Knights Rountable Fall 2023

KNIGHTS R O U N D T A B L E

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SCHOOL BOARD BOARD CHAIR PAUL ZAMBERNARDI PRINCIPAL NANCY BAKER CANONICAL REPRESENTATIVE FR. MICHAEL JENDREK BOARD MEMBERS MATT BARON MILDRED DESIMONE MICHELE DOUGHERTY MARK ELLIOTT CAROLYN GABELMAN NANCY LERCH BILL SAPERO MIKE THOMAS

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE KRISTINA RYKIEL

ENROLLMENT & MARKETING CASEY BOSWELL

ALUMNI RELATIONS MYLLISA KENNEDY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CASEY BOSWELL MARGARET HUGHES-BALDWIN MYLISSA KENNEDY KATIE KEOUGH KEITH SMITH

PHOTOGRAPHY JAMIE GOOD ALLISON FRANKLIN

MISSION STATEMENT SCHOOL OF THE INCARNATION PROVIDES A SAFE, ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING, INCLUSIVE, AND INNOVATIVE CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS IN PREK THROUGH GRADE EIGHT.

IN THIS ISSUE The Gill Legacy

New Sports

Knott Scholarship

CONTACT US

2601 Symphony Lane Gambrills, MD 21054

410.519.2285 schooloftheincarnation.org

FEATURE

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Always a Knight Welcoming SOTI’s First Legacy Student

Over the years, alumni have returned to the School of the Incarnation as teachers, staff members, and even an administrator, however the start of the 2023-2024 school year marked a special milestone for our community and one special family. This August, four year old Sofia Gill walked into the doors of SOTI and down the east wing hallway into her pre-kindergarten classroom. With Sofia’s arrival, the Gills became the first second generation SOTI family. Those little steps of SOTI’s first legacy student, and a third generation Catholic school student, marked a defining moment on a journey that started long before Sofia was even born.

Moving to Maryland In 2002, the Air Force moved the Gill family - John, Gina, Ian and Monique - from Japan to Fort Meade, Maryland.

Like many military families, they are a loving, close knit unit and gave their children, especially Ian, a sense of resilience and a strong belief in the power of God to guide his life.

Two years later when John retired, he and Gina gave Ian a choice. Did he want to continue in public middle school? Or did he want, like his father before him, to attend a Catholic school? Ian’s response left no doubt as to his faith:

“You can’t go wrong with choosing Jesus.”

And so, Ian and his sister, Monique, enrolled at SOTI in the fall of 2005. Having attended a base school in Japan, Ian was experienced being the new kid in school and he expected SOTI to be fun, which it was. In class, he was quiet until called on to participate. His answers were insightful and teachers, such as Margaret Hughes-Baldwin, remember him as a pleasure to have in class.

“Ian was bright, polite and respectful, and remarkably mature for his age.” noted Mrs. Hughes-Baldwin.

Of course, Ian had an added incentive for staying out of trouble in school. His mom, Gina, who volunteered at school regularly, soon accepted a position with Tommy’s Food Service and eventually became the manager. Gina's presence in the school was a regular reminder for her children of how the SOTI community is like a family.

There have been many changes at SOTI since the Gill family first ventured through the school doors. But one thing remains consistent, the sense of community and a committment to the faith.

FEATURE Finding Family at SOTI The feeling of family that Ian sensed was not just due to Gina’s presence though. Throughout his classes, Ian saw the connection between learning and discovering more about God. That connection was cemented in his 8th grade due to the influence of Ian’s language arts and religion teacher, Chris Seibold. The time in Mrs. Seibold’s class was a turning point for Ian, who realized then that even the smallest thing an adult says, or does, can resonate long after childhood has passed. Ian fondly remembers when Mrs. Seibold led students in prayer and offering intentions.

“I really enjoyed those moments,” Ian recalls. “It was a time when we were sharing our faith in an open and encouraging forum.”

At the end of 8th grade, Ian sat among his fellow SOTI graduates as awards were being given out hoping his name would be called. To receive an award, SOTI students must demonstrate both an affinity for and a true love of the subject area, an eagerness to learn all that they can, and a desire for knowledge above and beyond the curriculum.

Mrs. Seibold knew Ian’s faith meant a great deal to him and wanted him to be the recipient of that year’s award for religion. “The award was a surprise,” noted Ian. “And all the sweeter because it was.”

For him, it confirmed his faith and his ability to share it.

