summer bridge 10

Severn

THE BRIDGE

For Severn School Alumni and Friends Spring 2010

vintage severn

they’re back - wrestling returns to severn!

Severn wrestling will compete in the MIAA-B varsity division, winter 2010 Medal winners from the ‘68 wrestling tournament at St. Albans Front row L-R: Dave Wright ’69, Shannon McDowell ’68, Mike Dobbin ’68. Back row L-R: Franklin Slaven, George Turner ’68, Chooch Turner ’68, Chris Crawford ’68, Lionel Silsbee

2

summer 2010

summer 2010

departments

6

Around Campus

9

From the Archives by Brian Mark Weber - VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

10

Getting Connected - Dr. Jackie Baugh’s creative writing class examines the question“The Internet: Today’s Evolution or Tomorrow’s Menace?”

12

Essays That Work - a look at successful college application essays

14

So You Want to go to Med School - an introduction to the Commonwealth

Medical College and Dr. Geoffrey Guttmann ’72

16

Golden Odyssey - a trip aboard the canal barge of Gregory Birra ’65

18

Alumni in the Arts - Caleb Deschanel ’62 and Raphael Sassi ’95

20

Athletic Hall of Fame - 2010 inductees, Scott Chapin ’82, Julian Domenech ’84,

Brad Fowler ’93 and Peter Janney ’96

22

Alumni Weekend

25

Alumni / Varsity Sports

28

Class Notes

EDITOR The Bridge is published three times each year. We encourage all of our readers to respond with comments, suggestions and information. Please contact: SEVERN SCHOOL Pamala Heffner, Editor, The Bridge The Boone House 116 Maple Avenue Severna Park, MD 21146 p.heffner@severnschool.com 410-647-7701 ext. 2260 © 2010 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 Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and approved by the Maryland State Board of Education.

On the cover: The Class of ’85 celebrated it’s 25th reunion in big style at the home of Jen and Tom Carter. Photo courtesy of Coleman Sellers IV

FSC LOGO 3

the bridge

from the headmaster ­Greetings,

Pay attention. As this expression suggests, when you pay attention you spend cognitive capital to do so. No one, though, is blessed with an unlimited supply of cognitive capital. We must choose wisely as to how and where we invest this precious resource, and given today’s over-stimulated world, it is vital to have a prudent investment strategy. Daily, we are subject to 350% more information than we were in 1980. Cell phones, the internet, cable news, advertisements all compete for precious space in our brains. While it is trendy to blame technology for the current state of our scattered attention spans, we, really, only have ourselves to blame. We all have the capacity to select what, when and how we pay attention. As a result, what we choose to pay attention to becomes our reality. To communicate successfully one must be heard, placing the responsibility on the receiver of the information. It seems so easy. Fix your attention on what is being “thrown” to you, and listen. Communication is in essence just a game of catch. It is a give and take, but as author Roger Rosenblatt aptly depicts, the success of the game falls squarely on the receiver, “It’s hard to learn how to play catch. In the beginning you use your arms to cradle the ball against your chest; then you use both your hands, then one. They do not call it a game of throw, though throwing is half the equation. The name of the game puts the burden on the one who receives, but there is really no game to it… The ball travels back and forth between two people each seeking a moment of understanding from the other… To play a game of catch is not like pitching to a batter. You do not throw to trick, confuse or evade; you want to be understood.” The amount of mental capital we choose to spend when we listen determines our understanding. Schools, in general, tend to be very good at giving information, yet less adept at listening to its constituents. While I may not want to admit it, Severn is, at times, guilty of not catching what is thrown our way. Recently, we took measures to improve our catching ability and invest more cognitive real estate to listening. By the time you’ve received this issue of the Bridge, we will have sent an electronic survey to our most recent alums (one to five years removed from their Severn experience) seeking their input. Questions ranging from specific academic discipline preparation to the college guidance process, from the arts program to the independence needed to succeed in college will provide us with a more informed position from which to evaluate our current programs and practices. In addition, the Alumni Executive Council has used and will continue to develop surveys and other measures to reach out and listen to the thoughts and hopes of our alumni body as a whole. We want to hear from you, and yes, we will listen. Our understanding of your experience at Severn will help us make better choices for our current students. The relevance of their reality depends on us listening to you and making wise choices as to how we steward our resources and ultimately deliver on our mission. Thank you for paying attention. Go Admirals!

Doug Lagarde 1976 Navigator

4

summer 2010

2009-2010 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mrs. Pamela Hoehn-Saric, Chair Mr. John R. Soderlund, Vice Chair Mrs. Marjorie A. Corwin, Secretary Mr. Michael K. DeStefano ’84, Treasurer Mrs. Kimberly Corbin Aviles ’79 Mr. John S. Bremer Mrs. Carolyn D. Crawley Mr. Raymond J. Herman Mr. Donald R. Hug Mr. Gorton Parker (G.P.) Lindsay ’73 Mr. Christopher R. McCleary Mr. James A. Nolan ’62 Mrs. Margaret O’Connor Mr. Lee S. Owen Mr. Wilson H. Phipps ’74 Mr. Robert W. Rabbitt ’82 Mr. Robert L. Roth Mr. Steven R. Schuh ’78 Mrs. Mary Sentimore Mr. J. Adger Stokes. Jr., Immediate Past Chair Mr. Christopher A. Taylor ’71 Mr. William F. Utz Mrs. Pamela Drain Waltjen ’77 Mr. E. Marc Williamson ’80 Mrs. Nancy J. Wooddell Mrs. Liz Mann Carlin ’74, Asst. Secretary Mr. Terry Del Prete, Asst. Treasurer HONORARY TRUSTEES Mr. Thomas L. Carter ’53 Mr. H. Franklin Knipp, Jr. SEVERN SCHOOL ADMIRALS PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Mrs. Sharon Blaszczak

MISSION

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.

from the chairman of the board Severn School has served as the focal point for our family since 1999 when our twins joined the sixth grade.  It is hard to imagine life after Severn, but our third child is graduating in June and I am retiring from the Board of Trustees after eight wonderful years. We feel very fortunate to have been a part of the school community and have each benefitted immeasurably from our unique Severn experiences. My husband and I feel greatly indebted to the excellent teachers and talented administrators who have encouraged, inspired, and guided our children. As parents we rarely have an opportunity to thank these caring and devoted professionals who actively engage all Severn students in the classroom as well as in a broad spectrum of extracurricular programs. I want to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you. Teachers are truly the driving force of the learning experience and the heart and soul of Severn School. As Board Chair, I would like to say that it has been both an honor and a privilege to work with Doug Lagarde and his administrative team. These smart and dedicated professionals work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure that the teachers can fulfill the school’s mission. The Board and Administrative team have collaborated to create and implement an ambitious Strategic Plan focusing on people and programs. Severn is truly fortunate to have an excellent leadership team with Doug Lagarde at the helm as we continue to thrive even in these challenging times. The members of the Board of Trustees are devoted to supporting Severn School today and to ensuring that this excellent program is sustainable for generations to come. Your multitalented board is an invaluable asset and I am thrilled to announce that Michael DeStefano ’84 (Jack ’09, Kelly ’11 and Brian ’14) will be the next Board Chair. Mike, who is well known in the Severn community, is extremely bright and talented and will be a fantastic leader. A supportive Admirals Parents’ Association, led by the new president, Nancy Kierstead (Lexi ’14), and a recently reactivated, reenergized Alumni Association led by Woody Wooddell ’73 (Kaitlin ’04, Jamie ’06, Kelsey ’10) and Bob Graw ’85 (Tori ’13, Maddie ’15) also contribute to the vitality of the school. Thanks to all of you for volunteering your time, resources, and school spirit to Severn School. Through your generosity, you are having a positive impact on the lives of our students. I have had the distinct pleasure of working alongside many of you and will miss our time together. In closing, thanks to all of you and a heartfelt congratulations to the fabulous Class of 2010!

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

I­ n support of the mission of Severn School, we seek to create and sustain a thriving, diverse community in which human differences are understood, respected, and seen as vital reflections of our larger society and world. As a community of learners, we value human diversity as a rich, living educational resource for fulfillment of our mission. Our diverse community includes (but is not limited to) the dimensions of gender, race, ethnicity, economic status, religion, physical ability, and sexual orientation.­

Pamela Hoehn-Saric Congratulations to Pam on the dedication of the Hoehn-Saric House, the new home for the Center for Global Engagement on the Kenyon College campus. The mission of the center is to connect students with off campus programs and to connect international students with Kenyon. Pam is a 1980 graduate of Kenyon College and serves on their Board of Trustees and Kenyon Review board. Her daughter Gabriella ’06 graduated from Kenyon this May. A strong advocate for education and a generous benefactor, Pam will certainly be missed on the Severn board. 5

the bridge

Fa b u l o u s Fa c u lt y

Sad but true, faculty will move on to different endeavors. And while our departing faculty will certainly be missed, they hopefully will not be forgotten. Our best wishes to all who are leaving with a special tip of the hat to those who have spent many wonderful years at Severn. Jenny Alphin, Middle School Math

John Turner, with son Holden Academic Dean & Upper School English

I first met John Turner in the early spring of 1994 when he came to Severn to substitute for my classes. Since that time, John and I worked together over a 15 year period. When John made the transition to Upper School, we worked very closely, where his impact was most notable as Academic Dean, a post I had held at one time. John was much much better at that job than I was. Aside from helping shape the school’s curriculum and providing excellent guidance to countless students and their families in their transition to Severn, John led a number of important initiatives that will leave a lasting impact at Severn. Discussions about 21st Century Learning and the development of the Learning Resource Center have John’s fingerprints all over them. John is a very good friend with whom I will remain in touch with over the years to come. He is a caring and loving husband and father, and I wish him and his family the best as they move on to a new adventure. – Highley Thompson ’88 John Turner will be the Middle School Head at The Foote School in New Haven Connecticut

Eight years ago, John Turner moved from the Middle to the Upper School, where, among other duties, he began teaching English part-time. Especially appreciated by his students for his sense of humor and thorough and thoughtful approach to composition writing, he proved to be tireless in his attempts to find new ways of presenting the subject matter in his curriculum. He was quick to introduce and embrace innovations and enjoyed working with others to solve problems and come up with new teaching strategies. The members of the English Department wish him well in his new enterprise. –Tom Worthington, Chair, Upper School English Department Check out the article from The Washington Post on John Turner and the College and Work Readiness Assessment Test, p.29

As a dedicated math teacher at Severn for 23 years, Jenny always puts the needs of her students first. As a teacher and a tutor, she is always thorough and organized; similarly she challenges students in their thinking and understanding of concepts and generously supports them to strive for improvement. Mrs. Alphin provides her students with the necessary foundation in algebra and geometry to bring them success in Upper School math courses. In the classroom her instruction is clear and professional. She makes math come alive for students through real world projects which always decorate her classroom. Former Middle School Head, Laura Kang commented that Mrs. Alphin, “Has the great ability to present math concepts as great, fascinating mysteries.  Several times I observed her [teaching] and she had students on the edge of their seats, holding their breath as she talked about the golden rectangle and other fascinating math topics.” As an AP Calculus teacher I have heard many stories from some of Mrs. Alphin’s students some of whom have shared their memories: “ If it wasn’t for Mrs. Alphin, I would not have been able to do well in high school math. Her teaching style benefits students for the rest of their careers.”, “…taught me organization, got me to love math..”, “Greatest math teacher that I have had here,….going to be sorely missed..”. Professionally, Mrs. Alphin keeps the lines of communication open between the Middle and Upper Schools, which is instrumental in assisting a student’s transition to the Upper School. Her dedication, commitment, and insight will be greatly missed by the Severn School community. We wish her the best in her future endeavors. –Beth Francis, Upper School Math Bob Kennedy, Middle School Science Middle School Outdoor Education

15 years of service as a dedicated science teacher at Severn, committed to his students, faculty, administration and a relentless advocate for the outdoors and we are hardly brushing the surface of this great man, this great teacher. It was an honor to meet Mr. Kennedy and it has been a true privilege to be in his company. Four years later and I am certain that he is nothing short of brilliant - a true homme de Renaissnce. Our former Middle School Head, Laura Kang, agrees. She defines him as, “the perfect man” and elaborates, “He’s a teacher dedicated to improving his art and craft. He’s a role model for kids, showing them the possibilities for becoming a good teacher, spouse, parent and human being. He’s gracious, intelligent, well traveled, funny, thoughtful, curious, and of course gifted in the fields of science, music, writing and cooking (in short the perfect man).” “Now we are talking” were Mr. Kennedy’s exact words, when gastronomy became the conversation in the back of the bus, traveling west on 70, in route to a Severn School hike. Now, Mr. Kennedy transcends to uncharted adventures, in his new, blue, Chevy pick up truck. We will think of him and we will think of him often in both prose and in poem. –Mecael Yuan, Middle School French & Ceramics

Best Wishes to: Susan Crumrine, Administrative Assistant, College Counseling; John Babcock, Middle School Instrumental Music and Band;Marissa D’Orazio, Middle School English; Evan Fistere, Upper School Math; Mary Alice Gehrdes, Upper School Art & Math; David Shin, Upper School Math 6

summer 2010

The Family that Plays Together... Brothers Arjun ’10, Krishan ’12 and Shiv Sajini ’16 share journal entries from their family trip to India and travel together once more (with their dad as chaperone) to the USCF National High School Chess Tournament in Columbus, Ohio

Day 2: It was our second day in Delhi and I was still getting assimilated to all the differences. There were so many changes from our lives in the United States; the food had more spice, the traffic was more chaotic, and the time difference was physically draining. When we woke up in Delhi we were greeted by some of our family. I met some people that I have never met before, like my cousin Shubham. After breakfast, they took us around to see the city. The city of Delhi is currently enduring a reconstruction. India is trying to progress into a more developed country and is starting with Delhi. There is new architecture such as an intercontinental airport and a metro system that is being built. Shubham asked me how I liked India because most people from the United States think of it is as a chaotic mess. While I did see lots of chaos in India, I also saw the beauty of India. Everyone there is your blood. They all are nice to each other because they see each other as family not as fellow citizens. Krishan Saini ’12 Day 7: Today we are beginning our journey out of the port of Kochi and into the lush tropical mountains of Munnar. Right now we are in Kerala which is one of the states of southern India, near the southwestern tip of the country. The long journey through the mountains took several hours in our big van. I could tell when we were getting close to Munnar because we rounded a curve and saw the vast tea plantations. It was quite an amazing sight to behold. One could never imagine such a sight, the en-

tire mountainside was covered with neat orderly rows of tea plants, interrupted by waterfalls and a winding river deep below us in the valley! They were little rectangular bushes, planted at a 35 degree slope, all manicured to be at the same height so that they could be harvested easier. The tea plants had bright green leaves which made them stand out against all of the other plants in the area. I later learned that the tea plants are harvested early in the morning before the temperature gets too hot. There were at least ten thousand workers who worked in the plantations, usually the women took care of the plants and harvested the leaves while the men worked in the processing plants and operated the heavy machinery. Arjun Saini ’10 Day 16: Udivalas is a desert with lush oasis’s that houses great palaces. The city palace is the palace in which some great kings lived. In the palace court yard elephant battles took place. The last elephant battle took place circa 1860 by a paralyzed maharajah. The Oberio is the palace in which we stayed. It is a hotel in that is remade to resemble the city palace. It is a wonderful palace that has almost everything that you can imagine to possibly be available for entertainment. Also we rode camels which are very awesome animals. We were taken around the palace on camel back. When we got back we headed off to the animal keep where we saw boar, deer and my favorite peacocks. We even saw one open its feathers to clean them. Shiv Saini ’16

From L to R: Krishan ’12, Shiv ’16 and Arjun ’10 Saini The Severn Chess Team attended the USCF National High School Chess Tournament in Columbus, Ohio. Participants included Davis Brown ‘10, Sarthi Dalal ‘10, Phil Engles ‘10, Colin Flynn ‘13, Jesse Kim ‘11, Kanav Markan ‘10, Tanner McNamara ‘11, Constantine Nakos ‘10, Nick Olds ‘10, Arjun Saini ‘10, Krishan Saini ‘12, Shiv Saini ‘16. Phil and Nick placed 8th in the Bughouse Championship. Nick, Arjun, Jesse, and Tanner won 16th place team in the K -2 Blitz. Constantine, Nick, Arjun, and Jesse placed 18th in the K-12 U1600. In the K-12 Championship section, Tanner tied for first in the U1900 category. The team is coached by Mr. David Shin. Thanks to George Nakos and Sanjiv Saini for chaperoning. 7

communication

communication

Communication has certainly been a buzz-word of the past decade moving beyond the

conventional concepts of language, art, music, symbols, etc., to include the myriad of communication devices and their offsprings - blackberries, smart phones, the internet, facebook, to name just a few. How does a school begin to sort through all the technology, all the controversy, to communicate with it’s constituents in a relevant, accurate and timely manner? It begins with the spoken word. Talking to Headmaster Lagarde, faculty talking to faculty, students to teachers, teachers to parents, to coaches, to alumni - communication in the most basic form - conversations about our past, our future, and our concerns for today. Certainly, we marvel at and struggle to keep up with all the communication devices that are out there and cannot imagine our lives without these devices. And we want communication options that allow us to easily send emergency information as well as options that work for our family and suit our lifestyle. But did you ever think that this very technology that we have become so dependant on may have stemmed from a conversation between a student and his teacher, when the student asked “What if...” and the teacher replied, “Why not...” At Severn School we try very hard to effectively communicate with our many constituents - this very magazine is but one example. Perhaps you could take the time to let us know how we’re doing - in whatever format you choose! : - ) 8

summer 2010

from the archives by Brian Mark Weber

Below is a page from one of the demerit books from the Severn archives dating back to 1915-1916, a fascinating piece of history from our school. Although many have seen the book, many others have only heard about it. The book contains a list of infractions such as “missing breakfast,” “talking during an exam,” and “turning out the lights in the dining hall to start a roughhouse.” The book is a nod to our founders’ effort to curtail the wildness of young men and to form them into leaders of their generation, moreover, it reveals that even a century ago our young people needed structure and guidance in order to prepare them for effective citizenship and leadership. By combining discipline and compassion, our school was able to stay true to its mission of character, conduct, and scholarship. The power of history lies in its ability to communicate ideas from a distant time and to remind us that while change is inevitable, some values stay the same. As Severn heads toward its centennial celebration in 2014, it is more important than ever to preserve our history so that future generations will truly know and value the important contributions made to our school by faculty, staff, parents, students, volunteers, and friends. In order to advance this cause,

we are looking for volunteers to work in our archives room to organize, document, and protect items such as photgraphs, letters, art work, and event programs. If you would like to lend a hand, please e-mail Brian Mark Weber at b.weber@severnschool.com or call 410-647-7700, extension 2454. Together we can move into our centennial knowing that our history is secure for another century.

9

GETTING CONNECTED Think you know what your kids think about the internet? Maybe not. Below are excerpts from Dr. Jackie Baugh’s creative writing students who weigh in on Facebook, a paperless world, internet scams and more - all in response to the 2010 Optimist Writing Contest question, “The Internet: Today’s Evolution or Tomorrow’s Menace?”

“

My teacher challenged me to go forty eight hours without using the internet in order to answer the essay question “The Internet: Today’s Evolution or Tomorrow’s Menace?” At first I agreed to her proposal, thinking two days would not be long at all. But the more we talked, the more I thought and the more my fear of this challenge grew. I had realized that this meant that for two whole days I could not check my e-mail, go onto Facebook, watch Youtube videos or even find the quicker way for answers on a research project. I had to prove that I could still live my daily life without using the internet, and I was terrified. The fact that I was scared and intimidated by this challenge made me realize that my generations judgment and decision making had been dramatically changed because of the internets so called “evolution.” The internet is like a vortex of several different tunnels that can pull you in, show you so much, and then release you back into the world knowing and seeing more then you did before you entered. Forty eight hours without the internet was very helpful in the sense that it did eliminate the social distraction which allowed me to complete my work and other responsibilities I have. However, it was difficult at times if I needed to get an assignment from my school’s online system or if I needed to check my email to make sure my coaches weren’t sending me any important information. This made me realize, the internet has completely

10

changed the personal aspect of communications. Before it was put to use into most of our everyday lives, we would have to interact with our teachers for every assignment or catch our coaches at practice to talk with them. Sure the internet makes it quicker to accomplish tasks or to communicate with other people, but the personal aspect of it is eliminated which lessens human interaction. After my forty eight hour experience without the internet I realized that it is today’s evolution because it speeds up the communication and task process, but is it tomorrows menace because we don’t meet face to face with our responsibilities? Katie Carroll ’11 Human beings’ thirst for knowledge and progression cannot be quenched. The search for something better and something newer is a constant one that has been experienced for as long as people have been around. It is easy to grow nostalgic about how print culture is rapidly deteriorating due to the digital age. It’s easy to miss the past but it is impossible to go back. Though the internet has challenged small newspaper and book sales, the impact of this constant challenge is, in actuality, a good thing. The internet has made access to these materials easier, cheaper to produce and to enjoy and there is much less environmental impact. We can waste time mourning the past or we can look to the future. Meg Harding ’12

My Uncle John who was sent to Iraq as a naval officer in 2005 was still able to see his two growing boys and little girl due to the Internet. Every month my aunt and cousins would wait anxiously to accept my uncle’s “video-chat” request, which allows individuals to see one another upon their computer screens as if they are speaking in person. The Internet allowed my uncle to remain a loving father while he was halfway across the world serving his country. The Internet creates a world where everyone can maintain a level of personal interaction with those who are distant. To some individuals within the armed forces, this is vital to their future. The Internet gives young military men and women overseas hoping to move forward with their education the opportunity to earn degrees. Many programs are available in which college courses are taught online by professors, giving our soldiers access to a classroom while they continue to defend us abroad. One teacher at my school teaches for the American Military University, where he teaches from his computer giving feedback and grades to individuals serving our nation. Bridget Brown ’10 Some think the internet is a good and creative output of information for the public to use for it’s own personal benefit. But the truth of the matter is that the internet is a breeding ground for unscrupulous predators seeking to fulfill their person gains, fanta-

summer 2010

sies, or desires. Child pornography, business scams, and addictions are some of the few follies that the internet has to offer. The internet started off as a user-friendly network that could inform people on anything they pleased. But, once the information got into the hands of the wrong type of users, it took a turn for the worse. This lead to business scams and addictions developed by only the lowest and dirtiest people on the earth looking for an easy out and some quick money to try and make their pathetic lives slightly brighter. The developers of these “websites” know how to draw in the public’s eye with flashy signs screaming “WINNER!!” and “1,000,000th CUSTOMER!” only distracting them from the true intent of the advertisement to try and get someone’s personal information out of them so that someone can steal their identity causing a lot of chaos in the innocent but gullible person’s life. Bart Repasky ’11 Bart took 1st place in the Annapolis Optimist Essay Contest with this entry With the internet, my paper dependent life would change to a paperless existence, a slightly less damaging existence. According to the TAPPI, the leading technical association for the pulp, paper, and converting industry, Americans use more than 90 billion tons of paper or paperboard each year.* Using the internet to cut that number down to zero is more than evolutionary. The benefits of an online world range all the way from a lack of paper cuts to a lack of deforestation. The possibilities are endless. With today’s evolution of the internet, I can fully go green!

accidentally type in Facebook, click a video my friend posted, research to see if the video is real, send an e-mail to my friend saying the video is fake, see an e-mail from my top choice college, and suddenly it’s eleven thirty! I think, “there’s always tomorrow” and go to sleep. The internet has helped many procrastinators like me by providing them with an easy way to get to the things they love without getting up from their chairs. This ticket to excitement and information is also a bonus that many people couldn’t imagine living without. The internet stretches far beyond just computers and entertainment, it permeates almost every aspect of our lives. Clay Morris ’10 One major new topic that has arisen on the Internet is teenagers applying to college. The ease and simplicity of scheduling college visits, sending in SAT and ACT scores, and sending in my actual transcripts can all now be done with a click of the mouse. Students, however who are more of the party type and not cautious about what people can see about them on things like Facebook, can also get into trouble because of what colleges can see about them. So is the Internet good in this situation with how simple and easy it has made the collegiate application process, or is

• •

60% •

Russell Buhrer ’11 The Internet also has a huge influence on addiction. It can promote addiction as well as contribute to those who are addicted to vices such as gambling. The Internet promotes addiction because of the availability of that are huge attributes to addiction. Though different drugs are the main that some people can’t function without, gambling also is something that many people are addicted too. Gambling addicts are obsessed with sometimes making money and most of the time loosing money. Most of the time gamblers can’t make it to the casino or wherever they can play a game of poker, so they resort to the Internet in order to play gambling games such as online poker. Sebastian Auth ’11

of online active kids use IM daily

”

admit they give out personal information to online acquaintances

• 35% add unknown people to their buddy/friends list 70% of kids say they rely on parents for online safety information (40% say teachers)

Emily Price ’11 •

The fact that I am writing this essay the day before it is due is an example of how the internet is a nuisance. Any kid with access to the internet will probably do the same thing I have done: sit down after dinner and pull up a word document, open Firefox to research,

75%

it a menace in that someone’s online reputation could hurt there real life reputation and how a college views a particular student? Applying to college though may be easy online, but admission officers also have access to the internet where they can scout out things about someone and find out things someone may not want them to know about. One crazy night could severely affect the rest of someone’s life if a college gets a hold of any pictures from it. This is turn can affect people’s careers later in life.

70% report having seen inappropriate online images (13% say they go intentionally) • Average first exposure to such images is age 11

•

39% of kids say they change their behavior because of something they read online

statistics provided by David L. Delmonicom, Ph.D., during his address to Middle and Upper School students on Tuesday, March 23 www.internetbehavior.com

*“Paper University - All About Paper.” TAPPI. Web. 23 Feb. 2010. www.tappi.org/paperu/ all_about_paper/faq.htm 11

essays that work

The dreaded college essay, an exercise in anxiety for high school seniors, their families, and the very patient faculty that guide our children through the process. In this article, The Bridge features an essay sample from senior Kelsey Wooddell and an exert from the John Hopkins University website, titled “Essays That Worked”, which includes the essay submitted to Hopkins by Kristin Boulier ’09. The following article is reprinted from the Johns Hopkins University website www.jhu.edu/admis/apply/essays.html

“When speaking to prospective applicants, the most commonly asked questions are about the application essay and what the Admissions Committee looks for in a successful essay. Since the essay is an important part of the application review process, the Admissions Committee has selected four examples of essays that worked, written by members of the Johns Hopkins Class of 2013. These essays represent just four examples of essays we found impressive and helpful during the past admissions cycle. In presenting these essays in their original format, we hope future applicants get a sense of what the Admissions Committee is looking for when reviewing the application essays. These “essays that worked” are distinct and unique to the individual writer; however, each of them assisted the admissions reader in learning more about the student beyond the transcripts and activity sheets. They were creative, original, and showcased each applicant’s personal voice. Below each essay, the primary admissions readers have shared their initial reactions and why they selected the essay as impressive. 12

We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements, but do remember to be original and creative and share your own story with us.” My Bookshelf “When I entered high school, I decided that my bedroom would get a fresh start as well. Its first alterations were the obvious ones—bright pastels on the walls, silky, custom-made orange curtains (made with my mother as a compromise for keeping the walls toned down) and shifted furniture. But these are all standard items; the most important addition has proven to be my bookshelf. I admit most people encounter bookshelves fairly frequently. But everything about this bookshelf, down to the calm and earthy brown—contrasting my unnaturally green wall—to the carefully arranged content, reminds me of something or someone I love. Construction began my first Christmas in high school when I successfully followed my parents’ clues to the parts that would become this wonderful structure. The proceeding days were spent building and finishing the shelf with my dad; the nights on my sister’s floor because of the paint fumes. As soon as the paint dried I was constantly “renovating”:

taping to its walls pictures of sunsets, waterfalls, waves, thunderstorms—nature at its best—along with a tessellated math assignment I spent an entire weekend perfecting (my teacher felt bad when she found out although I reassured her I had enjoyed it). The first occupants of this spacious high rise were the fantasy and science fiction books I read in middle school. As I changed and grew, however, the demographics of the incoming denizens shifted. They now form a menagerie ranging from the classics my mother snuck upon the upper shelves—which were reluctantly, then excitedly, adopted and read—to highly specialized visitors from the local library that frequently join their ranks. Balanced throughout are other odds and ends: stone animals from my nature-loving, rockhound grandfather, soccer medals, a snow globe of the “tour Eiffel” from a rather crowded cigar shop we found while lost in Paris, a Lego rocket from the summer reading project that first made me expand into non-fiction. Hidden behind the lower cabinet doors is the more costly treasure—my collection of non-fiction, from astronomy to neurology to genetics, I have developed as my passion has grown and found its niche within the immense and iridescent depths of science.

summer 2010

A stack of Spanish books defend their territory although they seem slightly out of place. They have helped me pass a series of “tests” beginning with the AP test, to reading Spanish books in their original language, to tutoring, culminating with a test that, as urban rush hour traffic abashes the driver’s test, put my first test to shame. I found myself with my Spanish speaking aunt, English speaking father and siblings, and my semi-bilingual self in Tia’s Miami parlor for a several hour visit. Although at first uncertain, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself able to converse and translate her fascinating stories about the exotic fruits she had growing in her own backyard, trips to Spain with my mother and the strange food they stomached for pleasure or necessity. (Hidden between the various words lay insights into the reasons my mother’s actions seem strange—protective or frugal—to me.) Learning for its own sake was and is satisfying, but doing something constructive with knowledge is exhilarating. One might think this bookshelf is my brainchild, but in truth it is closer to my sister. It is being created not by me, but by the same forces that are molding me into who I am. Without my father’s handiwork, my mother’s books, my grandfather’s passion, my teachers’ assignments and my maternal grandparents’ language, this bookshelf could never exist. I am forever indebted for the forces that have caused the once-dead, plain planks of wood to again sprout into something wonderful.” Kristen Boulier ’09

Admissions Reader Comments This student’s essay was great in my opinion because it was authentic and you could really relate to her growth and influences and the transition in her life. She has diverse interests as she grows and uses the different selves to illustrate this point. We all grow and become influenced by various factors in our lives. We are all diverse in our academic interests, goals, and backgrounds and this bookshelf of hers points to this fact. I think it’s appreciated that she notes she has grown in her interests and from her family influences and you can see when she comes to college she will enter with a mind open to limitless possibilities in many areas. —Jameel Freeman, Associate Director, Admissions, JHU

