The Woods Academy Magazine - Winter 2023, 2024

Artwork by Dylan M., Grade 7

WINTER 2023–2024

The Woods Academy News is published by the Advancement Office twice a year for families, alumni, and friends of The Woods Academy.

Do you want to be featured in the next magazine?

Tell us your news and email Director of Advancement Caitlin Chalke at cchalke@woodsacademy.org.

Alumni Stories and News

School community members can submit their news and stories to Director of Advancement Caitlin Chalke at cchalke@woodsacademy.org.

You can also visit https://www.woodsacademy.org/ community/alumni-stories to see all the recent news of our Mighty Owls and submit your own.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Caitlin Chalke Director of Advancement

Evelyn Mena Advancement Associate

PHOTOGRAPHY

Freed Photography

Rebecca Drobis

Caitlin Chalke

Evelyn Mena

Dear Woods Community,

As the days get a little longer and the air a bit warmer, spring feels as though it is right around the corner. I find it hard to believe that I am entering my eighth month at The Woods. I have quickly settled into a feeling of comfort and connection that are hallmarks of The Woods community.

This is an exciting time at The Woods Academy. We are in the process of planning ways to celebrate our 50th anniversary. This is the perfect time for us to reconnect and reflect on the last 50 years and plan for the next 50. The Woods is rooted in strong traditions and values that have remained our foundation and will continue to guide our work.

Our upcoming anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on our past and is an excellent time to connect and learn more about our alumni and the roots of The Woods. One of our founders, Rose Scozafavva and her children Kathryn and John attended our Founder’s Day mass this past January. I have been able to connect with the Scozafavva family to learn more about the founding of The Woods Academy as well as the principles that informed the decision of the founding families to take on that task. During our conversations, it was clear that The Woods was founded to provide strong academic offerings in tandem with a focus on Catholic values and teachings. I look forward to continuing to connect with others in the community as I learn about the history and legacy of The Woods.

This edition of the magazine is focused on the arts and alumni. A distinguishing feature of The Woods is our focus on the whole child. We broadly define academic excellence and opportunity to include a solid foundation in the core academic disciplines as well as opportunities for enrichment and development outside of the classroom. This includes an emphasis on the arts, athletics, service leadership, and world language, to name

a few of our signature offerings. Our featured alumni in this edition are just a few examples of the amazing ways that our alumni are living lives of significance.

As we reflect on our roots, I want to take a moment to mention the passing of Mary Worch, Head of School at The Woods Academy from 1995-2011. Mary was instrumental in shaping The Woods Academy into the institution it is today. She led two major renovation projects to provide enhanced learning spaces that led to an increase in our student body, including the construction of the back of the building and the gym. Her legacy lives on inside the halls of The Woods Academy and beyond in the countless lives she touched through her leadership and vision.

I hope you will be able to join us on January 25, 2025 as we celebrate our 50th anniversary and toast the next 50 years!

Warmly,

Jess Palladino

THE WOODS ACADEMY

THE WOODS ACADEMY

THE WOODS ACADEMY

CLASS OF 2023

SIMONE ALLEN

Walt Whitman High School

VALENTINA BAIER

Sotogrande International School in Spain

EVA BATTLE

St. John’s College High School

PIERCE BENNETT

St. John’s College High School

VICENTE BRANDAO

Gonzaga College High School

ELYNA CAIN

Walt Whitman High School

FLETCHER DENNIS

Gonzaga College High School

LUKE FERRELL

Georgetown Preparatory School

JOSHUA GOBIEN

Georgetown Preparatory School

JACK GORMLEY

Georgetown Preparatory School

JORDAN GROSH

Bullis School

PENNY HARMAN

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

LEO HICKEY

St. John’s College High School

ANDREW KAMINE

Sandy Spring Friends

LILY LEBLANC

Connelly School of the Holy Child

AITANA MARINA ALONSO

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

PHILIP MOYO

Georgetown Preparatory School

GERALD MUGERA

St. John’s College High School

PETER OMASERE

Georgetown Preparatory School

SAMI OZAN

St. John’s College High School

THOMAS PALLEY

St. John’s College High School

BRYANT RENZ

St. John’s College High School

HARPER RUSHTON

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

AVA SCAFIDE

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

BEN SCLAFANI

Georgetown Preparatory School

ELIZABETH TEDLA

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

COLTEN THOMSON

Walt Whitman High School

VERONICA VAKY

National Cathedral School

FRANCISCO VILLEGAS VEGA

Georgetown Preparatory School

KENNEDY WRIGHT

Georgetown Day School

CLASS OF 2019

KEVIN ALDRIGE

■ St. John’s College High School

■ Villanova University

SOPHIA ALVES

■ Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

■ University of Colorado Boulder

LILA AMIRKHALILI

■ Connelly School of the Holy Child

■ Tulane University

MIGUEL BARRENECHEA ARANA

■ Georgetown Preparatory School

■ University of Southern California

OWEN BASSO

■ St. Albans School

■ University of Dayton

BROOKE BEEBE

■ St. John’s College High School

■ Fairfield University

ISABELA CAMPANARIO

■ Our Lady of Good Counsel

■ Penn State University

JULIE CAPUANO

■ Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

■ Wake Forest University

JAMES COHEN

■ Georgetown Preparatory School

■ Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

GRACE COOPER

■ Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

■ Rollins College

MIA D’AUGOSTINE

■ St. John’s College High School

■ Coastal Carolina University

CHARLESTON DECAIN

■ Gonzaga College High School

■ University of Virginia

WILLIAM FARLAND

■ Landon School

■ Wake Forest University

MARTIN GASZNER

■ St. John’s College High School

■ William & Mary

ALICE HARPER

■ Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

■ Smith College

CHARLES LACKEY

■ Bishop O’Connell

■ Virginia Tech

WILLIAM LANKENAU

■ Montgomery Blair High School, Magnet Program

■ Carleton College

TREVOR LYNCH

■ Georgetown Preparatory School

■ National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship by the U.S. Department of State – Arabic in Morocco

GONZALO MARINA ALONSO

■ Georgetown Preparatory School

■ University of Maryland, College Park

SHAY MCMICKLE

■ Peddie School

■ Let us know!

NOAH MOODY

■ Gonzaga College High School

■ St. Joseph’s University

MATEO MWENDWA

■ Georgetown Preparatory School

■ University of Michigan

CLAUDIA PODPIEROVA

■ Walter Johnson High School

■ Towson University

JACK POWERS

■ St. John’s College High School

■ University of Southern California

ANDREW POWERS

■ St. John’s College High School

■ Virginia Tech

KEVIN REESE

■ Gonzaga College High School

■ Wake Forest University

GRACE SARAFIDIS

■ Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

■ Oberlin College and Conservatory

LEILA SARKARZADEH

■ St. John’s College High School

■ Virginia Tech

THEODORE SEITZ

■ Georgetown Preparatory School

■ Bucknell University

EMMA SHRIVER

■ Connelly School of the Holy Child

■ Boston College

SOFIA STEWART

■ The Academy of the Holy Cross

■ College of the Holy Cross

ELEANOR VAN DER DOES

DE WILLEBOIS

■ Bethesda Chevy Chase High School

■ Delft University – Netherlands

NATALIE YANG

■ Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

■ Duke University

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2010

Class of 2014

Zachary Crilley, Class of 2014, Named DC Inno and the Washington Business Journal’s Top Young Innovators Under the Age of 25

Justin Cassidy, Class of 2010, is working on the engineering team at Quantum Space, after graduating from Catholic University. He was recently included in an article for Catholic University’s Engineer Magazine.

