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May 29, 2022

The Chestertown Spy

An Educational News Source for Chestertown Maryland

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Education Ed Notes

Wye River Upper School Celebrates Largest Graduating Class

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

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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.

Filed Under: Ed Notes

32nd Annual Sneaker Creeper to Kick Off Tea Party Weekend

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

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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.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, Kent County Public Schools, local news

Graduation Speakers Announced as Community Celebrates Class of 2022

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

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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.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, Kent County Public Schools, local news

Washington College Hosts 239th Commencement Exercises on May 22

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

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Washington College will host the 239th 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. 

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Washington College

Gunston Earns First Place at 37th ESHS Mathematics Competition

May 19, 2022 by Gunston School Leave a Comment

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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.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, Gunston School, local news

Kent County High School’s Class of 1982 Reunion

May 18, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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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.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, local news

Galena Students Win American Legion Essay Contest

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

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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.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, Kent County Public Schools, local news

KCPS Offers Summer Programs for Children

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

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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.

Transportation and food will be provided.

All elementary students in Kent County Public Schools, from kindergarten through fifth grade, can sign up for one of this summer’s Acceleration Academies.

These summer programs are based at Galena Elementary School, H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown and Rock Hall Elementary School. They offer academic learning experiences and off-site exploration opportunities.

The Academic Academies at the elementary schools will be held July 11-28. They run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Transportation and food will be provided.

An Acceleration Academy is available for all students entering sixth, seventh or eighth grade this fall at Kent County Middle School.

The academy’s focus this summer is applied literacy and math.

The middle school Acceleration Academy is running July 11-28. It meets from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Kent County Middle School in Chestertown.

Transportation and food will be provided.

Students who will be entering ninth grade this fall are invited an Exploratory Learning program this summer being held at Kent County Middle School.

This one week-only opportunity is being offered July 5-8. The program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Kent County Middle School in Chestertown.

Transportation and food will be provided.

For those students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade, Kent County Public Schools is providing a Credit Recovery opportunity.

This is being offered at Kent County Middle School in Chestertown July 5-28. The program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Transportation and food will be provided.

To learn more these programs, visit www.smore.com/escnb. Register online at tinyurl.com/2yu4upwe.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, Kent County Public Schools, local news

New Development Director Begins at Chesapeake College

May 11, 2022 by Chesapeake College Leave a Comment

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Amber Tolley McGinnis

Advancement professional, Dorchester County native, and former assistant professor Amber Tolley McGinnis returns to Chesapeake College as the new Director of Development and Executive Director for the Chesapeake College Foundation.

In her role, Ms. McGinnis leads and directs the College’s resource development efforts with an emphasis on private and philanthropic fundraising. She also manages grant efforts, identifying funding priorities and developing/executing an annual grant strategic plan. As the Executive Director of the Chesapeake College Foundation, Ms. McGinnis manages the operations of the Foundation including all fiscal responsibilities.

“Having grown up here on the Shore, I’ve always gotten great satisfaction from helping my family, friends, and neighbors achieve their goals and dreams here at Chesapeake College.  And in my new role, I’m looking forward to playing a part in the bigger picture–raising funds that can help fuel those transformations,” Ms. McGinnis said.

She added, “Scholarship support is crucial for many of our students to pursue their educational goals.  It is also essential for the College to provide leading-edge technology in our instructional labs – whether for computer science, health professions, or skilled trades.  The training and education that we deliver at Chesapeake College not only helps to better the lives of our students, but also provides the qualified workers for many of our local businesses, resulting in a positive impact on our local economy here on the Shore.”

With more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Ms. McGinnis specializes in education communications. At Chesapeake College, she has held both faculty and leadership positions: Assistant Professor of Communication, Faculty Vice-Chair, Director of the Honors Program, and Interim Director of the Cambridge Center. She was also the College’s 2018-2020 Stuart M. Bounds Distinguished Teaching Chair.

“I am grateful to have a skilled hand and great leader who understands Chesapeake and the community we serve,” said President Clifford Coppersmith.  “Amber brings a wonderful level of enthusiasm and understanding of our mission to her work.”

Most recently, Ms. McGinnis was the Assistant Director for Communications and Outreach at Washington College’s Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience. Returning to Chesapeake in a new role, Ms. McGinnis said, brings new opportunities to connect area residents with all the programs and services available at the college.

“I look forward to working with Michelle Hall, our Director of Constituent Engagement and Event Management. Together we will continue building relationships with industry and community leaders throughout our five-county service region, so the College can remain an engine for economic growth on the Shore.”

Through her experience teaching community college students and her own personal journey, Ms. McGinnis learned the power of education to transform lives.

“The 14 years I’ve spent in the classroom at Chesapeake College has given me an intimate view into how education can be truly transformative,” Ms. McGinnis said. “And as a first-generation college graduate myself, I know the grit and self-confidence you gain from achieving something you’ve worked long and hard for–it translates into all aspects of a person’s life.”

One of the first priorities Ms. McGinnis will oversee is raising funds to support expanding the college’s skilled trades education. These funds will bolster programs like welding and marine trades, as well as introduce new initiatives in advanced manufacturing technology. Demand for quality, trained workers in these areas continues to run high on the Shore, and the college has seen tremendous interest from students to enter these fields.

Additionally, Ms. McGinnis looks forward to working with the Chesapeake College Foundation’s Board of Directors, whose members oversee the direction of the Foundation and represent all five counties within the college’s service region. The Chesapeake College Foundation builds the resources to support scholarships, teaching and learning, innovative projects, and local partnerships at Chesapeake College, serving the wide-ranging needs of the community

Ms. McGinnis is a graduate of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mass Communications from Towson University, and a Master’s of Arts in Publications Design from the University of Baltimore. A resident of Cambridge, she is married and has two children.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chesapeake College, Education, local news

Wye River Upper School Announces Date for Ceremony for 20th Graduating Class

May 10, 2022 by Wye River Upper School Leave a Comment

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Wye River Upper School (WRUS) is pleased to announce the commencement ceremony for their 20th graduating class on Tuesday, May 24th at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds adjoining the school campus. At 18 students, this is the largest graduating class in the school’s history. This year’s graduates have chosen many different college and career paths, including architecture, healthcare, computer science, accounting, athletic training, art therapy, digital marketing, science, animal care, sports journalism, working for the National Security Agency, internships, and, in the true spirit of the Eastern Shore, working in the maritime industry.

Commencement speakers include Wye River alumnus, Matt Donohue, ‘17, and Joe Leilich, who is the First Commander of the American Legion, Jeff Davis Post 18. Leilich, who has ADHD, says he “was honored to be asked to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony.”

“I dealt with learning difficulties when I was their age and I wish I had a place like Wye River when I was in high school. I hope I can extend a few words of wisdom to the graduates based on my challenges throughout life that will help them as they move to adulthood,” says Leilich.

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.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Wye River Upper School

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