Kelsey Wooddell ’10 Common Application Topic of your choice “The sun winks through the trees, and I suddenly feel tired despite the fast pace of the world around me. I watch the oblivious men with briefcases and preoccupied women in high heels stroll past, completely ignoring the beauty of the day. “Are you ready to order, ma’am?” a man dressed in black jolts me out of my languid musings. Though I haven’t even looked at the menu, I nod and smile. “Surprise me.” The man looks surprised himself. However, I have been to this restaurant before, and know that anything I order will be delicious. I am willing to try almost anything once. I go on to give a few guidelines. No lamb, for personal reasons. A variety of flavors would be preferable. At least one seafood dish is required. Dessert is olive oil ice cream. As he walks away, it suddenly strikes me that this approach to ordering is reflective of my personality. Lamb is a very popular dish. It is succulent and tender, and the meat itself is very flavorful. Despite this, I can’t bring myself to eat it. It’s not that I revolt against the norm, but more the fact that I have my own convictions. I try to refrain from harming anyone, from baby animals to others and myself. Family values should be fostered and cherished as much as possible. Finally, one should always cultivate a streak of inimitability. I have favorite flavors, and favorite foods. Chocolate definitely qualifies as one, and cheese as another. Even so, I am always searching for some new fare. A dish that I initially thought would be repulsive might turn out to be my new ‘chocolate’. Though I have my comfort zones, I am perpetually searching for something better. My overpowering curiosity compels me to search out new knowledge and understandings, no matter what preconceived notions that I might have. For instance, my brother taught me to catch bullfrogs when I was young, and

despite the fact that my sister told me they were gross, frog-catching quickly became one my favorite activities. Seeking out new possibilities is always exhilarating, because one never knows what will happen. Regardless of this search, I always need an anchoring stone, a reliable fallback. Being from Maryland, specifically the Chesapeake Bay area, seafood has always been dependable. Friends from New York are misled by my country girl persona and believe that fried chicken is my staple of choice, but family knows that I always find comfort in seafood. My mom always makes scallops in garlic with pasta when I am feeling down. I routinely drift back to the shrimp after sampling the spread at dinners and parties. Seafood and family, to me, go together like peas and carrots. Food like that brings people together, something that I value greatly. No matter how I present it, people are always wary of olive oil ice cream. It feels like a sorbet, but tastes like olive oil, and is my favorite dessert, hands down. Though an unusual combination, people are in general pleasantly surprised. I myself combine outwardly unmixable characteristics, like a zeal for discovery yet a sensible aspect, and come out even better. As my food arrives, I am pleasantly surprised, as I expected. The skirt steak with scallions and cilantro is my new favorite. I like the chicken with rosemary, but not to the degree I would have expected. The mint and pomegranate sauce for the bread was surprisingly amazing. The shrimp and tomatoes were a soothing way to finish off the meal. And, as always, the olive oil ice cream was a unique way to wash everything down in the end. After all, it has a streak of distinctiveness that cannot be matched by any brand-name product.” Kelsey will be attending Rice University in the fall of ’10

13

the bridge

so you want to go to Med School? photograph did not appear with The New York Times article “After Year of Quiet, Expecting a Surge in U.S. Medical Schools”

In an article from The New York Times, “After Year of Quiet, Expecting a Surge in U.S. Medical Schools”, we learn about the inaugural class of The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton, PA, where Geoffrey Guttmann PhD ’72 is a member of the founding faculty Peter Allen applied to 30 medical schools after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh last year. Twenty-eight said no. Of the two that said yes, one had something in common with Mr. Allen: It, too, was starting out in medicine. He enrolled in the inaugural class of The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton, PA. “I was ecstatic that I had been accepted to a medical school,” Mr. Allen said, adding that he would have gone for a master’s in bioengineering if he had not been accepted. “It’s a giant sigh of relief; it secures your plans for the rest of your life really.” The Commonwealth is one of nearly two dozen medical schools that have recently opened or might open across the country, the most at any time since the 1960s and ’70s. These new schools are seeking to address an imbalance in American medicine that has been growing for a quarter century. Many bright students were fleeing to offshore medical schools, or giving up hope entirely, when they could not get into domestic schools. Meanwhile, American hospitals were using foreign-trained and foreign-born physicians to fill medical residencies. During the 1980s and ’90s only one new medical school was established.

14

“Huge numbers of qualified American kids were not getting into American medical schools or going abroad to study,” Dr. Lawrence G. Smith, dean of the proposed Hofstra University School of Medicine, in Hempstead, N.Y., which is not yet recruiting students, said last week. “I think it was a kind of wake-up call.”

sive specialists, and by reducing long waits for people to see a doctor and get the care they need.

The proliferation of new schools is also a market response to a rare convergence of forces: a growing population; the aging of the health-conscious baby-boom generation; the impending retirement of, by some counts, as many as a third of current doctors; and the expectation that, the present political climate notwithstanding, changes in health care policy will eventually bring a tide of newly insured patients into the American health care system.

They say that doctors create demand for their own services, and that nurse practitioners and physician assistants could fill gaps in medical care at a lower cost.

If all the schools being proposed actually opened, they would amount to an 18 percent increase in the 131 medical schools across the country. (By comparison, there are 200 law schools approved by the American Bar Association.) And beyond the new schools, many existing schools are expanding enrollment, sometimes through branch campuses. Supporters of the expansion say that having more doctors will improve care, by getting doctors to urban and rural areas where they are needed, by shifting care to primary and family practice physicians rather than expen-

But skeptics say that although many parts of the country do need more primary care, American doctors tend to congregate in affluent, urban and suburban areas that already have a generous supply.

“When you add more physicians to an area, they just add more services, and their salaries don’t go down anywhere near in proportion to the increased supply,” said Dr. David Goodman, professor of pediatrics at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and a practicing physician who has studied work force issues for 20 years. “More care may not be better, but it certainly is paid for,” Dr. Goodman said. Many of the developing medical schools are well aware of such arguments, and are billing themselves as different from traditional medical schools, more focused on serving primary care needs in immigrant and disadvantaged communities. Administrators say that they expect that approach to be buttressed by a shift in state and federal reimbursements from specialists to primary care doctors.

summer 2010

Riverside County, an inland area with a diverse population including immigrants and Native Americans that has expanded rapidly, has a deficit of about 3,000 physicians, according to Dr. G. Richard Olds, founding dean of the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine. Riverside has applied for licensing, the first step toward becoming a medical school, and hopes to admit its first four-year class in 2012, and to have 400 students by 2016, a typical size for the new crop of schools. Dr. Olds said his educational focus, building on his background as a tropical disease specialist, would be on prevention and “wellness.” The Association of American Medical Colleges, a trade group, has called for a 30 percent increase in enrollment, or about 5,000 more doctors a year. The association’s Center for Workforce Studies estimates that 3,500 more M.D.s will enter graduate training over the next 10 years, roughly half of the 7,000 international medical school graduates now entering medical residencies in the United States every year, according to Edward Salsberg, director of the center. Six developing medical schools, including The Commonwealth, have received preliminary accreditation, enabling them to begin recruiting students, and six more have begun the application process, according to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits American medical schools. An additional 11 have announced their intention to apply for licensing, according to Mr. Salsberg. Whatever the expansion may mean for the cost of health care, it is a relief to aspiring doctors like Mr. Allen. He was one of 1,300 applicants for 60 positions (eventually class size will double) in the inaugural class at The Commonwealth, according to Dr. Robert M. D’Alessandri, the president and dean. Mr. Allen has a United States Navy scholarship, but for his classmates, the school took $20,000 a year off the tuition, a reduction of about half, as an incentive to take the risk of a new school. Given the pent-up demand, Dr. D’Alessandri said he was not worried that he might produce too many doctors for the good of society. “We should worry about too many lawyers,” he said dryly.

From The New York Times, © [February 14, 2010] All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States

Dr. Geoffrey Guttmann ’72 Geoffrey Guttmann PhD ’72 is Professor of Anatomy and Director of Human Structure and Function and Co-Director of Brain, Mind, and Behavior. He earned his PhD in Medical Physics at the University of California, Berkeley where he built a soft x-ray microscope to examine CHO-SC1 cells in mitosis as well as the ultrastructure of fibroblast cells. He completed a Director’s Postdoctoral Fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory and another post-doctoral experience at the University of Michigan. He became faculty at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and then became more involved in medical education when he setup the Life Sciences Resource Centre and basic medical sciences program at the Peninsula Medical School in the U.K. He returned to Canada to help setup the curriculum and e-curriculum for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Thunder Bay. He has held a number of teaching posts with the most recent being at the University of Kentucky. His current research focuses on the development and evaluation of instructional materials for medical and other health care professional students, their study skills during the course of health care professional education, and image analysis and image reconstruction techniques to make 3-D and 4-D models for illustrating anatomical, embryological and developmental concepts and determining the extent of craniofacial defects.  Dr. Guttmann is a Harvard Macy Scholar after having just completed the Harvard Macy Institute’s Program for Healthcare Professions Educators for 2010 and Systems Approach to Assessment in Health Science Education in 2009.  The program provides information on learning and teaching, curriculum, evaluation, leadership, and information technology. Dr. Guttmann is a co-author of a chapter on Embryology in Rutherford’s Vascular Surgery, 7th Edition, and co-author of a book, Craniofacial Embryogenetics and Development, 2nd Edition. “Starting a new medical school is very much unlike starting a new school or college. Medical schools by their very nature have a required knowledge base both for the basic and clinical sciences but more important there are required skills that are not only psychomotor but also behavioral. Students must learn many psychomotor skills such as being able to give injections, maybe drain a bursa from a patient with bursitis, or perform a biopsy on the breast for so the pathologist can examine the specimen for breast cancer. The behavioral skills and attitudes are being able to work in teams, put a patient at ease so as to conduct a medical interview, provide a patient with information to make an informed decision that could Dr. Guttmann be life changing or ease a parent’s concern about their child. So medical school is not just about teaching the sciences but also about the art that makes medicine personal to each individual. Implementing a new medical school is also about creating a new organizational culture that reflects the community values. One must ensure that the mission, vision and values reflect the community and the altruistic goals of its community physicians. Also the learning environment must also reflect these goals as the community wants physicians who are up to date in their knowledge, critical thinkers, knowledgeable about the boundaries of their practice and skills and lifelong learners.” –Dr. Geoffrey Guttmann h Thanks to John Norton ’72 for the update on Dr. Guttmann

15

the bridge

golden odyssey Captain Gregory Birra ’65 has surfaced from the land of lost alums and tells us of his exquisite lifestyle aboard the yacht

Golden Odyssey near the Yonne River, France

Approaching Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

16

summer 2010

“ The reports of my being missing are greatly exaggerated.

Now I am found. After

leaving Severn with a congressional appointment to Kings Point, I decided to decline, and spent the next thirty years at sea in various parts of the world. I have not lived in the U.S. for twenty or more years, and after various adventures in the east, built an inland yacht with which we explore the continental waterways with charter guests. It is nice to think of my time at Severn School, and wonder whatever happened to my boon companion of those days, Lee Earl Riesenweber III. Kind regards, Gregory Birra ” After Mary Salsich, Director Campaign Giving, received this mail from Greg Birra ’65, The Bridge asked Greg to write about his adventures and he graciously accepted. In the first of what we hope are many installments, we catch up with the expatriate.

It was not supposed to be like this; a boat was definitely not in our flight path. After forty years a shipmaster and the stroke of China Sea chance that brought the beautiful and talented Tracey into my life, it was time to begin something new. It began on Mallorca. An ancient dream villa named Castellix; far from the coast and from whose sun drenched terrace one could look over the walled garden down the broad valley filled with blossoming almond trees to the distant sea. For several years now, we had been leasing here, an old haunt of mine from yachting days. We were looking for a big old finca, or a hacienda; either in Mallorca or Andalucía; to combine our love of horses and fighting bulls with our background of catering to the wishes of a somewhat exclusive clientele, and simply making people happy. A small, boutique hotel, with a kitchen to die for was our plan. Tracey is a classically trained and highly experienced chef with a unique cuisine constructed from her exposure to so many cultures while sailing the world. We had come to accept totally the Andalusian lifestyle, and its people, whose gusto and simple joie de vivre overcame the ever present threat of drought and other of life’s inconveniences. Our son was conceived between bullfights in Salamanca. His godfather is a terrero, and a skilled horseman. Then Tracey was invited by one of our former stewardesses to come up to France for a cruise on what is known as a hotel barge, on the canals of that country. Over coffee on the sunlit terrace, the morning after the week away, she described what it was to cruise a continent. “Darling, lets build the most beautiful barge in Europe, and explore with guests.” So, it was done. The search commenced for a suitable vehicle for our designs and requirements. It took awhile. England, France, Holland. Nothing. Teasing leads, then disappointment. Then, one frosty afternoon outside of Amsterdam, the broker was driving us to Schipol, and said he had a new listing, not far away, and since there was time, would we be interested to see it, as he had not seen it himself. Of course; so we went to Leerdam, and there she was. Permanently moored with wires, used as a flea market, a hole cut in her bulwark for entrance, she was a sorry sight, but the clean sheer of her deckline and perfect dimensions were evident to any sailor. The capper was her engine. A 1937, two cylinder Die Industrie, one of the most desirable of antique marine engines, nestled deep in her bowels. A hidden treasure.

Buy her, we told him on the way to the airport. Back to Mallorca to prepare for this new turn of events. Coincidentally, the yacht which had been our home both in the Caribbean and the Med had a buyer, so we could begin to wrap things up for the new owner. It was a big yacht in those days, 175 feet and thirteen crew, so there was quite a bit of handover and paperwork before we could seatrial and prepare for our departure and next project. Finally, in company with a Siamese kitten presented by the crew to Tracey, we boarded a flight to Nice and returned to our home in the small village of St. Jeannet to begin in earnest what would turn out to be a four year project. Tracey, meanwhile, was working on her own project; our son Alexander, who was soon to be born. The ship was moved to Zwartsluis, in Holland, to have everything cut off and taken out of her, including eleven tons of concrete ballast, a no no on the continental waterways. In the end, all we kept was the bare hull, the engine, wheel, and horn. While this was being accomplished, I went to measure her, so that my design drawings had an accurate benchmark, as there were no existing plans from the north Holland shipyard which built her in 1926. Between sessions at the drawing board, we began the long process of procuring everything we would need to build a one hundred and ten foot small ship totally equipped for luxury charter, including the kitchen sink. Friends and colleagues were very generous and supportive of the project, and helped us to obtain the very best materials and machinery. A well known naval architect even loaned me a drafting table, as I was simultaneously involved in a project to build a 185 foot schooner reproduction. But that is another story.

Greg Birra and his wife Tracey be sure to visit www.thecanalbarge.com

17

the bridge

A

alumni in the rts by Natalie Mardirossian ’12

caleb deschanel ’62 Caleb Deschanel was born on September 21, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a French father and an American mother who raised him in the Quaker religion. Caleb remembers his English teacher, Richard Flanagan, as one of his favorite and most exciting Severn teachers. Mr. Flanagan introduced all of his classes to a number of great writers, and through class discussions and the occasional scholar from St. Johns, would discuss different literary texts in a way that not many teachers did. Caleb notes, “It was the first time I had any idea that you could be a writer or do anything creative as a profession”. Another one of his more unconventional teachers taught him calculus and, as Caleb recalls, used to smoke his pipe during class. Caleb says that the smell of Latakia still reminds him of calculus equations. After graduating from Severn, Caleb attended Johns Hopkins University planning on studying medicine. While at Hopkins, he started having an interest in photography and writing and became the editor of the Hopkins Newsletter, the weekly newspaper at the school. He then took on a summer job as an assistant to a still photographer in New York. Caleb says of the photographer, “He shot everything from catalogue photos to album covers and magazine photos and when he got a job that he was not particularly interested in doing, he would sometimes send me out to take the photo.” In Caleb’s last year at Hopkins he decided to go to The University of Southern California Film School encouraged by two friends, Walter Murch, an Academy Award winning editor, and Matthew Robbins, a successful writer. When at USC, Caleb started filming student movies since he knew how to use the equipment and at the end of the school year he was offered a job filming documentaries and educational films for Encyclopedia Britannica. One of Caleb’s classmates, Francis Coppola (of The Godfather fame) asked Caleb to film for one of Coppola’s movies, The Black Stallion, for which he won the Los Angeles Film Critics Association award for best cinematography. Caleb has worked with directors such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Hal Ashby and others. He has been nominated for 5 Academy Awards for Best Cinematography

18

Caleb with daughters Emily and Zooey Deschanel at his Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony from the American Society of Cinematographers

for the films The Right Stuff in 1984, The Natural in 1985, Fly Away Home in 1997, The Patriot in 2001, and The Passion of the Christ in 2005. In February 2010, Caleb received the Lifetime Achievement Award from The American Society of Cinematographers. In 2005, Caleb received the Rolland M. Teel Distinguished Alumni Award from Severn for his significant and meaningful contributions to society. This award is the highest honor that the school can give. Caleb is married and has two children, Emily (you may recognize her as Dr. Temperance Brennan in the crime drama Bones) and Zooey, recognized for her roles in Elf and 500 Days of Summer.

