McDonogh Magazine, Summer 2024

Brooke S. Blumberg, Editor bblumberg@mcdonogh.org

Meredith F. Bower Managing Editor

Heather N. McPeters Creative Director

Andrea L. Anderson Alumni Editor

Carol D. Croxton Alumni Editor

Danielle E. Schollaert Alumni Editor

Contributing writers: Brooke Blumberg, Meredith Bower, Kevin Costa, Cate Hardin ’23, Danielle Schollaert, Nina Sinnott

Photography: Carol Croxton, Matthew D’Agostino, Mickey Deegan, Leslie Finkelstein, Riley Fehr ’30, Eileen Heady, Riley Heher ’28, Samiksha Lagisetty ’31, Heather McPeters, Dave Radford, Danielle Schollaert, Denise Wolf, Mandy Wolfe, McDonogh Archives and Special Collections, Irvin Simon Photography

Cover photo: The fourth grade blazer toss (and the attempt to get them stuck in the trees) is a much-anticipated joyful finale to the Lower School Closing Ceremony.

Design: McAllister Design

Print: Ironmark

McDonogh Magazine is published twice a year for alumni, parents, and friends of the School.

MIKE CUMMINGS BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT

DAVE

FARACE

’87

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Q A&

As you reflect on the school year, what makes you most proud?

[DAVE] This was an incredibly productive year for our community. We celebrated our 150th Anniversary, completed the largest philanthropic campaign in School history, and developed a draft of a comprehensive academic strategic plan (which will be finalized in the coming school year). We also welcomed the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) accreditation team to campus for a multi-day visit and were reaccredited for the next 10 years. In their summary report, the AIMS team noted the following:

The centrality of “joy in work and play” is evident across campus. McDonogh has a longstanding reputation for innovation.

LifeReady focuses on developing selfreliant, critical thinkers prepared to do good in a diverse and ever-changing world. And with its Freedom of Expression and Civil Discourse statement, McDonogh has taken a national lead in creating a policy that articulates the democratic necessity of exposure to diverse viewpoints.

I’m also proud of our Seminar for Transformational Leadership. Under the tutelage of Director of LifeReady Dr. Kevin Costa, the 10-month course of study is designed for early- to mid-career faculty and

Q A&

staff. This type of high-quality professional development is crucial to our future success and differentiates McDonogh at a national level.

As Dave noted, this was a big year for McDonogh; we celebrated our 150th Anniversary and closed a historic capital campaign, surpassing our $90 million goal by raising $96.6 million! How do these two pivotal moments help illustrate the strength of our School community?

[MIKE] It is not a coincidence that McDonogh celebrated its 150th Anniversary the same year the largest campaign in the history of the School closed. McDonogh has been in existence for 150 years because of the generous philanthropic giving of former and current members of the School community. It is this philanthropic spirit — the commitment to do the greatest possible amount of good — at the core of our McDonogh culture that inspires community members to provide the financial support necessary for future generations to benefit from the McDonogh experience.

Eagle Day, a new tradition, was a big hit with the students. What is your impression of the day?

[DAVE] As a school that finds “joy in work and play,” Eagle Day exemplified our community spirit and energy. I was particularly pleased that the seniors embraced the sense of play and were so encouraging to our younger students. This new tradition is definitely a keeper!

This edition of McDonogh Magazine focuses on everyday joy. What’s something in your daily routine that brings you joy?

[MIKE] Most weekday mornings I am up by 5:15 a.m. and headed to the gym in our basement or to a hotel gym if I am traveling for work. I purposefully do not bring my phone or access my laptop. I find solitude in the quiet of the early morning when my mind is free to think — not react in the moment to whatever chaos is reigning down. Rather, I can thoughtfully and contemplatively explore questions or problems that are top of mind. In a world where everything now seems to happen at hyperspeed, the early morning silence

(broken only by my labored breathing) is an opportunity to use my brain more, my mouth less, and in the process formulate thoughts reflective of careful consideration and not spontaneous reaction.

Being a Head of School is hard work! What’s something in your daily routine that brings you joy?

[DAVE] I like to get to work a little earlier than most. The walk from my car to the front of Allan Building is a special ritual for me. The campus is serene, and as an alum, it is my daily moment to offer thanks for my student experience and the opportunity to lead McDonogh.

I also love watching students play pickleball outside my office. Their skill level has improved dramatically over the year!

Finally, I love eating lunch in Paterakis Dining Hall. It’s one of the most joyful hours on campus as students, faculty, and staff come together for food and fellowship. I think we have the best salad bar in town!

What have you been reading this summer?

[MIKE] I just finished reading “No Heart to Kill,” the second book I have read by C.W. Wells (aka Charlie Britton, former McDonogh Headmaster). While I wait for his next book, I will enjoy finishing the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan. My wife, Carol, got me started on this series last summer, and I am now on book #17 out of 20. My pleasure reading is sporadic so it may take me longer than the summer months to finish the series.

Team colors orange and black not only belong to McDonogh but also to our hometown O’s. Who’s your favorite player and why?

[DAVE] Gunnar! He is a dynamic and dominant player who competes every day with a sense of joy.

I also love that he was a three-sport athlete in high school and believes that exposure was critical to his development. I wish more high school athletes would follow suit and wait to specialize!

Fourth Grade Is On The Way to Middle School

After celebrating with songs and smiles, words of wisdom, and handshakes and hugs at the Closing Ceremony on Friday, May 31, the Class of 2032 tossed their blazers in the air officially marking the end of their Lower School years. Enjoy a snapshot of the morning and see more at mcdonogh.org/lsclosing24.

“Find joy in your learning. If you really concentrate on your work, it’s always fun and exciting.”

1. The Fourth Grade Drum Corps leads the Class of 2032 to the Closing Ceremony. Front to back: Hannah G., Matty L., Nathan L., Otto M., and Elle P.

2. Malcolm D. and Caden L.

3. Jackson B. receives his certificate of completion from Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury.

4. The Lower School Chorus sings “A Little Bit of Love.”

5. Dr. Dan Wagner gives Lucy F. a congratulatory hug.

“From the friendships you’ve made to the lessons you’ve learned, each experience has been a part of your growth. You’ve gained the knowledge and skills you need to take on new challenges and succeed in Middle School and beyond.” – Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury “ Don’t be afraid of fourth grade; it’s really not that hard, and the teachers are all very understanding.” – Advice from a fourth grader

Eighth Grade Closing Has Surprise Ending

The Class of 2028 enjoyed their first in-person ceremony to celebrate advancing to a new division at McDonogh. The Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony on Monday, June 3 was the first time they walked across Childs Memorial Terrace to receive certificates of completion in front of their proud parents, teachers, and friends. Four years ago, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were promoted to Middle School via Zoom. See more photos from the celebration at mcdonogh.org/eighthgradeclosing24.

“In the spring of 2020, you missed the opportunity to celebrate your completion of Lower School with the tradition of tossing your blazers into the air. After speaking with Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury about a one-time invitation for this celebratory tradition to be shared by this special group of Middle School students, she wholeheartedly agreed.”

– Head of Middle School Robyn Little

1. The Class of 2028 enjoys the blazer toss, a rite of passage they missed in 2020.

2. Sophia W. and her proud mother celebrate with a selfie.

3. Head of School Dave Farace ’87 presents the A. Ludlam Michaux, Jr. Award to Selah M. and Riley H. for their outstanding character, which had a positive influence on the entire Middle School.

4. Ari B. is promoted to Upper School.

“ As we enter ninth grade, there are so many chances to take advantage of opportunities we may have missed in Middle School. Whether you try playing squash, join the Formula One club, or work with a nonprofit, there are endless possibilities awaiting. Who knows: you might find a passion in places where you least expect it!” – Maxine K.

THE CLASS OF 2024

Sophie Joan Abrams

Elise Catherine Adkins

Finn William Alexander

Max Lee Allen

Savannah Noel Allen

Max Eric Antwerpen

Catherine Starr Arbaugh

Samuel John Arbaugh

Isabel Sloan Asher

Farrah Olivia Atkinson

Jai Bajaj

Holland Amelia Barnes

Gabrielle Ziad Batrouni

Brooke Madison Baylin

Liam Bruce Beatson

Auden James Beauvois

Jane Elizabeth Bonat

Caiden Eduard Bowers

Kolby Louise Brown

Cypress Guan-Yu Chen

Kare Nataly Coley

Claire Elizabeth Norris Cook

Ella Marcia Cooper

Blakesley Rhodes Coudon

Ephraim Allan Couplin

Anne Cole Cunneen

Jaden Joyce Dahan

Clara Edwards Dawn

Justin Louis Scott DeMario

Alison Marie Doverspike

Leo Michael Doyle

Mason John Elkas

Vahishta Cyrus Engineer

Meseret Annette Englenton

Benjamin Keller Firlie

Arianna Alexis Fowlkes

Aden Samuel Fox

Roman Matthew Gabriel

Neera Raj Gandhi

Isaiah Dion Garrett

Evan Kirk Goode

Mary Rose Gorsky

Sapphire Jeanne Gräder-Beck

Carly Reese Green

Chase Michael Green

Léla Mackenzie Greene

Leo Chenglin Guan

Sabba Isabella Haghgoo

Zarina Elizabeth Michelle Hamilton

Kayden Isaiah Harris

Miles Dalton Heard

Jack Marcus Hershfield

Annika Schuyler Hung

Zoie Grace Jackson

Sydney Maya Jacobstein

Ava Teresa Jankowski

Mikayla Cheveé Johnson

Andrew Clay Johnston, Jr.

Andrew David Kasten

Aidan Brett Kaufman

Rachel Shayna Keane

Ashton Phillip Kendall

Kobe Nou Keomany

Emmett Reginald Kershner

Eloise Johanna Khouzami

Abigail Helen Kim

Lindsay Sebyul Kim

Alexa Jacey Klein

Drew Madison LaBorwit

William Takahashi Lanier

Amanda Renwick Lawson

Jacob Myer Lenet

Kathryn Kernan Levy

Constance Yue Lin

Tony Yuan Liu

Elle Neila Long

Ojoo Tiko MacApiyo

Mary Amor Marquez

Reuben Antonio Marshall, Jr.

Connor Joseph May

Phoebe Mae McGee

Kelly Ann McGonigle

Ryan Michael McGonigle

Ava Ellise McKennie

The Class of 2024 ended their McDonogh journey on a spectacular Friday, June 7 morning with joyful hugs, orange roses, a last walk down Chapel Hill, awards and diplomas, laughs and tears, and pictures — so many pictures. Visit mcdonogh.org/classof2024 to see more photos. For a complete list of awards presented at Commencement and the Upper School Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 2, go to mcdonogh.org/usawards24 .

Owen Michael McKinnell

Paul Gimbel McLucas

Keegan Eugene Meacham, Jr.

Brielle Kailani Miller

Luke Bolten Miller

Mason Sutton Miller

Matthias Wayne Miller

Max Kurt Mislow

Finnley John Mitchell

Zachary Kyle Alexander Moore

Ada Ray Morris

Holden Reed Mostofsky

Alexander Nicholas Moyer

Nailah Elizabeth Muhammad

Anna Jayne Murphy

Amani Gialenpua Murray-Lompo

Nina Elizabeth Murthi

Nikoo Nassiri

Danielle Amaya Nelson

Caroline Carlson Niccolini

Kelvin Niu

Jack Robert Nogueira

Alexander Min-Young North

Ashley Chaeyeon Oh

Noah Anthony Onkst

Brooke Margaret-Marie Palevich

Andrew Arshan Parakhoodi

Paige Ann Pearre

Katherine X. Pesetski

James Edward Pitts

Arie Eric Rakhamimov

Allison Lynne Randall

Caitlin Lee-Ying Rapalski

Blake Aiden Resnick

Yasmeen Shamsia R’ghioui

Brandon Robert Richter

Javier Rodriguez

Jordyn Monet Rollins

Liza Gayle Roseman

Gracie Noelle Salais

Jón Björn Salenger

Santino Cristian Sanchez

Isabel Marie Sandoval

Mateo Andres Sandoval

Remi Sophia Schaller

Sophie Jana Scherz

Georgia Louise Schmidt

Camryn Olivia Sciubba

Raina Love Scott

Victoria Rose Seaman

Rose Beth Seidman

Theodore Joseph Seward

Basil David Sherman

Emma Katharyn Sherman

Madelyn Louise Singer

Aidan Michael Smith

Elizabeth Jane Smith

Jackson Nathaniel Smith

Lillian Richards Smith

Ria Sushma Sood

Drew Samuel Stoler

Dana Karyn Thompson

Connor Thomas Tiffin

Nicholas Anderson Tinsley, Jr.

Sophia Renée Trahan

Lorraine Valentine Turnbull

Joanna Elizabeth Turner

Kennedy Chioma Umeh

Riley Alexandra Uy

Navia Vohra

Annabelle Grace Wagner

Elliet Gabrielle Walton

Sophia Ava Wang

Gabrielle Leah Ward

Isabel Julia Wheaton

Taylor Ashley White

Liam Patrick Whittle

Samara Anya Wickramasinghe

Katelyn Olivia Wilhelm

Megan Elizabeth Winakur

Joseph Leonard Wood V

Taylor AiZon Wu

Matthew Christopher Yoon

Toby Kamran Zakai

Lauren Elisabeth Zappacosta

Mason Thomas Zimmer

1

“Look back and consider your roles as mentors, helping others in our McDonogh community. McDonogh’s yearbook is fittingly called the “Legacy” — passing important beliefs and ideas down from one year to the next and leaving behind a model for the next generation! … When you find yourself mentoring someone, get to know them and guide them based on who they are and how they learn… For each student you have mentored you learned something about yourself. Think of someone who you have mentored and the joy they had from the relationship.” –

Baccalaureate speaker Marty Sataloff

1. Kobe Keomany greets faculty member Daryl Burch.

2. College Counselor Libet Ottinger (center) poses with seniors Nailah Muhammad, Gracie Salais, Brooke Baylin, Drew LaBorwit, Ava McKennie, and Ashton Kendall.

3. Dana Thompson receives her diploma and a hug from her father, Craig Thompson, a member of the Board of Trustees.

4. Members of the Class of 2024 show appreciation with smiles and applause during the Commencement ceremony.

5. Camryn Sciubba, teacher Joanne Cho, Ria Sood, and Zarina Hamilton

The Class of 2024 is the first class to almost give me a heart attack. It was an April Fool’s Day prank. For those of you not in the know, the class secretly worked with my wife, Becky, and dog Boomer to sneak into my house at 5:00 a.m. to surprise me when I came downstairs to the kitchen for my morning coffee. They got me, they got me real good. Seriously, it was the best prank a class has ever pulled on me. Dare I say it was an excellent example of a LifeReady prank? I mean, it involved collaboration, extensive planning, precise execution, and self-discipline as some of you woke up as early as 4:00 a.m. to participate in this group project.”

– Head of School Dave Farace ’87

1. Jai Bajaj receives his diploma from Head of School Dave Farace ’87.

2 Senior speaker Finn Alexander

3. Seniors make their way from Baccalaureate in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre to Tagart Memorial Chapel.

4. Retiring science teacher Andy Motsko celebrates his last walk down Chapel Hill with colleagues Rob Smoot ’77 and Eric Conn.

5. Dave Farace ’87 presents Lindsay Kim with her diploma.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CLASS OF 2024 ?

Each year, McDonogh seniors gain acceptance to many prestigious institutions. McDonogh’s college counselors work with each student to help them determine which college best aligns with their interests, personalities, and aspirations.

Members of the Class of 2024 will attend 95 different colleges and universities in 28 different states and the District of Columbia.

