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June 8, 2023

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

Education Ed Notes

KCHS Celebrates Graduation

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Pomp and circumstance, speeches and struts across the stage highlighted the graduation ceremony for the Kent County High School Class of 2023.

Trojan Stadium was packed with families, friends and faculty Friday morning, June 2, all sitting outside to watch 134 KCHS seniors become KCHS grads.

“We have been high school students for roughly 75,600 minutes,” said valedictorian Nellie Rhodes is her graduation speech. “After today, we will each embark on our own adventures, and I wish all of you the best as you walk your own path.”

Members of the Kent County High School Class of 2023 celebrate graduation Friday morning, June 2 on the field at Trojan Stadium in Worton.

The ceremony began at 9:30 a.m. as the KCHS Trojan Marching Band struck up the traditional graduation theme music of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Arin Wilson, a violist from Delaware offered the ceremonial rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Class of 2023 Secretary Brooklyn Marie Usilton served as the hostess of ceremonies, introducing speakers as the ceremony progressed.

Delany Jewell, class vice president, welcomed platform guests including Superintendent of Schools Dr.Karen Couch, the Kent County Board of Education and Kent County Commissioner Albert Nickerson.

Mortarboards go flying as the Kent County High School Class of 2023 marks graduation Friday morning, June 2. The ceremony was held on the field in Trojan Stadium.

In her greeting, KCHS Principal Kris Hemstetter singled out senior after senior in the Class of 2023 for their achievements, including those who had been her students back when she was principal of Worton Elementary School.

“There is a deep sense of accomplishment for students, families, faculty and our community as we reach this day of graduation,” Hemstetter said. “Congratulations, Class of 2023. This is your moment, and you have so many incredible moments that lie ahead for each and every one of you. It is always a great day to be a Trojan.”

Dr. Couch offered the Class of 2023 three suggestions as they follow the path on the journey of their lives: take action, follow their passion and to be open to making mistakes and learning from them.

Kent County High School Class of 2023 valedictorian Nellie Rhodes speaks to her classmates during graduation, telling them how much she appreciates all of them.

“On behalf of the Board of Education and the administration, we are truly honored to celebrate all your accomplishments. I am so proud of you,” Dr. Couch told the class.”Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey and most of all for making me smile!”

Classmates Brayden Wallace, Student Government Association president and the student member of the Board of Education, and Alycia Wilson, a Next Generation Scholars Shining Scholar, gave the senior welcome.

Wallace spoke about how the last four years have held some of the most influential and memorable moments of their lives and how each of the seniors’ experiences at KCHS have been unique.

From left are assistant principals Angeline Rivello and Aaron Pretlow, Kent County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Couch and Principal Kris Hemstetter.

He thanked all those he helped the Class of 2023 along the way, those at the school, at home and in the community.

“All of you have shaped and molded us into the young adults we are today,” Wallace said.

Wilson said it also was important for the members of the Class of 2023 to thank themselves for getting to graduation, having balanced sports, clubs, jobs and academic and life challenges.

Maikhi Tiller takes a selfie as he walks across the stage Friday, June 2 to get his diploma from Kent County High School.

“Without your own hard work and determination, you wouldn’t be here this morning ready to accept that diploma and move onto all the amazing things that your future holds,” Wilson said.”So let’s give ourselves a round of applause.”

In her message to seniors, Class President Rachel Heldmyer spoke about the impact Covid-19 had on the class, with schools closing and instruction moving online.

“We missed out on some of the most memorable events of our freshman and sophomore years,” Heldmyer said. “As we were able to overcome the hurdles that we have faced, we were still able to have an unforgettable senior year.”

Aundra Anderson, left, and Taylor Hudson were the keynote speakers at the Kent County High School Class of 2023 graduation ceremony Friday, June 2.

Salutatorian Samantha Stead spoke about how fast life moves. She told her classmates to live their lives fully, take on challenges, persist and remember they are not alone in their struggles.

“I remember seeing ‘Class of 2023’ back in fifth grade and thinking it was so far away that we had all the time in the world,” Snead said. “Today we finish this chapter of our lives and begin writing the next.”

Jaylin Whye and Maritza Lopez Vasquez introduced keynote graduation speakers Aundra Anderson, coordinator of the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education’s Next Generation Scholars program at KCHS, and former English teacher Taylor Hudson.