More importantly, it confirmed for him that he could share his faith for a greater purpose.

V O L U M E O N E F A L L 2 0 2 3 The award and his own certainty about God and God’s place in his life set Ian firmly on his future path. “I knew early that it was a calling to spread the joy of the Gospel, to show the gifts given by God by bringing joy to others; to simplify the Gospel messages for our youth and use empathy to make the Gospel message help others, wherever they are in life,” Ian shared.

Living the Catholic Faith Ian went on to high school at St. Mary’s Annapolis and found himself following in his father’s footsteps spending more and more time at Our Lady of the Fields. It became his home away from home. It was there that the light was switched on and he realized that love, life, and God were distinct choices. He knew that faith has to be the most important thing, or it is not faith.

After high school, Ian attended college at Franciscan University of Steubenville where he earned his degree in theology. He met and married the love of his life, Eleni.

After graduation, Ian worked in residence life for four years until the young family decided that they wanted to be close to the heart of Maryland. Eleni became a nurse and Ian found a job at Archbishop Curley High School teaching theology where he could share his faith. It was the perfect arrangement at the time. That could be the end of this story. A successful education, the desire to keep learning, a good job, and a wonderful marriage. It would be a happy ending, and we all like stories with happy endings, don’t we?

Yet, the story doesn’t end here.

Feature continued

A new generation at SOTI Today, Ian is the Youth Minister at Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville, one of SOTI’s five founding parishes. He is back at SOTI, but this time in the role of a parent. Ian and Eleni have a beautiful, intelligent, energetic pre-kindergarten student, Sofia. Like all parents, they feel great love and a sense of responsibility for her.

Sofia’s mom and dad ask her about her day at school every afternoon. They ask her “What made you excited, happy, or sad today?” Much of that is because Ian and Eleni believe in the importance of experiences in life and that we learn from what we experience. Ian’s memories of his time at SOTI are strong and positive, and he wants the same for his daughter. He feels that it is a family’s responsibility to teach their children about God, but that Catholic school deepens the children’s faith and understanding so that they can respect and believe in it.

“I want her to grow up with sustained joy and confidence, rather than just moments of happiness,” Ian said thoughtfully. “The joy that comes from knowing Jesus.”

When asked if she understands about God, Sofia shared her thoughts, “Jesus is invisible, but we see Him in church.”

Alumni @ SOTI In addition to our first legacy, we have many alumni who have returned to our school.

The following former students are now working either as faculty members or as employees of our Extended School Program (ESP)

Caden Andrus Maria Boretti Megan Dinsmore Bridget Edmondson Molly Fitzmaurice RJ Garino Sloane Johnson Mary Long Megan McDonnell Clare McGuire Katie Mulville Amauri Murray Mary Nepp

With her faith-filled family guiding her, she understands the rhythm of the Mass and prays the Hail Mary, the Our Father, and the Act of Contrition every night. Sofia understands the words and their meaning, and she gives thanks and intentions for family and friends. Sofia is the recipient of a Legacy of Faith, family and the foundation provided through Catholic Education. As part of the SOTI graduating class of 2033, Sofia will no doubt leave her mark on the world. Once a Knight, Always.

Theater Spotlight - Annie, Jr.

“You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile.”

School of the Incarnation’s Theater Arts Department presented Annie, Jr. last spring. Mrs. Petersen brought new life to the theater program with her clever and artful direction. Sadie Kollias as Annie was the perfect strong lead that we needed to engage the audience. Adding to Sadie’s performance, our other middle school actors kept the entertainment going with song and dance.

Participating in the SOTI fall play and spring musical program is an educational theater experience for each student. It allows the participants to share their creativity on and off the stage. Each year we have a talented stage crew who learn the art of what goes on behind scenes.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

JULIE GUENTHER

TEACHER OF THE YEAR We are so proud of our teacher of the year!

Education is a noble endeavor, and it's often the tireless efforts of dedicated educators that shape the future of our society. In the field of education, there's a tradition of which many may not be aware. Each year, every school within the Archdiocese selects one exceptional teacher to be their school's "Teacher of the Year." From there, the Archdiocese of Baltimore undertakes the momentous task of reviewing all the school-level winners, observing candidates, conducting interviews and finally choosing one remarkable teacher in each of the three divisions to be the AOB Teacher of the Year.

