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September 21, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

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7 Ed Notes

Mid-Shore College Fair & Financial Planning Evening set for October 28

September 16, 2025 by Gunston School Leave a Comment

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The Gunston School is pleased to announce the Mid-Shore College Fair and Financial Planning Evening on Tuesday, October 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Chesapeake College’s Health Professions and Athletics Center in Wye Mills, Md. This event is free and open to the public, however advanced registration is highly encouraged. Students will receive a barcode after registering, and colleges will scan it during the fair to receive the student’s contact information. Participants are encouraged to browse the college fair at their own pace and have the option to attend one of two sessions on the Financial Aid Process at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. This event typically draws around 60-75 colleges and universities from across the country.

“Our college guidance program is all about finding the right fit for each student, and we take a lot of pride in that personalized approach,” explains Co-Director of College Guidance Emily Coffey. “By bringing the Mid-Shore College Fair to our community, we’re able to share that commitment and offer a valuable resource to all students and families in the area, helping them navigate a process that can feel pretty overwhelming.”

The Mid-Shore College Fair was made possible with support from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Students may register at https://app.strivescan.com/registration. Contact Gunston’s Directors of College Guidance with questions: Emily Coffey, [email protected] or 410-758-0620 ext 3101 and Tony D’Antonio, [email protected] or 410-758-0620 ext 3100.

To date, the following colleges and universities will be attending (with about 20 more expected to be added to the list before the October event:

* Alfred University
* Alvernia University
* Bucknell University
* Cairn University
* Cedar Crest College
* Chesapeake College
* Christopher Newport University
* Clarkson University
* Drexel University
* Eastern Shore Higher Education Center
* Elizabethtown College
* Franklin & Marshall College
* Goldey-Beacom College
* Goucher College
* Hampden-Sydney College
* Hobart and William Smith
* Hood College
* Juniata College
* Loyola University Maryland
* Lycoming College
* Maine Maritime Academy
* McDaniel College
* Momnouth University
* Mount St. Mary’s University
* Neumann University
* Notre Dame of Maryland University
* Old Dominion University
* Palm Beach Atlantic University
* Randolph-Macon College
* Saint Joseph’s University
* Salisbury University
* Salve Regina University
* Savannah College of Art and Design
* St. John’s College (Annapolis/Santa Fe)
* St. Mary’s College of Maryland
* Stetson University
* Stevenson University
* Susquehanna University
* The Catholic University of America
* Towson University
* University of Alabama
* University of Delaware
* University of Maryland, Baltimore County
* University of New Haven
* University of Rhode Island
* University of Tennessee, Knoxville
* Ursinus College
* Washington College
* West Virginia University
* Wilson College

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes

Inspire

September 8, 2025 by Kent School Leave a Comment

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Nancy Mugele

As we begin a new academic year, my 10th as Head of Kent School, I have chosen a word to carry our community forward: INSPIRE. Each year, I select a guiding word – one that captures our aspirations and centers our shared purpose. This year, I return to the core of why we teach, and why we lead – to INSPIRE our students.

To inspire means more than to spark motivation or encourage change. Its Latin root, inspirare, means “to breathe into.” As educators, we do not simply impart knowledge; we breathe life into potential and promise. We awaken courage (our word from last year), curiosity, compassion, and the confidence to ask: What can I do in this world? Who can I become?

At the heart of great teaching is inspiration. The research affirms what we have always known intuitively: inspired students are more engaged, more resilient, and more likely to persevere through challenges. According to a study by psychologist Todd Thrash, “Inspiration facilitates progress toward goals,” enhancing both creativity and academic performance. When students feel inspired, they don’t just learn; they grow.

And how are children inspired? Not by curriculum alone, but through people – teachers who care deeply, who listen, who model integrity, and who challenge students. They are inspired when love is present in learning, when they feel belonging because they are seen, known and valued, and when we believe in them even before they believe in themselves. We teach them, we love them, and above all, we strive to INSPIRE them.

To prepare for a year of INSPIRE, I read Trust and Inspire by Stephen Covey this summer, a book I believe that every parent, teacher, and leader needs to read. The author presents a leadership crisis in our world. He argues that most organizations, teams, schools, and families today still operate from a model of “command and control.”Because of the changing nature of the world, the workforce, work itself, and the choices we have for where and how to work and live, however, this way of leading is outdated.

I have shared with the Kent School faculty that Trust and Inspire offers a simple yet bold solution: to shift from this “command and control” model to a leadership style of “trust and inspire.” Trust and Inspire starts with the belief that all people/students are inherently creative, collaborative, and full of potential. It is the job of the leader/teacher to create the conditions for students to flourish. Students who are inspired by their teachers can become the best version of themselves and produce their best work.

You will hear me talk a lot this year about Teach, Love, INSPIRE. That is our path forward.

Nancy Mugele

Head of School
Kent School

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Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes

Nicole Sophocles Appointed Head of School at Wye River Upper School

September 4, 2025 by Wye River Upper School Leave a Comment

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After a thoughtful and comprehensive search process, the Board of Trustees of Wye River Upper School is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Sophocles as the permanent Head of School for Wye River Upper School, effective immediately. 

Over the past year, Mrs. Sophocles has served with distinction as Interim Head of School, providing strong and steady leadership during a time of transition at our school. As a founding teacher at Wye River, Nicole has been a cornerstone of our school community since our founding twenty-three years ago. With Nicole’s intimate understanding of our school’s values, combined with her long service and history of innovative thinking, she will continue to guide Wye River Upper School as we build upon our strong foundation and pursue new areas of opportunity for our School. 

Nikki Williams, Wye River Upper School Board Chair, states, “Mrs. Sophocles has helped to shape Wye River with deep dedication, vision, and a steadfast faithfulness to our mission. Her leadership has been characterized by transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students. The overwhelming support expressed by faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni made it clear to the Board of Trustees and the Search Committee that Nicole is the right person to lead our School into the future.” 

Mrs.Sophocles holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of Miami, a Master of Education from The University of Maryland, a Certificate in Independent School Leadership from Johns Hopkins University, and teaching certification in Biology. She has nearly twenty-five years of experience in classroom instruction, outdoor education, and school leadership. Mrs. Sophocles resides in Annapolis, MD, with her three children and husband. 

About Wye River Upper School: 

At Wye River Upper School in Centreville, Maryland, we reimagine the high school experience for bright students who learn differently. Serving grades 8–12, we deliver a challenging college preparatory program within a small, supportive setting. Our approach empowers students to discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for success beyond high school. Our supportive environment is designed for students with learning differences, ADHD, and unique learning profiles. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes

Plans for New KCMS to be Unveiled September 11

September 3, 2025 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Kent County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas invites everyone to a special presentation of the plans for a new Kent County Middle School.

A community presentation is being held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 in the Kent County Middle School gym.

Architects from Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates will present the design of the new middle school building to the public.

“I personally invite everyone in Kent County to fill our middle school’s gym and show their support for this game-changing project,” Dr. McComas said. “Your attendance will signify the overwhelming agreement among our community members that we need a new middle school building that serves the needs of our current students and generations of students to come.”

Dr. McComas is also asking community members to send in letters of support for the new middle school to [email protected] or sign an online form letter at https://tinyurl.com/bdyvff8x by Monday, Sept. 15.

To learn more about the project visit https://www.kent.k12.md.us/KCMSProject.aspx.

Kent County Middle School is located at 402 E. Campus Ave., Chestertown. Email [email protected] for more information.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes, Archives, Ed Homepage

Students return to KCPS

August 27, 2025 by Kent County Public Schools Leave a Comment

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Kent County Public Schools sprang back to life this week as students filled hallways and classrooms for the start the new year.

Monday, Aug. 25 saw the return of students in grades one through six and high school freshmen.

Upperclassmen at the middle and high schools returned Tuesday and prekindergartners and kindergarteners got their first taste of school on Wednesday.

On Monday, Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas toured each building, visiting with principals, teachers and students.

