Education

Wye River Upper School Celebrates Largest Graduating Class

May 28, 2022 by Wye River Upper School Leave a Comment

Even the gloomy outdoor skies couldn’t dampen the celebratory spirit of Wye River Upper School’s graduation, with Head of School, Stephanie Borges Folarin, noting that “rain means good luck in many cultures”.

As the raindrops fell outside, the graduates cast their rays of sunshine, beaming as they walked across the gym stage to receive their diplomas. This graduating class, which is the largest in our history includes: Ian A., Tate G., Andrew G., Nadia H., Douglas H., Mark H., Tyler J., Cameron K., Adon L., Alex M., Daniel M., Jared M., Charlie M., Lindsay M., Cole P., Sam P., Virgil R., Reni Z.

Perseverance, growth and celebrating victories proved to be the recurring themes throughout the ceremony, as Board of Trustees Chair, Alexa Sipe, encouraged students to pursue their dreams and commencement speakers Matt Donohue, ‘17, and Joe Leilich spoke about the challenges they faced as students with learning differences. Quoting Thomas Edison, Donohue encouraged the class of ‘22 to hold
steadfast and follow their dreams. “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up,” said Donohue. “Don’t give up. Be that person who makes a change for the good.”

Continuing on the theme, Leilich, First Commander of the American Legion Jeff Davis Post 18, stressed the importance of recognizing “small victories” when faced with a challenge. A victory can be any achievement no matter how small. “There are going to be times when you don’t succeed the first time,” said Leilich. “But you never give up, and never quit on your goal. And when you reach your goal, congratulate yourself for it.”

Student speaker, Mark H., spoke fondly of the growth and memories he and his classmates shared over the years. “It’s been a great learning environment and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.” No doubt this spirited, determined class will continue to bring joy, humor and determination along with them as they celebrate the beginning of their many victories. Congratulations to the class of 2022!

About Wye River Upper School
Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville MD approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more info contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292.

32nd Annual Sneaker Creeper to Kick Off Tea Party Weekend

May 23, 2022 by Kent County Public Schools Leave a Comment

Young runners and walkers will be lacing up their sneakers — or Velcroing them — later this month for the 32nd annual Sneaker Creeper.

The series of fun children’s races will help kick off the Chestertown Tea Party Festival weekend starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27.

As has been tradition, the Sneaker Creeper will be held this year in Roy Kirby Jr. Stadium at Washington College. Proceeds benefit H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown.

This annual community-wide event is meant to enhance and encourage learning, sportsmanship, friendship and fitness, while having a whole lot of fun along the way.

Sneaker Creeper races are broken down by age group and distances. They are open to children ages 2 to 11 years old, with distances ranging from 25 yards for the youngest racers up to a mile for the oldest participants.

For more information and race registration, go online to SneakerCreeper.info.

Graduation Speakers Announced as Community Celebrates Class of 2022

May 22, 2022 by Kent County Public Schools Leave a Comment

Photos of Kent County High School seniors line a table at Decision Day, Thursday, May 5. Seniors were invited to take their photos, write their future plans on them and post them on a designated wall in the school.

With graduation less than a month away, Kent County High School seniors and community members have already begun celebrating.

This year’s graduation ceremony is set for Friday evening, June 3 at Kent County High School in Worton. Like last year, the ceremony will be held outside in Trojan Stadium.

The confirmed speakers — as chosen by the Class of 2022 and approved by the Kent County Board of Education Monday, May 9 — are Kent County High School teachers Caren Saunders and Melissa Walters.

On Thursday, May 5, Kent County High School celebrated the Class of 2022 with Decision Day. Held in the high school’s cafeteria, seniors joined together to highlight their future plans in what looks to be the start of a new annual tradition.

Students and Principal Kris Hemstetter, second from left, join the Kent County High School Trojan for a photo in the cafeteria during Decision Day Thursday, May 5.

There was food, music and games. A table was set up for seniors to write thank you cards to teachers,a banner stretched across the wall for them to sign and a photo stand was set up for group pictures.

The whole community got involved in celebrating the Class of 2022 Friday evening, May 6 in downtown Chestertown.

Organized by the Kent County High School Parent Teacher Student Association and the Downtown Chestertown Association, the monthly First Friday event focused on the honoring the Class of 2022.

Seniors’ photos were posted in windows of downtown businesses and music teacher Dr. Keith Wharton led the Kent County High School Jazz Band in an outdoor performance.

Washington College Hosts 239th Commencement Exercises on May 22

May 20, 2022 by Washington College News Service Leave a Comment

Washington College will host the 239^th Commencement Exercises on the Campus Green beginning at 10:30 AM on Sunday, May 22, conferring degrees upon 247 graduates in front of family, friends and loved ones.

