c M DONOGH SPECIAL 150TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
M AG A Z I N E WINTER 2024
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Board of Trustees President and Head of School Q&A
3 150 Years and Counting 28 Circling the Hill 34 The Legacy Campaign 38 Student Voices 40 Arts 42 Athletics 44 Scholarship 46 Alumni News/Class Notes 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, Lacey Fredericks, Ane Lintvedt, Merritt Livermore ’91, Katie McGrain, Kathryn O’Neill, Dave Radford, Danielle Schollaert, Nina Sinnott, Jake Trout Photography: Steve Birdsall, Carol Croxton, Mickey Deegan, Leslie Finkelstein, Heather McPeters, Dave Radford, Danielle Schollaert, Mandy Wolfe, McDonogh Archives and Special Collections, Irvin Simon Photography Cover photo: Mandy Wolfe Proofreaders: Christine Krause Nina Sinnott Design & Illustrations: 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
Q&A DAVE FARACE ’87 HEAD OF SCHOOL
In the fall of 2023, the School hosted a 150th Anniversary celebration weekend. Tell us about the festivities from your perspective. What feelings did it evoke for you? [DAVE] It was pretty magical. The Friday night gala was
an experience unlike any other I’ve had on campus. Basking in the celebration alongside more than 1,000 friends, colleagues, parents, and alumni solidified my belief that McDonogh truly is a second home for so many of us. From the Home Again arts production to the gala to the football game and everything in between, the entire weekend was just spectacular. I woke up on Sunday morning with a grateful heart and a raspy voice.
This has been an exciting time with McDonogh celebrating its sesquicentennial year. What is your hope for the School’s future? [MIKE] During the 150 years of its existence, McDonogh
has successfully navigated economic collapses, world wars, political unrest, racial division, global pandemics, and countless other challenges, which are now turbocharged by the proliferation of social media and the 24/7 news cycle. What has McDonogh done in the face of these challenges? The School has remained unwavering in its commitment to teaching students “how to think, not what to think.” My hope (and expectation) for the future is that the School will continue to stay true to this commitment. Will the School be perfect? No—that is an impossible expectation. Will the School strive for perfection and learn from any missteps? Yes. If McDonogh continues to walk this tightrope to the best of its ability, it will have the opportunity to further differentiate itself from other schools as a place that inspires and maximizes personal and intellectual growth.
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Q&A
A McDonogh education continues to be highly soughtafter. In your opinion, what is the “secret sauce?”
people credit “joy” as the secret sauce of McDonogh, I
The School recently announced that McDonogh will be a host site for Bridges Baltimore, expanding the School’s footprint in doing the greatest possible amount of good. What excites you about this program and McDonogh’s involvement?
propose that intentional gratitude is the true source. It
[DAVE] I am so excited about the growth of our
allows us to focus on the good, to find joy in the
Greatest Good McDonogh program and its new
simplest of moments, and to build trusting relationships
partnership with Bridges. Supporting talented students
within our community. It inspires us to “give something
from around Baltimore in their pursuit of academic
more than we take.” The Class of 2023 lived through
success and providing our upper schoolers the
incredibly difficult days—the pandemic, social unrest,
opportunity to develop a deeper commitment to civic
political polarization, mass shootings, and the painful
engagement aligns with Greatest Good McDonogh’s
losses of a cherished teacher and classmate. Yet they
vision—cultivating an empathetic community that
thrived as a class by practicing the art of gratitude for
finds joy and purpose in doing the greatest good in
each other and the McDonogh community. As a fourth
the world.
[DAVE] Interestingly enough, I addressed this question
in my Commencement remarks last June. While many
grader told Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury last Leave it to one of our youngest Eagles to summarize
If you could travel back to another time in McDonogh’s history, when/where would you go, and why?
McDonogh’s secret sauce!
[DAVE] I would go back to 1983-1987, my four years in
spring: “A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.”
the dorms. Boarding at McDonogh was an immensely
The Legacy Campaign is set to close this June with a historic $90 million fundraising goal (with $86 million raised to date!). Tell us about the importance of this campaign as a sign of strength and vitality for our School community. [MIKE] McDonogh has survived and thrived for 150
years due to the generosity of donors. It is not an exaggeration to say that the School would not be here today but for the philanthropic support provided through fundraising efforts like The Legacy Campaign. This campaign is particularly important in that it serves as a way to honor the first 150 years of the School. It also establishes a foundation upon which to build the next 150 years of life-altering educational experiences by supporting access and academic excellence. Focusing on those two core elements will help to ensure that McDonogh will flourish as a beacon of opportunity for years to come.
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fulfilling experience for me, particularly because of the lifelong friendships and strong sense of independence it cultivated. [MIKE] I would go back 150 years to the earliest days
of McDonogh. I would like to see how the School started so that I could better appreciate what it has become (and where it is going). It is easy to take for granted what we have today, and I think it would provide incredible context to truly appreciate the School’s beginnings.
Hey, @davefarace87, we hear you’re on Instagram! How many followers do you have, and what has been the response? [DAVE] I am up to 640 followers. I have the best job in
Baltimore—Instagram allows me to document it and give people a sense of how special McDonogh is.
YEARS AND COUNTING Did you know there was once an all-school holiday called Walnut Day? Can
you believe that in the 1960s it was okay for a boarder to go out to the pasture on the weekend, grab a horse, and go riding? If you rode the bus, you know it was more than a ride to school, it was place to socialize...and who doesn’t remember their bus number? McDonogh’s history has an abundance of fascinating facts and a myriad of memories. The following pages are filled with both. The facts come from our 150 Stories website series and the memories were gathered from alumni panelists who participated in the ongoing McDonogh Voices webinar series that is exploring the McDonogh experience over the past seven decades in the context of history. Of course, you can always take a deep dive into McDonogh’s history by visiting the Wilson | Young Archives and Special Collections in person on the second floor of Lyle Building or online at mcdonogh.org/archives.
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HOW TO SAY SESQUICENTENNIAL AND 15 OTHER FASCINATING FACTS ses·qui·cen·ten·ni·al /,seskwəsen’tenēəl/ adjective relating to the one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of a significant event. noun a one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary.
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One of the most anticipated days of the year was Walnut Day, a designated
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holiday in the early 1900s. Each autumn,
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it was a popular competition among the boys to collect the most walnuts from campus trees. After the nuts were collected, students had the rest of the day off and enjoyed exploring and camping in the woods.
Beginning in 1887, oyster shells were spread over the road leading to the Main Building from the country road, resulting in the name Shell Road. The surface continued to be covered with shells until 1929 when a law required oystermen to return the shells to the oyster beds. The white shell road was resurfaced with dull black cinders and later macadamized. Even
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today, one can still find oyster shells along the side of the road.
The first six leaders of the School had the title of
Principal. When Doc Lamborn was at the helm, the State Board of Education told him he did not have the professional training required to use the title “Principal.” So, he changed his title to Headmaster. Over time, the use of the term Headmaster fell out
of favor, and Dave Farace ’87 became the first to use the title Head of School.
1873
1874
McDonogh School opens its doors as a semi-military, farm school to 21 scholarship boys from Baltimore on November 21. Colonel William Allan is the first Principal.
Three students are the first to complete their McDonogh education.
1883 The first issue of The Week, the School newspaper, is published.
1880 The McDonogh Alumni Society is established.
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In 1952, a rotary phone was installed at McDonogh, eliminating the need for a switchboard operator. The
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phones were lighter and had better acoustics. With the change came new phone numbers. To reach Allan Building, one had to call Pikes 6000. In 1967, the School’s number was changed to 363-0600, and in 1997, the 410 area code was added.
In a 1954 film about McDonogh, the food was described as plain, substantial, and liberal. The narrator shared, “It includes, among other things, an average weekly consumption of 1,140 gallons of milk, 200 gallons of ice cream, and 2,650 pounds of meat. Today, students enjoy a balanced variety of food choices featuring ingredients harvested from Roots Farm as well as international dishes, vegetarian options, and gluten-free products.
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McDonogh’s most famous cow was Ormsby Inca Pontiac Girl. During her lifetime of 21 years, the
record-setting Holstein earned national recognition for producing 251,013 pounds of milk (29,202 gallons) and 9,499 pounds of butterfat. In 1952, she was the second-highest butterfat producer in the Holstein breed and the seventh-highest milk producer.
1889 Duncan C. Lyle is appointed Principal.
1893
1914
James T. Edwards is appointed Principal.
Morgan H. Bowman, Jr. becomes Principal. The school strengthens the military program.
1898 Sidney T. Moreland becomes Principal.
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Since November 21, 1873, each
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McDonogh student has been enrolled in the official registry whether they
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graduated or not. Student number one, John Baker (pictured below), “ran off” 15 months after he was enrolled. Today, 150 years later, 19,859 names have been handwritten in the registry.
In 1964, NASA astronauts Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Scott Carpenter, Jim Lovell, and Gene Cernan dressed in their cumbersome space suits and trained for the weightlessness of outer space in McDonogh’s pool. Five years later, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, and Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin left their spacecraft and took man’s first steps on the surface of the
8. celestial body.
During senior inspections in the 1960s, boarders were grilled about any number of things such as how many steps there were from the ground level of Allan Building to the third floor. The answer? 60.
1921
1922
1926
William T. Childs is elected Principal.
Due to the depressed post-war economy and rising operating costs, the first pay student is admitted with tuition and boarding set at $500.
Major Louis E. “Doc” Lamborn becomes Headmaster. During his tenure, a Lower School is established. For the first time, 12 grades are taught.
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McDonogh officially became coeducational in September 1975, but girls and boys were learning together as far back as the 1880s when Col. William Allan’s daughters, Janet and Margaret, were students. McDonogh was too far in the country for the daughters of faculty and farmworkers to get to public schools, so they attended classes with the boys.
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When Main Building caught fire in 1929, some faculty and older students entered the dormitories and salvaged students’ clothing by throwing items out of the second- and third-story windows; other groups saved books from the library, the school papers, the safe, and valuable portraits from the first floor.
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The iconic Edwards Gymnasium, fondly known as
For the thousands of fans who attended the 47th
Eddies, stood in the center of campus for more than
McDonogh-Gilman game on November 22, 1963, it was
a century. It was designed by Alphonso Bieler, a
a day they will never forget. That afternoon, shortly
member of the Class of 1878, and included stone from
before kick-off in John McDonogh Stadium, the crowd
the McDonogh quarry. The multipurpose space even
of 4,000 was learning of the assassination of President
served as a dorm with double-decker bunks after the
John F. Kennedy. Both schools agreed to play, and
Main Building fire in 1928. It was named in 1962 for
although McDonogh won by a point in the low-
James T. Edwards who was McDonogh’s Principal at
scoring game, the outcome felt inconsequential.
the time of construction.
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1927
1928
1929
The Board of Trustees authorizes day students. McDonogh becomes accredited, allowing graduates to enter colleges and universities without additional training.
After a devastating fire destroys Main Building, the School sets out to build a new McDonogh. The curriculum has four tracks: college prep, business training, mechanical arts, and agriculture.
For the first time, pay students outnumber scholarship students.
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After two students formed the School’s first football team in 1887, they selected orange and black as McDonogh’s colors because of the notable population of Oriole birds on campus. McDonogh did not have an official mascot until 1971 when the Eagle was selected as a tribute to the School’s military program. Before that, sportswriters referred to McDonogh players as the “Farmers” or the “Cadets.”
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Started in 1933, the Orange and Black Varieties was a
popular fundraiser sponsored by the Patrons Club. By 1942, the variety show included instrumental groups, soloists, choral groups, and skits featuring the School’s 600
cadets. Despite the popularity of the production, it became cost-prohibitive and the curtain closed on it in 1947.
Read more at mcdonogh.org/150stories
1952
1959
1960
Robert “Bob” L. Lamborn becomes Headmaster. The School is reorganized into three divisions (Lower, Middle, and Upper), each with four grades to offer students an education more tailored to their age and development.
The process of gradual racial integration begins with the admission of one Black student in first grade.
McDonogh transforms into a college preparatory, liberal arts school and discontinues the vocational training program.
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MCDONOGH VOICES TELL THE STORY The following memories were gathered from alumni panelists who participated in the ongoing McDonogh Voices webinar series. Hear more, and tune in for our last session of the series on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. at mcdonogh.org/voices.
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1970
1971
1975
The process of gradual racial integration is completed with Black students in every grade.
A. Ludlam “Lud” Michaux is appointed President. The School discontinues the military program.
The School becomes coeducational with the addition of 138 girls.
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BOARDING The life of a day hop was quite different from a
get the tack out of the tack room, hop on the horse, ride
boarder. I thought I was really privileged to be able
around, come back, clean it up, and put your stuff away.
to go home every night, but it wasn’t until years
Can you imagine something like that happening today?
after I graduated from McDonogh that I realized how important it was to be a boarder. I’m sure the boarders had a great time after all the day hops cleared out. They got three meals a day and built lifelong companionships. –JOHN BEEVER ’50 I was a homesick kid and you had to stay for three weeks before you were able to go home during that time. I ended up in the Headmaster’s office a week later because I had planned on running away and hitchhiking home to Hampstead. Those first six months were pretty challenging. –JOHN SIEVERTS ’63 I was from Baltimore City, and I boarded because scholarship students back in those days had to. The pluses certainly outweighed the minuses. If you were there on a weekend, you could actually go out into the pasture—take a little bit of twine or rope off of a hay bale, rope yourself a horse, take it into the stable,
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1976
1979
William C. Mules is elected President and Headmaster.
A prefirst grade is added forming a transitional year between kindergarten and first grade.