Trey Garcia ’05, Caleb and Bridgette Rafferty ’05 at Caleb’s Distinguished Alumnus induction 2005

summer 2010

photos starting top left and clockwise: Self portrait, new drawing, Raphael as ‘artist in residence’ 2005 drawing student Alex Jackson, the Alex Jackson ’06 portrait

raphael sassi ’95 Raphael Sassi was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in a small town on the Eastern Shore. His father Doug Sassi, a member of the Severn art department for 25 years and coordinator of the Italian Exchange, is also an artist and has helped Raphael learn about art in numerous ways. After graduation from Severn, Raphael attended Syracuse Academy Abroad in Florence and expseer most of my sentient life, from when I was about 13 or 14 years old forward.” His specialties include drawing and painting. In 2005, Raphael spent the day at Severn as ‘artist in residence’ and completed the drawing above of student Alex Jackson ’06. He tries to work first and foremost from life but says that if he is drawing things such as animals or small children he will use a photo reference that he takes himself. Some of his more recent work was included in exhibits at The Carla Massoni Gallery and at the Baltimore Museum of Art. He has been published in the March 2007 issue of “Elle” Magazine, “The New York Post”, “The Peterson Collection of Contemporary Realist Art”, and “Fine Art Connoisseur”. This past August he participated in the Arcadia Foundation Residency with Richard Estes, an American painter which included a $5000.00 grant. He is currently living and maintaining a studio in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, New York. If you would like to view Raphael Sassi’s artwork or learn more about him and what he does you can visit him at www.raphaelsassi.com.

Callingallartists visual artists, writers, musicians, performers - let us know what you are up to - do you have a web presence, an upcoming show, awards to share ... Severn School and The Bridge are very interested in what you are doing and would love to share your work with our readers. Please send news to h.yake@severnschool.com or visit us on Facebook! 19

the bridge

Severn School ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME 2010 2010

Scott H. Chapin ’82

S

cott played football and lacrosse during his years at Severn. His three year varsity football career culminated in 12 Division 1 scholarship offers, including the University of Virginia where he started as right tackle his junior and senior year and won the Peach Bowl. Some of the awards he garnered during his senior year at Severn School included All-County first team; All Metro, honorable mention and Tri-County first team. An accomplished lacrosse player as well, Scott earned an honorable mention in the MSA BB conference in 1982. Scott lives with his wife Kim Buono Chapin ’82 and his three daughters outside of Philadelphia where he is the director of wealth management for the Creative Capital Wealth Management Group.

Stacey Hendricks Manis ’81 and Bruce Burns ’61

Bradley W. Fowler ’93

Julian A. Domenech ’84

A

s a three-sport athlete at Severn (soccer, basketball and lacrosse) Julian was best known for his exceptional soccer skills. As a junior he led the team to its best season in the history of the school and earned all-county accolades. During his senior year, the varsity soccer team won its first conference championship with a 12-0 conference record. Domenech was named Player of the Year for Anne Arundel County and Severn’s Most Valuable Player with 18 goals and nine assists. Julian came back to serve as the Severn’s Athletic Director in 2008 after serving as head coach of Pfeiffer University’s Women’s lacrosse team and assistant athletic director for six years. As the Pfeiffer coach, the women’s lacrosse program won three conference championships and produced five All-Americans players. Coach Domenech was named Conference Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2007. He lives with his wife Erin and his three children in Severna Park.

B

rad had a distinctive sports career at Severn School as the first basketball player in the school’s history to score 1000 career points, and is still one of Severn’s all time leading scorers with 1,159 points. Brad had an equally impressive football career as a quarterback where he threw for more than 1000 yards and was named AllCounty First Team (Arundel Sunpapers), All Anne Arundel County Coaches Independent Football Team, 1992 Co-MVP, and MSA All Star in the Greater Baltimore Classic. Brad was awarded Severn’s most prestigious graduation award for athletics, the 1923 Award and the B. Parker Lindsay Scholar Athlete Award. Upon graduation Brad attended University of Richmond and where he had an outstanding career as a linebacker. A CPMS for First Mariner Bank, he lives with his wife (the former Amy Noble, who was an All-American lacrosse player for Duke University) and their two sons in Severna Park.

Peter S. Janney ’96

P

eter played basketball, lacrosse and soccer where he started as the varsity goalie his freshman year. He played varsity football ’93 -’95 and captained the team his senior year. He served as varsity lacrosse captain his junior and senior year. He was named All County Attackman ’95 and ’96, All Metro Attackman ’96, was selected to the North-South All Star Game ’96, and led the team in points both his junior and senior year. At the University of Pennsylvania, Peter he started all four years on attack and served as captain of the lacrosse team in ’99 and 2000. He was Ivy Rookie of the Year for UPenn in ’97and was named first team All Ivy Attack in ’99 and 2000. He was also an honorable mention All-American and recipient of the I.W. Burnham UPenn MVP award in ’99 and 2000. Peter is a director, Equity Derivatives Trading, Credit-Suisse, NY, and lives in Manhatten with his wife Judith.

After more than two decades of dedicated service Bruce Burns ’61 is stepping down as the chairman of the Athletic Hall of Fame. “It is largely because of him that the tradition of the Athletic Hall of Fame has persevered and achieved the stature and significance that it enjoys in the Severn community today,” said Headmaster Doug Lagarde. Bruce has also served Severn in the capacity of coach, trustee, parent and now a grandparent. Stacey Hendricks Manis ’81 has graciously agreed to take up the reins as the new Hall of Fame Chair. Stacey was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002. Her daughter Michele is an ’08 Severn grad and her son Nick is a member of the Class of 2012. 20

summer 2010

Headmaster Doug Lagarde with the 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, Peter Janney ’96, Julian Domenech ’84, Brad Fowler ’93, Scott Chapin ’82, and Athletic Hall of Fame Committee Chair, Bruce Burns ’61

­­1981/Charter Members Milton R. Roberts ’37 Clayton “Buddy” Beardmore ’58 Coach Paul J. Kesmodel Coach G. Parker Lindsay Coach* Coach Captain Robert H. Woods 1982 Richard R. Pratt ’32 Coach William J. Hoover 1983 Vernon R. Selby ’22 Charles R. Zimmerman ’25 Everett W. Smith ’33 Jiles E. Freeman Jr. ’43 Charles “Chooch” Turner ’68 1984 Edmund Turner ’26 Gordon P. Chung-Hoon ’30 John M. Brenner ’36 John H. Giddings ’50 H. Craig Hubbard ’63 1985 Slade D. Cutter ’31 Lee M. Curry ’57 C. Alan Pastrana ’64 1986 John F. Pendergast ’37 Lawrence McCormick Jr. ’40 Edmund L. Turner ’50 David B. Pickall ’68 Coach Richard E. Webster 1987 John “Jack” Jones ’49 Bruce C. Burns ’61 Charles P. Goodell ’65 Peter H. Eldredge ’68 Anne “Sandy” Barbour ’77

1988 John C. Hampson ’30 Stephen H. Swift ’37 George H. Turner ’68 G. Parker Lindsay Jr. ’73 1989 Ericsson Reed ’31 L. Warren Klauer ’38 Harold T. Smith Jr. ’68 1990 Charles J. Schwartzberg ’56 Stephen L. Clagett ’65 David E. Cloud II ’68 1991 H. Timothy Albrecht Jr. ’53 Michael A. Clark ’65 Harry W. Hurst III ’69 David L. Wright ’69 Coach Sheila J. Keifer 1992 Blair “Buzz” Hall ’47 Richard D. Bennett ’65 Thomas H. Vitzthum ’82 Amy A. Zimmerman ‘82 1993 R. Edward Strange ’70 Wendy E. Jones ’83 Coach Julian A. Domenech Sr. 1995 Wilson H. Phipps ’74 Alix Dickey ’79 Coach James Doyle 1996 Stephen C. Rexford Sr. ’62 C. Douglas Carter ’65 Ann Wallace Riefe ’76

1997 Amy Santin Lathrop ’87 Coach Peter L. Dewald Coach Lynald E. Silsbee 1998 Betty Waters Phipps ’75 Howard C. Petty ’82 Andrew H. Burns ’88 Kathryn O’Connor Guest ’88 Amy J. Hewitt ’87 Athletic Director Fred L. Hewitt III 1999 Ralph M. MacMurray III ’58 * Brian D. Holman ’79 Catherine M. Herrick ’86 John R. Quinn ’87 2000 John L. Mehlig ’33 * Matthew Strohm Evans ’60 Joseph D. Stewart ’60 Leroy M. Sparks ’71 Abigail F. Janssens ’81 2001 J. Randolph Coupland III ’37 William W. Hargrave, Jr. ’50 Megan Mylander Hanson ’80 Willie H. Mitchell ’82 2002 Donald L. Nichols ’52 Stacey Hendricks Manis ’81 Ryan K. Wade ’90 Suzanne Weinberg Isidor ’91 2003 Robert H. Kesmodel ’62 Leslie Buono Whitman ’81 James C. Beardmore ’82

2004 Douglas Trettin ’82 Joan Chidester Craft ’94 Coach John C. Bodley 2005 Clifford H. Eley III ’52 C. Stuart Kiehne ’79 John Vereen ’95 2006 James B. McKinney ‘55 James C. McNealey ‘87 Milford H. Marchant ‘92 2007 Joseph N. Schaller ‘78 Joel F. Wallenstrom ‘87 Katherine Graw Lamond ‘96 2008 James W. Mealey ‘69 * Michael K. DeStefano ‘84 Jason Zachary Wade ‘92 Coach Karen Quarles 2009 Cynthia A. Petty ’77 Joshua S. Sims ’96 Denard L. Melton ’98 2010 Scott H. Chapin ’82 Julian A. Domenech ’84 Bradley W. Fowler ’93 Peter S. Janney ’96

21

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2010

Crystal Cole Wade ’93, Lucy Chinea Carter ’90, Class of ’90 Reunion Chair Margot Mohsberg ’90, Drew Bauer ’91, Amy Stehl Bauer ’90 during the 20th reunion festivities Alumni Association Chairman Woody Wooddell ’73, chats with Carlton ’50 and Mettha Davenport at the Kesmodel-Lindsay Brunch

“

Everyone is very excited. We definitely have reason to party. This has been such a WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. Thank you! If you ever need someone to share their experience as a reunion chair, I’d be glad to. It’s been so much fun and I would recommend it to anyone. Margot Mohsberg ’90

From the Class of 1980: Lorraine Johnson, Peter Knipp, Andy Long, Eve Zimmerman, Michele Frame Miller, and Tiffany Moeller O’Donnell

”

Kate Lindsay, daughter of Christina & G.P Lindsay ’73 Pam Butler Hollett ’85, Katy Old Cook ’85 and Lakin Ducker ’86

22

Dr. Jackie Baugh catches up with members of the Class of ‘05 (l-r) Steve Hyatt, Becca Kane, Jamal Jones, Dr. Baugh, Deon Peters, Amy Plavner, Teddy Siebert. In front, Manton Paine, Ashley Templeton and Ashley McCarl

summer 2010

Saturday’s Alumni Lacrosse Game against the Varsity Admirals was a huge success. Who won? You had to be there!

Erin Domenech, Liz Domenech Miller ‘86 & Luisa Domenech have a laugh with Señor Julian Domenech over a 1975 yearbook photo

Sarah and Milford Marchant ‘92 & their beautiful children at the picnic

Sarah Shaffer ‘00, Dan Grimm ‘01, Matt Nicholson ‘01, Emily Gates Grimm ‘98 and Doug Mayer ‘00 at the Alumni Picnic

Fellows from the Class of ‘65, Bruce Spinney, Dick Bennett, Jim McConnaughhay, Bill Lester, Bob Schwartz and Sandy Clark

Alumni Association reps Ashley McCarl ‘05 and Carrie Grimes ‘91

Friends from the Class of ‘84 congratulate 2010 Hall of Fame recipient and Athletic Director Julian Domenech ‘84: (l-r) Chris Lamon, Susan Tyndall Leonard, Julian, Mike DeStefano, & Chris Jay 23

the bridge

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2010

Alumni Association President Woody Wooddell ’73, Denise Tray Rosson ’78 and Buzz Hall ’47

Sherry Giddings, Admiral Ted Walker ’50, Bill Hargrave ‘50 and Jack Jones ’49

Cheron and Bill Hargrave ’50

Has it really been 10 years? From the Class of 2000 (l-r) Cam Bowdren, Charlie Bauer, Ginny Chacos, Jeff McMahon and Phil Dales at the Toast to Teel Reunion Dinner

From the Class of 2000, Scott Parker, Greg Bauer and Nicole Marks

The Class of 1990 had a great crowd and a great time at the picnic Brunch attendees Kellay St. John, Dudley Dixon ’93 and their daughter Logan 24

summer 2010

At Vanderbilt, the Severn trio of Anastasia Adam ’06, Allie Frank ’06 and Alex Priddy ’08 had a lot to do with the Commodores 12-6, NCAA bid squad. Completing eight years together Anastasia had 14 goals, 14 assists and Allie went 11/11. Sophomore Alex contributed another 17 goals and four assists. Sadly, despite four goals by Allie and a pair of assists by both Anastasia and Alex, the Commodores suffered a 15-14 first round loss to Duke when the Blue Devils scored with one second left. At Yale, Caroline Crow ’08 had nine starts and tallied 12 goals for the 6-9 Bulldogs, topped off by three goals against arch-rival Harvard in a big 17-13 Bulldog win. (Harvard –Yale is always “big.”)

Dennis Rosson ’07

ALUMNI SPORTS by dave myers BASKETBALL Ben Montgomery ’09 was a major contributor to MIT’s very successful season. Coming off the bench in all 27 games, Ben averaged 15 minutes, 1.5 points and 2.5 rebounds for the 22-5 Engineers who captured the NEWMAC regular season title and gained an at large bid in the Division III National Tournament. At Randolph-Macon, Taylor Wieczorek ’08, averaged 5.4 boards and 8.3 points in 25 games for the 18-7 Yellow Jackets, who were in the D3 Top 25 early in the year.

BASEBALL At Maryland, Sander Beck ’08 started 14 ball games for the Terps, striking out 51 in 56 innings of work, third most on the staff.

WOMEN’S LAX One of the oft-forgotten aspects of a tragedy like that which darkened the season of Virginia’s women’s lacrosse team is that the grief and sadness shove aside and bury the joy of the accomplishments of athletes who now mourn the loss of a friend and teammate. With this in mind, it should be noted that senior Lauren Benner ’06 has anchored the #6 rated Cavaliers between the posts, posting a goals against average of just 8.8 and adding nine saves in the Division One Tournament first round win over #11 Towson. Josie Owen ’08 tallied 24 goals and 20 assists, including a four goal, five assist game against traditional rival Virginia Tech.

At the University of Denver, Becca Steinberg ’08, was a key player in the Pioneer’s very successful 13-5 campaign, which included a regular season 6-0 conference mark in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Becca, had nine goals and five assists. Unfortunately, the Pioneers dropped the MPSF title game to arch-rival Stanford in double overtime after Becca’s only goal knotted the contest late in regulation. At Navy, Maggie Morton ’06 played in seven games for the Mids, but more importantly, was part of a program that went from club to varsity to 17 wins and a Patriot League Championship in four years. Unfortunately, North Carolina ended Navy’s first tourney ride with a 18-5 thumping. At the University of Oregon, Bina Barrett ’08 started 14 of 18 games for the 7-11 Ducks, finishing with 12 assists and 19 goals. She had a career day in March when she scored four goals on six shots in Oregon’s 15-11 win over Iona. Michele Manis ’08 had a great year with the Georgia (13-9) club lax squad. The Lady Bulldogs captured the Southern Women’s Lacrosse League title with a 14-13 double OT win over Florida to gain a berth at the Women’s Division Intercollegiate Associates national tournament. Individually, Michele was an All-Conference First Team selection, the S.W.L.L Defensive Player of the Year, one of two sophomores named to the WDIA All American Team and an a WDIA Academic All-American for the second year in a row.

At Johns Hopkins the Blue Jays ended their season with a 10-7 mark, thanks to the contributions of Erin Russell ’06, who started all 17 games in her defense position, Brett Bathras ’06, and Monica D’Ambrogia ’08. The ten wins doubled the Hopkins’ victory total for ’09.

MEN’S LAX At College Park, Brian Phipps ’06 came back from a serious knee injury to put together a super senior season for the 12-3 Terrapins (through May 16th) including selection as the All ACC goalie, a nice book-end to his 2007 selection as ACC Freshman of the Year. Statistically, Brian allowed just 8.9 goals per game while making 145 saves with a .549 percentage. In the tournament opener against Hofstra, Brian racked up 14 of those saves as the Terps stymied the Pride’s high powered offense. For the third straight year, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Attackman Dennis Rosson ’07 was named to the Capital Athletic Conference AllConference second team as Dennis put together his best year with team-highs of 39 goals and 56 points.  Dennis also dished out a secondbest 17 assists while starting all 16 games for the 10-6 Seahawks.  The 2008 CAC Rookie of the Year, Dennis added 22 ground balls and five caused turnovers while scoring five manup goals.  A CAC player of the week honoree, he tallied career-highs of seven goals and nine points in a win over The College of Wooster. (This writer wonders what it takes to make First Team CAC?!) The Delaware Fighting Blue Hens (10-6) were the benefactors of the efforts of two Severn alumni as middie Nick Elsmo ’07 had 7 goals and 5 assists in 15 games while long stick Taylor Burns ’08 picked up 26 grounders and add-

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Sara Morgan Watters ’06 (Sailing), Dennis Rosson ’07 (Lacrosse), Ryan O’Malley ’07 (Field Hockey) and for being accepted into Chi Alpha Sigma - the athletic honor society at St. Mary’s College of Maryland

25

the bridge

more ALUMNI

SPORTS

ed a couple of scores which led to Delaware receiving an Division I tournament bid, drawing the University of North Carolina as a first round opponent. Tied 7-7 at the half, UNC opened the third quarter with two goals, but the Blue Hens came back with a 51 second, three goal outburst initiated by Burns scoring off an Elsmo assist (one of two on the day). After that the scoring see-sawed back and forth until UNC went up 13-12. Then with 4:52 left Tarheel long stick Mark Staines ’08 took a feed and found the back of the net for the game winning 1412 margin. Delaware would add another goal, but could not match UNC. Interestingly enough, the goal was only Mark’s fourth of the year to go with a single hand-off and 23 ground balls. However, he registered a lot of minutes, playing in all 14 games for the 12-2 Tarheels who entered the tourney with a #4 ranking. Midfielder Alex Jones ’09 saw action in all 14 games for the 8-6 Brown Bears. Alex had two goals, an assist and picked up 16 grounders. At Denison, the Verklin boys (Matt ’08 and Nick ’09) were contributors in getting the 10-4 Big Red into D3 tournament action. Matt had 3 goals, 5 assists and 37 ground balls in his mid-field slot, while Nick came off the bench in five games.

SAILING At Yale, Joe Morris ’08 was elected captain of the co-ed sailing squad 2010-2011.  Joe stating he was “honored to be elected captain, and I’m excited to be able to lead the team next season.” Recently the #4 ranked Bulldogs grabbed a second in the New England ICSA Championships which allowed them to fly out to the West Coast to successfully defend their Western Semifinal crown, and by doing so, move on to the National Championship regatta at the University of Wisconsin. Needless to say, in both events Joe was a key factor as both crew and skipper. 26

SEVERN SPORTS

VARSITY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL WINS CHAMPIONSHIP! The Varsity Girls Basketball team won the IAAM B Conference championship 51-50 over Notre Dame Prep.

The Admirals reached the championship by defeating St. Paul’s 70-26 in the quarterfinals and Maryvale Prep 69-48 in the semi-finals. Aura Payne ’10 and Leah Cranmer ’10 were selected for the B Conference Basketball All-Stars. Leah was also selected to the All County First Team, was recipient of the Coaches Award and set a new season high three point record with 36. The Admirals rolled to a 22-2 record this season and the two losses were by a total of just five points. The 22-2 record was the highest winning percentage of any Severn girls basketball team in the school’s history. Congratulations to the varsity ladies and Coach Chuck Miller!

Remember This?

VARSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL The Men’s Varsity Basketball season started against some tough MIAA A conference schools and also played in an extremely competitive Holiday Tournament at St. Alban’s in Washington, D.C. The Admiral’s had great wins against Friends, AACS, Boy’s Latin, and our rival St. Mary’s. The overall record for this year’s varsity squad was 6-18 and 510 in the MIAA B Conference but the Admiral’s met one of their preseason goals and made the playoffs. Beating a quality AACS team in the first round was one of the highlights of the season, but Severn fell short against regular season champs Glenelg in the second round. They showed their toughness and dedication in every game throughout the year. The Players/David Snyder Award went to Kelonte Adams ’10, who also received a spot on the All County Team. The Coaches Award went to Cole Bailey ’11. –Coach Stan Brudish GOLF It was a rebuilding year for the golf team. Of the 8 team members, 5 were new to competitive golf and despite the winless record the group displayed great attitude and a desire to improve. The Players Award went to Mattie Crowe ’10 and Sarah Brown ’11 was the MVP. Sarah represented the school in the MIAA Individual Tournament and received many compliments from coaches and league officials for her integrity in acknowledging an incorrect score, which would have had her advance to the final round. –Coach Phil Sainsbury

In February 2010, the Varsity Lacrosse teams took to the fields with different equipment - shovels. Although spring practice was delayed by snow, the season started on time.

summer 2010

BASEBALL Severn baseball finished the year with a 17-8 record and came one win short of playing for the MIAA B Conference championship.  The team finished 11-4 in league play.  Some highlights during the regular season were a 15-5 win over eventual champion Park.  The game featured a two home run, five RBI performance by Sam Wachs ’11.  In a 12-3 victory over Friends, Joe Kotler ’12 pitched a complete game with 13 strikeouts. In the playoffs, Severn had three come from behind wins.  For the season Joe Kotler finished an 11-3 record and recorded 109 strikeouts.  Top hitters for the season were Sam Wachs with a .544 average and a team leading 10 doubles and 35 RBI.  Jake Ashworth ’11 hit .533 and led the team with 6 triples, 17 stolen bases, and 40 runs scored.  Sam Meisenberg ’11 hit .431 and Nick Stringfellow ’11 hit .362. –Coach Hal Sparks MEN’S LACROSSE Despite a 5 -15 record, the student athletes made huge strides in the future development of our lacrosse program. The 2010 season was a lot of FUN and the team focused on our goals and never waivered. A highlight of the season was an afternoon at the Naval Academy volunteering for the Special Olympics, watching our young men embrace and encourage these wonderful athletes. Drew Foard ’10 received the Players Award and Cole Bailey ’11 was the MVP. Beau Wood ’10 won the hardest shot contest with a new school record of 94 mph. and Drew Foard was the runner up at 89 mph. –Coach Brian Wood GIRLS’ LACROSSE The Severn Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team ended 2010 year with an 11-8 final record, making it through the first round of the IAAM A Division tournament before falling to the league’s 2-seed and ultimate runner up Notre Dame Prep in a strong effort. The team put together some great wins against ranked opponents including Westminster, Garrison Forest, Roland Park, and of course, the thrilling come from behind win against St Mary’s. The team stayed consistently in the Baltimore Sun top 15 throughout the year and was ranked in the top 50 in the nation, according to Lacrosse Magazine’s 2010’s final list. The Players Award went to Sam Greiber ’10 and Hannah Hook ’10 was the MVP. Avery Burns ’10 was selected as an IAAM A Division All Star as well as First Team All Country along with Hannah Hook. Hannah was also selected as First Team All Metro and All American. Academic All American awards were given to Caroline Franke ’10 and Avery Burns. –Coach Renie Sotiropoulos VARSITY GIRLS’ SWIMMING Lead by captains Kendall Farnham ’10, Ellie Winchester ’10, and Sarah Bouchard ’11 the team ended the season 6 and 2 in the B conference. Kendall Farnham set a new school record in the 100 fly with a time of 56.88. She also finished first overall in the 100 fly at Championships beating swimmers in both the A and B conferences. Severn had a great showing at Championships with Kendall Farnham, Erin Littlepage ’12, Emily Roth ’12, Margot Farnham ’12, Allie Bremer ’10, Rachel Glendenning ’11, and Sarah Bouchard earning medals in individual events as well as the 200 medley and 400 free relay team of Bouchard, Bremer, Margot and Kendall Farnham earning a second place medal. Kendall Farnham was awarded the Coach’s MVP Award and Lindsey Ritter was awarded the Daniel B. Robinson Players Award for the season. –Coaches Carolyn Cosentino and Amy Pickering VARSITY BOYS’ SWIMMING had a solid season in 2009-2010 earning a record of 4 and 2. Of particular note was the outstanding swimming of Jack Bremer ’12. Jack bested each of the three team records that he established as a freshman (200 yard Freestyle, 200 yard Individual Medley, and 100 yard Butterfly) and established new marks in the 100 yard Backstroke and 100 yard Breaststroke. The overall strength of our team is reflected in the fact that we had a record number of swimmers who were capable of swimming 100 yards of freestyle in less than a minute (9 swimmers). This is a testament to the swimmers’ hard work, dedication, and desire to improve. –Coach Tom Heslin

Congratulations to the many seniors who will be playing a sport at the college of his/her choice next year BASKETBALL Kelonte Adams – Allegheny College Leah Cranmer – St. Mary’s College of Maryland Raven Owens – St. Mary’s College of Maryland Aura Payne - St. Mary’s College of Maryland FIELD HOCKEY Avery Burns - Brown University FOOTBALL Tim Bach – Denison University LACROSSE Jordie Bathras – The George Washington University Bridget Brown The College of William and Mary Mackenzie Carroll – High Point University Alex Cramer – Fairfield University Brett Crawford U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Richie Davis – Skidmore College Drew Foard – NAPS Caroline Franke - Princeton University Kayla Fu – Quinnipiac University Samantha Grieber – Hofstra University Liz Harbeson - Syracuse University Hannah Hook – University of Denver, Dean Marchitelli – The College of Wooster Scott Palmer - Washington College Beau Wood - Tufts University SAILING Kelley Merryman – St. Mary’s College of Maryland Amanda Salveson – Yale University SWIMMING Kendall Farnham – Dartmouth Louis Rosson – St. Mary’s College of Maryland not pictured: Kelonte, Raven, Aura, Amanda, and Louis

27

the bridge

severn school

Class Notes

it is with sorrow we note the passing of these severn friends

Albert Carr ’32, 2/22/2010 Robert “Bob” Jenkins ’42, 12/09 Richard Hartung ’42, 2/13/2001 Peter Hersloff ’46, 2/23/2010, brother of Sigurd N. Hersloff ’43 Wethered “Woody” Woodworth ’47, 2/19/2005 Robert “Bob” Carter ’48, 12/31/2009 James “Jim” Davis ’52, 1/16/2009 Howard W. Wheeler Jr ‘59, 5/28/10 William “Bill” Cole ’53, 9/26/2009 Charles Davis ’60, 1/18/2010 Dennis Numkena ’61, 4/11/10 Royale “Jimmy” Shields ’67, 4/18/2009 William Simmons ’71, 2/10/10 Claudia Woods ’73, 2/12/10 Ainslie Perrault ’85, 3/9/2010 Robert Miller, 11/09, grandfather of Matthew C. Treuth ’10 Bill Newman, 1/10, grandfather of Dana ’14 and Sigvard B. Johnson ’15 Bunny Old, 2/26/10, wife of Bruce Old ’30, grandmother of Katherine Old Cook ’85, Bruce Old ’87 and Josephine ’89 Old Milton C. Gelenian , 3/15/10, grandfather of Natalie S. ’12 and Aris D. Mardirossian ’14 Charles Bruce, grandfather of Erica L. Bruce ’08 William Bruther, former trustee, 5/20/10 Doris Dushane Belt, Severn faculty, 1980

1932 Albert J. Carr, Sr. died on Feb 22, 2010. He was born in Portsmouth, VA on March 25,1914, graduated from the US Naval Academy, retired from the Navy and started his own insurance and real estate business, developing commercial property in the Churchland area of Portsmouth. Louise Feen, the voice of Severn for so many years, passed away in November of last year. A group that Louise initiated at Severn was the “Secret Sisters”. As a group we wanted to do something on campus to commemorate Louise’s friendship. Bob Kennedy was able to secure a Yoshino Cherry Tree from TREEmendous and was instrumental in finding the perfect place on campus to plant the tree in Louise’s memory. Bob prepared the area for planting and then planted, staked, and mulched the tree during a ceremony that included many of the Secret Sisters and Ed, Louise’s husband, and Keith and Mark, two of her three sons. The Secret Sisters collected funds and purchased a beautiful plaque that reads “In Memory of Louise Feen -With Love from the Secret Sisters”. It was a beautiful day and a lovely gathering that we are sure pleased Louise and was very much appreciated by her family. 28

1944 Send notes to: Karl J. Christoph, Jr. 230 W. Laurel St. #802 San Diego, CA 92101 619-231-9514 radmx@msn.com

Dick Sheppe tells The Bridge: “Still vertical!” h Karl sends this news on John Fry: “Toni and I skipped the dinners and picnic (at the alumni weekend) this year, but on Sunday morning I did run the 5k one more time. My time has advanced from 37:52 four years ago to 43:48, but that’s what happens when you get to be 83. Would you believe the oldest runners were in the 50-59 age group? At the same

time I was pleased to be among all these younger people, competing to be the best. Toni and I moved to Ginger Cove, a continuingcare residence here in Annapolis last fall, and we love it.” Like the Energizer Bunnie, he just keeps going and going. h I heard from Herb Gates, the superb center on our lacrosse team and a classmate at Annapolis. The last time I saw him was at the 50th Severn reunion and then I lost track until he called me. He had had a similar problem with his hip that he broke three weeks after I broke mine with similar but more serious complications. He hopes to back to “normal” in June. He no longer lives in Satellite Beach Florida but has moved a couple of miles to Indiatlantic. I had to google it to find out where it was. As far as my concerns, I am making slow progress to the point where I can walk 200 yards unaided, but I walk beside a bar that I can grab in case my balance gets shaky. Please send me any news as our ranks are slowly diminishing. Chris

summer 2010

1946 Send notes to: Hugh “Dick” McLean P.O. Box 1735 Borrego Springs, CA 92004 hugh-mclean@hotmail.com

Peter Hersloff died in his sleep, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. He was 81. Peter moved to the Eastern Shore at a very young age. From that day forward, he embraced all that Talbot County and the Eastern Shore had to offer. He was an avid sportsman, bird hunter and yachtsman. He owned and raced many sailboats in his lifetime, but his favorite was the log canoe, Oliver’s Gift, which he owned in the ’60’s and early ’70’s. He belonged to both the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club and the Tred Avon Yacht Club, and was a past commodore of the latter. He was small in stature, but tall in charm, with a dash of mischief on the side. After Severn, Peter went on to Tabor Academy and the University of Maryland, where he was on both the wrestling and lacrosse teams. He was a stockbroker in Easton, beginning his career with Stein Bros. and Boyce, in partnership with the late Peter S. Thompson. Later, they joined the firm of Alex Brown and Sons and moved their offices to the Bullitt House, where it was rumored that business and good times received equal attention. After retiring, he and the late Rogers C. B. Morton began a yacht building business on the Wye River, which produced 13 power yachts, one of which Peter built for himself, named the Lucky Pierre. For 30 years, he took the Lucky Pierre down the inland waterway every winter to Florida. The trip was one of his greatest joys. h Leigh Capshaw writes: I had the good fortune of reading on the internet that I am a missing alumni from Severn Class of 1946. I am most happy to report that I am alive and well and live in Virginia Beach, VA. My address is as follows: Mr. Leigh R. Capshaw Sr.

405-103 Hidden Shores Ct. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454 757-321-0823 xx3.1hgiell@cox.net In simplicity, I graduated from USNA Class of ’51. This was followed by five and a half years active duty in USN during the Korean War. Following my active service I became an executive with Esso; later the Exxon Corporation. I am eighty two years old and have vivid and pleasant memories of Mr. Teel. My health is excellent. Best wishes to all. Leigh

1947 Send notes to: Blair “Buzz” Hall 666 Maid Marian Hill Sherwood Forest, MD 21405 410-849-2134 blairhall@aol.com

1948 Send notes to: Bill Fisher 8722 Higdon Drive, Vienna, VA 22182 703-938-7487 wgf50929@yahoo.com

Robert D. Carter, a retired Navy commander who became a partner in a Washington art gallery and cofounder of the Millennium Arts Center, died Dec. 31 at George Washington University Hospital. He had Alzheimer’s disease. Cmdr. Carter, a resident of Washington since 1975, was a partner in the Collector Art Gallery Restaurant at U and 17th streets NW, partner in the Art on the Seventh Floor gallery at the Washington Design Center from 1996 to 2000, and co-founder of the Millennium Arts Center in Southwest Washington. He was also a volunteer for 12 years at the Whitman-Walker Clinic and a member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes in Washington.Robert was born to a U.S. military family in Manila. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1953. He served aboard destroyers and as a communications officer on the aircraft carrier Forrestal in the

Mediterranean. He served a tour with NATO in Paris, and during the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Saigon. He retired in 1975. His decorations included the Bronze Star. h This from Bill Fisher: “The winter has passed and we are enjoying the spring and looking forward to the summer. For many of us the past winter was one filled with more snow than we have seen in a long time. For those of us in the Washington area, we really were hit hard considering our usual winters. To my wife, Mary Catherine, and me, it was beautiful but went on a bit long. (It interfered with all our doctor appointments. A welcomed relief.) We have not traveled much in the last few months, but hope to start soon. We are looking forward to spending more time on the Fisher family farm in Delaware (in our family since 1685). My brother John ’53 and I are the current shepherds of the farm. Other trips are yet to be determined. I would be delighted to hear from anyone about their family, travels and whatever. I share emails with Boogie (Doc) Strange and Ken Weir and others mostly during lacrosse season. We all have our opinions, pros and cons, on Navy lacrosse and other miscellaneous subjects. Please send any notes you have to me or to Severn School. They would certainly make the class column more interesting. Thank you. Best wishes to all. Stay healthy, have fun and take good care. Bill (alias “Skin”).”

1952

William and Jim Henry

Dennis Baumgardner

Send Notes to: Nick Goldsborough 5101 River Crescent Dr. Annapolis, MD 21401 ngoldsborough2@verizon.net

1954 Send Notes to: Jack Kelly 69 Westview Drive Norwood, MA 02062 jmkelly@norwoodlight.com

1958 Send notes to: John Eller 767 Madison Street Monterey, CA 93940 johnceller@aol.com

1960 Send notes to: Neil Perron 1253 Dogwood Road Arnold, MD 21012 nfp1@comcast.net

William Henry and his brother Jim stopped into Severn for a visit. William had not been back to campus since he left in 1960 when his Dad put him on a plane to go home to Santa Barbara. He is living in AZ and was east for a family reunion. He remembers fondly his roommate Scott Taylor.

1962 Send notes to: Robert Kesmodel 11 Island Avenue Unit 806 Miami Beach, FL 33139 Office 305-538-2004 rkesmodel@gmail.com

1964 Mary Salsich caught up with Dennis Baumgardner this spring for a few hours of reminiscing of the antics of the class of ‘64. He is doing well and loved his new Severn hat!

29

the bridge

1965 Send Notes to: Sandy Clark 528 4th Street SE Washington, D.C. 20003 sandyclark@yahoo.com

Lots of news from Sandy Clark: Greetings 65ers! Well, Alumni weekend 2010 came and went without a hitch. Severn sponsored a great series of events which were well attended by most classes and the weather even cooperated for once. We had only six stalwarts show but we concluded that for this year it was all about quality! Seriously, we would like to have seen more of our class - especially those of you who are reading this and who haven’t been back in a while. Rest assurred that we talked about you (fondly) even it you weren’t here. We’ve resolved to have a larger showing for our 50th, which coincides with the centennial year for Severn. So start planning today. h Bill Lester arrived from his ‘spread’ near San Antonio where life is obviously treating him very well. Bill encourages us all to visit him and Bess on the ‘Double B’ anytime. His latest feature is a new golf course to complement the ropin’ and ridin’ and fishin’ and hikin’ that are the mainstay of the ranch. Who can resist an invitation like that? And, as Bill says, the flights to San Antonio on Southwest are all First Class! h Dick Bennett is still enjoying his federal judgeship which keeps him plenty busy. Dick has been a vocal and ever present supporter of Severn through all its many improvements over the last 45 years. Thanks for all your help to improve things, Dick. By the time you receive this, grandchild #3 will on his family tree. Time marches on! h Bruce Spinney joined us for the picnic. Here’s his brief update: “ I retired from Uncle Sam in Jan. ’08 after 39 years. Retirement is, in a word, great. I don’t miss work at all and I’m doing many of the things I always want30

ed to but couldn’t for lack of time. Now that my eyes are fixed (after two cornea transplants, two lens implants and two laser procedures over the period 2002-2005) I have resumed flying with a vengeance and have done a lot of traveling to Asia-Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, with a tiger watching trip to India on tap for next year. So life is good. It’s like a second childhood in many ways.” It was good to see Bruce and looking so well. I am, unlike Bruce, is still hitched to the plow, working for a defense firm in Northern Virginia. Still doing a moderate amount of travel with the job, which all seems to be to the Middle East lately. Whatever happened to the Defense industry in Bali! Enjoying life on the Eastern Shore and Washington DC when not on the road. h Jim McConnaughhay was with us for the first time in a while. Jim, who is fully retired, was looking tan, fit and happy. He’s living in Annapolis, looking out over bay water from his perch in Bay Ridge. Jim’s heavily involved with local lacrosse “I work for my son, the coach!”, and rockfishing when the season is in. Good to see Jim after all these years. h Bob Schwartz sprinted away from his optometry practice to be with us for the picnic on Saturday afternoon. Big news was the upcoming marriage of his daughter where he indicated he is under strict orders of the bride that involved a concept called “the three ‘ups’.” Contact Bob for details. Suffice it to say, it would be hard to find a more proud prospective father of the bride. Bob is as happy and engaging as he’s always been. h Bill Gideon called in from West Virginia. Bill suffers from a few health issues that prevent him from driving, but was otherwise with us in spirit. Sounded great and like the Bill we all know. He sends his regards to all. h John Miller called from Eliott, Maine, where he runs a successful medical laboratory equipment company.

John has not strayed far from his technical roots, commuting to the Boston area where his clients are on a regular. He and his wife Kate are happy campers who have enjoyed Maine and New England for years. h Ralph Stoll (see photo) checked in by email from the Seattle area. Ralph and his wife Sharon enjoyed a milestone birthday of Sharon’s in Paris recently. Happy Birthday Sharon! Their daughter Lee has been a successful TV reporter /anchor in Spokane and Seattle areas. Ralph promises to be with us for the 50th. h Steve Claggett sent us an email update: “I retired after 18 years as a District Court judge in Calvert County in ’08. I still sit about 80 days a year and fill up my time doing mediations, golf, projects around the house and the list of chores Margie gives me each day. Our three kids are doing great. Our “wild child” is a Navy SEAL - Lt JG- living in San Diego going somewhere in September for his third deployment. Daughter is a Dr. of physical therapy working at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. Youngest is in a banking program with HSBC in LA and is playing in some pro lacrosse events as well as coaching.” Great legacy, Steve! h Tom Stevenson is weathering the Financial Crisis as President of People’s Bank in Chestertown. But, he has apparently hung up his fabled wooden attack stick, saying he refuses to play with alumni who use equipment made from

foreign crude (not really). Tom sent his best to the gang in Severna Park as he prepares for the upcoming nuptials of his daughter in the wild west. This time of year, Tom regularly decompresses on the Chester River...nice! Your scribe appreciates all the calls and emails on behalf of the class - keep ‘em coming! We want to hear from you. All the best, Sandy Clark h This news on Greg Birra: The

reports of my being missing are greatly exaggerated. Now I am found. After leaving Severn with a congressional appointment to Kings Point, I decided to decline, and spent the next thirty years at sea in various parts of the world. I have not lived in the US for twenty or more years, and after various adventures in the east, built an inland yacht with which we explore the continental waterways with charter guests. Visit us at www.thecanalbarge.com. It is nice to think of my time at Severn School, and wonder whatever happened to my boon companion of those days, Lee Earl Riesenweber III. Kind regards, Gregory Birra

1966 Send notes to: Richard Templeton 108 Annapolis Street Annapolis, MD 21401 kron2000@aol.com

1968 Send notes to: Shannon McDowell 3 South Cherry Grove Ave. Annapolis, MD 21401 shannonmcdowell2006@comcast. net

Ralph and Sharon Stoll

This is the first real word we have heard from Chris Crawford - since forever! “I’m up in Shepherdstown a cool little bohemian Mecca. I’m still shoeing some horses, thanks to you [Shannon]. Your mothers comment 30 plus years ago about farriers being hard to find and expensive made me

summer 2010

pick that career. I have been doing a form of human bodywork called Manual Therapy. My wife does the same kind of work and we have 2 offices. She (Lori)has gone back school full time, works full time and is Vice Mayor, police committee, tree committee, streetscape, planning commission and is raising our 13 year old daughter. I’m playing in three bands, The Giants of Tiny Town (covers with a twist), the Shemacians (reggae), and The Funkaholics (horn band). Other than that not much.”

1969 Send notes to: Nick Codd P.O. Box 843 Severna Park, MD 21146 nickcodd@verizon.net

1971 William McKay Simmons, 56, a prominent real estate attorney, died Feb. 10 in his Annapolis home after a two and a half year battle with cancer. Will obtained his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1978, following an undergraduate education at Ohio Wesleyan where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and met his wife of thirty one years, Kathryn Jean Bye. He went on to found the law office of William M. Simmons, a prominent fixture for many years on West Street in downtown Annapolis. Outside of the law, enthusiasm colored every hobby in which Will was involved, and his interests were expansive. He was a world class sailor and ocean racer, reveled in photographing the natural world, and held a black belt in Taekwondo. He was also an avid hiker, rock climber, scuba diver, soaring pilot, race car driver and formally trained classical guitarist.

Jeff Bauer continues to work three jobs in Chicago; running his interior and space planning company, teaching design at The Theater School of DePaul University, and designing sets for theater, dance, and opera productions. He has a world premiere show, A Guide for the Perplexed, opening at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater in July, and The Nutcracker, presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet, opening in November. Jeff enjoys taking the time to travel, lately to Cabo San Lucas, Florida, South America and New York, and he says that it helped him recharge after the difficult time surrounding the passing of his father. I am hearing similar stories from many of our classmates. Jeff is planning a trip to Greece this summer if, as he puts it, “…their economy and the volcano cooperate.” h Cliff Carr lives in Texas and writes that his eldest son, Stuart, will be getting married in October, with Cliff’s two other sons and his daughter as members of the wedding party. Stuart graduated from University of North Texas and works for the American Automobile Association. Cliff, like many others, has discovered that Facebook offers a great way to reconnect with classmates. Severn has a Facebook page with information about events, sports and photo albums from alumni events. You can find many of our classmates by visiting the Severn School Alumni Facebook page. h Brian Harryman is on Facebook. He is a civil-

ian employee at the Department of Defense, just two years away from retirement. “The years seem to have steamrolled by.” Brian is an avid bridge player; something that he fears is becoming a lost art. He and his wife Mary have three children, reside in Baltimore and enjoy time together in Newport Beach, Martha’s Vineyard and Ocean City. Brian keeps in touch with Chip Ross, who was in our class for just the 7th grade, and complains that he has lost touch with John Donovan (Pumpkin head) and Mark O’Brien (OB.) So have I. Does anyone have a lead on these two?­h Frank Speaks has a Facebook page but he does not have time to spare for the Internet. He prefers to communicate directly on the phone. You can call him on his cell at 240-750-0709. He still lives on Melrose, across from the Navy-Marine Corps stadium in Annapolis. Frank spent time in the Navy after Severn, and graduated summa cum laude from UMES. Today he is a project manager for A. Morton Thomas, an engineering consulting company. He is currently on a huge paving project in Virginia, a job that has to be done at night. “All night long I just keep saying, ‘I love my work. I love my work. I love my work.’ Soon I may start believing it.” Frank describes the job as an “$8 million-dollar gift to big oil by president Bush-shovel ready stimulus money.” On his own time, Frank is trying to push his 400 horsepower truck up toward 500

horses. Going from zero to sixty in less than six-seconds is just is not fast enough. Frank has two sons, Frank Jr., recently married (you can see photos on Frank’s Facebook page), and Eric, who shares the Melrose house with his dad.

1973 ­ Send notes to: Bona Hurst Ellis 513 Point Field Drive Millersville, MD 21108 410-987-3949 rellis@msn.com

Claudia Clanton Woods, 54, of Davidsonville died of natural causes on Feb 12. Claudia was a member of the first group of women to attend Severn and was a highly-competitive student and athlete. She was an avid field hockey player, sailor, snow and water skier, and figure skater. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 1978 and then did a cross-country tour of the USA as well as seeing much of Europe. Traveling would remain one of her greatest passions. Early in her career she managed the swimming programs at the Westfield, NJ YMCA where she helped inaugurate the original Early Swim program for infants. Returning to Arnold, MD she entered the computer sciences field at USF&G and later at IITRE in Parole, MD where she met her husband, Edward (Ed) Woods, whom she married in 1982. Later, Claudia received a Masters of Information Management at George Washington University. Most recently, Claudia was a Program Manager

1972 Send notes to: John Norton 13 Botany Court Emerald Hills, CA 94062 650-361-8062 john@declarity.com

Frank Speaks 31

the bridge

for Lockheed-Martin in Hanover, MD. With her family she built a beautiful home, grew many beautiful gardens, provided shelter and love to four dogs and three cats, and organized many wonderful cruises, skiing vacations, and trips through the U.S. and abroad.

1976 Send notes to: Catherine Clarke 104 Castletown Road Lutherville, MD 21093 410-823-7777

1978 Send notes to: Denise Tray Rosson Severn School The Boone House 116 Maple Avenue Severna Park, MD 21146 d.rosson@severnschool.com

1979 Send notes to: Kim Corbin Aviles 443 Maryleborn Road Severna Park, MD 21146 kaviles@csalaw.com

1980 Send notes to: Andy Long 7034 Irongate Lane Dallas, TX 75214 214-821-4526 AFLong@sbcglobal.net

Michele Frame Miller tells The Bridge: “It was so nice to see some of us at the picnic this year! My first one in 30 years and I wish I would have come sooner!”