The Honorable Joseph M. Getty ’74 will deliver the keynote address. Getty, a Washington College alum, most recently served as Chief Judge of Maryland’s highest court and will speak to graduates about the importance of community engagement and public service.

Zairel Luna (Centereach, NY) was selected as the Senior Class speaker. She is an International Studies major, and has been heavily involved with a number of organizations during her time as a student. This includes serving as the Secretary for the Class of 2022, Secretary of Service and Community Relations for the SGA, a member of the newly created Latinx Student Union, a member of the Student Events Board, Community Service Chair for Cleopatra’s Sisters and a member of the Model United Nations team. Following a planned gap year, Luna intends to apply to law school in pursuit of a career in immigration law.

The highlight of the ceremony is the public conferral of Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees on the 2022 Washington College graduates. Michael J. Sosulski, President, will officially confer the degrees earned and Interim Provost and Dean Michael Harvey will individually present each graduate.

Harvey will also present the College’s faculty and student awards, as well as the senior honors and prizes. These include the Alumni Association’s Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Jane Huston Goodfellow Memorial Prize, the Sophie Kerr Prize and the George Washington Medal and Award, among others.

This week there are also numerous events and celebrations leading up to Commencement, to include a Senior Beach Bash at Conquest Beach, the Senior Class Awards Luncheon (May 20 at Noon on the Miller Library Terrace), and the announcement of the Sophie Kerr Prize (May 20 at 7:30 PM in Hotchkiss Recital Hall), which can be viewed here. The finalists for this prestigious prize were recently announced – read the full story here.

Over the past few weeks, the College has been sharing the voices and accomplishments of members of the Class of 2022 through a series of Senior Spotlights. These stories can be viewed here.

The outdoor ceremony is open to all. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Johnson Fitness Center and a ticket will be required for entry. A livestream of commencement will also be available here beginning at 10:25 a.m.

This year also marks the return of Alumni Weekend to the festivities. Special events for alums include a Chester River tour on the Callinectes, a Writers’ Union Alumni Reading at the Lit House, and a cocktail party where alums have the opportunity to welcome the Class of 2022 into the community.

Founded in 1782, Washington College is the tenth oldest college in the nation and the first chartered under the new Republic. With an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning in the arts and sciences, and more than 40 multidisciplinary areas of study, the College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, history, and writing. Learn more at washcoll.edu.

Former St. Michaels High School Grad to become New Talbot County Superintendent of Schools

May 19, 2022 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

With a unanimous vote at the May 18, 2022 meeting, the Talbot County Board of Education appointed Dr. Sharon Pepukayi as the new Talbot County Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2022, pending finalization of the contract and approval of the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Mohammed Choudhury.

Dr. Sharon Pepukayi

“The Board was very pleased with the high quality of the 18 applicants for the position of Superintendent of Talbot County Public Schools,” said Susan Delean-Botkin, Board President.

“Dr. Pepukayi stood out with her excellent credentials, outstanding leadership, stakeholder support and local knowledge. The Board is very pleased to welcome Dr. Pepukayi to Talbot County Public Schools.

Dr. Pepukayi is currently an assistant superintendent for the Appoquinimink School District. As an educator for 30 years, Dr. Pepukayi has served in numerous roles including student advisor, mentor, reading coach, teacher, assistant principal, and principal prior to moving to district administration. It is while spending time in classrooms, that she recognized the need to keep students at the forefront of her decision making. Her passion for students is undeniable and she loves to talk with them about their educational journeys.

Dr. Pepukayi is a collaborator and believes in unleashing the talents of others. She has worked tirelessly to develop leaders and promote equity and diversity efforts in her district. In addition, she helped with the expansion efforts as the district enrollment increased to over 3,000 during her tenure. This included opening new educational facilities, expansion of preschool and bilingual programming, and promoting student excellence within the community.

Being no stranger to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Dr. Pepukayi graduated from St. Michaels High School, then pursued her post-secondary education in North Carolina, Ohio, and Delaware. She credits her parents for instilling her love of teaching and learning. Her mother is a retired teacher, and her father is a retired waterman, businessman, and former school board member. Dr. Pepukayi earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bennett College, Master of Arts in Early and Middle Childhood Education from Ohio State University, and a Doctor of Education in Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University. She is a member of many educational organizations, and a charter member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has also provided training and presented at several national conferences.

In her free time, Dr. Pepukayi enjoys being around the water, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She is the proud parent of two sons.

