Issuu

Bridge the

Fall 2026

IN THIS ISSUE:

Beyond the Classroom

Lawrence Jacobs ‘25 Finds His Voice

OUR CORE VALUES DISCOVER WHAT MATTERS

TAKE A STAND

BUILD COMMUNITY

BE WELL, LIVE WELL

EVERYONE BELONGS pg

Lawrence Jacobs ‘25 Finds His Voice

PICTURED ON THE COVER: Lawrence Jacobs ‘25 Photo Credit: James Kegley

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Alums Bring Learning to Life

Second graders enjoying the new playground equipment. Photo Credit: James Kegley

THE BRIDGE is published for alumni, parents, and friends by Severn School’s Communications Office. We encourage all our readers to respond with comments, questions, and information. Inquiries can be sent by mail to Severn School Communications Office, 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146, or by email to info@severnschool.com, or by calling us at 410.647.7700. ONLINE ACCESS: All issues of The Bridge can be found on Severn’s website for easy online reading. To access this and past issues, scan the QR code:

A Legacy of Philanthropy

Untangling Mental Health Myths

©2026 Severn School. All rights reserved. Severn School does not discriminate against any person in admission, employment, or otherwise because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or age. Severn School is accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) and is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education. MISSION STATEMENT: 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. Douglas Lagarde, Head of School Jonathan Kagan, Board of Trustees Chair Shannon Howell, Director of Development Kelley Wallace & Jenny McAfee, Editors Carolyn Campion, Director of Alumni Relations & Alumni Giving Caitlin (McCleary) Horn ‘04, Alumni Association President Designed by Contrast & Co.

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Exceptional classroom teaching is fundamental to the Severn experience.

In classrooms across Severn, students engage with new ideas, wrestle with hard questions, and test their thinking in spirited discussions, labs, and debates. This is where the learning begins, but not where it ends. Because the most meaningful education goes beyond the classroom, both organically and by design. Think of it as planting seeds. Lessons, conversations, experiments, thoughts, and arguments take root. Then they sprout into fresh ideas, unexpected passions, and new perspectives. In time, they grow into bold and innovative projects, service to others, and the first steps toward fulfilling careers. You see it when students return from a field trip, more deeply engaged after connecting what they’ve learned in class to the real-life struggles and breakthroughs of others. You see it when an engineering class assignment sparks a great idea for a club activity, and students voluntarily show up and try something new. You see it when a student athlete discovers a new way to lead, and a whole team is better for it. You see it when an alum shares hard-won expertise, and a student recognizes how a classroom lesson can lead to a dream career. And you see it when a love of history meets a passion for service, blossoming into a yearlong Fellows project that ends with a published book. Because when lessons come alive beyond the classroom, remarkable things happen. Students step confidently onto stages, into studios, onto playing fields, into labs, and up to podiums. They carry what they’ve learned into their communities. They lead teams, ask brave questions, and discover what they’re truly capable of and how they can best contribute to the world around them. And that is the very heart of a Severn education. It’s both knowledge and experience, woven together with intention, that shapes students into agile thinkers and doers who are ready for anything.

Welcome to Beyond the Classroom. 4

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The Horn Family: Caitlin ‘04, Ben, Cullen ‘37, Kendall ‘32, Parker ‘34

Greetings,

ALUMNI FAMILY!

I always love the start of the new school year and the fall season on Severn’s two campuses. The contagious excitement of school spirit is everywhere, students are eager to get back into their routines, new friends are being made, and the events calendar is jam-packed with activities seemingly every single day. The theme for this edition of The Bridge is “Beyond the Classroom.” When this theme was first presented to me, my mind immediately raced to all the ways Severn has impacted not only me personally, but my entire family— both inside and beyond the classroom. As a proud alumna of the Class of 2004, I experienced life as an Admiral beyond the classroom in many ways. Perhaps the most memorable experience, however, was quite literally going beyond the classroom and traveling to Bermuda for my ISP (Independent Senior Project). Mr. Phil Lenham was the brave faculty member who took on this expedition year after year, carefully assembling a trip of a lifetime for Severn seniors. We began our journey together with a nonstop flight from Reagan National Airport. Once in Bermuda, we stayed at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, where we immersed ourselves in a hands-on marine biology curriculum, with a learning lab right at our fingertips. We jumped off cliffs into the Atlantic Ocean, went night snorkeling, explored the northernmost coral reef in the Atlantic, and more. If that’s not taking your education beyond the classroom, then I’m not sure what is! As I consider the theme of “Beyond the Classroom” through the lens of our three children, Kendall ‘32, Parker ‘34, and Cullen ‘37, I find myself thinking less about what they have learned in the classroom and more about who they are becoming beyond it.

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Of course, Severn challenges its students academically. Yet some of the most meaningful lessons our children have carried with them happened on field trips, on playing fields, in rehearsal spaces, on the water, in navigating friendships, through leadership opportunities, and in the everyday moments that make up life at Severn. These experiences have taught them that education is not simply about what you know, but about how you show up, how you treat others, how you respond when things don’t go your way, and how you use your strengths to contribute to something bigger than yourself. This notion came full circle for us recently when our daughter Parker was invited to speak to the student body at the schoolwide Convocation Assembly. Watching her prepare for that moment and then deliver her speech reminded us that some of the most important learning happens beyond the classroom. It happens in the ways children learn to reflect on their experiences, find their own voices, take on opportunities to lead, and contribute to a larger community. To me, this is what the theme “Beyond the Classroom” is really all about. My wish for our Severn Alumni Community this fall is that we all take a moment to reflect on our time as Admirals and to remember how we grew, both inside and beyond our classroom walls. How does your time at Severn impact the way you lead your life today? As always, it is a true honor and pleasure to serve as your alumni president. This role has been fulfilling and given me a sense of purpose in more ways than one, and I am so grateful. Go ADMIRALS! Sincerely,

Caitlin

Caitlin (McCleary) Horn ’04

HEAD OF SCHOOL DOUG LAGARDE’S

GRADUATION REMARKS 658-0485 . There is a dangerous new technology that experts have proclaimed will “create forgetfulness in the learners’ souls” and produce people who “appear to be omniscient and will generally know nothing.” This warning was not about AI. It was expressed 2,400 years ago by Socrates when man started to write down knowledge and not just memorize it. 658-0485 . That was my home phone number when I was growing up. Yes, we only had seven digits way back then. So how many adults here—by show of hands—can remember the landline number to the house they grew up in? OK. Now how many of you know your child’s phone number, or your parents’, your spouse’s? I don’t. So Socrates may have had a point among many others.

This warning [...] was expressed 2,400 years ago by Socrates when man started to write down knowledge and not just memorize it. At ceremonies like today’s graduation, we spend a great deal of time talking about the future—your future. And right now, the world is very good at predicting it for you. You are told it will be faster, smarter, more efficient; that technology, especially artificial intelligence, will reshape everything. And it will. But when the future arrives, it rarely feels dramatic. It feels normal. Change accumulates quietly until what once seemed unimaginable becomes ordinary. The technologies surrounding you today would have felt extraordinary generations ago, yet now they are ordinary parts of life. AI may ultimately become much the same— infrastructure like electricity, the internet, or the telephone: powerful, transformative, and eventually unremarkable. We will adapt to it, gain certain capacities while losing others, and continue forward, as human beings always have. Grads, your grandchildren will likely marvel at AI about as much as you marvel at a refrigerator. They will simply use it, complain about it, and forget there was ever a world without it. Neither utopia nor dystopia—just different. An improved means to an unimproved future. We live in a world that celebrates outcomes: scores, awards, announcements, and posts. They are visible, measurable, and easy to compare. We all fall prey to tying our sense of worth to our performance. It is natural, but it is also a fragile foundation on which to build a life. You are not defined by a

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result or a moment of success or failure. A meaningful life is built through inputs: the habits you form, the discipline you sustain, the relationships you invest in, and the standards you hold yourself to. Inputs are often quiet and unrewarded in the moment, but over time they compound. They ask you to trust that effort today will matter tomorrow, even when there is no immediate evidence. If you focus on inputs long enough, the outputs tend to take care of themselves. That shift—from outcomes to inputs, from comparison to perspective— changes everything. Now let me speak specifically about Severn’s Class of 2026, who in their time here has moved along the path from outcomes to inputs, from comparison to perspective in meaningful and impactful ways. Every August, Severn conducts a leadership retreat for students in grades ten through twelve. The main purpose of the two-day event is to decide on an adaptive challenge for the school year. An adaptive challenge seeks to have the community change for the better by inspiring positive action. After healthy deliberation, the group settled on “Pave the Way” as the adaptive challenge for the 2025-26 school year. With all three divisions sharing one campus this year for the first—and likely only—time in the School’s history, the Class of 2026 recognized that they carried a responsibility unlike that of any senior class before them. They understood that “Pave the Way” was more than a slogan; it meant leading by example, supporting one another, showing up for games, performances, and community events they might not ordinarily attend, and, most powerfully, modeling for younger students what it truly means to be an Admiral.

people who shaped you in ways both obvious and invisible. In 1969, when I was in second grade, my home phone number was 658-0485. As I said, a memory that has lasted, even though much of what once required memory has now been outsourced to And in difficult moments, character is technology. My second-grade teacher, rarely revealed through grand gestures; in fact, is the grandmother of one of it is revealed through consistency. our graduates and is here today—a Do what you say you are going to do. reminder that the people who shape Follow through. Show up, especially “Pave the Way” is a posture. It’s an us often remain with us far longer when you do not feel like it, because input. It assumes the path ahead is not than the facts we memorize. What reliability builds trust, and trust fully built—and that it is not someone lasts are not merely the outcomes, but opens doors you cannot yet see. else’s job to build it. Too often people the inputs: the people who invested And remember: None of us becomes wait: for clarity, confidence, or the in you, the standards they modeled, who we are alone. The people around perfect moment. The perfect moment the expectations they held for you, you—family, teachers, mentors, and never comes. What comes instead and the habits they helped you build. friends—shape you more than you is opportunity, usually disguised as AI is an outcome. “Pave the Way” realize. Speaker John Rohn put it this uncertainty. The difference between is an input. One is a tool; the other way: You are quite literally the average people who move forward and people is a way of being. One may improve of the people with whom you choose to who stay stuck is rarely talent. It is efficiency; the other improves people. spend your time. So choose people who action. Ready is not a feeling. It is a And while the future will undoubtedly challenge you, push you, and expect decision. And life doesn’t care about bring extraordinary new technologies something from you. Because growth potential—for potential is just a polite and capabilities, a meaningful life word for “Haven’t done will still be built the same anything yet.” way it always has been: None of us becomes who we are alone. through courage, discipline, Seniors, as you head to curiosity, relationships, college, it’s important to humility, and action. realize the clear path you The world may offer you improved may have in your head today will likely rarely happens inside your comfort means, but it is still up to you to create change. Life is less a straight line than zone. Take risks. Be willing to feel improved ends. So continue the shift a series of recalculations. You will uncomfortable. Feel your hands shake you began here: from outcomes to make wrong turns and decisions that before you speak, and your legs ache inputs, from comparison to perspective, do not work out. That is not failure; after effort, because experience builds from intention to action. Keep paving that is life. Think of yourself as a GPS. judgment, and judgment helps you the way—not only for yourselves, but When you take a wrong turn, GPS does navigate complexity. And perhaps most for the people and communities of not judge you, it doesn’t yell at you, it importantly, be willing to say, “I don’t which you will be a part in the future. recalculates—over and over again. Your know.” In a world that often rewards destination does not disappear. It may performance over substance, there is require a different path, but it remains real strength in honesty. “I don’t know” there if you keep moving. So be kind to is not the end of the conversation if it yourself and just recalculate. And the is followed by, “Let’s find out.” That reason you must learn to recalculate is where learning lives, where growth is simple: There is no version of life Doug Lagarde, Head of School begins, and where curiosity replaces without difficulty—only different kinds performance with genuine inquiry. of hard. Putting yourself out there is And so, Class of 2026, as you leave hard; wondering “what if” is harder. this place, don’t forget the inputs you Waking up early to work out is hard; garnered here. Don’t forget the many being unhealthy is harder. Growth is With Lower, Middle, and Upper School students learning side by side each day, they embraced their duty to be role models for the entire community— coaching this school toward its best self through their actions, presence, and character. And in doing so, they strengthened within themselves the very courage and leadership they will need to meet the challenges ahead.