41

4

members of the Class of 2024 have been named National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists.

11 students are heading to Ivy League schools, with Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania both welcoming 4 Eagles and Cornell University, Harvard University, and Princeton University each welcoming 1.

1 student will attend a college or university outside of the United States (University of Westminster-United Kingdom), and 11 students will travel approximately 2,400 miles away from home to college (Stanford University-4, University of California at Irvine-1, University of Southern California-3, San Diego State University-3). GRADUATES WILL PLAY THE SPORT THEY LOVE IN COLLEGE.

3students will attend institutions primarily focused on art and design (Parsons School of Design at The New School, Maryland Institute College of Art, Savannah College of Art and Design).

5

students will continue to have an Eagle as their school mascot (American University-2, Boston College-3) and student will continue to enjoy orange and black as their school colors (Princeton University).

1

3

graduates will attend a service academy (United States Naval Academy-2, United States Coast Guard Academy-1) and students will attend HBCUs (Howard University-1, Spelman College-2, Morgan State University-3).

See the full list of colleges to which the Class of 2024 will matriculate at mcdonogh.org/collegechoices.

6

Finding in Work and Play

It was a big year for McDonogh School, and we’re not just talking about our 150th Anniversary. Behind the scenes, a team of more than 100 faculty and staff members under the leadership of Kara Zimmerman and Kevin Costa were responsible for the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) accreditation process which involved a rigorous self-study of all areas of school life. After submitting a comprehensive 300page report to AIMS, a team of educators from peer schools visited McDonogh in February 2024 to observe the School in action. They met with individual administrators, teachers, and staff; they saw our daily work; they ate with us; and they even witnessed daily drop-off and pickup.

After the visit, the AIMS team leader told a gathering of faculty and staff, “A few things emerged from seeing the School and talking with you. One, how frequently we heard the lead part of your mission, ‘joy in work and play,’ from students, trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and parents. I participated in 10 meetings. The longest time it took for the word joy to be used was three minutes!”

Joy at McDonogh is real. Read on to see how it is woven into the fabric of our vibrant School community.

Pride and JOY

After learning how inventions impact the way people live, children in prekindergarten got busy creating their own. In March they hosted an Invention Convention where they proudly showcased their creations that help make life better. Among their inventions were robots that clean up your room, self-powered hammers, and a water filtration system! Peter B. ’38 proudly displays his invention.

It’s not JOY that makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us JOYFUL

Hearts were filled with joy and gratitude at the final Lower School Cultivating Character Chapel of the school year in late May. As is tradition, fourth graders read thank-you notes they had written to friends, family members, coaches, and teachers. Then, students presented Lower School teachers (pictured are Kate Hailstone and Rebecca Nickolaus) with sunflowers as a token of appreciation for their positivity, optimism, and giving hearts.

Dancing with JOY

The Student Diversity Leadership Council hosted a block party in April, featuring 14 student-led clubs. Upper schoolers made lanterns for Eid, played with dreidels, sampled foods from different regions, got henna tattoos, and, of course, danced! Arianna Fowlkes ’24 teaches a line dance to the block party crowd.

JOY RIDE

From the innovation center to the stadium, eighth graders turned their science project into a highspeed showdown — the Middle School Soap Box Derby. The unit included in-depth studies on the physics involved in designing wheels and axles that minimize friction and maximize speed. Students also learned about the engineering design process by planning and constructing their own cars, considering factors such as aerodynamics, weight distribution, and structural integrity. During the race, they collected data to analyze making improvements to their car designs and other factors that affect performance. Props to all the teams for bringing their A-game and showing off their wheels! Driving car number 43 is Mikhael V ’28.

Wishes for Peace and JOY

In celebration of the Lunar New Year in February, students enrolled in the Middle School Chinese world language class decorated the lobby of the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Building and hung their resolutions or hopes for a prosperous new year on a Wish Tree. Also part of the celebration, teacher Xuan Weng and a handful of students shared a traditional dance at a Middle School assembly.

On Friday afternoons beginning in September, aspiring rock stars gathered in the basement of Keelty Hall, under the direction of Steve Martel, to play music. Rock Shop, a McDonogh mainstay for almost 15 years, has been both a Middle School club and a summer music camp. During the sessions, Middle

School club members formed four rock bands and practiced their covers of popular songs in anticipation of the annual Well, Well, Well Concert. In February, the Rock Shop bands were the featured attraction of the concert fundraiser. They brought down the house with their performances, and in

Find JOY in the Journey

collaboration with Eighth Grade Leadership students, raised more than $2,200 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and to support Ascend Through Music — a children’s music program that is part of the Living Classrooms Foundation.

Pictured are Izzy G. ’29, Carter T. ’29, and Karionie C. ’30.

Doing GOOD is a Source of

At the annual Greatest Good McDonogh Showcase in May, board member David Rothschild ’82, whose vision and financial support brought the idea of Greatest Good McDonogh to the School, celebrated the founding director of the program, Bridget Collins ’90, saying, “Doing good is not just a nice thing to do or a moral thing to do, it’s a source of joy and fulfillment.”

The final portion of the Showcase was dedicated to the fourth grade’s efforts with Giving Square and the Kids for Kids fund. Throughout the spring, students gained an understanding of the challenges faced by children in our community and learned about the nonprofits that address those needs. Then, each fourth grade homeroom had the responsibility of determining which child-focused nonprofit in the Baltimore community would be the recipient of $1,000 toward their important cause. One homeroom chose the Cool Kids Campaign devoted to improving the quality of life for kids with cancer and their families.

Jonathan M. ’31 learns to use a D-SLR

K.

L.

Vinay B. ’31

CHOOSE JOY

From the start of the school year, middle schoolers looked forward to the last two weeks of the school year, but not just in anticipation of summer. Their sights were set on Middle School Academy — a two-week immersive and experiential program in which they take a deep dive into two of 24 unique courses of their choosing. With names like Spy School, Global Cooking, and Shark Tank, students have the opportunity to explore unique and engaging interdisciplinary classes that feature the six core LifeReady domains: creative and critical thinking; self-knowing; communicating; perspective taking; collaborating; and connecting. Academy’s success is not only because students can choose classes based on their interests but also because it creates opportunities for them to discover something new. As Enny O. ’30 says, “Academy allows me to embrace skills I didn’t know I had.”

Jordan

’29 discusses a mosaic at the Baltimore Museum of Art in her class Monsters, Myths, and Mosaics.

considers a draft of the bridge he will construct in Building Bridges.

Gabrielle

’29 checks out her catch in Stream Studies.

camera in the In Focus course.

JOY of Cooking

Throughout the year, upper schoolers taking Cynthia Cox’s Nonfiction Studies in Food Culture and Systems learned how food reflects identity and builds community. The hands-on course was driven by the need to solve a local problem related to food, and it included field trips to farms and local organizations concerned with food; cooking in the Roots Farm Culinary Kitchen; and building social impact skills by working with the Greatest Good McDonogh team. In May, the students experienced the joy of cooking for others at a communal meal they prepared for their families. Pictured are Sophia Papadakis ’25 and Jeff Exinor ’25.

JOY in the MOMENT

There was triple the fun at the Winter Athletic Spirit Day in February. Dressed in their festive orange and black, students from all three divisions enjoyed an afternoon of basketball excitement. The tripleheader featured the girls varsity team and the boys JV and varsity teams.

Students in prekindergarten and first grade marked their 100th day of school on February 20 by showing off their counting skills and celebrating all things centennial. They enjoyed a surprise visit from Zero the Hero (Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury) who held a dance party and shared Smarties as treats. From crafts and games centered around the magical number to elaborately decorated shirts, students seemed to have found 100 ways to celebrate.

Jump for JOY Bundles of JOY

After learning about the mission of the Red Devils, a local nonprofit that supports families of people battling breast cancer, the second and fourth grades collaborated to write poetry with thoughtful messages and made cozy fleece Blankets of Hope for those going through treatment. At the annual

Hope Chapel in late February, the poems of hope were read, songs were sung, and blankets were presented to the Red Devils and to two members of the McDonogh Lower School community who have been battling breast cancer, evoking tears of joy.

Serene S. and Will T. and their prekindergarten friends jump for joy.

Fourth graders Kayla G. and Hannah G. carry handmade bundles of joy to the chapel during which Telisha Metcalfe was presented with a blanket by Olivia G.

A JOY TO BEHOLD

On Take Apart Day in February, second graders took a look at the inside of appliances, cameras, phones, and printers to explore what makes them work. Working with Upper School Engineering II students to dismantle complex machines, they discovered that many are powered by simple devices.

Does It SPARK

JOY?

Upper schoolers celebrated Earth Day and helped beautify the campus by planting trees, weeding the pollinator garden, cleaning campus streams, and more. These efforts, sponsored by the McDonogh Goes Green club, help the community continue its commitment to environmental stewardship!

Carter B. ’34 and Liam Whittle ’24 discover what’s inside a computer keyboard.

Sabba Haghgoo ’24 and Lauren Zappacosta ’24 think these saplings will be just right.

The 34th Annual Cardboard Boat Race featured seven meticulously crafted cardboard boats designed and constructed by teams of Upper School students. The crews set sail on their first — and last — journeys across the pond in boats with names such as Thomas the Train, Subrina the Yellow Submarina, and the Magic School Bus. After two heats in front of an enthusiastic crowd, it was sink and swim for the soggy flotilla.

THE HILL

SCHOOLWIDE JOY SOARS ON

“Are you Team Orange or Team Black?” This was the question students were asking each other back in January when Head of School Dave Farace ’87 announced Eagle Day, a new tradition of fun and games, launched in conjunction with McDonogh’s 150th Anniversary! To make the communitywide celebration even more fun, all students were randomly assigned to a team, based on School colors. Farace explained, “All members of a family will be on the same team, and this designation will stay with your family throughout your time at McDonogh (and, hopefully, beyond!).”

Four months later, with Eagle Day on the horizon, members of Team Orange and Team Black began collecting points with their eye on the prize — the team with the most points at the end of the day would earn the honor of having their flag flown over campus for the rest of the year. Students participated in scavenger hunts to find Eagles hidden around campus, and they gave back to the greater Baltimore community by donating Birthday

Packs (cake mix, icing, candles, birthday plates, and napkins) for distribution by the Baltimore Hunger Project.

When Eagle Day arrived, the School community — decked out in their team colors — gathered in John McDonogh Stadium where students participated in relays,

races, and games. School spirit flew high as students in all three divisions competed with and against each other. It was a back and forth battle for the lead, but at the end of the day, Team Orange pulled ahead, going down in McDonogh history as the first winner. —Meredith Bower

EAGLE DAY

1. Seniors lead the charge and excite the crowd for the first annual Eagle Day!

2. Team Orange and Team Black compete in a thrilling tug-of-war.

3. Kam Laudenslager ’25 soars ahead in the race to beat Team Black.

4. Paul McLucas ’24 (Team Orange) and Zoie Jackson ’24 (Team Black) helped create the contagious and positive energy that filled the stadium during Eagle Day.

5. Charlotte C. ’29 and Nadia A. ’29 show their Eagle spirit.

6. Genevie D. ’34 and Katie L. ’34 prepare to fly like Eagles.

7. Bridget Collins ’90 rallies the crowd.

8. Despite being on different teams, Benjamin K. ’33 and Simon G. ’33 enjoy the fun of Eagle Day.

9. Nick Abrams ’26 hugs younger brother Aidan ’31 in celebration of Team Orange’s Eagle Day victory.

10. Faculty members join the fun in an intense push-up competition.

CIRCLING THE HILL FACULTY CHAIR AWARDED, NEW CHAIR ANNOUNCED

Teaching Chair Awards are typically presented to teachers with a long-standing tenure. However, the Susan Hillis Newton Teaching Chair, funded by Drs. Susan Cummings and Kris Jenner, recognizes McDonogh teachers, with 10 or fewer years of experience, who show promise for the future. At the closing faculty and staff meeting in June, the audience erupted with applause when it was announced that Josh Fitch ’08 was the recipient of the Chair. In making the announcement, Head of School Dave Farace ’87 shared that as a student, Fitch, a wrestler, was both outgoing and humble. After college, he returned to McDonogh as a wrestling coach and a substitute teacher. His charm, calming presence, and ability to relate to children of all ages soon led to a full-time opportunity as a kindergarten associate teacher. Soon after Fitch moved on to fourth grade and then to Middle School where he is currently a language arts teacher.

In presenting the Newton Chair to the young teacher, Farace said, “Just six years into his full-time McDonogh career as a teacher-coach, our honoree, Josh Fitch, has already established himself as a rising star, and we are delighted to give him the recognition he deserves.”

The good news continued with the announcement of the Douglas M. Kolodny, Ph.D. ’70 Distinguished Teaching Chair

Kolodny, who was present for the announcement, says he entered McDonogh as a freshman in 1966 and was an average student who relied heavily on his instructors to push and challenge him. Science was and is his passion, as reflected by his career. He has developed and marketed eco-friendly biopesticides, led business development efforts for firms in the therapeutic and regenerative medicine space, and founded a company that researched genomics in the hopes of treating diseases such as muscular dystrophy.

In describing his motivation to make a commitment to McDonogh, Kolodny says, “I wanted to acknowledge a select group of teachers who have the potential to dramatically alter the life trajectory of future generations. I owe much of my academic achievements and professional success to a handful of committed and gifted instructors. It is my hope that funding this Distinguished Teaching Chair sustains McDonogh’s mission of educating students to be LifeReady.” —Meredith Bower

During McDonogh’s Legacy Campaign Celebration in mid-May, the newest inductees to the Circle of Philanthropy, Donna and Sam Wright ’64, were recognized for their exceptional dedication to the School. This honor is reserved for members of the McDonogh Family who, within their lifetime, have given more than $1 million; have had a noteworthy, schoolwide impact or supported and directed fundraising for a School priority project; and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to do the greatest possible amount of good for McDonogh and the larger community. There are now 21 members of this prestigious group.

The Wrights’ relationship with McDonogh began in September 1959 when Sam entered the eighth grade as a scholarship student. He shares that initially he was told he would not be offered a scholarship, but fate intervened and when another student turned down the opportunity, he was “the next man up.”

Sam, a loyal alumnus for more than six decades with Donna by his side supporting his volunteerism and helping honor his past, was not only instrumental in planning the Class of 1964 reunions, but he also served on McDonogh’s Board of Trustees for nine years. Over time, the Wrights have given generously to the School and are especially committed to supporting scholarship. Sam’s leadership has been invaluable to McDonogh’s fundraising efforts, most recently as Co-Chair of the Legacy Campaign Committee.

As parents (Craig ’88 and Jennifer) and grandparents (Grace ’19 and Suzanna ’21) Sam and Donna have continued to witness the lifechanging benefits of a McDonogh education. He says, “We have been honored to support McDonogh and help enable the School to offer current and future students the same level of transformational experiences that have impacted the lives of its students for 150 years!”

—Danielle Schollaert

Endowed

HONORING THE 2024 CIRCLE OF PHILANTHROPY INDUCTEES

Read about the Legacy Campaign Celebration on page 34.

Head of School Dave Farace ’87 celebrates Donna and Sam Wright ’64, the newest members of the Circle of Philanthropy.

L AN UN-BEE-LIEVABLE TEACHABLE MOMENT

CIRCLING THE HIL

Buzz-worthy Numbers

305 pounds of honey is harvested at Roots Farm annually.

In a lesson about bees and other pollinators, Paitin H. ’35 and her classmates examine a honeycomb.

On an early May afternoon, a swarm of bees could be seen outside the Lower School’s Dudley Hall classrooms. But it wasn’t cause for alarm. People knew exactly what to do. Call the Roots Farm beekeeper!