Justin Cassidy, B.E.E. 2019, M.S. 2019, who earned both his degrees in electrical engineering from Catholic University, started working at Quantum Space last year as a member of the engineering team. He had previously worked alongside Reed when he interned on Reed’s team at NASA Goddard. During his time in the engineering school, Cassidy said he got to experiment and learn about a wide range of

subjects, including power systems, circuit designs, and computer networks. That exposure has helped him in the startup, because he is often asked to step in and assist with various aspects of the project.

“The work I’m doing right now never gets boring; there’s always a new challenge every day. At a fundamental level, we’re trying to do something new and very hard,” Cassidy said. “It is so rewarding to know that in a couple of years we’re going to be building a really robust network in space which has not been done in the way we’re doing it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself and to advance the ways humans interact with space.”

Class of 2014 alum Zachary Crilley was recently named one of the top young innovators in the Washington, DC region by the Washington Business Journal and DC Inno. He is one of “nine disruptors, philanthropists and venture capital enthusiasts determined to shake up the status quo.” Below is the article from this accomplishment!

ZACHARY CRILLEY, CEO, CO-FOUNDER,GOVFUSE LLC

Age: 23

Hometown: Chevy Chase, Maryland

College: Babson College

Degree: Bachelor’s in global business management

First job: Newspaper route delivering the Washington Post

Tell us a bit about your business: GovFuse is modernizing government procurement by helping government users buy items online.

Is there a co-founder?

Yes, Gavin Farnan. Gavin and I were freshman year roommates at Babson College.

What was your inspiration for the idea?

Working at the General Services Administration [as a summer intern in 2019] and witnessing firsthand the inefficiencies of government procurement while understanding the complexity of making sweeping changes to such a massive system. When the GSA created the commercial platform program in response to Section 846 of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, I jumped on the opportunity to be a vendor under this new program.

The initiative establishes a program to procure commercial products through e-commerce platforms specially created for government users.

Who are your customers?

Our primary customers are government employees who utilize the e-commerce procurement platforms to buy things like electronics and office supplies [for their agencies].

How do you generate revenue?

We are a vendor on the e-commerce platform Overstock Government and generate revenue when a client places an order for one of our products.

Class of 2016

Travis Scala, Class of 2016, is an Accounting and Finance Major at Davis & Elkins College. Below is an excerpt from D&E’s Leading The Way Newsletter.

When I began my college search, if someone had told me that I would be in the position I am today, I would not have believed them. At that time, I thought I needed the cliché big school experience to fulfill my academic, social, and athletic aspirations. However, after visiting Davis & Elkins College for the first time I found this could not have been further from the truth.

Although initially uninterested in D&E after learning it was located in the hills of West Virginia and had a small enrollment, just out of curiosity I called the coach who had sent me a letter of interest. A few weeks later I found myself on the D&E campus and was immediately welcomed into the community by everyone

What funding have you received to date?

We have primarily funded our venture from the revenue generated.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Overcoming fear and doubt is a challenging battle every ambitious young person must face. What keeps me going is the knowledge that steadfast persistence toward my values will guide me to where I need to be.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years from now I will be continuing to serve people through entrepreneurship. Some people find their creative channel in painting,

music, or dance. My creative outlet is enterprise.

What advice do you have for other young entrepreneurs?

Start. Starting is the hardest part. You will be well served by taking time to think about the easiest possible way to take action on your dreams today, then doing it. Three friends and I started a podcast, “Your 1 Podcast,” where we discuss navigating the journey ambitious young people face.

Favorite book?

“How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie

What do you do to unwind?

Prayer and meditation are tools I use to unwind.

I encountered. I would return to campus three more times before moving to campus my first semester. Since that day, I was determined to make the most of my experience. In addition to being a member of the Men’s Lacrosse team, I also serve as the Student Government Treasurer, belong to Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and am a member of the dining services staff.

My four years at Davis & Elkins College have exceeded my expectations and I fully understand that none of this would be possible without the vast and generous donations from graduates, friends and the greater community. With 98% of D&E students receiving some form of financial aid, every gift, regardless of the amount, has a huge impact. My fellow Senators join me in thanking everyone whose generosity makes it possible for us to have this amazing opportunity.

Travis was also featured in the local West Virginia newspaper, The Inter-Mountain, for his work tutoring

students at a local elementary school. Travis has been on either the Presidents or Deans List every semester since arriving at D&E in August of 2024. He is also a captain on the D&E Lacrosse Team.

Class of 2018

Nathaniel Silverman, Class of 2018, attends Northeastern University and is a part of their Varsity Valorent E-Sports Team. In December, they won the E-Sports Collegiate Championship after upsetting the 1-seed Ball State!

Class of 2020

Alum Sean Kenny from the Class of 2020 signed with Dickinson College this year to play collegiate lacrosse. Sean is currently a senior at Georgetown Prep. Fun Owl Fact: Will Farrell, Woods Class of 2014, also played lacrosse for Dickinson College!

Skyler Thompson was accepted to Elon University into their Education Fellows Program, which includes a scholarship, a semester abroad in New Zealand to teach there, and other travel experiences. The fellowship includes a small cohort of about 40 students. Visit page 14 to read her application essay to the Education Fellows Program, which reflects on her time at The Woods Academy and how the educators here helped inspire her to be a teacher!

Class of 2021

Woods Classmates Erin Carmody, Luka Radovic, and Dylan Fay (not pictured) were inducted into St. John College High School’s National Honor Society at the SJC Convocation.

Mighty Owls at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Ava Scafide ’23, Eliza Virgin ’22, and Alexandra Houck ’21 all attend high school at St. Andrew’s. Their Admissions Office shared updates on our Mighty Owls and we are so proud of them!

Ava Scafide Woods Class of 2023

St. Andrew’s Class of 2027

Activities and Interests Soccer, Physics, Math, and Coding

What has been your favorite class at St. Andrew’s, and why? Math class, as it is my favorite subject and Mr. Null’s teaching is engaging and relaxed.

Eliza Virgin Woods Class of 2022

St. Andrew’s Class of 2026

Activities and Interests Reading, Music and Softball

What has been your favorite class at St. Andrew’s, and why?

My freshman and sophomore English classes have been amazing. I love the books we read and how in-depth we go in our discussions about the stories. I always feel safe to express my opinions in the classroom. I am especially excited about the Great Works project this year.