The Kent County High School Class of 2023 sits on the field at Trojan Stadium as Principal Kris Hemstetter gives her graduation speech Friday morning, June 2.

Anderson and Hudson used a Taylor Swift song as their entrance music and worked multiple callbacks to singer’s lyrics in their speech.

“Today, your graduation is not an ending —not a conclusion — it is a shift. One to catapult you into the next phase in your life — the next paragraph,” Hudson said.

Anderson told members of the Class of 2023 that they have changed since she met some of them back in seventh grade and they will continue to change as their life progresses.

“Keep pushing yourself to grow; don’t become stagnant,” Anderson said. “Go chase your wildest dreams and know you’re never on your own, kids. There’s someone here who has your back, you can always reach out to us.”

Their pair closed in unison by telling the Class of 2023: “This is your era.”

Following the speeches, Dr. Couch formally certified the students’ diplomas. Teacher Melissa Walters announced the graduates and Hemstetter passed members of the Class of 2023 their diplomas.

Board of Education members Joe Goetz and Frank Rhodes were among those parents who were given the opportunity to personally hand their children their diplomas.

KCHS assistant principals Aaron Pretlow and Angeline Rivello were at the base of stage to congratulate students as they made their way back to their seats.

The seniors made the most of their moment in the spotlight. There were big waves to the crowd and students showing off their best strut or dance moves.

With the diplomas passed out, Matthew Wade, class treasurer, led the seniors in the traditional turning of their rings and tassels, marking their new status as KCHS alumni.

And with that, caps went flying through the air, the crowd cheered and the members of the KCHS Class of 2023 congratulated one another on their accomplishment.

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

Benedictine’s Chrome City Fundraiser To Take Place on July 30th

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Marking its 21st year, the Benedictine Foundation Chrome City Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, July 30th. Known as one of the largest rides in Maryland, this annual event draws more than a 1,000 riders and brings together over 2000 people to Benedictine’s Ridgely campus in support of its mission.

“Chrome City has always been an event that our students and adults look forward to every year. But what makes this event more special is that it gives the community, that extends well beyond our Eastern Shore region, the opportunity to join us on campus to support our mission,” stated Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans.

Motorcycles, hot rods, classic and custom cars are all invited to participate. Everyone that registers will receive an official Chrome City t-shirt, lunch from Famous Dave’s and a day of fun and entertainment with door prizes, car contests, live music and more. Don’t have a classic car or motorcycle – you can still join the festivities.

Chrome City Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, July 30 that Benedictine’s school campus in Ridgely. Motorcycles, hot rods, classic and custom cars are all welcome.

Please note that this will not be an escorted ride this year. We encourage friends and families to gather together to ride to Benedictine. Day-of registration locations this year will be at the Outback Steakhouse in Annapolis (9-10am) and at the Benedictine campus in Ridgely (9:30-11am). Participates are encouraged to register online prior to the event for a discounted fee of $35. You can register online HERE or call 410.634.2292. Event takes place on the Benedictine campus from 10-2pm.

If you are interested in sponsoring Chrome City, please contact Benedictine by July 14th to ensure that your name/logo is on the official Chrome City t-shirt. Sponsorships can be found HERE or contact Ashley Downes at Ashley.downes@benschool.org or call 410. 634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

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

Building African-American Minds by Building an Academic Center: A Chat with Dina Daly and Bill Ryan

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Since Building African American Minds (BAAM) opened its doors to the Easton community, the organization’s founders, Derek and Dina Daly, and its board directors have taken on several significant projects that would test any new organization. From establishing a campus on Jowite Street, adding classroom space, and, more recently, completely funding the gymnasium, BAAM has proven its tenacity in getting things done.

The latest case is BAAM’s project to build a state-of-the-art academic center to fulfill organizations tion’s long-term vision of providing learning opportunities to the entire community. From pre-k to seniors, the idea for the new building is to offer life-altering education programs for all ages.

The Spy asked Dina, BAAM”s executive director, and its board president, Bill Ryan, to chat about the almost $10 million facility and the powerful arguments of why this is so important to Easton in the decades ahead.

This video is approximately fiver minutes in length. For more information about BAAM or make a donation to the project please go here. 

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

Garden Club Scholarship Award Winner Announced

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The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore (GCES) awards an annual merit-based scholarship to a graduating senior who attends school in Talbot County or who is home schooled. The award is given to a senior who expects to major in horticulture, landscape architecture or design, botany, environmental science, agriculture or a related field in college. Outstanding academic achievement along with volunteer or work experience, which shows a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, are considered.

The scholarship committee received 11 applications this year and, after interviewing 5 outstanding students, is happy to announce that the winner of a $6,000 scholarship is Easton High School graduating senior Allyson Mueller. Allyson was interviewed by four of the scholarship committee members and they were struck by her focus and dedication to studying marine life, especially with concerns in protecting sharks.

According to her former Agriscience teacher, Ernest Burns, “Ally is the consummate student. She settles for nothing but top grades and works tirelessly to achieve them. She posses the entire package of brains, hard work, and character that we all admire.”

Photo: GCES members Lin Clineburg (left) and Maury Schneider were excited to present the $6,000 merit scholarship to Easton High School graduate Allyson Mueller, who will be studying Marine Biology at UNCW in the fall.

Ally will be attending the University of North Carolina, Wilmington in the fall as part of the Marine Biology program. She mentions that growing up on the Eastern Shore in a family involved in agriculture, she has always been interested in the Chesapeake Bay and the environment. Ally hopes to find new and effective ways for the fishing industry to continue their practices while removing the damaging effects on sharks and many marine species. Her end goal is to obtain a master’s degree and work on a research boat tracking shark populations, migration patterns, and behavior.

Allyson has been an intern at Phillips Wharf Environmental Center and will continue to work there this summer as an employee studying the growth of oyster spat in different locations on the Bay, and she will assist in the running of the Fishmobile Program taking the bus to many locations in the area and sharing information about marine life. Ally says, “A big goal of mine is to be able to speak on an episode of Shark Week!”

The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore feels certain that Allyson will achieve all of her goals and is pleased to award this year’s scholarship to her.

For more information or to make a contribution to the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore scholarship fund, write to GCES, P.O. Box 1924, Easton, MD, 21601.

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Sultana Education Foundation Students Gain Unique Wetlands Access Thanks to New Boardwalk

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Prior to the construction of a 400 LF pile-supported timber boardwalk and low-profile timber pond access platforms built by Stevensville’s Dissen & Juhn Company, accessing the Lawrence Wetlands Preserve in Chestertown, Md., an urban nature center owned and operated by the Sultana Education Foundation (SEF), meant sporting boots and gingerly wading through the environmentally sensitive area.

If visitors weren’t comfortable with this “up close and personal” way of exploring or were in a wheelchair or used a walker, it curtailed the potential to truly experience this unique, non-tidal wetlands education resource.

But all that changed thanks to a recently opened pedestrian boardwalk. For the first time visitors can explore parts of the property previously out of reach. “The boardwalk and platforms enable visitors to completely immerse themselves. This location was largely hidden to most people,” says John Mann, Lawrence Wetlands Preserve Manager.

Aerial view of the 400 LF pile-supported timber boardwalk and low-profile timber pond access platforms built by Stevensville’s Dissen & Juhn Company. Photo supplied by Sultana Education Foundation and Dissen & Juhn Company.

The project entailed furnishing and installing a 400’L x 6’ wide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) timber boardwalk that elevated wetlands enthusiasts a full 3’ off the water. The boardwalk features a full-length timber handrail and several extra-wide viewing areas, or “teaching nodes”, for student groups to observe the diversity of plants and wildlife that inhabit the area including deer, a variety of small mammals, and birds.

The two 32’L x 6’W pond access platforms, which are accessed from the site’s circular trail network, were constructed close to the pond’s surface to enable close-up observation of aquatic plants, and pond creatures such as fish, frogs, turtles, and insects.

The project positioned perfectly in Dissen & Juhn’s wheelhouse. “Over our 50 year history Dissen & Juhn has had the pleasure of working with a variety of communities and organizations to build infrastructure that continues to impact the area,” says Gil Dissen, President of Dissen & Juhn Company. “These types of projects provide an opportunity for us to be good stewards to the environment we work in. The fact that this project is enabling future generations to explore and learn about non-tidal wetlands and swamps and their important roles is particularly gratifying,” Dissen adds.

