The Bridge Fall 2025

toTo build is bold. It demands confidence, courage, and a steadfast belief in the mission. It is the ultimate expression of optimism—a deep conviction in the vision for what lies ahead and in the foundation upon which it all rests. This spirit of forward-looking creation is the very essence of our theme for this issue of The Bridge: Building Our Future.

Sharing the details of our new, state-of-the-art Chesapeake Campus—a physical manifestation of our commitment to progress—is the centerpiece and the foundation of this theme. But we recognized an opportunity to build on that, because as Admirals, what we build goes well beyond brick and mortar.

isAt Severn, we build leaders, we build resilience, and we build character. We build academic skills, social skills, and critical-thinking skills. As stewards of the Severn name, we continue to build upon our century-long reputation for excellence. We build a vibrant and supportive Admiral community, connecting generations of alumni, students, and families through shared stories and a profound sense of pride in our school.

Everything we do is designed to construct a meaningful legacy. We build leaders and innovators who will shape their communities and build bridges to connect people and ideas. It is because of our rich history and strong foundation that we are now boldly forging new paths and a bright future.

The stories in this issue celebrate the many ways, both big and small, that we are all builders of Severn’s tomorrow.

Kendall ‘32, Cullen ‘37, Parker ‘34, Caitlin ‘04, and Ben

Dear Severn Alumni Family,

It is hard to believe that we are finally here—at the 2025–26 academic year and all that is to come as we embark on this exciting next chapter for our school while rebuilding our Chesapeake Campus.

The theme of our Fall 2025 Bridge is “Building Our Future,” and when I first heard this, so many thoughts came to mind.

Severn School has always stood for more than just academic excellence; it has been a place where character, conduct, and scholarship are built brick by brick. Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, each of us has helped lay the foundation for what Severn is today: a thriving, values-driven institution where community always comes first, where a strong legacy of faculty exists, and where all students are both known and valued.

Something that has always impressed me about Severn is the tenure of our exceptional faculty and staff among both campuses and all three school divisions. Did you know that, despite having to relocate to temporary classrooms and campuses, 100 percent of our Lower School faculty members have returned for the 2025–26 academic year? A full-circle moment for me was receiving our daughter Kendall’s sixthgrade advisor assignment a few weeks ago. Her advisor is none other than Ms. Cathy (Hewitt) Carper ’81. Ms. Carper was my sixth-grade geography teacher in 1996. And now, here we are, 29 years later, with our oldest child having the opportunity to have her as an advisor. If that’s not a special lifelong connection, I don’t know what is!

The blueprint for Severn’s future isn’t a single document or plan. Rather, it’s a collective vision—one that draws strength from our history and energy from our alumni of all ages. It lives in the way we support current students, mentor young graduates, invest in campus improvements, and collectively

do our part to keep our connections strong. It’s in the conversations we have, the wisdom we share, and the time we give.

The fall season at Severn is always my favorite time of year, with countless opportunities to come together as a school community through reunions, homecoming festivities, mentoring engagements, alumni events, and more. As your alumni president, I invite and encourage you to take part. Your experiences, your presence, and your voice matter.

Let’s continue to build—not just buildings or programs, but a lasting legacy of leadership, belonging, and excellence that will make our alma mater a place we’re proud to call home for years to come. Together, we are the architects of what comes next.

Go Admirals!

Best,

Caitlin

Caitlin

(McCleary) Horn ’04  caitlinmhorn@gmail.com

The Horn Family:

HEAD OF SCHOOL DOUG LAGARDE’S

COMMENCEMENT REMARKS

On the inside cover of your program is Severn’s mission: Severn School challenges its students to pursue excellence in character, conduct, and scholarship, to marshal the courage to lead, and to contribute to the world around them. We believe this is best realized in a community where adults model these qualities, where a culture of belonging is fostered, and where each student is known and valued.

Indrafting the mission in 2007, we landed on the phrase “to marshal the courage to lead” as a nod to our founding as a Naval prep school, where nearly every graduate entered military service in some form. The courage and inner tenacity cultivated in our graduates at the time prepared them to meet the rigors of war. Today, fostering that same tenacity in our graduates may be more important, and certainly more difficult, than ever before. In an age where we increasingly look outward for sources of courage, we risk outsourcing responsibility and, ultimately, control, resulting in learned helplessness: a permanent feeling of having no influence over a situation and no possibility of changing it. All too many of us are being influenced to rely on others and not ourselves for sources of courage, as so-called coaches monopolize our attention in the pursuit of monetizing it. Attention is the ultimate commodity, “for your life, after all, is just the sum total of the things to which you’ve paid attention.” (Klein, Ezra. NY Times, 1/5/24)

Post-Covid, I hear often that the capacity for sustained or deep attention has sharply decreased in young people. I don’t agree. A generation that can binge-watch 12 hours of Netflix or memorize 50 new dance moves for the latest TikTok craze knows how to pay attention. It’s just a matter of choice. And too often all of us choose to focus our attention on external things and not on what really matters. I would argue that post-Covid, this generation of students does not have an impoverished attention span but, instead, chooses to have their attention influenced by false prophets and, in turn, let their inner resources atrophy.

If a problem exists today, there seems to be a coach for it: a travel coach, a career coach, an executive coach, a birthing coach, a co-parenting coach, an accountability coach, a decision coach, and on and on. These “coaches” often bear no qualifications other than personal experience; at some point a decision coach made a decision which, I guess, qualifies them to be a decision coach. (Khazan, Olga. “Coaching Is the New Asking Your Friends for Help,” The Atlantic, 3/5/25) These so-called coaches are transactional and not transformative. They’re not coaches, they’re influencers, and frankly, the mere mention of a person being an influencer makes my skin crawl. I’m sorry; I digress. Influencers—all they are really influencing is your wallet. Real coaches build in you the inner capacity to make decisions for yourself, to marshal your innate courage.

About a month ago, I attended an event honoring a former colleague at the school where I began my teaching and coaching career. While there, a man greeted me with, “Hey, Coach.” I didn’t recognize him; it had been nearly 40 years. He introduced himself and said he hadn’t been back

on campus since graduating in 1987 and had returned to honor his former teacher. He then added, “I’m so happy I ran into you. The two of you are the reason I’m successful today.” He then proudly shared stories about his life, work, and family.

His greeting of “Hey, Coach” had absolutely nothing to do with athletic success. In fact, in his two-year wrestling career, he won just one match as a senior. And I contend we were not the reason for his current success. We simply did what dedicated coaches and teachers do: we nourished what

for the better by inspiring positive action. After healthy deliberation, the group settled on Anchors Up as the adaptive challenge for the 2024-25 school year. In their words, Anchors Up means: Get involved, join clubs, support our teams, become a leader, support the arts, help others, be inclusive, try something new. Anchors Up—also a nod to our founding—is all about coaching this community to be its best self by modeling for the underclassmen what it means to be an Admiral. And in doing so, they strengthen their own inner courage to meet the challenges they will encounter ahead.

Seniors, as much as it may feel otherwise, you are not finished products; none of us is. We all must continue to grow. So, yes, seek advice. Learn from coaches, teachers, and mentors who will continue to build in you the inner capacity to lead courageously. And, yes, lean on friends, parents, family, and communities—but rely on yourself. In the world, you will meet many people who are really smart and have great ideas, but what’s rare, and most needed, is the inner tenacity, the will to act, to lead with courage in the fast-paced, ever-changing world in which we live.

“…the Class of ’25 stands apart and understands that simple, powerful stories that inspire action and personal growth are the ones that transform and endure.”

was already inside him. We elicited something in him, not what way too many coaches do today, and that is to elicit something from him.

The work of great teachers and coaches is grounded in hope. They look at the world, not for what it is now, but for what it could be, and accept the responsibility of building within their charges the inner strength to make it on their own—to marshal their courage. To be clear, I’m speaking generally. Now let me speak specifically about Severn’s Class of 2025, whose post-Covid legacy is one of inner strength and learned resilience.

Every August Severn conducts a leadership retreat for students in grades ten through twelve.

The main purpose of the two-day event, attended by more than 125 students, is to decide on an adaptive challenge for the school year. An adaptive challenge seeks to have the community change

Severn does not educate solely for the present nor get stuck in believing in a false finish line of college admissions. We educate to develop thoughtful, competent, and courageous adults.

As a society, we are losing patience with long-term indicators of success and have become less comfortable waiting to see what sort of 40-yearolds our education has produced. (Miller, Chapin. “Working for the Future: Moving Through the Present and Trusting in Transformation” NAIS Magazine, Fall 2023) However, in our me-now, noisy, influencerdriven world, the Class of ’25 stands apart and understands that simple, powerful stories that inspire action and personal growth are the ones that transform and endure. Anchors Up is that simple story. It embodies courage and implies one is poised to set sail and start something new, to tackle a new challenge, and that is the essence of Severn education.

I am grateful for the courageous impact you’ve had on our community over the past four or seven or, for a handful of you, 15 years. And I encourage you to continue to act courageously in the communities of which you will be a part in the future.

Thank you and good luck.

Snapsh ts of Severn

A Labor of Love

Tara Qualey ’25 discovered a unique way to build both community and her personal leadership skills when she dedicated her Eagle Scout Service Project to rebuilding the old ramp into the Alumni House, bringing it up to ADA standards. Thanks to Tara and the Scouts who assisted her on the project, this historic building now has a permanent ramp for visitors.

Air Gavin!

Gavin Gergar ’26 goes airborne while taking a shot (he scored!) during a home battle for the Varsity Boys Lacrosse team against Calvert Hall.

Photo Credit: Steve Ruark ruarkphoto.com

Head of the Class

Penelope ’32 had the honor of serving as Head for the Day in the Lower School in the spring. As Head, she got to choose the dress-down theme (neon), a service project (SAFE: Stuffed Animals for Emergencies), lunch for the fifth grade (Mission BBQ), and a game to end the day (Dr. Dodgeball).

Photo: Fifth-graders Giovanna, Penelope, and Isla collect stuffed animals to donate to SAFE.

Cold as Ice

Ten years after it first went viral, the Ice Bucket Challenge returned, and plenty of Admirals got in on the chilly fun.

Photo on L: Hunter Mohacey ‘26 helps Dylan Flannery ‘26 fulfill his pledge after accepting the 2025 Ice Bucket Challenge.

Photo on R: Bronwyn Bolton ’25 and Eleanor Beard ’28 deliver an icy blast to teammates Suzy Urban ’26 and Annabel Williams ’26

School’s Out for Summer

Sky Iversen ’30 and Maddie Cooke ’30 were all smiles heading out the door of the Teel Academic Center on the final day of school in June.

Students vs. Faculty Kickball

Mason Ming ’30 rolls out a pitch during the annual Middle School Students vs. Faculty Kickball Game.

During a special visit to Teel Campus in the spring, the fifth-grade classes participated in several outdoor activities at the James M. Stine Environmental Center.

Photo: Kendall ‘32 and Fortunée ‘32 lead the way during a team-building exercise.

Gratitude Graffiti

As the 2024–25 school year drew to a close, Lower School staff and students marked their final days in the soon-to-be-demolished Chesapeake Campus facilities by writing messages of gratitude on the walls of the building that had been home for many years.

ADMIRAL ACHIEVEMENTS

On the field, on the track, on the court, on the course, and on the water, the Admirals showed heart, hustle, and teamwork all spring.

Congratulations to every student-athlete for a great season.

Individual Athlete Honors

Congratulations to the Admirals who were recognized for their individual athletic achievements in the spring. These honors included Athlete of the Year in baseball and golf.

Boys Lacrosse

` Tanner Huber ’25 – MIAA All-Conference A / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette / C. Markland Kelly Jr. Memorial Award Finalist

` Casey Gattie ’25 – 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Sam Long ’26 – Honorable Mention AllCounty Capital Gazette

` Nick Todd ’27 – Honorable Mention AllCounty Capital Gazette

Girls Lacrosse

` Eleanor Beard ’28 – IAAM All-Conference A / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette / Named IAAM Athlete of the Week in April

` Maddie Ripley ’26 – 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Bronwyn Bolton ’25 – 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Sally Reed ’25 – 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

Baseball

` Caden Blanck ’25 – B-Conference Baseball Athlete of the Year / MIAA All-Conference / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette / All-Metro Capital Gazette

` Fletcher Warner ’26 – MIAA All-Conference / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Aiden Szydlik ’25 – 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

Golf

` Harrison Tindall ’27 – B-Conference Golf Athlete of the Year / MIAA All-Conference / Washington Post All-Met 2nd Team

` Casey Boyd ’27 – MIAA AllConference / Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention

Spring Highlights

Baseball Records Another Successful Season

Severn baseball notched a stellar 17–3 season, with some big conference wins that earned the Admirals another spot in the postseason tournament. The talented squad ultimately fell to Boys’ Latin in the playoffs. While that game ended the season, it was noteworthy for the fact that on his final pitch as an Admiral, Caden Blanck ’25 recorded his 300th career strikeout.

Girls Track & Field Team Sets

New Records

The Girls Track & Field Team had a record-setting spring season. Notable accomplishments for this talented squad included:

• The Girls 4x100m relay team shaved nearly 2 seconds off their previous school record at the IAAM Championships. Nyla Pratt ’26, Izzy Sarina ’28, Elizabeth Maltz ’27, and Eliza Grace Beard ’26 came in at 52.20, beating the previous time of 54.18.