“Monday was an exciting day as we opened another academic year,” Dr. McComas said. “Students engaged in team building and organizational activities to start the year off on a positive and productive note. I am optimistic for the upcoming weeks and months ahead for our students, parents and faculty.” 

Dr. McComas was joined on her school tours by special guests. 

Starting the day at Kent County Middle School, Kent County Board of Education member Laura McKenzie and Kent County Commissioner Albert Nickerson toured the building with Dr. McComas and Principal Mark Buckel.

At Kent County High School, Director of Teaching and Learning Gina Jachimowicz was on hand for the morning’s freshmen orientation session. The program included upperclassmen leading a roundtable discussion about the ins and outs of high school.

Board of Education President Trish McGee stopped by for the visit at H.H. Garnet Elementary School, where she serves as a Character Counts! coach and Del. Jay Jacobs, R-36-Kent, walked Rock Hall Elementary School in his hometown.

McGee sensed the excitement for the start of the year the previous week when schools hosted their annual open houses for parents. She said that feeling was even stronger Monday when students were getting back into the swing of things.

“On Monday, the staff and students had jumped right in and learning was already going on. The custodial and cafeteria teams added to the upbeat start, greeting everyone with smiles,” she said. “It was such a bright, sunny day and you could feel that same positive vibe throughout the building.”  

Kent County Public Schools welcomed six new educators this year: Christine Ballah, Sarah Childers, Cynthia Clark, Olivia Heidelmark and Katie Shurter all at H.H. Garnet Elementary School, Sarah Childers at Rock Hall Elementary School and Megan Jones at Kent County High School. 

They were greeted with a big round of applause during the annual back-to-school all-staff conference held Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Kent County High School.

“Thank you for joining Kent County Public Schools,” Hushion told the new teachers. “We hope you have a fantastic school year.”

The day also featured length-of-service awards for employees hitting five-year career milestones, with Gary Grimes and Michelle Phillips topping the list at 35 years each.

Hushion led a celebration for those teachers who made tenure this year:  Ashley Spittel, Kelly Anne Turner, Michelle Phillips, Randy Mills, Anna Lill, Shannon Kennedy, Taylor Johnston, Aileen Ingaglio, Cherie Huhn, Jonathan Fitch, Kaitlin Falls, Jennifer Kuhl-Depp, Gary Duren, Kathleen Devine, Lisa Cusik, Samantha Cawthorne, Veronica Clampitt, James Beck and Breanna Reardon. 

“This year we are very proud to have our largest class of staff who are earning tenure,” Hushion said. “Tenure is a very, very important and significant achievement as an educator.”

Kent County Middle School teacher Cheryl Fracassi is the 2025 Teacher of the Year for Kent County Public Schools. On Aug. 20, she received a Ford Escape from Hertrich Ford of Elkton to drive for the year.

Mike Croce, Hertrich Ford of Elkton general manager, was on hand at the conference to show Fracassi her new wheels and pass her the keys.

“We’d like to thank all the teachers that are here for the job you guys do,” Croce said.

Dr. Danny Brassell visited Kent County High School to give the keynote address for the back-to-school conference and hosted a workshop with teachers in the afternoon, focused on bringing joy and excitement to the classroom.

“Danny shared humorous and heartwarming stories intended to provide a message of hope and dedication. He reminded all staff to laugh at themselves while focusing on the serious business of improving student learning,” Jachimowicz said.

With schools back in session, there will be lots of news coming out of Kent County Public Schools. Check www.kent.k12.md.us and the schools’ Facebook pages for the latest updates. 

Have the news delivered straight to your mobile device via push notifications from the Kent County Public Schools app. 

The free mobile app is available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play; just search “Kent County Public Schools” and hit download.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes

Gunston’s 10th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast Set for October 18

August 19, 2025 by Gunston School Leave a Comment

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The Gunston School’s signature fundraising event, the Bull & Oyster Roast, will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 5-9 p.m. on the school’s waterfront campus, overlooking the Corsica River. The evening includes delicious food provided by Phat Daddy’s BBQ and Superior OysterShuckers as well as a beer truck, wine pull, and signature cocktail.