In 2023, the title of AOB Elementary School Teacher of the Year was bestowed upon Mrs. Julie Guenther, an exceptional educator who distinguishes herself through her Catholic identity, her leadership and professionalism, her comittment to service, and her outstanding efforts to further student acheivement. In May 2023 directors from the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools made the announcment of her selection and first presented her with this honor in a touching ceremony held in front of the students, staff, and her own family at School of the Incarnation during morning prayer.

Spotlight continued In August 2023 at the Archdiocesan Convocation, the annual kickoff to the school year, Dr. Donna Hargens and members of the Department of Catholic Schools awarded Mrs. Guenther with the well-deserved title of AOB Teacher of the Year. Faculty and staff of all the schools within the Archdiocese of Baltimore gathered to celebrate this remarkable achievement and honor the passion, commitment, and excellence that Julie Guenther brings to her classroom.

Julie Guenther, who has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds, finds her true calling in teaching first grade at School of the Incarnation. She is not just an exceptional teacher but a beloved member of the school community, having dedicated an incredible 22 years to SOTI. In honoring Mrs. Julie Guenther as the AOB Teacher of the Year for 2023, we celebrate more than just an individual achievement; we recognize the power of education and the dedication of those who shape our future. Mrs. Julie Guenther, AOB Teacher of the Year, is not just an educator; she is an inspiration to us all.

SOTI Teachers of the Year 2011 - Mary St. Jacques 2017 - Jerry Rehanek 2018 - Marianne McGuire 2019 - Betsy Von Hagen 2020 - Susan Hughes 2021 - The Entire Faculty & Staff 2022- Lisa Rich 2023 - Julie Guenther

SOTI Instructional Assistants of the Year 2020 - Rich Metz 2021 - The Entire Faculty & Staff 2022 - Shannon Cunningham 2023 - Ann Wheeler

SOTI PRAYS

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SOTI Chapel Refurbishment, Fall 2022 Throughout history, the Catholic Church has used art to tell its stories, teach and educate. Several renovations have been made to our Chapel, including the addition of several pieces of art to aid in our prayer and contemplation. Come see!

Statues are a distinctive form of Catholic art that aided our ancestors to teach Bible stories to their children.

School of the Incarnation has been blessed by two benefactors who have generously donated a new Mary and a new Joseph statue. As a school, we have already had the opportunity to share these with the students upon returning from the summer. We all get a chance to use the chapel the first Friday of each month for Adoration.

Another form of art that Catholics are partial to using in their chapels is stained glass. The faculty has a prayer group that meets every Monday and they were excited to find a new stained glass window to enjoy as they prayed for their students, family, and each other. The light comes through perfectly in the mornings to aid in their contemplation.

On Wednesday mornings, our SOTI community has the opportunity to pray the Rosary in the chapel before school.

The pews have been reoriented and now face the altar and of course, our gorgeous stained glass. You will find a personal kneeler in front of the tabernacle for closer experience with Jesus and finally, a fresh coat of paint. As always, there are plenty of rosaries in a basket on the back pew if you are in need.

You are always welcome to a personal visit for some quiet time with God.

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SOTI SPORTS

Inaugural Ice Hockey Season, Fall/Winter 2022

Who would have thought that an Archdiocese of Baltimore school in Anne Arundel county would have enough players to start their own

hockey team? We did! Our Athletic director, Keith Smith coordinated our entrance in the Anne Arundel County middle school league. The league consists of eight teams located within the county.

As with all new teams, SOTI’s hockey team started with a building year, but Coach Padgett knew that we had a special group of students that could lead our fledgling hockey program in the right direction. We are the only team in the league that is comprised exclusively of currently enrolled students who compete as a school. Playing with your classmates is a special experience for SOTI students, especially in the hockey world where you may be on teams with teammates from different areas.

The success of the SOTI hockey team was boosted by the student fan base behind them. Games played at Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton quickly became a favorite event for SOTI students of all ages on Friday nights.

Year two was their year. The roster was full of returning 8th grade players who knew what to expect from the league. SOTI hockey’s record was strong and they won the championship title.

SOTI Hockey is entering their third season and will have to defend their championship title. If the first game of the 2023-2024 season is any indication, they will do very well this year. Come watch your SOTI Knights play at Piney Orchard Ice Arena this season. The games are exciting and fun!