Gunston Earns First Place at 37th ESHS Mathematics Competition

May 19, 2022 by Gunston School Leave a Comment

Provost of Salisbury University Karen Olmstead, PhD, Gunston Math Department Chair Millicent Sheets, Abbey Miller ’22, Eli Moore ’25, Maggie Miller ’22 and John Petito with Delmarva Power.

The Gunston School team, led by Abbey Miller ’22, (Easton, Md.) Maggie Miller ’22, (Easton, Md.) and Eli Moore ’25, (Annapolis, Md.) earned first place at the 37th Annual Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition that took place on Wednesday, April 27 at Salisbury University. Accompanied by Gunston’s Math Department Chair Millicent Sheets, team members had to solve challenging, open-ended problems. Each team had to provide complete solutions to as many problems as possible, including justification of all steps and clear, concise explanations. Subject areas covered by contest questions include: algebra, geometry, functions and functional notation, exponents and logarithms, trigonometry, probability and statistics, logic and set theory, arithmetic sequences, geometric series, and number theory.

The goal of the Annual Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition is to promote and support mathematics in the secondary education community of the Lower-and Mid-Eastern Shore counties of Delmarva.

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.

Kent County High School’s Class of 1982 Reunion

May 18, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Kent County High School’s Class of 1982 will be celebrating their 40-year reunion the weekend of June 24-25. On Friday, June 24, classmates are invited to gather at the Blue Bird Tavern in Chestertown from 5-8 p.m. for happy hour. On Saturday, June 25, there will be a party at The Shanty Bar at Tolchester Marina beginning at 2 p.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay, good food and drinks, and live music while reminiscing and catching up with old friends.

Both events will be very casual and attendees will pay for their own food and drinks. There will be raffles for Class of ’82 themed items, and classmates who have been lost over the years will be recognized.

For more information contact Kristi Engle King at kip8@verizon.net or 443-521-2329.

Galena Students Win American Legion Essay Contest

May 17, 2022 by Kent County Public Schools Leave a Comment

C. Henry Price II American Legion Post 246 Auxiliary of Betterton announced the winners of the Americanism Essay Contest earlier this spring. From left are, Galena Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Sara Brock; students Desirae Blackiston, Piper Walters, Evelyn Dunn and Ce’rell Brown; Post 246 Auxiliary President Patti Bone; and Betterton Mayor Donald Sutton.

Three Galena Elementary School students were honored for their essays earlier this spring by a local American Legion Post Auxiliary, with one student moving on to the national contest.

The C. Henry Price II American Legion Post 246 Auxiliary of Betterton sponsored the Americanism Essay Contest this spring.

Local students were asked to offer their thoughts on the question: “How we can support families who provide care to their Veterans?”

Galena Elementary School student Ce’rell Brown won first place, but his recognition went beyond the local contest.

Brown also won first place in the Northeastern Shore District and was awarded first in the state by the American Legion Department of Maryland.

His essay was entered in the national contest.

Galena Elementary School student Evelyn Dunn received first place from the local unit and third in the Northeastern Shore District.

Galena students Piper Walters and Desirae Blackiston came in second and third place, respectively, in the local unit contest.

“The entire C. Henry Price II American Legion Post 246 Family is so very proud of these students for taking the time to write the essays and for helping to keep Americanism alive in our school system,” the post wrote on Facebook in announcing the winners.

The winners received a certificate, a monetary award, a gift card to Marzellas by the Bay restaurant and a goody bag at a ceremony held April 8 in Betterton.

KCPS Offers Summer Programs for Children

May 12, 2022 by Kent County Public Schools Leave a Comment

Whether they are in pre-school, high school or any grade in between, Kent County Public Schools has summer programs for students of all ages.

The Infants and Toddlers Program will be hosting six weeks of playgroups in various locations in Kent County for children who are registering for pre-kindergarten in the fall or for any 3-year-old that parents or guardians have concerns about the child’s social or emotional skills.

The Playgroups will meet at local parks for a total of six sessions beginning the week of June 20 and running through July. Each session will include a read aloud, an activity, playtime and a learning activity to enjoy at home.

Teachers will be on site to lead a learning activity and facilitate learning through play.

Locations are Betterton Park, Galena Park, the Rock Hall Civic Center and the Woodsedge community near Fairlee.

Materials and snacks will be provided.

Families of early learners at H.H. Garnet Elementary School are invited to join Cub Club this summer.

Open only to Garnet students entering pre-k, kindergarten of first grade, this intervention program is designed to reinforce the 7 Domains of Early Learning and prepare students for the next grade.

This project-based learning program will feature a Gardening theme. Assemblies will be held each Thursday.

The Cub Club is running July 11-28. It will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown.