Knights Roundtable Jan 2026

KNIGHTS R O U N D T A B L E

VOLUME TWO | JANUARY 2026

5, 4, 3, 2, 1....

GROUNDBREAKING! A milestone moment as our community celebrates the start of a new chapter

2601 Symphony Lane Gambrills, MD 21054 www.schooloftheincarnation.org 410-519-2285 SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR Mille DeSimone SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS Mark Elliott Carolyn Gabelman Nancy Lerch Mike Thomas Michelle Wissman Deb Asher

PRINCIPAL Nancy Baker

CANONICAL REPRESENTATIVE Fr. Mike Jendrek

MARKETING AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR Casey Boswell

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/PREK COORDINATOR Myllisa Kennedy

ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR Meghan Brown

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

A joyful groundbreaking celebration set the tone for a year full of growth and excitement.

Meghan Brown PHOTOGRAHPY Your paragraph text

Jamie Good Meghan Brown Lisa Hanson Casey Boswell

MISSION STATEMENT

Connect with us Facebook: @schooloftheincarnation Instagram: @schooloftheincarnation Scan to visit our website

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School of the Incarnation provides a safe, academically challenging, inclusive, and innovative Catholic educational environment for students in Pre-K 4 through Grade Eight.

Dedicated administration, faculty and staff, in partnership with parents and pastors, provide opportunities for students to grow within our school, to contribute to the greater community, and to strive to become faithfilled future leaders.

TABLE OF

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

A groundbreaking celebration to remember

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THE FACES BEHIND THE MISSION Meet our School Board

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KNIGHTLIFE Highlights and happenings from around campus

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SOTI SPORTS SCENE SOTI students shine in the classroom and on the field

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ONCE A KNIGHT, ALWAYS A KNIGHT Alumni spotlight: Meet Anthony Rowe, Class of 2013

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THE GALA 2025 An evening of glamour, giving, and good company

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WELCOME BACK

KNIGHTS

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 4

STRONGER TOGETHER: Parents + Teachers = Student Success

At School of the Incarnation, we know that student success isn’t achieved alone - it’s the result of a strong partnership between parents and teachers. When families and educators work hand in hand, students feel supported, motivated, and confident to reach their full potential.

The parent-teacher partnership thrives on communication, trust, and shared goals. Parents bring insight into their child’s unique strengths, interests, and challenges, while teachers provide guidance, structure, and encouragement in the classroom. By working together, we can create a consistent system of support that helps every student grow academically, socially, and spiritually. See our tips below for simple ways to support your child’s learning at home. You can start today!

5 Tips for Parents Establish routines and stick to them. Children thrive on predictability. Regular routines for mornings, homework, and bedtime foster independence, reduce power struggles, and increase productivity. If you don’t have routines in place already, work together with your child to create them.

Create a regular homework place and time. Doing homework at the same time each day helps children build good habits. Some students need a break and a snack after school, while others work best right away in school-mode. Choose what works best for your child, but keep the time consistent.

Remember, the later it gets and the more tired a child becomes, the longer assignments will take.

Start homework together. Through middle school, children benefit from a parent or trusted adult sitting down at the beginning of homework time to review assignments, check materials, and be sure directions are understood. If your child needed help to complete an assignment, send a quick note to the teacher. Homework reinforces skills taught in class, and any need for assistance is important information to share.

Make reading a daily priority. Read to your child and model expressive reading that follows punctuation. Listen to your child read aloud and ask questions about what you’ve read together.

Help them connect reading to real-world situations. For older students, share books and articles related to their interests or current studies, and let them see you reading for enjoyment.

Build math fact fluency. Spend a few minutes each day reviewing math facts through games, flashcards, or apps. Find the method that works best for your student and make it part of your child’s homework routine. Mastery of math facts frees up brain space for more complex math skills.

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

OUR GROUNDBREAKING CELEBRATION A joyful celebration of faith, community, and the future we’re building together.

On September 19, 2025, we gathered to celebrate a milestone more than six years in the making - the groundbreaking for our new, dedicated cafeteria. This marks the first major building project at School of the Incarnation in over two decades; the last significant addition was the middle school wing in 2004.

Our journey began in 2019 when SOTI partnered with the Institute for School and Parish Development to launch a strategic growth planning process. Over several months, hundreds of stakeholders met in small groups to help shape our vision. After a pause due to COVID, the School Board adopted a five-year plan that clearly identified the need for additional space to support the outstanding programs that define our school.

If you were part of our school community last year, you likely heard about, and may have even participated in, Building the Faith, Building our Future, the capital campaign that helped bring this project to life. But the story of this addition stretches far beyond the past year. It is the product of years of planning, discussion, prayer, and unwavering commitment from hundreds of people who believed in the future of School of the Incarnation.

This vision sharpened further in the spring of 2023, when we conducted a comprehensive feasibility study. With the guidance of a task force and input from hundreds more community members, we identified priorities, secured Archdiocesan approval, trained campaign leadership, and collaborated with architects and contractors. Ultimately, the plan came together: a 6,000-squarefoot cafeteria addition and a complete renovation of Marian

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Archbishop Lori offered the convocation before the groundbreaking.

Hall, including a new gym floor and bleachers.

The groundbreaking ceremony celebrated not just the start of construction, but the extraordinary collective effort behind it. Many of the individuals who helped bring this dream to life were honored as ceremonial groundbreakers.

Some represented the very earliest roots of our school’s development. Michael Baldwin broke ground in honor of his family, including his late father, Tom Baldwin, whose leadership was instrumental in the original campaign that helped build our school as we know it today. His mother, Peggy Baldwin, continued that legacy with a generous gift to the current project.

Our honorary campaign chairs, Emily Mehler, our first Assistant Principal, and former School Board Chair Lori Ruff, joined in celebrating the culmination of years of work. Fifth grade teacher Mrs. Patricia Mulville broke ground on behalf of our devoted faculty and staff, as well as her father, former School Board Chair Paul Zambernardi, whose leadership helped shape our longterm planning.

Representatives from the Archdiocese, including Archbishop Lori, Chancellor Greg Farno, and Superintendent Sr. Patricia McCarron, joined us in support of this new chapter for SOTI. Our School Board was represented by Board Chair Ms. Millie DeSimone, in honor of the board’s leadership through the strategic planning process. From our parish communities, Msgr.

Woy, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, broke ground on behalf of our pastors and supporting parishes.

Students were also represented during the ceremony. Seventh grader Griffin Brown participated in honor of his late brother, Garrett Brown, and the Garrett Brown Memorial Fund. Brian Halligan (8th), Jacob Missun (5th), and Piper Benedict (1st) proudly served as student representatives, reminding us exactly who this project will benefit most.

Overstreet, and James Struse, celebrated a success made possible through many hours of dedicated work and personal sacrifice. And, of course, Principal Nancy Baker led the group with her positivity, gratitude, and unwavering belief in what we could achieve together.

Just four months later, construction is well underway.

Students have grown accustomed to the rumble of trucks and the sight of heavy machinery - daily reminders that our community dreamed boldly and acted faithfully. What a powerful example we are setting for our young people: that with hard work, perseverance, and a community united in purpose, dreams really do come true.

Our campaign operational chairs, Brian Gill, Dean Hanson, Jennifer O’Leary, Annalisa

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The Faces Behind the Mission

MEET OUR SCHOOL BOARD

Meet the dedicated members of our School Board who guide the vision of School of the Incarnation. The Board plays a vital role in providing leadership, strategic direction, and support to our entire school community. As part of its ongoing commitment to educational excellence, the Board initiated a comprehensive strategic planning process. One of the most significant outcomes of this initiative was a clear, collective priority to expand our campus to better meet the growing needs of students and families. Today, we’re thrilled to see that vision come to life as construction begins on our new cafeteria!

Millie DeSimone School Board Chair

Fr. Mike Jendrek Canonical Representative

Mike Thomas School Board Member

Millie assumed the role of School Board chair last year and has served on the Board for a total of 15 years. She was first introduced to SOTI when she was asked to assist in writing the school’s first strategic plan. Millie retired from a 35-year career in AACPS, where she served as an elementary classroom teacher for 16 years before becoming a school counselor for 19 years. She currently serves as a home instruction portfolio reviewer for AACPS. We are blessed to have her leadership, dedication, and the breadth of knowledge she brings to the Board as a former educator.

Fr. Mike has served on the School Board for two years.

Ordained in 1987 after studying at St. Mary’s Seminary in Roland Park, he has been the pastor of Holy Family Church since July 1, 2021. As the canonical representative on the Board, Fr. Mike represents our five parishes and brings wisdom, leadership, and decisiveness to his role. We are also grateful for his sense of humor - he serves as the Board’s comedian, making meetings much more enjoyable!