• The Girls 4x200m broke a school record that had stood for 14 years. The team of Nyla Pratt, Bianca Towa ’28, Penelope Lindsay ’27, and Eliza Grace Beard recorded a new record time of 1:51.03.

• Nyla Pratt broke her own 100m school record, setting a new time of 12.98 seconds.

• Izzy Sarina beat her own school record in the Long Jump at the Gator Emerging Elite Invitational. She finished in fifth place overall with a jump of 15’ 7.75”.

• Emma Patrick ’26 beat her own school record in the 3200m at the Gator Invitational, finishing in second place with a time of 10:41.51 and taking an impressive 10 seconds off her previous record-setting time.

Sailing Competes on the National Stage

The Admirals earned bids to two national championship events in the spring. First, they traveled to California for the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA) Baker Team Race Championship in mid-May—a prestigious competition that includes only 12 teams— where Severn notched a sixth-place finish. After capturing gold and silver at the ISSA League Championship Regatta, the talented team competed in the ISSA Fleet Nationals at Connecticut College at the end of May. Severn sailed into a fourth-place finish at the end of two days of tough competition.

ADMIRALS IN COLLEGE

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2025 who are continuing their athletic careers in college.

` Caden Blanck (Baseball) –University of Richmond

` Bronwyn Bolton (Women’s Lacrosse) –Stanford University

` Will Cawlfield (Men’s Soccer) –United States Naval Academy

` Cayden Decker (Football) –Gettysburg College

` Josie Elion (Field Hockey) –Hobart & William Smith Colleges

` Sadie Elion (Field Hockey) –Stonehill College

` Casey Gattie (Men’s Lacrosse) –Gettysburg College

` Kenzie Getz (Swimming) - West Virginia University

` Daniel Growney (Football) –Susquehanna University

` Charlie Hilgartner (Men’s Lacrosse) –Randolph-Macon College

` Tanner Huber (Men’s Lacrosse) –University of Richmond

` Nia Hudson (Women’s Soccer) – UMBC

` McKenna Keefer (Women’s Lacrosse) –Dickinson College

` Maura McPartlin (Sailing) – Tulane University

` Sophia Melfi (Cheer) – Syracuse University

` Cole Morris (Men’s Lacrosse) –Franklin & Marshall College

` Madison Mullen (Women’s Soccer, Track & Field) – Allegheny College

` Mary Pavon (Women’s Lacrosse) – Sacred Heart University

` Josh Queen (Men’s Lacrosse) – Babson College

` Jacob Randall (Men’s Basketball) –University of Chicago

` Sally Reed (Women’s Lacrosse) –Colgate University

` Aiden Szydlik (Baseball) – United States Coast Guard Academy

` Eli Valencia (Women’s Soccer) –Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

` Gabby Zsakany (Acrobatics & Tumbling) –Quinnipiac University

Aiden Szydlik ‘25

Eleanor Beard ‘28

Harrison Tindall ‘27

Tanner Huber ‘25 (L)

#3 Nick Todd ’27 (R)

2025 Varsity Baseball Team Emma Patrick ‘26

Caden Blanck ’25

Admirals in College

Girls 4x100m Relay

SEVERN SCHOOL CELEBRATES

111TH COMMENCEMENT

Severn School held its 111th commencement exercises on Friday, May 30, in celebration of the 103 graduates of the Class of 2025.

The formal indoor ceremony included the announcement of numerous senior awards, speeches by students and school leadership, and the presentation of each graduate before receiving a Severn School diploma. Once each student had been recognized, the Class of 2025 stood as a group and moved the tassels on their graduation caps, marking their change in status from students to alumni.

At the conclusion of the program, the newly minted alums gathered in Memorial Gym for the traditional class photo and cap toss, a fun way to celebrate the end of the event before being congratulated by family members and friends in attendance for this major milestone.

Grant Lonergan earned the overall highest GPA and was recognized as the Class of 2025 valedictorian, while Timothy Wright II earned salutatorian for having the second-highest GPA. Lawrence Jacobs delivered the senior class address after being selected by his peers for this high honor.

Congratulations

Scholarship Award

Grant Lonergan

Jonah Halstead Activities Award

Em Fritz, Tara Qualey

Athletic Award

Nicholas Melfi IV

Benjamin Louck Memorial Award

Ella Foote

Paul J. Kesmodel Severn Award

Lawrence Jacobs, Paisley Pentecost

G. Parker Lindsay Memorial Award

Jacob Randall, Sally Reed

Eller Citizenship Award

Iwinosa Ede-Osifo

Dawson Leadership Award

Alexander Zaremski, Caroline Brenia

The Rolland M. Teel Award

Timothy Wright II

The senior class also selects the faculty speaker, and this year Senior Class Dean Andrew Otero delivered parting remarks to the graduates. Head of School Doug Lagarde also addressed the graduating class.

Students from Severn’s class of 2025 are heading to 72 colleges and universities in 27 states, the District of Columbia, and Scotland this fall. Continuing a long tradition of service, four Admirals are attending service academies, and another is participating in the ROTC program at a state university.

A total of 24 students from the Class of 2025 will continue their athletic careers in college, with 10 competing at the DI level, 12 at the DIII level, and two others competing through other affiliations. Admirals from the Class of 2025 will compete in soccer, lacrosse, football, basketball, baseball, field hockey, cheer, sailing, track & field, and, in a first for Severn School, acrobatics and tumbling.

Upper School Head Steve Soden presented the following seniors awards during the ceremony

Cayden Decker

Dammy Adepoju

McKenna Miller, Sally Reed, and McKenna Keefer

OH, THE PLACES THEY’LL GO!

For Severn seniors, celebrating the next step in their academic journey is more than just an event; it’s an experience.

Formally known as College T-shirt Day, this beloved tradition sees soon-to-be graduates proudly wear their college colors as they gather for a fun visit with Lower School students, followed by a lunch hosted by the Alumni Association. They also get together for one last official photo on the steps of Teel.

While this joyous event is mostly known for the painted skirts and brightly colored T-shirts bearing names of colleges and universities far and wide, it is much more than that. College T-Shirt Day is the culmination of the hard work, curiosity, and determination exhibited by the graduates throughout their time at Severn, as well as a celebration of what lies ahead as they take Severn out into the world with them.

Class of 2025 Matriculation List

College

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)

& Marshall College

University

College

Point University

and William Smith Colleges

MOVIN’ ON UP

The school year at Severn closes out with a series of events collectively known as the Moving Up Ceremonies. Simple in nature, these promotion ceremonies nonetheless carry a deep significance, marking important transition points for students entering first grade, sixth grade, and ninth grade. More than just a tradition, they are special events that allow students and their families not only to stop and celebrate how far they’ve come, but also to look ahead look ahead with enthusiasm.

CLASS OF 2037 Kindergarten Celebration

On June 4, 32 kindergarten students were awarded promotion certificates in a special ceremony that highlighted their growth over the previous school year. Following the short program, family members in attendance were invited to join their students for photos and a festive reception.

CLASS OF 2032

Fifth-Grade Promotion Ceremony

The Class of 2032 gathered on June 5 for a formal promotion ceremony that included a short speech by each of the 37 students. Head of School Doug Lagarde and Lower School Head Cathy North both offered words of wisdom during the program, which closed out with one final musical performance by the students.

CLASS OF 2029

Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony

The Class of 2029 celebrated the end of its middle school years with a ceremony that included remarks by Class President Dane Horton awards presentations, the presentation of promotion certificates, and closing reflections and advice from Head of School Doug Lagarde. After the ceremony, the students had the opportunity to say goodbye to their Middle School teachers as they walked through the traditional celebration line.

Severn School celebrated Convocation on August 29, a special all-school assembly that marked the opening of the 112th school year for the Admirals.

The formal program included student speeches, introductions of each class, recognition of milestone anniversaries for Severn faculty and staff, and remarks by Head of School Doug Lagarde.

VIBE

This year’s Convocation held a special significance because, for the first time in school history, the entire Admiral community is together on Teel Campus while the Lower School is being rebuilt. This unique circumstance prompted a new tradition: a welcome line to celebrate new members and the entire Lower School.

In keeping with another beloved tradition, members of the senior class escorted kindergarten and first-grade students to Convocation, where they were seated together. Afterward, the seniors gifted each young student a book.

Student Speakers Set the Tone

One student from each division—Lower, Middle, and Upper—is invited to speak at Convocation, setting the tone for the year for their classmates. Harrison ’33 was the Lower School representative, who spoke about 2025–26 being a “year like no other.”

“I see this year as an opportunity to make new friends,” he said. “We should expect the unexpected as we broaden our horizons beyond the blue top!”

Harrison also earned a round of applause for his perfect encapsulation of the school community, saying, “Severn: It’s a vibe!”

Charlie Fifer ’30 represented the Middle School, sharing what he feels are worthy goals and hopes for the new school year, including helping everyone feel included, being prepared, and always trying one’s best.

Marcus Schwartz ’26 was the final student to address the Admiral community, reflecting on a Walt Whitman quote that was central to a scene in Ted Lasso, one of his favorite TV shows: “Be curious, not judgmental.”

“These four words are perfect advice for the school year,” said Schwartz.

Finally, Doug Lagarde—who is beginning his 20th year at Severn School—addressed the Admiral community, encouraging students to invest their attention in things they value. He also spoke about staying open and curious and trusting that doing so will lead to stronger relationships and deeper purpose. “What you have in Severn is a community that believes in possibilities,” he said.

“Be curious, not judgmental.”

More than 20 employees were recognized for milestone anniversaries that ranged from five to 50 years. Impressively, Middle School teacher Cathy Carper is beginning her 40th year of teaching, and Upper School teacher John Bodley his 50th. Bodley is the only teacher in Severn’s history to achieve this length of service.

Kindergarten teachers

Jackie Schubert and Laura Buchanan present a promotion certificate to Theo.

Phoebe delivers her speech at the fifth-grade promotion ceremony.

Graeme Long receives his promotion certificate.

Sophie ’38 and Giselle Brown ’26

Molly McCone ’26 reads with Hannah ’38 Jemere Branch ‘26 and Ben ‘38 at Convocation 2025.

In this issue, we celebrate not only building the new state-of-the-art Chesapeake Campus, but also the countless ways that Severn is building tomorrow’s leaders— through resilience, financial literacy, intellectual agility, and more. In a testament to the strength and staying power of the Admiral community, we honor the foundation we’ve built and look towards a bright future for Severn School.

FUTURE BUILDINGOUR

Through this campaign we move forward with bold plans for change:

Reimagine…

Our Future, Our Severn: A Promise

M RE than a CAMPAIGN

Our Future, Our Severn: A Promise is a fulfillment of a promise we made when Severn became a preschool through twelfth-grade school in 2013 as a result of the merger with Chesapeake Academy. For the past decade, we have delivered on our promise to invest in the people and programs that serve our youngest learners. Today, we embark on the second half of our promise to invest in our facilities and provide a state-ofthe-art Lower School where our mission can continue to flourish for generations to come.

the Lower School campus with stateof-the-art learning spaces designed for our youngest learners, while building a strong foundation for their continued academic development.

Renovate… and upgrade the performing arts facilities on the Teel campus to optimize the venues, ensuring they meet our contemporary needs and foster outstanding environments for the performing arts.

Renew… our commitment to Severn’s endowment funds that provide sustainable funding to support student programs and faculty development; uphold our commitment to fostering community and belonging; and remove financial barriers to ensure that Severn’s endowments support the people, programs, and facilities of the school now and forever.

CHESAPEAKE CAMPUS REBUILD: A New Home for the Admirals

Severn School is undergoing an exciting $30 million renovation of our Chesapeake Campus (preschool through fifth grade), which is expected to be completed for the 2026–27 school year.

The state-of-the-art facility will span over 65,000 square feet on two levels and features enhanced outdoor play areas that further extend opportunities for learning and fun. Every detail of the new Lower School has been thoughtfully designed to inspire our youngest learners and to equip teachers with the tools and spaces necessary to continue to provide the academic and socialemotional development that define the Severn School experience.

State-of-the-Art Classrooms: The new campus features 16 newly designed homeroom classrooms, providing every grade level with a welcoming and modern space. Classrooms for the youngest students are on the first floor, allowing teachers direct access to the courtyard and playground.

Upper elementary classrooms on the second level of the building are connected by open hallways that feature plenty of space and pathways to other specialty subject classrooms.

Dedicated Special Spaces: Each of the special areas has a dedicated space that has been designed to maximize the curriculum. For example, in the new science room, students will utilize large project desks, updated laboratory equipment and supplies, and generous work areas with access and availability to the science room roof terrace for continued learning and exploration. In addition, the art space has two kilns, and the music area includes an open area as well as a separate practice room.

Library and Media Center: A 2,400-square-foot space allowing flexibility, socialization, and teaching in group and individual settings. Special features include a circulation desk with lower service counters for preschoolers to first-graders, dedicated computer stations, a tiered learning common area, and curved ramp space with integrated bookshelves and reading nooks. There are also a dedicated work room and teaching wall with smartboards and a direct walkway through glass doors to the courtyard.

Dining Commons: The 2,300-square-foot dining commons is a highly anticipated and necessary addition to the new campus. It is a welcoming space for 160 students to be seated comfortably. It also has a nearly 400-person standing capacity and provides a direct connection to the outdoor play spaces, allowing students to exit and quickly take part in breaks and recess time.