For the next few hours, the prefirst students had a birdseye view of the action. From their classroom window, they watched as Beekeeper Bonnie Britt and Director of Roots Farm Sharon Hood, dressed in protective gear, calmly gathered the swarm in a sheet, put them in a bee box, and transported them to the hives at Roots.

The experience had the curious children (and their teachers) buzzing. “I live for organic experiences that breed opportunities for students to really connect with what’s in front of them, and this was one of them,” says prefirst teacher Tricia Crnilovic. “It was an incredible opportunity. It shows how amazingly cool Mother Nature is, as well as our vastly diverse campus, filled with many living things and people who help cultivate, protect, and preserve them.”

Worker bees create wax honeycombs for 3 reasons: to raise new bees, to produce bee bread, and to store honey reserves.

Hundreds of hollow, thin-walled hexagons about 5.5 mm wide and 11 mm deep comprise the honeycomb. It is made from wax secreted from glands on worker bee abdomens.

To make 1 pound of wax, worker bees must consume 6-8 pounds of honey.

To produce that much honey, they must gather more than 40 pounds of nectar by visiting 12-16 million flowers.

While teachers used the swarm of honeybees as a teachable moment, more often the lessons on pollinators are a planned part of the curriculum. Each school year, Farmer Hood and Beekeeper Britt take every opportunity to speak to students of all ages about the delicate balance of nature and the crucial role of honeybees, butterflies, and other insects. In Middle and Upper School, students delve into the captivating world of beekeeping and learn the intricate process of honey extraction, from decapping the frames to filling jars with the golden nectar. They learn that the cover crops planted in the fields are responsible for the flavor and color of the honey. And they marvel at the various roles of the bees from the queen who regulates the unity of the colony and lays up to 3,000 eggs in a day to the workers who build and protect the hive. Most importantly, they learn to respect the tiny creatures and the important part they play in our food supply! —Meredith Bower

It takes the collective effort of 12 worker bees to produce just one teaspoon of honey during their short 6-week lifespan.

Beekeeper Bonnie Brit inspects one of the 13 bee hives at Roots.

Honey Peach Popsicles

(makes about 12)

1 cup farm fresh peaches cut into small pieces, plus more if you would like to put peach pieces in the molds

1/2 cup Roots Farm honey (more if you like your treats sweeter)

2 cups water

2 cups orange juice, pineapple juice, or apple juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Bring water, honey, and juice to a boil. Remove from heat and add in salt and lemon juice. Let cool slightly. Then, using a blender, puree mixture with peaches until smooth. Place extra pieces of peach in popsicle molds and fill them with the liquid. Freeze and enjoy!

INCLUDES CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MCDONOGH

Director of Global Programs Hilary McDonough, along with upper schoolers Maggie Johnston ’25 and Elyse Scott ’25, collaborated with faculty and student representatives from 21 other Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG) Leading Partner Schools in the creation of a new publication titled “Intercultural Dialogue: A Field Guide for Educators & Schools.”

The first-of-its-kind K-12 guide is designed to help educators and student leaders worldwide bring dialogue into their programs and promote competencies like perspective-taking and intercultural communication.

McDonough authored the chapter Preparing for Dialogue, and one of her McDonogh classes — in which she connected her students with a classroom in Peru — served as a model for elementary school English and Spanish dialogue. Maggie and Elyse, members of the GEBG Student Leadership Council, provided valuable insights from their involvement on GEBG committees and their work developing and facilitating virtual dialogues for both GEBG and McDonogh School’s Global Dialogues series. Their efforts have fostered intercultural communication with peers at McDonogh and other schools in the United States and around the globe.

“McDonogh’s partnership with GEBG underscores the School’s emphasis on global programming and commitment to fostering productive, inclusive, and respectful discourse,” says McDonough.

The Global Education Benchmark Group is a leading nonprofit association of K-12 schools that researches and establishes model practices in the field of global education. —Nina Sinnott

Maggie Johnston ’25,

Elyse Scott ’25, and Hilary McDonough >>>

GREATEST GOOD MCDONOGH NAMES NEW DIRECTOR

When Jen Pineau ’97 talks about her new role as the director of Greatest Good McDonogh, it’s clear she is invigorated by all that the program has achieved in a few short years and its endless potential. Stepping into the position previously held by Bridget Collins ’90, Pineau says she is energized by the opportunity to work with so many different people on campus and to continue the efforts of the signature program.

Since returning to McDonogh in 2007 as a member of the Middle School faculty and serving as a college counselor for the past 13 years, Pineau has been involved in service-learning programming and is committed to the work of equity and inclusion. She represents the best of what distinguishes excellent teaching and mentoring: patience, a keen ability to listen, and a big heart.

In accepting the leadership role, Pineau says, “I am really honored to have the opportunity to take this amazing program that Bridget created to the next level.” She adds that she looks forward to working with Greatest Good McDonogh Program Director Artie Spruill to strengthen the projects and partnerships she has established and to bring new groups into the fold. “Artie has a wealth of knowledge about how nonprofits work, the challenges they face, and where volunteers can be helpful,” she says.

Pineau also sees the opportunity to further tap into the potential of the McDonogh community — whether an athletic team, a student service organization, or a second grade class — to engage interpersonally and make lasting connections. “When you feel connected, you’re more likely to really put your heart into it,” she explains. “When you know better, you do better.”

She adds that she is grateful to David Rothschild ’82* for his vision for Greatest Good McDonogh and his conviction that by teaching students to do the greatest possible amount of good in thought, word, and deed, one day they are going to make an impact in the world. As the parent of three McDonogh students, Pineau has witnessed the Program’s impact on her Lower and Middle School children as they are developing habits of mind, volunteering, and understanding what it means to be a philanthropist. “They are learning to recognize that they can figure out what their passions are and that they have the power to make a difference.”

In looking to the future of Greatest Good McDonogh, Pineau sees the potential for students, their families, and faculty in every division to get involved. “It’s a super exciting opportunity!” she says.

*David Rothschild ’82 and the Rothschild Foundations are committed to advancing educational initiatives that inspire philanthropic and social engagement. They catalyzed the launch of Greatest Good McDonogh in 2019 with an endowed commitment and partnership support.

—Meredith Bower

Jen Pineau ’97 and Artie Spruill

SHOP TALK: JOY IS A PART OF LEARNING ITSELF

BY KEVIN J. COSTA, PH.D., DIRECTOR OF LIFEREADY

I sit here looking out of my Allan Building office window, and I see joyful middle schoolers in groups and in circles with energetic, caring teachers leading them.

I hear laughter.

I see learning taking place in front of my eyes.

They are in the middle of their Academy classes — end-of-year “deep dives” into a range of fascinating courses with names like CSI, Spy School, and In Focus.

The initial idea for Academy was proposed by Middle School teachers Jen Smith and Denise Wolf in 2016. The program is designed to allow students to focus on just a few courses in great detail for two weeks at the end of the school year. The genius of Academy lies in its ability to engage students in rigorous learning because the work is genuinely fun. Take this course, Escape Room, which describes students’ experience with this thrilling pitch:

Learn what it takes to build an escape room. Explore in-person and virtual escape rooms and analyze the multilayered systems behind the scenes. Design props, locks, and puzzles based on a story you have created. Then, hone your logic skills and collaborate with your team using interactive design, live-action roleplay, and logic puzzles to create a unique pathway to freedom. Design and build a challenging and immersive escape experience that your peers will test, and provide parents with a guided tour.

Who wouldn’t want to take this course?

I have bold-faced several terms and phrases in this description to make this point clear: when students are building, analyzing, collaborating, and honing skills, they are spending their days doing the creative work that Benjamin Bloom, a world-renowned educational psychologist, placed at the very top of his taxonomy for cognitive rigor in learning. Indeed, any kind of deep thinking, as the learning sciences suggest, is likely to lead to the creation of longterm memories and

understanding; as teachers, we know this. But for students? They see this kind of creative endeavor as pure fun. And yet, when they are working together — thinking, building, and negotiating — they are using key LifeReady muscles. The power this kind of learning provides develops students with useful skills that transfer to other areas of life.

Joy, then, isn’t something that happens next to learning — it is part of learning itself.

Take the story of Josh D. ’29 who took the Academy offering M&M Songwriting Productions, so named because the class is being taught by Middle School teachers Steve Martel and Patrick Martel (ironically, they are not related!). Students, the course description notes, “will write, record, and perform original songs,” again engaging in creative, thinking-rich work.

When I spoke with Josh, I asked him what made this course so special, and he told me, “It’s been sort of natural to me to want to play and create music, but I’ve never really had an outlet into writing music before this class. I’ve tried, and it hasn’t really turned out all that well, and I feel like this class helped me channel that creativity into actually making something.”

Josh shared that he wrote two original songs and that he played drums on other songs written by his classmates, noting, “It was a very collaborative process.” I asked him if he learned anything else that was really new, and Josh said, “So, on that last day, in fact, I started playing a guitar. And I’ve never touched a guitar. Mr. Martel taught me some chords, and I started playing.” Josh plans to attend Steve Martel’s longstanding summer camp, Rock Shop, where he will no doubt continue to hone his craft while widening his musical experiences.

When LifeReady learning is running at full capacity, one doesn’t even see it — it’s like the old saying, “if you love your job, you never work a day in your life.” Now, that’s joy!

P.S. M&M Songwriter’s Academy wrote and produced more than 20 songs during Academy! Listen to the playlist: mcdonogh.org/mandm

FROM RAGTAG TO REGIONALS

Becoming involved in robotics as a fifth grader was a defining moment for Caitlin Rapalski ’24. In fact, she looks at her young life in two parts — before robotics and after robotics. It all began when, with the encouragement of a friend who knew she loved LEGO sets, she joined the fledgling club that built robots with the colorful bricks and programmed them to do simple tasks. Looking back, Caitlin, who was immediately hooked, says, “I knew I really loved solving problems. But I didn’t realize what problems I liked solving…until robotics.”

McDonogh participates in three robotics leagues organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global community devoted to preparing young people for the future. The youngest group, FIRST LEGO League (FLL) geared toward fourth to eighth graders, inspires critical thinking, core values, coding, design, and building skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics. Students in eighth grade through Upper School participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) where they learn to think like engineers as they design, build, and code 18-inch robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Finally, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), comprised of all Upper School students, combines the excitement of sports with the rigor of science and technology. FRC mentor and Upper School physics teacher Eric Conn puts it simply, “The youngest kids work with LEGOS, as they get older they build with what looks like erector sets, and lastly they build the big robots with materials like lumber and scrap aluminum.”

A decade ago, although McDonogh had an Upper School FRC team, there was no pipeline through which younger students could progress. In 2015, thanks to a series of serendipitous events and dedicated parents, led by volunteer coach Damian Doyle ’95, an FLL team was formed. His son, Leo ’24, a founding member of the young group, recalls, “We were a very ragtag team of fourth graders who clearly didn’t know what was going on.” Despite their lack of experience, they had fun, and once they got going, they began winning tournaments and going to the state championships.

Meanwhile, Caitlin, who joined the team in 2016, wasn’t the only one in her family intrigued by the robotics program. Her engineer father, Jason Rapalski, offered his expertise as a volunteer coach and soon became Doyle’s assistant. For the next several years, the two dads taught the students basic engineering skills, built camaraderie among the group, helped them innovate, and focused on the core values of the FIRST program.

Doyle says creating a pathway of programs and options starting in Lower School is “fantastic,” noting, “They are being taught the same design principles they will learn in college. Through FIRST, they are reinforced in fun, exciting, and positive ways.”

Rapalski adds, “It’s not about just building the robot, it’s how you do it together in an environment where everybody’s welcome.”

Kudos & Congratulations! What do a chess champion, the grounds crew, and a legislative page have in common? They are all featured on the Kudos page in the Media Hub for their accomplishments. Visit mcdonogh.org/kudos to see the many different things our current students, faculty, and staff are doing outside the classroom. Congratulations!

Founding members of the FLL team in 2016. Back row: Caitlin Rapalski ’24, Zarina Hamilton ’24, Joanna Turner ’24, and Nathan Eldridge ’26. Front row: Will Kilbel ’23 and Leo Doyle ’24.

For the past eight years, Caitin, Leo, and classmates Jón Salenger and Zarina Hamilton have moved through the robotics programs at McDonogh largely under the direction of coaches Rapalski, Doyle, and Conn. This school year, the three coaches, who prefer the term “mentor,” worked with more than 50 students from all three divisions. Rapalski, who now coaches his son’s FTC team, explains, “We believe that no matter what level, the kids must be the ones to solve the problem. As coaches, we support the kids, give them the resources they need, and help them think it through.”

Caitlin agrees, saying her father and the other mentors are their biggest

cheerleaders. “And,” she adds with a laugh, “They keep us from burning the building down.” In other words, “They’re really big on us figuring out a solution ourselves and that definitely helps the team feel more independent. We have a greater level of ownership as opposed to them just telling us what to do.”

As McDonogh’s first FLL team from the Class of 2024 graduates from McDonogh and ages out of the FIRST program, they are already looking at ways to continue being involved as judges, mentors, and referees. Caitlin, who plans to pursue a career in aerospace, says, “The FIRST robotics community nationwide is super welcoming and supportive. On a personal level,

Damian Doyle ’95, Leo Doyle ’24, Caitlin Rapalski ’24, and Jason Rapalski at one of their final FIRST competitions.

being a woman in STEM, there’s something really special about having female role models — people who look like you, are doing things like you, and showing you that there’s a place for you in science.”

For Leo, an incident at one of his first FLL competitions serves as an inspiration to mentor or referee younger teams. He recalls being a member of the “ragtag team” of fourth graders explaining, “We forgot to switch our batteries out before our match and our robot died on the field. Then we got a bunch of penalties because we were touching it to try and figure out what was going on. The head referee reworked the entire schedule of the tournament so that we could replace our batteries and get another shot.” He continues, “I aim to be that guy who helps teams get that second chance so they have the same memories that I had.”

Today, students are introduced to LEGO robotics in first grade by Lower School engineering and innovation teacher Jake Trout. They continue to gain exposure to robotics through fourth grade when they begin learning competitionlevel skills. Beginning in fifth grade, students can join the Middle School FLL team managed by Trout, with training and support from the older students in the division, before they move on to FTC and FRC.

—Meredith

Bower

Eight years after their first competition, Leo Doyle ’24 and his FRC teammates escort their robot 4505 to the competition floor at a 2024 tournament hosted by McDonogh.

IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME

If you envision archival research as sifting through dusty boxes of documents hidden away on attic shelves, then a visit to McDonogh’s Wilson | Young Archives & Special Collections is sure to broaden your perspective. Located on the second floor of Lyle Building, the airy and inviting space, which opened in the fall of 2023, has already welcomed hundreds of visitors from four-year-olds who are learning how the campus, rituals, and uniforms have changed over time, to alumni who lived through those transitions.

Students studying U.S. History are learning that the Archives are rich with resources offering unique perspectives on critical moments from the past. Lessons come to life when students read a handwritten letter from a young McDonogh alumnus fighting on the front lines of World War I to his former teacher about what he witnessed. And their interest is piqued when

For Liam G. ’38 and his classmates, exploring the Archives and trying on the McDonogh military uniform was a highlight of their prekindergarten social studies unit: Past, Present, and Future.

they can pour over archival photos of WPA workers constructing the campus buildings that they traverse daily. Visits to the Archives also help students understand the impact of social change at McDonogh as in the case of the dissolution of the School’s military program in 1970.