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hard; regret is harder. So don’t ask for easy; ask for worth it. In life, you do not get to avoid difficulty, but you do get to choose your difficulty. Choose wisely. (Leak, Ryan, The Ryan Leak Podcast, 5.27.25)

Snapsh ts of Severn An Unseen Legacy Lower School students had the opportunity to sign their names on a steel beam that was later installed within the newly renovated building. Through this activity, these young students became part of the foundation of the state-of-the-art structure that will be home to the youngest learners for generations to come. Reese ‘37 and Noelle ‘37 sign the beam.

Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot! Is there a better way to meet new people than a friendly rock-paper-scissors showdown? The Admirals joining the Middle School for the 2026–27 school year didn’t think so. They jumped right into the fun and games at the Welcome Night in May. Jane Hack ‘33 (L) competes against Hays Pascal ‘33 (R).

History Students Step Out for Term Paper Friday Fact: Celebrating the completion of one’s term paper is best done outside, on a sunny day, with sidewalk chalk. Pro tip: Do this on a Friday. Because how else could you call it Term Paper Friday?! Emilia Ebel ‘27 shares her term paper topic in chalk while also celebrating being “DONE, DONE and DONE!”

Let the Dodgeball Madness Begin It was pure madness—which is exactly the point! Part strategy, part mayhem, and all school spirit, Dodgeball Madness is the annual event for ninth- and tenth-graders that turns the gym into a battleground of laughter and lightning reflexes—all while wearing crazy costumes. Patrick McHale ’28, Claire Sweeney ’28, and Brooks Gourley ’28 show off their angel wings and their moves.

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Admirals, Inflate Your Engines Ms. Norton’s eighth-grade students stepped just beyond the classroom for a fun science experiment. With the hallway doubling as a runway, students tested how far their balloon-powered creations could travel. Maddie Cooke ‘30 prepares to launch her vehicle.

Seniors OUT Charlie Runco ’26 reacts to an image in a slideshow highlighting memorable moments from the past four years. The presentation was part of the Senior Send-Off, an event marking the final Morning Meeting for seniors.

Hoopin’ It Up for Heart Health Bravo, Little Wonders! Severn fourth- and fifth-grade students who took Drama for their spring Renaissance class closed out the year with a fantastic production of Alice in Wonderland. Pictured here, the cast and crew take a well-deserved bow as the curtain closes.

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Middle School students participated in a weeklong Heart Health Challenge, offered by the American Heart Association. They got hearts pumping with activities like jump rope and basketball skills, while also learning CPR. And they flexed their school spirit muscles, as evidenced by the pink-and-red sported by Claire Crivella ‘30 and Chase Moore ‘30.

Izzy Sarina ‘28

ADMIRAL ACHIEVEMENTS Severn Athletics had a successful spring season, bringing home two national championships in sailing, a regular season conference title in golf, and postseason play for multiple teams. This success on the track, the fields, the court, and the course was fueled by the hard work and determination of every Admiral. Congratulations on a stellar season.

Sebastian Sardi ‘29

Milestone Moments and Other Highlights from the Spring Season

Connor Gattie ‘27

Emma Patrick ‘26

Morgan Anderson ‘27

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• Severn Sailing made history by capturing both the 2026 Baker Trophy and the ISSA Fleet Race National Championship (Mallory Trophy) in a single season. • The Golf team finished as 2026 Regular Season Champions and was the runner-up in the MIAA B-Conference Championship. • Baseball closed out another winning season with a deep playoff run, falling short in the semis after an incredible come-from-behind win kept the team’s championship hopes alive in the previous round. • The Boys Tennis team earned its way to the MIAA B-Conference semifinals. • Severn’s Boys and Girls lacrosse teams both earned postseason play for the first time since 2022. • Sam Long ’26 was named MIAA Athlete of the Week in April after he surpassed 100 career points. Shortly after that he celebrated his 100th career goal, capping off a strong senior season for the Navy commit. • In her sophomore season, Eleanor Beard ’28 surpassed 100 career points. • Track & Field athletes broke numerous personal and school records throughout the season. The teams’ spring highlights include: • In Girls Track & Field, Izzy Sarina ’28 had a hand in setting four school records at the IAAM Championships. She won the long jump and came in third in the 100m and 300m hurdles, breaking her own school records in all three events. She also teamed up with Elizabeth Maltz ’27, Nyla Pratt ’26, and Bianca Towa ’28 to set a new school record in the 4x400m relay. • Emma Patrick ’26 once again claimed gold in both the 1600m and 3200m events at the IAAM Championship meet. • In Boys Track & Field, Eddie Hightower ’27 broke the school record in the 400m at the MIAA Championships and Nate Eakins ’26 set multiple new personal bests—and notched a new school record— for the discus throw.

Individual Athlete Honors Congratulations to the Admirals who were recognized for their individual talents and contributions in the spring season.

Boys Lacrosse ` Sam Long ’26 – MIAA All-Conference A / Baltimore Sun All-Metro / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Myles Goger ’27 – MIAA All-Conference A / Baltimore Sun All-Metro / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Kevin Gattie ’26 – 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

` Nick Todd ’27 – MIAA All-Conference A / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette / Named Player of the Game after his buzzer-beater goal secured the win in the Severn River Classic against rival St. Mary’s.

` Jack Fowler ’26 – Honorable Mention All-County Capital Gazette

Eleanor Beard ‘28

` Connor Gattie ’27 – MIAA All-Conference A / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette

Congratulations to Coach Keegan Wilkinson! In just his second season leading the Admirals, Keegan Wilkinson was named 2026 Capital Gazette Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

Girls Lacrosse ` Eleanor Beard ’28 – IAAM All-Conference A / Baltimore Sun All-Metro / 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette ` Antonia Huber ’26 – 1st Team All-County Capital Gazette ` Suzy Urban ’26 – 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette ` Morgan Anderson ’27 – 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette ` Peach Wellschlager ’26 – Honorable Mention All-County Capital Gazette

Baseball

Golf ` Harrison Tindall ’27 – MIAA B-Conference Golf Athlete of the Year / MIAA All-Conference B ` Casey Boyd ’27 – MIAA All-Conference B ` Matthew Cawlfield ’28 – MIAA All-Conference B

Boys Tennis ` Ryan Forgione ’27 – MIAA All-Conference B

Track & Field ` Emma Patrick ’26 – IAAM All-Conference B ` Izzy Sarina ’28 – IAAM All-Conference B

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

Harrison Tindall ‘27

` Brendan Szydlik ’26 – MIAA All-Conference B / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette ` Colt Wanner ’29 – MIAA All-Conference B / 2nd Team All-County Capital Gazette

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Colt Wanner ‘29

Sailing celebrates winning the Baker National Championship

d ! r r o e c b e A r num

ADMIRALS IN COLLEGE A record-high 37 Admirals are continuing their athletic careers in college. They are competing in 11 different sports at 18 DI, two DII, and 16 DIII schools, plus one student who is playing in the UK. Congratulations to: Alex Baker – Sailing (Georgetown University)

Cole Gray – Men’s Lacrosse (University of Lynchburg)

Nyla Pratt – Track & Field (Stevenson University)

Court Barrett – Swimming (Loyola University Maryland)

Sean Harvey – Men’s Basketball (Shenandoah University)

Maddie Ripley – Women’s Lacrosse (Arizona State University)

Jesse “Deuce” Bell – Football (Ithaca College)

Charlie Helfferich – Men’s Lacrosse (Monmouth University)

Charlie Runco – Football (Kenyon College)

Ty Bussard – Football (Dickinson College)

Miah Hopkins – Women’s Lacrosse (Shippensburg University)

Annie Sitzmann – Sailing (Stanford University)

Antonia Huber – Women’s Lacrosse (United States Military Academy)

Taylor Smollon – Women’s Lacrosse (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

Ezra Jennings-Rojas – Men’s Soccer (University of Chester)

Alaina Subong – Women’s Soccer (Old Dominion University)

Charlie Keuleman – Men’s Soccer (Gettysburg College)

Annabelle Ulak – Sailing (Cornell University)

Luke Layden – Men’s Lacrosse (United States Coast Guard Academy)

Suzy Urban – Women’s Lacrosse (Lehigh University)

Sam Long – Men’s Lacrosse (United States Naval Academy)

Peach Wellschlager – Women’s Lacrosse (Bowdoin College)

Charlotte MacDonald – Sailing (Boston College)

Char Wilkin – Sailing (Bowdoin College)

Emma Patrick – Cross Country and Track & Field (Northwestern University)

Eli Wilkins – Men’s Lacrosse (York College of Pennsylvania)

Nora Pavon – Women’s Lacrosse (Shenandoah University)

Annabel Williams – Women’s Lacrosse (Monmouth University)

Carson Cassano – Men’s Lacrosse (Stevenson University) Olivia Cochran – Women’s Lacrosse (United States Naval Academy) Devlan Collier – Men’s Lacrosse (Marist University) Cari Davis – Women’s Lacrosse (The Ohio State University) Layla Epps – Women’s Basketball (Davis & Elkins College) Jules Floyd – Football (Gannon University) Jack Fowler – Men’s Lacrosse (Gettysburg College) Kevin Gattie – Men’s Lacrosse (St. Bonaventure University) Gavin Gergar – Men’s Lacrosse (Dickinson College)

Admirals in College, 2026

Scan to see more about where Admirals alums have competed.

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REMEMBERING

EDSON “SHEP” SHEPPARD, JR. SEVERN SCHOOL’S 7TH HEAD OF SCHOOL (1984 TO 1993) Edson “Shep” Sheppard came to Severn School in 1984 with 26 years of independent school leadership experience. Born in 1931, he graduated from Danville High School in Illinois. After serving two years with the United States Marine Corps, he graduated cum laude from Amherst College in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in American Studies. He then earned an M.A.T. from Harvard University.

is experience prior to assuming the role of headmaster at Severn included teaching at Great Neck Junior High School in New York and a 21-year stint at Hawaii Preparatory School, where he taught and rose through the ranks as history department chair, director of studies, college counselor, assistant headmaster, and headmaster. He then went on to the Berkeley School in Tampa, Florida, where he served as headmaster from 1979 to 1984.

other initiatives. He also established the Department of Buildings and Grounds to keep campus beautiful. In reflecting on what mattered most at Severn, Sheppard echoed a sentiment that was common among his predecessors, saying, “To me, what is most important about Severn is its people. Faculty, students, parents, alumni, trustees, and friends all share a common loyalty . . . . The School is of a size that each person can make a difference.”

Sheppard’s first year at Severn School coincided with the After nearly a decade of service to Severn, Sheppard left the opening of the modern science and art facilities in the Teel school for retirement in 1993. He passed away on July 5, 2026, Academic Center. Notable accomplishments include the at the age of 94. continued expansion of curriculum in advanced placement, computer, fine arts, and performing arts; schedule adjustments and strengthened staffing in the Middle School; the creation of the in the life of any school year senior prefect system and the student-led conduct review board; and the addition of there are some ups and downs. One would be naïve important student support positions with to assume that everything will always go smoothly. the Upper School, such as the director of studies, dean of students, and class deans.

“ N A T U R A L L Y

Perhaps the most visible accomplishment of his tenure was the renewed commitment to campus beautification. Sheppard oversaw major landscaping projects around campus, the installation of signage for the two Evergreen corners, and the benches outside TAC, among

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On the other hand, among students, faculty,

parents, and administrators a positive attitude and a determination to make things go well does make a difference. Severn has that type of attitude, and it shows in all that is accomplished.”

Class President Mayo Mabifa ‘26 presents the Faculty Appreciation Award (Mr. Deiniol Hughes is the 2026 recipient.)

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

Severn School Holds th 112 Commencement Exercises Severn School held its 112th Commencement exercises on June 5, celebrating the 109 members of the Class of 2026. The outdoor ceremony included all the usual pomp and circumstance, with family and friends cheering on the procession of graduates under brilliant blue skies. The program included the presentation of numerous senior awards, inspired speeches by students and school leadership, and the official presentation of each graduate before receiving a Severn School diploma.

