Summer 2018 Bridge

MAGAZ INE BRIDGE TH E

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THE BRIDGE is published for alumni, parents and friends by Severn School's communications office.

We encourage all of our readers to respond with comments, questions and information.

201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146 410.647.7700 or info@severnschool.com © 2018 Severn School. All Rights Reserved. Severn School does not discriminate against any person in admission, employment, or otherwise because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or age. Severn School is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools (AIMS), and is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education.

Douglas Lagarde, H E ADMASTE R Tom Carter III '85, B OARD O F TRUSTE E S CH AIR Nicole Anderson, E DITO R Erin Lewis, AS S O CIATE E DITO R Carrie MacVean Grimes '91, ALUMNI DIRE C TO R Carolyn Campion, CO NTRIB UTING W RITE R Darshan Kharod '03, ALUM NI AS S O CIATIO N C H AIR

M IS S ION STATE M E NT Severn School challenges its students to pursue excellence in character, conduct, and scholarship, to marshal the courage to lead, and to develop the lasting desire to serve and achieve. We believe this is best realized in a community where adults model these qualities and where each student is known and valued.

Odyssey

od·ys·sey

noun

1. a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune.

2. an intellectual or spiritual wandering or quest. [ O N T HE C OV ER] This almost two century-old anchor was pulled from the deep fresh waters of Michigan and brought to Severn's campus in 2014 to complete our Century of Service Monument, marking the safe end of its long journey.

HEADMASTER DOUG LAGARDE'S COMMENCEMENT REMARKS:

"As many of you know, I stand in front of school nearly every day on one of our two campuses to greet students,

faculty, parents and visitors. In doing so, I ask the question, “How are you doing today?” — probably 15-20,000 times a year. While I have not done an actual

statistical analysis, my guess is that 90% of the time the response is “good” or

possibly “great.” The other 10% answer, “I’m well.” Let’s think about these two answers, “I’m good” and “I’m well.” ...

Headmaster Doug Lagarde awards Senior Class President Addy Porter '18

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HEA DM AST ER' S M ES SAG E

A debate rages as to which is the grammati-

head since 1976 when it was released.

you should say, “I’m well” because modify-

you need to be great, but being great or doing

adverbs, not adjectives, are used to modify

healthy, balanced, purposeful life — by being

cally correct response. The argument goes,

ing a verb requires an adverb. It is true that most verbs, but different rules govern the verb “to be” of which “I am” is a form. I’ll

leave the rest of the argument to the gram-

So, yes, there are times in your life when

good in the world is preceded only by living a

well. If you are not well, then it is impossible to be great or to do good in the world.

When you are well, you exhibit confidence

mar police. For me, I believe there is a right

and resilience. You are reflective, using past

nothing to do with grammar. Instead, it’s

resourceful, recognizing alternative solutions to

answer, and it’s not “good” or “great” and has about a way of living your life.

If you say “I’m good” there is an air

of self-assurance, verging on cockiness —

“MAN, I’m really good.” I certainly know

this is a socially appropriate response, but we often miss the true meaning of the words as we listen with numb ears. Likewise, if you

answer “I’m great,” it’s as if you have yourself

experiences to inform future decisions. You are problems. You are creative, optimistic and selfaware. You have a desire to learn and to keep

learning. For those who will truly thrive in an

ever-accelerating future are those who become adept at learning continuously, and those who

continuously learn will lead and do good in the world.

Seniors, about a month ago you were

primed and ready to take on any challenge

given sage advice from your younger school-

your favorite walk-up song blaring in your

visited to wish you good luck as you head off

the day has to throw at you; as if you have

head as you answer, “I’M GREAT.” Again,

this is an acceptable answer for it musters a swagger to meet a challenge with confi-

dence, like stepping up to a podium and

addressing 1,000+ people, accompanied by

an actual walk-up song. For a daily greeting, it’s filled with ego.

That’s why you heard Only The Good

Die Young by Billy Joel as student council

president Trevor Marvin '18 came up to the stage to deliver the Invocation; I’m Good by

the Mowglis as senior class president Addy Porter '18 ascended the stage; Tongue Tied

mates, the classes of 2029 and 2030, when they to college. The wisdom of 5 and 6-year-olds is

remarkable when it comes to being well. Here’s some of their advice:

Say good, true and kind things.

Eat a healthy lunch.

After you graduate you should learn to brush your teeth every day.

Climb a tree.

Wash your face when you eat chocolate.

You should learn to square root,

you will really need to be able to do that.

Work hard.

Learn how to make scrambled eggs.

by GroupLove for our senior class addressee

Make sure you don’t get behind a horse,

dictorian Jimmy Diamondidis '18 walk-up

And the best advice from one very wise

Jane Huang '18; and you will hear Valesong, Oh, What a Night by Frankie Valli

and the Four Seasons, in a moment. Mine, as you heard, was More Than a Feeling by

Boston which has been bouncing around my

run away if you are behind a horse.

five-year-old ... Always trust your heart.

But here’s the rub, being well does not come easy. In fact, you need to experience some

SUMMER 2018 3

H EADM ASTER'S M ESSAGE

friction to develop the characteristics of a well-lived life,

— such that they grow more resilient and more confident

to disappear from our everyday lives. Without pausing

learn what it is to be well and to do good.

and, in recent years, friction has slowly but surely begun to consider the cost, the world has rushed to embrace

through overcoming real challenges and, in the process,

In August, our senior leaders identified and then put

convenience in every facet of our lives – the way we shop,

into action the adaptive challenge “Unity” and set out a

way we are entertained. We live in a world of intoxicat-

munity. This is quite a bold undertaking given that it is all

the way we socialize, the way we get information and the ing convenience free of friction (World Without Mind,

Franklin Foer). In an op-ed piece in the New York Times entitled the “Tyranny of Convenience,” author Tim

Wu, wrote “convenience seems to make decisions for us, trumping what we like to imagine are our true prefer-

ences… The growing expectation of convenience exerts a pressure on everything else to be easy…. We are spoiled

by immediacy and become annoyed by tasks that remain at the old level of effort and time.”

Convenience gives us the illusion that our lives

are going well, and in turn, that we are well. But the

struggles in our life, the friction we experience — that

we work through to emerge stronger, more resilient and

courageous — is truly what makes us who we are, makes us well. Meaningful resistance, the friction in our lives,

plan to engender a sense of belonging for all in our com-

too convenient to stick to one’s own segmented ideas given

the binary thinking dominating discourse today, that which

turns healthy debate from a respectful exchange of differing opinions into debilitating hostility. But that’s who the class of 2018 is, bold, if not brash at times, as they endeavored to come from a place of curiosity rather than a place of

judgment to unite the Severn community. They sought out

friction, knowing that by doing so they would do good here.

At the beginning of May, I invited seniors to have

lunch with me and engage in an open dialog about their experience at Severn and the legacy of the class. Among many flattering characterizations of the class, the one that stuck

out to me most was, “We’re going to accomplish a lot in the world.” Again, bold, if not brash, but also, I believe, true.

In this graduation season, too many would-be gradu-

rewards us with character, conduct and scholarship. All

ates limp to what they see as a finish line – tired, anxious

online.

personifies, as if they’ve reached a starting line – confident

of which must be earned and not conveniently ordered

I’m not suggesting you get rid of your smartphones

or swear off Whole Foods and Starbucks and commit to living off the land hunting your own food and growing

and worn out. When they should feel, as the class of 2018

and resilient – eager to charge headlong into the challenges and friction that await them in college and life.

Seniors, in the world, you will meet many people who

coffee beans. But I am asking you to be cognizant of how

are smart and have great ideas. However, what will be in

Tim Wu adds, that “struggle is not always a problem.

to get things done, to do good. You have exhibited here

frictionless our lives have become and to understand, as Sometimes struggle is a solution; the solution to the

question, who are you?” Or the answer to “How are you doing?” “I’m well.”

All of this brings me to the class of 2018 whose

experience here at Severn has not been without friction and, frankly, I’m pleased because that is precisely what we are set up to do. Great schools are designed to get

students out of their comfort zones, to challenge and to engage the whole person – head, hands, heart and soul

short supply will be the resolve – the simple act of will -

that you have the balance to be well and the work ethic to do good. Make your experience here a touchstone as you engage with communities in which you will continue to

learn, work and live. So have a walk-up song, play it often as you embrace the inevitable friction in life and be great in the face of challenge. You’ve been well and done good

in your time at Severn and for that, I’m grateful. For we do

not educate to maintain the world as it is but to expand the goodness in it. Best of luck – be well and do good."

CURIOUS WHERE THE CLASS OF 2018 IS HEADED NEXT? CHECK OUT THE INTERIOR BACK COVER. 4

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VIEW THE KINDERGARTEN TEA, 5TH GRADE PROMOTION, 8TH GRADE PROMOTION & MORE GRADUATION PHOTOS ONLINE AT WWW.SEVERNSCHOOL.COM/PHOTOS

SUMMER 2018 5

SEVERN NEW S FROM CAMP U S

Severn Inducts Three Into Athletic Hall of Fame Watch the full assembly on our YouTube Channel at bit.ly/delledonne

During the 2018 Alumni Weekend, Severn School inducted three alumni into its Athletic Hall of Fame: Jamal Jones ‘05, Deon Peters ‘05, and Brian Phipps ‘06. Each year, the Severn School Alumni Association’s Athletic Hall of Fame committee, chaired by Stacey Hendricks Manis ’81, recognizes Severn alumni who have

WNBA Star and Gold Medal Olympian Shares Her Story of Triumph with Our Students

contributed to Severn’s athletic excellence as a player, coach and/or athletic director.

P ER SE VERA NCE. U NDE RSTAN D IN G OF S E LF. P U RP O S E.

These are all components of good character. Severn’s 2018 Astle Speaker Elena Delle Donne spoke about how these qualities helped her overcome personal and professional obstacles to

become the world-renowned athlete and advocate for

Music That'll Move Ya!

Headmaster Doug Lagarde, Ms. Delle Donne shared

Celebrating our sixth annual Dillon

students to be true to themselves, never give up, and

January, Boston-based a capella group

for her outstanding basketball career, the lessons she

performances for the entire Teel Campus,

social good she is today. In a casual Q&A session with her story with humility and kindness, encouraging our

Moran Musician in Residence visit this

give back to those who need it. Although she is famed

Ball in the House joined us for two days of

shared run much deeper than an athletic success story.

workshops for Upper School students,

Good character drives her every step.

and a final show open to Severn families and friends. From Beatboxing 101 to live performance and recording techniques, Ball in the House gave our students a peek into the lives of professional musicians, offering practical advice to help our students let their creativity shine.

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S EV ER N N EWS F ROM CAM PUS

A Night on the Severn Raises $100K for the Kids

Among the functions and activities that the APA supports across both campuses are the class socials for all grade levels, Teacher Appreciation, Greens Workshop, volunteer recognition, and Grandfriends’ Day celebrations.

Examples of divisional activities supported by the APA include Upper School Hoops Madness, Boardwalk Blast, After Prom, Arts at Severn, and Senior Graduation reception, and Hospitality; Middle School Get Acquainted Day, Spring Social, Arts at Severn, and 8th Grade Promotion reception; Lower School Back to School Social, Book Fair, Sweetheart Dance, Mother-Son Basketball game, and Holiday Share program, Auction co-chairs Cristina Decker, Lee Kennedy and Kim Hilliard

among others. This single auction supports programs for our Lower, Middle and Upper

The annual APA auction brings our community together for a special night of fun and fundraising

Schools.

and is the only event that funds the extracurricular activities sponsored by the APA. While outside

A huge thank you to all of the parent

winds blew up to 60 mph, parents, alumni, staff, teachers, and friends gathered Friday, March 3 for an

volunteers from both campuses who spent

oyster-shuckin’, crush-drinkin’ good time — raising over $100,000 for our students.

countless hours preparing for the event in

The Teel Campus gymnasium was transformed into a dockside party complete with your

every detail, as well as our generous sponsors,

Chesapeake Bay favorites: raw bars, crab cakes, homemade Orange Crushes, and even Grottos Pizza!

underwriters and local businesses who made it

Ten live auction items including a 13-foot Boston Whaler with trailer, a stunning vacation home in

all possible. Thank you to Volunteer Liason and

Keystone, Colorado, two fabulous stand-up paddleboards, reserved parking spaces at both campuses,

current parent Deb Smith for leading the charge

and more were auctioned off by a lively and spirited auctioneer who challenged the crowd to raise

with her project management and organizational

their paddles high for the kids!

expertise. And a special thank you to auction co-

In addition, more than 100 baskets of silent auction items provided plenty of opportunity and

chairs Lee Kennedy, Cristina Decker, and Kim

variety for attendees to bid on anything from Lower School class baskets to jewelry, beach homes and

Hilliard for their tireless dedication and work

summer camps. This was our first year using BidPal for the silent auction — bidders could track every

that lead to the success of this truly fabulous

move from their smartphones!

evening with a purpose.

SUMMER 2018 7

2018 SUMMER READING

Curious what our Faculty and Staff are reading this summer?

Add these to your book list:

A Step Ahead: Rigorous Severn Academics Start in Kindergarten Kindergarten is a year full of discoveries where the process of learning is just as important, if not

more, than the end product. To successfully transition from early school to their elementary years, children must be fully engaged in experiences that promote their social and academic growth. In

our kindergarten classrooms, students learn essential academic skills like reading, writing, and math while also learning how to solve problems independently and collaborate with one another. Our demanding but balanced program ensures that our students are a step ahead as they begin their

educational journey. The result is students who are playfully creative, independent and above all, excited to learn more each day.

Learning to read accurately and fluidly, with good comprehension and stamina, is a crucial set of skills that begins in kindergarten. We teach our students to read through a developmental process that unfolds in a sequential and nurturing manner. Our reading language arts program supports

students in the process of decoding words, reading fluency, and comprehension using a variety of materials in a print-rich environment. Our students don’t just read books, they fully engage with

books; they make connections to stories and continue to explore what they’ve read through lessons in other curricular areas like math and social studies. They read to learn vocabulary, they read to learn about the world, and they read for the joy of reading.

There is no more dramatic a transformation in writing development than what happens from

the beginning of kindergarten to the end. Our students start the year learning to write letterforms, simple words, and short phrases. By the end of the year, they use higher-level thinking skills to

form, organize, and express complete thoughts through writing cohesive, meaningful sentences.

While this journey may seem magical, it is the result of purposeful practice guided by our

expert faculty. Our teachers and assistants work individually with each student to assist them

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S E VERN STORIES

in developing fine motor skills (from

students played a scavenger hunt game where

communication skills.

forming letters) and writing skills (from

finding the next set of problems. They had to

playground, our students learn how to think

holding a pencil correctly to correctly sounding out individual letter sounds to using resources around the room

to write sight and content words). In

addition to explicit writing lessons, our students write in their journals daily,

responding to prompts throughout the week with free-write on Fridays. They

are full of pride in their writing and it

shows. We celebrate this process daily as students share their journal entries with classmates and teachers.

Teaching kindergarten math involves much more than simple counting and

number processes. Children need to have math experiences that incorporate their senses, that require them to experiment and make observations, and that allow

them time to investigate a topic further.

In a recent math lesson, our kindergarten

the answer to each question was a clue for

work together in teams and evaluate their own answers to move correctly from one station

to another. Our teachers provided a “rescue

station” where students could independently

find strategies to help them if they got stuck.

This type of lesson provides memorable

experiences that engage our students on

multiple levels. This is the kind of learning that sticks.

Working in teams activates a range of

social skills from empathy and compassion to confidence and leadership. From the first day

of school to the last, we provide opportunities for our students to collaborate, to learn active

listening, and to develop problem-solving skills.

From helping a friend on the playground and sharing a book at a center, to collaborating as

a group to explore engineering challenges with our Rigamajig blocks, students learn essential

Whether in the classroom or on the

critically and solve problems on their own. We empower our students with the freedom they

need to try, fail and try again. Rather than give our students solutions to problems, we teach them how to think through every step and arrive at the solution on their own.

At the beginning of the year, if a child

sees a word they don’t know how to spell or a math problem they can’t solve they might

immediately turn to their teachers for help.

Our teachers offer that help, but they do so by giving our students tools they can use to

figure things out on their own. Rather than

simply telling the child how to spell or solve the equation, they show them how to use

tools around the classroom to kickstart their

thinking. The next time that child comes across a stumbling block, they will have developed a strategy to step across it with confidence.

THIS IS THE BEGINNING O F Y O U R S E V E R N S T O R Y. At Severn School’s Early School, our Preschool (age 3) and Prekindergarten (age 4) students are engaged in learning and play through exploration, building, and movement.

Our program teaches and nurtures students to further their social development and promote their pre-literacy and numeracy skills. We play. We discover. We learn.

MSDE #161229 www.severnschool.com • 410.647.7700 • Severna Park, MD SUMMER 2018 9

SEVERN STORIES

Severn 7th Graders Propose Change on Capitol Hill This year, Middle School teachers Ms. Kathleen Donovan,

Ms. Carrie Ball, and Mr. Daryl Walsh worked together to give our students an authentic democratic

experience they are sure to remember. The entire 7th grade traveled to our nation's capital to participate in a mock senatorial debate, proposing legislation that would allocate 75 million dollars toward

restoration of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Last year Ms. Donovan’s 7th-grade history classes

took a somewhat similar trip. They traveled to the

Capitol, toured the facilities and participated in an art

appreciation lesson. That in itself was a great experience

for our students, but Ms. Donovan saw room for improvement.

This year she transformed the trip, collaborating with both the Capitol

Staff and her fellow middle school teachers to create a more rich and meaningful experience for her students. She wanted her students to come away from the trip with a real understanding of how the legislative branch works and the inspiration to get involved as responsible citizens.

"I felt there was a huge opportunity to make the existing program more

meaningful for the 7th grade. One of the most important things we teach

students is how to become engaged citizens who approach complex political issues with educated, researched opinions. I wanted this trip to create an

opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and see how the legislative

process could effect change. Hopefully, students will remember this experience and get involved," shared Ms. Donovan.

Ms. Donovan introduced the project to her students with a challenge.

She explained that a bill introduced by senators from Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and New York to clean up the

Chesapeake Bay Watershed is about to expire in 2018. She challenged her

students to research the current environmental needs of the Chesapeake Bay

and their assigned state and propose a new iteration of the bill in a two-minute, persuasive speech.

In the weeks preceding the field trip, Ms. Donovan, Ms. Ball, and Mr.

Walsh worked together to align their curriculum with this project. In Ms.

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Donovan’s history class students learned what each branch of the government does, how a

bill becomes a law, what senators do and say,

and rules for proposing and passing legislation.

In Ms. Ball’s science class, students researched

the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and created an

infographic to take as a visual aid to accompany the speeches. In Mr. Walsh’s English

class, students used their knowledge about

government along with their environmental

research to craft their speeches. Just before the trip, each student presented their speeches to

their peers in Ms. Donovan’s class and voted on the most persuasive arguments, one from each

state. The winners were selected to present their speeches at the Capitol to kick off the mock

debate. The debate itself took place in a Senate classroom attended by both Senate staff and media. Each elected speaker presented their

speech along with the selected visual aid while their peers looked on, taking notes to prepare for the conversation ahead.

“The big payoff was after the speeches

when the kids really got into the debate. You

could see the earnest expressions on their faces as they negotiated with their groups and made real compromises that made sense. That was

the most amazing part of it. Every student was invested in the process," shared Mr. Walsh.

Because this trip and the new lesson plan

was such a success with our 7th grade, the

Capitol will be using the new format for other schools moving forward.

S E VERN STORIES

Student-run Literary Magazine Shines a Light on Middle School Creativity Released just before spring break, the Admirals’ Pen literary magazine is an example of what our students can accomplish when given the freedom and responsibility to shine. The magazine is edited, formatted, and published once a year by students in Ms. Laura Drossner’s Admirals’ Pen elective, using submissions from the entire Middle School community. The Admirals' Pen is a creative outlet for aspiring Middle School writers and artists, one that builds camaraderie and provides our students an authentic space to celebrate the many talents of their peers.

Read more at bit.ly/admiralspen2018

Learner-First Assessment: Spring Severn Education Series There is an interesting dichotomy in modern schooling: do we assess to evaluate student learning at the end of instruction (summative)? Or do we assess to inform students and teachers throughout the process of teaching and learning (formative)?

Both sides of the educational divide have strong reasons why one form of evaluation should be employed more than the other. But how can we best serve middle school students?

Read more at bit.ly/learnerfirstassessment

$

M AT 25K TH

CHED!

ANK

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CODE FAMILY MATCHING CHALLENGE UPDATE Our final Annual Giving push for the 2017-2018 fiscal year commenced with a generous $25,000 matching challenge for the entire Severn community from alumni parents Cathy Dea Code and Ken Code, P’11, ’12, ’14, ’16.

Cathy and Ken have been loyal donors and incredibly committed volunteers for the school for over a decade, since their oldest daughter Caroline matriculated in the sixth grade. Cathy, a member of the Severn School Board of Trustees and Chair of the Severn Development Committee, spoke of her family’s evolving relationship to the school, “Severn is still a place where our children are indelibly rooted. In fact, it’s one of their first stops when they come back home for a visit. Whether it’s a ride by campus to see things that have changed or a quick visit to say hello to mentors and friends, our children are all still deeply bound to the people and spaces that made up their Severn world. To them, and to all of us, Severn continues to be home.”

When asked about the motivation for their continued support of Severn, through both time and resources, Cathy and Ken summed it up perfectly: “As parents, we can play a role in ensuring that all the things that make the Severn experience so unique — the inspiring faculty, the state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and the diverse array of programming – are well supported and accessible.

Together, our community can continue to make Severn a place where our children can explore their passions and begin to write their own story.”

SUMMER 2018 11

SEVERN STORIES

Three Severn Juniors Receive Outstanding Student Award Each year The Capital Gazette,

Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, and other local

groups elect students to receive the

Outstanding Student Achievement

Award. This year, three Severn juniors were honored at the award ceremony on March 7th along with other

outstanding students from the Anne

'19, Danielle Drury '19, and Jimmy

Independent Senior Projects Show the Severn School Mission in Action

academic achievement, success in

Written by Josie Formica '18 and Ashley Clifford '18

exceptional citizenship in our school

For our independent senior project, we visited four of our peer’s projects in the local area. The

Arundel County community. Join

us in congratulating Aarushi Negi Leroux '19 for their remarkable

the visual or performing arts, and/or and surrounding community.

projects we chose embodied each of Severn’s core values: leadership, character, service, and

scholarship. We hope to give a glimpse into the ISP program and to show you a wide range of

qualities that represent the interests of not only our entire class but our community as a whole.

