sophomore year, starting a two-year journey full of opportunities for growth and discovery.
Candidates are guided by a handful of faculty, including a faculty mentor, a “challenger” who provides constructive feedback, the coordinator of their chosen distinction, and Christopher Shematek ’98, director of the Scholars Program. For Shematek, who has led the program since 2017, the best part is watching students drive their educational journey. “The passion that each one brings to their portfolio makes me proud to be a part of this process,” he says.
Due to the program’s flexibility, the path to distinction generally looks very different for any two students. However, each distinction has essential requirements in six primary areas: specific coursework, hands-on learning, extracurricular analysis, a teaching opportunity, synthesis with Integrative Seminar, and perhaps most importantly, the defense of an extensive portfolio assembled over
the candidate’s two years in the program. During this presentation, students provide an overview of their work and respond to questions and feedback from a faculty committee. The defense enhances students’ communication skills, builds confidence, and allows them to demonstrate their knowledge, preparing them for future academic and professional settings. After her defense, Kyla Mendez ’24, an aesthetics and culture scholar, felt that the feedback she received would be beneficial in the future. “I heard many new perspectives about my career choice and how I can use what I learned to my advantage in the future,” says Mendez.
Camille Wimberly’s ’24 field work with summer camp students with developmental delays and learning disabilities inspired her interactive teaching opportunity. A convergent science scholar, Wimberly taught students in Susan Wood’s first-grade class about the importance of respecting the differences they may see in people around them, such as autism or hearing impairments. Wimberly asked students to create booklets about the differences they see in their everyday lives to see if they understood the lesson. Wimberly had to make a few adjustments to effectively connect with the first-grade students. Still, she was up to the task. “I had to change my vocabulary and how I think to make a lesson plan engaging for students significantly younger than me. In the future, this will help me communicate with people I’m not familiar with, which is a skill I gained in the program,” says Wimberly.
Reflections from other graduating participants further showcase the transformative impact of the program. Katie Gorski ’24, a candidate in convergent science, shared that the “Scholars Program was worthwhile because it helped build my research and writing skills and gave me a good foundation for my senior integrative research paper.”
Gavin Verma ’24 cites the development of complex skills such as project management and financial analysis, but also essential soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and adaptability as crucial for personal growth, building strong relationships, and excelling in various professional fields.
Like Gorski and Verma, Monique Diaz-Mackey ’24, an entrepreneurship candidate, also found the program valuable. “It pushes you to excel in areas that truly interest you beyond your regular coursework,” she says. Brenna Baim ’24 agrees, emphasizing how the program strengthened her interest in entrepreneurship, a passion inspired by her father’s small business. “My most valuable experience was the project manager role I took on with the Halloween games. I learned how to communicate with administrators, allocate resources efficiently, and work in a timely manner,” says Baim. “The program, in the end, is extremely beneficial for students to take their high school experience to the next level and assert themselves more effectively.”
Although the Scholars Program does involve extra academic challenges, students agree that the experience empowered them to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles, and achieve excellence in their area of focus. n
UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS
ALWAYS A DRAGON AWARD
JonPaul Marschall
CHAPMAN DISTINCTION IN HISTORY AWARD
Chimeeremamara Ejiogu
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION AWARD
Natalie Eastwood
Carlena Kravitz
Camille Wimberly
COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT AWARD
GRADE 9
Robert Kurc
Aaviel Owusu
Zachary Williams-Abrams
GRADE 10
Nicole Adesioye
Ella Dyer
Annika Nilsen
GRADE 11
Meera Saini
Brinley Tebit
Ayla Walsh
EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH AWARD
GRADE 9
William Arterburn
Akol Nyok
Kennedi Swann
GRADE 10
Amelia Henry
Nicole Lee
Simryn Regunathan
GRADE 11
Layaan Abbasi
Patrick John Curtin
Chase Traff
GRADE 12
Teague Moynihan
Brianna Sowell
Story Witenstein
FACULTY PRIZE
Michael Hersey
GOLD DRAGON AWARD
Nichelle Desbordes
Lilly Fortin
Michael Hersey
Sebastian Mezzanotte
Camille Wimberly
HUMANITARIAN SERVICE AWARD
Aicha Keita
THE JANI FAMILY SERVICE AWARD
Isaiah Cooper
LAURIE AGUERA-ARCAS
AESTHETIC APPRECIATION
Kyla Mendez
MOXLEY SCHOLAR ATHLETE
Michael Hersey
Sydney Monaco
SEAL OF BILITERACY
Arshiya Antil
Arjun Bajaj
Lilly Fortin
Julia Gondek
Michael Hersey
Aryan Majano
Morgan Miller
Ronald Miller III
Sydney Monaco
Adam Moravec
Anjolaoluwa Oyegoke
Mia Sandhu
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN BIOLOGY— CAROLYN CRADLER AWARD
Katherine Gorski
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Monique Diaz-Mackey
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN CHEMISTRY
Julia Gondek
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN ENGINEERING
Carlena Kravitz
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN FRENCH
Leah Murn
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN HUMANITIES
Chimeeremamara Ejiogu
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN LATIN
Michael Hersey
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN MATH
Julia Gondek
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN THE PERFORMING ARTS
THEATER
Jayden Cihlar
VOCAL MUSIC
Kyla Mendez
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Ronald Miller III
MARGARET WESLEY MUSIC AWARD
Kyla Mendez
THEATER TECHNICAL DESIGN
Story Witenstein
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN PHYSICS
Kanin Cook
Michael Hersey
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN SPANISH
Julia Gondek
Sydney Monaco
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN TECHNOLOGY
Riya Madaan
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR DISTINCTION IN THE VISUAL ARTS
DIGITAL MEDIA AND VIDEO JOURNALISM
Teague Moynihan
PHOTOGRAPHY
Brianna Sowell
STUDIO ART
Jordan Molin
SCULPTURE
Avery LaRose
TIMOTHY C. CALLARD INTEGRAL AWARENESS
Michael Hersey
NEW APPAREL PARTNERSHIP
CULTIVATES EXCELLENCE
A MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH NIKE WILL OUTFIT DRAGON ATHLETICS WITH UNIFORMS AND PRACTICE GEAR.
Glenelg Country School is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Nike, the global sports and athletic wear brand. In the upcoming school year, uniforms will feature a new badge, as Nike will be the official apparel brand for all 23 Middle and Upper School athletic programs.
WeGotTeam, a division of Arocam Sports, will exclusively handle outfitting and distribution. Student-athletes will compete, train, and travel in Nike uniforms and practice apparel.
“Glenelg Country School Athletics is excited to begin this new journey, bringing the iconic Nike Swoosh to the Dragon Athletic community,” says Joey Sierzega, co-director of athletics. “This agreement will help enhance the student-
athlete experience by providing our athletes with the most advanced products on the market.”
Starting in the fall, the Athletics department will slowly transition all athletic programs to Nike-branded uniforms. While the uniform process will take a few years, studentathletes will have instant access to the highest quality practice gear from day one. “Our ongoing partnership with Nike sets Glenelg Country School and Dragons Athletics on a path towards sustained excellence, both in competition and beyond,” says Greg Koffel ’03, associate head of school. Parents and fans will also be able to access branded merchandise and team gear through the Glenelg Country School WeGotTeam online store. n
ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS
The winter and spring seasons offered plenty of excitement, from heartbreaking losses to thrilling overtime victories and championship performances. The winter season saw playoff appearances for the varsity basketball teams, with the boys falling to Mt. St. Joseph’s in the final seconds of the MIAA Semifinals. At the same time, the girls took their season to the IAAM Championship game, losing to Indian Creek. The spring season saw playoff appearances for six of seven teams.
Boys Tennis Wins First MIAA Championship Since 2008
After an abrupt exit in the 2023 team tournament semifinals, the boys tennis team used the offseason to reload for a push toward a team championship. Dropping two matches to top-seeded Indian Creek 3-2 after marathon tie-breaking sets in each match, the Dragons finished the regular season in second place with six wins and two losses in the conference. They entered the tournament as the second seed. Fueled by vengeance for 2023, the team swept third-seed St. John’s Catholic Prep 5-0. The stage was set, with the top two teams in the MIAA C Conference facing off for one last match with the conference championship title on the line.
Like their two previous matches, Glenelg Country and Indian Creek were in for a nailbiter. Holger Nissen ’26
earned the Dragons their first point of the match, defeating Conor Mastromarco 6-0, 6-0. After Yash Gunisetty ’25 and the doubles team of Aiden Allen ’27 and Yitao Liu ’24 dropped their matches, the Dragons found themselves in a 1-2 hole, needing wins in the final two matches. Will Zhang ’27 dug deep to defeat Sebastian Birch 6-0, 7-5, bringing the match to a tie. The championship now came down to another doubles showdown. Luke Jackson ’26 and Serge Witenstein ’27 tied with Indian Creek’s Sophie Geismar and Bertram McKeithan after exchanging 6-3 results in the first two sets. The team gathered around the court to support Jackson and Witenstein as the tension rose in the backand-forth third set. Tension quickly turned to excitement as the Dragons secured the 6-4 tie-breaker win and the 2024 MIAA C Conference team championship.
“The team absolutely crushed it this season! They showed amazing competitiveness, teamwork, and resilience on their way to winning the conference championship,” says the team’s head coach, Julie Lazer. “Every player stepped up and had an impact on the team’s success. Shoutout to the coaching staff and everyone involved for all their hard work and dedication. We are so proud of this team and all their accomplishments.”
With a team championship under its belts, the boys tennis team entered the MIAA C Conference individual championships. Nissen entered the tournament as the overall top seed, going undefeated in the C Conference and winning every set 6-0. He would continue that dominance through the tournament while defending his 2023 title. After earning a bye in the quarterfinal and defeating fifth-seed Kevin Feldtmose from St. Mary’s 6-0, 6-0 in the semifinals, Nissen
2023–24 All-Conference Honors
ALL-A CONFERENCE
BADMINTON
Julia Gondek ’24
BASKETBALL
Pat Curtin ’25
LACROSSE
Maggie Flanagan ’24
ALL-B CONFERENCE
SOCCER
David Carrera ’25
TRACK AND FIELD
Gavin Lees ’25
VOLLEYBALL
Tiffany Blakely ’24
Zinnia Pickett ’25
Sherron Stanard ’25
defeated Indian Creek’s third-seed Mastromarco 6-0, 6-0, earning him back-to-back championships, the 2024 IAAM C Conference number one singles crown, and repeating as Player of the Year. “Leading the team to success with his support and determination, Holger reaffirms his status as top singles champion,” explains Lazer.
Nissen wasn’t the only Dragon to make the finals, as Glenelg Country was represented in nearly every finals match. Along with Jackson and Witenstein, doubles team Allen and Liu and singles player Zhang, all earned spots in their respective tournament finals. The Dragons left the MIAA Individual Tournament as the most decorated team in the conference, taking home one gold and three silver medals. “Six players received medals after two rounds of matches, highlighting our strong performance as a dominant force this season,” says Lazer. n
ALL-C CONFERENCE
BASEBALL
Trey Miller ’24
BASKETBALL
Kayden McDaniel ’27
Alexis White ’27
CROSS COUNTRY
Michael Hersey ’24
Gavin Lees ’25
FIELD HOCKEY
Nichelle Desbordes ’24
Ella Dyer ’26
Camille Wimberly ’24
LACROSSE
Andrew Hibbert ’25
David Lee ’26
Charlie Reid ’24
SOCCER
Mi-ra Walthour ’26
Lilly Fortin ’24
TENNIS
Sydney Monaco ’24
Holger Nissen ’26
Zoe Taylor ’27
William Zhang ’27
THE CLASS OF 2024
STUDENT-ATHLETES
The athletics department recognizes the following student-athletes who have committed to play college athletics next year.
TIFFANY BLAKELY
Millersville University Division II
Women’s Volleyball
MAGGIE FLANAGAN
Virginia Tech Division I
Women’s Lacrosse
CECILIA LAZZARI
Mount Saint Mary’s University Division I
Women’s Lacrosse
NICHELLE DESBORDES
University of Delaware Division I
Women’s Lacrosse
LILLY FORTIN
University of Oregon Division I Women’s Lacrosse
TREY MILLER
New York University Division III Baseball
CHARLIE REID
St. Mary’s College of Maryland Division III
Men’s Lacrosse
Georgetown College NAIA Baseball
NATALIE EASTWOOD
University of South Florida Division I
Women’s Lacrosse
KATIE GORSKI
University of North Carolina Charlotte Division I Women’s Lacrosse
Congratulations to these student-athletes!
Eastern University Division III Baseball
DOMINIC SMIRNE
CARY PAKULLA
FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE
Dear Alumni,
It is always a bittersweet feeling when winter slowly drifts away, and the sun starts to shine over our incredible campus. We all enjoy the increased time spent outdoors and watching our spring athletes compete, but it can also be sad knowing that another school year is ending. For many of our Dragons, this means preparing for time with family and friends on vacations, but for this year’s 75 graduates, this summer is different. Instead of primarily enjoying days not dictated by a constant schedule, they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. From what we’ve witnessed on our campus, we could not be more excited about the great things they will accomplish.
