Meet the People Behind the Scenes

From early-morning bus drivers who ensure safe arrivals to dining staff preparing nutritious meals, housekeepers keeping buildings spotless, grounds and maintenance crews handling every detail indoors and out, and the security team safeguarding the community—these unsung heroes and their colleagues help make McDonogh run smoothly. Their quiet dedication and tireless work support every member of our School family. Meet some of the people who make it all happen.

—Nina Sinnott

Debbie Curry: Serving More Than Meals

Debbie Curry, affectionately known as "Miss Debbie," sets the tone for the day with a positive attitude and unwavering dedication. Her morning begins at 4:25 a.m. when she embarks on a 90-minute journey by bus, metro, and cab to ensure our students start their day with a nutritious meal and a warm smile.

Arriving on campus just before 6:00 a.m., she clocks in, washes her hands, and dives straight into preparing breakfast. From 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., she oversees the breakfast station—a favorite part of her day. Why? "It's quieter, so I get more one-on-one time with the kids," Curry shares. "I check in with them, and if they need a hug, I'll come around the counter and give them one."

After breakfast, Curry shifts to lunch, managing the Freestyle station for students with food allergies. With meticulous attention to recipes and safety, she creates each dish with love and precision. "Whatever I make, I make it with love. If it's not perfect, I fix it. I want to keep everyone with allergies safe."

Her day doesn't end with lunch. After serving from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., she helps prep for evening meals and often stays late for special events. One of Curry's favorite occasions is Reunion Weekend. Alumni seek her out, and she enjoys hearing their stories and what they are up to.

"This is my happy place," she beams. "There are so many people here that I love and who love me back." The feeling is mutual; Curry was honored by students with the 2021 "Legacy" yearbook dedication. She refers to this touching tribute as one of her proudest moments.

How does she know she's brightened someone's day? "Their smile says it all," she exclaims.

Dan Krueger: Watching Over Every Moment

Each morning as buses arrive, cars line up, and students pour onto campus, Officer Dan Krueger stands ready with a wave and a smile.

A retired Baltimore County police officer with more than three decades of experience, Krueger helps manage traffic, monitor the campus, and create a visible and reassuring presence for students, families, and staff. He shares, "We patrol the campus and create an omnipresence. When people see us, it puts them at ease."

Krueger's day often begins at 6:00 a.m., relieving the overnight guard, unlocking buildings, checking gates, and walking the campus to ensure everything is secure. By 7:55 a.m., he's in position at the Edward St. John Student Center, directing traffic with practiced ease. "Drop-off is my favorite part of the day because there's a lot of interaction. I thrive on that," he says.

But Krueger's role goes far beyond traffic duty. Throughout his shift, he is constantly assessing surroundings, monitoring routines, responding to calls, and staying alert to anything that seems out of place. As a key member of the security team, he says, "Parents are trusting us with their kids. We take that seriously."

What brings him the most joy? The little things. A wave from a student. A thank-you from a parent. Watching kids support one another on the field. "The students here are kind and respectful, and that's not something you see everywhere," Krueger concludes with genuine appreciation.

Dilcia Aleman: Making Spaces Shine

Every school day at 7:00 a.m. sharp, Dilcia Aleman arrives with a quiet sense of purpose, ready to make the campus shine. Her first stop: the barn at Roots Farm. From there, she moves through the Culinary Kitchen, and by mid-morning, she's deep into the bustle of the Paterakis Dining Hall, cleaning up after breakfast and preparing the space for lunch service.

Armed with a mop, cloth, and an unshakable work ethic, Aleman wipes, scrubs, and disinfects—always with care and precision. Her work also includes other spaces in the Edward St. John Student Center, where she's a familiar presence throughout the day, often staying late to support events and meetings. Whether cleaning up after meals, refreshing restrooms, or tackling the occasional unexpected mess, she's on it!

"I've cleaned or passed through every corner of this campus," Aleman says with a smile. If you're lost, she's likely the one who can point you in the right direction.

What fuels her dedication? "I love being here because I love being around children," she says, adding that she finds meaning in the thank-yous, the smiles, and the simple recognition of her efforts.

The highlight of her day? A hug from her son, Mateo, during lunch. "When he smiles at me, it reminds me why I do this," she says with pride.

Colby Gill: Grounded in Excellence

Colby Gill has been a vital part of the School's Grounds team for the past 44 years, helping to preserve the beauty, safety, and function of campus from sunrise through early afternoon.

His week follows a familiar rhythm: mowing the grass around Allan Building, Keelty Hall, and the dorms on Monday; caring for the grounds around the Head of School's house and the Boston Equestrian Center on Tuesday; maintaining Memorial Court and the Rosenberg Campus Green on Wednesday; and pitching in with other areas on Thursday and Friday. But his work goes far beyond mowing. On any given day, Gill might be repairing irrigation lines, trimming trees, edging sidewalks, clearing snow, or blowing leaves. He and the Grounds team also keep the athletic fields game-ready.

"It's not just grass," Gill says. "A lot goes into making things look good and work properly."

Gill also lends his strength wherever it's needed—hauling supplies and helping set up for school events, including Honey of a Jamfest, where he and his colleagues create the corn maze!

"I enjoy working with the guys," he says. "We take pride in what we do. When someone compliments the grounds, it means something."

Thanks to Gill and the entire Grounds crew, the School remains a welcoming and well-maintained environment, season to season, year after year.

Debbie Murphy: Driven to Care

Before the sun rises, Debbie Murphy, a self-described "morning person," is already on the move. A seasoned bus driver with nearly 30 years of experience driving for Baltimore County Public Schools, she brings both skill and genuine warmth to her role at McDonogh. Like her fellow bus drivers, Murphy's mission is simple but powerful: to make each ride safe, smooth, and welcoming.

She arrives on campus at 5:30 a.m. sharp, giving herself plenty of time to complete detailed safety pre-checks before heading to her first stop in Annapolis. With pick-ups scheduled for 6:50 a.m., 7:05 a.m., and 7:15 a.m., her riders—traffic permitting—arrive on campus by 8:05 a.m. In the afternoons, she makes the same trek in reverse, always with the same steady dependability.

Murphy understands that parents have busy schedules, which is why she gives herself extra time in the morning. "I'd rather be early than keep them waiting," she shares. Her punctuality does not go unnoticed. Parents frequently express their gratitude, knowing they can rely on her, no matter the weather or season.

Murphy's role at McDonogh goes far beyond the driver's seat. Known by her passengers as "Miss Debbie," she makes a point to learn each student's name, personality, and interests. "I love my kids, we have a good relationship," she says with a smile. That bond is evident in the waves and high-fives she receives across campus.

To Murphy, being a bus driver is much more than a job. "I do this because I enjoy the children, and I like to serve and give back," she says.

Eric Lehman: Can-Do Attitude and Pride in His Job

You might spot Eric Lehman high up in a bucket truck changing a lightbulb, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Since 1992, Eric has been a steady, reliable presence at McDonogh, working behind the scenes to keep the campus functioning smoothly. From diagnosing a mysterious leak to repairing doors, painting hallways, resolving plumbing issues, and setting up for events, Lehman handles it all with quiet efficiency and a deep sense of pride.

With a background in construction and a can-do attitude, Lehman brings both technical skill and calm problem-solving to every task. "I like the variety—it's not the same thing every day," he says. "You never know what the day's going to bring."

During the school year, his day starts at 6:00 a.m., when classrooms are still quiet. It's the perfect time to tackle maintenance work without disrupting teaching and learning. In the summer, he and the maintenance team shift their focus to bigger projects, taking advantage of the empty halls and open spaces before and after McDonogh Summer Camps.

"There's a cycle to the year," Lehman reflects. "From opening day to graduation, it follows a familiar cycle.

I like being a part of it—troubleshooting, repairing, setting up, and stepping in wherever I'm needed."

How does he know he's brightened someone's day? "A student holding a door or saying a quick 'thank you' in the hallway, those acknowledgments mean a lot to me."