–TIM WRIGHT ’66
I loved being in the dorms and having a quiet place to do homework. For me, McDonogh was an oasis of learning apart from my regular life. –LOUIS HYMAN ’95 Our dorm parents were Mr. and Mrs. Seal. Mrs. Seal was so sweet. If we had a great game and were mentioned in The Baltimore Sun, she would cut out the article and tape it outside our door. I remember one time when I had a really good basketball game and my name was in the headline, I came out of my dorm room and smiled when I saw the posting taped up. It was exciting, and it also showed how much pride the teachers and the faculty had. I felt like we were their kids too, not just their students. –JAZMINE NORTON ELDRIDGE ’99 I boarded my last year, and I just remember feeling like I was at a sleepover every night. It was such a happy time. –TORY KLEIN HOFFBERGER ’09
RIDING THE BUS I was on Bus #5 and we had a ball every morning singing to the latest tunes of the day and talking about the shows we watched (like “In Living Color”). That kicked off the morning. –DAVID HOLLAND ’90
1985 McDonogh agrees to rezone 225 acres for a newly developed office research park.
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TEACHERS/CLASSES In retrospect, the best part of being a student at McDonogh was the incredible education. The teachers were so good and so dedicated to the school and the students. One day, quite by chance, my French teacher, Marion Sparks, spoke to me in a way that had a profound effect on my whole professional life. As a teacher, I always reminded my colleagues that what you say can impact your students in ways you may never know.” –MIKE KOPPISCH ’60 This was a safe space where anything was possible. I dove into every extracurricular I could. If I went home before 9:00 on a weeknight, that was a failed day. I was really lucky to be “that student” in charge of the lights and sound; it kept me very busy. It’s one of the things I love about McDonogh. The School and the teachers are supportive, and I took advantage of the opportunities. –BRYAN BILLIG ’97 You can’t talk about academics at McDonogh without
talking about Mr. Smoot. Big Smoot. He literally wrote the book on chemistry. –JOHN HUNG ’84 Carl Haller had an awesome elective that I took called
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I received an effort award as a little fifth grader, which I keep in my kitchen to show my children. Effort awards matter, they really matter more than anything. Additionally, at McDonogh, I learned how to write. By doing so, I learned how to advocate for myself and communicate. –ALIYA QURESHI POSHNI ’89 Laddie Levy was the advisor for the AFS Exchange Program and encouraged me to apply. That’s why I went to Belgium for a year after graduation and how I studied international political science in college, which led to my career in the Foreign Service. So Laddie Levy and McDonogh changed my entire life. I’m really grateful for that. –GINGER KURAPKA KEENER ’77 When I first met Philip Olsen (in eighth grade) he was this scary guy from New York coming to whip us into shape. He was a musical genius. He always had us practice and perform in the chapel. He took people from all walks of life and brought us together; and we made incredible music. –GRACE HONG JACKSON ’95
Philosophy in Literature; we read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. It’s one of my favorite books to this day. When I became an English teacher, I made my own Philosophy in Literature class. –KAYLIE KASSAP GEORGE ’94
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1992
1996
1998
W. Boulton “Bo” Dixon becomes Headmaster.
The Rollins-Luetkemeyer Athletic Center opens.
The Clarence A. Burck Center for the Performing Arts opens.
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Paul Smith. Mr. Smith. I only played one season for him. And I also managed one of his teams. He taught me so much about discipline and professionalism. Those lessons have really stayed with me throughout my life. –JOHN HUNG ’84 From my perspective, the School’s focus was on individual growth—to be the best human. In other words, you can be great at lots of things, but the one thing we’d be most proud of is whether you’re a good person. –MALCOLM MOSES-HAMPTON ’08
UNIFORMS In the morning when we got off the bus, we stood alongside it and got inspected. We were checked for haircuts. We were inspected for fingernails. Our hands were inspected. The uniform was inspected. We had to be ready for class every day. During the war years, many of our teachers were in the reserves and they actually taught in uniform. –JOHN BEEVER ’50 I was a scholarship student, but five of my six years were the military. Everyone wore the same uniform regardless of wealth. –WALLY BOSTON ’72 You saw people’s hair getting longer and longer. We went from very short hair to very long hair. Afros were big. We skirted the edges of the dress code by wearing bell bottoms, big belts, and big ties. We were engaged with the culture. –NORMAN PARKER ’73 The dress code? They would measure our skirts! We were all looking for ways to stand out because we dressed so similar. –JESSICA LEVY ’04
2007
2009
2014
Charles W. Britton becomes Headmaster. Campus Master Plan comes to fruition with the addition of the Naylor Building, Edward St. John Student Center, and Rosenberg Campus Green.
The Character Compass is introduced, focusing on the four virtues of honesty, respect, kindness, and responsibility with service at the center.
The LifeReady vision for teaching and learning is launched to help each student prepare for a life of character, civic duty, service, and success. Prekindergarten is introduced.
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TRADITIONS
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PIVOTAL MOMENTS
During Spirit Week we had bus decoration contests. We tried to put wings on the bus to create an eagle. It was fun putting it together— good camaraderie and getting pumped up for the game. –DAVID HOLLAND ’90
The military was a very good thing even though I wasn’t very good at it. It did give me a sense of order and a sense of the correct way of doing things. The importance of that is obvious. I think in the long run, the way of organizing worked. –MIKE KOPPISCH ’60
Remember the oratory contest? I completely forgot my entire poem and stood up in front of my sixth-grade class and had to be prompted through the entire thing, which was very, very embarrassing. But the next year I came roaring back. –ALIYA QURESHI POSHNI ’89
A good day for me was the day that they decided who the commissioned officers were going to be. When we were military and I was in the fourth grade, I was a lieutenant, which means I had my own platoon. I wanted the military to continue, but it was for selfish reasons. In the twelfth grade, being a commissioned officer meant
Freshman boys were biddies, which was often a tough experience because people just wanted to give you a hard time and send you back and forth for food. You also had to clear off the tables.
you got a sword. –NORMAN PARKER ’73 The girls added a richness to the School’s character that wasn’t there before. I think it was a great change. It was very interesting to go along all those years as an all-boy school and then change over. I thought it would be a lot
–TERRY BOOKER ’82
different, but it really didn’t feel that way to me. –LEROY KATZ ’76
I loved McDonogh since I was 10 years old and saw the boys [marching] on the football field in their [military] uniforms. When I found out it was going coed, I just couldn’t wait. I started as a junior and felt very welcome...it was an easy transition. I enjoyed my friends, my teachers, and my extracurricular activities. –BETHEL HENRY ’78
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2015
2018
2019
The 100th McDonogh vs. Gilman football game is played.
David J. Farace ’87 becomes Head of School.
Greatest Good McDonogh is launched to teach students best practices in servicelearning, philanthropy, community engagement, and social innovation.
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There might have been a whole lot of societal change happening, but it felt very normal for us. We started the Black Student Union when I was in Upper School, and our big issue—which sounds so tame now—was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and how we were going to commemorate that day. That was our cause celeb. –NORMAN PARKER ’73 It was the beginning of girl sports and we usually practiced and played in Eddie’s Gym. You would bounce a ball and it would hit a buckle in the floor and just go flat in the middle of a game. We were lucky when we had our practices and games in the real gym. –ANNA DOPKIN ’85 We saw an explosion in diversity across all different aspects of student life, not just racial diversity, but socioeconomic diversity, diversity in terms of sexual identity, and a wide range of accepting perspectives, which I really appreciate. McDonogh is one of the few, if only, institutions I’ve been a part of that has not been afraid to confront its very complicated history. And the School has done it in a way that I think is sincere. –FARAH QURESHI NUR ’04
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SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM I was on scholarship. What was amazing to me was how supportive McDonogh was. I always looked forward to my new books every year. They even paid for me to go to Germany. I didn’t have new clothes until after I finished college. I always shopped at thrift stores. When you come from a background like that, you are not shocked that there are wealthy people in the world. But it’s great that I could go to the same school as them. That’s why I give back to McDonogh— because it’s an amazingly generous institution for people like me. –LOUIS HYMAN ’95 I was a scholarship student my entire time at McDonogh. I spent one year in Allan Building and after that, they sent me over to live with grade school students who were fresh out of elementary school. We actually trained those folks to march, tie their shoes, and do everything for themselves. –HANK CHILES ’56
2021
2022
2023
The mission statement is reevaluated and updated to include a vision statement and the five values of integrity, respect, resilience, curiosity, and gratitude.
The Memorial to Those Enslaved and Freed is dedicated on campus.
McDonogh School celebrates 150 years.
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I felt really grateful to come to McDonogh and experienced such a sense of awe knowing that somebody, some stranger, was willing to pay for my education. I almost felt indebted to them, which I think also pushed me academically. –LEXY APOSTOLOU ’01
COMMUNITY I’ve never seen a place, a community, unite like it did when that (the death of Ceres Horn ’86) happened. I was very touched by the whole experience. I couldn’t believe how much unison there could be in one place. I think it highlighted the underpinnings of what makes the community at McDonogh work; you experience a lot of interreliance amongst students, students to teachers, teachers to students, and so forth. –ALBERTO DIAZ ’89
My entire experience was really joyful. I started in sixth grade, and I’m still in close contact with my group of friends. I never laugh harder than with that group of guys. They feel like family for sure. –GREGORY BERNSTEIN ’07
CONNECT TO 150 YEARS OF MCDONOGH BUY YOUR COPY OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE BOOK Becoming McDonogh School, a stunning coffee table book, follows the School’s journey with compelling photography and page-turning narrative. Written by professional historians, the book captures milestones, victories, and challenges through the years. Get your copy in the School Store or online at mcdonogh.org/schoolstore for only $39.99.
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Read interesting facts and stories: mcdonogh.org/150stories Listen to our McDonogh Voices webinar series: mcdonogh.org/voices Share your McDonogh experience: mcdonogh.org/memories Explore the Wilson | Young Archives and Special Collections: mcdonogh.org/archives View McDonogh artifacts spanning 150 years: mcdonogh.org/artifacts
ONE ANNIVERSARY FOR THE CELEBRATION HISTORY BOOKS th
McDonogh School’s 150 Anniversary Weekend brought
together the people who define our community at a variety of events that honored the past and celebrated the future. The festivities began on Thursday, November 2 with the production Home Again, celebrating the School’s vibrant and diverse arts community. The following day included something for everyone from the Distinguished Service and Young Alumni Awards Luncheon to the All-School Spirit Parade and Pep Rally to the much-anticipated 150th Anniversary Gala. The fun continued on Saturday with the 107th McDonogh vs. Gilman football game and class reunion parties for those who graduated in years ending in 4 and 9. Alumni also took time to reconnect at a memorial service, on tours of campus, at the Black Alumni Brunch, and in visits to the new Wilson | Young Archives and Special Collections.
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HOME AGAIN
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THURSDAY
The ensemble sings “Old Friends” from Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along.
miracle. “Our hope was that we
with Home Again, a cabaret-style
would create a piece of art that
production featuring an ensemble
represented a lot of diverse types
of alumni and current students.
of work. We knew musical theater
After months of planning, the cast
would be the thread that brought us
of almost 20 was set, and they
through because we were picking
returned to campus a day before the
pieces from past musicals.”
show for their first rehearsal. Less than 24 hours later, ready or not, they hit the stage in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre.
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The opening number, “Old Friends” from the musical Merrily We Roll Along, set the tone for the evening, and the theme of “home” was
“On Thursday afternoon, there were
woven through the songs and dance
definitely some nerves,” recalls
numbers. While the performers
Director Kara Zimmerman who
gained a unique understanding
admits that given the unusually brief
of what it means to come home,
rehearsal time, they were unsure if it
the audience also enjoyed the
was going to work. But she says they
opportunity to connect with each
pulled off what is known among
other and the cast—everyone was
the theatre team as the McDonogh
home again.
Taylor Lamborn ’07 wows the audience with her blues original “Going Home.”
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The Anniversary festivities began
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Nile Russell ’00 and Kevin Truitt ’08 perform “Visions of Home,” a dance they choreographed to music by Ami Dang ’02.
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FRIDAY
SPIRIT PARADE AND PEP RALLY
The celebration continued with the All-School Spirit Parade and Pep Rally on Friday, November 3 led by honorary Grand Marshall Dave Harley who retired in 2014 after 47 years at McDonogh. The entire school community, dressed in festive orange and black, marched behind the Upper School fall sports teams to the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Athletic Center, where the excitement for Saturday’s McDonogh vs. Gilman football game reached a fevered pitch.
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FRIDAY
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS
ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, MORE THAN 100 MEMBERS OF THE MCDONOGH FAMILY GATHERED FOR A LUNCHEON UNDER THE COMMUNITY TENT NEXT TO JOHN MCDONOGH STADIUM TO CELEBRATE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD AND YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD—TWO OF MCDONOGH’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS HONORS.
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT
MICHAEL SMITH ’15
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT
attitude toward learning, outstanding effort, and
KIMBERLY HILSON CARMICHAEL ’10
courteous and cooperative demeanor grew alongside
From the time she
his athletic ability and charismatic leadership skills. A
started at McDonogh as
three-sport athlete, he excelled in wrestling and—in his
a fourth grader, Kimmy
senior year—won the Ray Oliver Character in Wrestling
Hilson Carmichael
Award. He was chosen by his classmates to be the
made an impression
senior speaker at the 2015 Commencement Ceremony
on her teachers as a
where he was also presented with the Character and
“strong and determined
Influence Award.
leader” who was
During his time at McDonogh, Mike Smith’s positive
Since then, Smith has stayed connected with McDonogh through the Alumni Association, and he played an integral role in the creation of the Black Alumni Committee. Smith went on to the U.S. Naval Academy where he continued his wrestling career and was chosen by his peers to be President of the Academy’s Class of 2020. Today, 2nd Lt. Michael Smith, USMC, is based at Camp Lejeune, NC, and scheduled to deploy to Japan. Accepting the Young Alumni
“respected by her peers for her enthusiasm and caring disposition.” In Middle and Upper School, similar words were used to describe her as a student and a person. From an academic perspective, teachers saw Carmichael as hard-working, diligent, motivated, tireless, curious, focused, and determined— characteristics that led her to achieve Honor Roll status each trimester of her Upper School career. In addition to being an accomplished student, she was also a dedicated field hockey player who helped lead her team to multiple championships.