Before we turn our attention to the 2024–2025 school year, it is important to acknowledge the excitement and wonder that returned to Glenelg Country School after years of adjusting to new norms and overcoming obstacles. This feeling was constant throughout the year, not solely due to the incredible efforts of faculty, staff, and students but also because of our alums. Returning to campus in various capacities significantly affects our success and reminds us of the enduring bond that ties us together.
This year, with the incredible work of the Young Alumni Advisory Council, the Alumni Association focused heavily on using alums as a resource for students, expanding from the annual Cracker Barrel into the launch of the Dragon Career Discovery program. Our alumni have not just been participants but active contributors, from partaking in the Career Discovery Expo and providing career advice during
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
the Forum Career Discovery Talks to holding exit interviews with members of the class of 2024. Your involvement as an alum has significantly impacted the school, and you are just scratching the surface of what you can achieve.
As commencement occurs and everyone starts to take advantage of the summer months, we welcome 75 new members to the Alumni Association and look forward to their impact on the global community.
Always a Dragon!
Aaron Tolentino ’03 Alumni Coordinator
From Forum Career Talks to assisting with events and other one-off volunteer opportunities, there’s a perfect match for every alumni passion and schedule. Check out the alumni volunteer page at www.glenelg.org/alumni/ how-to-get-involved to see how you can help our Dragons in 2024!
AARON TOLENTINO ’03
CLASS NOTES
2010
After graduating with a BA in theatre, Nakeyta Moore ’10 moved to Los Angeles, where she is now a senior art consultant and platforms manager with local art advisory Source Art and the founder of the Los Angeles-based art advisory and info hub, ARTLOUDLA. Moore was recently featured in CanvasRebel Magazine about Los Angeles small business owners and creatives.
2012
On January 23, Lawrence Davis ’12 and his wife, Ashley, welcomed their healthy son Chase Ramon Davis to the world. The family of five could not be happier!
2014
In May, Hannah Veater ’14 passed the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design exam and is now an accredited LEED Green Associate. The accreditation demonstrates knowledge of green building practices and standards related to building design, construction, usage, and maintenance.
2018
Priyanka Desai ’18, a 2025 JD candidate at the University of Florida Frederic G. Levin College of Law, competed against 56 other law students in the Domenick L. Gabrielli Family Law Competition in Albany, NY, where she was crowned first-place oralist. Desai credits her success in Glenelg Country’s annual Barlow competitions with helping her feel confident using her voice in public speaking and comfortable as a litigator.
IN MEMORIAM
ALUMNI
Christopher H. Bell ’13
Brendan D. George ’36
Paul R. Mitchell ’67
Elizabeth-Joy Musaga ’15
Barbara Ratliff Wolkstein ’67
FACULTY AND STAFF
Anne E. Cieslak
Howard S. Freedlander
Lillian P. Nelson
Barbara Nieberding
Serene N. Peterson
Darryl Smith
John “Sully” Sullivan
2020
Jordan Brathwaite ’20 helped the Southern New Hampshire University basketball team win its third NE10 championship title in its sixth trip to the finals, allowing for its 22nd NCAA Championship appearance. The Penman would win the NCAA II East Region Championship and make its first Elite Eight appearance since 2014.
Congratulations to Madison Sesay ’20 for receiving the Westhampton Distinguished Leadership Award (DLA) for her work with the Student-Athlete of Color Alliance, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and Team Impact. The DLA is presented annually to up to 15 Westhampton College seniors as a medal worn during commencement. The award recognizes individuals who contributed significantly to the college, the university, and the local community during their time at the University of Richmond. The winner’s leadership is consistent and evident through their classroom, student organization, sports team, or community service involvement.
2022
Stephanie Marszal ’22 was named to the CAA all-rookie lacrosse team for her goalkeeper performance at the University of Delaware Blue Hens. Marszal shined in her inaugural season. The redshirt freshman made 13 appearances with 11 starts. She boasts 93 saves and holds the eighthbest save percentage in the nation at .489.
FRIENDS
Michael Boemmel P’16 ’17
Barbara Ann Brautigam P’71 ’72 ’73
John P. Chalk Sr. P’12 ’17
Fabio B. Costa P’15 ’20
Nicholas DeClaris P’79
Donald R. Heacock P’86
Charles H. Hoke P’95 ’00 ’04
Niranjan N. Jani P’04 ’08 ’12
Patricia Lansdale Rice P’66 ’68 ’70 ’72
Thomas F. Menton P’09 ’12 ’17
Thomas C. Mulitz P’92 ’96
Jerry E. Seals P’00 ’04
Anthony J. Tangires P’08 ’10 ’11
Susan Weinstein P’11
Indicia