Outdoor Courtyard / Play Areas: This beautiful new outdoor courtyard provides our youngest students with easy access to outdoor learning and play. The play area encourages activity and creativity with equipment for climbing and building, along with colorful tables and chairs and space for budding young artists. With direct connection to classrooms, students and teachers can easily flow to and from the outdoors.

The new facility boasts four different play areas, each designed to maximize the development and creativity of a specific age group. The play spaces include a premier outdoor courtyard and two playgrounds for our preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten students, as well as an extensive area behind the academic buildings that includes fields, open space, trails, courts, and playground equipment for first- through fifth-grade students.

Multipurpose Room / Theater: A new 3,200-square-foot multipurpose room offers an open floor plan and can host numerous social and academic functions for students, faculty, and the Severn community before, during, and after school.

The area converts to a theater setting with 350 seats on retractable telescoping risers—enough space to comfortably seat the entire student body. Other notable features include an elevated stage, acoustic enhancements, and a dedicated secondary entrance.

Auditorium Renovation

Price is the heart of our Teel Campus community, the only space outside of athletics where our entire community can meet and gather. It’s a place where ideas are shared, achievements are celebrated, and connections are deepened. It is where we celebrate as Admirals—the triumphs of athletes, our artists’ creativity, and scholars’ achievements. It’s where we gather daily and where our guests share their stories.

The new Price Auditorium will feature a balcony that will add more than 100 seats, allowing us to accommodate all students and faculty by division. It will transform the entrance and lobby, making it more welcoming for our community. And new cuttingedge lighting and acoustical systems will showcase the talents of our students and speakers.

The Admiral Way

For two longtime Severn families, the Veiels and the Murphys, steadfast support for the Admirals began long before the Chesapeake Academy green uniforms changed to Severn maroon. With five Admirals between the two families, including four alumni and one current student, each shares a remarkably similar yet unique story of their journey at Severn, including their decision to continue supporting a campus and a cause that greatly influence them to this day.

oth families agree that the decision to send their children as preschool and kindergarten students to Chesapeake Academy (as the school was known before the merger with Severn in 2013) was crucial to the foundation of their education and set the tone for their lifelong support.

“We were immediately blown away with all that our children learned during their first years at Chesapeake Academy,” say Eric and Lori Veiel, whose son Ben ’24 is a sophomore studying at their alma mater Washington University in St. Louis, and whose daughter Lizzie ’26 is embarking on her final year at Severn while exploring college opportunities and her passion for arts and business. “The fact that the teachers, many of whom are still here today, were invested, engaged, and committed was apparent from the beginning,” they add.

“The teachers empowered the kids at an early age to lead the way and found balance between caring, exploring, and maintaining control,” note Jim and Patti Murphy, whose son Brendan ’20 graduated from the University of Michigan and currently works at an information services company in New York. Their daughter Erin ’21 recently graduated from the University of Virginia and is studying for medical school exams, and their daughter Megan ’23 is studying accounting and continuing her passion for singing and a cappella as a junior at Boston College.

With their students establishing solid foundations in their early years, both sets of parents were fully committed to supporting the school in various capacities, including leadership and volunteer roles. Notably, Jim and Eric served on the board of trustees for 13 and eight years, respectively,

and were integral to the success of the merger. While ensuring financial stability was of the utmost importance during this time—Eric headed up finance on the board and Jim served as board chair both before and after the merger—maintaining the same high level of education, care, and culture was equally important. “We had a natural relationship between the schools anyway, with many students transitioning to Severn after fifth grade, but one of the reasons the merger was so seamless was because all of the other important things aligned,” says Jim. “Character, integrity, and community— that was what Chesapeake Academy was, and that is what Severn is. Such a seamless transition doesn’t happen often.”

“When we merged, we knew we had a hidden gem,” recollects Eric, who with Jim, also credits the tremendous support of the other board members and Head of School

Doug Lagarde for the smooth transition. “Now, everyone sees it, as evidenced by our robust student body and enrollment. Over time, our community has merged as well, but who we are and what we want to be have remained the same.”

In complete agreement, Jim adds, “I’ve had the honor of a front-row seat watching us grow from a nice hidden secret of a regional school to a prominent and premier leader, all while never losing sight of our core values. Exactly what we hoped would happen did.”

Support for the rebuilding of the Chesapeake Campus long after their children have left the hallways and classrooms of the Lower School has been intentional and a self-described natural fit for both families. The Veiel family named and is supporting the construction of a much-anticipated dining commons and

kitchen for students and faculty, while the Murphy family has endowed the Lower School head position in perpetuity.

“I laugh that it was all of those years of serving hot lunch to students in the classrooms that prompted our wanting to name the dining commons,” says Lori, who served in many volunteer capacities, such as room parent, gradelevel rep in Lower and Middle schools, and auction basket coordinator, among others. “But in reality,” she continues, “the space provides the opportunity for students and teachers to gather and feel integrated into the community as a whole. It also represents a promise kept that was made at the time of the merger—that in addition to people and programs, we would invest in facilities and provide a state-of-the-art Lower School where our students would flourish. We are happy to give back and help provide this experience to current and future students in the Lower School.”

our kids had. You know Severn is a special place,” she adds, “but you really feel it when you can see it in the choices and actions that your children make as young adults.”

When asked what advice they would give to other parents with students at Severn on either campus, both families respond with proud smiles. “I would say to let your kids follow their dreams at Severn,” say Jim and Patti, “a place where you are self-actualized as a student and where you can be whoever you want to be—an athlete, scientist, musician, artist—it’s all there. The ability to try anything in a supportive environment and find out who you are is well worth the investment.”

“Let the kids advocate for themselves,” add Lori and Eric. “Their confidence, ability to communicate with adults, make decisions, ask questions—this strong foundation becomes even more evident as the years go on.”

I would say to let your kids follow their dreams at Severn. It’s a place where you are selfactualized as a student and where you can be whoever you want to be—an athlete, scientist, musician, artist—it’s all there.

Patti, who also volunteered as APA president, room parent, class representative, and on numerous committees through all three divisions, agrees. “The Lower School was and still is such a happy, warm place, where both kids and faculty experience notable and impactful moments together,” she says. “We understand now just how important that is and are happy to support others having the same experience that

—Jim and Patti Murphy

With the construction of a completely new state-of-the-art campus and numerous physical changes to accompany it, the families are confident that the foundation that guides students will remain unchanged and that the message of one community will be further strengthened.

“The new campus sends a strong message to our entire community that the Lower School is integral to the whole system and that the longevity of this journey of growth starts in the early years,” say Eric and Lori.

“We are eager for all the new features of campus––the Maker Lab, dining hall, multipurpose room, outdoor spaces, and more. It will be incredible and an example of what a great independent school is all about,” add Jim and Patti. “But staying true to ourselves and in line with our mission, continuing to know and value our community members, and creating passionate people and future leaders who make a difference—that is what Severn is and will continue to be all about.”

Brendan ‘20, Erin ‘21, Megan ‘23, Patti, and Jim Murphy

The Veiel Family:

Eric, Lizzie ’26, Lori, and Ben ‘24

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

Admirals who are Crafting the Blueprint for Our Future

Alumni working at the forefront of innovation are shaping a blueprint for the future—one that aspires to make humanity more successful, healthy, productive, and secure. Whether advancing medical science, helping govern powerful new technologies like artificial intelligence, or driving breakthroughs in clean energy, these trailblazers are not only pushing the boundaries of knowledge, but also ensuring that progress serves the greater good. Their work offers both inspiration and direction for how we might navigate the challenges of tomorrow with wisdom, resilience, and shared purpose.

INNOVATORS IN

DANIEL BABALOLA

Daniel Babalola is part of a cutting-edge team in the radiology department at Penn Medicine working to reshape the future of cancer diagnostics.

Babalola’s work goes beyond traditional cancer imaging techniques. “We’re training a deep learning model to perform volumetric segmentation, which means we’re measuring tumors in three dimensions rather than two,” he explains. “In simple terms, we’re using computer vision to account for every voxel—like a pixel, but in 3D—of a tumor that appears on a CT scan.”

This move from 2D to 3D isn’t just a technical flex—it has real implications for accuracy and patient care. Currently, radiologists identify and measure tumors by scrolling through CT scans and labeling the tumor on a single slice, usually the one where it appears largest. But this method is both time-consuming and variable. “There’s some inter- and intra-observer variability,” Daniel says.

“Different radiologists may mark different pixels, depending on experience or habit. That inconsistency can impact diagnosis and treatment.”

By training AI models on annotations from Penn Medicine’s most experienced radiologists, Daniel and his team aim to create standardized, accurate segmentations—across every slice of a scan. Not only does this increase precision, but it also slashes the time it takes. “Existing models reduce 2D segmentations from an average of eight minutes to just seconds. Our automation will cut the time of 3D segmentations from 26 minutes to just under a minute.”

Daniel believes this work is more than a technical achievement—it’s a blueprint for the future of healthcare. Within the next year, he anticipates that AI-assisted tools will drastically improve the speed and accuracy of cancer diagnostics. And looking further ahead?

JEROME GLENN

Futurist Jerome Glenn, CEO of The Millennium Project, is working at the cutting edge of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

“In five years, I can see hospitals owning the full pipeline, from imaging to initial diagnosis, within a single, integrated system,” he says. “And we’re not talking about replacing doctors with AI. We’re talking about empowering them—giving them faster, more consistent tools so that patients receive the highest quality care.”

Daniel’s journey into medical AI didn’t start in a lab—it started at Severn, where he learned the value of intellectual curiosity. “When I was choosing a senior thesis, I knew I wanted something with deep / machine learning. I picked medical imaging out of curiosity, not because I had any medical background,” he recalls. “The last time I studied biology was Dr. Martin’s class in 11th grade!”

That choice to follow his interest led to a thesis that gradually narrowed into practical research.

“Severn taught me to lead with curiosity,” Daniel says. “My teachers and peers encouraged creativity and novelty. That mindset—to pursue ideas that excite me—stuck.”

To current Severn students preparing to make their mark, Daniel offers three key pieces of advice:

“First, stay curious. If an idea excites you, explore it—you don’t know where it might lead. Second, talk to people—especially adults around you. They carry stories that might spark your next big idea. And finally, stay human. Always center people in your effort to make an impact. Influencing a community is a consistent give-and-take; the solution should be continuously informed by its beneficiaries.”

AGI are AI systems that match or surpass human cognitive abilities across domains. While promising immense global benefits—such as scientific breakthroughs, public health advances, and progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—AGI also presents unprecedented global risks, including autonomous harm beyond human control, weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, and global inequality and instability. Given that AGI might well be developed within this decade, Jerome believes that it is both scientifically and ethically imperative that we build robust governance structures to prepare for both the extraordinary benefits and extraordinary risks it could entail.

To that end, Jerome chairs a panel of nine leading AGI experts from seven countries. This group has created a report for the President of the UN General Assembly recommending how the United Nations should assume responsibility for the global governance of AGI to ensure that its use and development are aligned with global human values, security, and development. The proposal asks the UNGA to consider convening a UN General Assembly session focused solely on AGI governance— establishing a Global AGI Conservatory to monitor progress and risks, creating a system of international best practices and certification for trustworthy and safe AGI development, and drafting a UN Framework Convention on AGI to formalize global commitments and safety standards.

“In essence,” explains Jerome, “the work we are doing is a blueprint for the governance of AGI, written in an effort to prevent the future loss of control over AI.” He believes that without proactive, UN-led coordination, AGI could drive catastrophic global outcomes, and that immediate international action is needed to steer AGI development toward peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable outcomes for all of humanity.

It is Jerome’s job as a futurist to consider the range of possible futures for humanity and what to do about them. When thinking back on his time at Severn, Jerome credits several of his classes with planting the seeds of his career. In particular, he said, “Mr. Horne’s philosophy class helped me understand the essence of what is important … and my physics and math classes helped sharpen my thinking.” After Severn, Jerome went on to American University, where he earned a degree in philosophy, then the Peace Corps, where he worked on tuberculosis and leprosy in Malawi, and finally, Antioch New England University, where he earned an MA and became entrenched in futures research, with a specific focus on the future of education.

Will the United Nations act on Jerome’s series of recommendations? Jerome thinks the UN will convene a General Assembly, but he is unsure whether they will create the AGI agency in time to set the rules before the technology arrives. It is his sincere hope that 10 to 20 years from now, AGI exists in a synergistic relationship with humanity.

Jerome’s advice to Severn’s current students is: “Master the basics: math, biology, physics, chemistry, and history; interact with AI; learn how to write very precisely; and read like crazy.”

JOB FIELD: Artificial Intelligence GRAD YEAR: 1963

TATE TACZAK ALUMNI

Tate Taczak ’19, PhD candidate at the University of Tennessee, is conducting research in the cutting-edge field of nuclear fusion.

Tate Taczak ’19, PhD candidate at the University of Tennessee, is conducting research in the cutting-edge field of nuclear fusion.

Nuclear energy has long been seen as a potential solution to the world’s growing energy demands. But traditional nuclear energy derived from fission—the process of splitting atoms— comes with significant drawbacks, such as long-lived radioactive waste. This has prompted many to explore alternative nuclear processes, with nuclear fusion emerging as the most promising candidate for the future.