Award on his behalf was his
After graduating from McDonogh in 2010, Carmichael
father, Michael Smith.
earned a degree from Johns Hopkins University. A loyal McDonogh alumna for more than a decade, Carmichael 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 in 2022, she was elected Vice President of the Alumni Board. She hopes her efforts will inspire future alumni, specifically young alumni, to remain engaged with the School.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
CHARLES BRITTON Former Headmaster Charlie Britton was recognized for his 11 years of service to McDonogh and the growth that took place on the campus during his tenure. With Britton at the helm from 2007 to 2018 providing direction and inspiration, McDonogh School built upon its superb reputation, all the while remaining—as he wished—unpretentious. Whether it was fundraising, creating a campus master plan, facility expansion, faculty development, curriculum innovation, athletic and artistic accomplishment, or a renewed focus on character development and service, Britton’s stewardship guaranteed success. Among the changes to campus during his term was the addition of the Naylor Building, Edward St. John Student Center, and Rosenberg Campus Green, as well as a turf field, the Esther Ann Brown Adler Wing (to house McDonogh’s first-ever prekindergarten program), the Fader Innovation Center, Marc Village, and the renovation of Memorial Court.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
As impressive as the bricks and mortar enhancements
JOHN BEEVER ’50
were, Britton’s influence extended far beyond new
Although John Beever humbly considers himself “just
program including his support of LifeReady, the
an average guy,” McDonogh sees him as a devoted
development of Folio, the establishment of Roots Farm,
alumnus who has been a unifying force among
and the creation of the Character Compass which
his classmates from the Class of 1950. He is also a
stresses the values of respect, responsibility, honesty,
generous scholarship donor dedicated to ensuring that
kindness, and service. At the ceremony, Britton was
students, like himself, can continue to benefit from a
also recognized for being an incredible culture keeper
McDonogh education.
known for his collegiality, trustworthiness, community
More than 80 years after he first stepped on campus, his affection for his alma mater remains unwavering. Beever shared that as a child he had a deep and loving relationship with his grandfather who made it possible
construction. He also had an impact on the academic
engagement, dedication, thoughtfulness, and work ethic. Most notable, however, was his gift for building and maintaining relationships which he has said are at the heart of any great school.
for him to attend McDonogh. Ever grateful for this lifechanging opportunity, Beever has made a planned gift, The John Dittmar, Jr. Scholarship, in honor of him. Beever says, “I believe educational opportunities should be available to those who have the desire and the ability but not the financial means to achieve their career goals. I further believe that those who receive such support have a duty to provide the same opportunity to others.”
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YEARS AND
COUNTING
FRIDAY
150TH ANNIVERSARY GALA On Friday night, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends celebrated the School’s 150th Anniversary in a
transformed Paterakis Hall. Close to 1,000 guests attended the party of the century (and a half) and enjoyed good company, delicious food, and dancing to live music. A highlight of the evening was a group photo with the 150th Anniversary cake topped with an Eagle and oversized sparklers. Ashley Lucas, Hilary McDonough, and Lindsay Lochte
150th Anniversary Weekend Co-Chairs Kristin Kushlan Finkelstein ’03, Josh JonesDilworth ’98, and Alexis Seth ’92
Rachael Siegelbaum ’13, Julian Fedorciw, Jenna Siegelbaum ’16, and Blair Kessler ’16
Mary Philip, Swapna Kakani Tawady, Tontesh Tawady, and Tony Kaliyadan
Attendees sing Happy Birthday around a colossal cake.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND SPONSORS! WEEKEND HOSTS
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PLATINUM SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS CAM Construction GYC Builders Planet Fitness and The Brick Family Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. SEH Excavating, Inc. Sushi Q
BRONZE SPONSORS The Blavatt Glazer Cogan Foundation, Inc. Chesapeake Contracting Group Elizabeth Bailey Weddings Floors Etc. H&S Family of Bakeries Justin Retirement, Inc. McDonogh Alumni Association
YEARS AND
Matthew Seward, Jamie Blum Seward ’93, and Marianne Dawn
COUNTING
SATURDAY
Pat Ghinger, Jay Ghinger ’62, and Tom Brandt ’69
MCDONOGH VS. GILMAN GAME
Noreen Lidston and Callie Rahman
It was perfect football weather for the 107th McDonogh vs. Gilman game on Saturday, November 4, and John McDonogh Stadium Niela Magwood-Phoenix ’96, Lauren Street ’93, Ericka Wells ’94, Kellee Parrott Gonzalez ’96, and Joshua Thomas ’06
was packed with an enthusiastic crowd of fans—students, families, and alumni of all ages— decked out in orange and black. Before, during, and after the game, the community tent—
Arielle Samuels ’03, Artie Spruill, Alex Lamkin, and Jessy Morgan ’03
sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Parents Association—provided hospitality and entertainment for the McDonogh Family. At the end of the day, the Eagles were victorious (21-7) and will hold onto the Price Memorial Trophy for another year.
Joe Rosenbaum ’99, Shannon Leahy Rosenbaum ’02, Tan Lu, Jerome Stephens, and Bruni Stephens
Richard Gholston ’12, Milton Gholston ’09, Cynthia Cox, and Rachel Gholston ’07
MILESTONE REUNIONS AND MORE During the weekend, alumni attended a Memorial Service in Tagart Chapel and reconnected at a Black Alumni Brunch. They also visited various corners of campus from
McDonogh Parents Association Strategic Factory Windsor Electric WEEKEND SPONSORS Ace Uniform Services, Inc., The Finkelstein Family Ariosa & Co. Mechanical Contractors
National Lumber Company Marc & Elizabeth Ottinger, Laura Ottinger, and SFC Abbott Ottinger Sage Dining Charlie Thorne, Northeast Florida, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Wolf Security
the Riding Hall to the recently opened Wilson | Young Archives and Special Collections in Lyle Building. Additionally, members of classes ending in 4 and 9 enjoyed their milestone reunions on Saturday night. See Class Notes for the celebratory photos.
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YEARS AND
COUNTING
150 AROUND CAMPUS CALCULATIONS YIELD ALL-SCHOOL 150TH PHOTO stand comfortably and also account for the variable sizes of the participants. They also considered the following questions. What font made the most sense to mark out the numbers? How should the number frame be placed in a photogenic way? Where will the sun be during the photo? All levels of math came into play as the class worked toward a recommendation. The students discussed and agreed on appropriate units and rounding guidelines, built scale models, calculated area, and solved many equations. Ultimately, this “problem” also gave the class a chance to take their learning off the page, get outside, and feel connected with their new peers (and teacher!) as we worked toward a common end. —Lacey Fredericks, Upper School mathematics teacher
At the start of the year, a colleague in the Communications Department asked if I could help with some calculations for an all-school photo with everyone forming a 150 in honor of our sesquicentennial celebration. My first thought was
The cover of this issue of McDonogh Magazine is the result of the Algebra II Honors students’ problem-solving skills. Their calculations confirmed and supported the work of the Grounds Crew who painted an outline of the numbers on the Rosenberg Campus Green.
that this would be a great “problem” for my Algebra II Honors students to solve. And it turned out they were up for the challenge! The students quickly began to assemble a list of all of the questions they would need to explore to decide the scale of the number frame. How many people would be in the photo? Where should the photo be taken? Our first thought was the football field, and we decided our unit of measure would be yards. We needed to know how many people could comfortably occupy a square yard; so we broke out the masking tape and had the class “occupy” a square yard. We quickly concluded that the football field was unnecessarily large and wondered if we could use the Rosenberg Campus Green. Because that space did not come with well-marked dimensions, we borrowed a few long measuring tapes from the Science Department and headed out to the Green.
measurements and wrestled with concerns about choosing a “people density” that would allow them to
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Students double- and triple-checked their Felix Mikhaylenko ’27, Nissa Rab ’26, and Derin Karunwi ’26 take field measurements.
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Lower School arts chair Beth Rausch and Middle School social studies department chair Steve Martel discuss Upper School art teacher Dave Radford’s photograph Jordan Pond.
alongside current faculty.
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Theatre technical director Bill Marks leans in close to see the detail of “The Gilded Passage” by Upper School art teacher Jess Bastidas.
The exhibition served as a poignant tribute to the
an artists’ reception brought together colleagues past
School’s rich history of fostering the arts, showcasing
and present to celebrate their shared commitment
a diverse range of works and artistic voices that
to nurturing creativity within the McDonogh
created a dynamic dialogue between the gifted
community—a tradition they all agree should carry on
educators. On the evening of Thursday, September 7,
for another 150 years. —Dave Radford, Tuttle Gallery director
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Upper School art teachers Jess Bastidas and Clarissa Pezone discuss Pezone’s sculpture, “The Magician,” with Upper School choral music teacher Scott Barton.
FACULTY ART SHOW SHOWCASES TALENT OF CURRENT AND FORMER TEACHERS Each year, the Tuttle Gallery features a slate of exhibitions by contemporary artists so students can learn about their processes and be inspired by their work. To kick off the series, it has become tradition for the visual arts teachers from each division to share their work with the McDonogh community in the annual Faculty Art Show. In celebration of McDonogh’s 150th Anniversary, beloved past faculty members Jon Detwiler, Jeanne Mulligan, Oletha DeVane, Beckie Lamborn, Joan Newcomer, Leslie Portney, and Match Zimmerman were invited to participate in the show
150 YEARS OF MCDONOGH’S BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Inspired by publicity for the School’s 150th Anniversary, seniors taking my Advanced History Research and Methodology course decided to create a lesson for current students about the changes and continuities of the buildings and grounds on McDonogh’s campus. They started with a visit to the new Wilson | Young Archives and Special Collections on the very first day it was open to the public. After culling through hundreds of old photographs pulled by Director of Archives and Special Collections Chris Ameduri, they conducted research and wrote accurate captions for the photos. The upper schoolers then developed informative, age-appropriate PowerPoint presentations for students in each division. The special project not only enriched the creators’ learning experience but also proved to be valuable for those who interacted with the lessons. —Ane Lintvedt, Upper School history teacher
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YEARS AND
150 AROUND CAMPUS
>>>
COUNTING
Details like the tiny orange Adirondack chairs, the 150th Anniversary banners, and the giant M bring the Rosenberg Campus Green to life.
ELABORATE TRAIN GARDEN BRINGS CAMPUS TO LIFE To celebrate McDonogh’s 150th
photographs, articles from The
Anniversary, the Lower School
Week, and yearbooks. Third
undertook an exciting project in the
graders began lessons on mapping
fall to create a 96-square-foot train
and architecture, and the project
garden of McDonogh’s campus,
quickly evolved to engage every
encompassing all the buildings and
grade in the Lower School.
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athletic fields.
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First-graders Anastasia H. and Victoria M. check off items found in the train garden scavenger hunt.
Utilizing various materials such
Inspired by the trains that once
as 3D-printed models, stitched
brought the first McDonogh
felt, pipe cleaners, natural wood,
students to campus, the train
rocks, popsicle sticks, and more,
garden felt like a great way to honor
the students brought the campus
McDonogh’s past and present. To
to life. The buildings were laser cut
learn more about the history and
with impressive detail thanks to
experiences of those early years at
collaboration with Upper School
McDonogh, fourth-grade students
visual arts teacher Dave Radford
visited the Wilson | Young Archives
and students from his photography
and Special Collections and looked
classes. Images of Lower School
at primary resources including
students can be found on train
HOUSES DECORATE DOORS At the beginning of the academic year, the Middle School kicked off the House System, a time-honored program designed to cultivate a sense of community and belonging while nurturing leadership and service among students. There are eight Houses, each with a mix of middle schoolers in fifth grade through eighth grade. Throughout the school year, the Houses participate in academic, athletic, and artistic activities that build character and encourage collaboration. On a Friday afternoon in October, the Houses gathered to celebrate McDonogh’s 150th Anniversary with a door decorating contest. Each House was given materials and three doors throughout the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Building to decorate in honor of the sesquicentennial. Students energetically collaborated using streamers, balloons, and other decorations to fill the halls with orange and black McDonogh spirit. House Four won the contest! —Kathryn O’Neill, Middle School dean of students
Laila Harris ’28
cars and in the stands in John McDonogh Stadium. Meaningful details include flagpoles with 150th Anniversary flags, handwritten and wood-burned signs in the front of each facility, many of the School’s monuments and statues, and illuminated interiors for each building. As the project continues to unfold this year, we’re eager to expand, adding more features and involving additional classes. Our hope is that this project will become a tradition for years to come! — Jake Trout, Lower School engineering and innovation teacher, and Katie McGrain, Lower School librarian
Michael Shine ’29, Deven Jogia ’20, Cooper Savage ’31, Jack Garten ’31, Saj Rami ’30, and Nathan Finkelstein ’30
150 REASONS WHY I LOVE MCDONOGH The bulletin board outside my office is my passion project that I look forward to creating each month. I strive to have either an enticing theme that provides educational content or something that is interactive for the Upper School community to enjoy. In honor of Spirit Week 2023 and the 150th Anniversary celebration, I invited community members to write 150 reasons why they love McDonogh. With Sharpies and festive black and orange decorations, the board provided a depository for people to add their thoughts. What I enjoyed most was watching the list grow throughout the weeks of November with contributions from students and faculty. Notes highlighted spaces on campus, events and traditions, and special people who make this place uniquely McDonogh. —Merritt Livermore ’91, Head of Upper School
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CIRCLING THE HILL
VOLLEYBALL TEAM SERVES UP INSPIRATIONAL
CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN In the spirit of teamwork and compassion, the varsity volleyball team, in partnership with Greatest Good McDonogh (GGM), led a successful Upper School Breast Cancer Awareness Week in the fall of 2022. Inspired by their initial triumph and a continued commitment to community service, they broadened their mission this year to encompass a more comprehensive Cancer Awareness Week, recognizing the widespread impact of various cancers on individuals and families.