Alexandra Houck

Woods Class of 2021

St. Andrew’s Class of 2025

Activities and Interests Equestrian, Painting, and Drawing

What has been your favorite class at St. Andrew’s, and why?

My favorite class at St. Andrews is AP Literature. I am taking it this year, and it is so interesting to talk about the psychology of plays and poems from hundreds of years ago. I especially enjoyed Hamlet, which we are finishing up.

Mighty Owls at the Academy of the Holy Cross

The Admissions Office at the Academy of the Holy Cross High School shared a group picture of our alumni at Holy Cross. These young women are continuing to grow and thrive in their educational journey, and we know the future is certainly bright for them!

Front row (left to right)

Ana Tovar, Class of 2020

Angela Umoh, Class of 2022

Back row

Ana Paula Campanario, Class of 2022

Izzy Martelli, Class of 2022

Sibel Ozan, Class of 2021

THE ROLE OF A TEACHER

By: Skylar Thompson, Class of 2020

Below is an excerpt from Skyler Thompson’s essay for Elon University’s Education Fellows Program Scholarship. Skylar graduated from The Woods Academy in 2020 and is a senior at Walt Whitman High School.

My middle school years presented many challenges for myself and my family. During this time, my teachers’ roles were more than just educational. They helped me personally and comforted me through my hardships. The purpose of teaching that inspires me the most, based on my experiences, is instilling a love of learning and nurturing students to become responsible citizens.

My middle school teachers were beyond supportive when my world felt uncertain and unstable. They not only taught academic subjects but also provided a sense of comfort and stability. Their classrooms were a safe place to escape my troubles and immerse myself in learning and the community. Growing up in a safe neighborhood and working with kids through middle and high school brought me happiness. I realized education was not merely about acquiring knowledge but exploring new ideas, engaging with curiosity, and finding joy in discovery.

My love for learning became both my solace and inspiration. Teachers, employing methods tailored to my learning disabilities, made education more manageable. They fostered my ability to question,

think critically, and explore beyond the curriculum. Joining the Child Development program in high school shifted my perspective on teaching, turning education into an exciting adventure. The joy of seeing preschoolers’ smiles and their eagerness to learn motivated me to pursue a career in education. Having worked as a camp counselor and babysitter, my desire to work with children was clear. However, the Child Development program intensified this passion. I invested more time learning about education, progressing from being an assistant teacher in my junior year to interning in a 3rd-grade classroom at Montgomery County Public Schools my senior year. This journey has solidified my commitment to becoming an educator.

The influence of my instructors extended beyond academic lessons; they taught me life skills and provided emotional support. Working in a classroom with my students and being mentored teaching me daily has made me tremendously grow as a teacher. This holistic approach to education taught me the value of compassion and understanding towards others and myself.

Now, as I aspire to pursue a college education and a career in teaching, my motivation is rooted in these experiences. I aim to be a teacher who inspires a passion for learning in students and provides the emotional support and guidance I once received. I want to create an intellectually stimulating and emotionally nurturing classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and understood.

My journey underscores the invaluable role that teachers play in life. They can inspire a love of learning and guide students toward becoming responsible and empathetic citizens. As I embark on becoming a teacher, I carry these lessons. I want to offer the same support and inspiration to my future students that my teachers provided me during my formative years.

ALUMNI ON GREENTREE ROAD

We love when our Mighty Owls come back to visit The Woods Academy! Throughout the school year, we see many alums visit us on Greentree Road to see their alma mater, visit with former faculty, and participate in community events. If you’re ever near school, stop by for a visit! We’d love to see you.

1. Class of 2023 Alums Luke Ferrell and Pierce Bennett came to visit The Woods at our Friday Night Lights event in the fall.

2. Danny O’Leary from the Class of 2009 came back to The Woods to help his alma mater with our asphalt! Danny works for his family company, O’Leary Asphalt. (Pictured here with Assistant Head of School Jodie Shoemaker)

3. Lily LeBlanc and Joshua Gobien, both from the Class of 2023, came back to The Woods to watch the Christmas Concert (their siblings are still at The Woods!) and visit with former faculty.

4. Class of 2020 alumni (from left to right) Ariana Plotas, Morgan Campell, and Mia Priest came to visit during the holidays to reminisce and cherish that Woods Christmas feeling!

5. Class of 2019 Alum Emma Shriver visited The Woods Academy to help create some video content for the new website. (Pictured here with Director of Advancement Caitlin Chalke)

6. Alumni and founding family member Kathryn Scozzafava Antle, Class of 1980, attended our Founders Day Mass with her mother Rose and brother John. (Pictured here with Head of School Dr. Jessica Palladino)

NEW WEBSITE

OUR BRAND-NEW WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE!

We're thrilled to introduce a fresh platform with user-friendly navigation. Learn more about The Woods Academy, an inclusive Catholic school empowering girls and boys for lives of significance Navigate effortlessly and join us on this journey!

VISIT TODAY

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE!

This February, we redesigned our website to create a cohesive and fresh new look for The Woods Academy. This new website is easy to navigate and gives our prospective families a glimpse into our wonderful school community.

ALUMNI VS. FACULTY BASKETBALL

By: Evelyn Mena, Advancement Associate

I’ve never felt a sense of a stronger community than that of The Woods Academy! Our Annual Alumni Homecoming Basketball Game was truly one for the books.

The gym was buzzing with excitement as alumni and faculty balled it out on the basketball court.

With over 50 alumni returning to The Woods, this highly anticipated game was one no one wanted to miss. Alumni switched out every few minutes so they could all get a turn at trying to score against faculty, but their energy never faded away. If anything, they looked ready to break a 9-year streak.

With both teams bringing their A-game to the court, students and staff cheered from the sidelines. Claiming our 10th consecutive win, our reigning team consisted of: Mrs. Ricca, Mrs. Chrobo, Ms. Kay, Mr. Kalas, Mr. Person, Mr. Schlafstein, and Mr. Smith – way to go, faculty!

Seeing as this is my first year at The Woods, I truly loved every minute of the game. It was so heartwarming to see teachers and students reconnect and talk about the good old days. I also loved witnessing the bright smiles

on the faces of current students as they welcomed back their cherished alumni to campus.

Join us next year for our next basketball game – who knows what will happen. Will faculty go undefeated or will alumni finally break their winning streak? Until then, stay tuned for other alumni events that we’ll be hosting next year!

If you couldn’t make it to the game or simply want to walk down memory lane, all the photos from this year’s alumni game can be found on Vidigami and Facebook. Once again, we’re incredibly thankful for your continued support of The Woods Academy. We can’t wait to welcome you back to campus!

THE ARTS AT THE WOODS ART

The arts are an integral part of The Woods curriculum.

Our talented and creative arts faculty work with the students to cultivate their artistic gifts, engaging their minds, bodies, and spirits through art education that includes music, visual arts, and performing arts. Each of these classes helps instill in students a love for creative expression and a lifelong love for the arts.