“There’s always a fine balance when you build infrastructure in nature, but the construction methods Dissen & Juhn used allowed us to offer the outdoor educational experience in the least obtrusive way possible,” he adds.

Not surprising building the boardwalk required the use of heavy equipment in an environmentally sensitive area. To protect the environmentally sensitive soils and plants, Dissen & Juhn Company constructed a temporary service road of inert ground protection mats. These rigid structures made of engineered plastic keep heavy construction equipment from damaging the ecosystem without imparting contaminants into the soil.

“That was one of the things we were looking for in a contractor,” says Mann. “It was reassuring to go with a firm that has experience in working in critical areas. The project worked out better than we even imagined though. In fact calling the final construction a boardwalk sells it short. The aesthetics and attention to detail are amazing. Dissen & Juhn not only met all our requests, but also exceeded our expectations,” he adds.

For Sultana Education Foundation President and Founder Drew McMullen, it was Dissen & Juhn Company’s creative problem solving skills that made them the best contractor for the project. “Dissen & Juhn did a phenomenal job. The boardwalk and platforms are beautiful and will play a huge role in our ability to get kids and groups to areas we couldn’t take them previously,” says McMullen.

Rock Hall Elementary School third graders explore Pond Ecology 101 from the low-profile timber pond access platform. Photo supplied by Sultana Education Foundation and Dissen & Juhn Company.

“It really took a lot of outside of the box thinking to build what we had envisioned, and they weren’t the least bit intimidated. Dissen & Juhn are not only pros, but also everyone was considerate and very communicative. We couldn’t have hoped for a nicer company to work with,” he adds.

The Sultana Education Foundation team is gearing up for summer programming at their new “living classroom.” The boardwalk and platform construction are part of a larger plan, which includes the construction of the 1,200-square-foot Harwood Nature Center, which is expected to begin this summer. The structure is founded on timber piles installed by Dissen & Juhn.

The Nature Center will feature a multi-purpose space for classroom instruction, lectures, social gatherings, and a variety of other hands-on activities. It will also feature a multi-level, covered outdoor deck with bench seating for outdoor use. The anticipated opening of the Harwood Nature Center is 2024.

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

Godfrey’s Farm Blueberry Boogie 5K Walk/Run to Benefit Benedictine

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Godfrey’s Farm 3rd annual Blueberry Boogie 5K Walk/Run, to take place on Saturday, June 17th, will once again benefit Benedictine. Last year’s event raised over $15,000 which included a matching gift from a generous donor that has pledged to match the funds raised again at this year’s race.

“The excitement from last year’s race was amazing!” commented Lisa Godfrey.“Working with Benedictine just feels right, because we can visibly see the impact each dollar raised has right here, locally. Students from Benedictine have been visiting our farm for many years. We love to see the excitement they bring and the kindness of their caregivers. This made our choice to support Benedictine an easy one!”

Last year, a generous Benedictine supporter pledged a matching gift and has once again pledged to match the funds raised in this year’s race. “We have supported Benedictine for many years and thought this was a wonderful way to give and bring recognition to both Benedictine and the partnership with Godfrey’s Farm,” commented Denise Kaczmarczyk.“We are so happy that Benedictine has been selected again as the beneficiary of the race and we look forward to seeing the results!”

Godfrey’s Farm Blueberry Boogie 2022 participates pose with their metals. More than $15,000 was raised and Benedictine has been chosen again this year to be the beneficiary of the event taking place on June 17th.

Festivities at the event will include live music by Red Sammy, an American Folk Rock band, plus Godfrey’s homemade apple cider donuts and blueberry scones at the finish line, prizes and more. All race participants will receive an event shirt.

Registration starts at 8AM. Race begins at 9AM. Rain or Shine. Healthy Kids Run (10 and under) begins at 8:55AM.

Godfrey’s Farm is located in Sudlersville, Maryland. To register, please go to https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Sudlersville/BlueberryBoogie5KRunWalk. Registration is $30 until June 1st and then $35 after and on the day of the event. Sign up as a team of 5 or more and get a discount on all the registrations.

For more information about Godfrey’s Farm, please visit www.godfreysfarm.com.

Benedictine is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization helping children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. For more information on Benedictine and how you can support their mission, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at 410 634 2292 or Claudia.cunningham@benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

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

Empowering Youth Through Teamwork and Skill-Building: Rising Tide and CBMM Shipyard Apprentice Program Join Forces

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A crowd of proud parents, family members, and friends gathered earlier this week at the front deck of the Van Lennep Auditorium on the campus of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) to launch the latest completed project for the Rising Tide after-school program, a 12-foot St. Michaels scow nicknamed ‘Pickle.

PICTURED ON THE DOCK l to r: Jack Perry, Kendall Wallace. In the boat, l to r. James Heinz and Ilijah Jenkins. Photo by George Sass 

The nineteen local 6-9th graders have been meeting three times a week since January putting in a combined total of 630 hours on tasks typically meant for trained adults. The teens collected the material, created the frame, added the planks, assembled, sanded, painted, and prepared the boat for the water.

Congratulations and fun awards were handed out to the students and volunteers by Workshop Education Manager Kendall Wallace, who, together with Youth Program Coordinator Sophie Stuart, oversees the Rising Tide projects. A ceremonial (and mostly unwilling) drinking of pickle juice preceded the boat’s launching (minus the sails).

It was a landmark day for Rising Tide, constructing from a design developed and built in St Michaels in the 1930s and 40s. The scow was associated with the Miles River Yacht Club and was initially created for budding sailors learning to sail.

The project was also a first for the CBMM Shipyard Apprentice program, which partnered with Rising Tide by selecting Megan Mitchell, an apprentice, to lead the students in building the boat. Mitchell, finishing up her four-year State of Maryland certified apprenticeship, sees this appointment as the final step in connecting everything she’s learned. “Part of this is building a portfolio of capstone projects that I can present to a possible employer showing my capability in building a small boat from start to finish and managing a team of individuals of various skill levels.”

“The skills Meghan is bringing to this program,” says Jill Ferris, CBMM’s Senior Director of Engagement, Learning, and Interpretation, “are all aspects that shipwrights can integrate into their work profession. So giving her a chance to bring it all together has been a great opportunity. And combining both programs makes it a laboratory for learning in so many different regards.”

But the ‘laboratory’ extends beyond the maritime. Previous Rising Tide projects for CBMM have included a hydroponic garden and much-needed picnic tables. Last fall, Rising Tide built a couple of stand-up paddleboards, one of which was auctioned off to help support the program. However, with the expanded number of students interested in the program in the last couple of years, building a boat became a possibility.

The idea for constructing the scow began several years ago at CBMM’s annual fundraiser when the museum auctioned off the design plans and the opportunity to have a scow built. The winner symbolically returned that opportunity to the museum with the condition that it be made sometime in the future. Due to its simple design, the boat was seen as a good teaching tool, and this has been the first opportunity, after COVID, that CBMM has been able to make good on that promise. The idea is to, once again, auction the St, Michaels scow, but this time the boat rather than the design. 

Both the teens involved in this endeavor and their adult supervisors are enthusiastic about the outcome that goes beyond the boat. Wallace looks back on their discussions about the contrast between the historic and modern building methods, the teamwork they experienced, and the workshop safety abilities they acquired.

Stuart pointed out that they may not even realize some skills they learned. “Like a lot of the kids in this age group, math is the last thing they want to be doing,” she said. “But when it’s shown in a practical application and why it’s important, they don’t mind, and they retain those skills.” 

Besides math, the teens also use creative thinking and engineering applications and relate them to real-life situations where mistakes are permissible and knowledge is acquired through hands-on experience. If you ask the teens, they may not always appreciate the extent of this knowledge, but they all agree on the value received. 

Lila McDermott, who wants to be a graphic designer, is grateful for the experience. “Learning how to read, design, and plan things is a good skill to have,” she said.

Jack Perry, a rising 10th grader, who has been with the program for a few years, says, “[The program] has given me a knowledge and understanding of carpentry and woodworking. It’s also a good way to sink some time after school into a worthwhile community project.” His ‘takeaways’–Teamwork, social skills, and cooperation.

Ilijah Jenkins also has been involved with the program long-term, but this is his first time building a boat. “One thing I learned,” he said, “was to have good communication and trust because you got to trust your partner when we’re using dangerous tools. And you also have to use communication to know that you’re using it correctly.”