The presentation of the graduates followed the student and faculty speakers. Each graduate was announced and invited to the stage to accept his or her diploma from Jonathan Kagan (AP), chairman of the board of trustees. Once all the graduates were announced, they stood as a group and turned their tassels from right to left, signifying the transformation from student to alum.

Kate Grimes earned the overall highest GPA and was recognized as the Class of 2026 valedictorian. Marcus Schwartz, with the second-highest GPA, was the salutatorian.

Vocal Ensemble and Treble Choir, two of Severn’s music groups, performed songs during the program.

Annie Campion was chosen by her peers to deliver the senior class address. Head of School Doug Lagarde offered remarks to the graduates, and then Grimes delivered the valedictory address. The final speaker was Apryl Doyle, English teacher and Class of 2028 dean. Doyle was nominated by the members of the senior class to offer the commencement address.

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To close out the ceremony, the graduates gathered on Joe’s Field, where they counted down and participated in the traditional cap toss, sending mortarboards skyward as they cheered their newfound status. Students from Severn’s Class of 2026 are heading to 80 different colleges and universities in the states and abroad. Continuing a long tradition of service, six Admirals received appointments to four different service academies.

Congratulations to the six members of Severn’s Class of 2026 who are entering service academies. In addition to the Admirals pictured above, Hunter Mohacey (not pictured) is attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy. UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

Sam Long

Antonia Huber

Upper School Head Steve Soden presented senior awards to the Class of 2026. Congratulations to: Kate Grimes Scholarship Award

Annie Campion, Cooper Morton UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

Luke Layden

Brendan Szydlik

UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

Jonah Halstead Activities Award

Olivia Cochran Jack Fowler, Antonia Huber Athletic Award

Ethan Cooke Benjamin Louck Memorial Award (selected by the Class of 2026)

Alyssa Johnson, Mayo Mabifa Paul J. Kesmodel Severn Award

Gavin Gergar, Katie Mentesana G. Parker Lindsay Memorial Award Clara Anderson ‘26 and Char Wilkin ‘26 stop for a photo.

Fletcher Warner Eller Citizenship Award

Jules Floyd Dawson Leadership Award

Marcus Schwartz The Rolland M. Teel Award Gavin Gergar ‘26 receives the G. Parker Lindsay Memorial Award.

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Severn School Class of 2026

Celebrating a New Chapter The highly anticipated tradition known as College T-Shirt Day is the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice by the seniors. Dressed in college gear that announces the next step in their academic journey, the seniors take time together to celebrate this new chapter and what lies ahead as they move on from Severn School.

Highlights from the Class of 2026 The Admiral studying the farthest from Severn will be attending...

The colleges with the most Admirals attending in 2026:

UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER IN THE UK

109

50%

graduates enrolled in 80 different colleges across 30 states, plus Washington, DC, and the UK.

Admirals will continue their athletic careers in college, competing at the DI, DII, and DIII level.

of the Class of 2026 will attend schools up and down the East Coast.

Admirals are attending service academies, continuing a long-standing tradition of service by Severn alums.

graduates were inducted into Severn’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society.

To see a video recap of this year’s college matriculation celebration, scan the QR code.

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Class of 2026 Matriculation American University

Monmouth University

United States Naval Academy

Anne Arundel Community College

Montana State University

University of Chester

Arizona State University

Northeastern University

University of Colorado Boulder

Auburn University

Northwestern University

University of Delaware

Boston College

Old Dominion University

University of Kentucky

Bowdoin College

Penn State (The Pennsylvania State University)

University of Lynchburg

Princeton University

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Bucknell University Chapman University Clemson University College of Charleston Cornell University Dartmouth College Davis & Elkins College Dickinson College Duke University Gannon University Georgetown University Georgia Military College Gettysburg College Hofstra University Indiana University Bloomington Ithaca College Kenyon College Lafayette College Lehigh University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Maryland Marist University

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Purdue University Rochester Institute of Technology Rollins College

University of Maryland University of Miami University of Mississippi

Saint Joseph’s University

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Salisbury University

University of Oklahoma

Shenandoah University

University of Pittsburgh

Shippensburg University

University of Rhode Island

Spelman College

University of South Carolina

St. Bonaventure University

University of Southern California

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While Upper School graduation is the ultimate celebratory event, Severn also marks three meaningful transition points for students with promotion ceremonies: the moves from kindergarten to first grade, fifth grade to sixth grade, and eighth grade to ninth grade. As the school year closes, each of these classes has a unique way in which they mark the moment. Celebrating these transitions as special events allows students and families alike to reflect on what they’ve accomplished and how they’ve grown, while also building excitement for what’s to come.

N IO T A R B E L E C N E T R A KINDERG C L AS S O F 2 0 3

On June 3, 29 kindergarten students were presented with promotion certificates, signifying their readiness for first grade. The brief event included several lively musical performances by the Class of 2038 and words of encouragement by Lower School Head Cathy North. Following the formal program, students and family members gathered for a luau-themed reception.

The Class of 2038 performs during the Kindergarten Celebration.

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students promoted

TOP: Ms. Schubert, Lochlann and Ms. Buchanan. BOTTOM: Ben, Zoë, and Francesca.

Y N O M E R E C N IO T O M O R FIFTH-GRADE P C L AS S O F 2 0 3

The 36 members of the Class of 2033 marked the end of their time in the Lower School with a formal ceremony in the Edward St. John Athletic Center on June 4. Following tradition, each student delivered a short speech for the assembled crowd, demonstrating both their academic and leadership skills. To close out, the students came together to perform one final song.

Elizabeth delivers her promotion ceremony speech.

The Chando Family: Isla ‘34, Grace ‘33, and Sophie ‘38; Ben and Amanda

On June 5—the very last day of the 2025–26 school year—the 71 members of the Class of 2030 came together to say goodbye to Middle School. The morning ceremony included remarks by Class President Brooks Crawford, reflections and advice from Middle School Head Dan Keller and Head of School Doug Lagarde, awards presentations, and musical performances by The High C’s, the Middle School a cappella group. Each student was individually recognized and presented with a promotion certificate as well. When the program ended, faculty formed the traditional celebration line, giving students the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to their teachers.

L-R: James Smit, Kingston Hendricks, Piper Pipkin, Logan Sladky, Bennett Hilgartner, and Leo Wheeler

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Emily Ewing and Maddie Cooke

students promoted

Doug Lagarde, Elsa

Y N O M E R E C N IO T O M O R P EIGHTH-GRADE C L AS S O F 2 0 3

36 71

students promoted

TOP: Sasha Queen BOTTOM: Brooks Crawford, Class President

C O N VO C AT I O N R E C A P

SEVERN EMBARKS ON A NEW SCHOOL YEAR Severn officially opened the 2026–27 school year with Convocation, the all-school assembly that brings together the entire Admiral community in celebration of the new academic year. Long a Severn tradition, the Convocation program included student speeches, an introduction of each class—from 2039 to 2027—recognition of milestone anniversaries for faculty and staff, and a closing address from Head of School Doug Lagarde.

Doug Lagarde, Head of School

Convocation is particularly meaningful for the 103 members of the Class of 2027, who have embarked on their final year as Severn students. In a heartwarming nod to this milestone, seniors paired up with the kindergarten and first-grade students who are just beginning their Severn journey. Following tradition, they processed in together and remained with their young counterparts throughout the event. Afterward, the seniors gave them each a book, which they read together in the library.

Wendy ‘39

Once the program concluded, it was time to honor a new tradition:

THE WELCOME LINE. The entire Admiral community lined both sides of Alumni Walkway, where they welcomed anyone new to Severn— students, faculty, and staff—with cheers and high-fives as they traversed the line.

Wolf ‘38

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Lucy ‘36 FALL 2026

Rowan Ward ‘27, Garrett ‘39, TJ Flanagan ‘27

SET SAIL AND EXPLORE Rowan Ward ’27

One student from each division—Lower, Middle, and Upper—is invited to speak at Convocation. This year, Parker ’34 represented the Lower School, and spoke about how the Severn community is like family. Eve HaskinsBraden ’31 was the Middle School speaker, and she shared her hopes for the new school year. In addition to doing well in school and enjoying eighth grade, her message centered on the growth that comes from trying new things. And she implored her classmates to adopt that approach as well. “This year I hope you try something new, big or small,” she said. Parker ’34

Eve Haskins-Braden ’31

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Rowan Ward ’27 was the final student speaker, representing the Upper School. Rowan opened his remarks by looking to the future. “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by what you didn’t do than what you did,” he began, quoting a passage from a book called P.S. I Love You by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. After noting that this quote also appears in the popular game Minecraft, he continued with the rest: “So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by what you didn’t do than what you did.” FALL 2026

H. JACKSON BROWN, JR. | P.S. I LOVE YOU

What happens when a lesson refuses to stay on the page? At Severn, an equation becomes an experiment, a topic worthy of deeper exploration becomes an original play, and a hobby becomes a passion to share with the wider world. We pair rigorous academics with rich experiences beyond the classroom, because that’s where thinkers grow into leaders. Turn the page and see for yourself how Severn students go beyond the classroom.

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r o f g n Learni

GRAM O R P S W O L L E F ’09 THE VAN ENTUEDYENTS TO PURSUE ALLOWS S IONS THEIR PASS

e k a s s ’ g n i n r a e L Through the Van Eney ’09 Fellows Program, Severn seniors have the unique opportunity to go beyond the classroom and pursue a yearlong passion project that reflects their growing personal and intellectual interests. The Fellows projects are not graded and represent learning for learning’s sake. Seniors explore new ideas and interests for the purest reasons: gaining knowledge and experience. Fellows are selected through a rigorous application process, and the work begins the summer before their senior year. Fellows are supported in this year’s long endeavor by mentors and industry experts. They work toward key milestones, and adapting the project in response to the inevitable challenges they face is as important to the learning as the final product. An Earned Experience Even though students earn no credit for participating, Fellows projects don’t get rubber-stamped, and the vetting continues beyond the initial approval. Seniors are considered “Fellows-in-waiting” through the first part of the school year and are not granted official status as Fellows until they can demonstrate to the director of the program and other panelists that they are on track and able to hit their goals by May. At the end of the school year, this commitment to intellectual curiosity is celebrated when the Fellows share their final projects and outcomes with the greater Severn community at the Fellows Fair and a special evening presentation. Because Fellows projects are personal, they run the gamut. Students have written books, filmed documentaries, studied the health of the Chesapeake Bay, studied cancer, painted portraits, built planes and boats, designed new operating systems, developed innovative curriculums, conducted studies on bats and bees, and more.

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And while the inherent value of a Fellows project might seem like the end product, it’s the process itself that teaches the best lessons. Success in this endeavor requires not just technical skills, but time management and problem-solving skills, perseverance, and even humility, as students have to know when to ask for help. A Jumping-Off Point Fellows projects often represent a jumping-off point for students, who use the experience not just to develop new skills, but also to build portfolios, gain college admission, internships, and jobs, and even launch careers. Daniel Berlin ’22, for example, used the opportunity to develop a line of nutritional products that has since turned into a full-fledged business. “Students who want to pursue this opportunity can follow whatever path they choose,” said Diana Ford, director of the Van Eney ’09 Fellows Program. “The most important question is, ‘What do you want to get out of this project?’”

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ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

For Love of the

Jersey

Redefining Leadership Within Athletics What does it mean to be a leader? At Severn, that question no longer waits for a

senior captain’s armband. Thanks to a new Athletics Leadership Program instituted by Boys Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Keegan Wilkinson, every varsity and junior varsity athlete is encouraged to explore this important question for themselves. the students to think about leadership in a different way. The goal for year two is to add an additional session per team, ideally during preseason, and also engage in open dialogue more regularly with a core leadership group made up of all athletes in all grades.

Leadership Doesn’t Wait Under Severn’s tradition, only seniors serve as captains. But leadership, the program insists, doesn’t begin senior year. Leadership skills come in all shapes and sizes, and team members of all ages and levels of experience can contribute. Sometimes leadership looks like being the last one off the field, carrying in the ball bag, or noticing a teammate having a rough day and offering quiet encouragement. While not as visible as delivering the game-day speech, these types of actions are just as essential to a team’s success.