Mike has served on the School Board for the past five years and is the proud parent of two SOTI graduates, from the classes of 2012 and 2016. An independent insurance agent by profession, he brings both experience and dedication to his role in guiding our school. We are grateful for his service to the Board and for the extra Christmas spirit he brings each year as our beloved resident Santa since 2002, when his oldest child was in kindergarten.

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Mark Elliott School Board Member

Michelle Wissman School Board Member Michelle has served on the School Board for the past two years and is a former Spanish teacher at SOTI, as well as the parent of two alumni. A realtor by profession, she brings both educational experience and a strong commitment to our community to the Board. She shares, “With four grown children, I value the faith-based environment that allowed my children to openly learn about and live their faith each day, helping them grow into confident, successful adults and making my husband and me very proud.”

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Mark has served on the School Board for the past three years and is the proud parent of two SOTI graduates, Caroline (Class of 2012) and Jack (Class of 2016). An IT project manager by profession, he brings strong organizational and problem-solving skills to his role on the Board. We are grateful for his continued service and dedication to supporting the mission of our school.

Nancy Lerch School Board Member Nancy and her family have been part of SOTI since it first broke ground in the fall of 2001. She was a beloved instructional assistant in 1st and 2nd grade for nineteen years before her retirement in 2020.

As a former staff member and the parent of three alumni, Nancy brings passion, dedication, and a deep love of our community to her role on the Board. As she says, “When I retired, it was impossible to walk away and not look back.”

Deb Asher School Board Member

Deb has served on the Board for the past two years and says that SOTI, along with its faculty, staff, and parents, will always hold a special place in her heart. The parent of two alumni, she previously served as HSA vice president and president during her daughters’ years at SOTI. Deb is an Enterprise Asset Management Program Manager, and we are grateful for the strong analytical, operational, and leadership skills she brings to the Board.

Pictured are last year’s winners with School Board Chair, Millie DeSimone, and Msgr. Rob.

These scholarships are traditionally funded by donations from current and past School Board members. Each spring, three $1,000 scholarships are awarded, one each to a current 5th, 6th, and 7th grader to be used toward the next year’s tuition. The scholarships are awarded to students who exhibit outstanding character, show concern for others, and contribute to the school’s community through their leadership in academics, extra-curricular activities, and service.

The School Board awards three JPII Scholarships each year!

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KNIGHTLIFE Strengthening Our Mission Through Connection

Finding Their Place: New Students Join Their School Houses On Tuesday, August 26th, we welcomed 165 new students into their school houses with excitement and cheers! Returning students and faculty lined Marian Hall with colorful signs and plenty of enthusiasm as new students were called one by one to join their house communities.

Now in its second year, the SOTI House System features eight houses named after saints, each represented by a unique color: St. Kateri Tekakwitha – Purple St. Josephine Bakhita – Green St. Juan Diego – Orange St. Martin de Porres – Teal St. Carlo Acutis – Red St. Lorenzo Ruiz – Black St. Mother Teresa – Blue Pope St. John Paul II – Yellow House meetings take place every other month and include a short lesson and activity led by student leaders. In October, members assembled bags for Happy Helpers for the Homeless. Friendly competition adds to the fun! Students earn points for positive behavior and school spirit, tracked through the RCAhousepoints.com app and displayed in the rotunda showcase. Individual points can be redeemed at the house store for prizes like silly socks days, seat choices, and even out-of-uniform passes!

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On Monday, September 22, teachers and staff gathered for our annual faculty retreat—a wonderful opportunity to “retreat” and catch our collective breath after the busy start of the school year. Once again, this day was made possible through the generosity of our parent community, whose support during last year’s Gala fund-a-need paddle drop funded the retreat. We remembered them in our thoughts and prayers throughout the day and were deeply grateful for their continued generosity.

This year’s retreat was held at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City. It had been several years since our last visit, and the peaceful grounds provided a beautiful setting for reflection and prayer. The day began with Mass, followed by a short talk on the theme of hope. Afterwards, faculty and staff enjoyed time for personal prayer, walks on the grounds, and quiet reflection. Friars were also available for confession.

To conclude the day, the group shared lunch together at Kelsey’s Irish Pub, grateful for the opportunity to spend time together in fellowship. The faculty and staff left feeling refreshed, renewed, and blessed by the generosity of our community.