LEADERSHIP |

Rana Yavuz '18 took on the daunting task of fixing a prominent danger in the

Severn community: the Evergreen-Holly intersection. “I got into an accident on September 5th,” she says, “It was Severn’s fifth accident in two months.”

Rana’s independent senior project truly embodies the aspect of leadership. She formed

proposals, contacted the proper authority figures, and decided how to best present her argument.

Five Students Headed to Service Academies this Fall

She collected data from the Anne Arundel County Police Station as evidence, and, after numerous calls and email exchanges, scheduled a meeting with representatives from Anne Arundel County Traffic. Acquiring skills not attainable in the classroom, Rana has learned the power of her own voice in our community, amidst an intimidating professional world.

Practically, Rana knows that traffic lights and even a four-way stop aren’t within her reach.

Jacob Jarosz, US Naval Academy

Yet, hoping to break through the strictness of rules and create a compromise, she challenges the

Charlie Marculewicz, NAPS

to the fogged visibility of the intersection.

Jimmy Selby, US Naval Academy

she says, “It makes one think why they’re still insistent on keeping up a tree, or not putting up a

Joel Mandish, US Naval Academy

community as a whole to think about the children, new drivers, families, and pedestrians at risk due

Will Stearns, NROTC Program

Jared Dove, Air Force Academy

mirror or crossing guard.” While the change may be small, Rana has paved the way for much more

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“Both our Upper and Lower School campuses are perched on very dangerous intersections,”

to come. We look forward to hearing the outcome of the visibility survey in the near future.

Our busy beehive of alumni volunteered to mentor Severn Seniors for the Independent Senior Projects.

CHARACTER |

“JIMMY!!” The children

SERVICE

| Shreeya Bahethi '18, a longtime

screamed each morning as he entered the class-

horse rider, worked at her local barn in Da-

world began how he merrily spent three weeks

partnership with an organization called GAIT:

Lower School teacher Mrs. Karen Bennett,

of GAIT is to rescue gated horses whose lives

takes to be an elementary level educator. Work-

work closely with rescued horses and help them

phrasing “shadowing” because Jimmy was really

well-trained and adopted.

questions, to grading papers, and playing with

rehab, then you know how to work with all

life from a new perspective.

With very skittish, previously traumatized

for him,” Mrs. Bennett says, “I think having

consistency.”

younger level is important. The last time you all

GAIT, Shreeya also teaches occasional

fourth grade yourselves.” This new perspective

second “grownup” in the classroom, providing

age. I’m usually a bit more scared and reserved,

learning.

you just have to be very confident. You have to

presentation to the class about changing the

to trust you.”

bring out the thinking aspect of learning, rather

full potential and educates the surrounding

he called on each student by name, and it was

yourself in the lives of horses.

each and every one of them. He also voluntarily

Arnold Packaging through a connection with

Jr., and thoroughly learned the composition

alum, and current parent Mick Arnold '89. Mr.

Renaissance programs.

of 2017 to demonstrate how his company's use

for the future, Jimmy fully engaged himself

industry. During the program, Nathan com-

community.

with business organization and sales.

room. This daily greeting into the fourth-grade

vidsonville, Md. Her barn is one of a few in

for his independent senior project. Shadowing

Gaited Advocates Intervention Team. The goal

Jimmy Riley '18 learned the ropes of what it

are at risk. At barns like Shreeya’s, the trainers

ing alongside Mrs. Bennett is a better way of

overcome their previous trauma to later be

thrown into the mix. From answering math

the students at recess, Jimmy saw fourth-grade

horses. But really, it’s dependent on each horse.

horses, it takes a lot of time, effort, and

"This was a very valuable experience

“I thought that once you learn how to

an appreciation for education even at the

spent any time in the classroom, you were in

horseback riding lessons to young kids.

allowed Jimmy to flourish as the students’

especially for younger kids and even people my

immediate attention and facilitating their

but when you’re riding, especially with rescues,

be firm because they rely on the rider and need

On one of his last days, Jimmy gave a

In addition to helping horses through

“It’s such a great learning experience

way you look at something. His hope was to

than simply regurgitation. In his presentation,

community about the value of engaging

clear to us, that he had created a bond with

SCHOLARSHIP |

Shreeya’s service helps horses live to their

Nathan Roche '18 interned at

attended the fourth-grade musical Madagascar

Arnold Packaging President, Severn School

of their daily schedule, including specials and

Arnold sat on a tech panel at Severn in the fall

of robotics streamlines the supply chain in his

Although teaching is not in his plans

in the opportunity and absorbed a sense of

ALUMNI MENTORS

bined learning about engineering and robotics

Authors Ashley Clifford '18 and Josie Formica '18 both interned at local media outlets for the

first two weeks of their ISP programs. They then

applied what they learned and wrote this article for the Severn School Communications Office.

They completed this piece entirely on their own,

from interviewing students to gathering photos and video footage, during the span of just one

week. Our Communications Team gave them a set of guidelines to follow, some interview and writing tips, and sent them off running. Their

professionalism and commitment to the project — in the face of a short deadline — speaks to what

they've learned during their time here at Severn.

SUMMER 2018 13

BY CA R O LYN CA M P ION

Where Are They Now? A LO O K AT T H E VA N E N E Y ' 0 9 F E L LOW S P R O G R A M .

In 2008-2009, eight Severn seniors embarked on a yearlong project to pursue intellectual interests outside of the traditional classroom setting. With the help of on and offcampus mentors, they researched, experimented and built their way toward realizing their individual passions — with purpose. Ten years later, the Van Eney ’09 Fellows Program, formerly Severn Fellows, is still going strong and has included nearly 100 students.

Senior fellows receive neither a grade nor academic credit for their efforts, and yet the program continues to grow year after year. According to the program director Ms. Kelly Wilson, 28 juniors submitted proposals for fellows projects this past spring, representing almost a quarter of the class. “The program is not just for ‘tech’ kids or ‘high-fliers.’ It is about pursuing passion and learning, regardless of discipline or area. For that reason it appeals to a diverse group of students.”

14

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F EAT UR E | S E VERN STORIES

“When I started this program, the hope was that we’d introduce the world of ideas, not for the sake of grades, not for the sake of strictly academic performance, but for the sake of something that students really wanted to pursue. We wanted to underline the difference between academic and intellectual pursuits.” — Headmaster Doug Lagarde

That diversity is reflected in our most recent

and cancelled my program. I did not give up and

directed an afterschool STEM program for girls

emailed, called and interviewed so many people.

group of fellows. Yasmeen Meek '18 created and at the Stanton Community Center in downtown

Annapolis; Jimmy Diamondidis '18 wrote and produced a musical; Benjamin Carsley '18

created a podcast series on etymology; Aidan Wang '18 researched and wrote an online history course on Modern China; and Jake Wilson '18 built a Dobsonian telescope.

While each of our 2018 fellows presented

an impressive final project in May, Ms. Wilson

emphasizes, “It’s not all about the final product, but instead about the process and learning

along the way.” Fellows attend workshops on

budgeting, research, setting project timelines, creating project websites to track progress, and self-advocacy. According to Ms. Wilson, “Being

an advocate for yourself and your project is an important skill set in this program.” Paul Wyrough '17 learned that lesson while looking

for an off-campus mentor for his project on CO2 emissions. He reached out to numerous

professors before finding a good match, but through the process found his own voice in the world of academic research.

The fellows themselves understand that the

program is about more than the final project.

Yasmeen Meek explained, “My project failed at

the beginning when the after school club I was supposed to work with had a leadership change

instead thought, ‘Ok, where can I do it next?’ I

I learned I can be very persistent.” Jimmy Diamondidis shared a similar story, “After

winter break, my mentors actually recommended that I cancel the project because my script was

not quite ready for production. And I thought, ‘That’s not going to happen. I really want to

put this on. I have a message to share. I have

a vision. I know I can get there.’ That night I stayed up until 3:00 am and reworked the entire

thing. I kept working and eventually my script got approved. In the end, it was well received and I couldn’t have been happier.”

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of

the Fellows Program is its impact on students

long after their final presentation to the Severn community. Jake Wilson’s Dobsonian telescope project opened the door to a NASA internship this summer. He was also accepted

into the aerospace engineering program at the University of Maryland. Jimmy Diamondidis

said, “I am 100% sure that I will continue to write and produce plays at Harvard University next year. In fact, I hope to put on a show by second semester.” After completing his fellows

project, Aidan Wang is now confident that he

wants to study history at Brown University in the fall with graduate school on the horizon.

SUMMER 2018 15

NOAH PYLES '09

In its 10 years of existence, the Van Eney ’09 Fellows Program has

graduated 97 students, each with their own story about the project and

the path it led them on thereafter. We caught up with Noah Pyles '09, Courtney Richeson '11, and Grace Rudder '12 to ask them about their experience.

W I L L Y O U B R I E F LY E X P L A I N Y O U R P R O J E C T ?

N O A H • My

project

was

about

the

origins

of

the

Muslim

Brotherhood and its founder Sayyid Qutb. I looked at his experiences

in America and how that shaped his teachings in the Middle East.

C O U R T N E Y• I

designed

large-scale

magazine

layouts

of

Severn events and activities, from the beginning to the end of the

year, to display in the spiral staircase of Creeden. The main idea

was to follow the timeline of the year as you walk up the stairs.

G R A C E • Erin Littlepage '12 and I created a digital mural made up

of nine different square blocks that represent different aspects of the

COURTNEY RICHESON '11

Severn experience. There were blocks devoted to leadership, scholarship, sportsmanship, fine arts, performing arts, and everything in between.

W H AT I N S P I R E D YO U T O P U R S U E T H I S P R O J E C T ?

N O A H • It was actually through a conversation I had with my Current

Issues teacher Mr. Marc Buckley. We had talked in class about the different revolutions going on – Egypt was starting to boil over at that time. At

the same time, I was learning about the Muslim Brotherhood through

an independent project. When I told Mr. Buckley that I was interested

in pursuing a fellows program on this topic, he was really supportive and encouraged me to apply. He became my advisor for the project and

showed me how to turn my interests into something more tangible.

C O U R T N E Y • One of the great things about the program is that you get

time to work on something long term and produce a big project. I was the

yearbook photographer at the time and had tons of extra photos. I wanted to visually display all the great things that Severn was doing for visitors and prospective students to see as they walk through the staircase. Thus GRACE RUDDER '12

my idea was born.

G R A C E • Erin and I knew that we wanted to do a graphic design and

photography project because we had exhausted all of Severn’s classes on

those topics. We also both loved taking art classes and working on the

yearbook. Combining all of these interests, we settled on the mural idea.

It was a fun process and definitely one that taught us a lot, especially about the self-discipline needed to make and meet our own deadlines.

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F EAT UR E | S E VERN STORIES

pursue it professionally. Knowing that from the start, I was able to HOW DID YOU PRESENT YOUR PROJECT TO THE SEVERN COMMUNITY?

N O A H • I put together a big paper for Mr. Buckley and presented a

lecture to my classmates and the committee. I presented a history of

Muslim Brotherhood and explored how Sayyid Qutb reinvigorated this more conservative movement in Islam and Egypt.

C O U R T N E Y • I set up my large-scale magazine layout boards in the

auditorium and explained my process to a panel of advisors, as well as

peers, parents, faculty, and other members of the community. Then, I asked

earn a degree in environmental design in architecture. In a sense, my fellows project was my first studio project before I even knew what they were!

G R A C E • I am a graphic designer for Monumental Sports and

Entertainment in Washington, D.C. I work on designs for the Washington Wizards, the Washington Mystics, and the two arena

football teams – the Washington Valor and the Baltimore Brigade.

It is a hectic and high speed environment, but I can say confidently that I have found my dream job.

the audience to walk around to get a closer look. Immediately after my presentation, my work was hung up in the stairwell.

G R A C E • We printed out and mounted our nine tiles for the presentation

W H AT A D V I C E W O U L D YO U G I V E S E V E R N J U N I O R S W H O A R E C O N S I D E R I N G A P P LY I N G F O R T H E F E L L O W S

in the auditorium. They were lined up on easels with blankets over them

PROGRAM?

and then gave everyone time to get up close and look at the work. I

N O A H • Make sure you find something you are interested in

for the ‘big reveal’ moment. We spoke to the audience about our process

remember being really nervous to present to the adults at first, but people

because you need to really commit yourself to the project. You owe

a treasure hunt, as they searched for their names on the tiles. After our

sure you reach your potential. • Having a long-term deadline and

loved it! It was a fun, interactive piece of art – our peers treated it like presentation, the mural was displayed in the spiral staircase of Creeden, right at the entrance. That was a point of pride for us, that Severn felt our

work was worthy of such an important spot in the school. [Editor’s Note: Grace’s project is still on display there!]

it to your mentor and your classmates to do your best and make learning how to manage your time with this project, in addition

to all of your classes, is a formative experience. It helps you better understand responsibility and commitment.

C O U R T N E Y • I found it really rewarding to work on something

for so long and then be able to share it with other people. All you

really need is a passion for the topic. • One of the best things about WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

N O A H • I am in my first of five years at the University of Pittsburgh

School of Medicine. One of those five will be an independent research

year. One of my goals is to eventually run my own lab. That senior fel-

lows project was the first time I dipped my toes into something so large.

I remember enjoying being able to adapt as I gathered new information.

That’s the same thing that I like about scientific research – the creative

latitude to adapt to new situations and information, to ask new questions, and make progress, although not always ending up where you thought you would.

C O U R T N E Y • I am a project designer at VINES Architecture in

Raleigh, N.C. We focus mainly on public projects — cultural, higher

education, libraries, etc. I love the firm I am at right now, but I will be

leaving soon to pursue a master in architecture degree at Harvard’s School of Design. This is something I have been excited about for a long time. My

the program is how the school invests in its fellows, both with time and money. I wasn’t given a budget per se, but when I researched

what it would cost to produce these boards, the school said, “Yes!” It is pretty empowering as student to have your school invest in you in that way.

G R A C E • The project has to be something you genuinely enjoy

doing – something you’ll be happy to go home to after a full school day and work on. It has to be something you are really are passionate

about, or something you aren’t really able to explore in your regular school day. It’s a long road to the end. • I give a lot of credit to this program for assuring me that graphic design was the path I wanted

to go down. Knowing exactly what I wanted to do in from the start could not have been a bigger gift. • I am grateful to my fellows project for giving me hands-on experience in the field I wanted to pursue. I truly believe that it set me up for success.

fellows project confirmed that I had a passion for design. When I went to North Carolina State University, I knew right away that I wanted to

Read more about the Van Eney '09 Fellows Program online at www.severnschool.com/fellows

SUMMER 2018 17

Time after Teel

BY CA R R I E M ACV E A N GRIME S ' 91 & TO N I M I C H E LS ON

E A C H Y E A R A T S E V E R N S C H O O L’ S C O M M E N C E M E N T C E R E M O N Y, T H E U P P E R S C H O O L F A C U LT Y A W A R D S A M E M B E R O F T H E G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S T H E ROLLAND M. TEEL AWARD.

ANNIE WEBER '08

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The Rolland M. Teel Award is given in memory of Severn School’s founder, who led the school for 42 years. The award was established by Mr. and Mrs. Stephens Millard '51 in 1998, in recognition of and appreciation for Mr. Teel’s many contributions to society. The award recipient must have made a distinct contribution to Severn School through participation in, and attitude toward, the school, its people, life and spirit. In addition, the student should have demonstrated the values and qualities espoused by Mr. Teel and the mission of Severn School, including scholarship, leadership, service to others, and respect for tradition and diversity. It is the highest award conferred by Severn School at graduation, and each recipient’s name is etched into a trophy in Teel Academic Center, which reads: "A perpetual trophy to honor that senior student who best exemplifies Rolland Teel's founding principles of Intellect, Character and Service."

On our Alumni trip to California this spring, we

For community, family, teachers, and the unique

asked him what inspired him to initiate this spe-

beyond Water Street.

enjoyed an afternoon with Steve Millard '51 and cial honor for a graduating senior. Millard ref-

erenced the eulogy he gave at Mr. Teel’s funeral

confidence Severn equipped them with for life

K AT E F I T Z G E R A L D ' 0 2 :

service in October of 1978, in which he said Teel

SAILOR, SCULPTOR, SCRIBE

record of service and love for his fellow man

Kate graduated from Amherst in 2006 and ini-

was “A man who has left us such a distinguished with his memory so illuminating and enriching that it blazes and burns like a galaxy in the lives

of those who knew and loved him…he was a man who encouraged independent thought and action, a man of conviction and resolution…he was never a man of doctrine or definition, but

rather a man of purpose and principle who was above all else — a man of integrity.”

As part of our celebration of Admiral

Alumni journeys, we wondered: How have the paths of these honored graduates unfolded upon leaving Severn? Have they been extraordinary?

Yes. Characterized by core values of curiosity and inner drive? Yes. Our outreach to some of

the past recipients shared themes of humility, hard work, and eclecticism as key ingredients

to continued success beyond Severn. What did

we find at the heart of each story? Gratitude.

tially undertook some unconventional jobs, sail-

ing on a couple of tall ships. The first, Tole Mour, was based out of Long Beach, Calif. and was part

of the Catalina Island Marine Institute. Kate and the crew took students on multi-day trips to the Channel Islands and taught them about marine biology, navigation, and sail training. Adventures also included snorkeling, boogie board-

ing, and sailing around the islands. Kate’s second

tall ship adventure was aboard Mystic, based out of Mystic, Conn. In what she describes as “a

strange turn of events,” Kate became the ship's

engineer. Mystic was a 180' three-masted schoo-

ner that took adults on multi-day trips in New England, the Chesapeake Bay, and eventually the Bahamas. Following these seafaring adven-

tures, Kate returned home and worked aboard

the sailboat Woodwind in Annapolis briefly, SUMMER 2018 19

F E ATURE | SEV ERN STORIE S

before accepting a teaching assignment as a long-term science substitute in Severn’s Middle School. She enjoyed her time in

the classroom and subsequently landed a permanent position on the Humanities faculty at Indian Creek School, where she

worked for seven years, rising to the role of department chair.

JESS ADAM '04:

writing at Johns Hopkins in 2016 and then took leave from her

SCHOLAR ATHLETE TURNED PSYCHOLOGIST

While teaching, Kate earned her master’s degree in non-fiction teaching position to pursue a freelance writing career.

Kate admits “In truth, I'm still figuring out what I want

to do and I'm learning where I am willing to compromise and

where I am not.” At a self-dubbed “interesting time” in her life, Kate is currently pursuing her metal art. Kate learned to weld over the last ten years between working on boats, driving cross-

country with her younger sister, Alex '04, and working on a

farm in Wisconsin. Kate also enjoys coaching rugby, playing with the Severn River Rugby right here in Severna Park. While

she’s uncertain where her winding path will take her, she is ex-

cited about her next chapter. She and her husband Joe, rescue dog Max, and their baby boy Jack live in Edgewater, Md.

Jess graduated from Duke University in 2009 with a bach-

elor's in biological anthropology and anatomy, and a certifi-

cate in markets and management. Two-time captain of the Duke Women’s Lacrosse Program, Jess went on to intern at ESPN's “Wide World of Sports” at Disney World in

event management, following her graduation. Her love of lacrosse took her across the pond as well, where she served as the Head of the Women's Lacrosse Program at Durham University and led them to a first-place finish in the British

Universities and College Sports National Championship.

The fabric of strong community has been integral to each of

Jess’ professional experiences. She reflects, “Severn is where I experienced the thrill of being part of a team. Everything

that happened on the field, on the court or in the classroom KATE FITZGERALD '02

taught me some type of life skill that has made me into the person that I am today. I credit my coaches and teachers

at Severn for instilling these lessons into my high school

experience. I learned how to compete, how to lead, how to persevere and most importantly, how to be a team player.”

After her lacrosse career wound down, Jess wholeheart-

edly pursued her interest in psychology, completing the

master's program in clinical psychology at Antioch University in Los Angeles. Now she is a licensed therapist in Los

Angeles, working with young adults in private practice and community health. She also teaches AP Psychology, Brain

and Behavior, and Human Development at Buckley School.

After hours, you can find her hiking, going to the beach, and

spending time with friends and family. Jess recalls, “Severn

also taught me that you can be passionate about many things

in your life, instead of just following one dream. Although I was a devoted three-sport athlete, I was encouraged to try new things and develop different interests. I was able to start

a club, be in a school play and be a senior prefect. I am grate-

ful for the enormous impact that Severn had on my life and

know that it helps to guide me in my career today, where I counsel young adults and high school students drawing from my own Severn experiences.”

20

THE BRIDGE

F EAT UR E | S E VERN STORIES

JESS ADAM '04

of a cure for cancer.” Annie danced for THON as a senior, was

president of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and also

ANNIE WEBER '08: DANCER & DOCTOR After graduation from Severn, Annie went on to Penn State where she majored in biology and minored in psy-

chology. She loved being a Nittany Lion, not only aca-

demically, but also through her engagement with THON.

THON is the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, committed to enhancing the lives of children and families

impacted by childhood cancer. Their mission is “to pro-

vide emotional and financial support, spread awareness, and ensure funding for critical research — all in pursuit

kept busy cheering on Penn State at football games. As an undergraduate she took her second trip to Africa, where she spent a week in Uganda with a small team from the Bay Area Community Church, serving patients with HIV/AIDS.

In 2012 Annie enrolled at the University of Maryland

School of Medicine and is now a second-year Orthopaedic Sur-

gery resident at University of Maryland Medical Center. She

believes her time at Severn “greatly impacted my path over the last 9 years…I graduated from Severn with a fabulous educa-

tion, which allowed me to forge my path in medicine.” She also credits her network of many strong friendships for providing her

with support over the years. Annie is “grateful and proud to be a Severn School alumna.”

SUMMER 2018 21

KATIE DICKERSON '09

ANNA WOEPKE '13

K AT I E D I C K E R S O N ' 0 9 :

ANNA WOEPKE '13:

H U M B L E H U M A N I TA R I A N

P O S I T I V E LY E M P O W E R E D

After graduating from Severn in 2009, Katie went to Emory University

Anna admits to feeling “extremely honored” to have received the

and global health. At Emory, Katie played basketball and lacrosse for the

grateful with each passing year to have been able to attend Severn

and completed her undergraduate training in neuroscience, anthropology University and spent her summers in Central Appalachia working with

a nonprofit called Appalachia Service Project, which does free residential construction for families in need. After graduation from Emory, Dickerson

was awarded Emory’s Bobby Jones Scholarship and traveled to the

University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she completed her doctorate in neuroscience. Katie’s dissertation explored differences in how children with and without autism remember and learn. Throughout all of this, Katie worked

for Childreach International, Remote Area Medical, and the World Health Organization. She started medical school at Stanford University in 2016, and is currently also serving as the manager of Palos Alto’s Arbor Free Clinic.