Nuclear fusion is the process of combining atoms to release vast amounts of energy. Unlike fission, fusion produces minimal long-term waste and generates only helium (a nontoxic substance) as a byproduct. If successful, the process could provide a clean and safe energy source, suitable for powering hard-to-electrify sectors, such as shipping and steel production.

The problem, however, is that protons, the key particles in nuclear fusion, naturally repel one another. Tate’s research focuses on the question: How can we bring protons close enough together to fuse without using more energy than the fusion process produces? With his background in math and physics, Tate improves computational models, with the goal of informing the experiments conducted in the USA’s singular DIII-D National Fusion Facility in San Diego. “I have no grandiose vision of solving the nuclear fusion dilemma,” Tate explains, “but I feel like any little bit that I can do to help is a good use of my time.”

Tate left Severn with a genuine interest in … everything! This aligned perfectly with Bowdoin College’s liberal arts curriculum. Choosing an area of concentration was challenging, and he tried out a few different fields, including environmental policy, math, and climate physics. “While I was in college,” Tate says, “I was keenly aware that humans need to

Welcome to the Alumni Association Lunch for the Class of 2025

make a pretty big change to sustain their quality of life 100 years from now. I was always asking myself, ‘What can I do to help?’ I knew that if I didn’t choose a career that worked toward solving one of the big existential dilemmas facing our planet, it would bother me. So, I chose a career in nuclear fusion research.”

For current Severn students who want to make an impact on the world, Tate has this advice: Avoid focusing so narrowly on one field of study that you are unable to see the big picture of global challenges facing humanity. “Each of the problems that we are trying to solve,” says Tate, “requires collaboration from professionals in all fields. Take nuclear fusion, for example. Sure, we need technological experts. But ultimately, it’s going to be educators, economics experts, communication gurus, translators, and politicians who will translate any breakthroughs in a lab to tangible benefits that will improve our communities.”

Tate encourages students to find what they are passionate about—in whatever field that may be—and then figure out a way to apply this enthusiasm to whatever global issue they find most compelling.

Washington, DC April 15, 2025

Last May, just days before graduation, the Alumni Office hosted the Class of 2025 on the Alumni House lawn for the annual “Welcome to the Alumni Association” lunch. During this cherished event, each of the 103 seniors signed the Alumni Record Book with a wooden pen handcrafted by Head of School Doug Lagarde, and was formally welcomed into the Alumni Association by Jess Popham McDermott ’97 and Caitlin McCleary Horn ’04, who shared their thoughts on what it means to be a Severn alum. While the students ate lunch, they wrote a letter to their future selves to be returned at their 5th Reunion, and they added their college sticker to a giant collage marking where members of the class will be headed next year. Lastly, as they left the event, each senior collected their first pieces of alumni swag, symbolizing their continued connection to Severn.

Whether it’s for professional networking, catching up with old friends, or meeting new fellow alums, alumni socials are great opportunities for Admirals to connect! We kicked off spring in style with our DC Alumni Social at Teddy & the Bully Bar.

November 26, 2025 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Forward Brewing 418 Fourth Street, Annapolis, MD

All alumni must pre-register for this event. Scan the QR code to register.

More Upcoming Dates & Locations

Soon to be graduates Davis Mann, Josh Hale, and Harlan Erskine show off their newly acquired Severn swag.

Emma Miller ’20 and Alana Miller ‘18

Ayana Gordon ‘16, McKaila Burton ‘16, and Alayah Hightower ‘17

David Seidl ‘19 and Abigail Poindexter ‘19

Tate Taczak at The DIII-D National Fusion Facility at General Atomics in San Diego.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

“The secret to life is falling down seven times and getting up eight” is an old Japanese proverb that perfectly encapsulates the trait of resilience— a trait that Severn students of every age learn and practice.

These lessons in resilience are both formal—Heartstrings in the Lower School, Health & Wellness in the Middle School and Upper School, and parent education events—and informal, persistently woven into the culture through conversations and

check-ins with teachers, counselors, coaches, and advisors. In this way, Severn students continually build on this fundamental skill and are equipped to navigate challenging situations, learn from experiences that did not go as planned, and apply those learnings in ways that allow them to thrive in all aspects of life.

Building Mindsets Early

In the Lower School, resilience begins as social-emotional learning. Through a program called Heartstrings, kindergarten through fifth-grade students learn about their emotions— defining them, identifying what they are feeling, and developing strategies for calming down or centering themselves. Positive self-talk is another part of the curriculum.

Karin Mitchell, Lower School counselor and character education coordinator, leads the Heartstrings lessons, as well as a separate Mindfulness curriculum she developed for third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders. “Social skills are just as important as reading, writing, and arithmetic,” said Mitchell, who enjoys teaching students to problem-solve as a means of building resilience. “I teach them that all problems can be solved

Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

The Middle School years are a time of tremendous growth and change—some of which can be uncomfortable for students as they evolve from concrete to abstract thinking. Recognizing that this age group is adjusting to increased independence and accountability, the Middle School team focuses on helping students understand what they need to be successful. That means developing strong study skills and learning to advocate for themselves, as well as understanding nonverbal communication cues and learning to operate in the gray and be comfortable with not understanding everything.

Performance Psychology class that is new for 2025–26.

and there are all different ways to look at something.”

This focus on problem-solving is vital for building resilience. Not only do students approach challenges with a more positive outlook, but they are also more likely to find a solution.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students specifically have their resilience tested each year when the Renaissance program class assignments are announced. Students rank their top three choices and often do not get their first choice. Once the assignments are made, no changes are permitted. Disappointment is a real factor for some students and when this happens, teachers work with them to find a new perspective and embrace the opportunity to try something new. And they are always better off for having adapted.

By strengthening social-emotional skills, students in the Lower School are building a foundation of emotional intelligence and establishing a mindset that makes it far easier to build resiliency later in life. Heartstrings is also a perfect on-ramp to the Health & Wellness programming that starts in sixth grade.

“Educating Middle School students about emotional regulation, navigating social media and technology, and building resilience is a collective effort,” said Mary Foard, Middle School counselor. That is accomplished through a robust Health & Wellness program tailored to each grade, but also by authentically knowing and valuing students. Students are encouraged to take the lead in communications with their teachers, to try a new club or sport, and to interact with classmates in more nuanced ways.

Resilience is especially important for students who suddenly find classwork more challenging, or those experiencing unexpected changes within friend groups.

“Not everything is going to work out all the time, and when that happens, that is a time for resilience,” said Foard.

“Because when students trip that’s also when they learn to get up.”

Making Space for Something New

As students move to the Upper School, resilience remains an essential factor for overall well-being and success. High school is also a time of social, academic and emotional growth and it’s important that students are prepared for a few bumps in the road.

“The goal is to instill in students a sense of agency over how they respond to roadblocks, which are inevitable,” said Lilly Kane, Upper School counseling chair. “Resilience is a main point of so many conversations we have with students. Because this is real life, we know they’re going to face challenges, so how can we help to address them?”

The Upper School formally delivers resilience lessons in numerous ways, including Health & Wellness seminars for freshmen, grade-level seminars for upperclassmen on understanding oneself and others, Leadership Labs, and a

It’s just as likely, however, that the idea of resilience is shared more informally as students interact with coaches, advisors, and teachers in the normal course of their day. Culturally, there is a major focus on students advocating for themselves with teachers. Trying new things is also baked into the Severn experience.

“We offer the idea of letting go of something that didn’t work out and trying something new,” said Kane. “Resiliency is built by engaging in healthy risks, so we encourage students to try out for a new sport or apply for a leadership position. If it doesn’t work out, that’s okay. Try something else.”

Upper School Head Steve Soden shared his thoughts on resilience with students in a weekly email, noting, “Resilient people are successful people. Your ability to take stock of the situation, figure out what is within your control, make a plan, and then get to work will ultimately lead to your success.”

And because parents are also part of the equation, Severn is hosting best-selling author Lisa Damour in February for a special parent presentation. Damour’s book The Emotional Lives of Teenagers provides guidance for recognizing when emotions are constructive and when teens require more support. Damour will also present to Middle and Upper School students.

The Value of a Resilient Mind

Because resilience is a learned skill, it is built into the learnings for every age group. For it is through facing discomfort and learning from setbacks that students find their “sweet spot” for growth—that place just outside their comfort zone where real development happens.

“Our goal is to create a culture among the students where they feel comfortable taking risks and failing—because that’s when we learn—and then getting back up and learning how to do things at a new level and be successful,” said Kane.

Asha '36 shares family photos with her second grade classmates.

Gianna Ellis and Spencer ‘36

Nick Handy ‘28

Aaron Nurser ‘30

Chase Krukiel ‘27 and Coach McKinnon

LEADERSHIP IS A PRACTICE, NOT A POSITION

The Upper School leadership program is built on the simple but profound idea that leadership can be learned; that leadership is, in fact, not a position but a practice. Severn students learn that the ability to lead isn’t something a person is born with; but a skill set that can be developed.

In short, it’s the idea that charisma doesn’t equal leadership. “When we talk about building leaders, there is no one personality type required for entry,” said Upper School Head Steve Soden. “We want students to understand that every one of them has the ability to move a community in a positive direction.”

“We want students to understand that every one of them has the ability to move a community in a positive direction.”

Titles Not Required

Foundational to the programming that’s been implemented in the Upper School is how leadership is defined from the outset. “Often, leaders are viewed as those who are out-front and leading all the time,” said Upper School Dean of Students Marc Buckley. “But we think it’s about knowing when to follow, when to speak up, and when to lead.

“A quiet student speaking up about an issue within a friend group is an act of leadership, just as much as serving on the student council,” he added.

Furthermore, demonstrating leadership doesn’t require a title.

“We equate leadership with action,” said Soden. “It’s about doing. And we see again and again how framing leadership this way moves students toward what they actually want to do and where their passions lie.”

These principal ideas are what guide the Upper School programming in both theory and practice. Leadership lessons are delivered through a multiyear series of seminars and

workshops that are built directly into the curriculum, ensuring that every student is given the time, space, and knowledge to determine what kind of leader they wish to be.

Taught collaboratively by the Upper School grade deans, counselors, and leadership team, the series kicks off at the end of freshman year with a character strengths assessment and continues through senior year. These seminars are further supplemented by two Leadership Labs, one in August and one in January, that students attend voluntarily.

Know Thyself

The foundations for leadership are formally established in sophomore year, where the topic is “Know Thyself.” But students get introduced to the concept at the end of freshman year, during the Health & Wellness seminar. That’s when they take an online character strength assessment. After answering a series of questions, students get back a ranked list of 24 positive character traits. The top four or five are the ones they use most frequently; the bottom of the list represents opportunities for growth.

LEADERSHIP DOESN’T REQUIRE A TITLE

This eye-opening exercise marks the beginning of their journey toward self-discovery, a critical step in developing leadership skills. “The key to all of this is knowing oneself, because that’s what makes it possible for students to lead from an authentic place,” said Soden.

In ninth grade, students generally aren’t comfortable with themselves yet,” he added. “That’s why starting that year we hammer away at the idea of being who you are and being okay with that. Getting comfortable with themselves is ultimately what opens up opportunities to work effectively with others.”

Sam Long ’26 is a Senior Prefect, a multisport athlete, and a perfect example of the evolution Soden articulated.

A self-described “quiet leader,” Long isn’t out-front as a leader; instead, he looks for opportunities to lead by example.

“As a freshman, I can say I knew nothing about myself!” he said with a laugh. But he eventually determined what was important to him, what type of leader he could be, and the best way for him to encourage others.

That led Long to apply to be a Senior Prefect, a role he was drawn to because he was positively influenced by Prefects and wanted to pay that forward.

“People believe in themselves in different ways, so you have to be patient,” he said. “That’s something I’ll keep in mind as I mentor the freshmen this year.”

Understanding Self and Others

The leadership programming for junior year is dedicated to understanding oneself and others. Key components in year three include understanding the most common approaches to conflict resolution, entering uncomfortable conversations, and expanding empathy.

“We teach them to consider where the other person is coming from, and maybe you know you aren’t going to change their mind, but can you ask questions and come out of it with a deeper understanding of the other one’s position?” said Buckley. “In other words, can we live in a gray area, or does it always have to be a win–loss scenario that ends in confrontation?”

That evolution toward confidently approaching difficult conversations is why students learn about what’s important to them first and then progress to understanding that everyone they interact with also has things that are most important to them.

The outcome of this self-exploration is that Severn students graduate knowing who they are and how to apply their

strengths. “There is an authenticity and a self-assuredness to our graduates that I think is unique,” said Soden. “They own who they are, and they are not all the same.”

Let Them Percolate

Even with all of the right parts and pieces in place, the leadership program wouldn’t be successful without one final ingredient: time. “Students click at different times, so the real secret is giving them time to percolate,” said Buckley. “To use a sports analogy, we keep them in the game until they find their passion, because that’s when they get interested in leadership.”

For Olivia Jishi ’26, the leadership seminars helped her identify what she wanted to get out of her Severn experience and what she wanted to do for Severn. It took two years for Jishi to gain the confidence and communication skills necessary to use her voice. Now as a Senior Prefect, a club leader, and a Van Eney ’09 Fellow, she wants to help students coming into Severn to do the same. “Every student should feel comfortable putting themselves out there so that they can take advantage of all the opportunities here,” she said.