Archives Director Christine Ameduri supports faculty in all three divisions by gathering relevant materials for classes from yearbooks and photographs to artifacts and ephemera. She says she is thrilled with the scope of learning taking place in the Wilson | Young Archives & Special Collections and points out other valuable skills the students are absorbing. “Working with and handling primary source materials is a skill set that they will use in college. We use the same tools and resources used by colleges and universities so they will be well prepared,” she says. —Meredith Bower

Natalia D. ’31 and Mikaela A. ’31 used yearbooks, school newspapers, and a World War II ration booklet to better understand McDonogh’s past in the context of history.

150 STORIES FROM OUR FIRST 150 YEARS

Throughout McDonogh’s 150th Anniversary year, we shared 150 stories about the people, places, traditions, pivotal moments, and interesting information that make the School unique. Enjoy our storied history and discover something new at mcdonogh.org/history/150stories.

Our Benefactor 1. Dedication Hymn 2.

Doors Open With 21 Boys 3.

A Sacred Place to Honor Heroes 4. The Spring Fair 5.

Uniform in Appearance 6.

Students Adopt a French Boy 7.

Architect of the School 8.

Stadium Sees Few Changes in 85 Years 9. Sink or Swim 10.

From Cavalry to Equestrian 11.

Milk, Fresh from the Cow 12.

A Mother to Many 13.

Innovation Happens Here 14.

By the mid-1930s, the School had a fleet of buses with students often serving as the drivers.

This popular story surprised many people who knew her name but not her connection to the School.

This important part of U.S. history has a direct connection to McDonogh.

Now that the School’s 150th Anniversary has passed, look at how other milestone years were celebrated.

Title Change at the Top 15.

Alumni Association Maintains Connection 16.

Legacy of Eustace Glascock (1879) 17.

Let’s Take a Dip 18.

Campus Stream Supplies Water for All 19.

Celebrating Excellence, Justice, Honor 20. Symbolism of the Seal 21.

A Symbol of Military Heritage 22.

“Old Man Lyle” a Favorite of the Young 23.

“Sign my yearbook!” 24.

Fire Destroys Building, Not Spirit 25.

Variety Show Earns Rave Reviews 26.

A Space for Celebration and Ceremony 27.

Shells Pave the Way to McDonogh 28.

Inventor of the Gantt Chart 29.

Hop on the Bus Gus 30.

Opening Convocation: Ringing in the New Year 31.

Third Principal Makes His Mark 32.

The Week: Maryland’s Oldest Scholastic Newspaper 33.

A Caretaker at the Helm 34.

Landing on the School Colors and Eagle Mascot 35.

Officially Enrolling Every Student 36.

Who Was Jane Bay 37.

Foxleigh Estate Becomes McDonogh School 38.

McDonogh’s Contribution to the Space Race 39.

Campus Housing Creates Community 40. Rooted in Farming 41.

Principal Established Academic Standards 42. The Chapel on the Hill 43.

McDonogh Station: A Connection to Home 44.

William T. Childs 45.

WPA Workers Make Impact at McDonogh 46. Longest Serving Leader 47.

Boys Did the Bidding at Mealtime 48.

Fire Bell Warns of Danger 49. 150 Years of LifeReady 50.

Honoring Those Who Have Gone Before Us 51.

Legacy of Leadership 52.

Pin Ceremony Signifies Higher Status 53.

Welcome Little Eagles 54. Heating the Campus Buildings 55.

Samuel Tagart: the Key to the School’s Opening 56. Hundreds Program Creates Connections 57. Behavior Debits and Credits 58. The End of an Era 59.

Walnut Day: An Annual School Holiday 60.

A Rivalry for the Ages 61. We Love a Parade 62.

The Price Memorial Trophy 63. Award Honors Devotion to McDonogh 64.

Teaching Students to Do the Greatest Good 65.

A New Era for McDonogh 66. Where Meals and Memories Are Made 67.

The Evolution of Student Government 68.

Parents Provide Support 69.

Milestone Anniversaries: A Cause for Celebration 70. Taking on the Role of President 71.

Boarding Program Withstands the Test of Time 72.

McDonogh Archives Houses 150 Years of History 73.

Students Enlisted to Provide Weather Reports 74. Industrious Boys Build Bunnyville 75.

76. Drum Corps Marches On 77. Allan Building Rose from the Ashes of New House

78. Classes Teach Valuable Vocational Skills

79. Calling Pikesville 775

80. Honor Code Sets the Tone

81. The Holiday Project

82. Going Coeducational

83. Lyle Building

84. Brass Eagle Keeps Up With Teen Tastes

85. Ever-Evolving Finney Building

86. The Legendary Life of Edwards Gymnasium

87. A Paycheck Plus Pork

88. Tagart Bells Evoke Fond Memories

89. The Amenities of Main Street in Allan Building

90. Global Opportunities Open Minds

91. Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser

92. Snow Day!

93. Student Pioneers: The Firsts

94. Be the Best of Whatever You Are

95. Yakkity-Yak, McDonogh’s Back

96. Committed to People and Joy

97. The Military Provided Structure and Readiness

98. Clarence A. Burck Center for the Performing Arts

99. Make Way for Ducklings

100. Prospect Hill Estate

101. A Journey of Growth and Transformation

102. Senior Quad Now Welcomes All

103. Edward St. John Student Center

104. What’s the Oldest Structure on Campus?

105. Beale Rollins (1915)

106. Day Hops Arrive in 1927

107. Award-Winning Animal Husbandry Program

108. McDonogh’s Guiding Principles: Words to Live By

109. McDonogh Uniform Poem Has Lasting Impact

110. Memorial to Those Enslaved and Freed

111. Q. D. Thompson

112. Love is in the Air

113. Aquapalooza

114. Ice Houses Kept it Cool

115. Competitive Drill: The Culmination of a Year’s Work

Imagine a science teacher nicknamed “Bugs” being followed around campus by ducklings who thought he was their mother.

Is it better to be a boarder or a day student? Read what students said in 1948.

116. The Future of Learning: Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Middle School

117. Illness Shuts Down School

118. Faculty Chairs Recognize Excellence

119. What Does it Take to Become a McDonogh Student?

120. Fencing, Riflery, Ice Hockey, and Crew

121. A Career Dedicated to Independent Schools

122. Understanding Freedom of Expression and Civil Discourse

123. Owings Mills Corporate Campus

124. Stewart Recital: A Showcase of Performing Arts

125. Memories of Gray

126. McDonogh is a Community That Remembers

127. Typewriting Machines to Computers

128. Capital Campaigns: Essential to the Future

This story will give you real appreciation for ice machines and freezers!

As far as sports equipment goes, these days, pickleball paddles have replaced swords and rifles!

129. From Camp Red Cloud in the Adirondacks to Camp Red Eagle at McDonogh

130. The Fun of Being a Senior

131. E. Carey Kenney: Artist in Residence

132. Rollins-Luetkemeyer Athletic Center

133. Naylor Building: A Calculated Design

134. Horsehead Woods: A Hidden Treasure

135. Libraries Prove Popular

136. Chores Today Are Like Nothing of the Past

137. Athletic Hall of Fame is a Win

138. Seniors Mark the End of Their Time

139. There’s No Argument About the Art of Debate

140. What’s in the File Room

141. Commencement Marks End of McDonogh Journey

142. How Good Teachers Become Great

143. Bowman House

144. School Store Offers Clothing, Candy, and More

145. Chapel Gatherings Inspire

146. Dancing the Night Away

147. Badges, Buttons, Patches, and Pins

148. A Vacuum Cleaner and Other Firsts

149. Reunions

150. Bits and Pieces

How did this part of campus get its name?

Read about the beloved dog, Mookey, and other little known facts.

WE DID IT!

It is with great joy and deep gratitude that we announce the completion of the Legacy Campaign — the largest capital campaign in McDonogh’s history!

We are forever grateful to more than 6,100 members of the McDonogh Family — loyal alumni, former and current parents and grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends — who supported the Campaign and contributed to its remarkable success, helping to surpass our $90 million goal and raise $96,635,402. A Campaign Impact Report highlighting the success of the Legacy Campaign and listing the generous donors will be published in the fall of 2024.

TOTAL GIFTS BY CATEGORY

• Middle School $ 25.6 Million

• Endowments

• The McDonogh Fund

$ 43.8 Million

$ 20.2 Million

• Special Projects and $ 7.0 Million Unrestricted Support

1. Arthur Adler ’78, Rachel Adler, Amy Blavatt, and Jason Blavatt

2. Jon Aaron ’72, Kurt Aarsand ’81, and Jeanne Aarsand

3. Andy Oldewurtel-Ilioff ’06 and Mike Ferguson ’06

4. Farah Qureshi Nur ’04 and Zak Nur

5. Alexa Klein ’24

6 Susan Scherz

7. Sam Wright ’64, Kristin Kushlan Finkelstein ’03, Sudhir Rao, Rob Bavar ’90, Mike Cummings, and Dave Farace ’87

Celebrating PHILANTHROPY

In anticipation of the Legacy Campaign’s close at the end of the School’s fiscal year, nearly 125 members of the McDonogh community gathered on Tuesday, May 14 to celebrate their collective commitment to the School. With the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Middle School building — one of the Campaign’s three main priorities — as the backdrop, guests learned about the impact the Campaign has already had on the community.

President of the Board of Trustees Mike Cummings provided an update highlighting the $25 million state-of-the-art Middle School building, a 10.5% growth in the McDonogh Fund since the Campaign’s start, and more than $43 million in gifts and commitments for scholarship and other endowments. Cummings also announced the establishment of the Heritage Society, McDonogh’s newest giving society recognizing an esteemed group of donors who have contributed more than $1 million to the School.

Cummings said, “Drawing inspiration from a meaningful line in the School’s ‘Dedication Hymn,’ the name Heritage Society reflects the responsibility we all have to ensure McDonogh’s future success for those who follow.”

Attendees had the pleasure of hearing from two members of the School community who described how the Legacy Campaign has positively impacted them. Student Alexa Klein ’24 spoke of her immense gratitude for her scholarship which made it possible for her to attend McDonogh, and Middle School Spanish teacher Susan Scherz thoughtfully reflected on her recent endowed teaching chair award, focusing on the value of professional development support.

During the event, Donna and Sam Wright ’64 were inducted into the Circle of Philanthropy — the School’s highest level of recognition. (Read about the Circle of Philanthropy Induction on page 25.)

UNEXPECTED EXPERIENCES

During spring break in March, Upper School students and faculty traveled abroad — a group of seniors to Vietnam and a group of juniors and seniors to France.

Students in John Wood’s Vietnam and the Vietnam War history class embarked on an eye-opening journey through Vietnam’s vibrant past and cultural tapestry, which included stops in Hanoi, Quang Tri, Hue, and the Mekong Delta. The French students visited Paris, Lodève, and Montpellier, France, and also participated in the French exchange program, staying with host families and attending classes at partner school Lycée Joseph Vallot. —Nina Sinnott

See more photos and student impressions of their global experiences at mcdonogh.org/springbreaktravel24.

The McDonogh cohort spends the morning playing with students at Children’s Hope In Action, a school for developmentally disabled children in Hoi An.

The McDonogh travelers, including chaperones John Wood and Jen Pineau, sample fresh-pressed sugarcane juice made next to their table in Hanoi.

Seniors learn about the many ethnic groups that have lived in Vietnam at the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi. From left: first row (front to back): Ria Sood, Elliet Walton, and Zarina Hamilton; second row (front to back: Kare Coley, TJ Marshall, Cate Arbaugh, and Alexander North; third row (front to back): Carly Green, Sophia Wang, and Mason Miller; fourth row (front to back): Camryn Sciubba, Max Mislow, and Javi Rodriquez.

Students don traditional attire and get their hands dirty as they learn about Vietnamese farming culture at an organic farm in Hoi An.

LEAVE LASTING IMPRESSIONS

“ While traveling around Vietnam, I learned that diplomacy starts with us. I believe it starts with desiring peace and seeing the humanity of all people. It’s looking at your enemy, or someone who doesn’t speak the same language, or practices a different religion than you, or identifies with a different ethnicity, and nonetheless remembering that they are human beings.

I made a promise to myself: I will be a peacemaker, and I challenge you to be one, too.” – Kare Coley ’24

“ As I crawled through a stretch of the underground Cu Chi tunnels, I was amazed by the ingenuity of the Vietnamese people and the resilience they had during the war. There, below the surface of the Earth, were classrooms, meeting spaces, bathrooms, wells, and miles of tunnels. We would go into a tunnel in the middle of a forest and emerge by a beach. It was a unique experience.” – Javi Rodriguez ’24

“ Even though I had been learning about the war in Vietnam for the past few months, coming face to face with the tangible impact was a lot more shocking than I had expected.”–

“The people throughout Vietnam were so kind. They were always waving, and almost everyone I met had a smile on their face, even in cities and alleyways.”

– TJ Marshall ’24

Javi Rodriquez and Max Mislow climb into a bunker at the Khe Sanh Combat Base, the site of one of the most well-known and extended battles.

The group enjoys a boat tour of the Hoa Lu lakes, connected by caves in the limestone hills in Ninh Binh province.

Background photo: The view of an oyster farm on the central coast of Vietnam, just north of Da Nang.

Zarina Hamilton ’24

FRANCE

“ I didn’t realize how tiring it would be to speak in French the entire time, but I learned so much more by having conversations with people at the school in Lodève and shop owners than I ever would in a classroom.” – Grace Miller ’25

I expected everything would be like Paris — old-style buildings cramped together in towns and cities. In the south of France, however, we saw beautiful mountains, green grass stretching for kilometers, and small cottages in the middle of massive vineyards.” – Muyiwa Ogunsola ’25

“ Something that surprised me was the difference in fashion. French people dress very well for everything they’re doing.”

– Stephanie Nwanna ’25

“ I found myself absorbing phrases and terms I had never known before as I was introduced to colloquial French which differed greatly from the manner of speaking we learn in school.” – Ruth Elias ’25

Left: Ruth Elias ’25 and Owen Paterson ’25 construct models of eco-homes with university design students.

Center: Thomas Rafailides ’25 explores the medieval village of Carcassonne with his host family.

Right: Anna Livermore ’25 says, “Recreating statue poses in the Louvre with Grace Miller is one of my favorite memories.”

Background photo: View of a medieval fortress in Carcassonne in the south of France.

“ I was surprised by the different way they approach math in France. In the U.S., we learn math as a series of methods to achieve a result... like the Pythagorean theorem or the quadratic formula. They were much more focused on logical reasoning, using math as a tool to prove situations. I thought this approach was interesting and could be more applicable to careers that only use math sparingly as it teaches you how to form a sound argument.”

– Owen Paterson ’25

The students bid “au revoir” at the Place Saint Michel in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Pictured, back row, from left: Owen Paterson ’25, Derek Copeland ’25, Ryan Wachter ’25, and Muyiwa Ogunsola ’25; middle row: Nora Fuchs ’25, Anna Livermore ’25, Grace Miller ’25, Thomas Rafailides ’25, and Liam Zinsmeister ’25; front row: Josie Svejda ’25, Ruth Elias ’25, Taylor Wu ’24, Stephanie Nwanna ’25, and Josie Kibel ’25.

“ Trying new foods and seeking out new experiences was the best part of the exchange trip!”

– Derek Copeland ’25

“ I was looking forward to seeing my exchange partner after hosting her in October. All of the French students were super inviting, and the opportunity to learn about the culture and meet amazing people is an experience I will never forget.”