It’s a simple yet powerful idea. Rather than reserve leadership talks for the few, Wilkinson brings the entire team—both coaches and athletes—together for a discussion about what real leadership looks like, on the field and off. All varsity and JV teams across all three seasons are part of this initiative. In the program’s inaugural year, Wilkinson met twice with every team on campus to introduce the topic and empower

“Being a captain is a big honor, but it isn’t the only way to be a leader,” said Wilkinson. “We want every Severn athlete to think about this and how taking on an unofficial leadership role on a JV team, for instance, can be really, really important to both the cohesiveness of the team and to their overall growth.” While the overarching message of the leadership program is the same regardless of the team, the presentation itself is sport-specific. Team sports demand different kinds of leadership than do individual pursuits, so each session is tailored to the specific squad. What resonates with a swimmer T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

Ezra JenningsRojas '26

is different from what might motivate a basketball team, and the lessons reflect those differences.

could carry straight into practice, into halftime talks, and into postgame conversations.

Sweep the Sheds and Other Lessons

The message landed for soccer player Ezra Jennings-Rojas ’26. “The main piece I got was leading by example,” he said. “One of the many traits of a great leader is being willing to do everything you are asking others to do.” The lessons, he continued, made him better not only in his sport but in his family, his classroom, and every relationship he continues to nurture.

“It’s a great message for teams because it says that if you are humble and do those little things right and take pride in that, it eventually leads to bigger and greater goals on and off the field,” said Wilkinson.

The leadership content also provided meaningful perspective for soccer and lacrosse player Eleanor Beard ’28. As one of the few sophomores on a talented squad that captured the 2025 IAAM championship, she recognized that she could best contribute to the team through her actions. “If you’re always trying hard, your teammates see that,” she said. “And when one person does that, then someone else sees and does too, and then the next person until it’s everyone. It can start with little things, but when the whole team do those things, the little things turn into the big goal.”

The first lesson drew inspiration from the New Zealand All Blacks. The legendary rugby team built a dynasty around a humble ritual called “sweeping the sheds.” After every match, players, coaches, and managers cleaned the locker room themselves. No single player was above the task.

The program also leaned on Sam Walker’s book The Captain’s Class, which studied the greatest teams in sports history and what their leaders had in common. “A lot of people think about leadership as that big rah-rah speech before a game, but Walker realized the greatest teams were led by individuals who had small conversations on the side with their teammates as opposed to that big flashy one,” said Wilkinson. To bring these lessons to life, sessions featured podcast and video clips pulled from the athletes’ own sports, demonstrating leadership in action, often by well-known sports figures. The athletes in attendance readily engaged with the material, and the format became a dialogue rather than a lecture. Having coaches in attendance also meant that the lessons and insights

Eleanor Beard ‘28

Wilkinson’s deeper hope with this programming is that athletes on campus carry themselves in a manner that contributes to the growth of the Severn community. “I hope the takeaway for every athlete is understanding how much growth they can see across everything that they do—not just their athletic performance—if they apply these lessons,” said Wilkinson. “I want them to have the confidence to do amazing things here at Severn and beyond.” T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

THE WRITE CONNECTION

Inside Severn’s Beloved

Middle School Author Series What happens when the authors of beloved books meet the students who eagerly turn their pages? Each fall, Severn’s Middle School Author Series answers that question, hosting acclaimed writers on campus to connect with students, bring literature to life, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling. Now in its sixth year, the Author Series has become a cherished tradition for Severn’s Middle School readers and writers alike, and includes a hands-on presentation by a selected author, as well as small-group writing workshops.

Etchison explains. “It’s a great way to start the year,” she adds. “No matter what grade the students are in, they share a common experience in the book read, which helps us build community from the start.”

Headed by Library Director Whitney Etchison, the program begins the summer before the academic year, when all Middle School students share a summer read. Depending on the author, students will either read the same book or choose one of a selection of books by the same author. From mystery and nonfiction to graphic novels and poetry, the program offers something for everyone, and sparks excitement and a love of reading.

The day typically begins with an interactive presentation for all students, in which authors review how they began, researched, and created their respective books. For example, mystery novelist and New York Times bestselling writer April Henry, author of Playing with Fire, shared her immersive approach to writing. “I’ve run with handcuffs on to see if it was hard to do,” says Henry with a smirk, as she describes the research for her mystery novel. “I’ve taken a knife-fighting class, and I’ve even been voluntarily kidnapped in Los Angeles to see if I could escape—all in the name of research and making my book as realistic as possible.”

“We try to choose an author whose stories resonate with students, but also one that works well with this age group,”

Left: Hattie Latorre ‘32, Grace Posil ‘32, Elsie Marquis ‘32, Cece Patton ‘32, and Rose Coughlin ‘31 Above: Author Gale Galligan signs a book for Maddie Cooke ‘30

T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

Following the presentation, students can attend small-group workshops in which they work directly with the author to create original work. For example, one year, students were asked to share words that would describe flowers. After students presented their words, such as fragrant, colorful, bloom, fresh, and garden, the author challenged them to write a poem that does NOT use any of those words. “The exercise helped them think less concretely,” explains Etchison. “It was amazing what they wrote when pushed outside the box.”

Ryann Hanley ‘31 and Emily Steele ‘31

Lilou Ismael ‘32 displays a signed copy of Playing with Fire

“To me, the most memorable part of the author visit was when I made a zine during Gale Galligan’s workshop,” reflects , “and the fact that we picked my friend’s name as the name for the pretend character we created together.” Gale Galligan is a New York Times bestselling cartoonist and creator of four Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel adaptations. “After working with both Gale Galligan and April Henry,” says Chinea, “I have written a handful of zines and have recently taken to writing haiku. The authors have inspired me to improve my writing and create art as well.”

SCARLET CHINEA ’31

HANK HARGROVE ’32 agrees and appreciates the personal interaction with the authors. “I worked with Gale Galligan and got the chance to tell them a little more about my interests,” he says. “When they signed my book, they put a little note about liking my personality and stories I shared, which meant a lot to me that a real author was listening to me as much as I listened to them.”

As part of the Middle School Author Series, many students who participate in the workshops also submit their original work to the Admiral’s Pen, a Middle School creative writing and literary magazine featuring short stories, poetry, and art, or take the elective class that publishes the magazine each spring. In addition, students have the chance to showcase their written work and artistic talents at the annual Coffeehouse.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see kids get excited about reading, and the workshops show students that anyone can become a writer in their own unique way. The whole point of it all is to get the kids excited about reading and creative writing—one of the best ways to cultivate imagination, empathy, creativity, and authentic expression.”

Whitney Etchison

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s b o c a J e c s n i H e s r d n w i F La O T TV RK L A O R I W M T D E A N M C e C O A R c F HE i o T V

When Lawrence Jacobs ’25 spontaneously signed up for Admiral TV, he thought he was simply trying something new. As it turns out, getting involved with Severn’s student-run broadcast team gave him a new perspective, sparking an interest in the field of broadcast journalism and heavily influencing his chosen school and career path.

T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

acobs’s Admiral TV experience was instrumental in his decision to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he is currently pursuing a media and journalism major with a concentration in sports communication, through the Hussman School of Journalism. As a freshman at UNC, his experience helped him land a job as a student production assistant with GoHeels, the University of North Carolina’s ACC Network affiliate. GoHeels is the official athletics website for UNC at Chapel Hill and partners with the ACC Network to broadcast Tar Heel sporting events and produce live game coverage.

Know Every Role As a Severn student, Jacobs learned every single role on the broadcast team—something he considers a major asset, providing a skill set that is applicable anywhere. Because Admiral TV members run the programming, they also set up each broadcast themselves. “Going through that whole process really helped me to understand how it all worked,” said Jacobs. “And that’s a great skill to have, especially when things go wrong! After working with Admiral TV, I feel absolutely prepared for on-the-fly crisis management,” he added. “Things happen during a broadcast—the audio cuts out, for example—and having that deeper knowledge and being able to think on your feet to solve for it is huge.” Unlike many high school programs, Admiral TV treats each broadcast like a professional production. Students build stat sheets, research player backgrounds, and design graphics long before they go live. And those lessons have also stuck with Jacobs. “The way Severn students prepare for a broadcast is what sets Admiral TV apart,” he said. Preparation paired with genuine

passion, Jacobs learned, is what makes a good product. This mindset continues to guide him as he pursues his passion working with GoHeels. Perhaps the biggest difference between leading Admiral TV and working for the UNC network is that fewer opportunities exist to try out different roles. “It’s no longer just one or two people doing everything,” he said. “Your one job might be to hold a cable, while someone else is doing replay, and someone else is behind the camera.” Jacobs’s first assignment, in fact, was holding a cable during a broadcast. As an underclassman, the high-profile jobs are harder to come by, but he has been able to work the camera for a baseball game and run replay during a UNC basketball game against Duke. But his favorite gig has been running the Fan Camera at basketball games. “You get up close with fans just going crazy and capturing that energy is so much fun,” he said. So far, the GoHeels experience has been both clarifying and confusing for Jacobs, who spent part of his summer working as a WBFF-FOX 45 news intern. Clarifying because he knows he prefers the freedom of sports broadcasting to news, which is more often tightly scripted—this summer, for example, he worked on a story about a hedgehog with rabies. But continuing to try out new roles within the broadcast team has also created some uncertainty about where he ultimately hopes to land. “I think the confusion is a good thing,” said Jacobs. “I genuinely enjoy all these roles and have yet to try on-air commentary, which right now is still the primary goal.” From a folding table in the gym where the audio sometimes cuts out to the sidelines of ACC broadcasts and a next stop yet to be determined, Lawrence Jacobs is proof positive that big dreams are built by going beyond the classroom.

T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

Student-Run

Admiral TV Highlights Severn Athletics and Builds Student Skills By Connor Merchant ‘27

ADMIRAL TV is a club that has helped expand Severn School’s extracurricular opportunities while establishing one of the leading high school broadcasting programs in the region. Since its inception in 2019, Admiral TV has become much more than a student activity—it has developed into a professional-style production that gives students valuable experience in broadcasting, public speaking, technology, and teamwork.

Successful broadcasts, however, require much more than simply talking into a microphone. Every production involves careful preparation, technical planning, and teamwork. Admiral TV leaders host weekly meetings that are open to all students to assign roles for upcoming broadcasts. Organizing multiple broadcasts each week is no small task for a studentrun organization.

Founded by Severn alums Brendan Murphy ’20 and Colin Ervin ’20 during their senior year, Admiral TV’s growth accelerated when Mr. Maggart joined Severn School in 2021, bringing extensive broadcasting experience from his time with both the United States Naval Academy and the Washington Nationals. Under his leadership, the program has transformed from a small student broadcast into a respected organization capable of producing high-quality live coverage of Severn athletics.

The workload is especially impressive considering Severn teams play in some of the most competitive athletic conferences in Maryland. Admiral TV covers dozens of varsity events throughout the school year, often broadcasting three or more games each week across multiple sports.

One of Admiral TV’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to participate, whether they are interested in play-by-play announcing, color commentary, camera operation, graphics, or technical production. The club provides an easy and welcoming way for students to improve their public speaking skills, build confidence, and become more involved with the Severn community. As a result, Admiral TV has become one of the most popular extracurricular activities on campus.