One is quickly struck by how humble Katie is — she was very reticent to

Teel Award at graduation in 2013 and has since “become more School.” Since graduating in 2013, Anna attended the University

of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and graduated with her bachelor's in kinesiology. She worked in the Pedagogical Qualitative

Research Lab within her department as a sophomore and junior.

Anna played club basketball throughout her first three years of

college. “My team won the national championship my sopho-

more year, and I was the treasurer for the team my junior year.

Instead of playing my senior year, I coached a local middle school girls' basketball team.” Anna also worked as a front desk clerk in the resident halls and as a physical therapy aide.

Prior to graduation from college, Anna secured a position

have her story shared; despite her myriad of extraordinary accomplishments,

with Airrosti, a rehab group that started in Houston, Texas,

Admiral Alumni, particularly those interested in pursuing medicine. Katie

plantar fasciitis, and occasionally more unique cases). “We work

she shies from the spotlight. She does however have a desire to mentor young

reflects, “Going to Severn had a huge impact on my life and career. First and foremost, I made the best friends anyone could ask for in high school and they are still my rock today. Severn and the wonderful teachers there also fostered my love of learning, which has propelled me to spend (maybe too much) time

in academia. The individual attention from educators at Severn really empowered me and encouraged me to make the most of my collegiate career.”

22

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which treats musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. muscle sprains, strains, on the connective tissue that typically is the root cause of many

people's pain and are able to resolve issues within three to four visits. I work as a recovery specialist alongside my doctor (a chi-

ropractor) and come up with corrective exercises and techniques

for people to complete directly following treatment and at home between visits.” Anna is based out of the Leesburg, Va. office and

F EAT UR E | S E VERN STORIES

CORTNEY MATHIS '14

says she’s “never been happier!” She intends to return to graduate

school — either Chiropractic or PT — so that she can continue to work in the field she loves.

Looking back at her time at Severn, Anna wouldn't change a

thing. “Severn prepared me for college and life.” Anna credits each

and every teacher, advisor, coach, and opportunity she had at Severn

with making her a better person today. But at the heart of it all are the relationships she made — she continues to count many Severn classmates as part of her closest circle of confidants. “My friends

from Severn push me to be better, to continue learning, and be happy in whatever I am doing.”

C O R T N E Y M AT H I S ' 1 4 :

to work as a medical lab technician with her EMT license and do some

traveling before heading to medical school. In the future, she intends to become an oncologist in Maryland.

Cortney believes her time at Severn prepared her well for college.

“Writing papers is never a challenge because of Severn’s writing requirement. I always found the librarians at Severn very helpful, especially when

it came to writing research papers. The research tools and techniques they provided us with were tremendously helpful!” Mathis also found that the

workload at Severn prepared her for college because it taught her how to stay organized and effectively schedule her time to avoid feeling over-

whelmed. “I have great memories from Severn! I visit often and still see many friends from my class.” Courtney was thrilled to be back in June to see her brother Jordan graduate with the Class of 2018.

EYES ON MEDICAL SCHOOL Since graduating from Severn, Cortney majored in cellular and molecular biology at Tufts University and is on track to attend medical school. During her time at Tufts, she volunteered in Tufts After

School Enrichment Program and at Massachusetts General Hospi-

tal. She also spent a semester working with the nonprofit organiza-

tion, Haley House, creating a survey plan and proposal for the city of Roxbury, Mass. and volunteering in the organization’s soup kitchen.

During the summers, Cortney took a few classes at the Univer-

sity of Maryland, while working at a local doctor’s office. She also spent a summer sitting on the Oncologist board at Anne Arundel

PA S T T E E L AWA R D R E C I P I E N T S : 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Reilly Warren West Jen Compte Scott Sarah Elizabeth Schaffer Dan Edward Grimm Katie Lee Fitzgerald Josh Samuel Plavner Jess Nicole Adam Tyler Ross Williams Chris Hughes Ryan B.J. Crowe Annie C. Weber

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Katie Leah Dickerson Max C. Schechter Tony B. Olmert, Jr. Chris Byrns Anna Grace Woepke A.J. Gersh Zach Bruce Rosen Cortney Mathis Charlie Everett Olmert Jane J Huang

Medical Center. Now that she has graduated from Tufts, she plans

SUMMER 2018 23

EVERY SEVERN STORY TIES US TOGETHER. SOCIAL MEDIA LIKE US | FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM SEVERN STORIES NEWSLETTER EMAIL | INFO@SEVERNSCHOOL.COM FEATURED VIDEOS WATCH | BIT.LY/SEVERNVIDEO ADMIRAL'S CLUB PODCAST LISTEN | BIT.LY/ADMIRALSCLUBPODCAST

CONGRATULATIONS TO 24 CLASS OF 2018 STUDENT-ATHLETES WHO HAVE COMMITTED TO PLAY AT A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY THIS FALL. GO ADMIRALS!

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL? GOT 50 SECONDS TO FIND OUT?

WATCH OUR LATEST VIDEO: WWW.SEVERNSCHOOL.COM/MIDDLESCHOOL 24

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Welcome to the Family, New Parents!

We all know what it's like to be a new member of a community. Walking into that first event, in a new setting, there is always an anxious moment of excitement mixed with trepidation. We might be searching for a familiar face or seeking out the possibility of new relationships. We’re eager to learn the culture and also to establish our own identity as a community member — key components of belonging. Filled with questions, we hope that finding the answers we seek won’t be too difficult. As parents shepherding our children into a new school, we are often surprised at how seamlessly they appear to adjust to their new surroundings, finding security embedded within the rhythm of classes, activities, and schedules. In no time at all, the notion of being “known and valued” is etched into their minds. Severn's Development Office and Admirals Parents’ Association endeavor to provide new parents with that same sense of belonging from day one of your experience here. We are here to welcome you, to answer your questions, and to help you build connections within our community that will last a lifetime.

We look forward to our partnership with you, as you embark upon your family’s life-long connection to Severn School.

Find more resources and FAQs for new families on mySevern or at www.severnschool.com/newfamily

SUMMER 2018 25

C O M E H O M E TO SE VE RN! What could be better than friends, fall, football, and fun?

Alumni, we are so excited to announce that Severn School is moving our Alumni Reunion celebrations from May to October, during Homecoming Weekend, starting in the Fall of 2019 with our 4’s and 9’s reunion classes! Our new Severn Reunion Homecoming format will include all of the festivities of Homecoming including the annual Chili Cook-off, a Class Reunion Celebration at Daiger House, the Admiral’s Collection, and all of amazing energy of fall sports including a full slate of home football, field hockey, and soccer games!

Classes ending in 4’s and 9’s will launch this new format in the fall of 2019 at the inaugural Reunion Homecoming, with their milestone reunion celebrations, and we are looking for reunion leadership teams from graduation years ending in 4 and 9 to get the ball rolling.

Please contact Carrie Grimes at alwaysanadmiral19@ severnschool.com to step up and help lead the charge for your class! Time commitments are minimal—you just need Severn spirit!

We’ll kick off this transition this fall with an All-Alumni Homecoming BBQ on the Daiger House lawn on Saturday, October 20th at 4 pm, following the home Severn vs. Pallotti football game. All alumni are invited back to enjoy BBQ, drinks, live music and camaraderie. Keep your eyes out for your invitation this fall — and come home to Severn School!

Cheers, Carrie MacVean Grimes '91 Director, Alumni Relations

26

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(Opposite Page Top to Bottom) Class of 1993; Class of 1968; Class of 1983; Class of 2013; Class of 1978; (Above) Reunion decorations welcoming Severn Alumni home!; Class of 1998; Kid's Lax Clinic with Severn students; Class of 1968 Undefeated Lacrosse Team halftime recognition

SUMMER 2018 27

CL ASS NOTES

we remember 1938 Marcy Dupre III 2/17/2018 1942 William “Bill” Graham 4/6/2018 1944 John Owsley Jr. 11/3/2014 1945 Donald Farley Jr. 9/7/2017 1946 Gordan Van Hook “Gordon” 3/21/2018

1953 Philip “Glenn” Alter 12/8/2017 Francis “Frank” Rogers Jr. 3/14/2018 1959 Franklin Williams Jr. 6/24/2017 1960 Robert “Bob” Lark 4/1/2018 1962 Harry “Pete” Howton 7/6/2017 1964 Thomas “Boyd” Moody 4/15/2018

28

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FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

1938

I N M E M O R I A M Captain Marcy M. Dupre, III, US Navy (Retired), died on February 17, 2018, at the age of 96. Marcy was born in Newport, R.I., where his father, then Lt. JG Marcy M. Dupre, Jr., (USNA 1920), was stationed. After attending Annapolis High School and Severn, Marcy entered the US Naval Academy in June 1938 and graduated with the class of 1942 in December 1941. He served aboard the USS Brooklyn CL (40) in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, then as gunnery officer, executive, and finally CO of the USS Shields (DD 596) in the Pacific until the end of World War II. He won his wings at Pensacola in December 1947. Marcy served as a public information officer at the US Naval Academy and chief of plans for the Northern Command, NATO, on the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. His last assignment in the service was in the Logistics Directorate (J-4) of the Joint Staff, Pentagon. He retired from the Navy in March 1964. Upon retirement, he joined Raytheon Company as director of international marketing for Europe, headquartered first in Brussels, Belgium, then in Paris until retirement

as vice president, Raytheon Overseas Ltd. Following retirement, he established residence in Pensacola, Fla. His hobbies included skiing, sailing, ham radio, travel, clock repair, golf, and especially reading.

He is survived by his wife, Marisette, and four children of a previous marriage, eight grandchildren, and eleven greatgrandchildren.

1942

I N M E M O R I A M William S. Graham, of Bloomfield, beloved husband of Regina C. Graham for 68 years, died peacefully on April 6, 2018 at the age of 94. After attending Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Severn, Bill won a competitive SecNav appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

He graduated June 6, 1945. At Navy, Bill lettered in lacrosse and soccer, played on three intercollegiate championship teams, and was named All-American in lacrosse.

He served in the Pacific during WWII, with several tours in China. Bill met the love of his life, Regina T. Coady, in April 1949.

They married in April 1950 and lived in Baltimore where they started their family.

Bill worked for Aetna Life & Casualty Co., moving to the home office in Hartford, in

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1956, earning his CLU degree that year.

Bill was active in local politics, he was a volunteer firefighter for 14 years, and then served as a CT Fire Marshall in Bloomfield and East Granby for a total of 34 years. Bill heroically drove his family of six children and a dog on epic trips to Ocean City, Md. each summer, creating indelible happy memories. Bill retired from Aetna in 1988 as director of financial services in the Life Division. He was a devoted husband to Jean, with whom he enjoyed a life of love, laughter and dancing. He was an exceptional, loving father to his six children.

He cherished his 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Bill and Jean enjoyed their retirement years immensely, spending summers in Martha's Vineyard and traveling around the world. They most especially enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Illinois and Missouri to visit their children and grandchildren.

In 2010, he and Jean moved to Duncaster Retirement Community where he enjoyed seeing friends, new and old. An avid reader and lover of history, Bill was part of the Hartford Civil War Round Table, and relished leading a discussion group on "the universe" with friends at Duncaster. Bill will be missed deeply by his family and friends.

(L-R) Marcy M. Dupre, III '38; William S. Graham '42; John Owsley '44; Donald Stephen Farley '45; Gordan Van Hook '46

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1944

I N M E M O R I A M Dr. John Owsley Jr., a renowned plastic surgeon, whose pioneering and innovative techniques were devoted to correcting the facial and speech defects of cleft lip and palate children, died November 2014, after a long illness in San Francisco, Calif. Dr. Owsley was equally renowned for restoring youthful vitality to the faces of the famous and not so famous, and he saw the potential for symmetry and harmony in each of his patients. He often said: "I don't create beauty, but merely reveal it." Dr. Owsley lived a long life filled with high intention. Although his two most compelling interests were medicine and his wife Sharon, Dr. Owsley had deep ties to the community. For years he held an annual lunch featuring notable speakers from the world of business, politics, entertainment, the courts, and the arts. He enjoyed his Bohemian and Pacific Union Club friends, his bridge partners, sailboat racing and duck hunting.

1945

I N M E M O R I A M Donald Stephen Farley Jr. died peacefully on September 7, 2017 in St. Paul, Minn. Steve grew up in Madison, Wis. He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and University of Wisconsin Law School.

Steve was a retired Commander in the United States Navy and completed his banking career at Norwest Bank in Minneapolis. He is survived by his wife, Georgia, children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, sisters and many nieces and nephews.

1946

CDR Royce Pettit Jr. wrote in this spring from his home in Tempe, Ariz., where he recently celebrated his 90th birthday. While a return trip to Severn isn't in his plans, he sends his "best wishes to all, and past staff and students."

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I N M E M O R I A M CDR Gordan Van Hook, USN Retired, died on March 21 in Suffolk, Va. with family at his side. He was 90 years old, and kept his mischievous sense of humor until his last days. He lived a full life energized by flying, sailing, and leading, built upon a foundation of deep love for his family and a commitment to his naval career and country. Gordan was born in Rio De Janeiro, where his father was stationed with the U.S. Naval Mission to Brazil. After being evacuated from Hawaii, and living in the Panama Canal District, he attended Severn and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1951. A few months later, Gordan married Leila Scott Dunn.

Gordan and Leila, with their four children, led the adventurous life of a Navy family.

Gordan's exemplary naval career included serving on a destroyer during the Korean War; in a destroyer squadron for the Bay of Pigs invasion; commanding two ships, the minesweeper USS Grackle and the destroyer USS Wilkinson. He served as Assistant Naval AttachĂŠ to the American Embassy and was presented to Queen Elizabeth. After a 21-year Naval career, Gordan joined Texaco's Marine Department in 1980, he was promoted to marine superintendent, managing Texaco's west coast fleet of tankers in Long Beach, Calif.

He retired from Texaco in 1986. Leila and Gordan settled in Newport, R.I. where he participated in a variety of sailing pursuits including Newport to Bermuda races and seven years as chief instructor for Sail Newport. In the last years of his life, Gordan lived in Virginia near his children. To Gordan's great pride, two of his grandsons currently serve as naval officers on ships in the US Navy

1947

Buzz Hall and George Boaz were in attendance at our Alumni Weekend picnic this year and spent some time reminiscing about their Severn days during a special alumni interview. George and his wife Ulla made the trip out from La Jolla, Calif.

Dutch Spanagel, Ph.D. wrote in recently from his home in Florida to say "Most fortunately, things go fairly well on this end of the line. I put in 24-years in our Navy, contributing with my father, two brothers and one nephew some 92-years of Naval service. I recall with considerable fondness my years at Severn although I was just barely this side of a truly poor student! I graduated in '47 because I have come to believe Mr. Teel wanted to be rid of me. It's been a good life!"

1948

The Alumni team had a wonderful lunch this spring with Don Smith and his lovely wife Marlene in Palo Alto, Calif. Don recently shared a special Severn memory: "On January 9, 1943, my mother Mary Frances Smith christened the submarine USS Seashore (SS-304) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. The attached picture shows my mother with the commanding Officer, Cdr. Donald McGregor and Executive Officer Lt. Slade Cutter '31, a friend of my parents for many years. Slade is one of Severn's Distinguished Alumni. McGregor was found to not have what was needed for a wartime skipper, and Adm. Lockwood replaced him with Slade. Slade was an aggressive leader and had successful war patrols in command of the Seahorse (read more in Slade Cutter, Submarine Warrior by Carl LaVo printed by the Naval Institute Press.) My father Chester C. Smith commanded the USS Swordfish (SS-193) at Manila on December 8, 1941, so he and Slade were fellow submariners.

We are doing well here in Palo Alto, and ready to go our vacation home in Oregon on the Mckenzie River. As I think back about my two years at Severn, I recall it was sparse, but we had what we needed.

It is exciting for me to see today’s modern facilities, broad curriculum, and happy faces of our young people as they learn all that is needed to be successful in the modern era."

FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

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(L-R) Mother of Don Smith '48 with Slade Cutter '31; George Boaz '47, Buzz Hall '47; Steve Millard '51, Shannon Howell; Shannon Howell, Bill Leggett '52

1950

Robin Pirie recently checked in with Alumni House. He and his wife Joan are both well and still "working on their bucket list". He recently had cataract surgery, and reports to "have a new outlook on life."

1951

The following is an excerpt from the book "Team Genius" by Rich Karlgaard and Michael S. Malone, highlighting class of 1951 alumnus, Steve Millard.

"One of the most successful, and least celebrated, counterweight partnerships in Silicon Valley history was that between Paul Baran and Steve Millard. Baran was one of the greatest inventors of the age: his packet-switching technology is generally credited with playing the key role in the invention of the Internet, and his voice/IP discoveries did the same thing for cellular telephony. But Baran was also, according to some accounts, a difficult man to work with. By comparison, Millard, his partner, was the embodiment of prep-school WASP graciousness and diplomacy - and was often called the most connected man in Silicon Valley. In an earlier life, he had been the VP of a Fortune 500 company responsible for a billion-dollar division. In the five companies the two men created together, Baran was always the consummate engineer-inventor. But the same could not be said of his interpersonal

skills. So, besides locating investors, it was often Millard's job to unruffle employee feathers. Indeed, so much of his time was spent on culture building and personnel challenges that it was often remarked that 'Baran did technology and Millard did people.' Neither could have built a successful company on his own - or, arguably, without another person of exactly the same, supplementary skill set as his partner. All five companies they founded went public and each had peak market valuations in excess of $1 billion.

Despite their differences, the two men remained a team to the end. On the day of his death, Paul Baran was working on a new company idea in the telemedicine field with Millard."

1952

Reverend Jack Andersen, who is a retired Episcopal priest living in Virginia, called to check in at Alumni House this spring.

He was kind enough to share his memory about a particularly prescient photograph of fellow Admiral alumnus and astronaut Bruce McCandless '54, who had recently passed away. The photo, from the 1952 Navigator, shows McCandless gathered with the sophomores for their class picture.

Amazingly, McCandless is the one student who is perched at the highest spot in the tree, up high above all of his peers. A telling photograph for the future space traveller!

Development director Shannon Howell had a great dinner with Dr. Bill Leggett '52 in Atlanta recently. Bill fondly remembers his Severn history teacher Mr. Stone who had a great influence on him. Bill recalled, "Mr. Stone had a Model T Ford and he always kept a blanket over the hood so he wouldn't have trouble starting it." (PHOTO) Alex Morris and Carol Morris celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on December 28, 2017.

1953

I N M E M O R I A M Philip “Glenn� Alter, 82, of Edgewater and previously of Berwyn Heights and Bay Ridge died on December 8, 2017. Glenn was born in Washington, DC to the late Philip and Dorothea Alter.

He and his wife Mary enjoyed 61 years of marriage. He attended the University of Maryland, was a member of the Maryland National Guard and worked for Washington Gas Light Company. Glenn was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and a Past Chancellor for the Knights of Pythias. He enjoyed sailing, wakeboarding, woodworking, and was an avid reader of novels and history. Glenn was preceded in death by his son, Philip G. Alter, Jr. He is survived by his wife Mary, son John (Charlene) Alter of Bowie, his daughters, Kathryn (Ed) Schmid of Bowie and Susan (Fred) Humphrey of Alexandria, VA; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: LANCE MASSEY '54

L

ance Massey visited Severn last September for the first time in many years and was amazed by all of the changes.

Although impressed by the tour of Teel Academic Center, he felt nostalgic for the ivy-covered “Teel” of his Severn experience. “I remember Teel Hall being the center of it all on campus. Classrooms were on the main floor and student dorms were on the second and third floors.” Lance also remembers a very different cafeteria from Severn’s current Bauer Dining Hall. “Behind Teel was the Dining Hall, which was staffed by student waiters and bussers. It was a fairly formal event, but I remember the food

being not that great. I was overweight when I arrived at Severn in the fall of ’53, but by December of that year I had lost 15 pounds!”

Despite all of the differences, Lance proudly noted, “From what I can see, the school’s mission to provide a good education for young people is still the same.”

Lance came to Severn in the fall of 1953, following the lead of his father, LCDR Lance Edward Massey ’26, a Navy war hero who gave his life leading a torpedo squadron during the decisive Battle of Midway in WWII. “I wanted to come to Severn because my dad went there. I always thought of him as a hero and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.” Both spent one year at Severn, preparing for entrance into the Naval Academy. Before Severn, Lance lived in

What Legacy Will You Leave?

We all desire significance — to lead happy and fulfilled lives surrounded by family and friends.

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Greenwich, Connecticut, and attended the Brunswick School.

Lance says, “I tried to get myself sorted out there. I was just an immature kid, only 16 years old when I started.” Even so, Lance acclimated quickly to Severn life. According to the 1954 Navigator, Lance was “well liked by everyone.” And while he said he was not a great athlete, the yearbook staff disagreed, “Lance was one of the JV [football]’s best lineman, playing at guard.” Lance was a bit more confident in his academic abilities, admitting that he did well in his classes due in part to the profound impact that English teacher Mr. Albert Hawkins had on him that year. He also shared fond memories of Headmaster Mr. Roland Teel and his wife Mrs. Susan Teel. “Mrs. Teel would invite

For many of us, there is a compelling need to make a difference — to leave a lasting impact on the people most dear to us and the world in which we live. The search for significance and desire to plan for the future leads many to ponder their legacy. What kind of legacy will you leave? Please contact us to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of Severn students and faculty.

Contact Holly Carroll: 410.647.7701 x 2259 or h.carroll@severnschool.com

C L AS S groups of us, three or four boys at a time, over for tea. She was a gracious lady. But I must admit – I was a little intimidated by her. She would ask me questions and get one or two word answers out of me!”

Upon graduation from Severn in 1954, Lance entered the Naval Academy. He graduated from the Academy in 1958 and served in the Navy until he retired as a Commander in 1984.

Over the course of his 30-year career with the Navy, he served four tours in Vietnam & Laos, flying over 200 combat missions from USS Hancock as well as two years on USS Kitty Hawk, three years at the Headquarters, U.S. European Command at Stuttgart, Germany, three years outside London at Royal Navy Base HMS Warrior assigned to NATO duty, and many naval air stations in between. He eventually finished out his career in Coronado, Calif., where he currently resides.