“Our goal was to bring the McDonogh community together to make a difference,” shares Ava McKennie ’24, co-captain of the volleyball team. The decision to include all types of cancers was deeply personal for the girls as they recently lost a beloved friend, one of their most ardent supporters, to leukemia. To honor his memory, the team chose to incorporate the color orange—the official hue symbolizing leukemia awareness—into the 2023 fall campaign. Beyond raising awareness, their goal was to make a meaningful donation in their friend’s name to support cancer research at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. To maximize their impact, the volleyball players rallied other Upper School sports teams to join their cause. Throughout the week of October 16, a series of fundraising events took place. Raffles, a free dress day, ribbon sales for a memory board in the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Athletic Center, and lucrative bake sales during Upper and Middle School lunches were among the many activities that showcased the team’s commitment to involving the greater community. Central to their awareness-building and fundraising efforts was the creation and sale of vibrant t-shirts bearing the slogan, “GIVE CANCER THE BOOT!” McKennie shared that the shirts were a big hit with students, teachers, and staff. The entire volleyball team, along with the girls varsity soccer team, wore the shirts as
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their warm-up attire and many fans donned them at games throughout the week. The football team also joined in, selling orange bandanas to further support the cause. An alumnus who witnessed one of the lunchtime bake sales got involved, too. Gerrard Sheppard ’08, owner of Sunset Raw Juice Bar, was so inspired by the students’ initiative that he offered to set up his food truck on campus one afternoon when there were a number of home athletic contests, and he donated all proceeds to the effort. His generosity underscored the contagious nature of the volleyball team’s dedication to doing good! By week’s end, the combined endeavors culminated in an impressive fundraising total of $3,200 dedicated to cancer research. Bridget Collins ’90, Director of GGM, commended the volleyball team, stating, “This is our hope and dream— for students to take hold of something and become passionate about a cause.” GGM Program Manager Artie Spruill echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the inspiring commitment displayed by the student-athletes. The volleyball team’s Cancer Awareness Week highlights the transformative power of sports in bringing people together for a meaningful cause. Collins emphasizes, “Their impactful efforts serve as a reminder that when communities unite they can truly make a substantial and lasting difference.” —Nina Sinnott
SHOP TALK: 150 YEARS OF LIFEREADY? YEP! BY KEVIN J. COSTA, PH.D., DIRECTOR OF LIFEREADY
Ten years ago, I was working with colleagues on the ideas that would result in LifeReady, McDonogh’s vision for teaching and learning. As I’ve written many times in the past, LifeReady describes approaches to teaching and learning intended to develop self-reliant, critical thinkers prepared to do good in a diverse and rapidly changing world. The plan draws on copious research from the learning sciences, futurist research indicating what the world may likely require of our graduates, and trusted pedagogical frameworks and practices. But good teaching didn’t just start in 2014. Excellent schools like McDonogh can look back into its history and find myriad examples of learning that inspired students, helped them to think deeply and critically, and turned their curiosity into passion. When I first set foot on McDonogh’s campus in 2006, I learned about the most wonderful event I’d ever heard of in a school: the Cardboard Boat Race. “What is that?” I asked. The response was almost casual: “Oh, Upper School kids spend a month working after school on boats made of a limited supply of cardboard, glue, tape, and paint. And then they race them on our pond.” I couldn’t believe my ears, and when boat race season started, I could hardly believe my eyes. It was late April, the big tent outside of Keelty was pitched, and Upper School students huddled around their materials. As spring evenings warmed, radios blared, kids laughed, and boats—many boats—took shape. And then, on the last day of classes, we did what McDonogh does best: we threw ourselves a parade with a route to the pond. Mr. Smoot was in his canoe, and the start and finish line flags added an air of festivity to this singular event.
deadline and finite materials at hand, students have to learn the equally important skills of collaboration, communication, delegation, and humility. Rigorous content knowledge (physics, engineering, mathematics, visual arts) + critical interpersonal skills (teamwork, communication, perspective-taking) = a great boat and a superb example of what LifeReady learning can look like. The Cardboard Boat Race is one event among many that enacts the values and concepts of LifeReady. To be sure, McDonogh’s oratory programs achieve similar intersections between disciplinary and skills knowledge. For years, lower schoolers have put on plays and middle schoolers have engaged in a stream study project. Athletes train and compete in public all year. Suffice it to say that just about any time students have been immersed in generative, collaborative work, they are becoming LifeReady. And, so, in 2014, when LifeReady first launched, it was an event as much to celebrate the long tradition of meaningful, forward-looking work as it was a signal of what was to come. LifeReady simply provided a framework and a way of describing learning that ensured these life-changing experiences would be intentional and repeatable. As we continue to observe McDonogh School’s sesquicentennial, we can say, with confidence, that every graduate of this school over the last 150 years has been a LifeReady graduate!
What struck me immediately was the unwritten formula that would in many, many ways become explicit in LifeReady—still a decade away. Here students were given a real challenge with a real public audience in real circumstances! They had to crowdsource their collective knowledge to create something entirely of their own imagination and knowledge. How much weight can a boat take on? What is the best design to ensure as little drag as possible? What paddle construction will be most efficient? What materials will ensure seaworthiness? What will make this boat “pop” visually when (if?) it sails to victory? As these questions suggest, students have to understand and be able to apply rigorous disciplinary knowledge to complete a well-engineered craft. And if they don’t know something, then what better than a real (if friendly) competition to motivate the acquisition of new knowledge, right? What’s more, with a firm
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CIRCLING THE HILL
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Recent endowed chair recipients Lee Shang and Carol Schmelz
ENDOWED CHAIRS AWARDED Excitement filled the air at the opening faculty and staff meeting of the 2023-2024 school year. The occasion provided an opportunity to award two of McDonogh’s 10 endowed chairs—the most prestigious honor an educator can earn at the School. The first award, named for Charles C. Kinard, Sr., was presented to Upper School chemistry teacher Lee Shang who Head of School Dave Farace ’87 said, “Possesses an astonishing intellect, has an enormous background of knowledge in many subject areas, and is completely devoted to the art of teaching and learning. Plus, he can solve a Rubik’s Cube puzzle in under 20 seconds without even looking.” Farace noted that Shang’s formula for success as a teacher is due to the way he challenges his students to discover the answers for themselves, rarely giving direct responses to their questions. He also quoted a Science Department colleague who said, “He has taught, cared for, challenged, and inspired legions of students to great heights in science. An untold number of students have
The second award, the Tom Harper Chair, was presented to Carol Schmelz, administrative assistant to the Head of Middle School, in recognition of her 25-year career at McDonogh. Farace spoke about her journey to and around the School from the College Counseling and Development Offices to “the job that made her famous.” Since 2005, she has been the constant in the Middle School throughout the many transitions that occurred among the people and the buildings. Farace compared Schmelz to an air traffic controller at the helm inside the doors of the Greenebaum Building and marveled at her command of the middle schoolers’ comings and goings. He explained that she draws upon her vast institutional knowledge to support students, parents, and colleagues, noting that her quick wit and sassy sense of humor brighten even the most difficult day.
BRIDGES TO SUCCESS:
MCDONOGH ANNOUNCES TRANSFORMATIVE NEW PROGRAM Head of School Dave Farace ’87 has announced an exciting new program: Bridges at McDonogh. The Bridges program focuses on helping bright and talented students from Title I Schools in Baltimore City find consistent academic success from AT EST. 2024 elementary through high school, in college, and onto fulfilling career pathways. Bridges at McDonogh will be a transformational program that works year-round with Baltimore City youth, ages 9 to 23, providing academic programming support and enrichment opportunities both after school and during the summer months. It will open in June 2024 with a summer enrichment offering for 35 fourth- and fifth-grade students from Baltimore
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become scientists, doctors, and researchers in large part due to his influence. He epitomizes what it is to be a great teacher!”
City schools. A new group of rising fourth graders will enter the 13-year program each year, and close to 90 McDonogh upper schoolers will engage with the program through tutoring and learning experiences. McDonogh’s goal is to support the long-term success of 180 Baltimore City students annually. Farace notes that the School has been working with Bridges for three years to make the program at McDonogh a reality and says, “Supporting talented students from around Baltimore in their pursuit of academic success and providing our upper schoolers the opportunity to develop a commitment to civic engagement truly aligns with McDonogh’s mission— to provide life-altering educational experiences that inspire personal and intellectual growth. I could not be more excited for what is ahead.”
NEW LOWER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND:
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES FOR DISCOVERY AND FUN! With the knowledge that play is an essential part of the educational process, construction is set to begin this summer on a brand-new Lower School playground and outdoor learning space. The Berman Family Playground, named for the family of lead donors, Sandra and Malcolm Berman, is expected to open in time for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The project was also made possible thanks to the support of several other generous donors. The state-of-the-art space, designed to meet the developmental needs of students, will provide endless opportunities for creativity and fun as children explore, experiment, and engage in imaginative play. A variety of different areas such as a Village with playhouses, a Beach
with opportunities for water play, Dunes with a slide and climbing structures, and a Woodland Path with wood steppers and a living willow tunnel are planned. There will also be an enhanced sports field, an Amphitheater for outdoor learning, and a Pollinator Path for environmentally enriching activities. “Play helps children develop important social, emotional, and cognitive skills as they learn to take turns, cooperate with others, and problem-solve,” says Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury. “We can’t wait to see our lower schoolers enjoying the new playground next fall!”
WILSON | YOUNG ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS OPENS IN LYLE BUILDING >>>
Director of Archives and Special Collections Christine Ameduri, Founding Archivist Frayda Salkin, Jon Aaron ’72, Phil Stackhouse ’65, Knight Kiplinger (brother of Todd Kiplinger ’64, for whom the Archives classroom is named), and Head of School Dave Farace pose before the ribbon-cutting.
Two unsung heroes in the 150-year history of McDonogh School have been memorialized with the naming of the Wilson | Young Archives and Special Collections, now conveniently located in the center of campus on the second floor of Lyle Building. The renovated space, the first ever designed specifically to house and showcase McDonogh’s extensive collection, officially opened in October. The ribboncutting ceremony included donors as well as current and past archivists who amassed, cataloged, and lovingly cared for the institutional records, manuscripts, photographs, art, and artifacts throughout the past 34 years. “This premier collection exists because of the wisdom, foresight, and diligence of those who saw the value in these objects and were willing to advocate for their preservation,” said Head of School Dave Farace ’87 at the opening event. He noted that under the tutelage of Archivists Frayda Salkin, Mary Lu Greenwood, and Christine Ameduri, 150 years of history once stashed in various corners of campus moved from the basement of Jane Bay to the former Headmaster’s House on Riding Hall Road before arriving in Lyle Building. Along the way the collection grew, thanks to donations from alumni and their families, allowing for greater insight into the history of the School and campus.
At the opening, Jon Aaron ’72, one of the three main benefactors, explained the decision to name the Archives for Josepha Young, the school matron from 1873 to 1910, and Eddie Wilson, a staff member from 1957 to 1984. He said, “Josepha and Eddie—decades apart—both cajoled, both consoled, and both helped shape McDonogh not only as our school on the hill but as our home on the hill.” He continued, “In their roles, Eddie and Josepha had keys to unlock everything—including the heart of McDonogh.” Phil Stackhouse ’65, the middle of a three-generation McDonogh family whose contributions also made the new Archives possible, says he gave to the project as a way to honor his father—Tracy Stackhouse ’30. He believes the Archives serves two goals, “The first is to expose the archival materials in many new ways for students, alumni, and other researchers; and secondly, to raise interest in and access to McDonogh’s past as it informs the present and future.” The estate of Todd Kiplinger ’64, who died in 2008, was also directed toward the Archives project. Since opening in the fall of 2023, the Archives has been consistently utilized by students, teachers, and alumni who engage first-hand with McDonogh’s history. Farace, who is pleased by the interest in the state-of-the-art space, proudly says, “The scope and depth of our archives and special collections is an asset that is rare in kindergarten to twelfth-grade schools. It rivals many collegiate or even corporate environments.”
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Jill Cohen Shaw ’89, retired teacher Ceil Millar, and former Development Special Events Coordinator Donna Sieverts view the artifacts on display.
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FOOD AND CONNECTIONS MADE IN NEW
ROOTS CULINARY SPACE They say, “The kitchen is the heart of the home.” It’s where everyone gathers to be part of the magic as food, memories, and connections are made. Roots Farm’s new culinary space, located in the stone house at the end of Riding Hall Road, is no different. Here, something is always cooking.
Tantalizing smells, the sound of whisks against metal bowls, and the murmur of young voices are the backdrop of the teaching kitchen in
what was once the home occupied by McDonogh’s headmasters. While it’s no longer a residence, it is still buzzing with activity and joy. The main room, with a view across the cornfields to Roots Farm and a huge stone fireplace as a focal point, was once a gathering space for everyone from boarders to trustees. Now a culinary classroom, the key ingredients are mobile cooking stations and restaurantgrade utensils and equipment.
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Langston Riding ’25 and London James-Golas ’25 share chopping duties.
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Chef Mallory Staley preps in the new commercially-equipped kitchen.