Jishi’s story is far from unique. The students who shine brightest by senior year are not always the students who were getting noticed as freshmen—and that, according to the Upper School dean team, is exactly the point. “We’re giving students ways to grow within their own personality instead of trading in parts of their personality to fit in,” said Zak Starr, dean of the Class of 2027, “and there’s something really beautiful in the results.”

WE EQUATE LEADERSHIP WITH ACTION

Steve Soden Upper School Head

Senior Prefects Eliza Grace Beard, Giselle Brown, Sam Long, and Gavin Gergar

Leadership Lab participants from L-R, Front Row: Hadley Patton '28, Tessa Russell '27, Eliza Grace Beard '26

Back Row: Julia DeBoy '28, Ryan Buckley '28, Kyla Towa '26, Gavin Gergar '26, and Marcus Schwartz '26

BELONGING DAY

SETS THE TONE FOR SUCCESS IN SIXTH GRADE

It’s a fresh start to the school year and most students are settling in for a routine day of learning. But for the class of ’32, this year’s sixth-graders, the day is anything but ordinary. It’s Belonging Day, an initiative designed to welcome the newest middle schoolers into the community. Through a full day of hands-on projects, creative expression, and meaningful conversations, students begin building the trust, empathy, and connection that will carry them through the year. More than just a fun day outside the classroom, Belonging Day sets the tone for what it means to be known and valued at Severn.

“Belonging Day is a blueprint for the full sixth-grade year,” says Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mike Glasby.

“Each person should see themselves as a puzzle piece that belongs no matter its shape, not as a pie where all the sides need to be the same to fit together.”

“Each person should see themselves as a unique puzzle piece that belongs no matter its shape, not as a pie where all the sides need to be the same to fit together.”

“Sixth grade is such an important year,” continues Middle School Dean of Students Kathleen Donovan, “because it’s one of the primary entry points into the Severn community.”

About half of these students have been together since Lower School, but about half are coming in new to Severn from a variety of schools and communities around the region. “We are very intentional about bringing the students together with a ‘one class’ message right away as a counter to any potential ‘us vs. them’ mentality,” she says. And Belonging Day is the perfect antidote, establishing a foundation of cohesion and togetherness within days of the start of the new year.

Service, Icebergs, and Bingo

The day begins with a hands-on service project that gets students out of the classroom and into small working groups.

Armed with hammers and gloves, they build oyster reef balls: concrete structures that promote oyster growth, improve water filtration, provide habitat for fish, and help stabilize shorelines. “Great work!” cheers Donovan, as she moves from group to group, encouraging students and praising teamwork.

After prepping 18 oyster reef balls, students shift gears to a more introspective part of the day: the Iceberg Challenge.

“We explain that only 10 percent of an iceberg is visible above water, while 90 percent is underwater, and that this applies to people as well,” says Donovan. Students break into advisories to reflect on and discuss how others make assumptions based on what’s above their ‘waterline’—appearance, interests, or first impressions—versus what’s below, like values, experiences, or struggles. Each student is then encouraged to reflect on the assumptions they might make about others.

Next up, the sixth-graders get their creative juices flowing with a drawing activity led by Middle Schools Arts Teacher Zachary Sea. “The kids are asked to draw a comic panel showing themselves doing something they enjoy,” says Sea. “It’s a low-stakes, expressive activity that gives students space to share without having to speak in front of a group.”

Markers, pencils, and conversation buzz through the room as students sketch out versions of themselves playing sports, gaming, dancing, or whatever they enjoy doing—while naturally discovering shared interests along the way.

The final activity of the day takes the class to the Turf for Belonging Bingo. Each student receives a bingo card with traits like “middle child,” “plays an instrument,” or “loves dancing” printed on them, and they race to find classmates who match. “Who’s right-handed? Who loves fall?” they ask, as the field erupts with questions and laughter.

After the cards are filled, students sit in a circle and are prompted to stand when a trait applies to them. “This way, students can look around and think, ‘Okay, I’m not alone!’” says Donovan.

Blueprint for Belonging

Dedicating time for students to explore these ideas and establishing these norms for the year is invaluable, and sets the stage for further conversation as students progress through the Middle School. It also gives the new sixth-graders a sense of ownership in shaping the culture and community.

“It’s important for these students to dive into the responsibility that they have for supporting each other and for building community,” Glasby adds. “Belonging is fluid, and it’s up to them to be the best version of themselves.”

For the final activity, the sixth-grade class links arms to form the number “6” on the turf, cheering together in celebration of their new beginning. “Look around!” says Donovan.

“This is your sixth-grade class! You don’t get another one.”

Cheers echoed across the turf as the class of ’32 was dismissed for the day, now knowing each other’s names, knowing they are not alone, and knowing they are part of the blueprint that makes Severn School—and specifically the sixth grade—so special.

“Belonging Day is a blueprint for sixth-grade.”

“It’s

Piggy Banks From Portfoliosto

HOW SEVERN BUILDS FINANCIALLY SAVVY STUDENTS

For the past decade, Severn has dedicated significant time and resources to fostering a crucial skill for students: financial literacy. Through a comprehensive program that includes classes, clubs, competitions, special projects, field trips, and more, Severn ensures that Admirals have every opportunity to gain a solid foundation in managing financial matters.

Severn Supplies Offers Early Lessons

Financial literacy at Severn begins in the Lower School.

One early example is the second-grade entrepreneurship unit, where students are challenged to work up their own business plan. They develop a product or service and identify their customers, costs, expected profits, and more. To conclude this lesson, the entire class goes on a field trip to the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

One of the newer and more impactful initiatives in this realm is the store, a student-run school store called Severn Supplies that operates once a week. Organized and staffed by fifth-grade students, the store offers general supplies like pencils and erasers for sale to Lower School students. At the end of the year, proceeds from Severn Supplies are donated to charity.

Students form committees to manage the various tasks associated with running the store, including a buying team, a marketing team, and a philanthropy team.

“As a teacher, this is the most impactful thing I’ve ever done,” said Stacy Shaener, advisor to the project and the Lower School math specialist.

Shaener acknowledged that in the digital age children no longer regularly handle physical money as often, and as a result, identifying coins can be a real challenge. By managing Severn Supplies, students are learning what things cost, how to price them to turn a profit, and how to make change, since they accept cash only.

The philanthropy team selected The Recess Project as the beneficiary and in a full-circle moment, those students attended a board meeting via Zoom, where they were able to hear for themselves how the donation will be used and what it meant to the organization. The Recess Project transforms public school playgrounds into accessible and inclusive spaces for students with disabilities by upgrading them with accessible playground pieces.

Boosting Financial Literacy

In the Upper School, the sky’s the limit when it comes to opportunities to increase one’s financial savvy. The entrylevel classroom option is Financial Algebra I, an elective

available to ninth- and tenth-graders that offers an online game reminiscent of The Game of Life. Students project out 20 years from graduation from high school and progress through the game one week at a time. They make life decisions about college and student loans, consider what type of lifestyle they want to maintain, and look at what it costs to get married and have children.

They also do a deep dive into taxes. Each student must complete a 1040 form and calculate the tax based on their projected income. Insurance and all its various types that need to be factored into a budget are also introduced to students during the course.

“The entire point is to boost their financial literacy,” said Upper School Mathematics Chair Julien Meyer, who teaches this course and another elective. “I want students to be able to live their best lives, and I’ve seen too many people who were just never taught anything about finances.”

The game offers a launchpad to talk about bigger financial strategies such as saving for retirement. “These concepts resonate,” added Meyer. “I know of students who now have retirement accounts.”

For tenth- through twelfth-grade students, there is Financial Algebra II, a more traditional course. Here, students investigate the time value of money, and the characteristics and risk/reward tradeoffs of different financial instruments, such as stocks and bonds.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Given the positive response to these two courses, Meyer worked with students to start the Investment Club, of which he serves as the advisor. Students use a customizable trading platform with play money to buy stocks and other securities such as bonds and options. Club leaders also make regular presentations on investing.

These initiatives naturally tee up the next level of learning in finance: the Student-Led Investment Portfolio (SLIP) Club. SLIP manages an investment portfolio of real dollars, a unique opportunity at the high-school level. Students must apply for membership in SLIP, and those who have completed the two financial algebra electives have an advantage, having learned how to build spreadsheets and value stocks.

SLIP extends the learnings even further as students in this club learn to go through financial statements and review balance sheets. And because the SLIP investments are real, students feel the burden of their decisions more acutely, aware that this fund will outlast their time at Severn.

Wall Street Visit

Another popular element of the overall financial literacy ecosystem is the annual Wall Street field trip. An application is required and about 15 students are selected to spend a full day in New York City. The agenda includes two or three stops at firms or agencies where Severn alums work. “It’s a great way for students to see how what they’re learning in the classroom can be applied in the real world,” said Meyer. Meyer, who worked on Wall Street before entering teaching and has been instrumental in developing the Upper School programming, sums up the goals of Severn’s program promoting financial literacy: setting students up for financial well-being and encouraging lifelong learning about financial matters. “It’s not about getting rich,” he said. “It’s about managing money wisely so you can do the things in life you want to do.”

His advice for students? Now is the time to learn. “Students don’t realize how quickly they’re going to need to make financial decisions. And young people also have time for their money to grow. The sooner you learn, the better.”

Personal Finance Challenge Champs

In 2023, Severn students put their financial prowess to the test at the Personal Financial Challenge sponsored by the Maryland Council on Economic Education. The team secured second place in the state competition that year. The following year, the Severn team won both the state and national titles.

US students visit Wall Street in 2024

Julien Meyer

The 2024 NPFC Champs: Barrett Vaughan ‘27, Rowan Ward ‘27, Thomas Parsch ‘25, Grady Gelston ‘25, and Sam Salinas ‘25 Dakota Atchley ‘32

Isla Zink ’32

Upper School students on the annual Wall Street Trip in 2025.

BOB BELIEVES IN

Magic

This past May, Bob Blaney returned to Severn School’s Teel Campus—64 years after graduating with the Class of 1961. His visit was more than a nostalgic homecoming; it was a celebration of the place that helped him discover what matters. For Bob, Severn was not just a school; it was the beginning of a lifelong journey of character, courage, and contribution. In his own words, Severn has “magic.”

Bob’s story begins with uncertainty. At 17, he made the decision to leave the public school, unsure of what his future held. His mother, Gertrude, a local hairdresser, was supportive but worried. While sharing her concerns with clients at her salon, one woman offered a glimmer of hope—Mrs. Katherine Kesmodel, wife of Severn’s head of school. That conversation led to a meeting with Mr. Paul Kesmodel, and ultimately, a new beginning.

“I walked up to the door, introduced myself, and said, ‘I want to go to Severn School because Severn is where you get an education!’” Bob recalls. Mr. Kesmodel smiled and replied, “Well, let’s give you an entrance exam.” Though Bob admits he didn’t perform well on the test, Mr. Kesmodel saw something deeper: a young man ready to take a stand for his future.

“They let me in anyway,” Bob says, “because they liked my attitude.”

Though he spent only two years at Severn, Bob’s gratitude runs deep. He credits the Kesmodel family, Captain Slaven, and the school for seeing his potential and helping him pursue excellence on the field and in the classroom.

Severn challenged Bob to think beyond his limits. It gave him the courage to pursue higher education at SUNY Maritime and launch a successful career in engineering in the shipping industry. Severn School’s mission, “to marshal the courage to lead and contribute to the world around them,” was not part of Severn then, but clearly is at the core of Bob’s experience on campus that shaped his path.

Today, Bob continues to give back to the school that changed his life. That’s why he made a transformative gift to Severn: funding the “Gertrude and Edward Blaney Maker Lab” at the new Chesapeake Campus in memory of his mother and father.

I walked up to the door, introduced myself, and said, “I want to go to Severn School.”

That moment marked a turning point. At Severn, Bob found more than academic instruction; he found a community that believed in him. The faculty and staff didn’t let him fall behind. They offered tutoring, mentor-ship, and a culture of accountability allowing him to thrive. Mealtimes in the dining hall were filled with lively conversations between students and teachers, where learning extended beyond the classroom. It was an inclusive environment where every student felt a sense of belonging and where mutual support and shared challenges fostered growth.

Bob embraced every opportunity. A selfproclaimed jock, he played varsity football and JV lacrosse and even made a lasting contribution to the school’s athletic program. Seeing the need for better training equipment, Bob traveled all the way to Baltimore and back on the public bus to purchase a 250-pound weight set, the first for Severn’s gym. Bob bellowed, “Loading weights onto the public transportation was quite a maneuver!”

The Maker Lab is a space where creativity takes the lead and mistakes are part of the process. It is a vibrant, hands-on environment where our youngest learners are empowered to explore big ideas, take risks, and discover solutions through trial and error. In this space, every failure is a stepping stone to innovation, and every voice is valued. Students are encouraged to think boldly, collaborate openly, and bring their ideas to life in ways that engage both mind and heart. It’s more than a classroom; it’s a launchpad for curiosity, resilience, and creative problem-solving.

In addition to his support of the Maker Lab, Bob has made a lasting commitment to Severn through a planned gift. The blended gift (Capital Campaign, Estate Planned Gift) will secure Bob as the single largest alumni-donor in Severn school’s history. Bob stated, “My parents’ gift to me was attending Severn, and today I want the kids to have everything they need to be the next generation of creators and makers.”

It is a powerful reminder that giving is not about just the future; it’s about making an impact now. In fact, the joy and meaning he found in making this gift was inspired by his return to campus—a visit that deepened his connection to a place that has always held a special place in his heart.

Even in retirement, Bob continues to explore and create in his home workshop, designing parts and tinkering with machinery. His curiosity remains his driving force. With the Maker Lab, he hopes to support students early in their journey with the opportunity to create with their hands as well as their minds.

BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE:

Original site of school on Springdale Avenue (1914; used until 1919)

Mr. Teel rented this house on Springdale Avenue, and he and Mr. Hawkins began classes with an enrollment of about 20 students. Severn School was located here until 1919. This building still stands in its original location.

A Promise Campaign: New Lower School (2026)

In 2013 Severn School merged with Chesapeake Academy, increasing Severn to enrollment of 808 students. During the merge, a promise was made - a promise being fulfilled by the current campaign. The new Lower School will span over 65,000 square feet on two levels and include a new library and media center, a 2,300-square foot dining commons, a 3,200-square foot multipurpose room / theater with 350 retractable seats, a maker lab, and a new playground.

Teel Hall (Old Main) (1919-1984)

The Administration Building, or “Old Main,” built in 1919 and renamed in 1971 after Severn School founder Rolland M. Teel, was used as a classroom space, dormitory, kitchen, and office.

Dining Hall (1922–1999)

Built in 1922, this building had many uses over the years, including as a cafeteria, a dance hall, a library, a rifle range, and as faculty apartments.

Daiger House Dedication (2017)

Daiger House, named for William H. “Chip” Daiger III ’83, was dedicated in the fall of 2017. Located at 109 Water Street, the property serves as the Head of School residence and is the site of numerous receptions and gatherings throughout the year. Portraits of Chip and his father Bill, along with a commemorative plaque, hang in the living room.

The (new) Teel Building (2015)

This 55,000-square-foot building, which replaced the Teel Academic Center, includes over 30 Middle and Upper School classrooms, a two-story library, an Innovation Lab, office space, two courtyards, and office space. Its hallmark feature is the Barbara and George T. Cromwell Jr. ’49 Centennial Rotunda, which includes the inscribed name of each and every Severn School graduate.

Woods Hall (1955–2006)

This building, named after Captain Robert Hall Woods, was first built as the “Junior School” for Grades 7 & 8 and was later used for Upper School English and History classrooms, as well as faculty apartments.

Memorial Gym (1963)

This building, dedicated to the Severn alumni who gave their lives during WWII, is still used as an auxiliary sports arena inside the Edward St. John Athletic Center.

Robert E. McCleary Student Center (1999)

This building includes Bauer Dining Hall and Price Auditorium, as well classrooms for vocal and instrumental music, art, and theater.

Alumni Walkway (2000)

The Alumni Walkway, completed in 2000 and dedicated to all Severn alums, provides a central passage through campus. Bricks edging one side of the walkway are inscribed with world events, while the opposite edge features bricks inscribed with Severn events.

Century of Service Memorial (2013)

This monument was created to honor the more than 1,500 Severn alumni who have served our country in the military. Their names scroll continuously on the display panel in the wall. The rivets represent the Severn alumni who served in defense of our nation; the circle lights represent the graduates who died defending our country; and the stars represent Severn’s three Medal of Honor recipients.

Turf Fields (2008)

Two new turf fields were added to Severn’s athletic facilities in 2008. In addition to the fields, this enhancement project also included brick site walls and ornamental fencing around the perimeter.

ESJAC (2008)

The Edward St. John Athletic Center, opened in 2008, houses a multipurpose field house with locker rooms, fitness and training centers, a concession area, and the Koch Alumni Room. It connects with the Memorial Gymnasium, built in 1963.

Creeden Hall (2002)

Originally named the Upper School Academic Building, Creeden Hall houses 36,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, a lecture hall, student commons, and office space. It was officially named Creeden Hall in 2006 in honor of former Head of School

and his wife Debbie

a longtime faculty member.

Bill Creeden

Creeden,

DAVID ASTLE ’92 MEMORIAL LECTURE SERIES SPEAKER

Dr. Pellerin and Doug Lagarde host a Q&A session for Upper School students

Severn School welcomed Dr. Charlie Pellerin ’62, former director of astrophysics at NASA and professor of leadership at the University of Colorado Business School, to campus last spring as the featured guest speaker of the David Astle ’92 Memorial Lecture Series.

As a leader of several multibillion-dollar NASA programs, including the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope and the challenging repair mission to fix it, Dr. Pellerin provided Severn’s Upper School students and faculty with a true insider’s look at his tremendous work and the impact of the decisions he has made throughout his lifetime, starting with his decision to attend Severn School.

“I have considerable academic experience with Drexel University, Catholic University, Harvard, and the University of Colorado,” began Dr. Pellerin. “However, nothing approaches the good feelings I have or the beneficial experiences of being a Severn School student. Fellow students, your time is well spent.” After graduating from Severn, Dr. Pellerin attended Drexel University for his undergraduate work, followed by Catholic University for his PhD, eventually landing what he calls his “dream job” at NASA, where he quickly advanced to director of astrophysics at age 38.

Of all the projects that he worked on at NASA, the Hubble Space Telescope was the most recognizable for audience members. Asked about launch day, Dr. Pellerin reminisced that it was stressful and hectic.

“It took 15 years and about $2 billion to build the initial system, and the pressure for success was on. The biggest surprise for me was the extent of public interest in the images projected to return. I remember going to view the telescope one last time before the shuttle cargo bay doors closed. I had a sense of awe. The gleaming cylinder was pure beauty.”

But when the images from the telescope came back about six weeks later looking blurry, he discovered a major flaw. Dr. Pellerin soon learned that the Hubble’s primary mirror was off—it was a maximum of four microns too flat at the edge of the 96-inch mirror. “A human hair is about 75 microns,” he explained to the students. “I walked into NASA Headquarters a week later to encounter angry NASA managers asking how I let this happen. Of course, I had no idea what went wrong.” Dr. Pellerin shared many of his personal and candid thoughts on the telescope problem and ultimate fix, surprising the audience by applying as much weight on the psychological aspect of the problem as the scientific side. “I realized that I felt lousy and helpless over the problem—the unfortunate reality is that it was a nightmare and wasn’t going to go away.” Feeling pressure from all directions, from news reporters and the general public to political leaders Barbara Mikulski and Dick Truly— who controlled the budget and constantly said no to his requests—Dr. Pellerin explained that when he “took responsibility” for the problem, assembled the best optics team, and initiated a risky budget move, he felt confident in finding a fix.

“Technically, we replaced one of the axial instruments with the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR) and replaced the radial Wide-field/Planetary camera to solve the problem,” he explained. “People were so happy with the fix that nobody bothered me about things like how I got that money into my budget. But what if I had not taken the extraordinary actions to initiate the process when I did?” reflected Dr. Pellerin. “Following usual procedures and processes would delay the fix by two to three years. By then, the gyros would have failed, and the telescope would be tumbling and making it impossible to approach with the shuttle. I realize that the ‘no’ response from others

My advice to you comes from multibillionaire investor Warren Buffett’s own words: When you get to my age, you’ll measure your success by how many of the people you want to love you actually do love you.

stimulated me into action instead of stifling me.”

Toward the end of his presentation, Dr. Pellerin was asked what advice he would leave Severn students. “My advice to you comes from multibillionaire investor Warren Buffett’s own words: When you get to my age, you’ll measure your success by how many of the people you want to love you actually do love you. That’s the ultimate test of how you have lived your life.”

Following the presentation in the assembly, Dr. Pellerin hosted a Q&A lunch with interested students and faculty. Questions ranged from his take on climate change and human longevity to what eager students and future scientists and engineers can study in college and how this generation can make a difference. “I would advise you to study and learn something that cannot be replaced with AI and other sources,” Dr. Pellerin shared. “But always make sure you put love over money—understand what is important in life.”

In the evening, Dr. Pellerin graciously returned to campus for another presentation at the head of school’s reception, including supporters of the David Astle Memorial Lecture Series, friends of the Astle family, and David Astle’s classmates. Severn thanks Dr. Pellerin for his incredible gift of time and insight, as well as the Astle family and program supporters.

The David Astle Memorial Lecture program was established in 1998 by former Maryland Senator John Astle and his wife, Jane, to honor the memory of their late son David ’92. Since its inception, the program has brought guest speakers and alumni back to campus annually to share inspirational messages and stories. Past speakers include Caleb Deschanel ’62, Andy Dehart ’91, Elena Delle Donne, Corporal Kyle Carpenter, and many others.

2025 VAN ENEY ’09 FELLOWS ALUMNI MENTORS SPRING SPEAKERS

A big shout out to these alumni mentors, who offered expertise and guidance to a Van Eney ‘09 Senior Fellow pursuing a yearlong passion project.

We were so excited to welcome Dr. Charles Pellerin ’62 back to campus as our 2025 David Astle Memorial Lecture Series Speaker. With a nearly 30-year career at NASA, including 10 years as the director of astrophysics, Dr. Pellerin shared his insights on the development, successes, and challenges of several multibillion-dollar programs and initiatives at NASA, including the Hubble Space Telescope and its stunning repair mission, as well as the impact of decisions—small and large— along the way. (See pgs. 42-43 for more information about Dr. Pellerin’s visit.)

Organized through a collaboration between Math Department Chair Julien Meyer and Alumni Director Carolyn Campion, 14 Severn students took a field trip to Wall Street to learn more about finance and investing with alumni and parent business executives. The afternoon presentation was given by Brian Tichenor ’03, managing director at Moelis & Company. Our students were invited into the boardroom for a lunch-and-learn discussion about investment banking, today’s markets, the recruiting cycle, and more. Brian told the students that the two most important takeaways from his Severn education were, one, a love of learning and, two, the value of hard work. Brian, we appreciate your incredible investment of time in our students.

Amy Stehl Bauer ’90, managing principal and cofounder of CA Search Advisors, LLC, and Casey Cole ’91, staffing lead at Boeing Intelligence & Analytics, came in to speak to our seniors about networking for their “Transition to College” program. Together, Amy and Casey talked about what networking is; how to use, grow, and store one’s network; and specific ways to connect with the Severn Alumni network. Thank you, Amy and Casey, for sharing your time and expertise with our students.

NYC artist Zack Lank ’08 came back to campus to judge our juried art show during Fine Arts Week. While on campus, Zack met with several art classes and shared stories about his career path, his time at Severn, and his current art projects. He was also able to give individual students feedback on their current works. Zack’s advice to our students? “Whether it be as a career or as a hobby, take art with you after you leave Severn. It will be your spiritual connection to the world.” Zack, thank you for investing your time and expertise in our students. 4/3 4/8 4/15

Greg Price ’02 hosted our second “Admirals Committed to Service” dinner at the Annapolis Yacht Club to foster camaraderie and connection among three generations of Admirals who have made the decision to serve our country. In attendance were five Severn students committed to military academies, three current alums at military academies, and two guests of honor: U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett ’65 and USNA Associate Professor of Economics Alex McQuoid ’98. In Image: Back row: Louis Lentz ’23 (USN), Jamison Wildt ’23 (USCG), Greg Price ’02 (host), Aiden Szydlik ’25 (USCG), Alex Brenia ’22 (USN), Alex McQuoid ’98 (USN professor); front row: Judge Bennett ’65, Carolyn Campion (alumni director), Sam Long ’26 (USN), John Bosanko ’25 (USMM), Olivia Cochran ’26 (USN), Antonia Huber ’26 (USA).

Last May, days before graduation, Alumni President Caitlin (McCleary) Horn ’04 officially welcomed the Class of 2025 to the Severn Alumni Family and shared her thoughts on what it means to be an Admiral. In image: Jessica (Popham) McDermott ’97 (alumni president 2017–2024), Carolyn Campion (alumni director), Caitlin (McCleary) Horn ’04 (current alumni president).

ONCE AN ADMIRAL ALWAYS AN ADMIRAL

A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION UNDER THE CANOPY

around a large oak tree, symbolizing unity and strength. The message was clear: No matter where life takes us, we are always Under ONE Canopy—connected, supported, and here for one another. Guests were welcomed by the serene sounds of the Louis Pettinelli Entertainment quartet, savored forest-inspired cuisine crafted by Ken’s Creative Kitchen, and enjoyed dynamic entertainment, including a student-created video and a captivating light show. A fan favorite? The handcrafted s’mores churros—an instant classic.

The Admiral Parents’ Association (APA) proudly champions initiatives that elevate the student experience across Severn’s Lower, Middle, and Upper Divisions. These include receptions for the arts, team-building events, student socials, athletic celebrations, networking opportunities, and so much more.

Family-style tables, an interactive 360-degree photo booth, and the Forest Fizz Lounge brought the community together—truly Under the Canopy.

Auction Committee: Hope Doyle (P’36 ’38 ’40), Janine Howard (P’28 ’30 ’37), Marci Monaldo (P’24 ’26 ’28 ’34), Kristi Painter (P’31 ’35), and Kelly Steele (P’31 ’33) Damean and Alisa Freas (P’26 ’29) and Cristina and Dustin Freas (P’31 ’33)

Shawn Woodlin Jr. (P’39), Jeffrey Huber (P’26), Cassie Quigley ’11 (P’39)

Courtney and Bret Devich (P’29 ’31)

Anthony and April Closson (P’31 ’32 ’38)

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

1955

1960

David Cobb sent us a great picture of classmate Ken Defiebre and him having lunch together in beautiful Berkeley, California, last June. Still friends 70 years later!