Ella Eckholm is new to the program and signed up because her mom and Stuart are friends. “I went, and I just fell in love with it. I liked doing it; it was really fun.”

What is next for the Rising Tide, which starts again in September, is still being considered. “Our projects are very student-driven,” said Wallace, “because they engage with it. I don’t have to convince them it will be a good project if they come into it wanting and willing.” 

At this point, the plan is to continue to expand on the skills they learned this semester. Said Wallace, “We have a pretty good group of students who are going to stick by us for a few years. So maybe we can do something similar that can use some of the steps we already know and then learn some new skills together.”

Ferris sees the scope of Rising Tide as one in rhythm with CBMM’s philosophy, “To have a sixth grader who envisions a career in engineering, and who is getting a chance to actually put some of the principles into practice and try on different skills is our goal. My hope, for this project and for every project we do, is that the people we’re connecting with get what they need out of it. That’s the ultimate success.”

Rising Tide is free, funded through CBMM, and made possible by donations and volunteer support. Rising Tide meets after school from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at CBMM. Transportation is offered from the Easton YMCA and St. Michaels Middle/High School.

 

 

 

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Get Carried Away by ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ at KCMS

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Theater students at Kent County Middle School are taking the stage to present “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

Performances are set for 6 p.m. Thursday, June 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, June 3 at the middle school.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for students. Members of the Class of 2023 can enjoy the show free.

Under the direction of teacher Kaitlyn E. Wright, the students are performing an adaption by playwright Tim Kelly of L. Frank Baum’s classic book.

Follow Dorothy (Noelle Demby) and her dog Toto (Abigail Gallo) after a cyclone carries them to Oz, where they embark on an adventure with the Scarecrow (Rebecca Phillips), the Tin Woodsman (Allee Hall) and the Cowardly Lion (Tanaya Jackson).

They encounter Glinda the Good (Emy Karlik) and the Wicked Witch (Amber Vela Fernandez) as they make their way to meet Oz (Kaylee Owens).

Also joining them on stage are Bryan Mann as Boq, Kris Coe as Munchkin, Julie Dickerson as the China Princess, Lanie Gibb as the Guardian of the Gates, Aiden Ruiz Velazquez and Jaden Gilbert as Winged Monkeys, ZadalynSpittel as Aunt Em, and additional special guests as the Poppies and Fighting Trees.

Kent County Middle School is located at 402 E. Campus Ave., Chestertown. Learn more about the school at www.kent.k12.md.us/KCMS.aspx.

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CBMM’s Rising Tide Program Celebrates St. Michaels Scow Launch

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With a collective push, a group of middle school students from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Rising Tide after-school program trundled the St. Michaels sailing scow they’ve spent the spring constructing onto the water for the first time on Monday evening.

The 12-foot wooden boat, dubbed Pickle by a consensus vote of the builders, launched into Fogg’s Cove to spirited cheers from the assembled group of family, friends and program supporters.

“It’s fun because you get to see all the stuff that you worked on, and then it’s finally done,” said seventh-grader Sofia Mercado, after taking her turn to get a short ride in the boat. “It’s fun to make something and see it turn out well.”

Monday’s launch event, including an awards presentation and pickle juice toast, was a well-deserved celebration of months of hard work on the project.

Meeting on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, a total of 19 middle school students logged a combined 630 hours toward the project this spring, following Shipwright Apprentice Megan Mitchell’s project plan with support from CBMM education staff and volunteers.

The scow build capped a busy and productive school year for Rising Tide, a free, donor-funded after-school program that has been teaching students in grades 6-9 basic boatbuilding and woodworking skills in a welcoming, relaxed environment since 2015.

“It’s been an incredible experience to see the Rising Tide participants take ownership of this project over the last few months,” CBMM Education Programs Manager Kendall Wallace said. “I hope this project will help to reinforce the ideas that anything is possible if you’re willing to try, and that patience and commitment can result in something to be incredibly proud of.

“I’m constantly inspired by the work they’ve put into this boat, which they can forever point to and say, ‘I built that.’”

Beginning in January, the Rising Tide students contributed to nearly every step in the process to bring the boat to life in the program workshop.

The project started by studying original plans in CBMM’s collection, drafted in 1929 for the Miles River Yacht Club by George Krill, to draw information about the boat’s shape and size and making a building plan for the molds to set the vessel’s structure.

Once construction commenced, the task list included assisting with milling lumber, scarfing planks, and transferring patterns from the lofting to the building stock. They were involved with the gluing up and shaping the mast and boom, crafting and installing all of the components, and painting the vessel, as well.

Each day brought new lessons for the students, ranging from wood species selection to proper use of block planes to the fine art of varnishing. One memorable February afternoon brought a field trip to the newly renovated Norman & Ellen Plummer Center for Museum Collections to examine a sail in the CBMM collection that was originally built for a St. Michaels scow.

The result was Pickle, which sparkled in the evening sun on Monday with its bright-white hull and green trim. It was the first boat built by the program since launching a pair of Chesapeake crab skiffs, Mary and Susan, in 2018.

Eighth-grader Mac Hudson said his favorite parts were learning the history of the boat and using a hand plane to shape it, while his brother Oskar, a sixth grader, liked getting to visit CBMM’s working Shipyard and the teamwork necessary to get the boat completed.

“We all worked together,” Mac Hudson said. “It’s cool that we got to help make it, and now it’s an actual boat that we can take on the water.”

For Mitchell, the build served as a capstone project of sorts in her final year of CBMM’s Shipwright Apprentice Program. She agreed to take on the project in December and quickly found it a mix of fun and challenging.

“We’ve learned a lot from the project about what is necessary to complete a project like this with a build philosophy that the kids are helping in a meaningful way,” Mitchell said. “That’s so important. We want them to be involved. If they’re just occasionally rubbing sandpaper on the boat, that’s not meaningful and that’s not building skills for them.”

Beyond the chance to teach her craft to the next generation, Mitchell found it meaningful to take a step back in time to complete a classic design with a distinctly local history.

True to its name, the scow is a St. Michaels original, serving as the racing class of the Miles River Yacht Club in the 1920s and ’30s. One of the few surviving examples is in CBMM’s collection and will be featured in the new watercraft heritage exhibition in the new Welcome Center.

This is likely the first one to be built in town in decades.

“It has been very a cool project to be a part of,” Mitchell said. “The Chesapeake produces a lot of very strange styles of boat that are easily replaced by mass-produced, more-generalized designs, but sometimes having this specific design for this very specific place is an extremely valuable thing.”

“It’s one of the things I love most about CBMM and its programs. Here, we don’t shy away from that specificity.”

Monday’s launch marked the end of spring programming but certainly not the workshop fun for the students involved. Many of them will take part in CBMM’s Summer Camp in the coming weeks, and Rising Tide will resume in the fall with a new, yet-to-be-determined project to tackle.

Wallace is eager to make sure it’s something that will allow the students to build on the hands-on skills that they’ve practiced this spring and the camaraderie the group developed along the way.

“I don’t want you to forget the less technical skills that we practiced every day,” Wallace told the assembled group Monday. “We worked as a team, we practiced patience and understanding, we faced our mistakes when we made them, and we figured out how to do something that I don’t think any of us had ever done before.”

For more information on CBMM’s Rising Tide program, visit cbmm.org/youtheducation or email risingtide@cbmm.org.

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

Ethan Morrison and William Fachet Named Constitution Alliance Scholarship Winners

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The Constitution Alliance Fund has named Ethan Morrison of St. Michaels and William Fachet of Kent Island the recipients of their inaugural scholarship program.  Each student received a $1,000 scholarship to be used at the college of their choice.

Fachet is a graduate of Kent Island High School and Morrison is a St. Michaels High School graduate. The students were chosen for leadership and service in the community, exceptional academic performance, and outstanding personal essays on the meaning of the constitution. The Constitution Alliance Fund scholarship program recognizes academic achievement and dedication to the principles of the Constitution and supports future careers in civic leadership.

The Constitution Alliance, in partnership with the Washington College Institute for Religion, Politics & Culture and Operation Frederick Douglass on the Hill, works to promote civic engagement through education and a commitment to uphold constitutional values and the founding principles of freedom.

For more information, contact Michelle Ewing at mpewing@hotmail.com, 410-200-5571 or Julie Quick, juliejoquick@gmail.com or 410-924-0904.

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