Now in its 10th year, the Bull & Oyster Roast features an online silent auction, a live auction, and a “Stop the Auction and Raise the Paddle” portion which raises dedicated funds for a specific cause each year. For 2025, Gunston is asking the community to Raise the Paddle to support a major campus technology upgrade, including a comprehensive overhaul of our network infrastructure to ensure fast, secure, and seamless connectivity across campus, as well as upgrades to classroom technology. These upgrades are essential to supporting student learning, classroom technology, campus safety systems, and daily operations.

“These upgrades are essential to supporting student learning, classroom technology, campus safety systems, and daily operations,” explains Head of School John Lewis. “And with the community’s help, we can make them a reality.”

The online silent auction runs the week before the event, giving the entire Gunston community a chance to bid on an array of fantastic vacations and fun experiences, golf outings, professional photography sessions, artwork, and more. This year’s live auction will be in person and includes a handful of big ticket items such as vacation packages and catered cruises with more details to be announced soon.

The online silent auction runs from October 13-19, giving the entire Gunston community a chance to bid on an array of fantastic vacations and fun experiences, golf outings, professional photography sessions, artwork, and more.

“Buy event tickets, buy raffle tickets, you can donate wine–there are many different ways to support the school,” explains Bull & Oyster Roast Co-Chair Melanie McMahan, P’27’28. “We are in need of auction items for both the live and silent portion,” “Vacation getaways, airline miles, or hotel points. Other donations could include VIP or behind-the-scenes experiences, sports memorabilia, event tickets, lessons—things like that. We also welcome gift certificates from local businesses.”

“This is also a wonderful sponsorship opportunity,” explains Gunston Parents Association President Ildi Watkins, P’26’28. “Please consider an individual or corporate sponsorship, as your generosity underwrites this event and makes it possible to raise the funds our students need.”

Tickets are on sale now at gunston.org/bullroast25 with early-bird pricing at $85 per person until August 31, $95 from Sept. 1-30, and $110 per person from Oct. 1-18. Tickets for alumni as well as former faculty and staff, and guests of current faculty and staff are $80. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Sponsorships for the Bull & Oyster Roast range from $150 up to $5,000 with a price point for every budget. Additionally, there is an option to become a Heron Hero, which combines the sponsorship benefits of all three Gunston fundraising events, the Bull & Oyster Roast on October 19, the Heron Pickleball Tournament on April 18 2026, and the Golfing fore Gunston on May 1, 2026.

This year’s supporters include Bull’s Eye Sponsor Fred Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Easton (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P’23’25), Precision Contactors (Lesley & Tim Faff, P’23’26’29), and What’s Up? Magazine; Oyster Sponsor Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals (Bryan Trautman, P’23’27); BBQ Sponsors Paul T. Ewing (Pam & Charlie Andrews, P’26), McCallister, Detar, Showalter & Walker (Adele & Ryan Showalter, P’25’27 and Melissa & Doug Walker, P’25’27) and ShoreGate Partners (Chesley & Justin Nonemaker, P’27’29); Pearl Sponsors PepUp (Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28), Fleetwood Insurance Group (Creg Fleetwood, P’29), The Law Offices of Parker Counts  (Lee Gordon, P’28’29) and Molly’s Place (Nick & Katie Shajwani, P’26); Pit Beef Sponsors Dr. Laurie & John Lewis, The Shifrin Family, P’21’21, Wye Mills Mechanical, LLC (Marie & Stephen Thomas), The Malone Family, P’28 and Smithey Law Group (Joyce Smithey, P’26); and Shore Sponsor Fit Flock and Wrench & Socket (Tim & Beth Lavery, P’26).

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes

State Education Leaders to Local Education Officials: Follow State Law

August 15, 2025 by Maryland Matters Leave a Comment

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Maryland State Superintendent Carey Wright, left, speaks during a back-to-school news conference Wednesday as State Board of Education President Joshua Michael listens. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

With the 2025-26 school year starting next week in some counties, Maryland’s two top education leaders had a message for local school officials: Follow state law.

The calm, but stern warning came Wednesday during a back-to-school news conference in Baltimore with State Superintendent Carey Wright and state Board of Education President Joshua Michael. Neither named specific school districts, but when reporters asked about administrative and policy changes related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Calvert and Somerset counties, they did not hesitate to answer.

“In Maryland we have a state public education system. Local school board leaders who lead local school systems are actually state officials,” Michael said. “They have authority within the state system that Dr. Wright leads to really bring that local context into schools and ensure that the management day to day and the policy set for local school system are done well.

“But at the end of the day, it’s a Maryland public education system. It is not a specific county,” he said.

That was echoed by Wright, who said she meets monthly with local superintendents, when topics include changes to federal government policies on DEI, immigration and other topics.

“As Dr. Michael said, every district is so different, and the local politics are very different, but the state law is not different per district,” she said. “So that’s where we want to make sure that everybody is very clear on what the state law has to say about any issue.”

The Calvert County school board voted in June to remove an anti-racism resolution from its student code of conduct that began with a statement of outrage over the 2020 deaths of “George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, as well as countless other African Americans who have lost their lives as a result of racism and police brutality that persist in our country.”

The board also voted to remove the resolution from the school system’s website and social media platforms, reasoning that the previous board in June 2020 did not vote to add the resolution to the student code. That was done by staff without board directive, board President Jana Post said during the meeting this June.

On Thursday, the five-member board took less than 3 minutes to vote to repeal the school system’s antiracism policy, last revised in February 2024.

“I would like to be sure and make it clear that we have a discrimination policy in place that covers all forms of illegal discrimination,” Post said. “So having a separate antiracism policy is redundant. It sends the message that we are elevating one form of discrimination over all other forms of discrimination.”

In an email Wednesday, Post said the board’s “only comment is that we support the safety of all students and groups any discrimination, as outlined in our current discrimination policy and procedure.”

Last week’s decision will be posted for 30 days for public comment — and Calvert County resident Birgit Sharp has some comments she plans to share.

Sharp, a member of local community group CANDLE (Community Action Network for Democracy Liberties and Equality), and others protested prior to the board’s vote last week.

“It’s really scary to me that this happened,” Sharp said Wednesday. “This is a school [system] with not a lot of people of color. To not have the extra protections … put in there is scary.”

One next step, Sharp said, will be mobilizing residents who may want to run for school board in next year’s election.

Three current board members – Melissa Goshorn, Paul Harrison and Joseph Marchio – won in 2024 with the backing of Project 1776 PAC, a group that pushes for conservative education policies and parental rights in schools.

State Stepped In

Project 1776 also helped Mary Beth Bozman and Matthew Lankford get elected last year to the Somerset County Board of Education. Lankford serves as school board chair.

For the past several months, the board pushed to cut $1 million for librarians from the budget and to remove alleged DEI policies, as first reported by The Baltimore Banner.

But when the school board sought to get rid of Somerset County Public Schools Superintendent Ava Tasker-Mitchell, who is Black, Wright stepped in.

The board tried to get rid of Tasker-Mitchell in June and sought to appoint David Bromwell, who is white and a former superintendent in Dorchester County, as interim superintendent.

The state reinstated Tasker-Mitchell for 60 days, which ended Aug. 5. But in an Aug. 4 letter to Lankford, Wright denied his request to have Tasker-Mitchell “vacate the [Somerset County] property on Aug. 6.”

The state board passed an emergency regulation that went into effect July 23 that allowed Wright to extend Tasker-Mitchell’s reinstatement until Jan. 19 or until a hearing occurs. The regulation was approved by the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review.

“It is my expectation that Dr. Tasker-Mitchell will report to work on August 6, 2025, and be allowed to exercise her lawful duties as county superintendent,” Wright wrote.

Wright’s letter also warned the school board that violating state law could result in funding being withheld, and noted that “the State Board is authorized to initiate removal of board members for willful neglect of duty.”