1965

We extend a heartfelt thank-you to U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett for offering Charlie Coleman ’25 a shadow experience at the courthouse for his Innovative Senior Project.

1965

Much appreciation for Richard Thompson, who volunteered to serve as the chair for the Class of 1960’s 65th Reunion. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap in the next issue of The Bridge

1961

We were so excited to welcome Bob Blaney home to Severn last spring, his first time back on campus since he graduated 64 years ago. While here, he toured both the Teel and Chesapeake campuses, as well as Doug Lagarde’s wood shop, and visited his boyhood home in West Severna Park. He even squeezed in dinner at The Point Crab House & Grill. When speaking about his experience at Severn, Bob expressed deep gratitude, especially for the dedicated faculty and staff: “They were the magic of the place.” Bob says he will return when the new Lower School is built. Thank you, Bob, for sharing your time with us. Read more about Bob on pages 38-39.

1962

Hats off to Sandy Clark for serving as chair for the Class of 1965’s 60th Reunion. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap in the next issue of The Bridge.

1966

Wally Massenburg sent us a great picture of his extended family: his four sons (Beau, Ian, Ronan, and Tiernan) and three grandchildren (Ashton, Keegan, and Charley).

1971

Robert Kesmodel has been keeping up with many of his ’62 classmates this year. He played golf with Jim Nolan in Naples, Florida, and Bill Torgerson in Vero Beach, Florida. He plans to get Johan Trumpy, Bill Torgerson, Jim Nolan, and Paull Phillips all together in one place for a ’62 mini-reunion before the year is over. He also had dinner in Norfolk, Virginia, with Gail Frey’s sister Prissy Parcels and John Hudson, who is happily retired and living in the same retirement community as Prissy.

Hats off to Gary Koch president at Koch Homes, for designing a comprehensive month-long ISP shadow experience for Trevor Kirkley ’25 in the field of construction and land development. Thank you, Gary, for investing in our students.

1974

Jeff Smith sent in this update: “I really enjoyed touring the campus and seeing classmates at the reunion in October 2024. have been enjoying retirement. My wife and I live in Northern Virginia and try to travel when we can. I was greatly honored to participate in a creative writing workshop held by Dr. Jackie Baugh at Severn earlier this year.”

Correction: We omitted the Class of 1974’s alumni names in the caption on page 15 of the May 2025 issue of The Bridge. We regret the error.

1985

Three cheers for Bob Graw, senior director of IT at CallTrackingMetrics, for hosting an ISP shadow experience for Nia Hudson ’25 and Brooke Watson ’25 in the field of computer science. This is Bob’s third time hosting an ISP in a four-year span. Thank you, Bob!

1989

Here’s a shout-out to Mick Arnold, president of Arnold Packaging, for hosting an Innovative Senior Project shadow experience for Peter Urban ’25 in the field of mechanical engineering. We appreciate you, Mick!

1983

Brooks Tucker is currently living in Beaufort, South Carolina, and finds himself in a transition involving work, volunteering, and free time to enjoy the southern coast. He was appointed in April by the president to serve on the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The ABMC was founded in 1923 and oversees 26 American cemeteries on foreign soil, as well as numerous memorials commemorating our war dead in 17 countries from Europe to Asia. The Commission is striving through outreach and education to reconnect newer generations of Americans to these important markers of our American history. To learn more about ABMC’s unique mission, go to: https://www.abmc.gov/about-us/history/.

1990

Three cheers for Rolf Hill, Francesca Dougherty Schinnerer, and Allison Williams for serving as chairs for the Class of 1990’s 35th Reunion. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap in the next issue of The Bridge

1991

Since his retirement from Dell Technologies, headquartered in Texas, Matt Baker and his wife, Lari, have been enjoying time in the mid-Atlantic area with their child Liberty, a rising junior at Franklin & Marshall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In particular, they have enjoyed cruising the Chesapeake and the Northeast on their trawler, which they keep in Eastport.

The Massenburgs (L–R): Ashton, Ian, Keegan, Ronan, Charley, Beau, Wally and Tiernan.

Class of 1974 (L–R): Jim Trost, Bob DeStefano, Bill Vytlacil, Howdy Knipp, Jeff Popham, Peter Tsou, Jeff Smith, The Admiral, Wilson Phipps, Steve Hill, Mia (Chandler) Antonelli, Steve Fromyer, Lee Watkins, Leslie (Venable) Williams, Janet Hartge, Vickie Evans-Hilbun, John Duvall, Bob Alley

(L–R): Melissa Hickman, Peter Urban ’25, and Mick Arnold ’89 at Arnold Packaging.

Melissa White Morsberger relocated to the Sunshine State with her four children and her mom in August 2022. They have packed a lot of excitement and adventure into these past three years. Her oldest daughter (Abigail, 24) graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, married, and has relocated to Pensacola. Katherine (22) just graduated from Southeastern University, in Florida, with a degree in communications disorders. Leo (18) is finishing his studies at Catonsville High School. Molly (14) is busy with her traveling volleyball team. As for Melissa, she is a circulating nurse in the operating room, with a primary focus in women’s breast and gynecological care. In this role, she shares OR space with the labor and delivery unit—not far from where she began her nursing career 25 years ago at Johns Hopkins. She loves to travel, try new beaches, and visit local coffee shops. If in the Tampa area, please reach out—she would love to connect!

Heather (Clark) Piskorowski and her husband, Bryan, have officially become empty nesters. Son Owen is a senior at Lafayette College and son Quinn is a freshman at Bucknell University. Heather and Bryan split time between Saint Louis, Missouri, and Jupiter, Florida.

1995

1994

Eugene Macaraeg, a UPMC-STAT medevac flight nurse, hosted Casey Gattie ’25 as a shadow on a fly-along in May. Thank you, Eugene, for setting up this memorable experience for Casey’s Innovative Senior Project

1999

We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Jason Scott for serving as chair for the Class of 1995’s 30th Reunion. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap in the next issue of The Bridge.

1996

Shout-out to Dr. Kate Graw Lamond, medical director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatrics Surgery at Sibley Memorial Hospital, for hosting Nina Ambro ’25 for an Innovative Senior Project shadow experience in bariatric surgery.

1998

Thank you to Carol Prickett Snyder, CEO & founder-partner of the Snyder Bradshaw Group, for hosting an Innovative Senior Project shadow experience last May for Alex South ’25 in the field of real estate.

We were excited to welcome Alex McQuoid, associate professor of economics at the U.S. Naval Academy, to campus in September to deliver the keynote address at the Upper School Honor Code Assembly. Stay tuned for more details and pictures from this event in our next issue of The Bridge

Zack Mills, executive chef and partner at True Chesapeake Oyster Co., hosted an Innovative Senior Project shadow experience for Annie Lapides ’25 and Jameila Pennant ’25 for three nights at his restaurant. Thank you, Zack, for investing your time and energy in our students.

Katharine Coldiron recently published her fifth book, Out There in the Dark. Earlier this year she won a residency at the Lucid Art Foundation to work on another book, this one about Hollywood in the 1930s. She and Matt Mason are still happily married and living in Los Angeles, where Matt is a video game designer for EA.

2000

Happy birthday to one of our local faves, Forward Brewing, which celebrated its fifth year in business this past May. Congrats to founder/owner Cam Bowdren!

Nathan Irving and Anika Nickel tied the knot on a Sunday afternoon in May on the backyard patio of their new home in Reston, Virginia. Anika is a German national working for NATO, and Nathan is a German-born dual citizen currently serving as a full-time executive pastor. For now, home and work have them centered in Northern Virginia, but their sights are set on a possible return to Germany in the not-too-distant future.

2002

Three cheers to Sean Etter, veterinarian and owner of Pasadena Animal Hospital, for hosting a fiveday shadow experience at his clinic for Betty Gibson ’25. Betty had the chance to sit in on appointments and watch surgeries. Thank you, Sean, for volunteering to be an ISP Mentor for the second year in a row.

2003

Congratulations to Michael Biles and his wife, Natalia, who welcomed their son, Tristan Adrian Biles, into the world in May. Tristan is already loved fiercely by his two big sisters, Sienna (Severn Class of ’39) and Camila (two years old).

2004

The Alumni Office wants to thank Caitlin (McCleary) Horn for her time and enthusiasm as our alumni president. Congrats, Caitlin, on a fabulous first year in this role!!

Big thanks to Scott MacMullan and Jeff McMahon for serving as chairs for the Class of 2000’s 25th Reunion. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap in the next issue of The Bridge

2001

Shawn Howard and his husband James completed the adoption of their son, Theodore, in May. Theo was placed with Shawn and James shortly after his birth in November 2023. Over the past year and a half, Shawn and James have worked diligently toward finalization of the adoption.

On May 20, a judge signed off on the adoption, solidifying their family.

2005

Congratulations to national bestselling author Kate Myers, who released her second novel, Salty, this past summer.

Three cheers for Jessica (Rausch) Johnson, Jamal Jones, Ashley Templeton, and Tyler Williams for serving as chairs for the Class of 2005’s 20th Reunion. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap in the next issue of The Bridge

Melissa White Morsberger ’91 with daughters Abigail and Katherine.

Melissa White Morsberger ’91 and her son Leo.

Photo by Sina Dehghani, Courtesy of the Lucid Art Foundation

The Piskorowski Family: Bryan, Heather, Quinn, and Owen.

Shawn Howard (right) with husband James and son Theo.

2009

Congrats to D.J. Baines (partner at Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.), who was named to the “Leading Lawyers 2024–2025” list and nominated for the “Up-and-Coming Lawyers 2025” list.

Sofia Melfi ’25 and Holland Sixbey ’25 had a one-of-a-kind experience in NYC last May shadowing Leanne Hug, director of marketing for CoverGirl. Leanne put together an amazing full-day itinerary for the girls, including some time in the CoverGirl Influencer Lab. Leanne, Sofia, and Holland capped off the day with a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Thank you, Leanne, for crafting this unbelievable Innovative Senior Project experience for our seniors.

2010

Thanks to Caroline Franke and Lexi (Schaeffer) Prevoznik for serving as chairs for the Class of 2010’s 15th Reunion. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap in the next issue of The Bridge.

Max Schechter and Samantha (Gorny) Schechter were married last March at the National Museum for Women in the Arts in Washington, DC. Carson Smith served as the best man, and Severn alums Mia Katz, Amanda (Salvesen) Sherman, Kelsey Wooddell, Julia Schechter ’03, and Ben Michelman ’03 celebrated alongside the bride and groom.

Thank you to Matt Treuth, principal at Access Holdings in Baltimore, for hosting an Innovative Senior Project shadow experience for Alex Zaremski ’25 and Jack Lefever-Farino ’25. What a fabulous way for these seniors to learn about private equity before they head off to college. Thank you, Matt!

2011

What a treat to have Bart Repasky visit campus last spring! Bart currently lives in Thailand, where he is the manager of an American BBQ restaurant named The Smokin’ Pug. While stateside for a family wedding, Bart decided to stop by campus for a tour and a visit with some of his former teachers.

2012

Jenna (Maseritz) Aliff, Grace (Rudder) Marland, Maggie (Johnson) Beck, Chloe (Snow) Lakhanpal, and Kathryn (Wilbur) Brothers were all in town for the Severn wedding of Kendall Parrott and Miles Norris. These 2012 Admiral Moms all had babies within four months of each other.

Thank you to Janat (Bashir) Reid, a registered nurse at the UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, for hosting an Innovative Senior Project shadow experience for Emma Foster ’25 in the Center for Advanced Fetal Care.

Marcel Isper, who recently earned her doctor of dental surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry and will begin practicing in Philadelphia this August. (See notes on Simon, Robert, and Barbara in their respective graduation years.)

Cool connection alert! At the DC Alumni Social last spring, Sara Morgan Watters ’06 ran into Ian Morgan, both Severn sailors in their day. Turns out Sara needed crew for the upcoming Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in Annapolis, and Ian offered to sail with her in her two-person Melges 15. The result? They won the event. Congrats, Admirals!

2013

This past spring, Ryan Frey, who currently lives in Destin, Florida, surprised us at the Alumni House with a cup of coffee in his hand.

“When I was a student here,” he explained, “I would bring Mr. Palmer a cup of coffee every morning.” On his quick visit to Maryland, Ryan was hoping to see Mr. Cyril Palmer and revive the tradition. While the two missed each other that morning, we are happy to report that Mr. Palmer did eventually get Ryan’s coffee.

After graduating from Severn in 2013 and then Texas A&M in 2017, Ryan joined the Army and was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Ryan makes frequent trips back to Severna Park to visit his parents, his brother Owen Frey ’19 (who works for Morgan Stanley in Baltimore and lives in DC), and fellow Severn graduates Patrick Haefner, Ben Priddy, and Ryan Lamon

Congrats to Delia Repasky Schevsky and her husband, Alex. They had an intimate wedding ceremony on a river cruise from Vienna to Budapest in December 2024. Fellow Admiral Morgan Kontor and Delia’s brother Bart Repasky ’11 joined them to celebrate. Then, in April 2025, Delia and Alex held a wedding reception in their NYC home, where they have lived since October 2020. Celebrating with them were Jayne Guthorn ’14, Claire Harding ’15, Lillie Kontor ’17, Ryan Bathras, Rob HoehnSaric ’10, Delia’s brother Bart, and Delia’s advisory teacher, Carolyn Cosentino. Delia is a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines, and her husband, Alex, leads a product management team for chemical company Syensqo.