KNIGHTLIFE Grandparents and Special Friends Day: A Special Day for Special People!

Building Leaders, Serving Others: NJHS at Work

On Tuesday, November 24, we welcomed over 1,000 grandparents and special friends to campus for a morning full of smiles and memories! Guests visited classrooms, met our amazing teachers, and worked alongside students on crafts, games, and other fun activities. The excitement was contagious as students proudly shared SOTI with their guests. Seeing their loved ones join them in their “home away from home” brought so much joy to our students. Thank you to all the grandparents and special friends who made the day truly unforgettable!

In October, School of the Incarnation’s chapter of the National Junior Honor Society held elections for officers for the 2025–2026 school year.

Congratulations to the newly elected officers: President, Shea Erickson; Vice President, Paul Yoder; and Secretary, Olivia Ferrante.

NJHS helps middle school students develop the skills needed to become leaders in their school, church, and community. As part of their commitment to service, SOTI’s NJHS chapter hosted its annual Cereal Drive in November to support those most in need in our community. Members will also be tutoring younger students this year as part of their dedication to scholarship and service.

Growing Together: 8th Grade Retreat Builds Faith and Friendship The 8th graders spent their class retreat at Our Lady of the Fields. Their regular day was replaced by a time of community building and prayer. The intention was for their spiritual and personal growth, individually and as a graduating class! The theme for the talks and activities circulated around the Sacrament of Confirmation and the strength we draw from being close to Christ in the Eucharist: to ignite, fly, and refuel. The retreat concluded with a time for Eucharistic Adoration as an entire 8th grade class in the large church.

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KNIGHTLIFE KNIGHTLIFE

Homecoming 2025 From start to finish, Homecoming was full of sunshine, smiles, and SOTI spirit!

Since 2018, School of the Incarnation’s Homecoming has been a highlight of the school year! Students, families, faculty, and alumni come together for a day full of laughter, school pride, and unforgettable moments. From the pep rally to the final pony ride, Homecoming is our chance to celebrate SOTI!

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KNIGHTLIFE

Classroom parties, costume parades, and plenty of candy made Halloween a highlight of the fall! The day kicked off with festive classroom celebrations, then our older students cheered on the youngest as Pre-K through 3rd graders showed off their creative costumes. Our 3rd grade teachers got in on the fun…dressed as six seven!

Halloween at SOTI is all about fun, community, and making memories.

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MORE THAN A GAME: Why School Sports Matter

When Athletic Director Keith Smith joined School of the Incarnation in 2012, our athletics program included just nine middle school teams. Since then, the program has experienced remarkable growth. Today we field 22 teams across nine sports.

Students compete against other area Catholic and private schools and must meet clear academic and discipline standards to remain eligible, reinforcing the importance of balance and responsibility.

In the last several years, we’ve expanded our offerings to include coed hockey, baseball, and most recently, softball. None of this progress would be possible without the leadership of Mr. Smith and the unwavering dedication of our volunteer coaches and supportive parents.

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Our children are growing up in a sports landscape very different from the one many of us remember. In many communities, traditional rec leagues have given way to increasingly competitive club teams that often place longtime friends and neighbors on opposite sides of the field. With early specialization on the rise and playing time becoming harder to secure, young athletes are navigating pressures that start earlier and run deeper than ever before. Amid this changing environment, one constant remains: school sports.

School athletics offer something uniquely valuable - an opportunity to compete with your classmates, not against them. They bring together students of all skill levels, allowing beginners to try something new and giving standout athletes a chance to lead, mentor, and shine in ways that benefit the entire team. Even seasoned club players find space on school teams to grow, experiment with new positions, and rediscover the joy of playing simply because they love the game.

Just as in high school or college athletics, SOTI sports encourage students to develop discipline, sportsmanship, and responsibility.

Players are expected to uphold strong academic and behavioral standards, helping them build habits that will serve them well long after the final whistle.

Most importantly, school sports strengthen the heartbeat of a school community. They ignite school spirit, unite students behind a shared identity, and bring back the simple fun of cheering for your home team. In a world where youth sports can feel increasingly high-stakes, school teams remind us what competition is truly about: teamwork, growth, friendship, and pride in something bigger than yourself.