We see this firsthand with two of our beloved alumni thriving in the arts world today. Julie Branitsky, Class of 2012, and Eva Petric, Class of 1997. Both alumni thank The Woods for instilling in them a love of the arts, a curiosity that continues to drive them to explore different art mediums, and an appreciation of self expression.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheWoodsAcademy to see all the amazing ways our students are currently creating art within our walls.

13 - 17, 2024

NURTURING CREATIVITY: MS. BRANITSKY’S JOURNEY FROM STUDENT TO TEACHER

By: Evelyn Mena, Advancement Associate

By: Evelyn Mena, Advancement Associate

At The Woods Academy, alumni who attended from the age of 3 through 8th grade are affectionately referred to as “Lifers.” They’ve spent 11 years of their lives, often considering it a second home. Ms. Julie Branitsky, Class of 2012, is a returning alumna who felt drawn to come back and is now the current art teacher.

Julie Branitsky, also known as Ms. B by her students, fondly reminisces about her early years at The Woods, recalling the memorable influence of Mrs. Taverner, her art teacher, who ignited her passion for creativity.

“When I was maybe in second or third grade, my dream in life was to be Mrs. Taverner,” she shares, reflecting on the inspiration drawn from her beloved mentor.

The Woods provided Ms. B with an outlet for self-expression. She recalls two projects that left a lasting impression that ultimately contributed to her journey as an artist. In 3rd grade, she made a painting of snowy birch trees using Indian ink. She loved being hands-on and working with different textures and perspectives. In 6th grade, her

class made individual clay sculptures of their faces that were placed on a mirror that was later sold as an auction item. She considered herself to be lucky to still own those items to this day.

The education she received at The Woods surpassed traditional boundaries and has played a pivotal role in developing her passion for various art mediums and techniques. Under the guidance of Mrs. Taverner, she was introduced to sculpture and was drawn to the idea of being able to create something out of nothing.

It was this that influenced her decision to pursue sculpture in college. In 2020, she graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s in Education Policy with minors in Studio Art and Sociology. Among the challenges many faced during a global pandemic, she found comfort in the thought of returning to The Woods. “Home I came,” she stated with appreciation, “to a place that had given me so much” and where the bonds of friendship run deep.

Early on, she know that she wanted to become an educator. She was influenced by Mrs. Taverner and wanted to be able to give back to the community that always supported her. “It’s a welcoming community that really, people just keep coming back to. That’s why there’s so many of us who are still on staff here.” At the

heart of every alumni-turned-teacher lives a deep appreciation for the place they proudly call home.

One of her students asked why she decided to become an art teacher instead of making art. “I get to do both,” she says, from working with “all the mediums I like” to even those she doesn’t. She enjoys being able to socialize and communicate with her students, instead of being isolated in an art studio.

Another student was curious to know how she became skilled at art. “Listening to my teachers throughout all of my years and applying the techniques they imparted to me.” She encourages her students to take risks, try new things, and “figure out what works and what doesn’t.”

From student to teacher, Ms. B’s time at The Woods has come full

circle. The halls that she once walked as a student, are now the ones she walks as an educator, influencing and guiding students just like her previous teachers did. She’s grateful for the community that welcomed her and allowed her to explore art in various ways to now share with the current generation.

MS. B’S SCHOOL PORTRAIT AT THE WOODS

MS. B’S GRADE 8 YEARBOOK PAGE

FROM THE WOODS ACADEMY TO GLOBAL ARTISTRY

By: Evelyn Mena, Advancement Associate

“For the creation of any type of art or creative practice, one needs peace of mind and body, and needs to feel safe and at peace. Only then, can the mind be free to explore creatively.”

Eva Petric, Class of 1997, was constantly changing schools due to her father being a diplomat. She studied in Ethiopia and India, but when she arrived at The Woods Academy in 1994, she knew it was a place she didn’t want to leave. Playing a pivotal role in fostering her creativity, especially in visual arts and creative writing, The Woods Academy provided a solid foundation for her academic and artistic endeavors.

The impact of The Woods Academy remains a cherished memory for Eva, having described it as a “safe haven.” It provided her with a nurturing

environment to express herself authentically, fostering confidence and genuine connections. She recalls how engaging the teachers were with each student, attentive to their needs, defining their talents and further developing them. One teacher in particular stood out to her – Mrs. Piwko. Eva said she inspired her creative writing, which resulted in Eva going on to publish novels and poetry collections. She remembers how Mrs. Piwko broadened her view of language, highlighting the need to reassess one’s perceptions through written expression. This taught Eva the

importance of not just thinking about ideas but also putting those thoughts on paper, a crucial step in further developing those ideas.

The values and lessons from The Woods have permeated Eva’s career choices and aspirations.

The emphasis on a positive outlook, empathetic relations, and the equal significance of the arts in education have influenced her collaborative and inclusive approach to art. The constant encouragement to share her thoughts and ideas shaped her belief in the importance of creativity and expression.

Forming connections between what is seen as opposing views, she focuses her artistic work on empathy. Working to highlight the similarities to generate understanding and enhance awareness of a global view. Thinking outside the box allows personal growth, not only within oneself, but expanding in the larger community, world, and humanity as a whole. This outlook is important in cultivating a deep appreciation for life and acknowledging our role on this planet.

Art, in any medium, encapsulates us all around. It has an influence, even in the tiniest details of our everyday lives. For Eva, she views art as a tool to help us, as human beings, become more aware of one another. She incorporates multimedia and multisensory into her work, which

acts as an outreach to connect with others as individuals and their emotions. Under the guidance of her teachers, she was able to discover her interests and passions. Their influences continue to drive her, not only to elevate her work critically but also to have tangible outcomes.

Grateful for the solid foundation provided, Eva continues to thrive in a fulfilling and meaningful career in the arts. For the current students at The Woods, she encourages you to embrace your time within the nurturing community that surrounds you. Every moment, no matter how small plays a significant role in shaping the greater picture of your lives. Stay present not only in your thoughts and emotions but recognize the impact your presence has on the lives of those around you.

A CHAT WITH EVA PETRIC

Eva Petric currently lives abroad so we emailed her a few questions. Read below about how The Woods Academy helped inspire Eva in her work.

Q After graduating from The Woods Academy, what school(s) did you attend and what did you major in?

A I continued at the International Baccalaureate High School in Ljubljana, Slovenia for two years, and then I continued and completed the IB high-level program at United Nations International School (UNIS) in New York City, completing it with High School Diploma as well as with International Baccalaureate Diploma. After graduating from high school and IB, I continued my BA studies at Webster University Vienna, Austria, where I completed Cum Laude with a major in Psychology and a minor in Art in 2005. I continued with graduate studies in New Media at the Transart Institute New York/ Berlin in collaboration with the Danube University Krems, obtaining an MFA in New Media in 2010.

Q Can you reflect on your experience at The Woods and how it played a role in shaping your interests and passions?

A The Woods Academy remains for me a “safe haven”. It is a place where I felt very safe from the first moment that I visited it, safe to be myself and to express myself which I think was very important for having enabled me to develop a trust in myself, generating healthy confidence, enabling me to form long-lasting and genuine connections also with others which I believe is crucial to not being just a professionally successful individual but also successful in private individual matters. I remember how welcoming, and positively aimed the Woods community always was, something that has become also an example for me of the “right way” to follow in future years. I always recall the teachers being very engaged with each student and attentive to both our needs as well as defining our talents and further developing them. After having moved so many countries, continents, and friends (my father was a diplomat so I changed schools every two years), the Woods was a place I knew I didn’t want to leave. I believe that for creating anything, for creation of any type of art or creative practice, one needs peace of mind and body, and needs to feel safe and at peace. Only then, can the mind be free to explore creatively.

Q Looking back at your time at The Woods, can you identify any teachers or mentors who had a significant impact on your academic or personal development?

A I definitely remember Mrs. Piwko who inspired me for creative writing which in later years resulted in three published novels translated and published in several languages in different countries and one poetry book collection, published first in Slovene language, and translated later to German, thereupon published in Vienna, Austria, and later further translated into Hungarian, and published in Hungary. Besides this, I also have three published thick art monographs and am currently working on a new one. I specifically remember how Mrs. Piwko skillfully widened our horizons on all that language could be the need to also assess all our perceptions through the written word on paper where our perception of them often might also change. This taught me how important it is not to just think about things but actually write them down, the process of writing being a detrimental one in developing ideas further. I wonder what Mrs. Piwko might say about today’s way of complete digital overtaking of the literal world.

Q How did your education at The Woods contribute to the development of your artistic skills and the realization that you wanted to pursue a career in the arts?

A Constant expression of ideas, observations, and encouragement for sharing the latter was something that was always encouraged at the

Woods. In other words, one could say, that the awareness for one another and sustaining empathic relations was always very natural at the Woods and the importance of a positive outlook on life was truly stressed. Also, the arts were always treated as having equal significance as science or history for example and we were often praised and urged when coming up with creative solutions. Having come from a very different environment as most of the Woods children did, I also found that I could best relate to others through engagement through artistic means because that was one sure common point where we could easily understand and accept one another, through the emotional interactions and love for creativity.

Q Were there any specific subjects or activities at The Woods that sparked your curiosity or creativity? How did they contribute to your educational journey?

A I remember participating in theater productions where I played a mermaid and how fascinated I was with all the aspects that came into making that theater production; from the costumes, to the music, to the story, and even the makeup. I was also very interested in French class and all that class taught us about French culture and what entails in the French language. I remember writing about Mt. Martre and Alsace Lorraine still to this day and the various details we were introduced to in that class, showing us that the greater picture lies often in the sum of the details and the need to be attentive and sensitive to our surroundings.

Q Did The Woods play a role in helping you discover your preferred learning style or methods, and how has that

influenced your approach to your current career?

A Definitely. I believe that our most crucial years are exactly taking into scope the time of our lives that The Woods Academy encapsulates. As I said, The Woods Academy offers a safe haven for all (at least it did for me), which means that it fosters and also welcomes creative thinking, as well as reflecting through one’s personal ideas and views and sharing them with others to result in more whole rounded and informed views, which help to make one a good critical as well as creative thinker and good at expressing one’s opinions, but also at being a good listener. To this day, I always go through the process of collecting materials – such as ideas, and opinions of others on the particular topic I am exploring for my immediate artistic project in order to make sure it will relate on as many levels as possible or with others and not be just my own subjective one-sided view; at the end, I am making artwork to connect to others and to connect others with the help of the artworks and the emotions they catalyze for, and not to simply push my views onto others. I believe this comes from the time of being at the Woods when it was a common practice to share thoughts, opinions, and ideas on a daily basis.

Q How do you see the values or lessons learned during your time at The Woods reflected in your current career choices and aspirations?

A My artistic work focuses especially on empathy, that is on how to form connections between what may seem to be opposing views, and opposing individuals, and helping to expose the similarities to generate understanding and also the better perception of a global view. That is:

to make better sense of the world with all its “shadows” included. To have an “out of the box approach”…to grow in both one’s understanding of self and the greater community and even the world and humanity as a whole, to generate greater appreciation for life and for our ability to have a place on this planet. I believe that it is our lifelong responsibility to work on fostering and preserving human values, as that is what makes us human and also more than ever needs to be reassessed and readdressed in our contemporary time. As I like to say when referring to my large site-specific installations created from thousands of old, handmade, recycled laces from all over the world, “If one thread tears, all the threads resonate and the latter readjust”. If anything, art is about an awareness of what it means to be a human and passing down this knowledge of our humanborn capability for sensitivity and appreciation of it.

Q What is something you would like to share with students currently at The Woods?

A To really use this time at the Woods to explore your creative interests in the safe haven it provides with its wonderful group of engaged and caring teachers and a group of classmates that are helping to create the special community of Woods at that particular moment. No moment in life is a wasted moment or a moment to waste, every moment builds upon another moment to generate the greater picture and is a crucial part of the greater mosaic. Be present in your thoughts and emotions enjoy this time of your classmates’ presence and be aware that also your presence is a memorable one in their lives.

The Woods Academy Board of Trustees

The Woods Academy is a non-profit, independent school governed by its Board of Trustees. The Board, which includes the Head of School and parent and faculty representatives, is responsible for setting school policy, overseeing finances, and making decisions that shape the long-term goals of the school.

THANK YOU TO THE DEDICATED MEMBERS OF OUR BOARD FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THIS WONDERFUL GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS! *DENOTES A NEW BOARD MEMBER

DONNA BYRNE CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES PARENT ’24 ’25

ROBIN CLARK VICE CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES PARENT ’25

MARC FERRELL TRUSTEE, PARENT ’23 ’26 ’28 ’29

MEGAN GANGULY* TRUSTEE, PARENT ’31 ’33

JOHN GLENNON, JR.* TRUSTEE, HEADMASTER AT GEORGETOWN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

STEVE GOBIEN TRUSTEE, PARENT ’23 ’26 ’32

MARTHA GUTIERREZ* TRUSTEE, PARENT ’26 ’29

DAN HICKEY TRUSTEE, PARENT ’23

MARK JOHNSON* TRUSTEE, PARENT ’21 ’25 ’28

REBECCA KENNEDY* TRUSTEE, PARENT ’30

ALFONZO LEON* TRUSTEE, PARENT ’26

JAMAAL MOBLEY* TRUSTEE, PARENT ’31

ALISON PLOTAS SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRUSTEES PARENT ’20 ’27

PAULA PRYOR TRUSTEE, PARENT ’31

INES VEGA TRUSTEE, PARENT ’17 ’21 ’23

Dear Woods Community,

Looking back over the 2022–2023 fiscal year, I am struck by how much our community has accomplished, together, in support of The Woods Academy and its commitment to developing the minds, spirits, and bodies of our students in a safe, caring community that honors each student as a child of God.