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CIRCLING THE HILL
THE DIRT ON ROOTS FARM
Here, students learn the science of cooking and the role food plays in cultures around the world. After the dishes are prepared, the classes gather around the oversized farm table in the dining room to sample
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Cynthia Cox’s Food Studies class learns to make spanakopita.
what they made—this is where it all comes together. Conversations bounce from the cooking technique to the taste, as teachable moments are reinforced. Lastly, what was once the family kitchen is now outfitted with professional-grade freezers, ovens, and dishwashing equipment. It’s here that Roots Farm’s fruits and vegetables become pasta sauce, salsa, and jams, and are sealed for sale. For Director of Roots Farm & Culinary Kitchen Sharon Hood and Chef Mallory Staley, the new culinary space has opened a whole new menu of possibilities. “The classroom and kitchen allow us to add more classes to our schedule,” says Hood, noting that when it comes to lessons that feature cooking, the barn at Roots Farm is still very much utilized. She explains that not only can it accommodate the Lower and Middle School class sizes, but because there are now two independent teaching locations, she and Chef Staley can prepare one space while the other is being used.
ROOTS DEBUTS NEW LOGO AS PRODUCTS HIT THE SHELVES
Farmer Sharon Hood and Chef Mallory Staley have developed a recipe for success using Roots Farm’s bounty of fruits and vegetables. Each year, juicy blueberries, strawberries, and peaches become sweet jams, San Marzano tomatoes and other crops are turned into a signature pasta sauce, and honey is harvested and bottled. Today, these products and more are available in the Roots Farm shop located in the house on Riding Hall Road. The shelves are stocked with an exclusive product line sporting a new Roots Farm logo. Rebranding the look of Roots was a thoughtful process intended to convey the evolution of the Farm and its mission. Hood explains that when Roots was founded almost 15 years ago, the tree symbolized McDonogh’s return to its roots as a farm school. As the farm became a living classroom for students from prekindergarten to twelfth grade, it grew in acreage and opportunity. Now, students not only get their hands dirty as they learn about growing food, but they are also introduced to culinary skills, tastes, and cultures by cooking with it. Roots has entered a new era and the contemporary logo illustrates the evolution. “We are in Roots 2.0,” Hood says with a laugh. “The fresh design is a simple, modern representation of where we came from, where we are, and the future.” She explains that the fields speak to the role of agriculture in the past and the present, and she notes that the sun can also be viewed as a sunflower being pollinated by a honey bee. The bee, which is symbolic of all pollinators, is featured prominently because of its relationship with the farm and food. “Just as in nature,” Hood adds, “The pollinators make it all work.”
As the opportunities for growing, preserving, teaching, and cooking have grown, Farmer Hood and Chef Staley have developed a rhythm to support each other throughout the disparate cycle of the school year and farming season. During Hood’s busy growing and harvest season, Staley helps with the farm chores; and when Staley is busy planning, preparing, and teaching culinary lessons, Hood is managing the operation, teaching, and pitching in where needed. —Meredith Bower
The Roots Farm shop is open by appointment or by ordering online at mcdonogh.org/roots.
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THE LEGACY CAMPAIGN >>>
34
ENDOWING EXCELLENCE
T
These are the reasons McDonogh School stands strong
• DEDICATION TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND SCHOLARSHIP
• COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING STRONG MORAL PRINCIPLES AND THE WILL “TO DO THE GREATEST POSSIBLE AMOUNT OF GOOD”
• VISIONARY LEADERS
150 years after its founding; why generations of alumni have gone on to live successful and impactful lives. Endowment is the key to sustaining McDonogh’s mission, protecting the McDonogh we love, and fueling the McDonogh we aspire to be. Gifts to The Legacy Campaign have made a significant impact by ensuring that a McDonogh education remains accessible and our teachers have the resources necessary to engage students in transformative learning. Since The Legacy Campaign’s inception, 37 new scholarship funds, four new teaching chairs, and 18 new funds for programming and campus preservation have been established. We are grateful to the donors highlighted here and the
• OUTSTANDING FACULTY
many others whose gifts have enhanced the experience of a McDonogh education.
• EARNEST STUDENTS • LOYAL SUPPORTERS
Your support is essential to our progress. Leave a legacy by making your gift today at mcdonoghlegacycampaign.org.
LEGACY CAMPAIGN PROGRESS TO A $90 MILLION GOAL $86 MILLION (96% OF OUR GOAL) 0
10%
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40%
50%
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MARJORIE RODGERS CHESHIRE ’86 BLANCHE AND THEO RODGERS As an alumna, Marjorie Rodgers Cheshire ’86 has seen the School progress considerably since her time as a student. One of the changes she appreciates most is the space the School creates for every individual student. Cheshire values McDonogh’s commitment to being a diverse and inclusive community. She recalls her own McDonogh experience when she was one of two Black women and one of 12 Black students in her graduating class. “McDonogh was trying to figure itself out at the time. That would never happen now, it’s woven into the fabric of the School” she says.
GEORGE RAMSEY III ’58
In support of The Legacy Campaign and the School’s continued
George Ramsey ’58 maintains a close, personal relationship
parents, Blanche and Theo Rodgers, established the Adams-
with McDonogh and has continually offered enthusiastic
Rodgers Scholarship for Diversity in Lower School, focused
moral and financial support for the School’s most important
on assisting younger Black or biracial students. She says they
initiatives. He was a member of the Board of Trustees
appreciate that McDonogh goes beyond just having diverse
from 1995 to 2003 and consistently serves on or chairs
classrooms and pushes into deeper conversations about what
the Reunion Committee for the Class of 1958, encouraging
that diversity means.
classmates and other alumni to give back.
conversations about equity and inclusion, Cheshire and her
The gift not only provides accessibility to students at a young
The concept of philanthropy is close to Ramsey’s heart,
age, but it ensures that the entire Lower School student body
particularly when it comes to McDonogh. No matter what
will benefit. McDonogh is dedicated to being a school where
initiative is undertaken on campus, Ramsey is eager to be
students are affirmed for who they are—where they learn the
part of it. Together with classmate Steve Shawe, he endowed
importance of having empathy for those who are different and
the Allan Debating Society; he was one of several donors
seek ways to better understand themselves and the world around
who created the Charles W. Britton Character and Service
them, and this should ideally start at a young age. Cheshire says,
endowment; he contributed to the Life Fitness Center as well
“Over the long term, it’s my hope that our gift and others like it
as the Head of School House; and he has given generously to
will contribute to all students feeling a deep and abiding sense of
Roots Farm.
belonging to the McDonogh community and that they will carry
While Ramsey’s philanthropy has permeated campus, he is
that sense of belonging into the world beyond McDonogh.”
particularly devoted to supporting scholarship. Early on, his family established the Leah Watts Dawson Scholarship, and he has been a loyal scholarship donor ever since. He notes, “As a student, my association and friendship with scholarship classmates were important ingredients in my personal growth.” As part of The Legacy Campaign, Ramsey made a significant donation to the new Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Middle School while continuing his commitment to scholarship. When asked about his generosity, Ramsey says he is grateful to have had the opportunity to give back to McDonogh. “Over the past 60 years, I’ve witnessed the love and dedication of the faculty and staff to the success of the McDonogh Family. These caring individuals have a sincere interest in the students and their academic and personal achievements. I’ve derived the most satisfaction from helping scholarship students so they can benefit from all that McDonogh has to offer.”
>>> 35
THE LEGACY CAMPAIGN >>>
36
LEXY APOSTOLOU ’01 When Lexy Apostolou ’01 started as a scholarship
Apostolou has always been amazed at the generosity
student in McDonogh’s Upper School in 1997, she was
of McDonogh’s benefactors who funded the education
apprehensive about the transition. She wondered if
of remarkable students who only needed accessibility
she would fit in and worried about finding the courage
to reveal their potential. In 2021, Apostolou
to insert herself into such a “foreign community.”
established The Alexandra Apostolou 2001 “Raising
But, with support from new friends and guidance
Strong Women” Scholarship—as part of The Legacy
from caring faculty, Apostolou quickly felt a sense
Campaign, through a planned gift—to honor the
of belonging. She embraced the opportunities that
strong, brilliant women who supported, uplifted, and
McDonogh had to offer and became involved in the life
championed her own growth. She believes that young
of the School.
lives are shaped by the example of those around them,
The concept of scholarship was not lost on Apostolou as a student, and it remains a gift for which she will forever be grateful. She believes that her scholarship
and the women in her life set examples that she hopes to pay forward to future generations, recognizing “you can’t be what you can’t see.”
afforded her an excellent education, but more
She continues, “A scholarship at McDonogh is not just
importantly, it offered the space for self-discovery.
a financial investment, it’s something much broader
“I can’t imagine who I would be if I didn’t go to
than that. It’s an investment in yourself and in the
McDonogh. It gave me the guardrails and the freedom
McDonogh community. And beautifully, when you put
to figure out who I wanted to be. It’s a place to fail and
work into yourself and in your community, it all leads
succeed, to get an A and get a D, to audition for a play,
to an investment in growth.”
win against a rival team, sing a solo, fall in love, make friends, and become you,” she says.
Coach Smith was a valuable member of the PE Department, but he is most remembered for his innate gift of relating to students on a personal level. In the game of life, Smith coached his students to be winners by stressing essential skills including effort, integrity, resilience, and honor. Moszkowski believes that these characteristics contributed to his personal and professional success. “Coach Smith imparted to me a series of timeless values that I embrace and have, in turn, passed on to my sons and all young people with whom I work. Honor, rigor, effort, toughness, integrity, competitive intensity, teamwork, collaboration, compassion, and love were all values that his students learned from him. My McDonogh experience formed me as a man, a father, a husband, and an entrepreneur. For ten years, season after season, Coach Smith stood at the center of that development directly alongside my parents.” Moszkowski’s gift allows McDonogh to recognize excellence in teaching today and ensure that faculty and staff continue to impact students for generations
NEAL MOSZKOWSKI ’84 With immigrant parents and English as his second language, Neal Moszkowski ’84 started at McDonogh as a first grader in 1972, not yet comfortably American. His physician parents cared deeply about his academic performance but didn’t understand the “life value” of competitive sports. McDonogh provided the environment for Moszkowski to receive a well-rounded education and helped him form the foundational elements of success. “McDonogh made me LifeReady long before that concept had been articulated,” he says. “I had so many amazing
to come.
ANNOUNCING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND The McDonogh Family came together to celebrate the
teachers who prepared me for success in college, work,
School’s 150th Anniversary in November. Not only was
family, and eventually, in my own company.”
the festive weekend an opportunity to reconnect with
For this, Moszkowski feels indebted to McDonogh
friends and faculty, it was also a way for our community
and its faculty. To acknowledge his gratitude, in 2021,
to show support for the School. The weekend’s
he created an endowed Teaching Chair as part of the
events generated proceeds that established a new,
Legacy Campaign. The Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair honors Paul Smith—a physical education teacher and
endowed scholarship fund in honor of McDonogh’s
coach from 1974 to 1990 and the first Black member of
sesquicentennial year. More than $135,000 was raised
the School’s faculty—who had a profound impact on
and will support the School’s financial aid needs.
Moszkowski.
>>> 37
S T U D E N T VO I C E S
>>>
Kare Coley ’24 uses patchwork squares to create an art installation in the lobby of the Ceres Horn Theatre.
Kare Coley ’24
Celebrates Home >>>
38
“I feel like a huge part of the 150th is the people—the student body and the teachers who make up the school now,” Kare Coley ’24 says about her motivation to create a cross-divisional visual art project in conjunction with Home Again—the arts production that kicked off the 150th Anniversary Weekend. Inspired by her grandmother’s quilt-making and an Art With a Heart service project, Kare’s goal was to bring the students’ stories into the celebration. So, she enlisted fourth-, eighth-, and twelfth-grade students to share their impressions of how McDonogh feels like home on 3x5 cardboard squares that she wove together for a display in the lobby of the Ceres M. Horn Theatre. “People brought different angles and perspectives of how this place feels like home,” says Kare. “There are so many elements. It means something different to everyone. I think the diversity of what makes McDonogh feel like home also reflects the diversity of our community and the individuals who have different stories, backgrounds, and cultures,” she says,
Home
When people ask me for the address of my home I’ll tell them it can’t be confined to just numbers and lines Home isn’t just one place but Different people and spaces combined It might not have a roof, or four walls, or a doorbell that does that fancy little chime But home is where the heart is at And I feel as if home is scattered all over like my furniture, décor, and Home Depot boxes are all over the place And in this home The bare bones and structures are memories, conversations, and laughter we shared And that’s not something that can be blown up with some childhood fantasy This home isn’t built by stick, straw, or bricks like the three little pigs It takes hands to build houses but only hearts can build homes So, I think of all the people that put their heart into this place I hope you know your love and spirit deeply abide in this space We honor your legacy and memory because you are the foundation and roots of a place that can’t be confined We are the flourishing flowers and young saplings of seeds you once sowed many ages ago We are the fruition of your hopes and dreams So we welcome, we welcome you home with a warm smile and embrace Because no matter where you go, your soul will always long for home For the place that nurtured you And watched you grow And maybe we aren’t connected by genetics and blood But the people here are surely my family So, it’s bittersweet to leave home This home doesn’t have marbled floors or stained glass windows No, this home is so much more
adding, “McDonogh is like a quilt— pulling together all different things to make one piece. Even though we are all different we have a common thread.” In tying the quilt project to Home Again, Kare says, “For me, one of the biggest methods of storytelling is art, and I’m not just talking about visual art. I mean dancing and singing and poetry and lyrics and theater—those are all the ways that we can tell our story.” Kare stitched her feelings about McDonogh as a home into two poems “Home” and “Home II” that introduced the first and second acts of the Home
Home II
So, this is what home looks like It’s not necessarily the home you were born in Or the people who share your last name It’s us It’s me and you It’s the people who are sitting to your right and left We are individuals with stories and experiences, that make this family like no other And here we are Like the biggest family reunion of the decade We created a home that ensures that there will always be room at the table That there will always be an extra seat Because no matter how near or far no matter where we are There will always be a place Where we can be safe
Again arts production during the 150th Anniversary Weekend.