Throughout his time in the Navy, Lance remained close with classmate and fellow “second deck Dad” Richard Dodson ‘54, who was also his plebe roommate at the Naval Academy. He also remained close with Navy classmate LDCR Carl Peterson ’54, who was killed in Vietnam in 1969. Lance was proud to share that Carl received the Bronze Star Medal and Navy Commendation Medal for his valor and that the USS Peterson was named in his honor.

Not only did the Navy give Lance a life of adventure and challenge, it led him to his wife Judy, to whom he’s been married 54 years. Lance recalls, “I had just gotten back from the Far East. I was stationed in Alameda, California, near the San Francisco Bay. I was going to travel to Coronado to see my mom, and, en route, I stopped in Santa Barbara to visit with my brother. He was dating a girl there in a sorority, and he said that if I stopped by to visit him, he would set me up with one of his girlfriend’s sorority sisters. That’s how I met Judy!

We got married on February 1, 1964.”

Lance and Judy have two children. Their son Lance Edward Massey II is also a retired Captain from the Navy, and their daughter Barbara is the co-owner and founder of Tartine Bistro in Coronado. Lance also has three grandchildren, who live in Florida.

To this day, Lance Massey still values the education he received at Severn. And likewise, we still value the legacy he left behind and his 30 years of service to our country. Cheers to Lance Massey, a man whom the 1954 Navigator so aptly named “a quiet and unobtrusive fellow who won’t soon be forgotten by his classmates.”

The A-Z Alumni Spotlight aims to highlight Severn alumni in all walks of life. Continue reading on page 41.

S E C R E TA R I E S

Send your Class Notes to your Class Secretary to be included in the next issue of The Bridge. If your class does not have a secretary and you are interested, please email c.grimes@severnschool.com

1947

Buzz Hall | blairhall@aol.com

1952

Nick Goldsborough | ngoldsborough2@verizon.net

1953

John Fisher | cplusji@yahoo.com

1954

Jack Kelly | jmkell333@gmail.com

1958

John Eller | johnceller@aol.com

1959

John Leimkuhler | jwleimkuhler@verizon.net

1960

Joe Stewart | kingspoint300@yahoo.com

1961

Bruce Burns | blmburns@comcast.net

1962

Robert Kesmodel | rkesmodel@gmail.com

1965

Sandy Clark | sandyclark@yahoo.com

1966

Richard Templeton | templetonrk@gmail.com

1968

Shannon McDowell | shannonmcd49@verizon.net

1969

Nick Codd | nickcodd@verizon.net

CONT I NU E D

ON

PAG E

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I N M E M O R I A M Major General Francis “Frank” Drake Rogers, Jr. 83, of Charleston, S.C., husband of Eleanor Lucas Gaillard Rogers died on March 14, 2018.

Frank grew up in Bennettsville, S.C. where he developed a love for the outdoors and Scouting which culminated in his becoming an Eagle Scout. Frank also fostered his love of airplanes and flying. He soloed one week after his 16th birthday. He graduated from Bennettsville High School in 1952 and then attended Severn for one year of post-graduate studies. Frank graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 1957 as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He received a U.S. Air Force regular commission and graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training in 1958.

In 1963 after his active duty service, he became a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard. He was promoted to Brigadier General and became the commander and Chief of Staff of the South Carolina Air National Guard in 1989. His decorations include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the South Carolina Distinguished Service Medal. Upon his retirement in 1991, he was promoted to the rank of Major General in the South Carolina Air National Guard.

Frank retired from Merrill Lynch as a Senior Financial Advisor. He volunteered for number organizations, boards and community clubs. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eleanor Gaillard Rogers, two children and his seven grandchildren.

Alumni Director Carrie Grimes enjoyed a delightful luncheon with John Fisher and his wife Cathy in Palo Alto this spring. The Fishers are relishing life in the Bay Area, where they live alongside two of their five daughters in adjacent properties. They still make it back east to their family farm in Delaware a couple of times per year. John plays the banjo and he and Cathy keep busy with family and gardening as well.

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1954

Brent Taylor enthusiastically wrote in response to his 2018 Alumni Weekend invitation, "Class of 1954 will be there next year!" Brent is still doing historic talks to children at his local lighthouse and and helping at the historic theatre downtown.

1955

Peter Glading recently wrote in from his home in Mill Valley, Calif. to check in. He's interested in hearing what his classmates from '54, '55, and '56 are up to. Please drop him a line to say hi at ptglading@ comcast.net, and keep those Bridge Notes coming in for shared updates! Peter also expressed gratitude for the fine education he got at Severn, recalling Mr. Teel "as my image of a wonderful and intelligent person. He made a huge difference in my life."

OC Gregg recently wrote in from his home in Atlantic Beach, Fla. where he's enjoying the social scene with his wife Mae Jean.

1956

George Benjamin wrote in to share, “In February 2015 I retired and exited my company Trig Systems LLC. In 2017, I lost my wife of 41 years, Marge, sold my home in Kansas, and bought a new home in Virginia on the Wicomico River. I am now close to my family and enjoy the Bay and climate on my boat and jet skis.”

1958

Pete Moon wrote in with this update for classmates, "I retired full time from Virginia Commonwealth University after 45 years in June 2015 and am still working part time 1.5 days per week as director of the the Dental Biomaterials Laboratory at VCU Dental School. I am still active playing soccer, volleyball and tennis with young men.

Health-wise I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994 which recurred in 1999. I have pursued a self-directed treatment with good success until December 2017. I am

actively involved in UsToo.org Richmond rvaprostatecancersupport.org, should you or a friend need a resource."

Bill Sheldon reports: “I was saddened to see that Hunter Kesmodel died last year.

He was my best friend for two memorable years at Severn. I was a boarder and he was a day student as his father was Headmaster. Those were the "good ol’ days" of Severna Park, when we had the run of the neighborhood. It's a different place now and a very successful one at that.”

Jim Stiegler wrote in with this update, "Since Severn, I graduated from University of Maryland and worked at Northrop Grumman as an senior electrical design engineer for 39 years. I retired from there in 2006 and my wife and I moved to a retirement community in South Carolina about five miles from Charlotte. The weather and taxes are much better than Maryland. I am doing fine playing tennis and volunteering with Habitat helping to build new houses. As we say in our community, "life is good" as a lot of people are very active with all of the things to do."

1960

William Henry recalls his Severn days, "I was housed in the three-story concrete block dormitory, on the third floor which housed eight students. My roommate was Scott Taylor from Wyoming." After Severn, William graduated from Humboldt State College, in Arcata, Calif.. His pre-college work life was fighting fires for the US Forest Service and one summer during college he was a smokejumper out of Redding, Calif.

William's career with the USFS after college was short-lived, and he spent nine years working for the County as an engineering aide. William has two children from his first marriage; he has now been married for 47 years to his wife, Diane. William worked for 35 years as a nuclear quality control inspector. He worked around the country

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EXTRAORDINARY ALUMNUS:

James Hogg '52

2018 AWARD RECIPIENTS The 2018 Distinguished Graduate Award medal ceremony marks the 20th year of honoring and celebrating the lives of alumni through the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award program.

Each year, distinguished graduates are honored because of their demonstrated and unselfish commitment to a lifetime of service, their personal character and the significant contributions they have made to the Navy and Marine Corps or as leaders in industry or government. They are the living embodiment of the Academy’s mission to develop leaders to “assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.”

We honor these six individuals for the principles they stand for—today and always.

REAR ADMIRAL LAWRENCE C. CHAMBERS ’52, USN (RET.) ADMIRAL JAMES R. HOGG ’56, USN (RET.) SENATOR JOHN S. McCAIN III ’58 MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES F. BOLDEN JR. ’68, USMC (RET.) MR. STEVEN S. REINEMUND ’70 ADMIRAL TIMOTHY J. KEATING ’71, USN (RET.)

CHAMBERS

HOGG

McCAIN

BOLDEN

REINEMUND

KEATING

1

Admiral James R. Hogg ’52 received the United States Naval Academy 2018 Distinguished Graduate Award medal on March 23, 2018, which celebrates the lives of alumni through the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award program.

The USNA describes this award as follows: “Each year, distinguished graduates of the United States Naval Academy are honored because of their demonstrated and unselfish commitment to a lifetime of service, their personal character and the significant contributions they have made to the Navy and Marine Corps or as leaders in industry or government.

They are the living embodiment of the Academy’s mission to develop leaders to ‘assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.’”

Hogg’s father, Naval Academy alumnus Rear Admiral James H. Hogg, ’27, USN (Ret.), inspired his son to follow in his footsteps and go on to undertake a life in service to the Navy — a 57year career in active duty and civilian service. Reflecting upon this great honor, Admiral Hogg said, “My dad was in the Navy, at the Naval Post Graduate School, here at the Naval Academy.

We lived in Severna Park. We lived on Water Street, just across from Severn School ... To be honest, I almost never had a bad day as a midshipman. I was highly motivated to come to the Naval Academy, because during World War II my dad had commanded a destroyer in the Pacific, and when I was ten years old, in 1944, I decided, all I wanted to do in life was to join the Navy, and get the command of a destroyer.” And, so he did. Hogg’s extraordinary career journey

included five command tours at sea and 14 overseas deployments. He spearheaded a more accurate system for managing the location of Soviet submarines, and was responsible for turning back several Soviet invasions.

Ashore, Admiral Hogg maintained his reputation for excellence, serving as executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel and continuing as the Director of Navy Military Personnel Policy. Subsequent to these posts, Hogg was the Director of Naval Warfare, leading the effort to ensure the Navy’s continued warfare capacity at the conclusion of the Cold War. Admiral Hogg went on to be awarded his fourth star and was assigned to his last active duty assignment as the United States Representative to the NATO Military Committee, after which he retired in 1991.

Admiral Hogg was then the President of the National Security Industrial Association for four years and went back to the Navy, as a civilian, in the role of director of the Chief of Naval operations’ Strategic Studies Group (SSG) in Newport, RI. During his 18 years at SSG, Admiral Hogg was a visionary leader, on the forefront of integrating new technologies. Though he retired from SSG in 2014, he remains strongly connected to the Naval War College through its foundation.

He also provides leadership workshops at Northeastern University and serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Surface Navy Association. Admiral Hogg has remained deeply involved at the Academy, serving on as an Alumni Chapter president, an Alumni Trustee, and a Trustee of the Athletic and Scholarships programs division. He and his wife Anne reside in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and are the parents of four grown children. Admiral Hogg was inducted as a Distinguished Alumnus of Severn School in 1995.

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for 10 years and settled in Arizona working at The Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station where he retired after 25 years in December 2014. "Diane and I are enjoying retirement on our five acre ‘Rancho Pasa Tiempo’ mini-ranch, in the Sonoran desert, Tonopah, Ariz."

Joe Stewart wrote in with an update, "Strohm and Spike and I get together from time to time and we stay in touch with Niel Perron. Severn really did a lot for me!" Joe has kindly agreed to serve as the Class of '60 Secretary!

I N M E M O R I A M Robert “Bob” Lark of Huntington Beach, Calif. died on April 1, 2018. Beloved brother of Margaret B. Lark and Louise L. Hill (Harry). Devoted uncle of Harry E. Hill IV, Elisabeth L. Hill and Maria A. Lark.

1961

Bob Bruce shared that he now has six grandchildren: five grandsons and one granddaughter and is enjoying life in Hilton Head, S.C. Bruce Burns popped by Alumni House for a visit with spring. He and Alumni Director Carrie Grimes are hoping to partner in updating the roster for the class of '61 with more accurate email addresses for all classmates. Keep class notes coming in!

PJ Kesmodel was inducted into the 2018 US Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Delaware Chapter. Congratulations, PJ! Thomas Mann recently called Alumni House to check in. He was doing well, and has fond memories of living in the house on the corner, across the street from Severn. He also had good memories of his roommate and friend William Lockhart '61.

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Paul McCoy recently stopped by Alumni House to share an aerial photograph of Severn campus and its surrounds, which he donated to our Severn School archives.

In late March, Dave Secrest and his wife Christie drove up to DC from North Carolina to participate in the March for Our Lives rally. “We joined our oldest (14 yrs) granddaughter and her mother and rode the train to DC. None of us had ever attended any such event. It was the most meaningful rally we ever expect to attend.

We were surrounded by youth, parents and other grandparents, of every description, all expressing overall support for enacting sensible gun legislation now.” Dave said that “attending this rally and absorbing the energy and thoughtful focus of our younger generations was wonderfully gratifying. Our youth see through the extreme positions of both the right and the left. They see the value of the sacrifices of servicemembers and their families in preserving the right to vote and to have free and fair elections.

They understand the need to elect men and women of good moral character.”

1962

I N M E M O R I A M Harry “Pete” Howton, a Washington-area businessman and former Navy officer, died of cancer on July 6, 2017 at home in Falls Church, Va., with his family by his side. He was born in Bristol, Va., in 1942, and grew up all over the world as the son of an Air Force officer.

He was a 1961 graduate of Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Va. In 1966, he graduated with an engineering degree from the U.S. Naval Academy. Pete's years as a U.S. Navy officer included service in Vietnam in command of a Swift boat.

He earned a masters in oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. In 1975, he retired from

the Navy and went to work at Syscon Corp. in San Diego. Pete founded several companies after his military service, including three successful government contracting firms: Kestrel Associates, Gray Hawk Systems and finally Kingfisher Systems. His companies have been on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies nine times. Pete defined "family" broadly and valued it above all else.

Another core value was education, and he generously supported many relatives and friends in their educational pursuits. His first marriage was to Louise Alpert, with whom he had three children. He later married Barbara Francis, with whom he had two children. He also leaves two sisters, eight grandchildren, and many other relatives.

It was great to see Scott Jay back on campus in June for his granddaughter Sarah Jay’s Severn 8th grade promotion ceremony. Sarah was class president of the Class of 2022.

1964

I N M E M O R I A M Thomas Boyd Moody, 72, died peacefully on April 15, 2018 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Boyd grew up in Jacksonville, Fla. and later attended Severn, Bishop Kenny High School, and St. Leo University. Boyd worked for his father in the family businesses, M.D. Moody and Sons and Moody Brothers of Jacksonville (now known as Mobro Marine, Inc.) His passions were deep sea diving, international travel, water skiing, snow skiing, boating, fishing and collector automobiles. He enjoyed spending time with his daughter, two grandchildren, and his dog CoCo.

FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

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(L-R) Bruce Burns '61 and Carrie MacVean Grimes '91; Thomas Boyd Moody '64; Harry "Pete" Howton '62; Frank Rogers '53; Philip "Glenn" Alter '53; William Henry '60 and wife, Diane; John Fisher '53 and Carrie MacVean Grimes '91; Bruce Spinney and Sandy Clark '65

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1965

John Bass wrote in with a great update for classmates, "I'm retired and life is good. I worked for 29 years and my wife worked for 34 years. I'm living in Middle River near Myrtle Beach. My wife has three children great kids who all turned out well."

Bill Gideon recently called Alumni House to check in with some news and updates.

He is still living in Lewes, Del. and is excited about some creative ideas he's exploring for the Homecoming Chili Cook-off. Bill always keeps the Alumni Office abreast of news about lacrosse, and alumni who are in his neck of the woods.

John Horne wrote in to say, "Glad to hear from you all. After a stretch in the USAF after high school and an eventual master's degree in organization development from American University I worked as an independent consultant in Maryland, Virginia, DC, and the Pennsylvania area.

In 1995 I moved with my family to Tempe, Ariz. and continued a consulting practice.

I "retired" five years ago and became a park ranger at the Phoenix Zoo. Believe me, Rangers at the zoo deal with the full slice of humanity and situations that span the range from weird to just plain hard to describe. Summer in Arizona will soon be on us and this week it will hit 102 degrees.

Yes, it really does get to 115-118 degrees in the summer here."

Bruce Spinney and Sandy Clark met for lunch at Washington's Army & Navy Club in January to plot next steps for an annual reunion for local, and not so local, classmates. The class is targeting a late spring get together. Turns out Bruce and Sandy enjoyed interesting cruises in 2017. Sandy and his wife joined friends on AMAWaterways for a 14-day trip down the Danube that began in Prague and ended

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in Budapest. "Fantastic trip!" Bruce enjoyed a far more extensive three week cruise to the South Pacific that included stops in Fiji, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, Papua New Guinea, Thursday Island Australia, Komodo Indonesia (where the dragons are), Lomboc, and Bali. It was the trip of a lifetime aboard the M/S Paul Gaugin that ended with a complete circumnavigation of the globe flying home via Qatar on the return trip to Washington, D.C. Sandy reports that he is still a part time business and defense consultant, traveling several times a year to the Middle East while supporting customers doing business in the Region. Bruce's interesting life after 'retirement' includes being a certified airplane pilot and FAA advanced ground school instructor at Chesapeake Sport Pilot at Bay Bridge Airport where he also teaches weather and engines. He's also a Docent at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington. As a professional guide and bona fide aviation expert, he leads tourists and other interested groups through the myriad of fascinating aeronautical details on a weekly basis.

He reports he's most willing to provide private tours to classmates and special groups for those who ask him. Call him at 703.379.7724 for the VIP treatment!

Bruce is also a certified glider pilot, which dovetails nicely with the next item on his bucket list. He's planning two weeks of soaring near the peaks of New Zealand's South Island in 2018, "The best soaring on the planet." Stay tuned for more stories.

1966

We loved getting this update from Tom Mance, "I still work as a pediatrician with kids at a psychiatric hospital. I try to write every day, enjoy Milwaukee's excellent theater (for a penny compared to Broadway), and kitchen art. I travel as possible, insist my six grandkids call me

Tom, log at least four miles every day before I sleep, and don't mind paying taxes.

Big 10 sports are the best, aren't they? I read the newsletter, and see a positive change in diversity at Severn. During our time at Severn, there were several students from Thailand, a rarity at the time, to have international influences. Back then we boarding students had that influence on the student body. There was academic competition for some, but many others it was athletics, and we became as brothers."

Mike Myers wrote in with a great update: "My wife Anne and I live in Annapolis, after living for 25 years in Severna Park and raising two kids. My daughter works for a software company in DC and my son just graduated from college and lives in Florida.

I have been retired for five years after working for several insurance companies for 40 years. I remember a lot of great and funny things about Severn, our classmates, and teachers. Over the last several years I have not been active with Severn; however, I have seen and been in touch with Taylor Stedman, Doug Dumont, Dick Bennett and Charlie Goodell. I hope you are all doing well and try to let us know how you are doing."

1968

Jay Benson wrote in to say, "My wife Norma Jean and I have two daughters and four grandkids, who we enjoy spoiling and taking care of when the need arises.

We are also lucky to have both daughters and their husbands and kids living here in Lincoln, Neb. not far from where were we live. We have also done a little traveling, mainly in the states. For a time our oldest daughter and husband lived in Idaho, which we fell in love with. We spent many summers in our cabin with an incredible view of the Tetons. We also spend a lot of time in Colorado, skiing in the winter and hiking and camping in the summer. When

FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

my wife joined me in retirement our family started to travel more to Sarasota, Fla. We have made two trips back to Maryland and been to the Severn campus, which has really changed quite a lot over the last 50 years!"

Bob Dodge wrote in with this happy Severn memory. “Between football games, we would watch the videos taken on a VCR of our games. Towards the end of the season, someone asked why the plays we saw were all running plays, furthermore they were all of Chris Crawford, our fullback! He confessed that his dad was the one with the recorder and they had worked out a system that when we were in the huddle, with Chris facing the line of scrimmage, and a play was called for Chris to get the ball, he would wave his hand behind his back so his dad could see it. This was a signal for his dad to start the recorder. No hand, no video. Thank God the opposition never caught on!"

Craig Hawkins wrote in to share, "Ever since we studied Ernest Shackleton in the eighth grade, traveling to South Georgia and the Antarctic Islands has been at the top of my bucket list. It was the most incredible experience you can imagine.

Five weeks on a small ship, thirty/forty foot seas, icebergs two miles long, penguin colonies of over a million kings, icebergs larger than the ship, the cleanest air you can conceive, daylight for 23 hours a day, whales everywhere, etc ... I can't even begin to explain. A one in a million lifetime experience!"

Ward Hickman wrote in with this update: “I have recently retired from the U.S. Geological Survey after about 40 years studying streams, mostly in New Jersey.

I live north of Philadelphia with Ellen, my wife, and Will, my stepson. The plan is

CLASS N OT ES

now for Ellen and I to resume some longdeferred traveling. Other than that, I sing in our church choir and in a community orchestra."

Bruce Hunter had a great time reconnecting with classmates and his 1968 teammates at the 50th reunion. He was amazed by his tour of campus, “it’s nothing like I experienced in my days at Severn!”

Bruce made the trip from West Virginia. He is the proud grandpa to 15 grandchildren!

It was super to see a big group of 1968 classmates this spring for Alumni Weekend.

A few updates: Ray MacKown and his wife Jan were at the Class of '68s 50th reunion gathering this spring. Ray, who currently lives in Park City, Utah, has great memories of Severn. His best memory "was getting chalk and erasers thrown at me by Mr. Webster, who was a great great guy and a great mentor!" After Severn, Ray attended the Naval Academy, served in Vietnam, and attended Navy flight school which led to a 30 year career flying for American Airlines.

It was terrific to see Lane Raab and Marlin Smith back on campus for the Class of '68s Alumni Weekend festivities! Lane currently lives in Baltimore. When asked, Marlin said, "My favorite teacher was Mr. Halstead, although Captain Slaven was a close second."

Tom Smith and Shannon McDowell attended classmate Chooch Turner's induction into the Baltimore Chapter of the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Chooch said "It was a very fun evening, made that much better by having Tom and Shannon there from Severn adding good support." Chooch enjoyed catching up with many of his classmates at their 50th reunion in May.

former trustee in memoriam

Marjorie Sewell Holt died from natural causes on January 7th. She was 97 years old, born September 17, 1920.

Mrs. Holt is a former Severn trustee, alumni parent and grandparent. In 1966, Mrs. Holt was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel county where she served for 6 years.

In 1972 she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as the first woman elected to Congress in Maryland in a general election. She served there 14 years before returning to law practice in Baltimore. Mrs. Holt served on the House Armed Services Committee, the Budget Committee and the Joint Economic Committee. After retiring, she became active on many boards and many volunteer efforts, Meals on Wheels, Light Street Soup Kitchen and others. Mrs. Holt joined Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1951 and was the first woman elected as an Elder. She is survived by her three children, Rachel Tschantre (Kenneth '49), Dr. Edward Holt '70 (Mary), and Victoria Perry (Mark), 8 grandchildren (Ginny Holt Mininger '02 and Sarah Holt Russell '00), 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.