During the last fiscal year, the school completed a transformative renovation of the South Wing of our school facility. Among other things, the renovation included creation of the new Powers Up Innovation Lab, named in honor of former Head of School Joe Powers, where students have hands-on learning opportunities with state-of-the-art technology. The school’s new library is filled with natural light that creates a warm space for reading, learning, and gathering as a community. Our chapel has also been beautifully refreshed to preserve a sacred and peaceful space for prayer. These significant enhancements to our school facility would not have been possible without your generous support of the Building to Lead Capital Campaign. Thank you for that support.

In addition, your contributions to The Woods Academy Annual Fund during the 2022–2023 fiscal year directly enhanced students’ experiences by providing funding to support educational and service field trips, acquisition of technology tools and equipment, as well as materials used in our arts and athletics programs. The Annual Fund also allows faculty members to participate in continuing education programs that hone their teaching skills and provide an opportunity for them to engage and collaborate with thought leaders in the fields of Montessori to Grade 8 education. Thank you for your continued support of the Annual Fund.

Last year also included the passing of the baton from Mr. Powers to Dr. Jessica Palladino as The Woods’ new Head of School. As the 2022–2023 fiscal year closed, the Board of Trustees expressed its gratitude to Mr. Powers for his twelve years of dedicated service, and for the many things he accomplished for the school during his tenure. And, with tremendous confidence and enthusiasm, the Board welcomed Dr. Palladino to her new role. As the Woods approaches its 50th anniversary in the fall of 2024, Dr. Palladino has stepped into the Head of School role at an exciting time. Thank you to all who have welcomed Dr. Palladino into our community, and special thanks to the members of the Search Committee who invested a tremendous amount of time, and took extraordinary care, in selecting Dr. Palladino to lead our school.

The past year was a significant one for The Woods Academy. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for being a part of it. Your generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure are a powerful resource that helps The Woods to advance its mission each and every day.

Gratefully,

Donna M. Byrne Chair, Board of Trustees

THE WOODS AT-A-GLANCE

15 STUDENTS, ON AVERAGE, IN EACH CLASS

7:1 STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO

2/3 OF WOODS GRADUATES TAKE MULTIPLE HONORS AND/ OR AP COURSES THROUGHOUT HIGH SCHOOL

100% TOP CHOICE HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT FOR GRADE 8 STUDENTS

11 YEARS OF BEING A WOODS LIFER

AGE 3–GRADE 8

2 LEARNING SPECIALISTS

OVER 70% OF OUR FACULTY HOLD AN ADVANCED DEGREE

3 MONTESSORI TEACHERS IN EACH MONTESSORI CLASSROOM

29 FIELD TRIPS TAKEN BY STUDENTS AVERAGE TEACHER TENURE AT THE WOODS IS 10 YEARS

3 3D PRINTERS IN OUR INNOVATION LAB

1 FULL SIZE GYM

12 SPORTS OFFERED IN UPPER SCHOOL WITH MULTIPLE TEAMS PER SPORT

5 DAYS A WEEK OF WORLD LANGUAGE

5 WORLD LANGUAGE TEACHERS

6 ACRES OF OUTDOOR SPACE FOR STUDENTS TO RUN & PLAY

1 MASS EACH MONTH

2 CHAPELS EACH WEEK 1 FOR UPPER SCHOOL AND 1 FOR LOWER

3 PLAYGROUNDS

2 FULL TIME FACULTY MEMBERS IN THE GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING DEPARTMENT; 1 CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST ON STAFF

2023–2024

Impact of Your Gifts

Here is just a snapshot of the activities and initiatives that our generous community of supporters have financed with their gifts to the annual fund.

Formal training for our faculty in creating responsive classrooms. Responsive Classroom is a student-centered, social and emotional learning approach to teaching and discipline. It is comprised of a set of research, and evidence-based practices designed to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms and school communities for both students and teachers.

Experiential learning through field trips, service learning, and other opportunities, including:

Fall field trips to Sharps at Waterford Farm and Butler’s Orchard

Upper School service learning trips to SHARE Food Program and the Small Things Matter organization

Exposure to performing arts through Grade 5 music class and the Spring Musical for Grades 7 and 8

Opportunity to participate in athletics in the Upper School throughout the school year

Lower School field trips to the Building Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian

Learning how to be a good teammate, responsibility, respect, and commitment. Sports offered at The Woods Academy include soccer, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and more.

Continued professional development for our faculty and staff to ensure The Woods Academy continues to innovate and be a forward thinking private school. Some of the professional development teachers attend, include:

■ American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Conference

■ National Council of the Social Studies Annual Conference

■ Carnegie Mellon – Robotics Academy Certified Training for LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime

■ LitCon Conference

■ AIMS Positive Discipline

■ NAIS School Leadership Institute

■ MAESA Early Childhood Educators Conference

Competitive salaries for those essential to keeping our students growing and thriving in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and beyond – our faculty

2023–2024

THE WOODS ACADEMY ANNUAL FUND

Thank you to the generous donors who supported The Woods Academy Annual Fund from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