Beyond covering most varsity games and increasing exposure for Severn athletics, Admiral TV exposes students to the professional side of sports media. Throughout the year, accomplished alumni and industry professionals return to share their experiences. One notable example is Severn alum Evan Washburn ‘03, the lead NFL sideline reporter for CBS Sports. Washburn visited the school last winter to speak with students about careers in broadcasting and the skills necessary to succeed in the industry. Opportunities like this

“Those announcers were remarkable. It was very professional—not a typical high school–quality broadcast. They knew the game. They knew the players on both sides of the field. They were objective and generous in their descriptions of the plays. They had a positive tone that is what all high school announcers should aspire to. There are several Midwesterners who have a newfound appreciation for your athletes, student announcers, and your school.” —Chris Pickering, parent of a Loyola Academy boys lacrosse player, who watched the April game via Admiral TV

T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

give students firsthand insight into a profession that many had never previously considered. Although Admiral TV was originally created to improve Severn’s athletic broadcasts, it has evolved into a program that inspires students to pursue careers in sports media. A great example is Lawrence Jacobs ’25. After graduating from Severn, he continued his passion by studying sports broadcasting at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His success demonstrates how a high school club can spark a lifelong career path. The quality of Admiral TV’s broadcasts has also gained recognition beyond the Severn community. Earlier this year, the program was featured by The Baltimore Sun following its memorable call of Severn’s dramatic buzzer-beater victory over Gilman in lacrosse. Moments like this showcase the professionalism and excitement that Admiral TV brings to every broadcast. Of course, not every game comes with dramatic finishes or perfect weather. Many broadcasts take place on cold, rainy evenings when cameras, equipment, and announcers are all tested by the elements. Yet Admiral TV

members consistently show up, motivated by their passion for broadcasting and their commitment to supporting Severn athletics. Their dedication reflects the hard work and perseverance that have become the foundation of the program. With passionate student leaders, dedicated faculty support, and ever-growing interest from the student body, Admiral TV is well positioned to continue raising the standard for high school sports broadcasting, while providing future generations of Severn students opportunities to develop skills that will benefit them in college and beyond. Lawrence Jacobs ‘25, Connor Merchant ‘27 and Jack Sweeney ‘27

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Alumni Mentors

Bring Learning to Life Through Severn’s ISP Program For Severn seniors, some of the most transformative learning happens beyond the classroom.

Each May, students embark on Innovative Senior Projects (ISPs), immersing themselves in careers, creative passions, and real-world challenges that build on years of academic learning. In support of that initiative, a record-breaking 18 alumni returned to Severn this spring—not as students, but as mentors—opening their workplaces, sharing their expertise, and helping seniors envision life beyond graduation.

Others shadowed physicians, veterinarians, educators, marketers, entrepreneurs, commercial real estate professionals, and public policy leaders. From sustainability in fashion and nonprofit advocacy to elementary classrooms and product marketing on a Las Vegas tradeshow floor, students experienced firsthand the skills, collaboration, and adaptability that define today’s workplaces.

“The unprecedented alumni participation in this year’s ISP program demonstrates the strength of the Severn network and the willingness of our graduates to invest in the next generation,” said Director of Alumni Relations & Alumni Giving Carolyn Campion.

For many alumni, saying yes to mentoring was an easy decision.

Throughout the month, seniors explored an extraordinary range of professions. They observed courtroom proceedings with Judge Richard Bennett ’65, learned the business of event planning with Melissa (Muendel) Hartley ’90, gained insight into personal finance from Mike Calabrese ’94, and developed culinary projects under the guidance of Allison (Clark) Collins ’95.

“I remember being 17 and not fully understanding what was possible,” said Carol (Prickett) Snyder ’98, who hosted a senior interested in residential real estate. “I wanted to give a young woman a real, unfiltered look at what running a business actually looks like—the strategy, the hustle, the team, and the joy of it.” Chris Edgar ’10 echoed that sentiment, recalling how mentors helped shape his own career. “When I was in high school and college, I had no idea what career path I wanted to pursue,” he said. “Becoming an ISP mentor is an opportunity

T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

to help students gain perspective and approach their own professional journeys with greater confidence.”

opportunities, illustrating how ISP mentorships often grow into lasting professional relationships.

For Leanne Hug ’09, mentoring offered an opportunity to reconnect with the community that helped launch her career. “Giving back to the Severn community, one that gave me so much as a student, is a true honor,” she said.

The experience also gave many alumni an opportunity to reflect on their own careers.

For students, these mentorships offered far more than a glimpse into a profession. While observing surgeries, meeting with patient advocates and policymakers in Annapolis, sitting in on business strategy meetings, or learning the daily realities of veterinary medicine, seniors developed a deeper understanding of the questions to ask, the relationships that matter, and the many paths available within a single profession. Julia Pitcher ’98 saw that growth firsthand. After hearing her mentee’s final ISP presentation on government relations and advocacy, she said she was “absolutely blown away” by his professionalism and depth of understanding. Pitcher has already offered to help connect him with future internship

“Fresh eyes are a gift,” Snyder reflected. “Watching a sharp, curious young woman move through my world reminded me how much I’ve actually built.” Veterinarian Dr. Sean Etter ’02 agreed. “Witnessing a student’s curiosity and enthusiasm gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own career journey and why I chose this profession.” The ISP program continues to showcase one of Severn’s greatest strengths: a community that extends far beyond graduation. As alumni return to mentor, advise, and inspire, they help today’s seniors gain the confidence, perspective, and practical wisdom to chart their own course—while strengthening the lifelong bonds that define the Severn community. T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

n e d a o r B s r e h Te a c m o o r ass l C r i e Th s e v i t c e Persp g n i o G y b m e h T d B ey o n

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T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

Building a Network

FOR LIFE Amy (Stehl) Bauer ’90 and Casey Cole ’91

This spring, members of the Class of 2026 participated in a series of Transition to College sessions, two of which focused on professional networking. During the keynote address, alumni Casey Cole ’91 and Amy (Stehl) Bauer ’90 challenged students to rethink what networking really means. Rather than viewing it as a transactional exchange of business cards, they emphasized that networking begins with genuine relationships. As Bauer explained, “We show students that networking is something they already do every day. Asking a friend for a ride to a game or a recent graduate about college is not much different from asking someone about their career. It is often the context, not the conversation, that makes people nervous.” Students learned that they already have a network through classmates, teachers, coaches, family members, and fellow alumni—and that meaningful connections are built and sustained

over time through curiosity, generosity, and authentic engagement. To help students put those lessons into practice, seniors were then introduced to Severn Connect, the School’s exclusive networking platform for alumni. Through Severn Connect, graduates can connect with fellow Admirals, find mentors, explore career paths, access alumni social media sites, and tap into a community of more than 6,000 alumni. In small breakout sessions, seniors registered for Severn Connect and built profiles, ensuring that they could get started right away on capturing their experiences, exploring career interests, and growing their professional networks. To that same end, they also received a tutorial session on

why and how to set up LinkedIn profiles, another tool that will support them professionally in college and beyond. The message was clear: graduation is not the end of a Severn education—it is the beginning of a lifelong connection. Through alumni relationships, mentorship opportunities, and professional networking tools, Severn equips students to build meaningful connections that extend far beyond the classroom. As Director of Alumni Relations & Alumni Giving Carolyn Campion reminded the Class of 2026, “Don’t think of graduation as the close of a chapter. Instead, consider it a launchpad—an opportunity to join an even larger Severn community in a brand-new way.”

T H E B R I DGE FALL 2026

THE BIG PICTURE A new student, in a new school, playing with a new toy. For the youngest Admirals, the wonder of tiny moments is where a love of learning begins.

Alex ‘41 enjoys playtime in his preschool classroom.

A TEACHER’S

LEGACY A PHILANTHROPIST’S

VISION

In recognition of Barbara’s transformational generosity, Severn’s new Lower School will be named The George ’49 and Barbara Cromwell Lower School, honoring Barbara and her late husband, George, a member of Severn’s Class of 1949.

Barbara and George met while attending Washington College. After graduating, Barbara became an elementary school teacher and developed a deep appreciation for the individual gifts, personalities, and potential of every student. Although the Cromwells did not have children of their own, Barbara formed enduring relationships with many of

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Barbara Cromwell, who passed away earlier this year, lived with an abiding belief in the promise of education and its power to shape a young person’s life. That belief guided her career as an educator, inspired her philanthropy, and ultimately led to the largest single gift in Severn School’s history.

the young people she taught. Many continued to consider her an important and formative presence in their lives long after leaving her classroom. Those experiences shaped Barbara’s understanding of education and, eventually, her approach to philanthropy. She knew firsthand that an exceptional teacher can influence more than what a child learns. A teacher can help shape how students see themselves, recognize their abilities, and understand their responsibility to others. Barbara also understood that teachers do their best work when they have spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity, connection, and care. Her gift to Severn was therefore an investment in both students and the educators who guide them.

“The purpose of a great school is not simply to tell students they are special, but to give them the wherewithal to become special through discipline, opportunity, and growth,” Barbara once shared. That philosophy will live on throughout the George ’49 and Barbara Cromwell Lower School and the Barbara Cromwell Library. The Lower School classrooms and gathering spaces have been thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration, exploration, and a strong sense

of belonging. Within its walls, generations of Severn students will begin discovering their talents, developing their voices, and building the character and confidence to make their own way in the world. Barbara’s generosity also played a defining role in helping Our Future, Our Severn: A Promise reach its original $25 million goal. This milestone represents the most significant philanthropic achievement in Severn’s history and reflects the collective generosity of families, alumni, and friends who share Barbara’s confidence in the school’s mission.

Nonetheless, the significance of Barbara’s philanthropy cannot be measured by the size of her gift alone. Her generosity was deeply personal, grounded in a lifetime of experience, and directed toward a purpose she understood intimately. She believed in children. She believed in teachers. Most importantly, she believed in creating the conditions through which young people could grow into their fullest selves. Although Barbara did not live to see the new Lower

School filled with students, she did enjoy witnessing the construction over the past year, knowing her gift was becoming a reality. Her legacy will live in the teachers who inspire, the children who find confidence in their abilities, and the relationships that shape young lives. The George ’49 and Barbara Cromwell Lower School will be a lasting expression of the two commitments that defined Barbara’s life: an educator’s faith in the potential of every child and a philanthropist’s determination to help that potential flourish.

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Welcome to the George ‘49 & Barbara Cromwell Lower School! Students started the new school year in the newly rebuilt and expanded building that includes a theater, dining hall, multiple playgrounds, science terrace, and more.

FROM THE

RCHIVES

Bringing Severn History into the Classroom The Severn Archives isn’t just a place to preserve the past—it’s becoming an active classroom resource, helping students and faculty connect Severn’s history to the curriculum in meaningful ways.

Tea with Mrs. Teel This year, third-graders stepped back in time during Tea with Mrs. Teel, an immersive lesson presented by Director of Alumni Relations & Alumni Giving Carolyn Campion, who portrayed Severn co-founder Susan Teel in period costume. Speaking in first person, “Mrs. Teel” welcomed students to tea while sharing stories about Severn’s founding as a boys’ boarding school that prepared young men from across the country for entrance to the U.S. Naval Academy. With Mrs. Teel’s original tea set on display, students practiced proper dining etiquette, examined archival letters written in cursive, and learned how Sunday tea became an opportunity for Mrs. Teel to teach manners to boys living far from home. They also discovered the origin of Severn’s maroon-and-white school colors, inspired by the flowers in Mrs. Teel’s garden.

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Archives Exploration and Memorials Tour In preparation for Veterans Day, fifth-graders participated in an Archives Exploration and Memorials Tour, investigating artifacts, campus landmarks, and memorials that tell Severn’s story. From the Alumni Walkway and Century of Service Memorial to the Archives Room, students discovered how people, places, and objects preserve the legacy of generations of Admirals.

What Does It Mean to Be an Admiral? History also became part of the Upper School experience during the ninth-grade presentation, What Does It Mean to Be an Admiral? Through archival photographs, traditions, and stories spanning more than a century, freshmen explored the values that have shaped Severn since its founding and reflected on what it means to join that enduring legacy.

Unlocking the Archives: Bringing Severn History into Your Classroom The Archives are enriching faculty learning as well. During the summer seminar Unlocking the Archives: Bringing Severn History into Your Classroom, teachers across every division explored primary sources—including historical documents, photographs, artifacts, yearbooks, and oral histories—and developed curriculum ideas that weave Severn history into their classrooms.

Together, these programs demonstrate that the Archives are far more than a repository of old records. They are a dynamic educational resource, strengthening connections across generations and ensuring that Severn’s remarkable history continues to enrich the student experience.