SUMMER 2018 39

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS JAY '84

C

hris Jay has a great “small world” story about Severn.

It all started his sophomore year when two vacancies on the lacrosse team changed his life forever. “It was 1986 and two top-notch goalies from the lacrosse team left Severn.

Chip Roberston transferred to Severna Park High School and Chris Hutchinson moved to Vermont. All of a sudden, Coach Bower and Coach Cottle were left with a very good team but no goalie. They literally dragged me from the soccer goal to the lacrosse goal and said, ‘Here’s the deal. We know you don’t know anything, but we need to make you into a somewhat legitimate goalie in the next year.’ So G.P. Lindsay, Jimmy Beardmore, and John Zlatos – they had every friend of theirs – would shoot on me every day at practice. I was awful. But over

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time I at least got to the point where I wasn’t losing games for this talented team whose players went to MD, Duke, UVA, Cornell, Princeton and Harvard.”

From then on, lacrosse became a huge part of Chris’s life. He played two years at the University of New Hampshire and recently played in a men’s league in his hometown of Amherst, New Hampshire. Chris has been a long time coach for Amherst Lacrosse and Granite State Elite Girls Lacrosse and he is the current assistant coach for his daughter’s girls lacrosse team at Souhegan High School, the reigning New Hampshire Division I State Champions. “Lacrosse is so much a part of my life now through coaching and helping with the rec programs. That would never have happened without those two guys leaving Severn. My life would be dramatically different.”

But the story doesn’t stop there.

Three years ago Chris brought his son

Cooper to the Holderness School, an independent boarding school in Plymouth, New Hampshire. There he ran into Chris Hutchinson, also the father of a 10th grader and the very same classmate who inadvertently began Chris’s love of lacrosse all those years ago. Both of their boys graduated from Holderness in May. Chris’s daughter (and Cooper’s twin) Sammi also graduated in May. For Chris, both events brought back lots of great memories of Severn, a place where relationships with faculty had an important impact on him. Chris believes that “it’s the people that are the most important part of your life.” He remembers Assistant Headmaster Don Wood fondly as “The Hammer.” Chris explains, “He was the guy who was your conscience. If you were doing something wrong, you had to kind of justify in your head, is this something that Mr. Wood would approve of? At the end of the day, he

was helping us learn how to make the right decisions and supporting us 100%!” Chris also remembers Mr. John Bodley and Mr. Hoage as great history teachers and laughed out loud about memories of creating “Friday Morning Live” (a spoof on Saturday Night Live) with classmate Tom Land in the History Department.

“Probably the most influential teacher I had was Mr. Domenech. I was one of his son’s [Julian Domenech ‘84] best friends, so I was at the house all the time. I took Spanish because of Mr. D, and he was my soccer coach. He taught me about doing the right thing and about working hard since nobody’s going to give you anything for free. Those are lessons that stick with you for life.”

As for his classmates, he and Julian Domenech are still close. “We talk at least a couple of times a week. We keep in touch and bounce things off each other all the time.” He also keeps in touch with other lacrosse teammates: Kelly Caulk ‘84, Mike DeStefano ‘84, Chris Lamon ‘84, and Scott Gillespie ‘84. Living 500 miles away he isn’t able to visit Severna Park often, but he does plan to reconnect with the rest of his classmates in October 2019 for his 35th Reunion.

Chris currently lives in Amherst and works as a Senior SYP Panel Trader for Seaboard International Forest Products, following in the footsteps of this father and grandfather. “I buy and sell lumber commodities and I have been doing that for 30 years. It has been fun. And what’s best is that I have a schedule that allows for a very good balance in my life.” For Chris, that balance allows him to coach his kids, spend time with them and get to know their friends. “That has been invaluable to me.” He also loves to ski, travel, fish and enjoy the beaches of Nantucket with his wife Stephanie, his daughters Jesse and Sammi, and his son Cooper.

Chris still has family in Maryland and keeps close ties to Severn. His dad Scott Jay ’62 was a previous member of the Severn Board of Trustees, and his brother Kirk Jay ’87 was named to the Board this spring. Kirk and his wife Debi are also proud Severn parents of Sarah ‘22 and Garrett ‘25. “When my parents (Donna and Scott) invested in our education at Severn all those years ago, they had no idea that it would turn into a lifetime of involvement for our family. For that we are all so grateful!”

With Cooper and Sammi heading off to the College of Charleston and Trinity College respectively, and Jesse graduating from UNH this past spring, Chris and Stephanie will be official empty nesters this fall. That’s a warning to all of you ’84 laxers – Chris will have lots of time to practice for the alumni reunion game! Better break out your sticks!

The A-Z Alumni Spotlight aims to highlight Severn alumni in all walks of life. Continue reading on page 51.

C L AS S

S E C R E TA R I E S

Send your Class Notes to your Class Secretary to be included in the next issue of The Bridge. If your class does not have a secretary and you are interested, please email c.grimes@severnschool.com

1972

Joan McDaniel | jmcdaniel22@cfl.rr.com

1973

Bona Hurst-Ellis | rellis@msn.com

1976

Catherine Clarke | catherineclarke@verizon.net

1978

Denise Tray Rosson | drosson@glenelg.org

1979

Kim Corbin Aviles | kaviles@csalaw.com

1981

Stacey Hendricks Manis | maniss@comcast.net

1982

Tracy Tischer | tctischer@gmail.com

1983

Molly Moore Green | m.green@severnschool.com

1984

Carrie Duvall | carrieduvalldavis@gmail.com

1985

Julie Greer Katcef | julie@graceryanhomes.com

1986

Sara Tabasi Toomey | charleysangels@verizon.net

1987

Amy Tate | tateamyb@icloud.com

CONT I NU E D

ON

PAG E

5 1

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1970

John Finneran swung by Alumni House for a visit early this summer, to collect some contact information of his class of 1970 Severn classmates. He's already got his eyes on the 50th reunion in 2020!

1972

Cliff Carr wrote in with this update, “I am mostly retired and living in Dallas. My wife and I just got back from visiting Dave Clayton ’72 and Barb Norman in France.

Dave and Barb were in our wedding 42 years ago.”

John Leocha is doing great and living in Titusville, Fla. He is retired but recently started up a new business venture.

Classmate Rob Stribling also lives in Titusville, and is working real estate and “loving life in sunny Florida.”

Joan McDaniel has kindly agreed to be the new class of '72 class secretary! Joan is living just north of Orlando. Joan has many happy memories of Severn and her times with Cheryl Ritchie '74 and the Ritchie family when she was a new student at Severn back in the 70s. Joan is excited to hear from classmates!

Carrie Grimes enjoyed a visit with John Norton this spring, who was on campus catching up with his old friend John Royen '73. John has been very busy working in the theater community of the Eastern Shore as a director and actor.

We got this interesting update from Charles Peltosalo, who lives in Ridgeland, S.C.: “I just returned from the yearly IRVA conference in Vegas a week ago for a quick getaway with the Remote Viewing community … pretty weird stuff. I’m also hanging out with some traditionals in Montana - we've fasted in the Black Hills outside of Sturgis, South Dakota

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each summer since '84, at the oldest ceremonial site in North America, where Crazy Horse last addressed the tribes. I've included a picture of me querying a local bush at Airport Vortex in Sedona as to 'whereabouts of nearest Denny's'. These days I go chum with the dolphins and eagles at the beach on Hilton Head, then it's back to the seven cats and cockatoo here in the country for more fun and games.”

Mike Wales wrote in to say, “It has been two years now since I finally retired for good and moved from Memphis, Tenn. to a log cabin in a small 450 person town in the Smoky Mountains adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

After 20 years in the Marine Corps and then 19 years with FedEx, mostly in middle management, I was definitely ready to leave large, structured organizations and short notice, extended business trips behind me and start enjoying some free time. In retrospect, it was probably one of the best decisions my wife and I ever made. My days here in the small hamlet of Townsend, Tenn. consist of enjoying hikes in the National Park, working on furniture building skills in my woodshop and in the summer months, kayaking and swimming in the local mountain rivers and lakes. I have also gotten involved with the local sheriff's office citizens support group and was asked to join their board of directors this year. This past December my wife and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary but decided to delay a celebratory trip until warmer weather. That trip is now imminent as we will be headed out to explore Yellowstone National Park, drive across Wyoming, and attend a family reunion at Mount Rushmore. This fall my oldest daughter and I are planning a trip up to the eastern shore of Maryland to visit some of the old family homesites in and around St. Michaels, while up there I hope to find the

time during that trip to stop by Severn and tour the campus.”

1973

It was great to see George and Linda '78 Graefe back on campus this year for Alumni Weekend festivities, including the Athletic Hall of Fame luncheon and the class of '78 celebration! George and Linda continue to enjoy life in Sherwood Forest.

G.P. Lindsay, Court Williams and his wife Stacey, as well as Woody Wooddell and his wife Nancy, were back on campus this spring for our Alumni Weekend festivities.

Woody is still a partner at Wooddell & Passaro Dental Group in Davidsonville, Md. and is also the co-founder of The Chesapeake Dental Education Center.

See our featured alumni story about John Royen on page 73!

1976

Mark Burdett wrote in to say, “Our class has been wanting for news in the Bridge, so I thought this would be fun to share.

Some old men from the class of 1976 got together in Manhattan Beach, Calif. to watch the Super Bowl and tell very old stories!"

Virginia Jeffries Pillsbury was recently in Sydney, Australia, awaiting her fifth grandchild! Her daughter, Allison, visited Severn for her reunion in 1991 and now resides in Sydney.

1978

Frank Barr had a great time catching up with '78 classmates at Tom Foard's 40th reunion celebration. He was delighted to learn that he and classmate Nancy O'Connell are practically neighbors in Cary, N.C.!

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(L-R) Craig Hawkins '68; George '73 and Linda '78 Graefe; Charles Peltosalo '72; Mark Burdett '66 with classmates; Virginia Jeffries Pillsbury '76; Chooch Turner '68, Tom Smith '68, and Shannon McDowell '68 at Chooch's induction into the Baltimore Chapter of the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame

S P R I N G R E T I R E D A D M I R A L S G AT H E R I N G

Severn’s retired faculty, known as the “Retired Admirals” gathered for lunch at Alumni House in mid-May. Participants included Carole Coss, Lolly Schorreck, Linda Bourdelaise, Kay Franey, Patience McPherson, Phyllis Beardmore, Julian & Luisa Domenech, Ann Hewitt, Janice Jobson, Shirley & Roger Clark, Rande Schneider, Kathy Schaeffer, Claudia McLaughlin, Mary Lou Hruska, and Barbara Baker Wendell.

Are you at Retired Admiral who’d like to join us for our fall luncheon? If so please email Alumni Director Carrie Grimes at c.grimes@severnschool. com.

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(L-R) Kimo '78 and Leslie '79 Richardson and family; Carrie Duvall '84; Craig Decker '83 and daughters, Victoria '18 and Claudia '21; Garry Brooks '86; Julian Domenech '84; Karen Gatto Klene '78; Ridge Goldsborough '78 and family; Nicole Feliciano '88 and Todd Fletcher '93

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FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

Molly Rullman Dice had a wonderful time reuniting with her classmates at the recent 40th reunion. "What a fantastic evening. It sure didn't feel like it's been 40 years since 1978 … I loved hearing and sharing some pretty hilarious stories about ourselves at 17. I'm thrilled to have had the chance to reconnect and catch up with so many that came - we missed those of you who were unable join us.”

Cathie Parsley East was unable to make the trip from California for her 40th class reunion, but sent along best wishes to her classmates. She had a busy spring with her nephew's graduation and a wedding.

Tom Foard and his wife Lynne hosted a gathering at their home for the recent 40th reunion. Tom and Steve Schuh led the reunion efforts, and the party was a great success with a wonderful turnout!

Ridge Goldsborough sent his best wishes for a fabulous reunion. “Amazing how time flies … and by the way, I've written a bunch of books (16 so far!)." Ridgely's most recent book "The Why Engine" can be found along with his other titles on amazon.com.

Alumni Director Carrie Grimes recently caught up with Karen Gatto Klene. Karen is living in Kingwood, Texas. Karen shared, “I loved going to Severn and I would do it all over again if I could. Hope those that went to reunion had a great time and remember those of us who couldn't go fondly."

Caroline Sargent Lauzo is living in Maine where she is a science teacher, integrating archaeology, anthropology and natural history into her coursework. She is also also a lifetime genealogist, adoption writer and advocate, and pen and ink illustrator.

Rick Mathieu wrote in from Charlotte, N.C. to say, "I would like to thank Steve and Tom for hosting the class of '78 reunion. You couldn't ask for two better class leaders to step forward and bring everyone back together. As the years go by I am extremely grateful for the education I received at Severn - both inside and outside the classroom. And yes, I learned a lot from my wild and crazy classmates that make the class of '78!" Rick was unable to attend reunion as he was leading the commencement exercises at Queens University of Charlotte that weekend, where he serves as the Dean of the McColl School of Business.

Mary O'Donnell Morris and her husband Michael sent their regrets, “We'll be thinking of all my friends at Severn and missing all of you. With much fondness and so many happy remembrances, from South Florida we send our best to all!"

Although they couldn't make it from Atlanta for Kimo Richardson’s reunion, Kimo and Leslie '79 Richardson sent their best wishes for “a wonderful time, we have wonderful sentimental thoughts about our experience with you all. Please let us know if you ever come to or through Atlanta on your travels. Here are a few recent pictures of us and our kids and grandchildren to enjoy.”

1980

Megan Mylander Hanson was back on campus this spring for the Athletic Hall of Fame luncheon. Megan is actively involved with the TLC Lacrosse program and currently coaches the 2019 Red team.

Megan also currently coaches Bryn Mawr School Middle School lacrosse and field hockey teams.

CLASS N OT ES

It was great to hear from Tom Schniedwind recently, who lives in Normal, Illinois, where he works as a Principal at Blue Highway Communications. Tom's two uncles, Captain Thomas C. Edrington Jr. and Commander Frank R. Edrington, were also Severn alumni. We were happy to make sure their names were properly updated in our list of Alumni who have served on the website.

1983

Craig Decker kicked off our Alumni Weekend festivities this year as the keynote speaker at our Legacy Family Pancake Breakfast. Craig was joined by his wife Cristina and two of his three daughters, Claudia '21 and Victoria '18.

1984

Michael DeStefano wrote in with this updates: “My wife Molly and I are finally empty nesters and quite happy about it. All three kids graduated from Severn School and Cornell University and, most importantly, are gainfully employed … mission accomplished. Now we are ready for weddings and grandchildren! I am still in Annapolis and live in Winchester on the Severn." The DeStefano crew is: Jackson – Severn '09, Cornell '13; Kelly – Severn '11, Cornell '15; Brian – Severn '14, Cornell '18.

Julian Domenech '84 was recently featured in The Capital Gazette series on local Athletic Directors. Domenech returned to Severn in 2008 to assume the role of A.D. and said "Part of what enticed me was having my kids grow up where I grew up and getting the same education that I received here. My dad (retired Severn leader Julian Domenech Sr.) thought it was the neatest thing in the world to have one of his kids come back to Severn where he had spent so much time." Congrats on ten years back at Severn, Julian!

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Carrie Duvall is living in Orlando with her husband Carl. She has graciously agreed to be the class secretary for the class of '84. She encourages classmates to join the class of 1984 group on Facebook to communicate. See her feature story on page 69!

Susan Rothman Kolko continues to teach at Santa Monica College where she is a professor in the fashion design and merchandising department. After 16 years of coaching girls lacrosse at Beverly Hills High School, she coached a bittersweet last season this spring. Her oldest child is starting law school at UC Irvine and her youngest is headed to San Diego State University. Her three kids in the middle are in college studying environmental science, social welfare, and business. Susan still runs marathons and races in triathlons, although she doesn't pay much attention to finish times anymore. Susan tries to visit Severn every year and loves seeing old friends. She says she is “grateful for the life values that Severn instilled and to this day enjoy reading every Bridge update!”

Susan Tyndall Leonard has been accepted as a Fellow in the Colson National Fellows Program at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and will begin in August. The Colson Fellows Program was founded by former President Richard Nixon aide Chuck Colson who later founded the international prison reform ministry known as Prison Fellowship. Colson Fellows are on the front lines of Christian ministry and influence in today's culture. Susan continues to teach Bible and Christian worldview fulltime at Annapolis Area Christian School and applied to the program in hopes of uniting her background in national politics, religion and education and looks forward to learning more about how to equip our nation's youth with a worldview foundation.

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1986

Garry Brooks was back in the area this spring hosting a Brooks Note Winery Spring Wines tasting in Fishing Creek Farms. Garry was on hand to talk about his wines, and his winemaking journey over the last 14 years. Garry and his family currently live in Mill Valley, Calif.

Lakin Ducker, Tom Bodor and Jeff Muller recently performed at the Alumni Weekend picnic with their band Zambezi.

Cathie Herrick recently hosted Rebecca Stamato '18 at her DC based firm Buying Time Media, as part of the Independent Senior Projects.

John Rivers recently served as an alumni mentor to Severn student Hunter Hayes ‘19 as part of Dr. Jackie Baugh’s American Public Address class. John lives in Annapolis wish his wife Kristi and their four children, and is the vice president of operations of Maryland Mold and Waterproofing and the owner of MosquitoMan.

1987

Congratulations to Robyn Formica and Drew Burns '88 for their wedding this June!

Robyn and Drew were married on Severn’s campus!

It was terrific to see John Quinn back on campus this spring with his dad John. They enjoyed seeing all of the campus updates.

John is still enjoying life with his wife Amy and children in Newport Beach, Calif. We hope to catch up with him on our next Alumni trip to Southern California!

Cathy Merrill Williams hosted Josie Formica '18 for her Independent Senior Project at Washingtonian Magazine this spring.

1988

It was great to catch up with Stuart Bartow on the east and west coast this spring.

Stuart joined his classmates for the '88 reunion at Mark Jackson's home in May, and saw the Alumni team for lunch in Palo Alto later that month. Stuart is living in Redwood City, Calif. with his wife and two young daughters. He's working as a co-managing partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie.

Nicole Feliciano was at a press event in Brooklyn, NY when she met up with a fellow Severn alumnus Todd Fletcher '93, the president of Rethink Water. He was up with his team on a marketing trip to New York City than included an event at Jane's Carousel for influencers. Nicole's brand, Momtrends, is always looking for the best products for families, so she was at the event at well. "What a fun way to extend the Severn network!" shared Nicole.

Mark Jackson and his wife Linda hosted a fantastic and fun party for the Class of '88 as part of their 30th reunion festivities.

Mark and Linda are parents of Severn 9th grader Reese, and also organized a wonderful 8th grade promotion party at the beach in Linstead that all of the students enjoyed.

Andrea Packman Rubenstein lives in Chicago and gets back to Annapolis maybe twice a year. She sent along a photo from spring break with her family: husband Brian and her two boys, Gabriel and Ari. It was great to see Anne Sherwood back on campus this spring with her daughter Virginia for her 30th reunion! Anne is a professional photographer based in L.A. and Montana.

FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

CLASS N OT ES

(L-R) Mark '88 and Reese '22 Jackson; Andrea Packman Rubenstein '88 with husband Brian and her two boys, Gabriel and Ari; Jen Presswood '04 and Mick Arnold '89; Stuart Bartow '88 with Carrie MacVean Grimes '91; Sara Smith Root '91 and family; Marc Axelbaum '89 and Carrie MacVean Grimes '91; 1992 classmates, Milford Marchant, Katie Burrows Hill, TD Albright and Larry Hooper with Elena Delle Donne; Emily Franey Flanagan '93 with 1993 classmates Brenna Ryan, Robin Quinton, Christy Cole and Sarah Winn in Sherwood Forest.

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C L ASS N OTES

We were happy to welcome back Cardie Templeton and her daughter Livvie to campus this spring for our Alumni Weekend picnic! Cardie is a real estate developer and commercial asset manager at 222 Severn/W&P Nautical in Eastport.

1989

Mick Arnold recently hosted Joshua Stevenson '18 and Nathan Roche '18 for their Independent Senior Projects at his company Arnold Packaging, which recently celebrated its 85th year in business. Mick was also recently featured on CNBC for his company's growth and development.

Arnold and alumnus Mike Heslin '04, DC Marketing Manager for Lyft, have been recently collaborating on how they can professionally partner to benefit local commerce.

Marc Axelbaum and his wife Katherine recently moved from San Francisco to Tiburon, Calif. Marc is a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Marc caught up with the Alumni team at the San Francisco social in May, where he had lots of fun stories to share about Severn memories from the late 80s. Marc and his family are loving life in the Bay Area, which includes lots of trips to Squaw Valley for winter skiing!

1990

It was wonderful to see Becky Qualey at our Legacy Family Pancake Breakfast this spring. Becky is excited to come home to Severn as an Alumni parent. Her daughter Tara will be a new 6th grader this fall.

1991

Tim Donegan reported that this spring, three children from the class of 1991 parents received athletic awards during the Middle School Spring Sports Awards Assembly! Josh Bing '22 - Tennis Players

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Award (Julianne Steele Bing '91); Logan Aiello '22 - Lacrosse MVP (Matt Aiello '91); Caroline Donegan '22 - Lacrosse Players Award (Tim Donegan '91).

Carrie MacVean Grimes loves being back at Severn School as alumni director and just finished her second year on the job. Carrie is also busy working on her doctorate in education at Vanderbilt's Peabody College of Education. She’s looking forward to hosting a mini-reunion this summer with classmates Cheryl Helman Madden, Melissa Allen Silver, and Melissa White Morsberger.

Nikki Huberfeld and her husband Dave and daughter Sofi recently enjoyed a trip to Portugal (see photo). They are loving life in Boston, and Nikki has had a great first year on the faculty at Boston University. They are looking forward to more trips down to Annapolis and back to Severn School now that they are back on the east coast!

Suzanne Weinberg Isidor was recently in town from Davis, Calif. and caught up over dinner with some of her Severn classmates: Julianne Steele Bing, Nicole Sanner Melograna, Karin Formica Tator, and Kristin Gillis Long.

Ed Nepomuceno and his wife Kara recently welcomed a new baby boy, Raen Hawk Nepomuceno, on May 8. The Nepomuceno’s live in Moss Beach, Calif.