Tasker-Mitchell’s picture remains on the school system’s website. A representative with Somerset schools did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.


by William J. Ford, Maryland Matters
August 14, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes

CBMM’s Shipyard Celebrates Graduation of Shipwright Apprentice Daniel Gutierrez

August 12, 2025 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Leave a Comment

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 The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Shipyard celebrated the graduation of Seip Family Foundation Shipwright Apprentice Daniel Gutierrez from its state-accredited program last week.

Gutierrez took a break from his on-going work readying 1909 crab dredger Old Point for a return to the water to receive his official certification and congratulations from an enthusiastic crowd of staff, friends, and state officials.

“I’m extremely grateful to Daniel for his commitment to this program these past two years,” CBMM’s Vessel Conservation Manager Sam Hilgartner said. “He came here and dove in with both feet determined to get the most out of this experience. He’s worked hard, and he’s embraced being part of this community. As he graduates, I’m more than confident in his ability to carry on this tradition in the legacy of the CBMM Shipwright Apprentice Program.”

A Houston native, Gutierrez had spent several years lifeguarding on the beach in Galveston, Texas, when he decided to pursue a career in boatbuilding. He completed Cape Fear Community College’s Wooden Boat Building program before arriving at CBMM in August 2023 on a recommendation from his instructor Walter Atkins, who has recently joined CBMM’s Shipyard crew.

Gutierrez knew he was in the right place when he was asked to jump right in assisting on repairs for skipjack Rosie Parks. He spent his early weeks working on the historic vessels portside planking, deck boards, and sheer clamp, and since then, he’s continued his education while working on most of the vessels in CBMM’s fleet.

“It’s been really great,” Gutierrez said. “It’s kind of crazy to look back and see the progress I’ve made. You don’t really notice it day-to-day, but there’s so much that I’ve gotten to learn here.”

CBMM’s Shipwright Apprentice program is unique in its scope and ambition as the nation’s only state-certified apprentice program in the trade of traditional wooden boat building and maintenance. Gutierrez has completed 4,000 hours of hands-on experience, plus additional skill development training, to prepare him to take on an entry-level shipwright position.

For Gutierrez, CBMM’s Shipyard has provided the right atmosphere to grow his skills and confidence. He’s learned under Hilgartner, Shipyard Educator Steve Garrand, Floating Fleet Shipwright Alex Bell, and other talented shipwrights on the CBMM team. Lately, he’s tried to pass those lessons along to first-year apprentices Caden Lewis and Austin Benshoff while working together on Old Point.

“Being here, you appreciate the ability to make mistakes,” Gutierrez said. “All the people you’re learning from, they’ve been there, and they understand that it happens. You’re never too stressed because they have patience and want you to get it right.”

Along the way, Gutierrez has discovered a passion for life on the Eastern Shore far from home. He’s bought two different boats through CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program, spent weekends surfing at area beaches, traversed trails with his dog Goobie, honed his skills as a fisherman on local waterways, and even logged time last fall dredging oysters with Capt. Ed Farley aboard skipjack HM Krentz.

“The culture of the Chesapeake is interesting to me,” Gutierrez said. “I really like it over here. I’ve tried to do as much exploring as I can.”


CBMM’s Shipwright Apprentice Program will continue to pass on these traditional skills to the next generation of Chesapeake shipwrights and grow its unique impact in the local workforce with the addition of two more Shipwright Apprentices later this year. Learn more about career opportunities in CBMM’s Shipyard, including current openings for experienced shipwrights, at cbmm.org/Careers.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes

Beat the Heat with Cool Classes from Chesapeake Forum this Fall

August 6, 2025 by Chesapeake Forum Leave a Comment

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Join Chesapeake Forum on August 19th for the 2025 Fall Preview Part at the Academy Art Museum in Easton from 3:30-5:30.  Enjoy light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while getting a first-hand look at new courses.  Tickets are $16.00 and registration is required at https://chesapeakeforum.org

There are nearly 30 classes to choose from and many new presenters.  Courses range from the practical to the philosophical, plus local history, current events, field trips, literature and cooking to name a few. To see a full list of Fall classes, please visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.  Registration begins on August 20th. 