>>> 39
ARTS
A New Twist on the
DANCE CONCERT
Eliana Fountain ’25, Isabelle Freiburg ’26, Jada Reid ’25, Jenna Cowley ’25, Izzy Asher ’24, Katelyn Wilhelm ’24, Kelsey Coley ’25, and Arianna Fowlkes ’24
>>>
40
There was a new twist to the Upper School Dance Concert this fall. Not only was the timeline stepped up by three months, but student involvement in the production also took a big leap. “Student leadership is a huge part of my ethos as a director,” explains Artistic Director Nina Pongratz. “When they have buy-in, they put their heart into the work and feel proud of what they’re Libby Hardin ’27, Jenna Cowley ’25, Arianna Fowlkes ’24, Ethan Davies ’27, Nicolette Kazin ’27, Eva Bisset ’27, Callie La Testa ’26, and Leah Randall ’27
accomplishing.” When it came to the two performances, the students were on point. Preparations for the concert began last spring when the switch from February 2024 to November 2023 was announced. Pongratz encouraged dancers to develop choreography proposals over the summer, and before the start of the school year, 38 proposals had been submitted for review. In the end, 15 of the 18 dances in the concert were the work of students. Pongratz, along with alumni Laura DaPra ’02 and Maya Richard ’18 designed the other pieces. Throughout the fall, the cast of dancers— representing a variety of styles from hip-hop to ballet—
Seniors Katelyn Wilhelm, Elliet Walton, Raina Scott, Rainey Turnbull, Izzy Asher, Arianna Fowlkes, Drew Laborwit, Kelly McGonigle, Izzy Wheaton, Ada Morris, Ally Randall, Ava Jankowski, and Rose Seidman
rehearsed under the direction of Pongratz and eight senior leaders who helped the student choreographers stay on track while creating an atmosphere of positivity. In addition to their own dances, they were responsible for the show’s finale—an upbeat commercial dance number appropriately choreographed to Lady Gaga’s “Applause.” The dancers and choreographers weren’t the only upper schoolers involved in the production. They partnered with their peers who were responsible for lighting design, sound engineering, and stage crew. Pongratz appreciated that freshmen through seniors were involved with all aspects of the show and said that not only did it give them confidence, but friendships were formed that may never have otherwise. Together, those on the stage and
Rainey Turnbull ’24 and Rose Seidman ’24
behind the scenes created an energetic production earning resounding applause from the audiences. —Meredith Bower
Coming this Spring! Matilda the Musical
Rainey Turnbull ’24 and Katelyn Wilhelm ’24
More than 60 students from all three divisions have been cast in the all-school production of Matilda the Musical, coming to the stage in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre, April 11-14. Make plans to delight in the tale of Roald Dahl’s Matilda, an extraordinary girl with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination who takes a daring stand to change her story—with miraculous results.
27
>>> 41
ATHLETICS
GIRLS SOCCER TEAM TAKES TITLE On the heels of an undefeated season, McDonogh’s
Several weeks later, Coach Harry Canellakis was
varsity girls soccer team entered the final game of the
selected by his peers as the 2023 IAAM Women’s
IAAM championships on Saturday, November 4 as the
Soccer Coach of the Year. McDonogh Co-Athletic
favorite. However, rival Archbishop Spalding did not
Director Mickey Deegan told a reporter for the girls’
make it easy for the Eagles, and the first 15 minutes
league that Canellakis is masterful in understanding
of the game were scoreless. Once the elite players
the nuances of the sport. “Harry is an experienced
on the team applied the pressure they are known for,
technician of the ’small game’—it’s about the triangles,
they couldn’t be stopped, scoring three goals in seven
finding feet, creating space,” she said. “Those are daily
minutes. Spalding gave it their best for the entire
mantras to his players. He has a way to put players
contest, but McDonogh was on a roll. When the final
in positions to help the team find success. We are
whistle blew, the score was 6-1, and the tight-knit
fortunate to have Harry here at the Nest for these past
McDonogh team was awarded the championship title.
15 years. We’re proud of his commitment to making our soccer team top in the nation.”
FOR THE RECORD On the fields and the courts, in the pool and the riding ring, McDonogh athletes turned in stellar performances in a display of talent and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all of our fall athletes and coaches. Following are the records of the varsity teams:
IAAM ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS
Boys Cross Country: 5-1
TENNIS: (singles) Annie Nemoy ’25, Leila Khoury ’25,
Girls Cross Country: 10-1 Field Hockey: 1-12 Football: 7-3
CROSS COUNTRY: Mary Gorsky ’24 FIELD HOCKEY: Jaden Dahan ’24 SOCCER: Sabba Haghgoo ’24, Gracie Salais ’24, Kate Levy ’24, Elle Long ’24
(doubles) Vicky Seaman ’24 / Navia Vohra ’24, Drew LaBorwit ’24/Sophie Abrams ’24 COACH OF THE YEAR: Harry Canellakis, soccer
Boys Soccer: 8-4-5
MIAA ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS
Girls Soccer: 16-0
FOOTBALL: Elijah Crawford ’25, Jeff Exinor ’25, Brandon Finney ’25, Kamden
Girls Tennis: 8-0
Laudenslager ’25, Noah Onkst ’24, Braeden Palazzo ’26, Anthony Redfern ’25
Girls Volleyball: 6-12
SOCCER: Jason Broome ’25, Kobe Keomany ’24, Emmet Kershner ’24, Blake Lloyd ’25
Water Polo: 0-16
WATER POLO: Alexander North ’24
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42
GIRLS TENNIS AND CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW TENNIS PLAYERS WIN TITLE FOR TEAM The 2023 girls tennis team picked up where they left off last year earning their third consecutive IAAM A Conference title. With new coaches at the helm, the 15 players went into the championships with a perfect 8-0 record. Paul Azu, who coaches the boys team, was joined by Laura Bayón, and together they brought a wealth of knowledge to the game. Bayón notes, “Paul instilled in his players a sense of team and camaraderie that the girls took to heart: we win as a team, we lose as a team.” In turn, the senior leaders set an example for the girls who are following behind them. Bayón says, “Most of the girls on the team had been playing together for a few years, and they knew each other well. From the beginning, they made the younger players feel welcome and included. Before each game, they gave the team a pep talk focusing on making good calls and sportsmanship.” When the girls hit the courts for their matches, each win—singles or doubles—was part of the team’s successful record.
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM HAS A PERFECT RACE When Coach Phil Turner describes the IAAM A Conference Championship meet as “the perfect race,” he is not just talking about the beautiful fall weather. Throughout the season the team bonded, learned their roles, and prepared for the late October race at the hilly Shawan Downs course in Cockeysville, intending to peak at just the right time. Going into the championship, the team knew that to win the title, five of McDonogh’s seven runners had to place in the top 20.
BANNER YEAR FOR EQUESTRIANS
Competition was tight among the A Conference teams, and they were
The equestrian competition calendar starts December 1 and concludes in late fall. Riders work all year to qualify for local, state, and national medal finals, and this young group of equestrians has already proven themselves to be fierce competitors and the ones to watch in years to come.
keenly aware of how close it would be. Turner recalls, “It was a nailbiter.
From left: Kylie M. ’27, CPJHSA Childrens Hunter Champion; Hailey S. ’28, CPJHSA Low Childrens Medal Champion; Sanaa C. ’29, MHSA Low Childrens Medal Champion; Kathryn N. ’29, CPJHSA Pony Medal Champion and MHSA Pony Medal Reserve Champion
It took officials about 20 minutes to tally the scores and determine McDonogh the winner.” In the end, the team did exactly what they needed to do with Mary Gorsky ’24 placing first overall and four other runners earning coveted spots in the top 20. It was the Eagles’ third consecutive Cross Country title. Turner adds one more element that made it the perfect race, “It was fun!”
>>> 43
SCHOLARSHIP
MCDONOGH AND THE MEURERS: Ruth and Charles “Buck” Meurer wanted nothing more
in an automobile accident. Paul, a sophomore at the
than for their three sons to have the best education
time shares, “She dropped me off in the parking lot
possible. The hard-working couple, he a Baltimore
behind Allan Building, and I said, ‘I love you. I’ll see you
City firefighter and she a secretary, were focused on
tonight,’ because that night was Awards Night. She
advancing the next generation. They valued academics
died less than 30 minutes later.”
as a launch pad and were committed to their children’s future success. When the oldest, Tom ’76, was in middle school, they learned about McDonogh’s scholarship program and applied. He was accepted and enrolled as a freshman in 1972. Dave ’79 joined him the following year as a seventh grader, and it was only a matter of time before the youngest, Paul ’83, became an Eagle like his older brothers. As scholarship students, boarding was a requirement, and McDonogh became their home away from home.
The McDonogh Family immediately rallied around Paul, who was present for the Awards Night program. “I wanted to be around my friends. I needed the support of my peers,” he recalls. The event began with heartfelt remarks about Ruth from Director of Religious Studies John Grega who was also a family friend. Paul won two awards that night including the Leadership Award—an honor he earned each of his four years in the Upper School. When he accepted the honors, the crowd rose from their seats with applause—a demonstration of
As Ruth and Buck had dreamed, their sons thrived
their love and support. “I had been around McDonogh
both in the classroom and in sports. In the 11 years
for about 10 years, so I knew all the teachers, coaches,
that there was at least one Meurer boy at McDonogh,
and the older kids who were classmates of my brother.
their parents were a familiar presence on the
It was what I really needed that night,” Paul says. In the
sidelines and at as many of their sons’ events as
aftermath of that day, the care from the McDonogh
possible. Tragically, in June of 1981, Ruth was killed
Family and the closeness of the Meurer family were essential to Paul’s well-being and adjustment during a fragile time in his life. Just as Ruth and Buck hoped, their children’s education was a launching pad, and the boys became the first in their family to earn college degrees. In 2000, Paul established the Ruth Flora & Charles Roland Meurer Scholarship at McDonogh in their parents’ honor. “My mom and dad dreamed of a life for their sons that would be filled with unlimited opportunity. They knew that the bridge to that kind of life was education. With the McDonogh Scholarship Program, their dream was fulfilled,” he says, adding that he believes in paying it forward and encourages young people to do the same. Paul says he tells them, “Someone gave me the opportunity. Someone helped me financially where I wouldn’t have had access otherwise. Even if you can’t
>>>
Ruth and Buck Meurer celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with sons Tom ’76, Dave ’79, and Paul ’83 in the spring of 1978.
>>>
44
do it financially, pay it forward with your time and dedication to your school.”
>>>
A FAMILY STORY
In his senior year, Paul was co-captain of the football team. He won both the Scholar-Athlete Award and the McCormick Unsung Hero Award.
Paul shared this advice and other life lessons from
scene, “As I lay there staring up at the sky, I could
his time at McDonogh with donors and scholarship
only hear the voices of my Dad and two brothers
recipients at a luncheon in 2007. He spoke about the
from the sideline. Tom yelled, ‘Get up, you wimp,
importance of gratitude, implored the students to be
it’s the Gilman game.’” Paul says with that, he got
proud of their accomplishments, and reminded them
up. “I had a responsibility to my team, my coaches,
of their responsibility to the School, their family, and
McDonogh, my family, and most importantly, I had a
themselves to take advantage of the opportunities
responsibility to myself to stay in the game.”
McDonogh affords. He closed with a personal story that took place in November 1981 during the football game against Gilman. It had only been five months since his mother’s death, he was a junior playing on the varsity team, and his father and brothers were holding the downs markers and chains on the sideline. “I was playing my favorite sport…in the Gilman game…in front of hundreds of McDonogh teachers and friends…only 20 feet away from the three most important people in my life,” he told the audience.
While the 1981 McDonogh vs. Gilman game goes down in history as one of the most exciting in the rivalry (the Eagles won in double overtime), from Paul’s perspective, the experience on the field illustrated a number of important life lessons that he shared at the 2007 Scholarship Luncheon. He said, “Accept the responsibility…push yourself…get help from your teachers and coaches, your family and friends…learn from them and learn to trust and depend on them…but accept responsibility to
Late in the fourth quarter, with the score tied, Paul
make the most of this great opportunity you have
says his helmet collided with another player’s and
as a McDonogh scholarship student. Let McDonogh
he was knocked to the ground. With the luncheon
become a home away from home as it is for me.”
guests hanging onto his every word, he described the
—Meredith Bower
>>> 45
ALUMNI NEWS
D A O
O C S CI
AN
RESDAY F N DN 6
SAA C
WEARCH M
S LE
E
G ANAY
S MOANRDCH 4 O L AM C
N O
R E
H T
K
R YSDOAY
WUR 20 NEYTHJUNE N
TONIDNAYRY 22 S AUXMJANUA T
2024 ALUMNI CALENDAR “A UNIFORM FOR YOUR SON TO
MCDONOGH VOICES
MCDONOGH CLASSIC
WEAR:” A HISTORY OF MCDONOGH
THE 2020S: PREPARED FOR THE
MONDAY, MAY 13
SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA,
UNEXPECTED
1873-1971 *
TUESDAY, MARCH 26
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
MCDONOGH NIGHT AT THE ORIOLES
MCDONOGH SCHOOL’S
“OLD MAIN” BUILDING 1883-1928 *
SATURDAY, MAY 18
MCDONOGH RECEPTION IN LOS ANGELES
THURSDAY, APRIL 11
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
MONDAY, MARCH 4
THURSDAY, MAY 23 HALL OF FAME AWARDS CEREMONY
MCDONOGH RECEPTION IN
THURSDAY, APRIL 25
SAN FRANCISCO WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6
MCDONOGH RECEPTION IN NEW YORK CITY
A SORCERER’S TALE:
THURSDAY, JUNE 20
HOW THE WILSON | YOUNG ARCHIVES REVEALS MCDONOGH’S
* PART OF THE WILSON | YOUNG ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS SPEAKER SERIES
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46
MAGICAL STORY * THURSDAY, MAY 9
For more information and to register, visit mcdonogh.org/alumnievents
MCDONOGH CLASSIC
SAVE THE DATE MONDAY, MAY 13 Alumni, families, and friends: Join us for the 48th annual McDonogh Classic on Monday, May 13 at Woodholme Country Club. In addition to our traditional golf tournament, we will offer the opportunity to compete on the pickleball court.