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SEVERN SCHOOL 2026

Astle Speaker Lisa Damour

Astle Speaker Untangles the Myths of Mental Health Severn School welcomed to campus Dr. Lisa Damour, a recognized leader on the topics of stress, anxiety, well-being, parenting, and child development, in April 2026 as the featured guest speaker of the David Astle ’92 Memorial Lecture Series. Author of three New York Times bestsellers, including Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, Dr. Damour extended her visit to two full days and included separate presentations to all Upper School and Middle School students, small group workshops with senior prefects, a visit to an Upper School psychology class, and a final evening parent presentation. While the handson talks were different in approach with each group, Dr. Damour worked to help students and adults alike understand what it means to maintain a balanced state of mental health. Addressing Upper School students in Price Auditorium, Dr. Damour

began by asking them to “shout out your worst-day scenario.” Responses included everything from oversleeping and forgetting about assembly dress to losing an athletic game or getting into a car accident, to which Dr. Damour assured them that their reactions were perfectly normal. “It’s OK to be upset, sad, or disappointed when some of these things happen,” she explained. “You should be uncomfortable or sad in some of these situations—that is perfectly normal. The intensity of your reaction is what we think about. Being sad is OK, but skipping school or not being able to get out of bed is a different story.” The message resonated with students, including Giselle Brown ’26, who noted that Dr. Damour’s presentation allowed her to appreciate the power of mental health and deepen her understanding of how others manage emotions.

“Having good mental health doesn’t mean you’re going to be 100% happy all the time; it means having the ability to navigate your emotions effectively and allowing yourself to cry in those sad and vulnerable moments.” GISELLE BROWN ‘26

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John and Jayne Astle with Doug Lagarde FALL 2026

For more information, scan the QR code.

The same message was shared with Middle School students with an additional focus on the importance of sleep and practical tips such as keeping technology out of bedrooms at night and picking soft colors like orange, which represents the sunset, for lighting toward bedtime. “I learned that technology can be OK, but it depends on how you use it,” recalled one seventh-grade student. “We have the responsibility to not be hurtful to ourselves or others at any time, including on social media.” Later that day, Dr. Damour worked with current and incoming senior prefects, who are tasked with helping freshmen in the fall during advisory periods. “How do you show up? How do you guide someone who may be feeling a little lost?” she asked them. “Your guidance as these students transition to high school is crucial. They need help in understanding that

it is going to be uncomfortable, and it is going to be different—and that is OK.” In a special presentation open to all Severn parents that evening, Dr. Damour dove deeper into her messages. “As parents, we want our kids to be happy and do everything we can to protect them,” she said. “But the biggest thing we can do for them is to let them have their feelings. Kids don’t struggle with mental health when they are sad, only when their feelings are out of proportion. Don’t use the happiness meter as a measure of their mental health, but rather, help them keep their reaction proportionate to what is happening.” “Dr. Damour is a wonderful speaker who uses humor and self-disclosure very effectively to keep things real and relatable,” shared Lori Veiel (Ben ’24, Lizzie ’26), who was one of over 300 parents attending the presentation. “But I think her biggest skill as a

presenter may be how she breaks complex clinical constructs down into understandable, digestible pieces of information. My favorite example of that from her most recent talk was how she explained ‘mental health’ not as being happy, but as having an appropriate emotional reaction to one’s situation.” The David Astle ’92 Memorial Lecture Program Series was established in 1998 by former Maryland Senator John Astle and his wife Jayne to honor their late son David ’92, who passed away tragically. Since its inception, the program has brought guest speakers and alumni back to campus annually to share inspirational messages and stories. Past speakers include Dr. Charlie Pellerin ’62, Caleb Deschanel ’62, Andy Dehart ’91, Elle Delle Donne, Corporal Kyle Carpenter, and many others.

ONCE AN ADMIRAL SEVERN ALUMS SPEAK ON CAMPUS We are grateful to every alum who generously donates their time and expertise back to students. This year, we were fortunate to host the following alumni:

4/9

Huge thanks to guest speaker Rocco Cipriano ’12 for an inspiring Zoom with our Creative Writing students! A Nashville-based songwriter, Rocco offered an honest look at songwriting, reminding us that creativity is collaborative, messy, and deeply human. He then teamed up with juniors and seniors to start writing a song around the theme of leaving— those who go and those left behind. After a quick brainstorm, he recorded verse 1 of the class song and challenged the students to write verse 2.

4/15

We were honored to welcome back Amy (Stehl) Bauer ’90, P’27 and Casey Cole ’91, P’26,’28 as keynote speakers for our Seniors’ Transition to College program. Amy, managing principal and cofounder of CA Search Advisors, LLC, and Casey, staffing lead at Boeing Intelligence & Analytics, shared valuable insights on networking— recognizing the connections you already have and how to thoughtfully grow them. Their guidance gave seniors a practical, inspiring foundation for the journey ahead. (See page 38 for more on their visit.)

5/19

It was great to see Matt Sotiropoulos ’24 back on campus. He came to talk to students interested in pursuing ROTC. Matt is currently in his third year of Army ROTC with Cardinal Battalion at the University of Louisville.

Matt Sotiropoulos ’24 and Associate Director of College Counseling, David Brunk.

5/26 4/13

What a pleasure it was to Zoom with Missy Dunaway ’06, an interdisciplinary artist based in Portland, Maine, in Dr. Baugh’s Creative Writing seminar. Students explored her book The Traveling Artist: A Visual Journal and created a collaborative bulletin board pairing poetry with visual art. Missy reviewed each piece in advance, offering thoughtful feedback. During the session, she shared her creative journey and encouraged students to stay curious, take risks, and keep exploring.

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4/29

A big thank-you to Greg Price ’02 for hosting our third Admirals Committed to Service dinner at the Annapolis Yacht Club. It was an honor to share time with these Admirals who have made the decision to serve our country. In attendance were four Severn students committed to military academies, one current alum at USNA, and three guests of honor.

Back row: Greg Price ’02 (Host), Alex McQuoid ’98 (Prof. at USN), Col. Lindsay Mathwick ’00 (USMC), Dr. Jackie Baugh (Severn Faculty), Alex Brenia ’22 (USN), Col. Jack Murtha (USAF) | Front row: Olivia Cochran ’26 (USN), Luke Layden ’26 (USCGA), Sam Long ’26 (USN), and Brendan Szydlik ’26 (USMA-West Point).

Last May, days before graduation, Alumni President Caitlin (McCleary) Horn ’04 officially welcomed the Class of 2026 to the Severn Alumni Family and shared her thoughts on Severn’s “Pave the Way” adaptive challenge theme. Caitlin concluded by encouraging the soon-to-be graduates to carry the values and spirit of Severn into their next chapter. Caitlin (McCleary) Horn ’04 and Carolyn Campion.

2026 Van Eney ’09 Fellows Alumni Mentors Cheers to these alumni mentors, whose yearlong guidance and expertise helped a Van Eney ’09 Senior Fellow pursue a passion project with purpose. Carol Duncan (Retired Faculty) Painting / Lizzie Veiel ’26 Cathie Herrick ’86 Politics, Elections / Cooper Morton ’26

Grace (Rudder) Marland ’12 Web Design / Sam Banks ’26 and Olivia Jishi ’26 Paul Wiltsey ’91 Computer Hardware Engineering / Ashley Gordon ’26

Cece Lasley ’16 Academic Research / Marcus Schwartz ’26

2026 Innovative Senior Project Alumni Mentors A big thank-you to the 18 alumni who generously volunteered this May to host shadow experiences or serve as advisors for our seniors pursuing Innovative Senior Projects. (See page 34 for more on this year’s ISP program.)

BECOME A SEVERN MENTOR Do you remember the Severn mentor who made the biggest impact on your life? Whether it was a teacher, coach, advisor, or fellow alum, that relationship helped shape who you are today. Now you can pay it forward. The Alumni Team invites professionals to connect with students and young alumni. There are many ways to get involved—both in person and virtually. Help carry on Severn’s tradition of meaningful mentorship. To learn more or get started, email alumni@ severnschool.com.

Taylor Belo ’17 Elementary Education

Allison (Clark) Collins ’95 Nutrition

Leanne Hug ’09 Marketing

Judge Richard Bennett ’65 Law

Chris Edgar ’10 Real Estate Investment & Development

Dave McDermott ’97 Urology

Daniel Berlin ’22 Entrepreneurship

Sean Etter ’02 Veterinary Medicine

Kay (Gingell) Pessagno ’99 Pediatric Medicine

Michael Biles ’03 Urology

Schuyler (Gavula) Sutton ’03 Fashion

Julia Pitcher ’98 Government Relations, Lobbying

Ryan Brassel ’04 Commercial Real Estate

Rebecca (Price) Gilmor ’06 ESL Education

Lexi (Schaeffer) Prevoznik ’10 Finance

Mike Calabrese ’94 Finance

Melissa (Muendel) Hartley ’90 Event Management

Carol (Prickett) Snyder ’98 Residential Real Estate

ALWAYS AN ADMIRAL

Together We Shine

A community celebration under the stars

The Admiral Auction, one of Severn’s most cherished annual traditions, is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of community, connection, and support. Each March, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni gather for a memorable evening filled with purpose and joy. Proceeds from the event help fund programs that enrich and expand every Admiral’s experience.

n 2026, the Severn community stepped off campus and into the Fluegel Alumni Center at the U.S. Naval Academy for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Gathering at a place so closely connected to Severn’s roots as a preparatory school for the Naval Academy made the evening especially meaningful. Guided by the stars, the space was transformed into a warm, welcoming, and whimsical setting, all centered around our theme: Together We Shine. The message captured the heart of the evening—our students are the stars who shine brightly, and our community comes together to help them thrive. Guests were welcomed by the joyful sounds of Severn’s talented students and an oversized canvas celebrating the well-rounded student experience. From there, the evening continued with delicious

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offerings from Zeffert & Gold Catering, dynamic entertainment, meaningful connections, and a captivating student-centered video. It was a night filled with connection, generosity, and celebration—a beautiful reminder that together, we shine brighter. Most importantly, the generosity of our community will make a lasting impact. The Admirals Parents’ Association (APA) proudly champions initiatives that enhance the student experience across Severn’s Lower, Middle, and Upper divisions. From receptions celebrating performances and award assemblies to teamand community-building events, student socials, athletic celebrations, networking opportunities, and more, the APA helps create meaningful experiences that bring the Severn community together.

The APA looks forward to seeing you on March 5 for the 2027 APA Admiral Auction! The 2027 theme will be revealed at the APA meeting on January 12.

Family-style tables, an interactive 360-degree photo booth, and the Stellar Sips Lounge created the perfect setting to connect, celebrate, and shine together under the stars.

Board of Trustees & Sponsors L-R:

Heather and Michael Clark (P ’25, ’28) and Neil and Carolyn Benz (P ’19, ’21, ’27, ’28)

L-R:

David and Brooke Dycus (P ’29)

Auction Committee Janine Howard (P ’28, ’30, ’37) Kelly Steele (P ’31, ’33) Katie Osgood (P ’33, ’35) Cindy Childs (P ’35, ’38)

L-R:

Yann Finkelstein and Skye Stewart (P ’38, ’40) and Melissa and Matt Wellner (P ’32, ’38)

April Closson (P ’31, ’32, ’38) NOT PICTURED ABOVE

Kristi Painter (P ’31, ’35) Marci Monaldo (P ’24, ’26, ’28, ’34)

L-R:

Cristina Freas (P ’31, ’33) and Alisa Freas (P ’26, ’29)

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP ALUMNI

1960

1972

George Stone retired from property management in 2024 and moved to Lake Norman, North Carolina, to be closer to his family. He and his wife have seven kids, 14 grandkids, and seven great-grandkids. George loves “lake life”!

Charles Peltosalo reminds us that members of the Class of ’72 are all aged 72 this year! Go Admirals!

1961 It was a special moment seeing Bruce Burns and Bob Blaney come home, reconnect, and turn their shared history into meaningful support for Severn’s mission. Their Bruce Burns ’61 and Bob Blaney ’61 generosity is a powerful reminder that the bonds formed here continue to inspire and make a difference for today’s Severn Admirals. Thank you for all you do!

1965

Thank you to Judge Richard Bennett for hosting Brendan Szydlik ’26 and Peach Wellschlager ’26 as shadows in his Baltimore courtroom. Their firsthand experience observing the judicial process offered invaluable insight into the legal profession and the impact of public service. Peach Wellschlager ’26, Judge Richard Bennett ’65, and Brendan Szydlik ’26

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Charles Peltosalo ’72 in Sedona.