1981 Send notes to: Stacey Hendricks Manis 211 Mount Oak Place Annapolis, MD 21409 410-349-8822 maniss@comcast.net

1982 Send notes to: Tracy Tischer 504 Riverview Ct Annapolis, MD 21401 410-266-4595 tracyctisher@hotmail.com

1983 Send notes to: Molly Moore Green 123 Hatton Drive Severna Park, MD 21146 m.green@severnschool.com

Joe Schaller’s ’78 daughter Remi

Brooks Tucker writes: “Concluded a yearlong military fellowship in the U.S. Senate in December and am now serving as the Deputy Staff Director, Republican Staff, for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. Most of my work involves media relations and com-

From the Class of ’73: Court Williams, G.P. Lindsay, Mike Houser, Jeff Taylor, Gary Zorn, Bo Wheeler, & Jeff Popum had a Winterfest in Vermont 32

munications, veterans outreach, and oversight and investigation. Given the complex issues before Congress these days, seeing the political and policy processes first hand is turning out to be a valuable education.”

1984 Send Notes to: Susan Leonard Susanleonard1921@mac.com

Susan sends in lots of news!: The Class of ’84 is proud to announce that Severn Athletic Director and former Soccer Player of the Year for Anne Arundel County, Julian Domenech, was inducted into Severn’s Athletic Hall of Fame this May! Julian was introduced by Chris Jay who pointed out in an oftentimes emotional and jovial speech that Julian’s career started on Maple Avenue and put Severn soccer on the map. Classmates Billy Schaller, Mike Destefano, Chris Lamon and I also attended the ceremony. Congratulations Julian from the whole class! h Andy Davidson, President and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals, recently returned from a trip to Haiti with several teams of doctors and nurses and ran one of the only hospitals left standing in the city after the earthquake King’s Hospital. Andy writes, “It was an experience that has forever changed the way I look at humanity and Mother Nature. The resilience of the Haitian people is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. I stay in touch on a very regular basis with several of the Haitians I met. Young, educated and multi-lingual, these kids have no interest in leaving their Haiti. They want to stay, endure, and be a part of turning around a country that has been in dismay for the better part of a century. Incredible. Can’t wait to go back with my kids so they can understand connection to family and country in ways they simply can not today.” Many of us were moved by Andy’s palpable

retelling of his story on Facebook. You can read more by visiting his blog orhospitals.wordpress. com. h Howard (Howie) Stevens reports that he is beginning his second year in the position of Managing Partner of the law firm Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP in Baltimore. Howard’s primary practice area is construction law and construction litigation. He and his wife Bambi have 6 ½ and 2 ½ year old boys. h Chris Jay started a new business, Piggybanc. On the company’s website, you can fund a child’s savings account and friends, family, and relatives can contribute. Plus, it teaches children how to save and why it’s important. The business right now is compatible with credit unions. Check it out at piggybanc.com. h Courtney Luiza writes: Enjoying farm life in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains with my husband, Dave, and our 5 horses, mini donkey, 7 cats and our latest addition, our golden retriever that we rescued from the animal shelter. My husband Dave works for a NASCAR team, so our life is all about “horsepower”! I’ve been fortunate enough to become a part of the NASCAR “family” and get to be behind the scenes of such an exciting sport. After 25 years, I’ve retired from teaching riding lessons and training show horses and spend my time trail riding. Enjoying catching up on Facebook with all my old Severn friends! Spent a wonderful day with Carrie Duvall Davis in Blowing Rock, NC last summer. It made me miss the good ol’ Severn days! h Sherry Duvall writes: We have just opened the door of our new Real Estate office. Yup, only me would open a new office at the bottom of the worst real estate market in history. I say, “it has to go up from here. I will be ready!” We are also planning my first trip to Italy in July complete with a trip to the market and cooking school in Florence. Over the weekend, Amy (lil sis) and I just

summer 2010

completed our first Sprint Triathlon on May 9th with a respectable finish of 1 hour and 48 minutes. Needless to say, not much grass grows under my feet these days. h Nandy Wentzel practices acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine at her clinic (Age Well Acupuncture Clinic) in Bethesda, MD. She earned a Master’s in Acupuncture in 2004 after completing her program in China. Nandy is completely in love with her work and feels very lucky to have discovered it! A 14-year anniversary is coming up for Nandy and her husband Dhafer and they have two amazing boys, Skander (age 11) and Zachary (age 9). Elizabeth Slanker Manning is the Middle and Upper School Latin Teacher at The Calverton School in Huntingtown, MD. Elizabeth was the class recipient of the Lynch Latin Award in 1984 in honor of former Severn Latin teacher Dick Lynch. She told me recently that while she’s proud of the award, “The greater reward was having Mr. Lynch as a teacher. I really thought he was a very talented, charismatic teacher.” Elizabeth is married and has one son, Daniel.

1985 Send notes to: Julie Katcef Maseritz 197 Cinnamon Lane Edgewater, MD 21037 julie12@comcast.net

John C. Eldridge, Jr. passed the Maryland Bar exam and was sworn in as a member of the bar in December.

1987 Penny Leatherwood Kennedy penny.kennedy@gmail.com 410-439-5982

Penny writes: “There were a record setting 500 attendees at this years alumni picnic - were you one of them? Following is a photo of Lakin Ducker ’86, Sallie Luck ’86, Ian Robb Patrick ’87 and Mariam Bahrami ’87 at the picnic - please keep sending your updates so you can be included in the class notes! Here is a note from Mariam Bahrami: “There was a record turn out for the Severn Alumni picnic this year! Over 500 alumni, family and friends attended. Amy Tate Schultheis, Ian Robb Patrick, Michelle Hurt Para, Tara Frame Wicker and I were there representing the class of 87. It is always a great time catching up with old friends and I would encourage people to try to make it in the future!” h This is from Amy Tate Schultheis: “Hi all - In addition to keeping busy with family and work, I have committed to run a half-marathon to benefit Chrohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America in honor of a dear friend’s daughter who was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 6. Those who know me know I am NOT the marathon type but I will finish strong thinking of her and my supportive friends and family, including my fellow Severn alumni. Please visit my site active.com/donate/Boston10Maryland/AmyTateisJoggingforJulia. And check in at my Facebook page for other events.”

1986 Send notes to: Sara Tabasi Toomey 150 Longfellow Drive Millersville, MD 21108 410-315-7728 charleysangels@verizon.net

JOHN HOLLWAY ’77, lawyer, author JOHN HOLLWAY ’77 introduces his first book, “Killing Time”, which recounts an 18-year odyssey to prove the innocence of John Thompson, a man who was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of a prominent white man in New Orleans. In a letter to our alumni department, John tells our readers about “Killing Time” and his time at Severn.

“I recently published my first book, a non-fiction account of John Thompson, a man sent to death row in Louisiana in 1985 for two crimes he didn’t commit.  Less than 4 weeks before his scheduled execution in 1999, John’s lawyers discovered evidence that had been buried by the New Orleans DA’s Office (run by Harry Connick, Sr., father of the famous singer) suggesting that John’s claims of innocence might actually be the truth.  This led to a dramatic retrial in 2003 that resulted in John’s acquittal on all charges.   The story allowed me as a writer to create what I hope is an “intelligent beach read” – something where the twists and turns of the story will keep you turning the pages, but the underlying material will make readers stop and think about the trust we give our prosecutors, the role of the death penalty in our society, and what we as a community should do when elected officials act improperly.  These issues are so well defined in John’s case that the US Supreme Court will be considering them in October, as they hear argument on John’s civil case against the City of New Orleans.   The first person that I remember who thought that I could be a writer was Nancy Osius, my 12th grade English Teacher.  I remember that being a unique thing at the time, and it definitely gave me confidence to take something like this project on.  I’d also be very appreciative if you could forward this email to any of the teachers who have been at the school since 1988, including Mr. Heslin, Ms. McLaughlin, and Mr. Madden – I haven’t seen or spoken to them in years, but I think of them often, and always with a smile and deep, deep affection.”

John’s book may be purchased at amazon.com and bookstores everywhere.

Lakin Ducker ’86, Sallie Luck ’86, Ian Robb Patrick ’87 & Mariam Bahram ’87

Read a review of Killing Time at www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2010/05/25/killing_time_chronicles_the_righting_of_a_ wrongful_conviction/

33

the bridge

1988 Send notes to: Drew Burns 402 Ben Oaks Dr East Severna Park, MD 21146 dburns@pcmgc.com 410-846-5570 Make sure you catch the John Hollway story on page 33!

1989 Send notes to: Holly Hodson 668 N. Coast Hwy. #408 Laguna Beach, CA  92651 949-497-8770 holly@fijigirl.net

Congratulations (although a year late!) to Dave and Jennifer (Singleton) Wittlinger, who welcomed their second, Gavin, May 13, 2009. Additionally, congratulations to Kyle and Anne (Corter) German and their “new” arrival last fall, Peyton. Ann Paglee Bozick submitted a photo of baby Molly Brannan who joined her big sis Piper last year! Ann says that her house is filled with lots of laughs and smiles and all things pink! h Thanks for checking in you guys! I got to enjoy a good dose of Severna Park and Annapolis over the holidays. It was great running into some of you! I hope everyone enjoys their spring and has a great summer break. Let me know what you did and send photos!

1990 Send notes to: Blairlee Sommers Owens 419 Prince George Street Laurel, MD 20707 blairleeowens@comcast.net

Can you believe that we graduated from Severn 20 years ago? It still amazes me that so many years have gone by. Many of us gathered on April 30th - May 1st to celebrate our 20th Reunion and rekindle old friendships as well as make new ones and have fun. On Friday night, we gathered at the home of Amy Stehl Bauer and Drew Bauer ’91. It was an evening of catching up and great food and drink. 34

Thanks Amy and Drew for having us over! At the Alumni Family Picnic on Saturday afternoon, our class was well represented. Our families took up more than the one table we had been allotted. It was great to meet everyone’s families. We got together one last time at the Toast to Teel Alumni Reunion Class Dinner held in the Edward St. John Athletic Facility. Dan Robinson’s parents joined us on Saturday. I am so happy that they were able to attend. The Class of 1990 was well represented at Alumni Weekend 2010. According to the Alumni Office, 47 of us attended at least one of the events on Saturday as well as many family members. Those classmates included Amy Stehl Bauer, Marie Henein Bell, Jen Hozik Bova, Tanya Kujawa Brogan, Charles Bullen, Kelly Burrows, Pete Byrnes, Michelle Wolfe Cantrell, Lucy Carter Chinea, Pete Cotgreave, Robin Atkins Cotgreave, Chris Crook, Jen Campion Daly, Brian Dare, Kevin Depew, Scott Engelman, Holly Eyler Yeatman, Felicia Sass Greenfield, William Han, Melissa Muendel Hartley, Rena Hicks, Amy Hooper Higginbotham, Rolf Hill, Geoff Hughes, Janet Mann Johnson, Craig Knight, Marnell Edwards McCarthy, Hope Schied McMichael, Heather Heine Michaelson, Margot Mohsberg, Blairlee Meade Owens, Allison Tate Pastine, Darby Pollock, Roger Porter, Becky Reid Qualey, Pete

Ryder, Francesca Dougherty Schinnerer, Graham Shafer, Carl Schwartz, Betty Cole Staples, Allison Lewis Stine, Ryan Wade, Lisa Bell Warhover, Cara Gunther Waterhouse, Jason Weeks, Allison Graham Williams, Roni Threlfall Wyss, and Craig Zylka. I know that there were others that were only able to attend on Friday night, so that number is definitely higher. Our class set the record for percentage of giving with 60% of our class donating towards our class gift made in memory of Dan Robinson and Erik Kristensen. I have created a Snapfish photo album so that we can share photos from the reunion www2.snapfish. com/comcast2/thumbnailshare/ AlbumID=4685920013/ a=102848439_102848439/ otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/>). Below is a picture taken at the picnic on Saturday. Finally, thank you to Margot Mohsberg for all of her hard work as our 20th Reunion Class Chair. Without all of her time and effort, I am certain that our 20th Reunion would not have been as well attended nor would our class giving have been so high. Remember to send me your updates so that I can include them in upcoming editions of the Bridge.

Class of 1990 at the Alumni Weekend Picnic

Check out the baby bonanza on page 38!

1991 Send notes to: Heather Clark Piskorowski 4371 Westminster Place Saint Louis MO 63108 heatherpisko@gmail.com or to: Matt Sarro 3051 Aberdeen Road Annapolis, MD 21403 mattsarro@yahoo.com

Melissa Allen and husband Mick Silver welcomed twins this past March! Josephine “Josie” Eva Silver (4 lbs 12 oz) and Owen Allen Silver (5 lbs 12 oz) join big brother Ollie at the Silver house in Washington DC. Everyone is doing well - Melissa was even spotted out with all 3 kids a few weeks after having the twins. Very impressive!

1992 Send notes to: Jennifer Molesevich 305 S. Clinton St. Baltimore, MD 21224 jennpm1@msn.com

T.D. Albright tells The Bridge: “T. Edward Rowe Albright joined our family on April 12, 2010 at 12:11pm. Eddie weighed 7 lbs and was 19.25 inches long. Kerri and Eddie are doing great. Annie is excited for her new role as a big sis (she had no idea that he was coming home for good). We are so very happy and thankful for our new son.

Rex Vogan ’93, Cooper and Payton

summer 2010

1993 Send notes to: Dave Sobel 3171 Colchester Brook Lane Fairfax, VA 22031 703-280-2628 dave@evolvetech.com

Rex Vogan, wife Lauren, and big sister Payton, are proud to announce the birth of Cooper Alexander Vogan, born December 3, 2009 in Washington, DC. Rex and his family reside in Northern Virginia where Rex practices as a clinical psychologist. He founded his practice pinnaclepsychology. net over a year ago, where he concentrates in adolescent psychology.

1994 Send notes to: Michael Calabrese calabrese_michael@hotmail.com

Michael Calabrese and his wife Erin, Severn’s Upper School Life Skills teacher, delivered a healthy baby boy on January 29. His name is Matthew Anthony Calabrese, and he weighed in at 8lbs 15oz and measured 21. His big sister, Megan, is very happy he has finally arrived, and Mom and baby are doing great!

1995 Send notes to: Darcy Watt Gurganous 703-327-1089 drwatt21@hotmail.com

Darcy writes: “Hi Everyone! We had a great showing at our Class Reunion in May. Attending were: Allison Clark Collins, Rebecca Hurst Kemp, Elizabeth Cullen, Todd McManus, Melissa Selby Wienk, Ethan Feldman, Jason Scott, Carlos Alarcon, Megan Alexander, Beth Fogarty, Phyllis Birkhead, John Vereen, Tim Marsh, Alex Rouse, Claire Wagner, Skip Joslin, and myself! It was so great catching up with everyone and also seeing folks from other classes like Bridget Berger

Jakovics ’94, Eric Alexander ’94 and Christy Cole Wade ’93. We received notes from several other classmates who were unable to attend, including Kelly Creech Lydem, who writes: “Still living in Portland, Oregon. Torry and I have been married for almost 5 years now. I’m still a vet at the same hospital, Tor’s still a chef. We have a 14 mo. son named Nate, one dog and 2 cats. Expecting this Nov (don’t know if a boy or girl). Things are great out here.” We also saw Mrs. Michelsen who reported that Chris Michelsen was unable to attend since he and his wife, Brooke, just had a baby girl, Keely! I hope everyone is doing well - it has been great being back in touch with so many of you. h Mr. and Mrs. Brandt Fifer of Roswell, GA announce the December 17, 2009 birth of their 5 pound, 4 ounce daughter, Emma Avery Fifer. Mom and baby are doing wonderfully. h From Cindi

Hodges, mom of Colin: I truly enjoyed the Winter 2010 Bridge article “Alumni in the Arts” by Natalie Mardirossian. She did a terrific job writing about the artists. I enjoyed hearing of Allison Prouty’s accomplishments as she was a fellow student of my son, Colin Hodges. As a proud Mom who is very grateful for the education Colin received at Severn, I thought the readers should know about Colin’s accomplishments as an artist. The foundation he received in both the arts and technology at Severn fueled his interest and success in the very competitive movie and game industry. Colin has established himself as a major 3D Animation Innovator in the world of movies and games. He presently is working with Pen-

dulum Studios headquartered in San Diego, California. Prior positions have been with Dreamworks (Shrek), Disney Studios, Stan Winston Studios, and Soft Image. Colin can explain what he does artistically much better that I can ever attempt! You can contact Colin on his cell phone at (818) 458-4493. His e-mail address is dcd@rendertree.com Watch for more on Colin Hodges in an upcoming Bridge!