– Taylor Wu ’24

“ While Paris was similar to the hustle of NYC, the south of France had a more moderate pace. I could walk to the bus as the sun rises, maybe catching a glimpse of a stray cat disappearing behind a wall. On the bus ride, I could see huge rolling green fields, hills, rivers, and other towns in the distance. Walking home at night, there were so many stars.”

– Josie Svejda ’25

“Several hours an evening were devoted to mealtime with my [host] family, which was always a lively affair. They spent little time discussing work, school, or college, instead talking about rugby, food, or entertainment. Family life in France was geared towards leisure and happiness.”

– Ryan Wachter ’25

Derek Copeland ’25, Grace Miller ’25, Anna Livermore ’25, Nora Fuchs ’25, Muyiwa Ogunsola ’24, Ryan Wachter ’25, and Liam Zinsmeister ’25 savor dinner on their final night in Paris.

A LOOK BACK

Memories of Gray

A STORY OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP

Memories of Gray, the life-sized statue of a young cadet hugging his pony, is the story of the friendship between two cadets from the Class of 1949 — Jim Dorsch and Bill Sunderland — and a thoughtful wife. The story was shared at an unveiling ceremony during the 125th Anniversary of the School in April 1999.

In February 1944, Jim Dorsch sat for McDonogh’s scholarship exam. He was just 12 years old and his father had recently died. Months passed without word from the School, so he enrolled at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. One September day as he was eating his lunch on the steps of the school, his sister appeared, grabbed his hand, and hurried him home saying, “You’re going to McDonogh.”

That night, Jim slept in the Big Wing in Allan Building, and the next day he got his uniform. For the following five years, including two summers, McDonogh was his home. Forty years later, on the morning of his 40th Reunion weekend, he married Virginia Pitcher in Tagart Memorial Chapel. Virginia chose the location because in her mind, “McDonogh had taken a boy from the streets and made for her a man.”

Five years later, at a 45th Reunion dinner, Virginia was seated beside Jim’s classmate, Bill Sunderland. She learned that he was an asthmatic child who spent much time quietly in bed. To occupy his time, he learned to carve, and by age seven, he discovered a new talent… transforming bars of Ivory soap into delicate carvings with a pen knife. Bill recalled that while he often won

awards from Proctor and Gamble for his soap carvings, one contest he did not win was in his art class at McDonogh. He had responded to a desperate plea for help from an “all thumbs” classmate to do a carving for him — that piece promptly took first place while his entry came in second!

From fragile soap statuettes, he progressed to larger creations, usually animals, carved out of clay, wood, or stone. For 35 years, carving was a hobby for Bill who was kept busy with a successful carpet cleaning business. In 1989, he sold his business to pursue and perfect his passion. He traveled to Pietrasanta, Italy, to study at the Lynn Streeter Marble and Art Institute and learned to carve marble with pneumatic tools. Virginia learned that he was an accomplished artist who often won awards for the compassion that could be seen in his work.

At the Class of 1949 Reunion dinner in the spring of 1994, Virginia asked Bill if he would make a sculpture for her, in secret, to give to Jim at Christmas. She

Bill Sunderland ’49 in his workshop

Virginia Pitcher and Jim Dorsch ’49 check out the progress.

unwrapped “Memories,” a 40-pound, lovingly-carved sculpture of dark Georgia talc stone, fifteen inches high and fifteen inches long. In the meantime, Bill had been commissioned by his classmates to replace a

block shed thousands of pounds as the figures

“Memories of Gray,” arrived at Anniversary of the Class of Anniversary of McDonogh

“Virginia Pitcher never

Sunderland, she lives

“Becoming McDonogh School,” a stunning coffee table book written by professional historians in celebration of McDonogh’s 150th Anniversary, is available for only $39.99 in the School Store. The book follows the School’s journey with compelling photography and page-turning narrative which captures the milestones, victories, and challenges through McDonogh’s first 150 years. It is sure to be a conversation starter! Get your copy today.

Who are these guys?

The Wilson | Young Archives & Special Collections needs your help identifying these cadets cheering on the Eagles at a football game in 1960. If you have a clue as to who is who, contact communications@mcdonogh.org.

SCHOLARSHIP STORY

MCKENNIE SIBLINGS ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS

Ava McKennie ’24 is a proud sister. She keeps following the path of her big brother Ellis ’15, whether she wants to or not. While the siblings, almost 10 years apart in age, never attended McDonogh at the same time, a look at their journey suggests they are cut from the same cloth. From the moment they each enrolled as scholarship students, they embraced the many opportunities the School offered and relished the traditions that make it special. By their senior years, they both were captains of a varsity sport, they embarked on senior projects reflective of their future career paths, and their next stop after McDonogh was the University of Maryland to play on a Division I team.

Ellis started at McDonogh in sixth grade, and he was immediately wowed by the size of the campus and the fun of Spirit Week. “I still remember my first Spirit Day and my last one like they were yesterday,” he says. As he moved from Middle to Upper School and became part of the football team, his memories of watching older boys in the annual Spirit Parade morphed into being a figure the younger students looked up to. “As a kid, I remember seeing the football team running around, and then as a senior, getting excited for my last Spirit Week. I couldn’t wait for that Friday and the parade because it was my day.”

Ava, on the other hand, who had been a spectator at Ellis’ games, did not consider McDonogh as the school for her until after he graduated. “When I finally got to know the actual School, I fell in love with everything that was here,” she says. She enrolled as a freshman and set out to outshine her brother. Soon she realized that despite his legacy, her teachers, dorm parents, and coaches saw them as individuals. “I didn’t have to try to be different, I was on a different path,” she says. In four short years that path was down Chapel Hill to Childs Memorial Terrace at the 2023 Opening Convocation. Ava, a Rollins-Luetkemeyer Leader, joined her classmates in walking hand-in-hand with first graders to the ceremony.

“I realized it was the last time that we [the Class of 2024] would do this walk before graduation. It set the tone for the rest of the year and how I should make it what I need it to be,” she says.

By their senior years, the two student-athletes had both committed to the University of Maryland — Ellis to play football and Ava to play basketball. Again, despite their age difference, Ava was reluctant to follow Ellis as a Terp. The two laugh as Ellis rattles off her list of pros and cons saying, “The pros were good academics, close to home, and the coaches. She had two pages of pros, and the top con was ‘Ellis went there!’”

Ava and Ellis continued to embrace every opportunity until the very end of their McDonogh journeys. While their Senior Projects appear dramatically different, they both chose to explore possible career fields that involve giving back. Ellis, who shadowed an attorney, graduated from The George Washington University Law School, is currently practicing law in Washington D.C., and hopes to eventually work as a public servant. Ava traveled with McDonogh Basketball Coach Brad Rees and a group to the Dominican Republic where they delivered athletic shoes that she collected and conducted basketball clinics. She hopes to have a career in philanthropy.

Speaking as alumni, the two see how their McDonogh scholarships impacted their lives. Ellis says, “McDonogh sets a standard of excellence. Excellence in the way you carry yourself and the way you treat people. It’s invaluable.” Then, speaking like the older brother he is, he adds, “I’m glad Ava got to experience it.”

Ava, who is only just stepping away from McDonogh, says the School helped her come out of her shell and notes that she is more responsible and has gained confidence as a leader.

It sounds like she’s forging her own path! —Meredith Bower

Ellis, a football team captain, gives high fives in the 2014 Spirit Parade.

Ava soaks in the significance of walking down Chapel Hill at the 2023 Convocation with Ava S. ’35 and Kennedy Umeh ’24.

Then, speaking like the older brother he is, he adds, “I’m glad Ava got to experience it.”

– Ellis McKennie ’15

– Ava Mc Ke nnie ’24 “ McDonogh sets a standard of excellence. Excellence in the way you carry yourself and the way you treat people. It’s invaluable.”

“ When I finally got to know the actual School, I fell in love with everything that was here.”

ARTS SECOND GRADE CREATES MASTERPIECE WITH VISITING ARTIST

“It’s important for our students to be a part of our community through the arts and to see how they can make their mark in history,” says Lower School art teacher Evelyn Hoffmann.

Guided by her passion for art and inspired by McDonogh’s 150th Anniversary, Hoffmann collaborated with local artist Suzanne HerbertForton to engage second grade students in a mosaic project, now adorning the walls of Elderkin Hall. Hoffmann connected with the visiting artist through Arts for Learning Maryland, a nonprofit devoted to enriching the lives and education of Maryland’s youth

through educational and culturally diverse arts programs. They arranged for Herbert-Forton to show her art in the Tuttle Gallery and to teach the Lower School artists how to create 4x4 clay relief tiles, each depicting their impression of McDonogh as home.

In preparation for the project, Hoffmann explained the concept of home as a source of comfort and joy, which sparked the students’ creativity as they sketched their ideas. When Herbert-Forton — who is known for her clay relief work— joined the classes, she explained the process of building off a flat surface and adding textures to help things

stand out. Before long, images such as the library, being with friends, and riding the bus emerged on the young artists’ square tiles. Hoffmann says, “It was really exciting to see how different and unique all the students’ pieces were,” noting that there was little repetition among their visions of McDonogh as home.

In the time between creating their clay relief tiles and glazing them, the students had the opportunity to visit the Tuttle Gallery with HerbertForton. Sitting beneath one of her mixed media pieces featuring a constellation of stars, they peppered her with questions about her art. Hoffmann, who values the opportunity for her students to speak with working artists explains, “The students not only got to work with her in the classroom, but they also saw her art, asked questions, and learned where this skill can take them in the future.”

After the 64 individual tiles were glazed and fired in the kiln, the second grade’s collective masterpiece was hung. Reflecting on the 150th Anniversary project Hoffmann says, “It’s now a part of our history. The kids are excited because they see it in the hallway every day and know that they are part of the School’s history.”

—Meredith Bower

>>>

Visiting artist Suzanne Herbert-Forton shows Elea P. ’34 how to create texture on a clay relief tile.

“ It’s important for our students to be a part of our community through the arts and to see how they can make their mark in history.”

School art teacher Evelyn Hoffmann

Lower

ARTS MATILDA THE MUSICAL IS MAGICAL

McDonogh’s magical production of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” was magnificent in many ways. In celebration of the School’s 150th Anniversary, students from all three divisions were invited to audition, and they came out in droves committed to the hard work and fun of being part of a full-scale production. Two students, Annabelle Z. ’32 and Olivia B. ’29, were cast in the title role of Matilda. They were joined by almost 100 others, on stage and behind the scenes, to tell the story of the bookish little girl with a vivid imagination and the worst family ever — the Wormwoods. For months, the cast, under the direction of Nina Pongratz, Scott Barton, and Shalyce Hemby, rehearsed lines (complete with British accents) and practiced songs and dances. When the curtain rose in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre on Thursday, April 11 for the first of four sold-out shows, the entire cast and crew was ready to entertain!

Visit mcdonogh.org/matilda to see all the photos.

Scout M. ’30, in the role of Bruce, is forced to eat an entire cake as a punishment.

Trunchbull (Zachary Moore ’24) shows off his athleticism.

STAGE MANAGER EBONIE BOGLE KEEPS IT TOGETHER

Thirty minutes before the curtain rose on the all-school spring production of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical,” Ebonie Bogle ’25 slipped into her seat in the tech booth overlooking the sold-out house of the Horn Theatre, opened her thick script binder filled with notes and cues, adjusted her headset, and took a sip of water. For the next two hours and forty minutes, laser-focused on the stage and the book in front of her, she orchestrated the action that brought the production to life.

As the stage manager, Ebonie is the conduit between everyone on stage and behind the scenes, responsible for calling up to 300 cues for lighting, sound, and action per show. “I’m the person who’s been to every show but has never seen it,” she says with a laugh. “I have to keep my head in the book and follow along with the script. So I never really watch the show unless there’s an action on stage that I have to do a cue off.”

“I’m the person who’s been to every show but has never seen it.”

–Ebonie Bogle ’25

Ebonie’s job begins with auditions and ends months later when the cast and crew take their final bow. In between, armed with her script, lots of pencils with good erasers, and Post-it Tabs, she and her assistants or deck chiefs attend the rehearsals and document everything. But it takes more than office supplies to be a good stage manager, it takes listening and organization. Ebonie explains, “I follow Ms. Pongratz [the director] as she gives the actors notes on where to move and what their action is during the scene. I write down everything: what props they’re moving, how they’re moving, and where they go on stage. I keep all those notes in my book and then send out rehearsal reports daily with updates for each department.”

Ebonie

Ebonie has been involved in the technical side of theater since fifth grade when she joined the backstage crew for the Middle School production of “The Phantom Tollbooth.” She was hooked and was soon providing technical support during assemblies. A freshman year elective in Technical Theater provided a greater foundation, and by the spring of 2022, she was the stage manager for McDonogh’s production of “High School Musical.” In preparation for her role, Ebonie benefitted from “boot camp” training with longtime Theatre Manager Susan Tanury who stressed the importance of organization and documentation as well as how to handle unforeseen situations that may arise during a production. In addition to the production script, the stage manager’s binder also includes what to do and say if there is a power outage or a medical emergency.

With close to 100 students from all three divisions participating on stage and behind the scenes for the production of “Matilda,” Ebonie’s training, organization, listening, and communication skills assured that the four performances were flawless. She says that the keys to putting on a great show are to always say everything with a “please” and “thank you,” make sure everyone feels heard and understood, and take notes. Lots of notes.

—Meredith Bower

Bogle ’25 in her role as stage manager. >>>

WINTER CHAMPIONS

It may have been cold outside, but McDonogh’s winter athletic teams were hot with a number of them competing in postseason play in the IAAM (girls league) and MIAA (boys league). Congratulations to the athletes on the girls indoor track and basketball teams and their coaches who defended IAAM A Conference championship titles!

Winter All-Conference Titles

Girls Indoor Track: In January, the girls indoor track team maintained their pace and were victorious against Archbishop Spalding in the IAAM Championship meet, defending their A conference title. Looking back at the season, Head Coach Phil Turner says, “The 2023–2024 indoor track team is one to remember. It was a complete and total team that dominated on the track and in the field. The girls were exceptionally talented but also wonderfully supportive of one another and invested in the success of the team in its title defense.”

Girls Basketball: From their first league contest in December to the final buzzer in the IAAM Championship game in mid-February, the girls varsity basketball team kept fans on the edge of their seats. The team, under the direction of Coach Brad Rees, clinched their third consecutive championship title in the 54-53 win over St. Frances Academy. Coach Rees explained that the connection between the players was unbreakable saying, “The team meshed together beautifully with the players understanding and executing their roles to win our third straight league championship. I could not be more proud of this group.”

For the second time in five years, Coach Rees was honored by the IAAM as Coach of the Year. Co-Athletic Director Mickey Deegan says Rees is a consummate coach who cares for his players on and off the court, adding, “Brad is experienced, knowledgeable, and innovative. He has helped so many of his players get to the collegiate level to play the game they love.”

Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were recognized by their leagues.

IAAM

Basketball: Autumn Fleary ’26, Ava McKennie ’24, and Kennedy Umeh ’24

Squash: Clara Dawn ’24 and Eliza Schuster ’25

Swimming: Jenna Cowley ’25, Mary Marquez ’24, Sammy Randell ’25, and Grace Sharper ’25

IAAM Coach of the Year: Brad Rees (basketball)

MIAA

Basketball: Jeff Exinor ’25 and Rob Fields ’25

Indoor Track: Brandon Finney ’25

Squash: John Rockefeller ’26

Swimming: Caiden Bowers ’24, Mark Cherches ’25, Langston Duncan ’25, Alexander North ’24, and Connor Tiffin ’24

Wrestling: Noah Onkst ’24

FOR THE RECORD: WINTER 2023

Boys Basketball: 15-11

Girls Basketball: 25-4

Boys Indoor Track: 5-6

Girls Indoor Track: 7-1

Boys Squash: 8-3

Girls Squash: 5-7

Boys Swimming: 5-1

Girls Swimming: 3-3

Wrestling: 3-6

SPRING CHAMPIONS

Excitement was in the air from start to finish during the spring sports season. School spirit was palpable and appreciated by the coaches and athletes!

Spring All-Conference Titles

Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were recognized by their leagues.

IAAM

Lacrosse: Kit Laake ’26, Amanda Lawson ’24, and Kate Levy ’24*

Softball: Neera Gandhi ’24 and Bridget Schaeffer ’26

Girls Track and Field: On the heels of winning the indoor title in February, the girls team competed in top form from March to May, with their eye on becoming outdoor track champions. The team charged ahead on the final day of the meet at Archbishop Spalding taking 12 of 18 events and earning the another IAAM A Conference title. After the award ceremony, Coach Phil Turner told an IAAM reporter, “This is a great team top to bottom. The girls saw that every event is valued.” He added that it was special to coach “a team like this” and credited his assistant event coaches saying, “That’s what it takes. ”

Boys Lacrosse: The varsity boys lacrosse team earned their place in the MIAA A Conference championship game where they took on Boys’ Latin in an electrifying fight for the title. Through their unwavering dedication, preparedness, and commitment to the sport, the Eagles were victorious, winning 14-12. The team was not only thrilled to win one for their seniors, but also to make history and win the title for the third year in a row. The team achieved more than just the championship title, however. Coach Andy Hilgartner says, “The guys had fun being around each other, both on and off the field. The bonds they formed not only contributed to our success, but will be the foundation of enduring friendships and connection.”

Track and Field: Caroline Birdsall ’25, Kelsey Coley ’25, Ella Cooper ’24, Elena Cooper ’25, Elise Cooper ’25, Clara Dawn ’24, Mary Gorsky ’24, Morgan Heard ’25, Julia Norris ’25, and Emnet Tesfayohannes ’27

*Also named USA Lacrosse Mid-Atlantic Girls’ Player of the Year

MIAA

Baseball: Jackson Hortiz ’27, Andy Lambert ’27, and Santino Sanchez ’24

Golf: Owen McKinnell ’24

Lacrosse: Max Allen ’24, Ben Firlie ’24, Luke Miller ’24*, Brendan Millon ’25**, and Aidan Seibel ’25 (MIAA Player of the Year)

Tennis: Max Antwerpen ’24, Devesh Cherikuri ’26, Nathan Huang ’26, Spencer Park ’25, and Landon Tammadon ’26

*Also named Baltimore Sun Player of the Year **Also named USA Lacrosse Mid-Atlantic Boys’ Player of the Year

FOR THE RECORD: SPRING 2024

Baseball: 15-13

Boys Golf: 2-11

Girls Golf: 4-3-1

Boys Lacrosse: 15-3

Girls Lacrosse: 16-2

Softball: 7-9

Boys Tennis: 6-3

Boys Track and Field: 7-8

Girls Track and Field: 15-1

WHY I COACH

It’s no secret that the foundation of McDonogh’s exceptional education lies in the talented teachers who guide, nurture, and educate our students. For many, their commitment extends beyond the classroom as they share their expertise and passion for sports by coaching an athletic team. But teachers aren’t the only ones who stick around after school to coach young athletes. Dedicated staff members who work in a variety of capacities across campus, from groundskeepers to counselors, also enjoy the opportunity to share their experiences and forge relationships with students on the fields and the courts. Meet seven of these staff members and learn why they coach. —Nina

Sinnott

Tyler Ebeling Senior Director of Philanthropy for Annual Programs Coach: Varsity and JV Boys Squash

As a member of the Philanthropy Office’s leadership team, Coach Ebeling oversees a portfolio of programs encompassing engagement and annual giving, including the McDonogh Fund, Alumni Engagement, the McDonogh Parents Association, and Philanthropy Marketing and Communications.

“I’ve been the Head Coach of Boys Squash for seven seasons now, and it’s definitely one of the highlights of my McDonogh experience! In my role in the Philanthropy Office, I’m generally engaging with alumni and parents, so coaching allows me to interact with students on a regular basis. Seeing our players grow as both athletes and people is so rewarding — it’s a tangible reminder of the importance of McDonogh’s mission, which inspires my work as a fundraiser, too!”

Ginger Gelston

Administrative Assistant

for Athletics Coach: JV Volleyball

In her administrative role, Coach Gelston works with the athletic directors and coaches, ensuring that McDonogh’s more than 75 sports teams run smoothly. She manages weekly schedules, submits rosters to league offices, provides website updates and livestream information, schedules transportation, secures officials, and answers countless phone calls and emails.

“I found so much joy in participating in sports as a child and then later in high school, college, and beyond. I want our students to experience that same joy while learning the valuable life lessons athletics can provide. Coaching allows me to share my passion for sports and help young student-athletes develop essential character traits such as discipline, perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and cooperation. I also find great satisfaction from my interactions with the players and the positivity they bring into my life.”

Michael Green Director of School Counseling Coach: Varsity Boys Tennis

As Director of School Counseling, Coach Green oversees the counseling services in all three divisions. He also works as a counselor in the Upper School providing direct support to students and families. Some of his other core responsibilities include crisis support, classroom presentations, small group activities, teacher consultation, community provider collaboration, and general student advocacy.

“I have been lucky enough to learn from some phenomenal coaches, and the impact they’ve had on me is unmatched. Working with the tennis team inspires me to be better because I want to engage with my athletes from a place of mutual respect and honor. When I can help students unlock their potential, there is nothing better than seeing them stand a little taller. Being a coach is special.”

Michael Heher

Grounds Department Team Leader

Coach: Middle School Boys Soccer and Basketball, and Middle School Baseball

As Grounds Department Team Leader, Coach Heher helps maintain McDonogh’s landscape to the highest standards, ensuring the entire campus is aesthetically pleasing and safe for students, parents, faculty, staff, and guests.

“I spend most of my time maintaining McDonogh’s athletic fields, which is rewarding because it benefits our teams, but it offers little opportunity for student interaction. Coaching allows me to engage more with school life and give back in a meaningful way. Sports have always been my passion, and witnessing the athletes succeed and grow each year is incredibly fulfilling. There’s nothing better than seeing one of my players on campus and hearing them shout, ‘Hey, Coach!’”

Alice Margraff Director of College Counseling

Coach: Girls JV and Varsity Squash

and Girls Varsity Golf

In her role as Director of College Counseling, Coach Margraff’s focus each fall is on helping seniors complete their applications and meeting with college admission representatives who visit McDonogh. Throughout the school year, she also hosts programs for students and families, visits higher education institutions, and attends conferences to stay ahead of trends in college admission as the landscape evolves.

“As someone who grew up playing lots of sports, I feel it is important to give back as a thank you to all the coaches who supported me as an athlete.

“There is nothing better than spending a few hours at the end of each day outside on the golf course — fresh air, friendly putting competitions, and competitive play; similarly, watching our squash teams develop over the years, play at the Nationals, and earn accolades is truly a treat. I am honored to be able to give back as a driver, team scheduler, uniform designer, practice planner, and coach.”

Ramzi

Sifri

Director of Summer Camps

Coach: Middle School Girls Soccer and Girls Lacrosse

During the work day, Coach Sifri, ensures McDonogh Summer Camps (which have been in existence for more than 80 years!) offer highquality programs that are fun and educational. He manages everything from recruiting staff to overseeing daily operations, communications, and camper safety.

“My goal as a coach is to provide students with a safe place to escape the daily grind. Once the players step on the field and in between the white lines, I hope to help them leave the stresses of school behind for a little while. Selfishly, the experiences and connections I share with the athletes are often the highlight of my day, which is definitely an added benefit of coaching!”

Artie Spruill

Greatest Good McDonogh Program Manager Coach: Middle School Girls Lacrosse

As the Program Manager for Greatest Good McDonogh, Coach Spruill plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing curricula, programs, and volunteer opportunities centered on service-learning, philanthropy, social innovation, and community engagement. She collaborates closely with teachers and student leaders across all three divisions, ensuring that the entire McDonogh community benefits from hands-on educational experiences.

“I coach because I love watching student-athletes grow on and off the field. Seeing their transformation from the beginning to the end of the season is so rewarding. Coaching allows me to build relationships and a bond with each student and the collective team. I have had the privilege of being part of numerous teams over the years, and those experiences are some of my best memories!”

QUESTIONS WITH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT KIMBERLY HILSON CARMICHAEL ’10

Kimberly Hilson Carmichael ’10 maintains an abiding love for McDonogh School. A loyal alumna for more than a decade, she joined the Alumni Board just three years after graduation and immediately began volunteering at events. In 2017, she became Chair of the Young Alumni Committee and was elected Vice President of the Alumni Board in 2022. Kimmy also served as a member of her class’ 10-Year Reunion Committee, and she volunteers her time with the McDonogh Fund while giving thoughtfully and consistently. In her new role as Alumni Association President, she hopes to inspire fellow and future alumni to remain engaged with each other and the School.

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER?

I had so many impactful teachers during my nine years as a student. A few that stand out include Mrs. Reed for welcoming me to McDonogh in fourth grade, Mrs. Veltri and Mrs. Kunkel for being patient and kind math teachers (Mrs. Kunkel was also a favorite coach along with Coach Fried), and Mr. Harley for always being a warm, friendly face in the hallways — I never had him as a teacher, but I always enjoyed our corridor conversations.

WHAT WAS YOUR HARDEST CLASS AT MCDONOGH?

I always struggled with math but had some of the best connections with my math teachers! Physics with Mr. Mahon was so challenging; I am thankful to have taken it the summer before freshman year to minimize the stress of that class!

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED?

“Study in your course of life to do the greatest possible amount of good.” This is something I strive to do in every aspect of my daily life. Additionally, seeing the strength in asking for help as needed (see math references above!).

WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHERISHED MCDONOGH MEMORY?

I have so many wonderful memories as a student, including Spirit Week, living on campus with my family, spending time with my friends in the library playing Sudoku, and winning three field hockey championships. As an alum, I cherish the memory of getting married in Tagart Memorial Chapel.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS AS THE NEW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT?

I hope to connect with alumni, encourage them to return to campus, and inspire them to relish the memories of their days as a student. McDonogh is such a spectacular place — I hope this is something that continues to create bonds.

ALUMNI BOARD

OFFICERS

Kimberly Hilson Carmichael ’10

President

Morris Garten ’85

Vice President, President-Elect

Katherine Reider ’96

Secretary

Blair Kessler ’16

Treasurer

Caitlin Xenakis ’07

Immediate Past President

DIRECTORS

Lauren Snyder Ades ’99

Bruce Baggan ’65

Gregory Bell ’86

Bradd Caplan ’98

Christopher Chambers ’78

Alberto Diaz ’89

Deborah Sher Gold ’06

Kellee Parrott Gonzalez ’96

Robin Edlow Heller ’00

Julie Katz Heyman ’01

David Holland ’90

Abigail Caso Holmes ’06

Mark Howie ’88

Zulqarnain Khan ’10

Nathaniel Margolies ’10

Lydia Parker ’16

Rachel Brooke Petty ’12

Ernest Rafailides ’86

Ana Rodriguez ’08

Alexis Seth ’92

Douglas Silber ’76

Bennet Silver ’77

Philip Stackhouse ’65

Lauren Street ’93

Heidi Pollokoff Topaz ’04

Mario VillaSanta ’76

Staci Weber ’97

Sterling Wilson ’92

DEDICATION DAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

EAGLEFEST

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25

108TH MCDONOGH VS. GILMAN

FOOTBALL GAME (AWAY)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

ARCHIVES SPEAKER SERIES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

RECEPTION IN COLLEGE PARK, MD

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

YOUNG ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

BOYS LACROSSE ALUMNI GAME AND LUNCH

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10

MARCH6

MONDAYMARCH4

ONTHEROADLOSANGELES

RECEPTION IN ATLANTA, GA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

ARCHIVES SPEAKER SERIES

THURSDAY, APRIL 3

REUNION WEEKEND

FRIDAY, APRIL 25 –

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

RECEPTION IN CHICAGO, IL

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

The Office of Alumni Engagement took the 150th Anniversary celebration on the road, connecting with alumni from the Classes of 1955 through 2022 at events across the country. From Texas to California to New York, it was great to see so many members of McDonogh’s alumni community!

The sesquicentennial tour kicked off in Austin, TX, where alumni gathered at The Headliners Club on Monday, January 22. The fun then headed to Los Angeles, CA where Eagles flocked to the Griffin Club on Monday, March 4 for conversation and camaraderie. Two days later, McDonogh alumni mixed and mingled at San Francisco’s 2000 Post Apartments lounge. The circuit ended in New York City on Thursday, June 20, where Hope and David Rothschild ’82 hosted McDonogh Family members. During each event, Head of School Dave Farace ’87 extended his heartfelt appreciation to all for being part of McDonogh’s 150th Anniversary celebration.

ALUMNI INDUCTED INTO THE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

The eleven 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were celebrated during a ceremony on Thursday, April 25 in the Klein Lyceum. The event was attended by the honorees and more than 100 guests including coaches, families, and friends.

The Hall of Fame recognizes those who have achieved an outstanding athletic record while at McDonogh and demonstrated the ideal values of a McDonogh athlete: dedication, perseverance, positive attitude, leadership, and teamwork. It also recognizes coaches, athletic trainers, and administrators who inspired McDonogh’s athletes to embrace these values.

After welcoming remarks from Co-Athletic Director Mickey Deegan, she and Co-Athletic Director Matt MacMullan spoke about the inductees’ storied careers at McDonogh and beyond. Before receiving a framed varsity letter in recognition of their accomplishments, the recipients reflected on their McDonogh experience and the impact of their coaches, teammates, and education.

WILSON | YOUNG ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS SPEAKER SERIES

With the opening of the new Wilson | Young Archives & Special Collections in the fall of 2023, new programming was introduced to share the School’s rich history with members of the McDonogh community. During the year, alumni, parents, and retirees enjoyed a series of educational events. At the first gathering in late

February, Butch Maisel ’72 spoke about the history of McDonogh’s uniforms and insignia; next, Jeff MacHamer ’70 shared the history of Foxleigh Mansion and “Old Main;” and finally, in May, Archives liaison Jon Aaron ’72 described how the Wilson | Young Archives reveals McDonogh’s magical story.

The 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

Laddie Levy ’63 and Alex Sidney ’11

Jeremy Sieverts ’05, Matt MacMullan, and Mickey Deegan

Marquez Fernandez ’10 is surrounded by his family.

Hannah Franklin ’10 celebrates with her family.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:

THURGOOD COSBY, JR. ’00

FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, LACROSSE

KATHLEEN CULLEN ’09

SOCCER, BASKETBALL, LACROSSE

MARQUEZ FERNANDEZ ’10

SOCCER, TRACK

HANNAH FRANKLIN ’10

SOCCER, TRACK, LACROSSE

RUDOLPH JOHNSON III ’10

FOOTBALL, TRACK, BASEBALL

DAVID LIVINGSTON ’61

FOOTBALL, WRESTLING, LACROSSE

ALEXANDER SIDNEY ’11

SQUASH, TENNIS

JEREMY SIEVERTS ’05

SOCCER, LACROSSE

MARGARET SMITH ’10

SOCCER, BASKETBALL, LACROSSE

MICHAEL STELLER ’96

SOCCER, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL

EMILY TROSCH TRUMBLE ’09

SOCCER, TRACK, SOFTBALL

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

The DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD is presented each year by the Board of Trustees to a member of the McDonogh Family (alum, parent, grandparent, retired faculty or staff member) who has devoted their time and effort most generously on behalf of McDonogh students, the School, and/or the Alumni or Parents Association.

The YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD , presented by the Alumni Association, annually recognizes an alum graduating within the last 15 years who has made a significant contribution to McDonogh through engagement and volunteerism, while also positively impacting their profession and community.

The ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME honors individuals who have contributed to the life of McDonogh athletics by achieving outstanding athletic records and demonstrating the ideal values of a McDonogh athlete. It also recognizes McDonogh coaches or members of the Athletic Department whose work in athletics has made a positive impact on the life of McDonogh’s student-athletes.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT NOMINATIONS.

For questions, contact Director of Alumni Engagement Carol Croxton at ccroxton@ mcdonogh.org or 443-544-7054.

Left: Attendees enjoy a light reception.

Right: Jeff MacHamer ’70 explains the history of “Old Main.” >>>

A NEW TWIST ON AN

THE MCDONOGH CLASSIC

More than 80 guests enjoyed a beautiful day at the Alumni Association’s 48th Annual McDonogh Classic on Monday, May 13. While golfers participated in 18 holes of scramble-style competition, pickleball players paired up for beginner and advanced tournaments.

Held simultaneously at Woodholme Country Club, the two tournaments raised funds for the Alumni Association and its efforts to support the McDonogh community. The event ended with golfers and pickleball players coming together for a buffet luncheon, awards ceremony, and delicious treats from The Cow food truck. A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S MCDONOGH CLASSIC WINNERS:

GOLF TOURNAMENT:

1ST PLACE TEAM:

JP Grant, Kevin Johnson, Russell Clark, and Paul Wickham

2ND PLACE TEAM:

Aaron Finkelstein ’75, Cathi Finkelstein, Scott Finkelstein, and Robert Singleton ’73

3RD PLACE TEAM:

Angelo Munafo ’14, Marc Munafo ’83, Jim Ball, and Kevin McDonagh

LADIES’ AND MEN’S LONGEST DRIVE:

Morgan Koopman Silcott ’09 and Aaron Finkelstein ’75

CLOSEST TO THE PIN: Cathi Finkelstein and Chase Bertke

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

1ST PLACE TEAM BEGINNER LEVEL: Shannon Leahy Rosenbaum ’02 and Joe Rosenbaum ’99

1ST PLACE TEAM ADVANCED LEVEL: Katie del Carmen Byram and Lauren Wunderlich

We look forward to the 49th Annual McDonogh Classic in May 2025.

Thanks to contributing photographer Leslie Finkelstein.

OLD TRADITION

1. Blair Kessler ’16 and Jon Aaron ’72

2. Justin Matthews, Ryan Zimmerman, and Will Bertram

3. Aaron Finkelstein ’75, Scott Finkelstein, Cathi Finkelstein, and Rob Singleton ’73

4. Dave Brooks ’79, Dave Meurer ’79, Rob Ariosa ’79, and Neill Mitchell ’79

5. David Reed ’07, Morgan Koopman Silcott ’09, and Rob Owen ’09

6. Kevin Johnson, JP Grant, Paul Wickham, and Russell Clark

7. Jon Aaron ’72, Billy Yerman ’82, Richard Kopilnick ’82, and Rick Thompson

8. Betsy Rubenstein, Stephanie London, Katie del Carmen Byram, and Lauren Wunderlich

9. Jason Schwartzberg ’99 and Dave Farace ’87

10. Laurie Rosen and Jennifer Greenberg

Many thanks to the sponsors, players, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the day.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors.

LUNCH SPONSOR

SCHOCHOR, STATON, GOLDBERG, AND CARDEA, P.A.

DESSERT TRUCK SPONSOR

SURROUNDED BY COLOR

Robin B. Edlow Heller ’00

AUGUSTA NATIONAL SPONSORS

CAM CONSTRUCTION

Marc Munafo ’83

Angelo Munafo ’14

Nolan Munafo ’17

THE GARTEN AND TOPAZ FAMILIES

ST. ANDREWS SPONSORS

ACE UNIFORM SERVICES, INC.

The Finkelstein Family Classes of ’73, ’75, ’87, ’99, ’02, ’03, ’05, ’13, ’15, ’30, ’30, ’32, ’32, ’34, ’35, ’36 & ’38

GRANT CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

JP Grant

H&S FAMILY OF BAKERIES

William Paterakis

PEBBLE BEACH SPONSORS

ARIOSA & COMPANY, LLC

Robert Ariosa ’79

THE BAVAR FAMILY

COCKEY’S ENTERPRISES, INC

Robert Singleton ’73

PINEHURST SPONSORS

BALFOUR

Patrick Mahoney ’84

DEVONSHIRE GROUP

Emily Clark ’90

GUNTRY

Rick Landsman

H&R RETAIL

Geoffrey L. Mackler ’95

RP WOODCRAFT, LLC

Parker Mitchell ’81

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY HONORS MCDONOGH ALUMNI

Students, faculty, staff, trustees, retirees, and alumni gathered for McDonogh School’s 78th annual Memorial Day Ceremony on the morning of Thursday, May 23. The solemn occasion, which was held in the RollinsLuetkemeyer Athletic Center due to rainy conditions, remembers and honors those members of the McDonogh Family who lost their lives in service to our country.

After opening remarks from Head of School Dave Farace ’87 and the invocation delivered by Tyler Crimmins ’25, the Charles W. Britton Director of Character and Service Bridget Collins ’90 shared the story of Carl Ortman, Jr., Class of 1941. She said, “As I was researching in the Archives, I came across something that really struck me. In the 1941 “Legacy,” there was a tiny newspaper clipping tucked into the margins. It was an obituary for Carl E. Ortman, Jr., Class of 1941 — a McDonogh student killed in action during World War II at just 22 years of age. His classmate Francis Brown had carefully placed that clipping there...to remember him.”

She continued, “Can you imagine? Reading through your senior yearbook decades later and finding a fallen friend’s obituary tucked inside? It’s a powerful reminder that for past generations of McDonogh students, war was not just something they read about. It impacted them directly. The names on our memorial aren’t just etchings on a stone, they were real people: classmates, teammates, and friends.”

The ceremony continued with traditional elements including a reading of Eustace Glascock’s iconic poem, “The McDonogh Uniform,” the placement of a wreath at the Memorial Court monument to honor McDonogh Veterans, and the playing of “Taps.”

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WELCOMES SENIORS

Alumni Association President Caitlin Xenakis ’07 and incoming President Kimmy Hilson Carmichael ’10 attended the Class of 2024 Commencement rehearsal on Monday, June 3 and welcomed the soon-to-be alumni to the Alumni Association with a gift of a beach towel.

Alumni Association President Caitlin Xenakis ’07 and Josh Brown ’25 place a wreath on Memorial Court

MILESTONES

WEDDINGS

’70 Andrew Kagen and Nancy Cook, 7/15/23

’81 William Parias and Nancy Hofmann, 6/30/23

’05 Emily Selonick and Travis Coggin, 3/16/24

’06 Don Koonce, Jr. and Jessica McCardell, 10/14/23

’10 Sara Supovitz and Eric Khorsandi, 8/20/23

’12 Conor Johnston and Jodie Knott, 12/9/23

’12 Laura Ottinger and Cole Lampman, 1/24/24

’13 Daniel Singer and Daynamar Delgado Nieves, 9/2/23

’14 Heather Greenebaum and Spencer Mills, 11/25/23

’15 Aubrey Fleming and Blake Scott, 2/23/24

BIRTHS

’00 Jonathan Sindler and Annie Liu: Evie Lucy, 10/29/23

’00 Samantha Bart Hirschel and Jason Hirschel: Jordan Asher, 6/16/23

’03 Alexander Katcoff and Christine Katcoff: Tyler Anthony, 1/2/23

’03 Parker Jenkins Spear and Trey Spear: William Vernon, 5/11/24

’04 Rochelle Murray Robertson and Ty Robertson: Laila Amerie, 5/10/23

’06 Caitlin Nichols Dammin and William Dammin: Annabelle Marie, 6/1/23

’06 Matthew Ford and Ivy Ford: Jack Collins, 10/30/23

’06 Molly Hayeslip and CJ Santos: Callie Marie, 8/8/23

’07 Bridgette Flora Williams and Douglas Williams: Ashton Owen, 3/15/23

’08 Tara Messing Rengifo and Rodrigo Rengifo: Elvia Quinn, 2/5/24

’09 Kelly Brown Abrams and Stephen Abrams ’09: Wesley Jamal, 1/30/24

’09 Emily Hopkins and Matthew Binder: Matthew Dean, 4/22/24

’09 Rebecca Flora Nilsson and Anders Nilsson: Vera Colette, 9/29/23

’09 Cori Kaylor Stetham and Michael Stethem: Michael Howard, 11/1/23

’10 Kimberly Hilson Carmichael and King Carmichael: Savannah Rose, 12/29/23

’10 Shelby Kemp and Keon Parsa: Rumi Maynard, 3/27/24

’11 Jennifer Cook May and Alec May: Cayden McAndrews, 12/20/23

’12 Taylor Cummings Danseglio and Greg Danseglio: Sawyer Steel, 2/18/24

’12 Alysa Delgado Misfeldt and James Misfeldt: Vienna Marie, 3/22/24

’12 Andrew Sovero and Alexandra Sovero: Addison Rose, 7/23/23

’13 John Blaze and Kristin Blaze: Reaves Patricia, 2/3/24

IN MEMORIAM

’43 Page Nelson, Jr.

’48 William Agee

’48 Charles Cummins II

’49 Allan Spencer

’50 Eugene Reynolds

’51 Ronald Osborn

’51 Gordon Smith

’54 Harry Brunett

’55 Edwin Perry, Jr.

’59 James Alban III

’59 William Dorman III

’59 Irvin Kettler, Jr.

’59 Michael Slingluff

’63 James Meacham

’63 Robert Thon III

’64 Franz Bachmann

’65 Charles Allen, Jr.

’65 Marinus Heymering, Jr.

’66 John Kauserud III

’66 Gary Lee

’66 James Morris

’69 Donald Allewalt, Jr.

’74 David Sausser

’75 Mark Gaertner

’83 John Howard

’95 Rahhama Kenya

’96 Brian Levin

’08 Jane Solberg

’10 Chava Quinn

RETIRED FACULTY AND STAFF

Michael Eller

Nancy Kleuh

Robert Littell

Deborah “Debby” Xenakis As of June 10, 2024

CLASS NOTES

1953

ANTHONY BOCCUTI M.D., Col. US Army (Retired) Assistant Professor, University of Maryland Medical School, age 88, is looking forward to his next McDonogh reunion.

1955

EDWARD MCINTYRE received an IRS certification to serve as a tax aide with AARP and spent the spring preparing income tax returns for low- to moderate-income seniors. He says it was gratifying to help folks in need with the often confusing tax system. Ed has also been involved with the Los Angeles County government for the past 15 years and is a current member and

Ernie and Darnall Daley ’56 are enjoying 66 years of marriage in the endless summer of Central Florida. Darnall just published his 23rd book, “Don’t Blow Smoke.”

past Chairman of the County’s highly regarded Quality and Productivity Commission which provides funding for innovative pilot projects.

1962

ALVA “BUZZ” BAKER III , after 54 years serving others as a physician, retired as Chief Medical Officer for the Hospice of Washington County in Hagerstown, MD. Buzz looks forward to spending time traveling and enjoying his photography hobby.

COL. MICHAEL HEMSLEY continues to profile classic cars for Sports Car Digest and was recently asked to write for the Sports Car Club of America website. Mike won the Carl Benz Award for historical journalism from the Society of Automotive Historians and is a member of the Community Advisory Board for the Chattanooga, TN PBS television station WTCI.

CHARLES DAVIDSON, JR. and his wife have retired to Louisville, KY, to be near family. They enjoy living on the beautiful Masonic Homes campus, despite not being a mason, and they both continue to write as the spirit moves them.

S. JEFFREY K. WILKERSON Ph.D., DHC, and Director of the Institute for Cultural Ecology of the Tropics, received a special award and recognition in March for his 61 years of scientific research throughout Totonacapan. This large area of eastern tropical Mexico is home to the Totonac, Tepehua, Nahua, Huastec, and Otomi Indians. His work has established a 10,000-year chronology and defined climatic change on a broad scale in this key region. During the ceremony — which attracted attendees from hundreds of miles — he presented summaries of current projects in several languages and new documentaries, including his efforts to protect endangered flora and fauna. His research remains ongoing.

1964

FREDERIC SMALKIN J.D., LL.M. has had an extensive career including both military and legal service. He has been a Commissioned Officer, an FAA-rated pilot, and a judge who was presidentially appointed by Ronald Reagan. He also taught at both the University of Maryland and the University of Baltimore law schools as an adjunct or professor to more than 3,000 students over a span of 40 years. Additionally, he received numerous Maryland state government appointments. Fred says he had the most fun in the 1960s while working with the Maryland Game and Fish Commission and as a Deputy United States Game Warden.

1970

ROBERT FRY has been spending his recreational time outside of his veterinary medicine practice cycling in various places around the world. Recently, Bob ascended the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,361 feet!) with support from the OneBike TZ team of porters and guides. A significant part of the preparation was raising $23,000 in donations to support mobility through bike ownership for the women and children of Tanzania.

Bob Fry ’70 and guides at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

During McDonogh’s 150th Anniversary weekend, Jane Bay roommates from the Class of 1966 restaged a photo they originally took during their senior year 57 years ago!

Left to right: Chris White, Tim Farmer, Marty Weikart, and Andy Heimark.

The Class of 1970 — represented by Jeff MacHamer, Val Curran, David Diggs, and Mike Moser — led the effort to memorialize Foxleigh Mansion, the original building on the estate that became McDonogh’s campus. Through the generosity of their class, a permanent stone marker was built at the site where the Mansion once stood. On Thursday, April 11, classmates were joined by Head of School Dave Farace ’87 and other attendees for an unveiling of the marker. Left to right: Gil Gardner, Jeff MacHamer, Craig Oliver, Stiles Colwill, Mike Moser, Bill Rowe, Andy Kagen, Jason Voyce, Malcolm Johnson, Bob Stolte, Val Curran, Randy Respess, Fred Cohen, Chip Wright, Robert Kershaw, Jan Sherrill, and David Diggs.

CLASS NOTES

1971

MIKE MCCOWAN is now a grandfather! His daughter, Jessica, welcomed baby Amaya in September 2023. Mike lives in beautiful Portland, OR, with his family where he consults with mostly international companies that want to sell their products in America. He enjoys golf, hiking, and fishing, and he still plays a little basketball when he’s not traveling the world. He is looking forward to spending quality time with his new granddaughter, daughter, and son-in-law.

SCOTT BURNS, JACK WEAVER, and RANDY HAMBLET met for one of their periodic kayak trips in April. They completed a six-mile loop of Mills Island in the Chincoteague Bay, just above the Virginia line. They invite anyone interested in participating in future excursions to contact them. The next planned trip will be to Nassawango Creek in Worcester County.

1972

BOB SULLIVAN recently traveled to Lake Placid, NY, to participate in the American Cup hockey tournament. His team’s tournament bracket consisted of four games in two days. Bob has been playing hockey for 16 years as a goalie after being persuaded by his daughter to try it. Playing in the rink that was the site of the “Miracle on Ice” 1980 Winter Olympics game was a special thrill. Bob was named his team’s Player of the Game in their final game.