2014

Congrats to David Jaklitsch (trial attorney at The Jaklitsch Law Group), who was named to the “Leading Lawyers 2024–2025” list and nominated for the “Up-and-Coming Lawyers 2025” list.

2015

We were very excited to hear news from the four Isper cousins, Marcel, Simon ’18, Robert ’21, and Barbara ’22. While their journeys have taken them in different directions, one thing has remained constant: their dedication to supporting the family businesses and giving back in meaningful ways. Congrats to

Congrats to Ally Veit, who earned her MBA from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, in May.

Joining the celebration were her mom, Beverly Miniter Veit ’79, her brother Brendan Veit ’18, and Dana Johnson ’14.

2018

Cheers to the four Isper cousins, Marcel ’15, Simon, Robert ’21, and Barbara ’22. They have each been carving their own path, excelling in their studies and careers while staying rooted in their commitment to the family. Simon Isper, a computer engineering graduate from Arizona State University, is currently working in the field and is exploring opportunities to expand his career in the Middle East.

Bart with English teacher Dr. Baugh

Ian Morgan ’15 and Sara Morgan Watters ’06 (Deadrise Marine Photography)

Admiral Moms (L–R): Jenna (Maseritz) Aliff, Grace (Rudder) Marland, Maggie (Johnson) Beck, Chloe (Snow) Lakhanpal, and Kathryn (Wilbur) Brothers

Claire Harding ’15, Carolyn Cosentino, Delia, Jayne Guthorn ’14

Brendan Veit ’18, Dana Johnson ’14, Ally Veit ’15, and Beverly Miniter Veit ’79.

Robert ’21, Simon ’18, Barbara ’22, and Marcel ’15 Isper.

2019

We were excited to see Jared Reilly on campus last spring. Jared recently finished four years in Dublin, Ireland, at Trinity College. His next stop is Sydney, Australia, where he plans to live and work. Best of luck, Jared!

2020

Hats off to Brendan Murphy and Ashley Urban for serving as chairs for the Class of 2020’s 5th Reunion. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap in the next issue of The Bridge

2021

2022

Winning this year’s prize for youngest alumni ISP Mentor, Daniel Berlin, founder of Dirty Gut, hosted a shadow experience for Ben Hilburn ’25 and Josh Queen ’25 in the field of entrepreneurship.

Best wishes to Barbara Isper, who will be starting an accelerated pharmacy program at the University of Maryland this fall.

Faculty & Staff Awards

Cheers to two faculty members, history teacher Samantha Brickman and Upper School faculty math teacher Andrew Otero, who were selected by our students as award recipients this year. Ms. Brickman was chosen by the student body for the Julian A. Domenech Sr. Outstanding Faculty Award, and Mr. Andrew Otero was chosen by the senior class for the Faculty Appreciation Award.

Poets&Quants for Undergrads, the leading news source for undergraduate business education, named Daniel Babalola to its 10th annual “Best & Brightest Business Majors” list, which honors 100 of the most accomplished seniors who majored in fields like business administration, marketing, finance, and operations. Daniel, a business major at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, will be working as a product manager at Capital One after graduation. About Daniel’s selection to this prestigious list, his advisor wrote, “Daniel embodies the qualities of a scholar, leader, and change-maker. I am confident that Daniel will continue to make significant contributions to the betterment of society, both locally and globally.” Congratulations, Daniel! (Read more about Daniel Babalola on page 26.)

Congratulations to Robert Isper, who just graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in public health. He plans to pursue an MPH before applying to medical school.

Congratulations to Caleb Morgan, who was recently commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy after completing the NROTC program at Vanderbilt.

Exciting news for Ryan Ward, a junior at Belmont University: Ryan was an intern for songwriter Rocco Cipriano ’12 this summer, learning the business of songwriting and producing.

Congratulations to these faculty and staff members for being named the recipients of the following year-end awards:

Sue Richburg Associate Director of Admission, Lower School 2025 Founder’s Award

Rachel McMahon Middle School Math 2025 Creeden Award for Teaching Excellence

Jami Balonis Business Office Millard 2025 Unsung Hero Award

Submit Your Class Notes

Severn Connect Networking Platform

Are you looking for a professional connection to start a business or make a career shift? Would you like to reconnect with friends or build new relationships with classmates who share similar interests or live in the same area? From online professional networking tools to social event calendars and registrations, Severn Connect can help you get the most out of your connection with Severn School. Register today at www.severnconnect.com

We love to hear from our alumni about their lives after Severn. Keep us up-to-date on recent trips, internships, research projects, stories with classmates, graduations, new jobs, new homes, weddings, and babies. Email Alumni Director Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com or drop us a note through our alumni social media pages.

Severn School Alumni

Severn School Alumni

SevernSchoolAlums

Shannon Howell and Jared Reilly ’19

IN MEMORIAM

1945 Henry S. Schneider

1947 Jules D. Bradley

1947 Charles R. Smith, Jr.

1948 George T. Bachmann

1948 Hubert E. Strange, Jr.

1950 Charles J. Marietta

1951 Douglas V. Rigler

1953 Robert F. Sears

1954 Charles R. Durling III

1958 James H. Stiegler

1970 David A. Mishkin

1976 David C. Crocker

1945 Henry S. Schneider

Henry S. Schneider passed away on September 11, 2024. After Severn, Henry attended the U.S. Naval Academy and then Drury College (now University), where he served on the board of directors and was honored as a distinguished alumnus. After graduating from Drury, Henry attended Columbia University, from which he graduated with an MS in business. After working at several Wall Street firms, Henry and his wife, college sweetheart Jane Ross, moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he taught economics and business and started his own investment business, Henry S. Schneider and Associates. Service to the community was always important to Henry. In 1989, Henry and Jane established the Schneider Foundation, which gave money to local agencies like the Springfield Family Y and the Dickerson Park Zoo. Henry had a lifelong love of travel, art, piano, and golf.

1947 Jules D. Bradley

Jules D. Bradley passed away on January 12, 2025. After Severn, where Jules was captain of the 1947 lacrosse team, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and then the University of Tennessee. Jules served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1954, earning an honorable discharge. After his military service, Jules returned to Knoxville and sold mutual bonds for the Home Federal Bank. He was the co-owner of the Westside Package Store and owned the Food of the Four Winds beer store. Jules was a member of the Knoxville Civil War Roundtable and the Welsh Society. He found joy in tennis, swimming, sailing, and sharing meals with his friends in the Fork and Foam Dinner Club, which met regularly for an incredible 70 years.

1947 Charles R. Smith, Jr.

Charles R. “Sunny” Smith, Jr., passed away on April 23, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland. In 1944, Charles, then a Severn student, enlisted in the Army and served in Manila until 1946. He came back to Severn to complete his education for the 1946–47 school year. He then attended the University of Maryland in College Park, where he was a member of the ATO fraternity and met his loving wife, Anne Carr Smith, with whom he shared a passion for sailing and racing. Sunny and Anne won numerous sailing awards over the years and contributed significantly to the sailing community in Annapolis. In 1994, Sunny was honored for being the only skipper to have raced continuously under the AYC burgee for fifty years. In 2024, he received special recognition for his 80 years of AYC service. He served on the Annapolis Maritime Museum board of directors and was inducted into the Annapolis Maritime Hall of Fame in 2001. Beyond sailing, Sunny was deeply committed to community service. He was a founding member and president of the Annapolis Jaycees, as well as the Annapolis Elks and Lions clubs, and he served on the boards of the Annapolis Chamber of Commerce, March of Dimes, and Severn School.

1948 George T. Bachmann

George T. Bachmann passed away on May 27, 2024, in Westminster, Maryland. George served in the Army during the Korean War. Back in the U.S., George graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park and Catholic University, from which he graduated with a degree in library science. He worked as a librarian at Anne Arundel County Library, Catonsville Community College, United Lutheran Seminary, and Hoover Library at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). Music was always a big part of George’s life; he was a founding member of the Viola da Gamba Society of America and hosted a Thursday night music consortium at his home in Westminster. Over the course of 40 years, he composed many pieces of music, including a waltz for each of the female members of the family and a wedding march played at both his own wedding and that of his son.

1948 Hubert E. Strange, Jr.

CDR Hubert E. “Doc” Strange, Jr., passed away on March 8, 2024. Hubert attended Severn for one year before entering the U.S. Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1952. While at the Naval Academy, Doc, an All-American lacrosse player, won the coveted Naval Academy Blanket, an award given for earning five major varsity letters. Doc spent 26 years serving in the Navy, and upon his retirement in 1975, he was part of the team that opened FLETC, where he worked for a number of years. Outside of work, Doc loved playing tennis and golf; at one point, he was ranked No. 2 in the South in tennis. Doc always felt very fortunate to live and play on beautiful St. Simons Island.

1950 Charles J. Marietta

Charles J. “Chuck” Marietta of College Station, Texas, passed away on July 23, 2024. Chuck was a Navy veteran of the Korean War who served two tours of duty in the bomber squadron VA 702. After the war, Chuck enrolled at Texas A&M University, where he served in Squadron 22 and studied aeronautical engineering. Chuck was an entrepreneur for over 40 years, operating Charles Marietta Insurance and Ottinger Real Estate alongside his wife, Vera, and her father, Dennis Ottinger. He was dedicated to his community, serving on the Fort Bend County Fair Association board for over 15 years, serving as a Rosenberg City Council member, and contributing to the early organization and development of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. A devout Christian, Chuck was a founding member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Rosenberg and later attended Calvary Episcopal Church of Richmond.

1951 Douglas V. Rigler

Douglas V. Rigler passed away on August 22, 2024, in Bethesda, Maryland. After graduating from Severn at age 16, Douglas was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. There, Douglas developed a passion for aviation. Following his graduation in 1956 and flight training, Douglas joined a squadron as a pilot of P2Vs, an anti-submarine patrol bomber. Douglas left active duty in order to attend George Washington University Law School, from which he graduated as an honors student and an editor of the Law Review. Enrolled in the Navy’s active reserves, Douglas was recalled to active duty and served his country during the Berlin and Cuban Missile crises. A highly experienced litigator, Douglas twice argued before the Supreme Court of the United States as lead counsel selected to speak for multiple parties, including five foreign governments. He also argued before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Outside of work, Douglas loved to hike and read; play tennis, piano, and bridge; and travel—he visited every continent except Antarctica.

1953 Robert F. “Bob” Sears

Robert F. “Bob” Sears passed away on June 15, 2024. A graduate of and ROTC reservist at the University of Southern California, Bob started off as an advertising and staff writer for Capitol Records in Los Angeles, California. He then moved to Tacoma, Washington, in 1968, and worked as a graphic designer for the Weyerhaeuser Company. Bob capped off his professional career as the owner of and instructor at several successful driving schools in both Tacoma and St. George. An avid writer, Bob enjoyed writing short autobiographies and had many articles published in local newspapers and national magazines. Bob and his wife, Gena, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, boating, RVing, and traveling.

1954 Charles R. “Chuck” Durling III

Charles R. “Chuck” Durling III passed away on December 15, 2024, in Palmetto Bay, Florida.

1958 James H. Stiegler

James H. Stiegler passed away on April 29, 2024. After Severn, Jim went on to the University of Maryland, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He had a distinguished 39-year career at Westinghouse Electric / Northrop Grumman, where he made significant contributions to the aerospace and defense field. One of his longest projects involved helping to design the AWACS radar used on military planes for both defensive and offensive air operations. Jim retired in 2007, at which time he and Ann moved to Indian Land, South Carolina. Jim was a devoted member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, where he dedicated his time and skills to help build homes for those in need. Jim was well known to all his friends and family for his woodworking talent and handyman skills, and for always having the right tool to fix anything. Jim also had a love for sports, particularly tennis, horseshoes, and bike riding. In his younger days, he coached his son’s sports teams and was always there to cheer on his grandsons at any sporting events.

1970 David A. Mishkin

Dr. David A. Mishkin passed away on December 4, 2024.

1976 David C. Crocker

David C. Crocker passed away on March 19, 2025. After Severn, David continued his education at Towson Community College in Maryland. He began his career in real property tax assessment for multiple companies, including Transamerica, First American, and Pinnacle. Outside of work, David was involved in many volunteer activities, including serving on the boards of Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People (now Hearing Loss Association of America), Northern Virginia Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. One of David’s greatest joys was participating in the local Cub Scout Pack 1971 and Boy Scout Troop 1313. Dave’s kindness, sense of humor, and connection with people in all walks of life will be remembered by many and dearly missed.

We Thank You

Even as the Teel campus takes on a new look this year—welcoming our Preschool through fifth graders during the Lower School rebuild—the spirit of Severn shines brighter than ever.

At the core of Severn is an unshakable belief in the boundless potential of our Admirals. When you give to the Admiral Fund, you’re not just making a gift—you’re investing in their dreams, ambitions, and future.

All together, we make it possible.