Upcoming Games @ PineyOrchard

Friday 11/17 9:15pm

Friday 12/1 9:15pm

Friday 12/22 9:10pm

Friday 1/12 9:10pm

Friday 1/19 9:10pm

Friday 2/9 9:15pm

Friday 3/1 9:20pm

Monday 3/4 6:30pm

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SOTI SPORTS

Inaugural Baseball Season, Spring 2023 Baseball at SOTI was another highly requested sport. With the help of Mr. Smith, Mr. Saverino, and supporting parents, the dream became a reality in Spring 2023. Mr. Saverino stepped up in a huge way by taking on the head coaching position in our inagural season. Mr. Saverino also coaches at the high school level for St. John’s College High School in Washington, DC. “It was a great inaugural season. The support and flexibility from parents, players, and administration helped propel the season into success. It was a great learning experience and the boys had fun while competing against other schools in the area. I am looking forward to building on the success we had in our first season as a program.“ Coach Saverino As with hockey, our first baseball season had it’s ups and downs. Now that we have established ourselves, we are fully confident that the program will make similar strides as well.

We are looking forward to the upcoming season in the spring. Keep an eye out for the game schedule on the athletics calendar and be sure to catch a game if you can.

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SOTI SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

nship o i p m Cha nners Ru

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22

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FIELD HOCKEY

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BASEBALL

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Inaugural Season

SOCCER

20-3 overall record

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51

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TOTAL TEAMS: 18 ATHLETES: 249 WINS: 97 BASKETBALL

GO S! T H G I KN

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56

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LACROSSE Protect The Castle

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57

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WINNING RECORD AT HOME GAMES

VOLLEYBALL Road s or Warri

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16

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WINNING RECORD FOR AWAY GAMES

ICE HOCKEY

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SOTI STUDENTS

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Knott Your Average Student By: Samantha Bouchard ‘23

In the spring of 2019, as a fourth grader at the School of the Incarnation, I received the Marion Burk Knott Elementary Scholarship, joining the two existing SOTI Knott Scholars, Joseph Robuck (Class of 2019) and Scott Pawley (Class of 2020). This scholarship was founded in 1977, by Marion and Henry Knott, to grant students in the Archdiocese of Baltimore the gift of a Catholic education. A scholarship recipient has the responsibility to give back to their church and community by sharing their talents in any way possible. This scholarship differs from many as it is based on academic achievement rather than financial need.

“I was blessed to receive this scholarship because it acknowledged my abilities and gave me the confidence to excel.”

The current requirements for the application process include: A score in the 92nd percentile or higher on the MAP interim assessment for Language Arts, Reading, and Math.

A 93 or higher numerical grade in Social Studies, Math, English, and Science.

The applicant must be Catholic or officially converted to Catholicism.

Acceptance to attend 5th-8th grade at a Catholic school in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, or Howard counties, or Baltimore city.

If a student meets all of these requirements, then they are eligible to apply, which qualifies them to be a potential Knott scholar. The board of the Knott Scholarship Funds ranks the students based on their academic scores and makes their final selections.

This scholarship gave me a great boost in self-confidence, and inspired me to engage more in my learning at school. During my time as a Knott Scholar, I have participated in service activities with our partner schools, St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School and Mother Mary Lange Catholic School. These activities included book drives, school supplies drives, and clean-up of the St. Michael-St. Clement campus.

These opportunities allowed me to meet other Knott Scholars and participate in unique and challenging experiences, such as fundraising for the Knott CARES (Catholic Academic Resource Enrichment Scholarship) Fund. This program was founded by Scott Pawley, with the intention of establishing an endowment that provides tuition assistance for students needing specialized education in specific Archdiocese of Baltimore elementary schools.

During my eighth grade year, I expanded my leadership skills and gave back to the SOTI community. I engaged Lily Cancienne and Abigail Ritter, fellow Knott Scholars, to help me with my Funds for Library Books Project. This project included fundraising and gathering input from the student body to upgrade our school library’s book selection. This past spring, SOTI welcomed Corey Couture as the newest Knott Scholar at our school.

Through these unique and challenging opportunities, I have had the chance to increase my self confidence and learn more about myself and the world around me. I am now in my freshman year of high school at Mount de Sales Academy. Upon reflection, I was blessed to receive this scholarship because it acknowledged my abilities and gave me the confidence to excel at the School of the Incarnation.

