A Foundation for Justice

After Tragedy, A Legacy of Hope

Twenty years ago, more than a thousand people gathered in a gymnasium to celebrate the life of a young woman – an athlete, a giver, a friend. Caitlyn (Katie) O’Bannon Fitzgerald ’00 had lost her life in a car accident at the age of 19.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can endow a scholarship to support future Falcons, please contact Savannah Renehan, director of advancement, at

srenehan@olgchs.org

or 240-283-3384.

In the midst of their grief, Katie’s sisters decided to create something long lasting that would help others the way she always had. The sisters – Liz Matan, Molly Nagel and Meagan Romero – and Katie’s friend Katie Kimmel ’00 embarked upon a campaign to name a scholarship at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in her honor.

“After she died, we learned how impactful she was,” Matan says. “So many people sent us notes saying Katie was friends with them or had been kind to them.” The letters came from all walks of life, she says—members of the school band, computer students, athletes and drama kids sent messages. And many of the notes were from friends Katie had made at Junior Retreat, where she had been a phenomenal listener and friend. “Katie had so many connections at Good Counsel, we wanted to keep her legacy going,” Nagel adds. “Everyone loved her.”

“She made time for everyone. She was just one of those kids,” Matan says.

And so the Fitzgerald family used their time to write countless letters inviting friends, alumni and others to participate in a basketball tournament that would raise funds for the endowment.

“Katie was all in when she was at Good Counsel; she was a multi-sport athlete. The school fostered that. Wherever the sports were, she was there,” Matan says. Basketball was Katie’s favorite sport.

“So we held an annual tournament for five years starting the year after she died; a fouron-four basketball tournament. We sent out letters to anyone and everyone, and Good Counsel helped us,” Nagel says. The sisters were young at the time; Romero was just 14, and they were determined to honor Katie.

Many local businesses offered to help, Matan says. Potomac Pizza provided food for hundreds of people and others made donations.

The tournament was held in the school’s gymnasium, and it grew each year.

“It was a great way to come back to Good Counsel and honor her. People had a great time,” Romero says. Talented alumni basketball players, including some who had played in the NBA, took part in the tournament, and others came to see them play.

“It was all about keeping her memory and legacy alive, and it was a great way to do that,” Nagel says. “We didn’t know how generous people would be. It was wonderful.”

Each year, Katie’s scholarship recognizes two students who, like she did, exemplify enthusiasm for life and interest in extracurricular activities. Also, the student must demonstrate financial need. The student winners are selected by a group of teachers. “They know the students best,” Matan says.

One of the 2021 recipients, Evan Fosten ’23, played against Matan’s son in a lacrosse game one weekend last spring.

She recognized him from having met him during the school’s virtual Celebration of Scholarships. “He’s a heck of a kid,” she says.

Fosten plays lacrosse and football and came in as a junior varsity football player his freshman year. He played varsity his sophomore year as a centerback and a wide receiver.

Fosten says he enjoys his history and religion courses at Good Counsel. “Next year I’m looking forward to taking some introduction to economics courses and athletic training courses,” he says. In college, he plans to study engineering or sports medicine. He is grateful for the opportunities the scholarship presents for his education.

“My mom and I made an agreement that if I were to go to Good Counsel, she’d cover my tuition for the first two years. After that, I needed to find a grant or scholarship to help out. She’s a single parent,” Fosten says.

“This has been so important to us because I can help out my mom. Five thousand dollars is a lot of money. It makes things much easier on our family.”

Yvonne Harrison ’22 is the other winner of the scholarship this year. She is a member of the International Baccalaureate Program at Good Counsel. “I love it. It’s hard work but very rewarding, and it’s really preparing me for college. I know I’ll be able to handle the workload,” Harrison says.

She is interested in acting and drama and wants to continue to pursue that in college. “I also want to study psychology because I’m interested in forensic psychology,” Harrison says. She hopes to help families that have been victims of violent crimes.

Harrison loves the theatre program at Good Counsel and dedicates a lot of her time to that. She is also involved in the St. Mary’s Scholars program, is a member of the National Honor Society and is on the majorettes team.

“Being able to continue my education at Good Counsel with this scholarship has been a great opportunity. I haven’t had a scholarship previous to this one, so this really helps a lot,” Harrison says.

Katie’s sisters and their father, Jim Fitzgerald, are thrilled that the endowed scholarship continues to help students in her name.

“We’re glad to be able to continue her legacy this way, especially for students in need,” Nagel says. “Katie was such a generous person. Her memory is very special, and she deserves it.”

▼ 2021 awardees Yvonne Harrison &

Evan Fosten pictured with Katie’s sisters

Molly Nagel and Liz Matan

A Foundation for JUSTICE

It is a remarkable story of friendship, connections, a shared beginning at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School and a common vision for what is just and important. Five Good Counsel alumni are judges in Montgomery County, Md. Three have offices on the same floor of the county courthouse, and the other two work across the street in the District Court. Two also served together in the state’s attorney’s office. The judges share an appreciation for the foundational lessons they learned at GC, as well as lasting comradery and a commitment to the law.

Five Good Counsel Alumni Serve as Judges in Montgomery County, Md.

A Shared Experience

District Court Judge Victor Del Pino ’94, who is on the Good Counsel Board of Directors, says the school prepared him for the realities of life and for college, where he played basketball. He notes he was better prepared for the rigors of university academia than his teammates.

GC also prepared Del Pino for his years as an attorney both in private practice and as a county prosecutor, he says.

“Good Counsel taught me empathy and compassion for other people,” Del Pino says. “Homeroom at Good Counsel is called ‘Community.’ It’s literally getting to know others and being part of a community. I’ve taken that with me throughout college, law and now as a judge,” he says. “You have to educate yourself about other people.”

Del Pino was the first Latino appointed to run the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office’s gang prosecution unit, where he worked for more than three years. His keen awareness of the adversity faced by many others was a crucial aspect of his work in that role.

Judge Carlos Acosta ’81, also a district court judge and a member of the county’s Equal Justice Committee, says GC imparted crucial skills to students, like grit. “Faith also permeated everything that was taught, from the classroom to athletics,” he says.

“At Good Counsel, the discussions and experiences we had always promulgated us to do the right things for the right reasons. Our teachers took delight in finding teachable moments,” Acosta says.

Circuit Court Judge John Maloney ’81 adds, “Good Counsel prepared us to be active in the real world, not just spectators. I’m very impressed with what I see so many Good Counsel alumni doing, being involved in important matters for our society. I think the school inspired us to roll up our sleeves to get involved in things. I feel very blessed and proud of the education I received there,” he says.