GOLF & PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Support McDonogh’s Alumni Association by becoming a 2024 sponsor. All contributions are tax-deductible.
For more information and to register, visit mcdonogh.org/golfclassic.
McDonogh Classic
GOLF & PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
More than 125 Black students and their families enjoyed a warm, fall evening and a dessert reception on August 16 on the Ritter Terrace. The event, hosted by the Black Alumni Committee of the Alumni Association, was an opportunity for alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff to see old friends and make new acquaintances before the start of school.
1. Londyn Rollins, Mycha Marshall, Ayinde Stewart ’92, Director of Equity & Inclusion Enaye Englenton, and David Holland ’90
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BLACK ALUMNI COMMITTEE HOSTS DESSERT RECEPTION
2. Some of the littlest members of the McDonogh community enjoy playtime together. 3. Attendees enjoyed sweet and healthy treats from local food trucks, including Sunset Raw, owned by Gerrard Sheppard ’08.
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A L U M N I N E W S ALUMNI NEWS 1
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DEDICATION DAY
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The annual Dedication Day ceremony, held on a bright, autumn morning at Childs Memorial Terrace, honored the people whose labor, commitment, vision, and generosity led to the establishment and growth of the School for the past 150 years. The Friday, October 13 occasion was also an opportunity to remember beloved members of our community who left this life in the past year. The Charles W. Britton Director of Character and Service Bridget Collins ’90 gave the invocation and shared a reflection about Eddie Wilson, a beloved McDonogh staff member from 1957 to 1984. Following a rendition of “The Dedication Hymn” by the Upper School Concert Choir and Chorus, 47 members of the McDonogh Family who passed away in the year prior to September 9, 2023, were remembered. Alumni Association President Caitlin Xenakis ’07 said, “Each of their lives provided us with examples of excellence, integrity, and honor. Their lives and contributions enriched both the McDonogh community and the wider world. And for that, we are forever grateful.” In remembrance, as each name was read, a bell tolled in Tagart Memorial Chapel, and Alumni Association Vice President Kimmy Hilson Carmichael ’10 and Executive Committee Member Robin Edlow Heller ’00 placed a white snapdragon in an urn. Together, the flowers created a lovely memorial arrangement. The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps.”
REMEMBRANCES >>>
1. Beth Rausch leads the Lower School chorus as they sing “Homeward Bound.” 2. Alumni Board President Caitlin Xenakis ’07 reads the names of deceased alumni as Alumni Board Vice President Kimmy Hilson Carmichael ’10 and Executive Committee member Robin Edlow Heller ’00 place snapdragons in remembrance of the deceased. 3. Students place wreaths in recognition of and with gratitude to the individuals and groups whose stewardship, labor, philanthropy, dedication, and sacrifice helped establish, create, and enrich our School. 4. The McDonogh community remembers.
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A L U M N I N E W S ALUMNI NEWS
YOUNG ALUMNI
GATHER BEFORE THANKSGIVING The night before Thanksgiving, young alumni from the classes of 2009 to 2019 gathered to kick off the holiday weekend with old friends and fellow alumni at Little Havana in Baltimore. A great time was had by all.
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>>> 1. Lydia Parker ’16, NyJay Nelson ’17, Shannon Cason ’16, Mya Christian ’16, Sarah Dohler ’16, and Marley Christian ’14 2. Madelyn Blum ’18, Ashley Fiergang ’18, Sarah Boston ’18, and Grace Boston ’18 3. Eric Hofmeister ’15, Ali Paull ’14, Andrew Hofmeister ’12, Grant Ringelman ’12, Clint Schroeder ’12, and Patrick Rollo ’12 4. Dora Berg ’18 and Ellie Simon ’18
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5. Mattheo Dulac ’11, Jordan Ross ’18, Wayne Sharpe ’18, Jared Debnam ’16, Alex Evans ’16, Cameron Thomas ’16, Darius Pickett ’18, Marquis Thornes ’17, BJ Farrare ’18, and Chuck Okehie ’16 (kneeling)
BOYS LACROSSE ALUMNI
FACEOFF IN ANNUAL ODDS VS. EVENS GAME >>>
Boys lacrosse alumni from the Classes of 1999 to 2023 enjoyed the annual postThanksgiving odds vs. evens lacrosse game and lunch on campus.
LUNCHEON
The Holiday Luncheon held on Tuesday, December 5 was a great way to welcome the holiday season. More than 50 retirees, members of the Living Legacy Society, and members of the Half Century Club (alumni who have celebrated their 50th reunion) gathered in the Aarsand 1873 Room for a festive event. Head of School Dave Farace ’87 welcomed guests and the group enjoyed musical selections from the Lower School Chorus, Women of Note, and The Gentleman Songsters.
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HOLIDAY
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M I L E S TO N E S
WEDDINGS
IN MEMORIAM
’00
’47 Thomas S. Summers
Anne C. Field and Colin Deuchars, 5/18/23
’11 William T. Sinnott V and Skyler Powers, 7/1/23
’48 Robert Irvin III
’11 Jacob Taylor and Maggie Stetler-Stevenson, 4/29/23
’49 W. Theodore Ashley
’11 Samuel A. Wexler and Brie Schachtel, 9/9/23
’50 Lawrence D. Levine
’12 Rhiya M. Dave and Amit Sharma, 9/21/23
’52 William D. Ditman
’13 Sybil W. Pallace and Michael Walker, 9/30/23
’54 Francis S. Carnes
’14 Patricia H. Blaze and Alex McLaughlin, 6/10/23
’54 Glenn O. Patterson ’57 John A. Boesl, Jr.
BIRTHS
’57 William G. Tyler III ’60 Marc P. Blum
’02
Mary Beth Creed Todd and Zachary Todd: Benjamin Creed, 7/25/23
’60 John N. Jennings
’04
Charles F. Haugh IV and Sinead Mary Nyhan: Eibhlin Patricia, 8/24/23
’61
’04
Harry A. Katz and Sara Marisco Katz: Jane Nicole, 8/12/23
’65 Henry M. Lowden, Jr.
’05
Kathryn M. Blaha Foster and Ned Foster: John Walter Smith V, 11/9/23
’70 Dexter B. Beane
’05
Hakeem Sule and Kerri Sule: Aiden Nasir, 11/15/23
’82 Scott E. Bradley
’09
Alexandra B. Fader Mackowski and Mike Mackowski: Laine Isabelle, 9/28/23
’01
’09
Nicole P. Eisenberg Meneveau and Max O. Meneveau ’09: Nora Marianne
Harry M. Lawson
Nathan N. Eads
and David Lucas, 8/15/23
Former Board Member
’09
Charles E. Silberstein
Max O. Meneveau and Nicole P. Eisenberg Meneveau ’09: Nora Marianne
and David Lucas, 8/15/23 ’10 Alexis A. Blight Jorgensen and Isaac D. Jorgensen ’10: Cooper Daniel, 7/19/23
Retired Faculty and Staff
’10 Isaac D. Jorgensen and Alexis A. Blight Jorgensen ’10: Cooper Daniel, 7/19/23
Eugene F. Hartlaub
’11 David B. Adler and Elisabeth Adler: Esti Ann, 3/23/23
Helen Hurst
’11 Heather A. Hodge Hosmann and Paul Hosmann: Layla Louise, 7/14/23
Victoria E. McMillan
’11 Sarah M. Zetlmeisl McCarthy and Kevin McCarthy: Summer Susan, 8/25/23 ’12 Rebecca R. Cooper Rees and Matt Rees: Mason Thomas, 6/23/23
As of November 30, 2023
’15 Abigail E. Welch Bode and Max Bode: Colton William, 9/2/23
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Australia since 1950 where he worked as a stockbroker for 64 years. Today, he keeps track as much as possible online with the aid of a fellow younger broker. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing golf and bridge, going to the gym, walking his Cavoodle dog, and traveling in the more sedentary style of his age— on cruises—all with the support of his wife, Bev. Paul has six children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He last visited McDonogh for his 60th Reunion in 2006.
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Darnall Daley ’56 and his wife are enjoying their retirement where it is endlessly summer in Central Florida. Darnall recently published his 20th book, Don’t Tell Your Mom!, and his 21st book, Cry of the Hawk. Two more books, Don’t Blow Smoke and The Doorway Effect, are in the final editing stages and scheduled for release this year.
1963
JOHN W. SIEVERTS retired from the
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PAUL F. GRIFFITHS has lived in
Boys’ Latin School after 23 years. In September, John and his wife, Donna, had the opportunity to support his former classmate, the late JOHN M. MCGLASSON , and his widow, Mary, at the dedication and installation of The Judy Yin Shih, PH.D. Professorship in Anxiety Disorders at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The inaugural recipient of this honor, O. Joseph Bienvenu, M.D., Ph.D., is the Co-Director of the Jack and Mary McGlasson
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1946
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C L A S S N OT E S
John Beever ’50, pictured with guests Karen Aldridge (left) and Elise Smith (right) received McDonogh School’s Distinguished Service Award at the Friday, November 3 Distinguished Service and Young Alumni Awards Luncheon. Learn more on page 21.
Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Johns Hopkins. Over the years, Jack and Mary supported and recognized Dr. Bienvenu as a dedicated clinician, teacher, and researcher for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. As the oneyear anniversary of Jack’s passing approached, this distinguished honor to Dr. Bienvenu became all more meaningful and a fitting tribute to Jack and Mary’s ongoing generosity and achievements.
Class of 1963 alumni, friends, and significant others gathered for a photo after Dedication Day on Friday, October 13. Front row, from left: Mary McGlasson and Alan Kratz; second row, from left: Beth Block Wood, Rick Mitchell, Alan Herbst, Sid Mohsberg, Laddie Levy, Kathy Mitchell, and John Sieverts.
CLASS OF 1964 60TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Howie Scher, Sam Wright, and Jim Bunsa; second row, from left: Gordon Shelton, Rick Boswell, Hoby Buppert, Bob Parks, Jim Dawson, Jack Kelly, and Gus Strakes; back row, from left: Gordon Cline, Alan Lamborn, Mal Steigerwald, and Andy Beath.
CLASS OF 1969 55TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Alex Grabenstein, Bruce Carter, Mike Andrews, Chris Cromwell, Bill Kazer, and Leon Strauss; second row, from left: Mike Farrell, Tom Brandt, Norm Fenton, and Chris Ross; back row, from left: Mitch Whiteley, Charlie Goodman, Wade Gowl, and Alan Levy.
CLASS OF 1974 50TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Marc Weinberg, Roman Podolak, Dave Wertz, Jeff Rogers, Andy Greif, Mark Heller, and Brian Tawney; second row, from left: Lou Foehrkolb, Steve Gemeny, Bert Lane, Lyle Montanye, George Mullinix, Mark Abeshouse, Sam Taylor, and Trey Hooper; third row, from left: Art Bell, Rick Bennett, Bob Irvin, Barry Rollins, Jerry Witowski, Steve MacNabb, and John Lowman; back row, from left: Harry Wilkins, Bill Wilkerson, John Grabner, RB Diffenderffer, Irv Tillman, Bob Brooks, Gary Minker, and John Couturier.
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1977 1
SCOTT M. SHERLOCK met up with
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JOHN H. HEDEMAN ’68 (Head of
McDonogh’s Upper School from 1976 to 1984) in Paris in April 2022. They headed to the famous Harry’s New York Bar to check it out and sample the wares. Upon seeing the multitude of school pennants hanging on the walls, they decided it would be neat if the McDonogh pennant was displayed as well. Scott returned to Paris in the fall of 2023 and dropped one off. He noted that Gilman didn’t have a pennant hanging in the bar!
DAVID K. SMITH and his family
JAMES C. UDEL continues to write
live in Houston, TX, where he continues to be active in the industrial cyber risk management industry. In his free time, David is an avid (and usually pretty competitive) gravel cyclist in races in Texas and elsewhere around the country.
and share his knowledge about stunt performers. His book, Doubling for McQueen and Redford, follows the careers of Loren Janes and Mickey Gilbert, two fabled stunt practitioners born and trained during the pre-CGI film age. He shares their secrets of the trade while walking through five decades of movie magic. James has also written several articles on the subject for Variety Magazine.
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C L A S S N OT E S
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Doug Silber ’76 sent his niece and two nephews (Isabella ’26, Oliver ’28, and Scout ’30) off to school. It was Scout’s first day at McDonogh!
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CLASS OF 1979 45TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Mike Falcone, Marc Oleynick, Abby Kingman, Ted Rogers, Geoff Prior, Scott Paris, and Lenwood Johnson; back row, from left: Rick Monfred, John Doub, Neill Mitchell, Jeff Myers, Lindsay Ellison, Brad Dudley, Dermot Anderson, and David Welsh.
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CLASS OF 1984 40TH REUNION
Front row, from left: John Hung, Pat Mahoney, Holly Stone, Romel Showell, and Heidi Lippy Sprinkle; second row from left: James Taavon, Ridge Parks, Bob Wilson, and Tom Klaff.
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Members of the Class of 1985 enjoyed catching up at the 150th Anniversary Gala. From left: Dave Strouse (seated), Steve Bowler, Maury Garten, Anna Dopkin, Jeff Stone, Linda Kim Lang, Zenji Nakazawa, and Brian Robinson.
1988
ELIZABETH W. RUKSZNIS WALLER is
wrapping up her role as Executive Producer/Showrunner of the MSNBC documentary series, The Turning Point, produced with Time Studios and Trevor Noah, after which she is taking a much needed break.