For more information go to: https://www.knottscholar.org/

KNIGHT LIFE

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The Gala

KNIGHT LIFE

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First Day of School

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Homecoming

KNIGHT LIFE

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The Oriole Bird Visit

GRADUATION

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SCHOOL OF THE INCARNATION, SCHOOL BOARD, PARENT ADVISORY COUNSEL, AND PARISHES WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING AWARDS AT GRADUATION.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT ISABELLE AMBROSIO JACK MAY JACQUELINE ASHER OLIVIA MURPHY JACKSON BOHN BENJAMIN MCPHERSON SAMANTHA BOUCHARD ALEXA OBARA DOMENIC CATIGNANI-CRAIG EMMA RICE TESS ERICKSON TEMILOLUWA SHOBAYO EMILIA FUCHS CADENCE SPAULDING ZACHARY HALL GWEN WALKER

PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE MARGARET HOLT NAVKIRAN KAUR

TERESA IBANEZ RILEY MCKEE

THE DR. BARBARA MCGRAW EDMONDSON LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Awarded to rising 8th Grader Madeline Martinez in recognition of scholarshop, leadership, and service.

THE PRINCIPAL’S AWARD Awarded to Navkiran Kaur in recognition of great spiritual and academic growth while attending School of the Incarnation.

THE INCARNATION AWARD

Awarded to Domenic Catignani-Craig in recognition of his lived faith, making Jesus visible and welcoming in the world of the third millenium.

SUBJECT AWARDS LANGUAGE ARTS/WRITING - JOSEPH VARTABEDIAN, CADENCE SPAULDING READING/LITERATURE - BRYAN MILLER, MARGARET HOLT RELIGION - ELIZABETH BIEBEL SCIENCE - ISABELLE AMBROSIO SOCIAL STUDIES - TREVOR MCNEMAR SPANISH - JASON GILCHRIST ART - AVA LONG PHYISCAL EDUCATION - ZACHARY PERLIN TECHNOLOGY - JOHN DECKER MUSIC - TERESA IBANEZ

THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD Awarded to Samantha Bouchard in recognition of her contributions to student and community life.

ANNUNCIATION AWARDS The Annunciation Award recognizes students who, like Mary, have shown an openness to the Holy Spirit and through their Christian Witness have demonstrated kindness and service to others.

ZACHARY HALL BRYAN MILLER EMMA RICE

GRADUATION

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THE CLASS OF 2023 ARE ATTENDING THE FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOLS: ANNAPOLIS AREA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Edaena Battaglia Annalynn Gibson ARCHBISHOP SPALDING Isabelle Ambrosio Patrick McGuire Jacqueline Asher Benjamin McPherson William Bennett Danielle Mish Elizabeth Biebel Olivia Murphy Nico Cook Adam Nepp Allison Cumberledge Alexa Obara Ellie D'Amico Erin Parry John Decker Caroline Polucha Angelina Di Meo Niall Porter Connor Dovi Emma Rice Tess Erickson Ariane Roquid - Rochino Maria Esposito Nolan Sheridan Ty Estrada Temiloluwa Shobayo AnthonyFacchina Benjamin Shultz Alyssa Felder Alyssa Skelly Emilia Fuchs Ava Smith Zachariah Good Liliana Steinmetz John Granzow Brady Swartz Zachary Hall Anderson Thompson Allison Heath Gwen Walker Navkiran Kaur Gabrielle Walsh Elli Kpabitey Aidan Wasta Max Lemke Lucy Wells Ava Long Darius White Jack May Grant Yost Michael McGuire Allison Yung Salazar

GONZAGA Bryan Miller INDIAN CREEK HIGH SCHOOL Liam Mixter Zoe Thomas Sean Wissman KEY SCHOOL Eli Christ MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL Clara Weaver MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY Samantha Bouchard Margaret Holt Kaylee Meads Olivia Meads MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL Aidan Ascherl Grant Bodendorf Domenic Catignani-Craig Christian D’Ambrosio Nicholas Gardiner Sean Martin Eben Pardue Connor Shahady NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL Brody Dlugokeski

BISHOP MACNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL Jason Gilchrist, Jr.

NOTRE DAME PREPARTORY SCHOOL Teresa Ibanez

CALVERT HALL COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Declan Butler Dieter Butler Aiden Twohey

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL Jackson Rice

CHESAPEAKE HIGH SCHOOL Cadence Spaulding DEMATHA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Riley McKee Zachary Perlin Joseph Vartabedian

POPE JOHN PAUL II PREPARATORY SCHOOL Jackson Bohn SEVERN SCHOOL Trevor McNemar ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL Tristan Couture Carson Jarboe VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Davina Darko

IN THE NEXT ISSUE Turkey Trot Holidays @ Incarnation Capital Campaign

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