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore. To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information to [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes

Gunston Honors 34 AP Scholars for 2024-2025, Earns Spot in New AP Cybersecurity Program

August 1, 2025 by Gunston School Leave a Comment

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The Gunston School is proud to announce that 34 of its students have been recognized by the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program for their outstanding performance on college-level AP exams during the 2024 testing cycle. In addition to these remarkable student accomplishments, Gunston was also selected as a pilot school for the College Board’s AP Cybersecurity program, a new course being developed as part of the College Board’s Career Kickstart initiative.

AP Cybersecurity is designed to introduce high school students to foundational concepts in digital security and prepare them for emerging careers in the cybersecurity field. While any high school may teach cybersecurity, AP Cybersecurity is currently in a limited-access pilot phase and will not be available nationally until the 2026–2027 academic year. Gunston will begin offering the course during the 2025–2026 school year as part of this exclusive early-access cohort, adding to their already extensive offering of AP courses.

As a pilot school, Gunston will receive direct support and curriculum resources from leading industry partners including Cisco, CYBER.ORG, and Paradigm Cyber Ventures. Participating students will also have the opportunity to receive vouchers for CompTIA certification exam preparation and fees—an industry-recognized credential in the cybersecurity field.

Each fall, the College Board recognizes high-achieving students across the nation with AP Scholar Awards. These accolades are granted to students who have demonstrated exceptional success across multiple AP subject areas and include:

AP Scholar with Distinction is awarded to students who earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. The following students were recognized: Lily Brantner, Emery Day, Elena Fraser, Brayden Hamm, Trevor Janssen, Jameson (Conner) Joyce,  Justin McCubbin, Elijah Moore, Margaret Randolph and Lucas Watkins.

AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who earn an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams. The following students were recognized: Kate Andrews, Annabelle Baker, Jed Cohen, Victoria MacGlashan, Vee McCluskey, Isla McCollum, Robert (Ethan) McWilliams and Eamon Schopfer.

AP Scholar is awarded to students who score 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. The following students were recognized: Alexander (Alex) Bent, Allison Davis, Alex Elfenbein, Lennox Franks, Adit Gupta, Grace Hanlon, Eleonor Hubbert, Logan Kille, Sydney Kim, Louise Mulock, Alivia Runz, Evelyn Russ, Katherine Seybert, Zachary Steinberg, Mia Walker and Lily Weny.

“Academic rigor is a core value at Gunston,” explains Head of School John Lewis, “and our AP Scholars are to be congratulated for their achievement on these challenging national exams. Let me also acknowledge the remarkable faculty who guided students through these college-level courses, and supported our culture of high expectations. Having taught many of these students personally, I can attest that they are deeply dedicated to their studies, and are superbly prepared for college and beyond! Meanwhile, the AP Cybersecurity course represents an exciting frontier in high school education—one that empowers students to engage with real-world issues while preparing for future academic and professional success. Only a few schools nationwide were accepted into this program, and it’s a testament to the strength of our computer science curriculum.”

(first row, l-r) Lily Brantner, Emery Day, Elena Fraser, Brayden Hamm, (second row) Trevor Janssen, Jameson (Conner) Joyce, Justin McCubbin, Elijah Moore, (third row)Margaret Randolph and Lucas Watkins.

 

(first row, l-r) Kate Andrews, Annabelle Baker, Jed Cohen, (second row) Victoria MacGlashan, Vee McCluskey, Isla McCollum, (third row ) Robert (Ethan) McWilliams and Eamon Schopfer.

 

(first row l-r) Alexander (Alex) Bent, Allison Davis, Alex Elfenbein, Lennox Franks, Adit Gupta, (second row) Grace Hanlon, Eleonor Hubbert, Logan Kille, Sydney Kim, Louise Mulock, (third row) Alivia Runz, Evelyn Russ, Katherine Seybert, (fourth row) Zachary Steinberg, Mia Walker and Lily Weny.

 


Founded in 1911 and currently enrolling 256 students, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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