Head Philanthropists

$10,000–$19,999

FRANCIS CHIARAMONTE FAMILY FOUNDATION

Benefactors

$4,000–$9,999

CARRIE AND ROBERT BASIL

CATHERINE HANNAN AND MATTHEW DE JESUS

BETH AND GEOF HOBART

STEVEN AND INGRID GOBIEN

1975 Leaders

$1,975–$3,999

ANONYMOUS

DONNA AND MATTHEW BYRNE

PATRICIA DRESSER

MELANIE AND CORY FUNKHOUSER

COURTNEY AND MATTHEW JAEGER

DENYSE DEANE AND JAMAAL MOBLEY

KATHY AND LAWRENCE PATEROS

ROBIN CLARK AND JOHN RIDENOUR

DANIELLE DEANE-RYAN AND JOSEPH RYAN

MARGUERITE AND WILLIAM SCHINNERER

Patrons

$1,000–$1,974

5TH GRADE BUSINESS CLASS

ANN AND DANIEL BATLLE

JILL AND A.B. CRUZ

KIM AND JOHN GLENNON

SUSAN AND JURGEN GOBIEN

BECKY KENNEDY AND JOHN OLESZKIEWICZ

MOLLY AND BILL LEBLANC

SARA O’NEIL-MANION AND WILLIAM MANION

ANA MAYANS AND MARK BAIER

STEFANIE MORGAN-DAVIS AND NIKEL DAVIS

MARTHA GUTIERREZ AND CAMILO AMEZQUITA

JENNIFER AND BRENDON MOYO

BRIT AND JOE POWERS

KERRIE RUSHTON

JODIE SHOEMAKER

DONNA AND JUN SUN

INES VEGA AND ALEJANDRO VILLEGAS

KATIE AND GEORGE WISECARVER

LAURA YATACO AND ALFONZO LEON

Friends

Up to $999

ANONYMOUS

KATHRYN AND SHEP ABELL

LUCY AND MICHAEL AZEFOR

AMELIA AND JAMES BARTER

TAMIE AND DAVID BERGSTOM

MARTINE BERNARD

CHERRY JOY BEYSSELANCE AND MATTHEW LERNER

ORLENA AND WARREN BLANCHARD

JUDITH AND THOMAS BRITT

MARY AND RUSTY BRYANT

MARILYN CAMPBELL*

MARGARET AND ROY CHROBOCINSKI

NANCY AND KEVIN CLARK

HEATHER AND PETER COLEMAN

CARRIE AND MATTHEW COLLINS

EMMA CONNOR AND STEVE SCLAFANI

CHRISTINA AND PETER DONATH

CHARLES AND SANDRA DOUGHERTY

DANIEL AND CARRIE DRESSER

ERVIN AND JULIA DUGGAN

MICHELE AND CHARLES EGWUAGU

RENEE AND JAMES FARMER

JENN AND CLARKE FAUVER

LORI AND DAVE FRANCESCANI

JANET AND MICHAEL GAFFNEY

JOANNE AND JOSEPH GERBER

MAUREEN AND RICK GRANT

EMILY AND JASON GRIFFIN

TRACI AND ANDREW GRIGG

CATHERINE AND MARK GROSH

SOPHIE AND TIM HANRAHAN

SARAH AND BURKE HAYES

AMANDA AND KENNY HEWITT

STEPHANIE AND DAN HICKEY

CAREY AND MALCOLM HOLLENSTEINER

MOLLY AND PAUL HUGO

JANE AND CHARLES JOHNSON

ALIDA KALAS

JACKIE KANE

BARBARA LANG

MEGAN AND JOHN LANKENAU

SOPHIA LAWRENCE

DOROTHY AND ERIC LONG

CARINA LUPICA AND GERARDO UÑA

ANDREA AND TOM LYNCH

HASMIG AND DAVID MAHSHIGIAN

FRED MARINUCCI

NINA AND JOHNATHAN MARKS

MARIANA AND RYAN MCCORMICK

JD MCLEAN

LUWAM MEBRAHTU AND REZENE HAILE

WANDA AND STAN MIKULSKI

TONJA AND DAVID MURRAY

JUSTIN MYGATT

LUISA NEIRA AND ANDRES DUQUE

KATE AND MICHAEL NOLAN

KAREN J. NOVAK

WILLIAM J. PAPPERT

NONA AND MICHAEL PEREZ

KATHLEEN PIWKO

ALISON AND PETE PLOTAS

JULIA AND ED POWER

MARY BETH AND CHRISTOPHER PRIEST

PRISCILA AND WARREN PRUNELLA

ADELA AND VLADIMIR RADOVIC

CAROLE AND TERRENCE REILLY

MARK RICHARDS

MICHELE ROOME

YIANIS AND LISA SARAFIDIS

ISHRAQ SALMAN AND HAIFA SHABAN

NOEL AND METIN SAVASMAN

KATHERINE AND TONY SCAFIDE

ANDREEA AND ERIC SCHWARTZ

HEGGIE SHEGERIAN

WENDY AND MARTIN STANISLAV

NANCY AND PETER TAMNY

PAIGE AND JOHN WATERMAN

LAURA AND DARIEN WRIGHT

SHERRY Y. AND WILBER E. WRIGHT

LEE AND ANDY WURST

ARTS FUND

ANA AND MARK BAIER

AMELIA AND JIMMY BARTER

ANN AND DAN BATTLE

KATE BEERS AND JASON HARMAN

AMANDA AND BLAYNE CANDY

CAITLIN AND CHRIS CHALKE

GUSTAVO DE LUCIO

MARTHA GUITERREZ AND CAMILO AMEZQUITA

MOLLY AND BILL LEBLANC

SELMA MOGHISI AND MIKE CAIN

KATE AND STEPHEN PALLEY

VIANCY AND PAUL VAKY

INES VEGA AND ALEX VILLEGAS

KATIE AND GEORGE WISECARVER

LAURA YATACO AND ALFONZO LEON

GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

GEORGE AND PEGGY SOTOS – THE SOTOS FUND

LIZA MATAAC DODSON MEMORIAL FUND –MATAAC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

CATHOLIC BUSINESS NETWORK – CBN GRANT

KATHY AND LARRY PATEROS – KATHY PIWKO

MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

FOUNDATIONS

THE SHEPHERD FOUNDATION

8th GRADE

BEAUTIFICATION FUND

THE ALLEN FAMILY

THE BATTLE FAMILY

THE BRANDEO FAMILY

THE DENNIS FAMILY

THE FERRELL FAMILY

THE GOBIEN FAMILY

THE GORMELY FAMILY

THE GROSH FAMILY

THE HARMAN FAMILY

THE LEBLANC FAMILY

THE MOYO FAMILY

THE MUGERA FAMILY

THE OMASARE FAMILY

THE PALLEY FAMILY

THE RUSHTON FAMILY

THE SCAFIDE FAMILY

THE TEDLA FAMILY

THE VAKY FAMILY

THE VILLEGAS-VEGA FAMILY

THE WRIGHT FAMILY

BUILDING TO LEAD

With sincere gratitude, we thank the following individuals who generously supported the Building to Lead Capital Campaign.

With your support, we were able to significantly update, improve, and modernize a learning and teaching environment that fosters creativity and confidence. These innovative, flexible, and safe spaces align with the dynamic people and curriculum that are at the heart of The Woods Academy.