1996 Send notes to: Erika Huebner 4709 Spring Hill Road Savannah, GA 31404 912-691-1639 erika@designstudio13.com

1997 Send notes to: Gussie Habeck Melendez augustamelendez@gmail.com

Jenny Songer writes: Sean and I have moved from NYC to DC. Sean started a new job as the director of finance for a network of charter schools and is loving it. We’re also expecting a baby girl in the first week of April! Our new address is 440 12th Street NE, Apt. 212, Washington, DC 20002

1998

for many, many more. Also, I am teaching yoga a few times a week at Ridgely Retreat in West Annapolis (www.ridgelyretreat.com). Stop by and see me sometime!”

2000 Send notes to: Jane Friend Jfriend12@gmail.com

Catherine Koch delivered exciting news: “I got engaged at the end of March to Phil Eplett! We are very excited and are getting hitched this October! I am living in Canton and managing the Urban Chic in Harbor East. My jewelry line, Kiki Beach, is being sold in all four UC locations and is our biggest jewelry seller!” h Jason Alonso says, “I’m now volunteering as CFO for a non-profit organization called Learning Unlimited, www.learningu.org, that helps college students run educational outreach and enrichment programs for middle and high school students across the country. I’m also finishing up year two of four of the PhD program at the MIT Media Laboratory, where I’m working to give robots common sense.” h After a year and a half with the RNC, Doug Mayer recently took a job with Governor Bob Ehrlich’s campaign and is now living in Eastport.

Send notes to: Dan Ericson 910 M Street NW #408 Washington, D.C. 20001 ericson@gwu.edu

1999 Send notes to: Jennifer Scott 1650 21st Rd. N. Apt 2 Arlington, VA 22209-1160 jenscott@alumni.virginia.edu

This news from Katharine Coldiron: “Hi all. I have some news: Matthew Mason ’99 asked me to marry him in February! We are having a teeny-tiny outdoor wedding in June 2011 in upstate New York. We have been together four wonderful years and hope

become a severn school facebook fan!

35

the bridge

2001

2003

Send notes to: Helen Birney helenwb@gmail.com

Send notes to: Laura Lutkefedder llutkefedder@gmail.com

Lauren Siebert writes: Yes, everything in LA is great! I am a celebrity producer on America’s Got Talent and a prize producer for Let’s Make A Deal on CBS. h Rob and Tara Bourdelaise Hantkse welcomed Riley Keen Hanske on April 12, 2010. h Mary and Joe Salsich spent a delightful afternoon with Charley Neely in Charleston, SC. Charley is the manager of the “The Rooftop Bar and Restaurant” A great place for a view of the city. He loves living in Charleston.

2004

2002 Send Notes to: Kristi Jobson kristi.jobson@gmail.com

From Sarah Jane Dunaway: “Several months ago, my current employer West Coast Paper promoted me to marketing coordinator to help launch their new business venture, Supply Ways. And after seven months of some strenuous training, I graduated earlier this month from the Washington State Explorer Search & Rescue program. I also had my first mission last weekend, rescuing an avalanche victim from Granite Mountain!”

Send Notes to: Jenn Presswood jennpresswood@gmail.com

Carl Hoff received the degree of Master of Education from the Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in May, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. He majored in Leadership, Policy and Organization, and works as a graduate assistant with the Hubert H. Humphrey International Fellowship Program. Carl received the degree of Bachelor of Science, also from the Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in 2008. His undergraduate majors were in History and in Secondary Education. Carl resides in Nashville and can be reached at carl. james.hoff@gmail.com

Joe Salsich and Charlie Neely ’01 in Charleston

Lawrie Heyworth ’01 on duty in Haiti 36

Maura Olcese qualified for and ran in the 2010 Boston Marathon in April completing the race in 3:29.01. This was her third marathon and the second time for Boston. In addition to competing in marathons and triathlons, she is working at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. h Jack Rosson made several life-changing decisions this winter. In January he married his college sweetheart Kate Wells in Kate’s hometown of Poland, Ohio. Several Severn alums were on hand including Ryan Brassel, Drew McCarl and Brook Bolger ’04. Dennis Rosson ’07 was the best man while his brother Louis ’10 and sister Lainey ’08 served as attendants. In March, Jack entered Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, TX for basic training. Upon completion in May, he was awarded the prestigious Top Airman Award out of 778 recruits. He is currently training for a career in Cyber Transport Systems at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. He will deploy, troubleshoot and repair voice, data and video network infrastructures systems, IP detection systems and cryptographic equipment. Jack will complete the program within 9 to 12 months at which time he will be assigned his first tour of duty. h Ryan Blackburn graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Math and was commissioned an Ensign

in the United States Navy by his proud Dad! Ryan spent the summer working in the NROTC unit at Virginia Tech improving his golf game, sailing, and enjoying life in general. In August with Mom & Dad’s help, he purchased his first house (two story, 1,824 sq ft brand new) in Pensacola, Florida. He then reported to Navy Flight School at the end of August. He has continued to volunteer at the local high school tutoring students in math. After teaching sailing every summer and substituting at Mom’s school during his college vacations, Ryan fell in love with teaching. Deep down he really wants to be a math teacher but Mom won’t let him! Right now he wants to make the Navy & flying jets a career.

2005 Send Notes to: Tyler Williams Willitr0@sewanee.edu Jenessa Del Sesto jmdel87@aol.com

D.J. Baines graduated from The College of Charleston last May (B.A. in Business) and will be entering the Univ. of Baltimore Law School next fall. He took a year off between college and law school to enjoy life. During the past year he has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. visiting friends and family. Just before Christmas he

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Rosson ’04 and wedding party

summer 2010

drove across the country, from DE to San Diego and L.A. and back - with stops in Va., Tenn., Mo., Las Vegas, and Wy. where he visited friends and cousins along the way and in Ca. He did some surfing in the Pacific and snowboarding in Jackson Hole. While in L.A., he finagled his way onto the set of “NFL Today” and met Michael Strahan, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson, and the rest of the Fox “NFL Today” broadcast crew. He said, “Strahan looked so young he ought to come back and play for the Skins!” D.J.’s VW was jammed quite full with two weeks worth of clothes for both summer and winter climates and with his surfboard and snowboard on the roof carrier! h Lesley Sutherland has been accepted to the University of Maryland School of Medicine and will begin in the fall!

2006 Send Notes to: Courtney Dunn ctd231@nyu.edu

Kaitlyn Myers closed out her college days with a strong finish, graduating magna cum laude from Kenyon College in May. In her final semester Katie was awarded high honors for her honors project relating to vocal music and the maintenance of community in a Galway (Ireland) Pub, received the David B. Perry Senior Music Major Award for outstanding academic achievement during four years in the Kenyon Music Department, and was selected to sing, for the second time, in the Angela Waite Recital Series (the recitals feature

the students judged the best performers at the end of semester by music department juries.) Kaitlyn was inducted into the Kenyon College Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. h Stephanie Ayers was awarded a bachelor of arts degree at Wellesley College in May, 2010. Stephanie was one of approximately 600 graduates at Wellesley, the nation’s leading college for women. Stephanie majored in Women & Gender Studies and Peace & Justice Studies and plans to travel and volunteer after graduation.

2007 Send Notes to: Samantha Goldman srgoldma@syr.edu or: Graham Ellison ellisogc@eckerd.edu

In January, Lafayette College junior Dylan McNamara was part of a group of Lafayette students that earned the national title in the College Fed Challenge at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. The team defeated last year’s champion, Harvard University, as well as Northwestern and Rutgers Universities, to receive a $25,000 prize and congratulations by Federal Reserve chairman Ben S. Bernanke. Sponsored by the Moody’s Foundation and the Federal Reserve System, the College Fed Challenge allows students to become monetary policy makers as they assess current economic conditions, determine Federal Reserve goals, and develop a monetary policy that addresses these goals. They are scored on content, responses to judges’ questions, research and analysis, presentation, and teamwork. Congrats, Dylan!

2008 Send Notes to: Annie Weber acw5133@psu.edu or: Stephen Sexauer stephen.b.sexauer@vanderbilt.edu Dylan McNamara ’07

From Woodey Wooddell ’73, President, Severn Alumni Executive Council Warm summer greetings to all! It’s been a busy spring, and Severn has been bustling with Alumni, both new and old. Alumni Weekend 2010 drew a resounding “wow!” from everyone in attendance. A record turnout was seen at all the activities - over 500 Alumni and their families enjoyed a beautiful spring afternoon filled with good food, great music and renewed friendships at the Alumni Picnic. In what has become the premier event of Alumni Weekend, almost 300 Alumni and spouses filled the Edward St. John Athletic Center Saturday evening for the Class Reunion Dinner. Kudos go to all the reunion years and their chairpersons, and in particular to the classes of ’85 and ’90, who broke both attendance and class gift contribution records with over 60% participation! This June we add the 96 members of the Class of 2010 to our ranks. We welcome them and wish them well as they go out into a truly impressive spectrum of universities and fields of study. The preparation they have had for the next four years is second to none. And they will be amazed how quickly their 5 year reunion will be here. The Alumni Executive Council is already planning for 2011. Thanks to the tremendous response to our surveys both online and at Alumni Weekend, it was abundantly clear that our alumni body would like to see a much greater emphasis on professional networking. We will be creating a plan for this effort this summer and Homecoming next fall will feature a general alumni meeting focused primarily on creating strong networking bonds throughout our alumni body. This is the essence of the Alumni Executive Council’s renewed

commitment to Severn. We are working to expand the scope and strength of the Severn Alumni family. It is indeed happening, we saw it this spring! Please stay in touch, respond to our surveys, give us your ideas, come and help organize or just pay Severn a visit. It’s an amazing place, one for which we should all be proud to be a part of. Woody Wooddell ’73

“We are working to expand the scope and strength of the

Severn Alumni family.”

2009 Rachel Pritzlaff and Kate Schmicker were named to the Dean’s High Honors List for the fall 2010 semester at Connecticut College. Kate Schmicker, preformed in the college’s prodcution

of “The Vagina Monologues”, Eve Ensler’s popular international play that celebrates the strength of woman. h CJ Soderlund wasnamed to the Dean’s List for the fall 2010 semester at Bucknell University. 37

the bridge

severn school class of 20?? A big baby season! Congratulations and a very big thank you to the many alums who took the time to share photos of their latest arrivals

Twins Owen and Josie Silver, babies of Mick & Mellisa Silver Allen ’91

T. Edward Albright, son of Kerri & T.D. Albright ’92

Gavin Wittlinger, son of David & Jenn Singleton Wittlinger ’89

Riley Hantske, daughter of Tara Bourdelaise Hantske ’01 and husband Robert

Cooper Vogan, son of Rex ’93 and Lauren Vogan

Molly Branna Bozick daughter of Brad & Ann Paglee Bozick ’89

Liam Franklin Cool, son of Cliff & Sarah Franey Cool ’92

Matthew Anthony Calabrese, son of Michael ’94 & Erin Calabrese (Upper School Life Skills teacher)

become a severn school facebook fan! 38

Sadie James Pessagno daughter of Kay Gingell ’00 & Matt Pessagno

Emma Avery Fifer daughter of Brandt Fifer ’95

The Annual Fund in Action John Turner, our departing academic dean, introduced and administered the College and Work Readiness Assessment test with your Annual Fund dollars. The Annual Fund closes the gap between tuition and expenses and adds additional revenue to allow faculty to enrich programs and offerings which in turn provides a superior experience for our students and their families. John’s initiative caught the eye of The Washington Post. Please read the following article by Jay Matthews extolling our annual fund in action.

High schools should dare to measure success differently On my blog, washingtonpost.com/class-struggle, I gush over my many genius ideas, worthy of the Nobel Prize for education writing if there was one. Here is a sample from last month:

there is just one: Severn School, a private, sixththrough-12th-grade school with about 600 students on a 19-acre campus in Anne Arundel County’s Severna Park.

April weather last year was lovely. The senior class president warned Turner that several people planned to stay home on testing day. What could he do? The exam didn’t count.

“Why not take the Collegiate Learning Assessment, a new essay exam that measures analysis and critical thinking, and apply it to high schools? Some colleges give it to all of their freshmen, and then again to that class when they are seniors, and see how much value their professors at that college have added. We could do the same for high schools, with maybe a somewhat less strenuous version.”

John Turner, an English teacher and Severn’s academic dean, said he first heard of the program from John Austin, academic dean of St. Andrew’s School, a private school in Middletown, Del., even smaller than Severn. St. Andrew’s hosted a conference on how to teach and assess critical thinking in 2008. Several of the private high schools there signed up for what is called the CWRA, along with about a dozen public schools in Virginia Beach, several schools in the New Tech public high school network that began in California and an assortment of other private and public schools in 18 states.

To his surprise, everyone showed up. Many told him afterward that they had enjoyed an exam that made them think. The results were encouraging. The school scored in the 92nd percentile, compared with other high school seniors or college freshmen who had taken the test. Last fall, the incoming ninth-graders took it. Next month will be this year’s seniors’ turn. By 2013, the school will know how much value Severn has added to the analytical and critical thinking skills of one class after four years.

Readers usually ignore these eruptions of ego. But after I posted that idea, a young man named Chris Jackson e-mailed me that his organization had thought of it four years ago and had it up and running. Very cheeky, I thought, but also intriguing. I never thought anyone would try such a daring concept. If your high school’s seniors didn’t score much better than your freshmen, what would you do? What schools would have the courage to put themselves to that test or, even worse, quantify the level of their failure, as the program does? It turns out, not many. Jackson, project manager for the Collegiate Learning Assessment and its high school version, the College and Work Readiness Assessment, said only about 50 high schools have signed up. In the Washington area,

The 100-minute exam is done online. There are no multiple choice questions. The student is given a task, such as a memo to a company president on whether to buy a certain small private plane shortly after an accident involving that model. The student reviews news articles, a federal accident report, performance charts and other data, then writes a memo justifying a recommendation. Scorers grade for clarity, persuasiveness, balance and other factors. The program charges $40 per student, or for Severn, about $8,000 a year. When Turner explained to his seniors what they were going to be asked to do, “there was not a whole lot of applause in the room,” he said. The

Few colleges using the test have released their results. High schools such as Severn have also been careful to keep the numbers to themselves. But Turner said his colleagues are working on teaching these skills. As schools get used to it, who knows what might happen? Someday, we might measure academic worth not with SAT averages but by how well each school’s students thought through a complicated problem. That might force a major change in the way we teach high school, not a minute too soon. From The Washington Post, © Thursday, March 18, 2010. All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States

39

201 Water Street Severna Park, MD 21146 www.severnschool.com 410-647-7700

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #81 Millersville, MD

HEY, ALUMNI! Graduated? Moved out of your parent’s basement? Taken a job on the west coast? We want to make sure that The Bridge gets to wherever it is you’re going! Update your info at www.severnschool.com or contact Alison Hall, Database Manager, 410-647-7701 ext. 2256, or e mail a.hall@severnschool.com

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Drawings from Raphael Sassi ’95, www.raphaelsassi.com