Heather Clark Piskorowski is training with some friends in St. Louis for a climbing race adventure called “The Grind” in Canada this fall.

Sara Smith Root wrote in with exciting news! “After four years stationed in Germany where I was an executive officer and deputy staff judge advocate for two

years, and then the regional defense counsel for Europe and the Middle East for the second two years, we returned to the DC area last summer. I am currently assigned to the Pentagon where I serve as the chief of the Military Justice Legislation Training Team. My duties include traveling all over the world to teach some major changes Congress has made to our military justice system. Obviously, that means I am on the road a lot … unfortunately away from our four beautiful children, who are nevertheless doing great! My husband is also assigned to the Pentagon. I was also recently promoted to the rank of Colonel, so it looks like I will be staying in the Army for a few more years.”

1992

Sarah Franey was on campus for our inaugural Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion earlier this year.

She had a great time catching up with her Little Shop of Horrors castmates Carrie MacVean Grimes '91 and Beth Snow MacMullan '92. Sarah is enjoying her work with her growing company Play Her Sports and lives in Odenton with her son Liam.

Beth Snow MacMullan was on campus earlier this year, taking in the Upper School musical "Chaplin" with former Severn theater castmates. Beth is living in Owings Mills, and is the director of educational technology and curriculum innovation at Jemicy School. She is also an avid yoga instructor and was recently spotted as a guest teacher for "Outdoor Yoga & Wine" night at Bembe Beach Yoga in Annapolis!

Milford Marchant, Katie Burrows Hill, TD Albright and Larry Hooper enjoyed spending time with Astle Lecture series speaker Elena Delle Donne at the Astle reception at Daiger House this spring.

CLASS N OT ES

Inaugural Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) Reunion Earlier this year the Alumni Association, in partnership with Severn’s Upper School Drama teacher Ron Giddings ’99 hosted the inaugural Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion. Former theater faculty and theater alumni gathered for dinner at Alumni House, followed by a performance of the Upper School musical production of “Chaplin”.

“It felt so good to be back and to see so many familiar faces.

When I walked into the auditorium a wave of happy nostalgia hit me - it smelled exactly the same as it did when it first opened over fifteen years ago. Severn’s theatre department had an enormous impact on my life. I met some of my dearest friends through Severn theatre. I’m able to perform in my professional life due in part to the confidence I gained and the skills I learned from Severn’s incredible staff members. It felt wonderful to be able to give many of them a hug and to say thank you.”

— Carrie Ponder Cousins ‘02 “When I was a student at Severn, the support and respect that the received from the community was important and formative for me and my peers. Having forged my own path in the arts with these experiences as my foundation, to once again find ourselves together to share our progress and to encourage and support a new ensemble of young artists felt incredibly cathartic and affirming. The arts continue to inform our lives beyond Severn and grow our sense of community. I am so proud to be counted among the ranks of the talented alumni and current students who understand intimately the power of art to bring our community together. “ — Jenny Sledge ‘12 “It was so special to be able to come and see how far the theatre program has come since we graduated. I have so many fond memories of doing musicals and was delighted to see that same joy in the students eyes. I look forward to seeing some Severn Alumni on Broadway soon.”

— Sarah Franey ‘91 We look forward to another reunion next February to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of Price Auditorium!

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ALICIA BRAUN '89

A

licia Braun, class Valedictorian, graduated Severn with the Spanish Award, the Latin Award, the Scholarship Award, the G. Parker Lindsay Award, and Senior Superlatives “Best All Around” and “Most Likely to Succeed.” But if you mention these accolades to her, she dismisses the praise modestly. For Alicia, Severn’s best gifts came in the form of academic confidence and lasting relationships.

Alicia enjoyed her time at Severn immensely. She was a dedicated athlete on the field hockey, lacrosse, and basketball teams while remaining committed to her studies. She remembers being especially close with her Spanish teacher Senora Claudia McLaughlin. “I was in Senora’s Spanish club. Mainly that meant that we would go out to eat as a group to places like Chi Chi’s. Senora was intimidating at first because she was a stickler for rules (especially about girls’ skirt length!), but once I got to know her I realized she was a very sweet person. And her partner El Capitan was a wonderful man.” Alicia also has fond memories of her Latin Teacher “Doc” Thomas Heslin. “I think I was in

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Mr. Heslin's first class when he started at Severn. There was a teacher there named Mrs. Lawson who kept getting his name wrong; she called him ‘Tim’ instead of ‘Tom.’ So we would tease him and call him ‘Tim,’ too. He was always very open with us about his personal life — his diabetes, his kids and his family. He really was a friend as well as a teacher.” Art teacher Doug Sassi also stands out as an important person in Alicia’s Severn experience. “Mr. Sassi was always a wonderfully calm, gentle presence in the art room. His classroom always felt peaceful to me.”

After Alicia graduated from Severn, she went to Princeton University where she earned an undergraduate degree in history.

She then went directly to the University of Maryland Medical School, earning her MD in 1999. Alicia completed her medical internship at the University of Maryland Medical System and her dermatology residency at the Washington Hospital Center.

Alicia is a board-certified dermatologist at Braun Dermatology in Washington D.C. It is a family practice, started by her father Marty, who has since retired. She is now in practice with brother Marty Braun ’91 and Marisa Braun ’92.

On choosing dermatology as a specialty Alicia says, “I was comfortable with dermatology because of my exposure to the field through my dad. And I really like that in my field, we can usually make people better.

Medicine can be frustrating but I really do enjoy interacting with my patients. There are some that I have known for years, and I am honored that they keep coming to see me.”

Over the years, Alicia has stayed in touch with good friend Margaret Purcell ‘89, who now lives in Nashville, Tenn. working for Nissan. She lives with her boyfriend, travels often, and has two dogs.

Alicia lives in Chevy Chase, Md., with her husband Robert Ross, an infectious disease specialist, whom she met in medical school.

Together, they have three kids, — Elinor (11), Robert “Hob” (9), and Stewart (7) — who all share a love of swimming year round. In her free time, she enjoys walking, hiking, and visits out to see her parents. “For all those who knew my parents Bobbie & Marty,” says Alicia, “they are well and good, living on Kent Island.”

Severn will always hold a special place in Alicia’s heart. She enjoyed catching up with classmates at her last reunion and she plans to be there for the 30th next October!

The A-Z Alumni Spotlight aims to highlight Severn alumni in all walks of life. Continue reading on page 61.

C L AS S

S E C R E TA R I E S

Send your Class Notes to your Class Secretary to be included in the next issue of The Bridge. If your class does not have a secretary and you are interested, please email c.grimes@severnschool.com

1988

Drew Burns | drew.burns831@gmail.com

1989

Holly Hodson | holly@hollyhodson.com

1990

Blairlee Meade Owens | blairleeowens@me.com

1991

Heather Clark Piskorowski | heatherpisko@gmail.com

1991

Matt Sarro | mattsarro@gmail.com

1992

Jennifer Molesevich | jennpm1@msn.com

GR IL L ED SW EET C ORN A ND AVOCA DO SA LA D

1993

Dave Sobel | dave@evolvetech.com

ALUMNI CHEF'S CORNER

1994

Mike Calabrese | mike@severnfinancial.com

1995

Darcy Watt Gurganous | dwgurganous@gmail.com

1996

Erika Huebner Rollins | erika@designstudio13.com

1997

Gussie Habeck Melendez | augustamelendez@gmail.com

1998

Dan Ericson | ericson@gwmail.gwu.edu

1999

Jen Scott Gatewood | jennifer.lecompte.scott@gmail.com

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Remove corn from husk and combine with remaining ingredients including avocado. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

C O NT I NU E D

ON

PAG E

6 1

SUMMER 2018 51

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We had a great time catching up with Jason Moran at our San Francisco Alumni Pop-Up Social in May. Jason is still a managing director and group head at KPMG Corporate Finance and is living in Pacific Heights with wife and son.

1993

Melissa Weeks Foote was busy this spring, chairing her 25th Severn reunion and hosting a house party before Alumni Weekend’s Maroon and White Night.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed by all of her classmates who joined in the fun to celebrate! Melissa has also been busy as a Severn mom, to students Jordan '26 and Gunner '23.

It was great to see Chris Pitkin back on campus this spring for the class of 93's 25th reunion. Chris and his wife Cat and son Chase live in San Francisco, where Chris is a health and fitness coach.

Kristen Bauer Zaks is enjoying life in Winston-Salem, N.C. with her husband Jason and two children Lilly and Charlie. In her free time she loves playing competitive tennis, cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends. Kristen helped to organized a class of 1993 reunion gift in memory of classmate Kara Hamilton.

1994

Joe Burke was recently back on campus with his family for a tour. Joe also hosted two students from the class of 2017 for their Independent Senior Project at his local catering firm, J. Burke Catering, based in Halethorpe, Md. Joe and his wife Nicole have two children, Lila and Jackson. They are delighted that Jackson will be joining the Class of 2025 at Severn this fall!

Mike Calabrese shared, “Fellow Severn alumna Beth Donald Owen '85 recently joined our firm Severn Financial

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Solutions, LLC and Gordon Triplett and his firm, Aertight, bailed us out of an IT/ Telecommunications nightmare that was way beyond my expertise. I recently enjoyed a beautiful day on the water with Eric and Liz Alexander for the Blue Angels show. My two kids and their three adorable daughters had a great time on the inflatable raft. We caught up with Ben and Amy Hackman Hilliard afterwards for all of the kids to splash in the pool. Over the winter, I bumped into Brian Hill at the Soccer Dome for some youth indoor soccer. Brian is living in Severna Park with his wife Julie and children Noah (8) and Leah (6). He's enjoying his time as a 401(k) client relations manager with Voya Financial and wishes all the best for the class of '94. I often bump into Emily Franey Flanagan '93 at various Davidsonville youth sports events. She reports that she enjoyed a great Alumni Weekend celebration in Sherwood Forest with ‘93 classmates, Brenna Ryan, Robin Quinton, Christy Cole and Sarah Winn.

Amy Cha has been working as a general dentist in Carroll County for several years.

She and her husband live in Baltimore but are eyeing a move to “Howard County or perhaps even back to Severna Park within the next year as we have two little boys, Weston and Chason, who will need more space for running around as they get older.” In between running the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC in April and volunteer dental work, Amy and her family are looking forward to Chason's first beach trip to Rehoboth in June.

Dolph Habeck reported last month, “After 15 years in London I've moved back to the US with my wife Emma and our daughters Isabella and Freya. I'm still with Morgan Stanley in NYC and focused on sustainability finance. The girls have quickly acclimated to life in Connecticut

(but lost their English accents!) and Emma's active with a number of volunteer organizations here and managing the renovation of our house.”

Jonathan Helman is currently living in La Plata, Md. and teaches ESOL in Charles County Public Schools. After living in China for a couple years, he earned a masters in TESOL (Teacher of English for Speakers of Other Language) at Notre Dame of Maryland while living and working in Baltimore City. Jon and his wife Marie have an 18 month old son named Daniel who is keeping them young and on the move.

Bradley Hughes writes from Eugene, Ore.: "I am currently working on my PhD in personality/social psychology at the University of Oregon in Eugene. I live here with my wife Brenda and three year-old son Macsen. " Courtney Litty Jackson lives in Crystal Springs, Fla. with her husband and seven kids. She's currently a stay at home mom, but has plans to return to school in pursuit of a PhD in holistic medicine within the year!

Andrew “Wa” Jones recently took his nineyear-old daughter to her first concert - Bon Jovi! While he makes it back to Maryland frequently, he welcomes anyone passing through Wilmington, N.C. to message him.

G.B. Lawrence reports that he is living Pasadena, with his wife and kids ages 10 and 12. He has two dogs that are ‘thriving in the care of Dr. Eric Alexander at Alexander Animal hospital.” GB is working at Hopkins Applied Physics Lab and sends his message from Cape Canaveral where he is working on the integration and test team preparing to launch Parker Solar Probe in late July early August: www.nasa. gov/content/goddard/parker-solar-probe.

FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

Kate Leahy writes, “I've basically been living the dream touring in the US, South America, and Europe and just played Coachella for the first time. I moved to Austin in 2009 and got my MFA from the University of Texas. Austin is a great city to live and everyone should hit me up for drinks if they come through. I manage a holiday trip to MD every year and hang with G.B. and Mike Sievers."

Jeffrey McHugh just bought a new house in Silver Spring and has been working for the Census Bureau as a statistician for close to 20 years. He recently went out on Captain Scott Singleton's charter boat and came home with four big Rockfish. Jeff still keeps in touch with Andrew "Wa" Jones regularly who helps Jeff relive dubious memories of JV basketball at Severn.

Caryn Cairns Moxey reports that "life is good!" She is living in Wyoming with my husband and 11-year-old son where they own a health club together.

Jessica Early Robertson chimes in from Naples, Fla.: “Our family welcomed Grant Hudson on January 23 of this year.

He was born at home and weighed 8 pounds exactly. He has already formed a remarkable bond with his siblings. On the professional front, I am having the best time imaginable working as an international realtor with Douglas Elliman. My team covers Florida, Puerto Rico, Central America, and Italy — with plans to expand shortly into France and South America. We are about to launch several new campaigns for commercial properties in Puerto Rico with a strong focus on sustainable development and green living."

Mike Sievers lives in Severna Park with his wife Karen Davenport and two daughters Mia (2) and Makenna (5). He's been working as a systems analyst doing performance

testing for the Federal Government since 2006. He reports seeing lots of fellow alumni and recently had a mini 1994 reunion at the Severna Park Taphouse where they enjoyed a ‘very old school 'swerve' time talking about the glory days of Severn and Pearl Jam when music was good.”

1995

Ali Clark Collins and her husband John and kids Jake and Libby are loving their new home in Arlington. Ali works as the director of training and development for Tiny Chefs, the leading provider of kids cooking parties, classes and camps in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Connecticut areas. We loved seeing Ali and John at our DC Alumni Pop-up earlier this year!

Blake Nolan is enjoying his relocation back to the DC area, where he is working as the CFO of custom picture framing company, Framebridge. Blake hosted Everett Cortes '18 at Framebridge for Everett's Independent Senior Project. Framebridge is backed in part by venture capital firm Revolution, which has allowed Blake chances to interface with alumni Chris Hughes '06 and Meredith Balenske '02.

Ana Pinto and Tal Turner joined us for dinner and drinks in San Francisco this spring. They live in Russian Hill, and are expecting their first child soon.

Jason Scott hosted a group of Severn students at the JP Morgan Chase Headquarters in Manhattan for a mentoring class on careers in finance. Jason arranged for student to have time for Q&A and tour the trading floor. Jason and his wife Sarah live in Tribeca and are enjoying being parents to their baby boy, Jackson.

CLASS N OT ES

Dr. Jackie Baugh was delighted to recently hear from Jonathan Butcher, who is a senior policy analyst with The Heritage Foundation, based in D.C. This is his second time working with Heritage, and he has also worked for the Goldwater Institute, which is based in Phoenix. Jon currently lives in South Carolina and works from home, traveling a bit. Jon's columns appear occasionally in the Washington Times, and he's also written for the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek in recent years.

Kate Graw Lamond was involved with mentoring two Severn students this spring as part of Severn's Independent Senior Project and Dr. Baugh's public speaking class. Kate is a surgeon at the Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital and is enjoying life in Chevy Chase with her husband Scott and son and daughter.

Erika Huebner Rollins recently hosted Tori Cronin '18 in the marketing department at her job at fellow classmate Laure Fisher's firm Call Tracking Metrics, here in Severna Park.

1996

Katherine Sanpere is senior project manager for Bedrock Detroit and mother of Theodore Marcum Ryan. It was great to see Katherine on campus in June and she enjoyed a tour with her son.

Julie Tice enjoyed our DC Alumni Pop-up Social earlier this year. Soon after we saw her she gave birth to a daughter, Piper Lee Tice. "She was born March 2nd and was a little peanut at just 5 lbs! She is a huge Caps fan. She's been waiting her whole life for them to bring home the cup and can't believe they finally did it!"

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(L-R) A great turnout for our DC Alumni Pop-Up Social; Jess Popham McDermott '97 with her dad Bryson Popham '69, and daughter, Laine '25; Katherine Sanpere '96; Matt McFarland '98 and Brett Farr '01; Carrie Staines Tilley welcomed Hayes Carlin Tilley; Nick Elsmo '07, Stacia Adam '06, and Brett Farr '01; Julia Salsich '01 and mother Mary Kernan Salsich

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FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

1997

Court Creeden was recently selected as one of Charlotte Business Journal's "40 Under 40". This awards program honors local professionals who are making major strides in their career while leaving a positive impact on their communities in Charlotte. The program is now in its 25th year. Court was recognized for creating Parent Financial as a firm that specializes in financial planning for parents and families, as well as being the author of Blue Goat and owner of Blue Goat Life.

Court's volunteer work supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and its Mom's In Training program, the Hope Builders 5K benefitting Levine Children's Hospital, The JCC Kids Triathlon for Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, and Bee Mighty were also highlights of his award profile. Court was also featured as a guest on Business Owner's Freedom Formula podcast. Way to go, Court!

Jess Popham McDermott attended our Legacy Family Pancake Breakfast this spring with her dad Bryson Popham '69 and her daughter, Laine. Laine will be a new member of the Class of '25 this fall at Severn!

1998

Jenn Smith Addabbo was back on campus this spring for Alumni Weekend. Jenn was on the reunion leadership team for the '98s and shared these funny memories during the planning: “Remember when Randy Newman dressed as a bride and we sang "Wishing and Hoping" to the entire school?

Remember when Jenny Smith tried to climb and jump over a chain link fence but got stuck and was hanging by her shorts while practices were going on?!" Jenn lives in Tampa with her husband and two children, where they enjoy life on the water!

Jenn is a partner and co-founder of CU Engage.

It was great to see Dr. Andrea Ceccarelli Cuniff back on campus this spring for our theater reunion and her 20th class reunion with her husband, Justin.

Dan Ericson helped lead the reunion effort for the Class of '98s 20th reunion this spring. We loved seeing Dan, his wife Ellen, and their boys Seth and Jack back on campus. Afterwards, he shared “My classmates, our families, and I had a wonderful time at the reunion festivities this weekend. Twenty years, in some respects, seems to have passed too quickly.”

Matt McFarland was on campus for his 20th reunion and in San Francisco for our Alumni Social! Matt is still really enjoying life in the Bay Area, where he works as a vice president at BroadOak Capital Partners.

Matt is getting married later this year in Mallorca, Spain!

1999

Ron Giddings enjoyed partnering with Alumni Director Carrie Grimes '91 on the inaugural Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion earlier this year.

Ron is an Upper School English and Drama teacher at Severn and directed the Upper School production of "Chaplin" earlier this year. Along with the daily responsibilities of being a high school teacher, Ron is regularly involved with Colonial Players, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and many other local theater productions.

Laura Kessman Iversen continues to enjoy her work at Barnes and Noble, and Laura and Jake '00's daughter Sky '30 is a student on Severn's Chesapeake Campus!

Matthew Mason recently served as an alumni mentor as part of an interview project with student Spencer Russell '19 for Dr. Baugh's public speaking class. Matt is a game designer at Infinity Ward in southern California. He is married to fellow Admiral alum Kat Coldiron Mason '99!

CLASS N OT ES

Carrie Staines Tilley with her husband Matt and son Eli welcomed Hayes Carlin Tilley on April 28, 2018, 8 lbs 6 oz and 22 inches!

The photo [on page 54] shows Hayes with his his proud big brother Eli ‘30. Carrie says, "We are so blessed!"

2000

Suzi Stokes Erbe was back on campus for our Legacy Family Pancake Breakfast with her niece Charlotte Grow '24.

Scott MacMullan hosted Alex Marvin ‘18 this spring for Alex's Independent Senior Project. Alex had a chance to learn about a career in law and politics.

It was great to have Jeff McMahon and his beloved Go Melvo! Snoballs at Alumni Weekend 2018! Jeff's business Go Melvo Snoballs has been serving customers in the Baltimore/Annapolis area and at the Delaware Beaches since 1994. In the last 10 years, the business has made a concerted effort to expand and is now are part of several annual events in not only Maryland and Delaware, but Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Jersey as well. We are lucky to see Jeff's trucks on campus for students when the weather turns warm!

Dr. Zach Schneider hosted Severn seniors Sarah Sacker ‘18 and Olivia Smith ‘18 for their Independent Senior projects this spring, at his pediatric practice Belliacres Pediatrics in Davidsonville, Md. Zach and his wife Anne Fitzgerald Schneider '00 live in Davidsonville with their two young children.

2001

We loved catching up with Brett Farr at our San Francisco alumni social this spring. Brett is getting married in Utah this summer. He works as the director of sales at Certified Security Solutions, a cyber security company. When he's not working he loves to ski, backpack and cycle in the Bay Area.

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The Alumni team loved catching up with Matt Nicholson at our DC Alumni Pop-up Social earlier this year. Matt is doing very well, enjoying life in DC with his wife Casey and their almost-two-year-old son Thomas.

They are expecting their second child this summer.

were happy to see Billy and his wife Callie at our DC Alumni Social shortly before Ella was born.

Brady Nolan and his wife Kara and sons (ages 3 and 5) joyfully welcomed a little girl to their family! Virginia Jones Nolan was born on May 30. Everyone is happy and healthy. Brady and the family live in Chevy Chase, and Brady is a managing director of acquisitions for Urban Atlantic, a Bethesda based real estate investor and developer after running his own investment firm.

Great to see Serena Flood and her daughter Vanesa '28 at our Legacy Family Pancake breakfast this spring!

Julia Salsich came to town for her mother Mary Salsich's retirement party, celebrating Mary's long and fruitful career in the development office at Severn. Julia is a doctor of oriental medicine and specializes in acupuncture and chinese herbs in Washington, DC. Tom Simmons’ firm was recently renamed to Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC. They are a full service business law firm based in Annapolis.

2002

Carrie Ponder Cousins had a great time catching up with friends at the Severn Theater Alumni Reunion. She's enjoying living back in the area with her husband Paul and sons Grayson and Sully, after many years in Australia.

Billy DeLancey proudly shared, “It is with great joy and pleasure that we announce the arrival of Elizabeth (Ella) Grace DeLancey on Friday, March 23. Mom and baby are doing great! Ella weighed in at 9lbs and 8oz and is 21 inches long.” We

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Kate Fitzgerald and her husband Joe recently welcomed their son, Jack.

See Kate's feature article on page 20!

Courtney Hattan recently received her doctorate from the department of human development and quantitative methodology at University of Maryland, College Park.