It was good to hear from David Schlosser this spring, who currently lives in California. David spent most of his career traveling on the West Coast to raise funds for Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was sure to tell us how appreciative he was of his Severn education—he loves reading The Bridge and hearing about all the ways Severn is preparing today’s students for college and beyond.

1974

Last April, PBS NewsHour aired a 5-minute segment called “Illustrator R.W. Alley on bringing Paddington Bear to life,” featuring R. W. “Bob” Alley. Go to https://www.pbs.org/video/ paddington-bear-1776193179/ to check it out!

1977

1994

In May Joe DiRenzo, along with his wife Karen and daughter Lauren, completed a bucket-list item: the 40-mile 48th annual Five Boro Bike Tour in New York City. The tour is the largest cycling event in the U.S., and the world’s biggest charitable bike ride, with 32,000 riders. The money raised during this event goes to youth and biking safety programs. Joe and Karen enjoyed it so much that they signed up for the 4th annual Saratoga (NY) Foliage Ride.

Three cheers for Mike Calabrese, president at Severn Financial Solutions, for serving as an advisor for Dylan Flannery ’26’s exploration of personal finance. Through their collaboration, Dylan gained valuable real-world insights into financial planning, investing, and the importance of making informed financial decisions.

A note from the ’77 Reunion chairs: “Hello, Class of 1977! We hope to see you at our 50th Reunion in October 2027—just about a year away. Our 45th Reunion was a tremendous Class of ’77 at the 45th Reunion. success, highlighted by ‘Burgers on the Beach’ along the Severn River and memorable reunion festivities on campus. Based on the response we’ve received so far, we’re expecting another great turnout for our 50th. We’ve been reaching out to classmates to confirm contact information, but we’re still missing email addresses and phone numbers for several members of the class. If you haven’t heard from one of us, please reach out to a fellow ’77 classmate so we can make sure you receive updates and reunion details. We look forward to celebrating with you in 2027!”

1995 Shout-out to Allison (Clark) Collins for serving as an advisor to two pairs of seniors—Eliza Grace Beard ’26 & Charlotte MacDonald ’26 and Tyler Monaldo ’26 & Emma Patrick ’26—who worked on creative culinary experiences. Having earned her master’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Allison brought valuable expertise and guidance to both projects, which focused on the creation of original cookbooks and recipes.

1996

Bob Eldredge EldredgeBob@gmail.com | Julie (Greenebaum) Pfeifle julie.v.pfeifle@gmail.com | Erich Smith erichlsmith1959@gmail.com | Bob Weaver WEAVERHOME3@msn.com

1990 Three cheers for Melissa (Muendel) Hartley, co-owner of Event Connections Group, for hosting Reese Wicker ’26 for a shadow experience in event management. Reese gained valuable firsthand insight into the fast-paced world of event planning and client coordination.

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Todd Jackson ’96, Mike McQuigg, CDR Glenn Davis ’96, Mike Sawyer ’96, Joe Gargagliano ’97, Kevin Schelenski ’96

Todd Jackson, Mike Sawyer, Kevin Schelenski, Joe Gargagliano ’97, Brett Schelenski ’92, and Mike McQuigg (Severn eighth–tenth grade) joined Commander Glenn Davis in Memorial Hall at the Naval Academy to celebrate his retirement from the Navy after 25 years of service. Glenn currently lives outside Boston with his wife Caroline and their three kids, but he can be seen from time to time in the Annapolis area catching up with friends.

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

1997

1999 Thanks to Jeff Johnson ’97, P ’29, who hosted the Severn golf team at Eagle Point Golf Club in Wilmington, North Carolina, for three days over spring break.

Jeff Johnson ’97 P ’29 (far left) and Matt Long ’91, P ’24, ’26, ’29 (far right) with the Severn golf team.

Three cheers for David McDermott, chief of urology at Anne Arundel Urology, for hosting Caden Schnabel ’26 as a shadow. During his visit, Caden gained firsthand insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a urologist and learned more about patient care and the medical field in a clinical setting.

A big hoorah for Kay (Gingell) Pessagno, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, for hosting Clara Anderson ’26 for a shadow experience at Annapolis Pediatrics. Clara gained invaluable firsthand insight into Kay (Gingell) Pessagno ’99 pediatric primary care while learning from Kay’s and Clara Anderson ’26 expertise, compassion, and dedication to supporting young patients and their families.

2000

1998 Shout-out to Julia Pitcher, director of state government relations at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, for hosting Noah Ludwig ’26 as a shadow. Noah met up with Ms. Pitcher at the Maryland State House, where he had the opportunity to observe government relations work firsthand, learn about advocacy efforts surrounding Parkinson’s research, and gain insight into the intersection of public policy and nonprofit leadership. Hats off to Carol (Prickett) Snyder for hosting Cari Davis ’26 as a shadow at Snyder | Bradshaw Group. Cari had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the world of residential real estate while learning from Carol’s leadership, market expertise, and clientcentered approach.

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Julia Pitcher ’98, Noah Ludwig ’26, and Scott MacMullan ’00

Scott MacMullan, owner at Scott MacMullan Law, LLC, met up with Julia Pitcher ’98 and Noah Ludwig ’26 in Annapolis to weigh in on campaigning, law, and policy, as part of Noah’s Innovative Senior Project.

2002 A big thanks to Dr. Sean Etter, veterinarian at Pasadena Animal Hospital, for hosting Mae Hayman ’26 as a shadow at his practice. Mae had the opportunity to observe the day-today responsibilities of veterinary medicine while gaining firsthand insight into compassionate animal care and clinical practice.

2003

2006

Three cheers for Dr. Michael Biles, urologist at Anne Arundel Urology, for welcoming Caden Schnabel ’26 for a shadow experience. During his visit, Caden had the opportunity to observe the day-to-day work of a urologist, learn about some routine surgeries, gain valuable insight into patient care, and explore the realities of practicing medicine in a clinical setting.

Thank you to Rebecca (Price) Gilmor for hosting Lydia Saunders ’26 in her Anne Arundel County Public Schools ESL classroom. Lydia gained valuable insight into supporting multilingual learners that she can carry with her to college, where she hopes to do volunteer work with children in the local community.

Alaina Subong ’26 combined creativity and sustainability by exploring ways to upcycle swimwear, giving new life to existing materials through innovative design. Along the way, she was guided by mentor Schuyler (Gavula) Sutton, whose years of experience in the fashion industry provided valuable insight into design, production, and the evolving role of sustainability in fashion. Evan Washburn hosted Admiral TV leader Jack Sweeney ’27 as a shadow during a CBS Sports broadcast of the Navy vs. Loyola men’s lacrosse game last May.

2004

Sunni (Ray) Nyblad and husband Gunnar Nyblad transformed a deteriorated 1950s dairy barn into The Casnovia Barn, a modern wedding and special events venue in West Michigan’s apple country. In 2026, The Casnovia Barn was honored with Michigan’s Barn of the Year Award for its exceptional restoration and commitment to preserving one of the Midwest’s most distinctive barns. In addition to raising her three boys, Sunni oversees venue operations and leads a team at The Casnovia Barn, balancing entrepreneurship with family life. Learn more at http://www. thecasnoviabarn.com or follow @thecasnoviabarn.

2007 Kevin Gattie ’26, Ryan Brassel ’04, and Josh Pumphrey ’26

Big shout-out to Ryan Brassel, principal at Rosso Commercial Real Estate Services, for hosting Kevin Gattie ’26 and Josh Pumphrey ’26 as shadows at his office. Their experience provided valuable insight into the commercial real estate industry and the day-to-day responsibilities of business leadership and client service.

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Denea (Randi Galloway) James recently graduated with a master’s degree in human services counseling from Liberty University on May 16, 2026, and was promoted to studio lead / manager at Life Time Apex, a luxury health club in Apex, North Carolina.

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

2009

2011

Leanne Hug ’09, Gemma Becker ’26, and Annabel Williams ’26

Leanne Hug and William Ericson on their wedding day

Shout-out to Leanne Hug, senior marketing director at CoverGirl, who hosted Gemma Becker ’26 and Annabel Williams ’26 at the company headquarters in NYC for a deep dive into the world of marketing. And congratulations to Leanne Hug on her marriage to William Ericson in May 2026 on Gibson Island, Maryland. Among those in attendance were classmates Kate (Williams) Costello, Casey Davis, Zack Swerdloff, and Macy (Walker) Haschert ’10.

2010 Kudos to Chris Edgar, vice president of capital strategy at Greenberg Gibbons, for hosting Andrew Greenwald ’26 at his office. Andrew gained firsthand exposure to the strategic and financial side of commercial real estate development while learning about leadership, investment planning, and industry collaboration. Thank you to Lexi (Schaeffer) Prevoznik, vice president of account management for GLG, for hosting Olivia Cochran ’26 as a shadow in her NYC office. Olivia had the opportunity to learn how GLG supports private equity firms and investment professionals by providing expert insights and qualitative due diligence to help inform investment decisions.

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Sage Whiteside '23 with Mia Griffin

After graduating from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in public health, Mia Griffin went on to earn both her master’s and doctorate degrees in physician assistant studies from Shenandoah University. She began practicing as a physician assistant in 2021 in trauma surgery at George Washington University Hospital and, since 2024, has worked at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in the Multitrauma Intensive Care Unit. Mia is especially passionate about mentoring students interested in the medical field, particularly those considering a career as a physician assistant. In May and June, she hosted Sage Whiteside ’23 and Kate Hilburn ’23 as shadows. Mia described both alumni as eager, polite, motivated, and wonderful to work with, and she would love the opportunity to continue sharing her experiences, offering guidance, and supporting students exploring careers in healthcare.

Kate Hilburn '23 with Mia Griffin

2017 Thank you to Taylor Belo and the entire Severn second grade team for hosting Miah Hopkins ’26 and Maddie Ripley ’26 as shadows in their classrooms. Miah and Maddie gained meaningful hands-on teaching experience, a deeper appreciation for the impact teachers make every day, and 32 new Lower School friends. (Back row, left to right:) Taylor Belo ’17, Miah Hopkins ’26, Maddie Ripley ’26, Kristin Long, Gianna Ellis

2019 Congratulations to Severn sweethearts Hanna Duncan and Nick D’Amore on their marriage this past summer! Front row, L-R: Hanna Duncan ’19 and Nick D’Amore ’19; Back row, L-R: Brett Sweeney ‘19, Mariah Saunders ’19, Katie Manning ‘19, Jordan Cox ‘19, Jack Wellschlager ’19, Mike D’Amore, Owen Wellschlager ’21, Anna D’Amore ’22, Peach Wellschlager ’26, Alaura Enright ’20, Nick Angelino ’19, Lisa O’Fiesh ’19, Jacob Lavine ’19, Abby Tindall ‘19, Renie Sotiropoulos, Duffy McDermott ’89, John Wellschlager ’89

Amelia Jennings graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in May with a Master of Engineering degree in civil and environmental engineering, with a focus on climate, environment, and sustainability. She is a researcher in the Nepf Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, where she conducts fieldwork and numerical modeling to evaluate the viability of a salt marsh restoration method. After graduation, Amelia plans to work in water resources engineering, with a particular interest in river, wetland, and

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watershed restoration. She is passionate about applying environmental science and engineering to improve waterways through methods that sustain biodiversity while also protecting communities from flooding.

2022 Three cheers for Daniel Berlin, founder of Dirty Gut Chocolate, who hosted Ryan Cowell ’26 and Brody Durm ’26 as shadows on a tradeshow floor in Las Vegas. Through this immersive entrepreneurship experience, Ryan and Brody gained firsthand exposure to brand building, networking, and the fast-paced world of product marketing and sales. Brody Durm ’26, Daniel Berlin ’22, and Ryan Cowell ’26

2023 Congratulations to Donovan Jacobs for completing a 10-day, 209-mile ultramarathon across Iceland to raise money for the Courage of Carly Fund, which supports pediatric cancer research. Over the course of his trek, he crossed glaciers, volcanic deserts, mountains, and rivers, sleeping in a tent each night and beginning anew the next day. Way to go, Donovan!

ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

2024 Hats off to Ian Dabrowka and Meera Colaco, who started a Random Acts of Kindness Club on the University of Maryland campus last school year. Inspired by Severn’s Random Act of Kindness Club, this is a student-led organization dedicated to spreading positivity, compassion, and connection throughout the community. Last semester, the club partnered with Paint Branch Elementary School, a Title I elementary school, to help provide classroom supplies. Way to go, Admirals!

The Class of 2024 left its mark on Capitol Hill this past summer. Three ’24s spent their summers as Senate interns: Ella Aherne interned for Senator Ron Johnson Ella Aherne ’24, Doug Schwartz (R-WI), Doug Schwartz ’24, and Sean Ward ’24 worked for Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sean Ward served in the office of Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). Go Admirals!

2026 Deuce Bell stepped into the world of professional sports broadcasting with a shadow experience at the D.C. United game on May 16. Joining sports anchor Dave Johnson, Deuce Bell ’26, and Bruce Murray Dave Johnson and co-commentator Bruce Murray in the broadcast booth, Deuce experienced the energy and preparation behind a live broadcast while gaining firsthand insight into play-by-play commentary, production, and media coverage at the professional level. Caroline Cole explored the world of dentistry during a shadow experience at Shipley’s Dental Care, where she worked alongside Dr. Meghan Segreti. Caroline gained valuable firsthand insight into patient care and the daily operations of a modern dental practice. Thank you to former Severn parent Dr. Clayton McCarl P ’02,’04,’05, for arranging this meaningful experience.

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Jules Floyd got an inside look at the worlds of hair care and entrepreneurship during a shadow experience at Park Salon and Barber. Through hands-on observation, Jules gained valuable insight into both the creative and business sides of the industry. Many thanks to Scott Palmer P ’27 for hosting this opportunity. Dom Medile discovered what it takes to bring outdoor spaces to life during a shadow experience with Campion Hruby Landscape Architects. Splitting his time between site visits and the office, Dom learned how landscape architects balance creative design, client collaboration, and project management from concept to completion. Thank you to Severn parent Kevin Campion P ’24,’26, founding principal at Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, for hosting this experience. Lila Patton and Sophie Storey explored the creative and strategic sides of marketing and entrepreneurship during a shadow experience with Local Coast, an Annapolisbased lifestyle brand. Their visit provided a firsthand look at the innovation, branding, and business planning that go into building a successful local company. Thank you to Kristen Umana, co-founder of Local Coast, for hosting this inspiring experience.

Kristen Umana, Lila Patton ’26, and Sophie Storey ’26

Congratulations to these Middle School faculty members for being selected for the following year-end awards for the 2025–26 school year: • Leigh Ann Orsen – Sixth-Grade Faculty Appreciation Award • Carrie Ball – Seventh-Grade Faculty Appreciation Award • Rachel McMahon – Faculty Appreciation Award • Becky Norton – Louise McKenna Williams Outstanding Middle School Teacher Award For her Van Eney ’09 Fellows Project entitled “Portraits of Purpose: Honoring Educators Who Inspire,” Lizzie Veiel ’26 painted FACULTY five oil portraits of former Severn Cheers to two Upper School faculty members, Mercedes teachers: Sarah Ann Gonzalez-Marrow and Deiniol Hughes, who were selected by Donnelly; Carol Duncan; our students as award recipients this year. Señora Gonzalez was chosen by the student body for the Julian A. Domenech Sr. Julian Domenech, Sr.; Fred Hewitt; and Claudia McLaughlin. Outstanding Faculty Award, and Mr. Hughes was chosen by the Three of these teachers came back to campus to see and senior class for the Faculty Appreciation Award. celebrate Lizzie’s work.

Submit Your Class Notes 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 Director of Alumni Relations & Alumni Giving Carolyn Campion at c.campion@severnschool.com or drop us a note through our alumni social media pages.

Severn School Alumni Severn School Alumni

SevernConnect 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

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IN MEMORIAM 1949 Robert S. Duvall 1954 David G. Burden 1955 MacLeod D. “Doug” Gates 1957 Robert W. Wentworth 1959 James H. Feindel 1973 Jeffrey F. Taylor Barbara Cromwell Edson P. “Shep” Sheppard, Former Head of School

1949 Robert S. Duvall Robert S. Duvall, acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, died on February 15, 2026, in The Plains, Virginia, at the age of 95. Over a career spanning seven decades, he became widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation, known for his quiet intensity and remarkable range. Born in San Diego, California, Duvall grew up in a Navy family and attended Severn School from 1945 to 1947. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he studied acting in New York City alongside future luminaries Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman. Duvall made a memorable film debut as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) and went on to deliver standout performances in The Godfather films and Apocalypse Now. In 1984, he won an Academy Award for his role in Tender Mercies, portraying a troubled country singer with depth and restraint. His career also earned him multiple Golden Globe and Emmy awards, as well as the National Medal of Arts. Beyond acting, Duvall was a dedicated filmmaker and founded Butcher’s Run Films. He found solace at his Virginia horse farm, where he often retreated between projects. Duvall’s legacy endures through his deeply human performances, which continue to resonate with audiences and shape American cinema.

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1954 David G. Burden David G. Burden passed away on December 6, 2025, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Dave married Loretta Silver of Rossville, Georgia, in March 1959 after the two met in Athens while he attended Supply Corps School and she attended the University of Georgia. During a distinguished Navy career, Dave served in a range of assignments, including aboard the USS Valley Forge (CVS-45), the USS Alcor (AK259), and in Clarksville, Tennessee; Okinawa; Philadelphia; Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam; Naples, Italy; and Moffett Field, California. His Vietnam service earned him the Bronze Star with Combat “V,” Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Honor Medal First Class, and multiple campaign ribbons. He retired from the Navy in 1978. Dave earned graduate degrees from Boston College (MA, International Relations), USC (MS, Systems Management), and George Washington University (MBA, Finance). In civilian life, he worked for RCA, GE, and Lockheed Martin on programs including Phalanx and Polaris, specializing in aeronautical repairables management. In retirement, he remained active in his church and HOA, focusing on finance and accounting.

1955 MacLeod D. “Doug” Gates MacLeod D. “Doug” Gates, 89, passed away on February 19, 2026. A graduate of Severn School and Washington College (Class of 1959), Doug earned a degree in psychology before serving his country in the U.S. Navy. After Officer Candidate School and flight training in Pensacola, he was assigned to Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 39 at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, LTJG Gates flew sorties aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CVS-9) enforcing the blockade of Cuba. Following his naval service, Doug worked for Hercules, Inc., before returning to the Eastern Shore in 1966 to serve as Alumni Director at Washington College. In 1984, he married Patricia Frawley Ferguson. Doug later became an alcoholism counselor at Warwick Manor and Director of Alcohol and Addiction Services for Queen Anne’s County, where he helped develop treatment programs based on the chronic disease model. In 1991, he received the Washington College Alumni Citation for distinguished public service. Doug devoted his retirement to family, community, and lifelong passions that included sailing, woodworking, bird carving, antique restoration, and music with the Chestertown Ukulele Club. He will be remembered for his craftsmanship, generosity, and enduring friendships.

1957 Robert W. Wentworth

Barbara Cromwell

Robert W. Wentworth passed away on February 7, 2025, at age 85. A devoted father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, he will be missed.

Barbara Ann Townsend Cromwell passed away on April 27, 2026. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 3, 1933, she graduated as valedictorian of Pocomoke High School’s Class of 1951 before earning a history degree with honors from Washington College in 1955. There she met her husband, George T. Cromwell Jr. ’49, whom she married on July 31, 1955. After settling in Severna Park, Barbara enjoyed a career teaching in Anne Arundel County public schools and devoted her life to advancing education, medicine, and community service. She served Washington College in numerous leadership roles, including president of the Alumni Council and member of the Board of Visitors and Governors, receiving many of the institution’s highest honors. Barbara’s most enduring legacy is her extraordinary philanthropy. The largest benefactor in Severn School’s history, she transformed the school through landmark gifts that funded the Barbara and George ’49 Cromwell Centennial Rotunda and the new Lower School, which will be dedicated as the George ’49 and Barbara Cromwell Lower School. Her generosity helped shape the future of Severn School for generations of students. She also supported Johns Hopkins University and Anne Arundel Medical Center, leaving a lasting impact on healthcare, education, and the communities she cherished.

1959 James H. Feindel James H. “Jim” Feindel passed away on December 17, 2025, in Manchester, New Hampshire. As a child in the 1950s, Jim lived in Germany while his father served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Heidelberg American High School in 1958 before returning to the United States, where he completed a postgraduate year at Severn School. He then went on to earn a business degree from Nichols College. Jim spent much of his career with A.W. Chesterton Company, retiring in 2008 as a supply chain manager. Jim had a lifelong interest in military history and service. As a young man, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Later, he became an active member of the 5th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, Company A, a Civil War living-history organization, participating in reenactments, drills, encampments, and educational programs for schools and community groups. He also joined The Kearsarge Afterguard, portraying enlisted Union sailors at historical events. In his retirement, Jim devoted countless hours to creating an elaborate model of Fort Abraham Lincoln, complete with detailed buildings, landscapes, and hand-painted soldiers and animals. His craftsmanship, patience, and passion for history were reflected in every piece he created.

1973 Jeffrey F. Taylor

Edson P. “Shep” Sheppard Edson P. “Shep” Sheppard, Severn’s head of school from 1984 to 1993, passed away on July 5, 2026. See page 13 for more on Shep and his contributions to Severn School.

Jeffrey Fred Taylor, 70, passed away on July 22, 2026. He grew up in Severna Park and attended Severn School for six years, where he played football and lacrosse and formed lifelong friendships with GP Lindsay ’73, Mike ’73 and Dana “Hock” Houser ’76, Gary Zorn ’74, Jeff Popham ’74, Court Williams ‘73, and Ricky Wheeler ’74. After graduating from Severn, Jeff went on to Lyndon State University in Vermont. Jeff worked as a contractor and was known for his strong work ethic and devotion to his family and friends. He loved Ravens football, lacrosse, golf, and annual vacations with his Severn friends. Above all, he cherished time with his large family. He and his wife Liz were married for 47 years.

THANK YOU for your continued support

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the ADMIRAL FUND Area of Greatest Need

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ALUMNI

Socials

Hey Alums, Let’s Celebrate! Thanksgiving Eve Alumni Social

Wednesday, November 25, 2026 4:30–6:30 pm Forward Brewing, 418 Fourth Street, Annapolis, MD All alumni must preregister for this event. Scan the QR code to register.

Washington, DC A P R I L 1 5 , 2 0 2 6 We kicked off spring with our DC Alumni Social at Teddy & the Bully Bar. Alumni from across the region gathered to reconnect, catch up, and enjoy an evening together. Events like this are a reminder of the lasting connections that make the Severn community so special. We were especially glad to welcome two longtime faculty members, Renie Sotiropoulos and Mr. John Bodley, who celebrated 50 years at Severn during the 2025–26 school year.

Welcome to the Alumni Association Lunch for the Class of 2026 M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 6 Just days before graduation, the Alumni Office gathered the Class of 2026 in the Memorial Gym for the annual “Welcome to the Alumni Association” luncheon. This event marks the transition from student to alum and celebrates the lifelong connection that follows. Each senior signed the Alumni Record Book with a wooden pen handcrafted by Head of School Doug Lagarde before being formally welcomed into the Alumni Association by Jess Popham McDermott ’97 and current Alumni President Caitlin (McCleary) Horn ’04. While enjoying lunch together, students wrote letters to their future selves—messages that will be returned to them at their 5th Reunion—and added their college stickers to a large collage showcasing the many paths they will take after Severn. Before departing, each senior received their first pieces of alumni swag, a tangible reminder that their connection to Severn will continue long after graduation.

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MORE UPCOMING DATES AND LOCATIONS NEW YORK, NY, ALUMNI SOCIAL FEBRUARY 2027 WASHINGTON, DC, ALUMNI SOCIAL APRIL 2027 BOSTON, MA, ALUMNI SOCIAL APRIL 2027

201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146 www.severnschool.com | 410.647.7700 Change Service Requested

Seniors Eloise Harley, Elizabeth Maltz, Sabrina Schut, Honor Marbury, Keira Gomez, Evan Iddings, and Vivienne Tiller celebrate the last first day of school.