Knight Life

SPOTLIGHT ON SOTI SPORTS Cross Country

Field Hockey

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RUNNERS

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TEAM

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ATHLETES

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TEAM

17

ATHLETES

Volleyball

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ATHLETES

TEAMS

Ice Hockey

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TEAM

18

ATHLETES

Lacrosse

3

TEAMS

54

ATHLETES

Soccer

5

TEAMS

Basketball

80

ATHLETES

AL R U UG INA SON! SEA

ATHLETES

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ATHLETES

TEAM

Baseball

TEAM

TEAMS

80

Softball

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ATHLETES

In 2013, we had 213 roster spots across all sports. Most recently, we have had a total of 328 roster spots across all sports (an extra 115 roster opportunities for students) In 2013, we had 49 multiple sport athletes. Most recently, we had 121 multi-sport athletes.

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n heen Th T & &

Now

The

With...

ANTHONY ROWE SOTI Class of 2013

What is your current occupation: I am currently an Associate Attorney at Bowman Jarashow Law LLC, where I focus my practice on estate planning and business transactions.

How has your path unfolded since your graduation from SOTI? After graduating from SOTI, I attended Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, Maryland.

While at Calvert Hall, I was actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including baseball, football, theater, chorus, Campus Ministry, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). During my senior year, I also had the honor of serving as Student Body Vice President.

Following my high school graduation in 2017, I attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. During my time at UMD, I was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity and served on its executive board. In my junior year, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Rome at the American University of Rome.

After graduating from UMD in 2021, I attended The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. While at CUA, I was a member of the Catholic University Law Review and served as a Student Attorney with Columbus Community Legal Services in both the Families and the Law Clinic and the Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Clinic. I earned my Juris Doctor degree and graduated cum laude in May 2024.

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Once a Knight, Always a Knight Alumni S potlight

I was admitted to the Maryland State Bar in December 2024 and spent my first year out of law school serving as a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Stenise L. Rolle of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland.

What is the most important thing you learned as a student at SOTI?

The most important thing I learned as a student at SOTI was the importance of faith and community. SOTI taught me that faith is not just something practiced How did your time at School of individually, but something lived the Incarnation help prepare you out through service, kindness, and for where you are today? support for others.

What is the most important thing you learned as a The strong My time atat School of the Incarnation sense of community and student SOTI? helped prepare me by introducing me camaraderie at SOTI showed me to leadership at an early age. SOTI the value of lifting one another up, encouraged students to take initiative, working together, and forming be accountable, and lead by example relationships built on trust and in everyday situations. Whether in the shared values. Those lessons classroom, on the field, or through continue to shape how I approach service, I learned is of the Incarnation my personal life, my career, and my How did your that timeleadership at School help rooted in responsibility, consistency, involvement in my community prepare you for where you are today? and caring for others. Those lessons, today. grounded in faith, continue to guide me today, especially in my work as an What is your favorite SOTI attorney, where leadership often memory? means serving others, listening closely, and helping people navigate When I think back on my time at difficult moments with SOTI, often think of times spent Do you have any advice you would likeIto share with understanding and compassion. in music class, or when we were our current students and their families? given the opportunity during library class to explore different books and take time to read them

(my favorite at the time being the Percy Jackson series). However, it was the free time during lunch and recess with my SOTI friends, and the laughs we shared that I am often reminded of.

Do you have any advice you would like to share with our current students and their families?

My advice to current students and their families is to stay curious, stay involved, and be open to new opportunities, even when they feel challenging or unfamiliar. The habits you build now, such as showing up prepared, treating others with respect, and doing your best in whatever you take on, will serve you well both in and beyond the classroom. For families, your support and encouragement makes a meaningful difference. Trust the process, celebrate progress along the way, and remember that each student’s path is unique. The lessons learned during these years often stay with you and become a strong foundation for whatever comes next.

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THE GALA 2025

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SOTI’S annual Gala is a night for parents, friends, and colleagues to come together for a night of celebration! This annual event provides vital funding to support our mission and our most precious asset at SOTI - our students! Every dollar we raise directly benefits the student experience, professional development for our dedicated faculty and staff, and the continual improvement of the learning environment.

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS Princip al f or

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The highest bidder won the chance for their student to be Principal for the Day AND the Chick-fil-A Cow delivered a delicious lunch to his entire homeroom!

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The lucky winners of this item made Mondays a little more pleasant for their students!

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This item offered an escape to the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a 3night, 4-day stay in Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA

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2601 Symphony Lane G a m b r i l l s, M D 2 1 0 5 4