1976

STEVE STEC taught an International Environmental Law Seminar at the University of Baltimore School of Law this spring while staying in the Catonsville home he grew up in. Steve’s regular job is at the Central European University Democracy Institute in Budapest, where he leads a project on citizen engagement in the European Green Deal.

1978

CHRIS CHAMBERS left Georgetown University in 2023 and is now running the not-for-profit Student Housing of America, which partners with private equity groups, construction firms, and real estate management companies to build and operate on- and off-campus affordable student housing. He continues to write crime fiction. Look for the last of his DC Noir trilogy, “Streetwhys,” coming in April 2025 from Three Rooms Press.

JONATHAN DICKEY is enjoying life in Woodbine, MD, and working at his investment firm, Merriweather Money Management, in Columbia. He and his wife celebrated the wedding of their oldest child in May 2023.

Bob Sullivan ’72 (front row, second from left) and his hockey team.

Jonathan Holljes ’72 reports that he and his wife Jeni recently visited Cape Coral, FL. He says he could imagine classmate Bob Geist sailboarding around the waterways!

1982

MARK JANKOWSKI reports that his youngest daughter, AVA JANKOWSKI ’24, was his fourth child to graduate from McDonogh and is attending the College of Charleston. Her brother, JACK JANKOWSKI ’18, lives in San Diego and works for Booz Allen Hamilton. ANNA JANKOWSKI ’19 lives in New York City and works for the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). ROSA JANKOWSKI ’21 is a senior at the University of Central Florida. Mark is proud of the Jankowski family legacy at McDonogh.

1985

ROB GIES has been working at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia for 34 years as Deputy Chief Engineer and Associate Technical Fellow. He designs and builds nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy and holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Old Dominion University. He and his wife, Louisa, have been married for 31 years, and their son, Austin, is a Georgia Tech graduate with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, also from Georgia Tech. Rob hopes to see many classmates at their 40th McDonogh reunion in 2025!

RALPH COOKE III launched his business, Breakthrough Running With Coach Ralph LLC, after decades of helping others achieve their running goals. He is certified by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and the Dr. Jack Daniels VDOT O2 coaching programs. Ralph thanks classmate KEITH GOLDEN ’85, without whom he is certain he never

Brendan Corcoran ’85 (center) was publicly recognized on April 18 by Indiana State University for receiving both a promotion to Full Professor and the University’s 2024 Theodore Dreiser Distinguished Research and Creativity Award.

would have set foot on a crosscountry course. Keith offered invaluable advice throughout the launch. Ralph also acknowledges McDonogh coaches the late Des Corcoran, Jeff Sanborn, the late BOB SEIGMAN ’64, and TOM YOUNG ’70, who provided the template that he uses as a coach.

Bill Parias ’81 married Nancy Hofmann on June 30, 2023.

Jack Soliman ’88 coached his Varsity Girls Golf Team to a record seven consecutive SPC State titles this spring at the Golf Club of Houston. Jack teaches AP U.S. History and coaches golf and basketball at St. John’s School in Houston.

CLASS NOTES

1989

1990

BRIDGET COLLINS , after nearly 25 years of service to McDonogh School in a variety of capacities from U.S. History teacher and Assistant Girls Varsity Soccer Coach to the Charles W. Britton Director of Character and Service and the Director of Greatest Good McDonogh, has taken on a new role as Head of Upper School at the Watershed School in Boulder, CO. She says she is looking forward to new challenges and adventures, and hopes to connect with former students and friends in the area.

1991

DERRY DEBORJA is a Grammy Award-winning musician and composer living in Nashville, TN. Since 2007, he has been a full-time member of Jason Isbell and the 400

Anita Mallya Bajaj ’89 (left) and Shonnell Gibson ’91 (right), traveled to London, UK for Kimberley Warden Lewis’s ’91 50th birthday celebration. The party theme was “an homage to hip-hop music.” Despite the distance, the three have kept in touch.

Unit — playing both the keyboard and accordion — and the band recently won their sixth Grammy award. McDonogh music instructor Linda Pio Roda went to see Derry, her former music student, perform at The Lyric in Baltimore in February, and they took a photo backstage with JUNJIE PIO RODA ’87 (far left) and Derry’s classmate JEHAN AZIZ (far right).

1993

JAMIE BLUM SEWARD is the Senior Associate Director of Alumni Relations for Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She also started a business called Repeat Roses that takes flowers after an event ends and restyles the blooms into petite arrangements that are donated to nonprofits. After the flowers are enjoyed a second time, Repeat Roses collects the flowers for composting and the vases for recycling, closing the sustainability loop.

1994

WILLY JAY was listed on the Forbes Top 200 Lawyers list. This inaugural list of America’s Top 200 Lawyers highlights the finest practitioners in

Jill Blum ’96 has been busy balancing her full-time job as a Senior Designer at UMBC with teaching as an Adjunct Professor in the Integrated Design graduate program at the University of Baltimore.

the profession — lawyers with stellar track records in their specialties, those who have broken barriers to emerge as leaders in their fields, and attorneys most respected by peers and clients.

1999

LAUREN PAUL NORRIS , and her business partner, started Vincita Investment Partners in April, after 10 years at Merrill Lynch. Vincita is a planning-driven firm that helps to simplify financial complexities and protect hard-earned wealth. As Founder and Managing Partner of Vincita, Lauren is committed to working with clients who excel professionally and want a partner who can help them achieve their

across all stages

2001

JINJI FRASER has moved her shop, Jinji Chocolate, to Baltimore’s Waverly neighborhood. She was recently highlighted in the New York Times Style Magazine for her hot and cold drinking chocolates that pay homage to Indigenous traditions in the Caribbean and Mesoamerica. Her business has also been featured in the “MICHELIN Guide” for its twist on casual chocolates.

2003

KRISTIN KUSHLAN FINKELSTEIN co-founded the nonprofit ShareBaby, Inc., which serves as Baltimore’s official diaper bank and baby gear pantry. In November, ShareBaby will celebrate its 10th Anniversary, and the organization recently recognized its 10 millionth diaper donation.

2004

ROSS EXLER opened his first photographic safari camp, Okavango Origins, in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. He co-founded Sustainable Safaris in 2021 with local partners from northern Okavango. The company’s mission is to foster conservation by creating tangible benefits in the neighboring villages. It is the only company with indigenous shareholders and they are committed to more equitable benefits for community partners. The Okavango Origins camp is a direct partnership between Sustainable Safaris and Gudigwa Village, and it focuses on

2004 classmates visited Ross Exler’s Safari Camp in April as part of a soft opening. From left: Von Tourgee, Jon Brick, Ross Exler, and Philip Kushlan.

world-class game viewing in a small, personalized setting.

2006

CAITLIN NICHOLS DAMMIN and her husband Lt. Col. William Dammin shared news of the birth of their daughter Annabelle Marie who arrived on June 1, 2023. Annabelle joins siblings Grace (3) and Dawson (almost 5). This summer, the family moved to West Palm Beach, FL, where Will commands the 4th ANGLICO, a reserve Marine Corps Unit.

BRYN HOLMES was named The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro wrestling Coach of the Year after leading the Gilman Greyhounds to the MIAA A Conference and MIS tournament titles.

Emily Selonick ’05 married Travis Coggin in Bozeman, MT, on March 16, 2024. They met while working on Vail Ski Patrol. Travis is the current mayor of Vail, CO, and Emily recently started working as a nurse in the Vail Health Emergency Department.

Don Koonce, Jr. ’06 married Jessica McCardell in Owings Mills, MD, on October 14, 2023. McDonogh friends in attendance in the first row are Keith Brown ’06, Dexter Ferguson ’07, and Ryan Elliott ’07.

CLASS NOTES

2009

JESSIE FILDERMAN earned a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Pittsburgh by successfully defending her thesis “The role of STING agonist-induced interferonstimulated genes in the antimelanoma immune response.”

2010

SHELBY KEMP and her husband, Keon, moved to Los Angeles, CA, after living in Toronto where Keon was finishing a fellowship in facial plastic surgery. Shelby works in marketing for Royal Farms. The couple welcomed baby girl Rumi Maynard on March 27.

2012

ALYSA MISFELDT and her husband, James, have been living in Eden Prairie, MN, for the last five years. Alysa works for the Parks and Natural Resources Department helping to conserve Minnesota’s native landscapes and promoting access to the outdoors for all through parks and trails. They welcomed their first child, Vienna Marie, on March 22.

Laura Ottinger ’12 married Cole Lampman in an intimate ceremony at city hall in Cambridge, MA, on January 24, 2024.

2013

JOHN BLAZE is living in Arlington, VA, where he works for Arthrex, an orthopedic medical sales company. He and his wife, Kristin, welcomed a daughter, Reaves Patricia, on February 3.

A group from the Class of 2007 celebrates their 35th birthdays in Savannah, GA. From left: Megan Richards Halleran, Caitlin Xenakis, Sydney Blum Williams, Rachel Millman, Jess Berens Hall, Katelyn Lentz Will, and Laura Kornhauser Todres.

Conor Johnston ’12 married Jodie Knott in Frederick, MD, on December 9, 2023.

Sara Supovitz ’10 married Eric Khorsandi on August 20, 2023.

2014

MAYA HOLMES graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine on May 19, and she will be completing her ophthalmology residency at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Ohio.

2015

ANGELIQUE HERRING was a part of NASA’s coverage of the solar

eclipse in April. As a Social Media Coordinator and Digital Content Manager for NASA Langley, she covered this celestial event from Maine with her NASA crew.

2016

JANSEN DURHAM had been working at Barclays Investment Bank in New York City before moving to Rwanda, Africa to start a financial technology company with friends. Fixa, which is

backed by global investors, offers software to businesses that manage temporary workers at scale, while establishing digital career identities for them.

AUSTIN NIKIRK graduated from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California with a Master of Arts in Translation and Interpretation. She volunteered with Language Services at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Aubrey Fleming ’15 married Blake Scott on February 23, 2024. Aubrey and Blake are both employed by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and they are enjoying life with their two feline children, Honey Bee and Captain.

The deadline for the next issue is December 1, 2024.

Upload class notes and photos to mcdonogh.org/classnotes.

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Heather Greenebaum married Spencer Mills on November 25, 2023, in Hershey, PA.

CLASS NOTES

2017

BAHRAM TAVAKOLI launched WagerPager, a company that connects the sports betting and technology industries. The platform is designed to be the nexus for job seekers and employers within the sports betting sector, offering access to opportunities across technology, analytics, customer service, and more. Bahram credits McDonogh for igniting his passion for technology and entrepreneurship.

2018

CHARLIE BRITTON , former Headmaster and an honorary alumnus of the Class of 2018, recently published his second mystery under the pen name C.W. Wells. “No Heart to Kill” is Charlie’s second novel featuring the character Gale McClanahan, a former pro football player. It’s available on Amazon along with his other books, “Lonestar” and “Eight-Man Cowboy.”

Karl Lindsey ’17 graduated from Towson University and continues to be involved with McDonogh as a volunteer with the wrestling program.

Alastair Cho ’19 is a finalist for the Princeton Class of 1916 Cup which celebrates a senior student-athlete with the highest academic standing.

Julia Dorsey ’19 signed her first professional soccer contract with the NC Courage.

Alessandra Rigamonti ’17 graduated from the Drexel University College of Medicine with honors and matched into a seven-year neurosurgery residency at Brown University/ Rhode Island Hospital.

2019

ABBY VAN METRE will begin a three-year graduate program at Yale University in order to start her career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Upon graduation, she hopes to work in underserved communities with those who have a high need for psychiatric care.

2020

JACKSON BONITZ , a two-time All-American lacrosse defenseman, was not only selected by a vote of his peers to serve as a captain for the Naval Academy’s men’s lacrosse team, he was also chosen by the captains of the other 35 sports at the Academy to represent them as the Athletic Team Commander, more commonly known as the Captain of the Captains within athletics, for the 2023-2024 academic year.

CURTIS JACOBS, JR. , a linebacker at Penn State, was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs for the coming season.

SARA KURLANDER graduated from Miami University in May and is a registered nurse in the Neonatal ICU (NICU) at the University of Maryland’s Children’s Hospital.

SEAN MCGONIGLE , a graduate of Colorado College, was offered an opportunity with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program as an assistant language teacher. JET teachers are placed in various schools throughout Japan, assisting teachers in English classrooms. They create lessons, help out with extracurriculars, and engage in local events.

JOE RADEK , a former Dutch Eyth award recipient, was recently named the 2024 Ernie Prudente award recipient at Swarthmore College. Similar to the Dutch Eyth award, the Ernie Prudente award is given to the male and female athlete who, through his or her participation, has demonstrated sportsmanship, love of the sport, and respect for teammates.

2022

JACOB MURRELL , a striker on Georgetown University’s soccer team, was selected as the number seven pick by D.C. United. He will leave Georgetown to pursue his dream of playing for an MLS Cup-winning soccer team and signed a three-year deal through 2026, with an option for 2027.

Former R-L scholars from the Class of 2023 gathered at Mehek Bajaj’s house for dinner and each brought a dish to enjoy with some celebratory cider. From left: Remy Alperstein, Ryan Scarff, Alexis Brown, Zach Hayashi, Vir Rami, Mehek Bajaj, Ryan Callahan, Cate Hardin, and Aeiris Faloni.

CLASS NOTES BABIES

1. Jonathan Sindler ’00 and Annie Liu welcomed Evie Lucy on October 29, 2023, in Alameda, CA.

2. Parker Jenkins Spear ’03 and Trey welcomed William “Will” Vernon to the world on May 11, 2024.

3. Rochelle Murray Robertson ’04 and husband Ty welcomed Laila Amerie on May 10, 2023.

4. Caitlin Nichols Dammin ’06 and husband Will welcomed their third child, Annabelle Marie, on June 1, 2023. Pictured with big sister Grace.

5. Matt Ford ’06 and his wife, Ivy, welcomed Jack Collins on October 30, 2023.

6. Molly Hayeslip ’06 and her husband, CJ, announced the birth of Callie Marie on August 8, 2023.

7. Bridgette Flora Williams ’07 and husband Douglas welcomed their second son, Ashton Owen, on March 15, 2023. Alexander has been a sweet older brother.

8. Tara Messing Rengifo ’08 and husband Rodrigo welcomed Elvia Quinn on February 5, 2024.

9. Emily Hopkins ’09 and her husband, Matthew, proudly welcomed Matthew Dean II on April 22, 2024.

10. Rebecca Flora Nilsson ’09 and Anders welcomed Vera Colette on September 29, 2023.

11. Cori Kaylor Stethem ’09 and Michael proudly announce the birth of their son, Michael Howard “Howie” IV, on November 1, 2023.

12. Kimmy Hilson Carmichael ’10 and her husband, King, were excited to welcome Savannah Rose on December 29, 2023.

13. Shelby Kemp ’10 and husband Keon welcomed daughter Rumi Maynard on March 27, 2024.

14. Jennifer Cook May ’11 and Alec welcomed Cayden McAndrews on December 20, 2023.

15. Alysa Delgado Misfeldt ’12 and husband James are over the moon with the arrival of their first child, Vienna Marie, on March 22, 2024.

16. Andrew Sovero ’12 and Alexandra were thrilled to announce the birth of Addison Rose on July 23, 2023.

17. John Blaze ’13 and Kristin welcomed Reaves Patricia on February 3, 2024.

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SAVE THE DATE

McDonogh parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are invited to kick off Spirit Week together with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and dancing. Enjoy an evening with good company, amazing raffles, a DJ, and more! Friday, October 25 | 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Louis E. Lamborn Alumni Memorial Field House Registration opens in September. Must be 21+ to attend. To become an event sponsor, email eaglefest@mcdonogh.org.