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Front row, from left: Marc Muher, Daphne Carr, Garry Carr, Rob Ferrer, Nancy Litofsky Glaser, Lisa Hamilton, Laura Pitt Teufel, Katie Mitchell Pearl, Mary Pat Marilley Dean, Patti Raksin ’88, Martha Parr Ille, and Hillarie Fogel Turner; second row, from left: Michael Gormley, Patrick Gormley, Jon Minken, Cindy Millison Drummond, and Meade Eggleston; back row, from left: Dave Robinson, Bill Weitzenkorn, Eben Ostergaard, Adam Brooks, and Jack Mitchell.
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CAROLINE P. STEWART OBERLE
and her parents Drs. Brenda and Jim Stewart posed for a photo at the 150th Anniversary Gala. Caroline performed in the Home Again arts production that kicked off the Anniversary Weekend, and her parents sponsored the dessert reception following the performance attended by nearly 400 people.
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CLASS OF 1999 25TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Chantelle Dishon GordonTennant, Parini Parikh, Tiffaney Gibson Schwartzberg, Lauren Snyder Ades, Kelly Coble Zoeller, Lauren Paul Norris, and Bryan Leone; second row, from left: Rebecca Schlesinger Henson, Emily Levenson Kucskar, Melissa Wender, Ren Porter, Lesley Reider, Stephen Knable, Cat Brandt Peretti, Jonathan Ades, Rob Scherr, and Jason Olszewski; back row from left: Jason Schwartzberg, Dan Birenbaum, Tiffany Abraham, Marc Graham, Darcy Faint Bisset, Mike Wheeler, Ryan Floyd, Bobby Smith, Andrew Finkelstein, Matt Primm, Patrick Friel, Joe Rosenbaum, and Mike Jazwiecki.
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CLASS OF 1994 30TH REUNION
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C L A S S N OT E S
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CLASS OF 1989 35TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Jessica Salsbury and Alison Schroeder Nelson; second row from left: Alexandra Williamson, Sindhu Meda Leyser, Ericka Wells, Erika Seth Davies, Judith Salzman Tortora, Evanthe Sophocleus Salisbury, Gina Rhodes Merrill, and Laura Singer Walters; back row, from left: Ian Hendricks, Adam Scherr, Sriram Rajan, Willy Jay, Andrew Currier, Nick Gelber, Brian Newill, Jay Uberoi, Mike Layden, Andy Leeds, Donta Evans, Peter Fristedt, and Tim Trigilio.
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Anne Field ’00 married Colin Deuchars on May 18 in a small ceremony with their three-year-old daughter, Isla, at the beautiful Jupiter Artland in Edinburgh, Scotland, where they currently live. Later that evening they hopped on a plane to Venice for a familymoon.
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CLASS OF 2004 20TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Diana Damewood, Rachel Braver Schweid, Jimmy Dodson, Von Tourgee, Emily Hudson Carmello, Greg Scruggs, and Mackenzie Paull Kisiel; second row, from left: Meredith Isenberg Rosenblatt, Christina Ramirez Gasbarro, Heidi Pollokoff Topaz, Kelly Mirvis Cohen, Katie Quicksilver Heaney, Chris Nelson, Ajmer Dwivedi, Cory Haugh, Luis Gimenez, Brooke Poklemba Novak, Laura Lynch, Sarah Lanpher, and Kalyn James Forbes; back row, from left: Scott Eisen, Farah Qureshi Nur, Robert Hellauer, Mark Gober, Arish Narayen, Travis White, David Fulton-Howard, Scott Breitenother, Drew Singleton, Medley McGuire DeLeonibus, Cameron Goldberg, Danielle Spearman Ward, Alec Kisiel, Nikki Bell McLean, Stephen Garten, and Allison Halpern.
2000
HEATHER B. WARNKEN was
recognized by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Leaders in Law. Heather, who serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimore School of Law, was also recently named to the Maryland Attorney General’s Civil Rights Advisory Council and to the Executive Committee of the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative. Launched by the Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Public Defender, the goal of the initiative is to shape a comprehensive plan for addressing mass incarceration and racial disparities Maryland’s prisons and jails.
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Amy Jennings Nash ’05 was inducted into the Dickinson College Athletic Hall of Fame for lacrosse. Amy still holds several Dickinson records including most points and most assists.
David Afzal ’97, Vivian Levy ’02, and Craig Gold ’83 discovered a shared connection when they met each other at the Maryland Association of Osteopathic Physicians meeting in September. Vivian and David found each other again at the McDonogh Gilman football game in November.
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Front row, from left: Taylor Barfield, Parker Bratton, Terrence Rice, Erika Petty Johnson, David Rubin, Rob Owen, Alex Falcone, Sean Bannantine, and Courtney Framm Agorsor; back row, from left: Sam Ford, Phi Kurtze, Ruthie Griffith, Hannah Johnstone Mathis, Josh Aronson, Amanda Kimbers, Jamie Reed, Tory Klein Hoffberger, Ian Slater, Milton Gholston, Seth Cassel, and Emma Kousouris.
ANA M. RODRIGUEZ earned her
Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master’s of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine from Bastyr University. Her training included a two-year residency at the Brannick Clinic of Natural Medicine in Chicago, specializing in primary care and women’s health. Ana has joined the practice of Dr. ERIN E. KINNEY ’02 in Annapolis, MD, and will see patients for naturopathic visits, craniosacral therapy, and visceral manipulation.
2011
WILLIAM T. “TOMMY” SINNOTT V
married Skyler Powers in Chicago, IL on July 1.
Kimmy Hilson Carmichael ’10, pictured with husband King Carmichael, mother Anita Hilson, and father Bob Hilson, received McDonogh School’s Young Alumni Award at the Friday, November 3 Distinguished Service and Young Alumni Awards Luncheon. Learn more on page 20.
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C L A S S N OT E S
2008
CLASS OF 2009 15TH REUNION
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Tommy Sinnott ’11 married Skyler Powers on July 1 in Chicago, IL, where the couple resides. From left: Laura VillaSanta ’11, Bridget Collins ’90, Navid Abbaei ’11 (best man), Madeleine Brown ’10, Scott Sinnott ’15 (best man), Nina Sinnott, Skyler, Tommy, Claire Sinnott ’13 (attendant), Daria Abbaei ’13, Matthew Berman ’11, Courtney Vaughn ’11, Jordan Vaughn ’16, Marcus Tsouvalos ’10, and Heather McPeters.
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Sam Wexler ’11 married Brie Schachtel on September 9.
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JACOB TAYLOR married Maggie
Stetler-Stevenson on April 29 at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Jacob and Maggie met as freshmen at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. ANDREW E. LEE-YOUNG , Jacob’s best friend since fourth grade when they both started at McDonogh, was the best man. ELIZABETH H. TAYLOR ’14 , Jacob’s sister, was the maid of honor. SAMUEL A. WEXLER married Brie
2012
After working for five years as a Surgical Technologist, COURTNEY L. GOOD went back to school and earned a master’s degree summa cum laude. She received her long, white coat on August 7 and officially became a Physician Assistant practicing at an Emergency Department.
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2013
SYBIL W. PALLACE married Michael
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Schachtel on September 9. Within a month of their wedding, they bought a home in West Orange, NJ, and honeymooned in Hawaii and Australia. The couple stays busy by volunteering to help disabled goats as well as playing pickleball and Mahjong. Sam works as an Investment Management Vice President at Franklin Templeton
and Brie works as an Event Specialist at Kornit Digital.
Walker on September 30 at St. Ignatius Church in Baltimore, followed by a reception at The Belvedere. They are currently living in Brooklyn, NY. Sybil works at Bank of America and Michael is at BNP Paribas.
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SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS & CLASS NOTES
THE DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024. UPLOAD CLASS NOTES AND PHOTOS TO MCDONOGH.ORG/CLASSNOTES. Please be sure to identify everyone pictured. Digital images should be at least 2 megapixels [1600 x 1200 pixels].
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2014
PATRICIA H. BLAZE married
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Alex McLaughlin on June 10. The ceremony was at The Baltimore Basilica and the reception was at The Elkridge Club. Patty and Alex currently live in Baltimore and Patty works in the marketing department at Under Armour.
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CLASS OF 2014 10TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Luke Giorgilli, Liz Feeser, Ryan Luterman-Sevel, Anne Smith, Sherry Levine, Kristina Foutz, and Ali Paull Hofmeister; second row, from left: Edison Geller, Angelo Munafo, Eliza Buergenthal, Pegah Bahar Blustein, Tori Rudnicki, Christy Cwieka, Andi Cwieka, Paget Barranco, Heather Greenebaum Mills, Morgan Palmer ’16, and Lizzie Taylor; back row, from left: Jacob Siegelbaum, Patty Blaze McLaughlin, Mae Cromwell, and Riley Doherty.
2015
ABIGAIL E. WELCH BODE and Max
Bode welcomed their first son, Colton William, on September 2, and he has been growing like crazy ever since. Abbey and Max are currently living in Millersville, MD, in a house they gutted and renovated themselves. Abbey is a maintenance engineer for Baltimore Gas and Electric where she works on troubleshooting reliability issues.
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C L A S S N OT E S
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Keita Christophe ’13 competed for Team France in the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship last June in San Diego, CA. Several friends were there to cheer him on including Rachel Kurtz ’12.
Mike Smith ’15 received McDonogh School’s Young Alumni Award at the Friday, November 3 Distinguished Service and Young Alumni Awards Luncheon. As an active member of the military, Mike was not able to attend the event, and his father accepted the award in his absence. Learn more on Page 20.
2018
In December, the New Orleans Saints announced that they signed defensive tackle PATRICK J. MUSTIPHER to the active squad.
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CORY KOWITZ graduated from North
Carolina State and is now a Broadcast Meteorologist for Gray Media at KOLD in Tucson, AZ. He can be seen on both the CBS and Fox News affiliates.
bachelor’s degree from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and is currently working on her master’s in marketing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business. Jada will be able to complete her master’s degree while finishing out her track career.
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JADA M. SEAMAN received her CLASS OF 2019 5TH REUNION
Front row, from left: Abigail Van Metre, Ryann Yospa, and Haylie La Testa; second row, from left: Carina Wesker, Samantha Fiorino, Molly Blair, Lucy Resar, Sam Ryan, and Brynn Peddy; third row, from left: Lacey Allee-Press, Abby Fish, Cathy Foss, Lauren Cohen, Caroline Asplen, and Dani Jacobstein; fourth row, from left: Samantha Greenebaum, Brooke Hollenberger, Caroline Insley, Hannah Saiontz, and Michael Bowler; back row, from left: Liam O’Hara, Nigel Campbell-Christie, Mateo Aron-Ortiz, Adam Lamberti, and DZ Khan.
2022
ANGELO M. COOPER, JR., a student at
the University of Delaware, received a two-year, paid summer internship offer from Morgan Stanley in their Global Capital Markets division in New York City. The program has a two percent acceptance rate and entails several rounds of interviews. AJ will be a summer analyst while receiving guidance and training that will enable him to join the company after graduating college.
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C L A S S N OT E S B A B I E S
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1. Mary Beth Creed Todd ’02 and Ziggy welcomed Benjamin Creed on July 25. Big brothers James and Will are thrilled, and the family is now a complete basketball team! 11
2. Harry Katz ’04 and Sara are proud parents to Jane Nicole, born on August 12. 3. Katie Blaha Foster ’05 and Ned were excited to welcome John “Jack” Walter Smith V on November 9. 4. Hakeem Sule ’05, Kerri, and big sister Brielle welcomed Aiden Nasir on November 15. 5. David Adler ’11 and Liz welcomed Esti Ann on March 23. 6. Nicole Eisenberg Meneveau ’09 and Max Meneveau ’09 welcomed twins Nora Marianne and David Lucas on August 15. They are loved by their dog, Winston. 7. Alexis Blight Jorgensen ’10 and Isaac Jorgensen ’10 welcomed their first child, Cooper Daniel, on July 19. 8. Lexi Fader Mackowski ’09 and Mike proudly welcomed Laine Isabelle on September 28. 9. Heather Hodge Hosmann ’11 and Paul were thrilled to welcome Layla Louise on July 14. 10. Sarah Zetlmeisl McCarthy ’11 and Kevin welcomed Summer Susan on August 25. 11. Abbey Welch Bode ’15 and Max welcomed Colton William on September 2.
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THERE ARE MORE THAN 150 REASONS TO LOVE MCDONOGH. WHAT’S YOURS? Drive up Shell Road • how helpful all of the teachers are and how they care about you • McDonogh vs. Gilman Game • welcoming community • campus (especially in
There are so many reasons
the fall) • French US Exchange • diverse student body
to love McDonogh.
and great teaching • Dance Concert • Rosenberg Green • all of my amazing teachers and friends • boarding • Brass Eagle • teachers are always available to help us when we need it • Salsa club • Stage Fright • Ms. Debbie • Community • Equestrian • my coaches • taking the bus • Theatre • creating lifelong friendships • the barn • numerous opportunities to collaborate and bond as a school • makes me feel at home • diversity at McDonogh
Whatever your reason is, join the collective effort to ensure that the School thrives well into the future.
Make your McDonogh Fund gift in honor of our 150th Anniversary today!
because everyone gets to share their cultures and traditions • library • technology because it helps our learning reach beyond math and reading • Spirit Week • Academy • learning environment • college counselors • watching geese fly over the football field • great education and opportunities
MCDONOGH.ORG/GIVE
8600 McDonogh Road Owings Mills, Maryland 21117-0380 mcdonogh.org
Our mission is to provide life-altering educational experiences that inspire personal and intellectual growth.
PARTING SHOT From 1917 to 2024, sledding on Chapel Hill (and walking back up!) remains one of the joys of a McDonogh winter.