Groundbreakers

$200,000+

DOUGLAS AND GABRIELA SMITH

Trailblazers

$100,000+

ANONYMOUS

ROBIN A. CLARK AND JOHN W. RIDENOUR, III

VINKA AND MARC FERRELL

MEGAN AND SONNY GANGULY

THE MCNAMARA FAMILY

JILL AND PAUL MCNAMARA

MOLLY AND PAUL HUGO

CAITLIN AND CHRIS CHALKE

Innovators

$50,000+

MAUREEN AND PHILIP DOLAN

THE HOBART FAMILY

ALISON AND PETE PLOTAS

INES VEGA AND ALEJANDRO VILLEGAS

LAURA AND DARIEN WRIGHT

Pioneers

$25,000+

THE ANDRÉS FAMILY

KELLI AND DAN CAMPBELL

PATRICIA DRESSER

NIMI AND JUSTIN DUFOUR

KAELI AND PAUL DUGGAN

CATHERINE AND MARK GROSH

THE GUSTAF W. MCILHENNY FOUNDATION

BETSY JAEGER

CAROLINE AND BRAD HEMING

THE KAMINE FAMILY

THE KENNY FAMILY

STEFANIE MORGAN-DAVIS AND NIKEL DAVIS

PAULA PRYOR AND JOHN JONES

ANDREEA AND ERIC SCHWARTZ

SHERYL AND MICHAEL WILBON

LAURA YATACO AND ALFONZO LEON

Pacesetters

$15,000+

KATHRYN AND SHEP ABELL

DONNA AND MATTHEW BYRNE

AMANDA AND BLAYNE CANDY

DENYSE DEANE AND JAMAAL MOBLEY

DANIEL AND CARRIE DRESSER

INGRID AND STEVEN GOBIEN

MARY AND FRED GRAEFE

JOANNE MANRIQUE AND MARK JOHNSON

DONNA SWISTOWSKI AND JUN SUN

WAPTO

Advocates

$10,000+

LAURA AND ANDREW BARKER

KATE AND DAVID BYFORD

ROSALIND AND THOMAS CLARK

STEPHANIE AND DAN HICKEY

SONYA AND VIVEK PATIL

BRIT AND JOSEPH POWERS

NATALIE AND BART RADOLINSKI

Supporters

$5,000+

ANN AND DAN BATLLE

CATHERINE HANNAN AND MATTHEW DE JESUS

COURTNEY AND MATT JAEGER

BECKY KENNEDY AND JOHN OLESZKIEWICZ

JEAN AND CLINTON WRIGHT

CLASS OF 2022 BUSINESS CLASS GIFT

Believers

$2,500+

CATIE AND CONNOR FAUGHT

CHAITALI AND CHIRAG PATEL

LINDA RIDENOUR

MICHELLE SHANNON AND MIKLOS GASZNER

KATIE AND GEORGE WISECARVER

CLASS OF 2023 BUSINESS CLASS GIFT

Champions Up to $2,499

ANONYMOUS (10)

ABRA ALAHOUZOS

STEVEN ATKISS

RINA BADOS

LEILA AND JASON BAKELAR

AMELIA AND JAMES BARTER

JESSIE BARTER

MARTIN BEDNAR

RANDY BEDNAR

KATE BEERS AND JOSH HARMAN

TAMIE AND DAVID BERGSTROM

KAREN AND JEAN BORNO

MR. AND MRS. LAWRENCE J CAIN, JR

THE CAMPANARIO FAMILY

LINA CARMONA-OZAN AND HUSEYIN OZAN

JEANEEN AND DAVID CAVANAUGH

TERRI AND JEFF CLAUSEN

JP CLUBBS

MARIA AND ANDY DEYELL

ROSARIO DE GREGORIO

CHRISTINA AND PETER DONATH

DEBORAH DOSH

HENRY DRESSER

THOMAS DRESSER

THE DRISCOLL FAMILY

THE FAUVER FAMILY

KATE FOGERTY

SAMANTHA AND BRIAN GALLAGHER

THE GEORGALLAS FAMILY

EVELYN GERLACH

DEBBIE GHAMKHAR

NICOLE AND BRIAN GORMLEY

ERIN GREEN AND MYLES CLARK

KATHERINE AND BOB GREGG

EMILY AND JASON GRIFFIN

TRACI AND DREW GRIGG

LISA AND MICHAEL GUITERMAN

MARTHA GUTIERREZ AND FABIO AMEZQUITA

MELISSA AND NAZIM HAMILTON

SOPHIE AND TIM HANRAHAN

ASHLEY AND JUSTIN HEDGE

AMANDA AND KENNY HEWITT

CAREY AND MALCOLM HOLLENSTEINER

LYNN AND ROGER JASEK

TERESA JEFFERS

KIMBERLEY JIBLADZE

ALIDA KALAS

BOB KALAS

MEGAN KANE

COLLEEN KISH

ANA MAYANS DE LA LASTRA AND MARK BAIER

EILEEN AND SHAWN LEE

SUSY LEVIN

MONICA LUGO

CARINA LUPICA AND GERARDO UÑA

JOCELYN MACDONALD

JACLYN AND KEVIN MADDEN

HASMIG AND DAVID MAHSHIGIAN

MEG MICHIELS AND MARK MARKOWSKI

THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS WINTER 2023–2024

BUILDING TO LEAD HONOR

NICOLETTE AND TAYLOR MASI

MARIANA AND RYAN MCCORMICK

SUSAN MCDONALD

ALEXANDRA AND TERENCE MCHUGH

CHRISTOPHER MCLOUGHLIN

SALMA MOGHISI AND MIKE CAIN

JENNIFER AND BRENDON MOYO

KABUIYA AND CHARLES MUGERA

MEGAN MULLALLY

KELLY NALLS

THE NOTINI FAMILY

KAREN NOVAK

LAURA O’KEEFE

SARA O’NEIL-MANION AND WILLIAM MANION

SHARON PABON

PAUL PAOLETTI

TOM PARKER

MARGARET AND TOM PILONG

THE PINTO FAMILY

We would like to thank our amazing parent volunteers for helping make these events possible!

Volunteer Soiree

Food Truck Fridays

Teacher Appreciation SurprisesPie Bar, Welcome Back Treats, and more

Father’s BBQ

Treats for Troops

Santa’s Workshop

Wreaths Across America

BINGO! Night

Scholastic Book Fair

Beautification Day at The Woods

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Arts Celebration Week

KATHLEEN PIWKO

CONSTANTINE PLOTAS

JANE PONTIUS

JUDY AND ED POWER

THE PRUNELLA FAMILY

ADELA AND VLADIMIR RADOVIC

JOANN RATHBUN AND EDWARD DUNCAN

ELIZABETH AND ADAM REILLY

ERIN RICCA

CHRISTIAN RIDENOUR

SANDRA RILEY AND JAMES REGAN

MICHELE ROOME

SUSAN SABATANO

THE SALCETTI FAMILY

NADIA SCHAREN-GUIVEL AND SERGIO MONARO

REBECCA AND ADAM SCHINDLER

DANIELLE SHEGERIAN

HEGGIE SHEGARIAN

JODIE SHOEMAKER

JEANNE AND MARK SHRIVER (IN HONOR OF JOE POWERS)

MARY ALICE C. SILVERMAN

ERIC SMITH

JESSICA SMITH

ELAINE SOMERVILLE

JENNIFER AND JOSEPH SPINELLI

KATE STEIN AND STEPHEN PALLEY

KELLY TANZI

GERALDINE AND DANIEL URGO

KEMBA AND MATTHEW WALDEN

PAIGE AND JOHN WATERMAN

LYNN WHITE

LAURIE AND FRED YANG

THE YBARRA FAMILY

TANYA AND DAVID YOUNGBERG

LLOYDIE AND WILLIAM ZAISER

6801 Greentree Road

Bethesda, MD 20817

301 365 3080

www.woodsacademy.org

SUPPORT SUPPORT

Just because our students move on to high school and college doesn’t mean they leave our lives! Our alumni remain highly connected, with each other as well as with

Just because our students move on to high school and college doesn’t mean they leave our lives! Our alumni remain highly connected with each other as well as with

Just because our students move on to high school and college doesn’t mean they leave our lives! Our alumni remain highly connected with each other as well as with

THE WOODS ACADEMY THE WOODS ACADEMY