We were lucky enough to catch up with Courtney at our DC Alumni Pop-up Social shortly before she defended her dissertation. She did part of her doctoral research in cooperation with the Lower School.

Katie Helms Jolicoeur helped coordinate a mini-internship this spring for Severn senior Charlotte O'Hare '18 at her company Hobo Bags in Annapolis Junction, where she a field merchandiser. Katie lives in Annapolis with her husband Mike and daughter Margaret.

Adam Jones shared, “It was great catching up with everyone that made our 15th reunion, and I hope everyone else is doing well too. I was recently in Zurich to see The Rolling Stones and had the opportunity to have dinner with Joe Taussig '62 and his wife Francoise. I first met Joe in 2013, and we discovered that between Severn, the Naval Academy, and Harvard Business School, we have three schools in common!

It's nice to know that wherever one goes, one can find a Severn grad to share a great dinner."

The Alumni team had a great time catching up with Matt Larson at our San Francisco social. Matt is a technology litigation analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Matt and his wife Kimberly live happily in Lafayette, Calif.

Ashleigh Sabold Lettiere and her husband Mike welcomed Henry Carl Lettiere on January 22, 2018. He is the little brother to Lillian.

Clayton McCarl caught up with old friends and former faculty at the Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion earlier this year, alongside his wife Lindsay.

Clayton is living back in the area now and working as a Navy JAG Corps attorney at the Washington Navy Yard in D.C. Ginny Holt Mininger and her husband Seth welcomed their daughter, Beatrice on November 14, 2017.

The Alumni team loved catching up with Pari Mody at our DC Alumni Pop-up Social earlier this year. Pari still lives in DC, where she is an associate attorney at Arnold & Porter.

Although he was unable to attend due to a family trip to Colorado with his sister Emily ‘11 to visit family, Greg Price was instrumental in helping to launch the inaugural Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society's (STARS) reunion. Greg is continuing to enjoy life in DC where he works as a private legal consultant to Washington-area and national private companies and nonprofits.

Sarah Jane Dunaway is preparing for a move back to Annapolis. She has a blog of collaborative stories on balancing motherhood, marriage and career, www. mommyhasstruggles.com, and a boutique freelance design firm, Sarah Jane & Co.

FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

CLASS N OT ES

oh baby!

(L-R) Virginia (Brady Nolan '01); Ella (Billy DeLancey '02); Beatrice (Ginny Holt Mininger '02; Thomas (Leishka Jacome '13); Jack (Kate Fitzgerald '02); Piper (Julie Tice '96); Henry (Ashleigh Sabold Lettiere '02)

SUMMER 2018 57

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2003

It was great to see Joanie Axelbaum back on campus earlier this year for our Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion! She came in from New York City and attended with her mom Carol who was a parent volunteer in Severn's theater program. Joanie had a great time catching up with former theater faculty and castmates.

Evan Crowther-Washburn has been on the sidelines of the Superbowl and the NCAA tournament in the last year, working for CBS as a sportscaster.

Schuyler Sutton Gavula and her husband Danny recently moved back to the states from Switzerland, and are settling into to life in New York City. We were glad their relocation coincided with Schuyler’s class reunion! They are expecting their second child, a baby girl, later this year.

Katie Robey was back on campus earlier this year for our Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion, connecting with former castmates and theater faculty. Katie is currently a kindergarten teacher at the Naval Academy Primary School in Annapolis.

Claire Bowersox Vetter was back on campus this spring recording our alumni podcast and helping with the 15th reunion.

Claire also hosted two Severn seniors this spring at her family company Tesse Mae's for their Independent Senior Project. Claire and her husband are expecting their fourth child this summer. They live in Epping Forest.

2004

Ryan Brassel recently hosted Topher Urban '18 at his firm Rosso Commercial Real Estate in Annapolis for Topher's

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Independent Senior Project. Topher got a great peek behind the scenes at Rosso.

Ryan is also busy organizing the second annual walk in memory of his mom Ginny Brassel who was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer in July of 2014 and lost her courageous battle in May 2015.

The Brassel family is excited to build upon last year's successful walk. The walk will be taking place on Sunday, September 9, 2018. It will start and begin at the Susan Campbell Park (City Dock by Annapolis Yacht Club). Registration will begin at 8:00 am followed by the 2 mile walk around the City beginning at 9:30 am. There will be live music, free food, snacks, water, and family friendly activities. Ryan hopes to see friends and classmates there.

We were happy to hear from Dr. Alex Fitzgerald earlier this year. Although she was unable to make it back for our Severn theater reunion from her home in Columbus, Ohio, where she was doing her residency in family practice, she recently accepted a job back in the BaltimoreAnnapolis area, and plans to move back this summer.

Patrick Grimm joined fellow DC alumni for dinner earlier this year and had fun catching up with old friends. Pat is currently a resident physician in Orthopaedic Surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Rob Hardy is living in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he works in business advisory services at Slalom Consulting. We missed seeing him on our recent trip to San Francisco due to a work conflict, but are excited to catch up with him next time!

Hayes Merkert shared, “I married Meghan Elizabeth Brady on September 16, 2017 at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, Md. Meghan works in

communications at Stanley Black & Decker and I am an estimator at ACECO.” They both are Virginia Tech graduates and reside Towson with their chocolate Lab, Emma.

Hayes is also an avid golfer these days and says that anyone wanting to catch up on links can reach out via LinkedIn! Kate Myers helped spearhead our DC Alumni Pop-up Social at Teddy and the Bully earlier this year. Kate is the co-founder of Smalltalk, an A.I. powered text message platform. She previously ran mobile apps for CollegeHumor, CBS Television. She is currently a Senior SE with texting platform Hustle.

Jen Presswood wrote in to share a photo from an event she hosted through her marketing role at SC&H Group. At a "Manufacturing a Smarter Future," event she connected with fellow alum Mick Arnold '89. Jen was so appreciative of Mick's support helping her gather manufacturers within the community, and serving as a speaker as well, touting all of the innovative updates happening at Arnold Packaging. Great alumni networking!

2005

Development director Shannon Howell and Todd Heffner met for dinner in Atlanta earlier this year. Todd reminisced about his time on Severn's Mock Trial team with faculty member Ms. Susan Jackson. It was the primary influence on his pursuit of law.

Todd is married to Beth, a fellow Georgia Tech grad and nuclear engineer. Their son Calvin is two-years-old.

It was great to see Jamal Jones back on campus this spring with his family, when he was inducted into Severn's Athletic Hall of Fame. Jamal currently works at US Lacrosse in Sparks, Md. He served as assistant coach for varsity lacrosse at Indian Creek School in 2016 and 2017, coach of

FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

the JV basketball team at Severn in 2017, and head coach of Maryland 3D Basketball, 15U/Class of 2021. Congrats, Jamal!

Congrats to Deon Peters for his recent induction into Severn's Athletic Hall of Fame. Deon currently lives in Pasadena, Md. and has a two year old son, Deon Peters Jr. Peters served as assistant coach on Severn's JV football team in 2010 and 2011, and will return to Severn this fall as head coach for the JV football team. Deon and his fellow classmate and inductee Jamal Jones were June guests on Severn's Admiral's Club podcast.

The Alumni Team loved catching up with Ashley Templeton at our DC Alumni Popup Social this spring. Ashley is the senior gallery associate of marketing and sales for Guarisco Art Gallery in Washington, DC.

2006

We loved seeing Stacia Adam at our San Francisco Alumni Pop-up Social recently.

Stacia is still working at LinkedIn as an enterprise relationship manager, and recently published a great piece about her work and family, entitled "What are you in it for?"

Ashley Barry was spotted back on campus at our Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion, catching up with former castmates. Ashley has also participated in our Severn Alumni Serves efforts at Lighthouse Shelter. Ashley currently works as a contract administrator for Northrop Grumman. She also enjoys performing improv comedy in DC with Laugh Index Theater.

Bethanne Bruninga-Socolar wrote in to share, “I’m in my final year of a PhD in ecology and evolution at Rutgers University, specializing in pollination ecology. I live in Willimantic, Conn. with my

husband of four years, Jacob Socolar, who is a postdoctoral researcher in ecology at the University of Connecticut. On November 1, we welcomed our daughter Isabelle into the world!"

The stars almost aligned for us to meet up with Maddie Dunlap on our recent Alumni trip to San Francisco, but she got caught up at a work event. Maddie is currently a customer success manager at Mixpanel.

She is enjoying life in San Francisco and we hope to see her on our next trip out!

CLASS N OT ES

Faith Meisenberg lives in Baltimore now. She is a social worker and works at Healthcare for the Homeless. The clinic does healthcare, including dental, PCP, mental health, substance abuse for the homeless population in Baltimore City. Most of her clients are housed through different voucher programs, so it's her job to help them stay housed. She never has a boring day! Faith was on campus this spring celebrating her brother Sam '11's birthday with a pickup wiffle ball game!

Becky Price Gilmor made it to our Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion just before the birth of her first child, with husband Mack Gilmor '06.

The Gilmors were delighted to welcome a baby girl, Cahill Grace. The Gilmor family is currently living in the Murray Hill neighborhood in Annapolis.

Katie Myers made the trip from Pittsburgh for our Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion. She currently works as a counselor/critical needs specialist at Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh. It was great to see Kaitlyn and her dear friend Kelly Hays Kuethe '06 at Alumni House catching up and reminiscing about Severn theater memories!

Chris Hughes recently hosted Cooper Emmons ‘18 and Burt Gesner ‘18 at venture capital firm Revolution in D.C. for their Independent Senior Projects. Both students had an amazing experience. Chris is a vice president at Revolution, where he focuses on consumer and financial services investments.

The Alumni Team was bummed to miss seeing Garrett Nicholson on their recent trip to the Bay Area this spring, when he was traveling to New York for work.

Garrett is still at Google, where he works in Strategic Partnerships.

Jessie Krone Kehl and her husband Austin welcomed a baby girl, Nora, in late February. Congratulations Jessie!

Kelly Hays Kuethe was back on campus for our Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion earlier this year and had a blast catching up with former castmates and taking in the Upper School musical "Chaplin." Kelly is currently working as an art teacher in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She and her husband Sam Kuethe '06 are happily married and living in Odenton.

Brian Phipps was back on campus this spring for his induction into Severn's Athletic Hall of Fame. He was happy to be inducted alongside his former teammates Deon Peters '05 and Jamal Jones '05.

Brian is a three-time MLL All Star and in his ninth season playing on the Chesapeake Bayhawks. He lives in Annapolis with his wife, Caitlyn McFadden Phipps, who is an assistant women's lacrosse coach at the University of Maryland. Brian's Dad Wilson Phipps '74, who is also in the Athletic Hall of Fame, introduced Brian at the induction.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ANDRÉE LATORTUE '09

A

ndrée is currently working as a customer care representative at Spring, a NYC startup. Spring, founded in 2013, is an online marketplace with over 2,000 brands from all over the world where people can shop for clothing, electronics, housewares and beauty products in a single-cart experience on their phones and computers. “I love the start-up environment! We have a huge, open, casual office (dogs allowed) with an insane kitchen stocked with food all the time. We have a tremendously smart and talented staff of about 130 people.”

As a member of the customer service team, Andrée is responsible for taking impeccable care of customers who call with questions about Spring’s products. She works mostly with markets in Asia along with some in the Middle East and on the East Coast, USA. She also teams up with the marketing, engineering, product, and brand partnering departments to share feedback and ideas from her conversations with customers. “What I love about Spring is that I am surrounded by such creative and talented people, I am always learning and building new skill sets. The hands-on environment in a start-up is hard to find in other types of jobs.” Another aspect of her work life that Andrée finds particularly fulfilling is her involvement with Spring’s diversity and inclusion council.

Andrée came to Spring as a “happy accident” in the fall of 2016.

During and after her three years at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), Andrée worked in retail for COACH, L.K. Bennett, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Swatch. She found that she had a talent for sales, especially if the product was strong, and over the years increased her brand and market knowledge.

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Send your Class Notes to your Class Secretary to be included in the next issue of The Bridge. If your class does not have a secretary and you are interested, please email c.grimes@severnschool.com

Eventually, Andrée was ready to move on from retail but knew that she didn’t want to leave customer service altogether. That’s when a temp position opened at Spring. The rest, as they say, is history. Spring was looking for someone with empathy and writing skills for the available position. “I have my seven years at Severn to thank for instilling these skills in me.” According to Andrée, “To this day, I still help my college friends write — papers for work, resumes and to prepare for interviews.

I help them convey their meaning in an interesting way.”

Andrée gives special kudos to the Severn English Department for her writing expertise. “All my English teachers were great! Ms. Amy Pickering (Luca) and Mr. Highley Thompson '88 were awesome! I especially enjoyed my senior year English teacher Mrs. Sandra Sanders who taught a Women in Literature elective.

We read eye-opening books that were diverse in terms of author and content. Ms.Sanders was hard on us on our papers. She was never interested in regurgitation.

Instead she focused on taking the books and applying them to life.”

Andrée also gave praise to the History Department, naming Ms. Renie Sotiropoulos and Mr. Marc Buckley as standouts. “It felt great to have teachers that really trusted us – trusted our minds – to come to our own conclusions.” Andrée also added, “It felt like the teachers at Severn really cared about us. They would ask me a lot of questions about my life. I remember feeling really at ease with my teachers.”

What was the most memorable part of her Severn experience? Without hesitation, Andrée will tell you, “the sense of community.” Admittedly, the importance of that didn’t really sink in until she left. “I’ve heard about the rotunda with everyone’s name on it, but I haven’t seen it yet. That’s insane! How many schools do that? That shows how much Severn cares. They always make sure it ties back to the students.”

Andrée will get her chance to see her name in the Teel Rotunda next October 2019 when she comes to her 10th reunion. Hopefully, many of you ‘09s will join her to celebrate!

The A-Z Alumni Spotlight aims to highlight Severn alumni in all walks of life.

2000

Jane Friend | jfriend12@gmail.com

2001

Matt Nicholson | mtnicholson3@gmail.com

2003

Laura Lutkefedder | llutkefedder@gmail.com

2004

Jen Presswood | jennpresswood@gmail.com

2005

Janessa Del Sesto DiMenna | janessadimenna@gmail.com

2005

Tyler Williams | tylerwilliams0@gmail.com

2006

Katie Bates Hall | hall.julia.k@gmail.com

2006

Carter Loetz | gcloetz@gmail.com

2007

Graham Ellison | ellisogc@eckerd.edu

2007

Samantha Goldman | goldman.sg@gmail.com

2008

Steve Sexauer | stephen.b.sexauer@gmail.com

2008

Annie Weber | acw5133@gmail.com

2009

Katie Dickerson | kdickerson22@gmail.com

2009

Justin Kiehne | kiehnej@dickinson.edu CONT I NU E D

ON

PAG E

6 7

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(L-R) Adam Jones '02 with Joe Taussig '62 and his wife Francoise; Evan Crowther Washburn '03; Nick Elsmo '07 with Carrie MacVean Grimes '91; Logan McNamara '09; Avery Burns '10, Chris Edgar '10, Jason Scott '95 hosted a Finance Field Trip to New York City for current Severn students; Zack Lank '08; Lizzie Anstey '09; Jordy Bathras '10 and Jordan Stout '10

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FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

2007

Ryan Crowe was back on campus catching up with old friends for our Severn Theater Alumni Repertory Society (STARS) reunion.

Ryan currently lives in New York City where he is a manager of digital platforms for Mastercard.

Nick Elsmo is still living in San Francisco, and working as an investment counselor group manager at Fisher Investments.

We loved catching up with him at our San Francisco alumni social!

Zach Holbrook recently connected with Severn student Sam Reilly ‘19 as part of Dr. Jackie Baugh's American Public Address class, as an alumni mentor. Zach currently works as a manager in private client services for RSM US LLP in Baltimore.

2008

Catherine Crowe unfortunately couldn't make it back to campus for our Severn theater reunion, but said, “I'm in law school right now in Los Angeles and don't think I can make the trip back. I would love to be kept in the loop going forward though, since it would be so wonderful to be able to attend in the future when I make it back east!" Thanks for your enthusiasm, Catherine, and we hope to see you back on campus on your next trip east.

Kelsey Hughes Winchester and husband Mac welcomed baby boy, Henry McComb Wincester V, on February 17, 2018.

We are so proud of alumni artists like Zachary Lank! Zack's artwork was recently on display at The New York Academy of Art at their Open Studios event.

Lainey Rosson joined us at our DC Alumni Pop-up Social earlier this year. Lainey is enjoying life in DC, where she works as a senior client executive at Snag, a hiring and recruitment platform.

2009

Lizzie Anstey is engaged to Pete McCracken.

Kelsey Carper just finished her second year on the English department faculty at Gilman School. She loves her work there and was happy to make it back to campus for our theater reunion earlier this year. Kelsey recently enjoyed a trip to Dublin, Ireland with her grandma, former faculty member Anne Poley Hewitt, her mom, Cathy Hewitt Carper ‘81, her aunt Meg King ‘82 and her other aunt Amy Hewitt ‘87.

Logan McNamara got married in March to Kenneth Martin.

Katherine Riddle played the lead role in a play written and staged by classmate Ariel Mitchell Williams. Ariel's play, Give Me Moonlight, was performed in Baltimore this spring and tells the fictionalized true story of Bessie and Albert Johnson, a couple in early 1900s Chicago who seem to have everything. But when Bessie brings home a less-than-acceptable house guest, the sorrows that have been festering under the surface come seeping through the facades she and her husband have created to protect their life and marriage. Based on the history of Scotty's Castle, this new play explores why two people would risk what they barely have to build a castle for a con-artist in the middle of the desert.

Both alumnae attended our Severn theater reunion earlier this year.

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2010

Avery Burns and Chris Edgar teamed up with JP Morgan Chase colleague Jason Scott '95 to host a Finance Field Trip to New York City for current Severn students.

Avery is based in the San Francisco office, but dialed in for the gathering.

Mackenzie Carroll Kirkup and Stevie Kirkup '09 recently moved from Brooklyn to a new home in Norwalk, Conn. They recently celebrated their one year anniversary.

Michelle Ponder recently graduated from Jefferson Medical College in May. She is excited to return to Maryland to do her residency in internal medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Max Schechter graduated this spring from Columbia Law School. He is busy studying for the bar exam and will begin working at law firm Clearly Gottleib Steen & Hamilton in Washington, DC this fall. He ran into fellow Severn classmate Kelsey Wooddell '10 at Columbia's graduation, where she was receiving her master's in public policy.

Jordan Stout and Jordan Bathras recently returned from a trip to Amsterdam, Munich, Prague and Croatia. It should be noted that Jordan Stout still carries his trusty drawstring Severn backpack when traveling internationally.

2011

Mike Anderson has recently left a position at Johns Hopkins University and will be starting medical school at Penn State. He is excited about this new chapter.

It was fun to catch up with Chelsea O'Neill at our DC Alumni Pop-up Social. Chelsea is enjoying life in the city where she is a solutions consultant at Outreach.io, a communications platform for sales.

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Nate Babcock responded to our Young Alumni Survey and said, “Always love hearing from you and learning more about what is happening down at 201 Water Street! This, and recruiting players from the boy's lacrosse team to the team I coach at Rhodes College, are the easiest ways for me to keep in touch with the Severn community!�

Katie Carroll relocated to San Diego this spring where she is working as collaborations coordinator for skin care line Primally Pure. She is really enjoying life on the west coast and is living with fellow alumna Rachel Nock '11.

Torey Cole and Alumni Director Carrie Grimes were recently in touch about launching a young alumni mentoring match program, geared towards connecting new alumni with young alums who are less than 10 years out of Severn.

Heinz Kaiser is currently living in Annapolis and working on Capitol Hill as a military legislative assistant for a US Congressman.

Courtney Richeson will be attending Harvard University Graduate School of Design to pursue a master of architecture this fall. See Courtney's feature article on page 16!

Kate Wysocki graduated from Boston College in 2015 where she was named an All-American her senior year on the sailing team, and was a teaching assistant in Brookline Public Schools in the 2015-2016 school year. Now Kate is finishing up her masters in speech language pathology at the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

2012

Kim Carrette will be joining the class of 2022 at Howard University College of Medicine in pursuit of her medical degree in July.

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Coleman De Lude graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering in December 2017.

Since graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May 2016, Chris May has been living in the San Francisco Bay area. Chris is currently working as a software application engineer II at Workday.

He recently moved into a new home in Oakland. Chris spends lots of time up in Tahoe, where he enjoys snowboarding.

Mary Purnell was married to Paul Hearding on May 28 in Telluride, Colo., where she tutors and teaches high school students and implements a Spanish immersion program at Mountain Sprouts preschool.

Mary is also working towards her master's degree from the University of Barcelona's online component, UNIBA, in Spanish and Hispanic literature.

Jenny Sledge graduated from The Catholic University of America with an master's in theatre history and criticism. In the Fall of 2018 she will begin a fully-funded PhD program at the University of Kansas specializing in Modern Irish Drama. Jenny was back on campus earlier this year for our Severn Alumni Theater reunion!

2013

Haleigh Bass will be starting at the University of Maryland School of Medicine this fall.

Meg Gesner is working as a deputy finance director on the Jim Shea for Maryland gubernatorial campaign.

Tori Graw led the charge for rallying her classmates for their 5th reunion this spring.

Tori had an action-packed first year of teaching at a charter school in DC.

Leishka Jacome wrote in to say that she has gotten married, had a baby named Thomas, and is now expecting another.

Congratulations, Leishka!

It was terrific to see Maeve White at our San Francisco Alumni social in May. Maeve graduated from Stanford in 2017 and is enjoying working PWC as a health industries risk and regulatory team member. Maeve's sister Camille '18 will be joining her out west this summer when she starts her freshman year at Stanford!

2014

Allen Belo recently graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania where he was on the swim team and competed in the Centennial Conference Championship meet (among others).

Rylan Collier just graduated from UVA's McIntire School of Commerce in May with majors in finance and math. He's moving up to New York City in early July to start fulltime for Guggenheim Partners' Investment Banking division.

Emily Gibbons again was named Centennial Conference Player of the Year and honorable mention all-American following a phenomenal junior year on the Gettysburg women's basketball team. She averaged 13.6 points and 11.0 rebounds in leading Gettysburg to the Centennial Conference championship and an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Gibbons was a repeat selection as Centennial Conference Player of the Year, the first player in Gettysburg women's basketball history to accomplish that feat.

Gibbons also was named an All-American for the second consecutive year, moving up to third team as determined by D3Hoops. com. She was tabbed as an honorable mention All-American by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

FALL 2019 REUNION-HOMECOMING WEEKEND

CLASS N OT ES

(L-R) Leishka Jacome '13 and husband; Chris May '12 and Maeve White '13; Caroline Steele '15; Max Schechter '10 and Kelsey Wooddell '10; Allen Belo '14; Trey Johnson '15; Lauren Manning '14; Braden Nelligan '14; Maddie McDaniel '16

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Congratulations to Lauren Manning for winning the 2018-19 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant (ETA) to Taiwan!

Lauren is a graduating senior with a major in Chinese, minor in legal studies, and certificate in global studies. She will teach English in Kaohsiung.

Huda Turabi is currently in Japan for the month teaching English to high school students as part of an internship program, and this fall she will be beginning her fourth year at University of Maryland College Park to continue her Japanese and information science double majors.

Braden Nelligan recently graduated from the Naval Academy. He is heading to the Mayport Naval Base in Florida to train as a SWO on the destroyer USS Paul Ignatius.

Allison Veit is currently interning this summer in NYC as a location planning analyst intern for Ross Stores. She'll be a senior next year at Elon, wrapping up her business management and entrepreneurship majors. She has loved her experience at Elon. She spent a semester abroad in Dublin last fall.

Jarid Ryan and his family were recently featured in a local article about being a local enthusiastic Navy football family. Jarid, who didn't start playing football until his freshman year at Severn, plays safety for Navy football.

Sean Wong graduated from William & Mary back in December with a degree in business analytics. In March, he moved up to Hoboken, N.J. to start as a supply chain analyst for Jet.com and he's loving living in the NYC area.

2015

Lizzie Purnell recently enjoyed a semester abroad in London.

We were proud to read a recent local feature article about Caroline Steele, who is playing lacrosse at University of Maryland. "Caroline is just a true competitor. She is so scrappy and fights with everything she has," Maryland head coach Cathy Reese said. "One of the things that I find really cool to watch is how much fun Caroline has while playing. She loves the thrill of competition and always has a smile on her face out on the field."

When she scores a goal on her home field at Maryland, the loudspeaker plays Neil Diamond's hit song "Sweet Caroline."

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2016

We loved seeing Carson Collier back on campus for our Young Alumni College panel. He encouraged students to "find your friend group, find a niche, and do well in all of your classes." Carson is starting his junior year at Penn State, double majoring in computer engineering and physics.

Neel Lakhanpal joined us for our Young Alumni Panel earlier this year, to offer advice to current students about college and the college search process. He just finished his sophomore year at Middlebury College where he is majoring in French.

This summer Neel is interning at law firm Cochran and Chhabra, LLC before embarking upon a junior year abroad.

Jacob Mandish recently went on a military training in Hawaii for the month of July.

Alanna Sokoloff was spotted back on campus in the spring semester, as part of our Young Alumni College panel. She just finished her sophomore year at Northeastern University, where she is studying industrial engineering with a minor in business administration.

2017

Christen Morrell wrote in this spring with exciting news: “This year I have been studying in Valencia, Spain at the Berklee College of Music's abroad campus. As of now I'm taking only core classes of Ear Training, Music Theory, Vocal Performance classes, etc. I'm aiming to go into their professional music major focusing on vocal performance, songwriting, and music business. Towards the end of last semester I was signed to Disrupción Records; which is a music label run by the graduate students based here in Valencia. Through this collaboration I have produced an EP of my top five original songs (that were on my SoundCloud album that I made for my Senior Project). My EP was released in early April!”

2018

Congratulations, graduates! Welcome to the Severn School Alumni Association.

You may submit your future classnotes to your class secretaries Victoria Decker and Rebecca Stamato! If you have any questions about connecting with other alumni contact Director of Alumni Relations, Carrie MacVean Grimes '91 at c.grimes@severnschool.com

Hey, you! Yes, you.

We miss our alumni and want to hear all about your life after Severn. Recent trips, internships, research projects, stories with classmates, new job or address, babies, weddings, graduations — we want to know!

Email your class secretary and let them know or drop us a note on Facebook.

(top to bottom) Huda Turabi '15; Jarid Ryan '14; Christen Morrell '17; Carson Collier '16, Neel Lakhanpal '16, and Alanna Sokoloff '16 served on our Young Alumni Panel

CLASS N OT ES

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Send your Class Notes to your Class Secretary to be included in the next issue of The Bridge. If your class does not have a secretary and you are interested, please email c.grimes@severnschool.com

2010

Mackenzie Carroll Kirkup | mackenzie.o.carroll@gmail.com

2011

Beanie Antonini | beanslacrosse@hotmail.com

2011

Katlyn Flynn | katlynivy@yahoo.com

2012

Kaya Gordon | kagg.12@gmail.com

2012

Grace Rudder | grace.rudder@gmail.com

2013

Haleigh Bass | haleigh.bass@richmond.edu

2014

Cole Smith | cms17@email.sc.edu

2015

Eva Caruso | ecaruso@g.clemson.edu

2016

Jacob Mandish | jemandish@gmail.com

2017

Isabella Roccograndi | berocco@terpmail.umd.edu

2018

Victoria Decker | vdecker313@gmail.com

2018

Rebecca Stamato | rebecca.stamato@icloud.com

SUMMER 2018 67

O young mariner Down to the haven Call your companions Launch your vessel And crowd your canvas, And ere it vanishes Over the margin After it, Follow it, Follow the gleam! ~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Quoted on the cover page of Severn's 1931 Yearbook, The Anchor & Wheel

Alumni Odysseys

BY CARRI E MACVEAN GRIMES '91

F EAT UR E | S E VERN STORIES

As the Class of 2018 set sail at Commencement this June and embarked upon their voyages

beyond Water Street, many of us inevitably paused to take stock of our own journeys. Are we where we envisioned we’d be when we set sail years ago from high school? Have our journeys brought

storms, calm seas, or a bit of both? Did we follow “the gleam”? Merriam-Webster defines a gleam

as “a transient appearance of subdued or partly obscured light,” while scholars of the Victorian bard Tennyson have interpreted his gleam as a metaphor for the “higher imagination…inspiration both supernatural and elusive,” (Haight, 1947); an emblem of “the ocean voyage, associated spiritual rebirth and psychological evolution” (Fulweiler, 1965).

There is a familiar feeling of being on the brink of something life-changing — of seek-

ing out the pinpoints of light on our personal horizons. Jack Kerouac captured this simultaneous backward and forward glance of such new experiences perfectly in his iconic memoir On The Road: “What is that feeling when you're driving away from people and they recede on the

plain till you see their specks dispersing? — it's the too-huge world vaulting us, and it's goodbye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.” These alumni odys-

seys, whether inspired by the liveaboard lifestyle, the wish to consecrate a cancer remission, or the muses of New Orleans jazz and the Olympic games, remind us to always endeavor to

“follow the gleam!”

A Miraculous Hike

started a boutique software firm specializing

learner, Carrie L. Duvall ’84 wasn’t particularly

— Severn taught me how to learn. I never shy

A self-described go-getter and experiential in search of adventure when she landed in Or-

lando, Fla. following her graduation from Elon University in the late 80s; rather, she sought the

security of family. Her parents had relocated to the area during Carrie’s time as an undergraduate and it simply felt natural to give the region

a go. Carrie took her new hometown by storm, quickly building a resume in the fast-paced corporate scene of recruiting, sales, and management training. Despite being half the age of many of her new colleagues, Duvall seized

every opportunity and within a couple of years had catapulted into managing a team of over 3,500 employees. “I had a big voice in a large

company that was about to go public. When I

mentor young women today, I always say don’t back away from opportunities — just go for it.”

While she found the interpersonal in-

teractions of her work exhilarating, Duvall discovered that the demands of earning an executive MBA, traveling, and working weekends

and holidays were simply too much. So, at the

dawn of the internet, she decided to pivot and

in online data integration. “I was a quick study

away from taking on new challenges and trying new things.” In each endeavor Duvall embraced the unknown, “Even though I often knew little

about the work I was taking on, I was not afraid.

I was enthusiastic and eager and went for it.”

Her gumption led her to win the International

Economic Development Award for her work consulting with mid-market businesses in Cen-

tral Florida. Carrie realized that helping people buy and sell businesses was her professional sweet spot, “I’m parlaying my finance skills, sales ability, knowledge of community, and consulting expertise — I love it!”

Carrie’s blossoming, dynamic career came

to a screeching halt in October 2015 when she

was diagnosed with Stage IIB breast cancer.

She describes her approach to the cancer diag-

nosis as “a project” which she undertook with

the same vigor as her professional life. “I never thought about dying. It wasn’t an option.” But there were unexpected twists and turns along

the way. “I had been so driven, motivated and fearless for so long that I was not prepared for

SUMMER 2018 69

Carrie Duvall '84

the emotional, physical and spiritual chal-

tion of her cancer treatment, Carrie set out on

the power of asking for help when you need

a fifty-pound backpack. Four hours and several

lenges that follow cancer treatment. I learned

it.” Throughout her treatment and surgeries, Duvall found support from friends, family, and

her husband Carl, whom she lovingly recalls

“never stopped asking what I needed or check-

ing in with me…knowing he was my rock was

everything. I know how fortunate I am to have that love and support.”

When her cancer treatment was com-

plete, Carrie felt drawn to a “gleam.” She describes it as “a strong desire to reset, do some-

thing healthy, and explore and fulfill a lifelong

dream.” Inspired by Bill Bryson’s memoir A Walk in the Woods, Duvall signed up for a

guided backwoods backpacking adventure, covering sixty miles over six days on the Appa-

lachian Trail. At the time, she was 100 pounds overweight and had never been camping. Duvall giggles, recalling that her otherwise very

supportive husband Carl “thought I’d lost my mind.” On the first anniversary of the comple-

her journey with six unknown companions and

fresh blisters in, she was concerned this was more than she could manage. “All I could focus

on was the next step, the next step, the next step.

Before my hike, I was grieving for all the time I had lost to cancer and anxious about what my new normal would be. Now, on the trail, all that

mattered was each moment. Hiking stripped

away all of the noise of life…it was miraculous.

I felt so alive!” During her journey, Duvall shed

pounds and gained perspective. She’s now en-

gaged in an ongoing practice of wellness which includes regular hiking, walking, weight lifting and yoga. Reflecting on the lessons she’s

learned on her journey, Carrie has this advice for the Class of 2018, “Don’t wait to accumulate

experiences. If you’re considering a move, ask

yourself, ‘What is holding me back? What am I waiting for?’ If you don’t have a good reason

for inaction, then go for it. Be authentic — look

at where you can help out in your communities, then raise your hand and show up.”

The Journey of a Lifetime

When he was a day student on the banks of

the Severn River, Linthicum native Jim Fair ’64

had no idea he’d one day become a world-class sailor. He recalls his time at Severn School as “focused — Severn had a good academic curriculum…everyone who was here wanted to be

here.” Influenced by his favorite Severn teacher Commander Saeger, Fair studied chemistry at Iowa State University and went on to earn his

doctorate in chemistry at UC Berkeley in the late 60’s. The lure of the San Francisco Bay cap-

tured his imagination. He took up sailing and “simply couldn’t get enough of it,” avidly participating in regattas over the next three-plus

decades. Meanwhile, a post-doctoral fellowship

at Stanford University led Jim to a long and fruitful technology career in Silicon Valley. He

worked for companies that made semiconductor

manufacturing equipment for firms like Intel, Samsung, and IBM. Jim worked at several firms

over the years and ultimately found a home at

Jim Fair '64

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F EAT UR E | S E VERN STORIES

Novellus Systems in San Jose where he worked

hurricane season!” He admitted that luck is also

It's a Big Bright Beautiful World

was generally blessed with “fair winds and fol-

West Virginia University fell through, newly

for twenty-two years.

Upon retirement from Novellus in 2008,

Jim and his wife Linda acquired a forty-six-foot cruising boat, dubbed Chesapeake, taking off on

an eight and a half year circumnavigation of the globe covering over 56,000 miles. Jim’s journey was a longtime “gleam,” inspired by his passion

for sailing and love of the liveaboard lifestyle.

He notes that “spending so much time on the

water leads to building connections with a

whole community of other cruisers who are doing the same thing.” Reading about their cruise on Jim and Linda’s blog (https://seaofchange-

again.wordpress.com), one begins to comprehend how truly extraordinary it was. Brimming

with brilliant photographs and adventurous anecdotes, the blog’s celebration of people and places from so many corners of the world is sim-

ply awe-inspiring. Jim fondly reminisces about the small communities he and Linda became a part of during their globe-trotting. “We met lots

of interesting locals…we really became a part of the communities we inhabited, getting to know

everyone from the emergency room doctors to

the local elders.” He believes that living in third world communities in remote parts of the world

sometimes part of the equation. Chesapeake

lowing seas,” but Jim recalls navigating through

52 knots of wind (approximately 60 miles per hour) while crossing the Indian Ocean. Jim’s

journeys have taken him from San Francisco to

El Salvador, from New Zealand to Cambodia, and from the British Islands to Costa Rica with countless amazing stops in between.

Since returning to Mountain View less

than a year ago, Jim admits “it’s odd being back

after so long.” He’s kept busy remodeling his

home and hopes to get started on a book of

photos and stories about his experience soon.

The Severn Alumni team was lucky enough to

meet up with Jim for lunch on our recent trip to California. We asked him, on the heels of such

an epic adventure, what advice does he have

for the Class of 2018? “The best thing I can say is, pursue academic excellence in whatever

After a potential job in her field of study at minted college graduate Coley Chacos ’04 traveled for a bit in Europe, lived in her sister Ginny Chacos-Wiese ‘00’s kitchen in San Diego for a spell (really, she did), and eventually found

herself back at her parents’ house, working for

a neighbor doing odd jobs. “Graduating from college in 2008 made buying a tank of gas, let

alone finding a job, virtually impossible,” opines

Chacos. But the stars somehow aligned; within

a month of returning to her childhood home, she stumbled unknowingly into what has become her “gleam” for the past nine years.

Opportunity knocked one afternoon

when an old college friend asked Coley if she’d be willing to work at a Capitals playoff

game as a runner, which is basically a production assistant. “I was to report to someone in

your passion is, the rest will fall into place. You

may have more than one passion and hopefully

there’s a passion you can make a living at —

experiment, and find the passion in your life’s work, whatever it may be.”

also taught him that there are “Good people everywhere. Lots of friendly folks who are very curious and who are simply living their lives.”

When asked about his tactics for manag-

ing hurricane weather along the way, Jim glibly replied, “the best tactic is to not be there during

SUMMER 2018 71

had creative ability. I went on to minor in Art History at WVU and

I definitely attribute that and my ongoing passion for painting to her.

Harriet also recognized my creativity, patience and diligence when it came to photography. She really elevated me and pushed me to hone my skills and produce work I didn’t know I was capable of.”

After her debut with the Caps, Chacos was bitten by the bug of

live television and uprooted to Pittsburgh to begin her ascent up the ladder of broadcast television. Eighteen months later she relocated

again, this time to Boston, spending the next seven years based out

of New England. Along the way she discovered that a career as a freelance video engineer was creative, never boring, and a wonderful

complement to her love of sports. A lifelong athlete, Coley played soccer and basketball at Severn and went on to compete in wom-

en’s rugby at the collegiate level. In her work she covers live sport-

ing events in golf, freestyle skiing and snowboarding, cycling, soccer,

motorcycle racing, MMA fighting, and equestrian show jumping,

Coley Chacos ’04

to name a few. Her eclectic assignments have taken her behind the

a truck on the loading dock at the Verizon Center. What I found when I arrived was an

She’s traveled to over 30 states, as well as to many countries includ-

ing Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Brazil,

the ground and people running every which

outstanding work in Rio led Coley to win her first Emmy Award

way. I was instantly intrigued.” This marked

the beginning of Chacos’ career in freelance video engineering for broadcast television. As

a broadcast video engineer, she is on the re-

ceiving end of all of the cameras at an event.

“From my seat in the production truck, I monitor the live feed of all cameras at once

and most recently, South Korea for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Her

in video engineering, a symbol of how far she’s come since that fate-ful day at the Verizon Center back in 2008. “Every job is a new adventure for me and I can honestly say, I absolutely love

what I do for a living…it fulfills me creatively, keeps me yearning for knowl-edge, allows me to travel and gives me the autonomy to work when I choose.”

Coley currently hangs her hat in Barcelona, where her part-

and through corresponding panels, I ma-

ner Chelsea is earning her graduate degree in Arabic and linguistics,

the color balance, and detail; all ultimately

learned during her time at Severn. Her wanderlust is conspicuous;

nipulate their appearance. I control the iris, affecting the way the images look to viewers at home. The mission of the work is to

reproduce real life in a way that is pleasing and natural.” The work is an incredible blend of artistry, collaboration, and technology. It’s

no wonder Coley found herself professionally

immersed in color, light, and imagery; as a student at Severn she fondly remembers arts

faculty members Carol Duncan (Painting)

and Harriet Yake (Darkroom Photography).

“Carol was my drawing and painting teacher.

She was the first person to recognize that I

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in Augusta, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, and two Olympic Games.

18-wheeler stuffed to the brim with technol-

ogy I didn’t understand, countless cables on

72

scenes of a Bahamian high school band competition, to the Masters

while Coley embraces the opportunity to rekindle the Spanish she “I feel fully alive when I’m exploring a land and culture that’s new to

me, whether I’m meandering through the streets of an unfamiliar city, hearing other languages, hiking through the mountains or simply en-

joying reading and drinking coffee at a cafe.” To the Class of 2018, she simply suggests “Do what you want to do. If you are responsible

in life and responsible in the risks you take, you can have fun while being successful. Don't get bogged down in a major someone else told you to choose or doing a job you hate or living somewhere you

don't like. Life has too much to offer to settle with unhappiness, so

don't be afraid of change and always strive to do whatever makes you happy.”

F EAT UR E | S E VERN STORIES

heavy bass line while the right hand plucks out

a syncopated melody. Like others in the early 70s, Royen was inspired by the ragtime music

showcased in the Academy Award-winning caper movie “The Sting” and was determined to

teach himself Joplin’s famous “Maple Leaf Rag” note for note. It was during this time that he

made a firm decision to follow his love of music.

From Alligators to Lounge Lizards

John Royen ’73 came to Severn with his brother

David ’71 in 1970 as one of the school’s last

boarding students, having grown up in D.C. and Rehoboth Beach, Del. On a recent visit back

to campus this spring, he estimated that his dorm room was about twenty feet above where

Mr. Lagarde’s office sits today. Royen remarked about the changes that have occurred to Severn’s

campus since he served as a student represen-

tative on the Development Committee back in 1972, “There were plans even then to move the

school ahead in a new direction. I'm just amazed.

The facilities today are incredible.” Royen credits

Severn for providing him with a solid education-

al foundation, along with nurturing his abilities in communication and analysis. When asked

about his reputation around Severn’s campus

back then, John chuckles, “I was kind of a rogue.

I go against the grain, but it’s been a good life.”

Upon graduation, John’s life initially fol-

lowed a traditional path. As an undergraduate

at American University, he studied law enforcement and earned his associates degree before

landing a job in Severna Park as a security officer.

But he wasn’t satisfied — he had a “gleam” to fol-

low. “I always had a bug for music. My father got me interested in jazz as a boy, introducing me to

Fats Waller.” John decided to dedicate some time

to moonlighting, observing musicians at piano

bars around D.C. “I am basically self-taught. I took piano lessons as a boy, but nothing of much

substance — just enough that I could pick the

notes out on a sheet of music.” John plays a piano style called stride piano, which mostly went out

of fashion in the mid-40s; the left hand creates a

“I very distinctly remember deciding to myself, I’m going to play piano, and if I have to live in a dump, and be broke, I’m going to do this — I’m going to play this music. And I did it!”

After a year abroad in Switzerland, Royen

returned to the states and went straight to New

Orleans. By the time he arrived in 1976, he’d been playing enough piano to secure some small gigs around town. He recalls a pivotal moment

that changed his life: “Dream of all dreams, in

1979 I was invited to play at Preservation Hall.”

Allan Jaffe, tuba player and the owner of Preservation Hall, scouted Royen at a small club called

“The Gazebo,” along the banks of the Missis-

sippi River. One day, Jaffe invited Royen to fill

a Thursday night piano vacancy at the Hall.

John’s eyes twinkle when recalling his true in-

doctrination to the NOLA jazz world. Playing alongside musical “old timers” like 87-year-old

does tours for local company Pearl River Eco

tine put young John’s talents to the test. “Kid

people about the plant life, the animal life, the

trumpeter and bandleader Kid Thomas Valendidn’t even call the number — he’d just stomp

his foot twice, and start playing…I had about

four measures to figure out what the song was, and six choruses to learn the song so I could

take a solo.” John wound up as a regular member of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and has traveled all over the world with them for the last forty years at premiere venues — including the Meyerhoff and the Kennedy Center.

When he’s not making music, John leads

Bayou tours on Honey Island Swamp in Loui-

siana. “After Katrina, the whole music scene in New Orleans changed. I had to reinvent myself and look for other things in addition to my music. The swamp was the perfect thing!” John

got his fifty-ton Master Mariner’s license and

Tours. “I go up under the trees, and I teach

culture and the ecology.” John laughs: “I’ve got

the best of both worlds, alligators during the day

and lounge lizards at night!” John has come back to Severn three times in the last decade to share

his talents and stories with Severn students. He’s

a natural raconteur, captivating Admiral audiences ranging from the Early Schoolers to the

Upper School Jam Band. His message about life’s journey is clear: “Life's not linear…in many cases what you wind up doing will have no relation-

ship to what you thought you would do in high school. The point is, follow your passion. Follow-

ing my passion for piano wasn't always easy, but I never regretted the choice. When I struggled, the love for music kept me going. If you love what you do, you're going to succeed.”

SUMMER 2018 73

UP COM I NG

EVENTS

First Day of School | August 29

Homecoming, Chili Cook-Off, and Alumni BBQ | October 20 Save the date! Wear your maroon and cheer on the Admirals.

Reunion-Homecoming Weekend for Classes ending in 4s and 9s.

Welcome back!

Welcome Back Bash | September 6

Alumni Weekend | October 2019 Save the date for next October!

For parents, trustees, faculty and staff.

Admiral's Cup Golf Outing | October 3 Registration details will be available online in August.

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MORE

INFORMATION

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DE TAILS

AT

S E VERN SCHO O L. CO M

SUMMER 2018 75

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