The Gunston School celebrated its 112th commencement this past Saturday, June 10, honoring the Class of 2023 with a waterfront ceremony overlooking the Corsica River, as family and friends looked on. The procession began with Bagpiper Robert Wallace, followed by school faculty and staff, and then the graduating seniors. 

Head of School John Lewis introduced the commencement speaker, John A. “Johnny” O’Brien, the President Emeritus of the Milton Hershey School, Trustee Emeritus of Princeton University, and the founder of Renaissance Leadership, Inc. Additionally, he is the author of “Semisweet: An Orphan’s Journey through the School the Hersheys Built.” He has been a keynote speaker, seminar leader, and high performance coach for more than 50,000 managers and executives. He did this for over 25 years, until he was called back to save the orphanage which had saved his life. 

“I discovered that adversity is an advantage when well processed with advocates,” said O’Brien. “You know what they look like, they have surrounded you in this amazing Gunston family for years! Your teachers, your coaches, your advisors and administrators. They won’t leave your heart but they must leave your side and it’ll be your essential job to replicate them.” 

Mr. Lewis and Gunston’s Chair of the Board Patrick Shoemaker ’03 then presented each graduate with their diploma, individually handcrafted by faculty member Michael Kaylor on an antique letterpress. This year’s senior class had a successful college admission season and worked hard to earn $10 million dollars in merit scholarships. 

This year’s valedictorian honor (also called the Samuel A. Middleton Award) was bestowed upon Zacharia (Zach) Mozher of Middletown, Del. “[Zach] has a mathematically perfect final GPA, having taken the most rigorous course load in the class, including 8 honors courses, and 11 AP courses, where he has already earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, [as well as being] named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. […] In his free time, he anchored our ESIAC championship cross-country team and our State Champion triathlon team, and he’s a stalwart member of our Model UN and Mock Trial teams. In the fall, he’s off to Princeton University, where we know he will represent himself, and Gunston, with distinction,” said Mr. Lewis.

Mr. Mozher had this parting wisdom for classmates, “Work hard for the future, yes, save up money for the future, but never put off your happiness for the future, because I promise you, that sacrifice is not worth it. Chase your dreams but don’t put your life on hold for them. Life starts now. So enjoy the journey, enjoy college. Fill your days with as many experiences and relationships as you can. Make the most of what little time we have on this Earth.”

Presented by Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis, the prestigious Gunston Award, which began in 1969 and is “unique in that it’s chosen by the vote of the entire school community,” was presented to Damian René of Easton, Md. 

“The State of Maryland requires independent school graduates to have a minimum of 21 credits and Gunston requires 24. This student is finishing high school with a total of 30 credits including nine honors, 11 AP’s, three advanced online college programs, two internal year-long independent studies, multiple club memberships, numerous awards and honors for character, leadership and service, all reflect this student’s high level of responsibility and awareness and appreciation of differences,” said Ms. Grabis. 

The graduates are listed here with the honors presented to them the day before on Friday, June 9 during the school’s Green & White Awards ceremony, which featured the valedictorian address. 

Graduating Seniors & Recognitions:
Nicholas “Nick” Abell (Crownsville) Math Award, National Merit Commended Scholar; Zachary “Zack” Adams (Centreville); Madilyn “Maddie” Algier (Easton); Olivia Amygdalos (Wyoming, Del.) Sciences Award; Kelby Booth (Denton) Bobi Kendall Memorial Scholarship; McKinsey Brown (Centreville); Julia Buchanan (Centreville) The Faculty Award; Katelyn “Kate” Campbell (Centreville) 12 Star Award; Nicasio “Nick” Ceruolo (Annapolis); Sadie Cloud (Easton); Thomas “Tom” de los Reyes (Annapolis) History Award; Céline Denat (Switzerland) Immersion Award; Charles Evans (Chester); Grace Evans (Chester); Olivia Faff (Easton); Xuanyao “Henry” Feng (Centreville); Jenna Frederick (Grasonville); Alanna Grace (Centreville); Catherine Hansen (Cambridge); Natalie Henry (Centreville); Cooper Hightower (Stevensville); Sarah “Eli” Ireland (Centreville) Environmental Stewardship Award; Nicolás “Nico” Izquierdo (Spain); Thomas “Cy” Johnston (Severna Park); Paget Kellogg (Oxford); Ian Kissel (Annapolis); Tess Kontarinis (Wittman) Fine Art Award; Katherine “Kate” Kroncke (Grasonville) 12 Star Award; Paige Kroncke (Grasonville) 12 Star Award; Aiden Lafferty (Chestertown); Garrett Lang (Trappe); Jennie LaTorre (Chester); YaXin “Angelina” Lin (Middletown, Del.) Diversity Leadership Award, Literature Award; Virginia “Ella” MacGlashan (Centreville); Julia McClary (Warwick) The Anita Gruss Athletic Award, 12 Star Award; Calla McCluskey (Centreville) Theater Award; Ava Melvin (Ridgely); Zacharia “Zach” Mozher (Middletown, Del.) Valedictorian (Middleton) Award, Spanish Award, 12 Star Award, National Merit Finalist; Christopher “Bates” Nittle (Easton) Music Award; Elizabeth “Lane” Parkhurst (Centreville) Leadership Award; Grace Anne Phillips (Stevensville); Miranda Pope (Port Tobacco); Nathan Porter (Centreville); Julia Reed (Chestertown); Damian René (Easton) The Gunston Award, Engineering Award, National Merit Commended Scholar; Andrew Rich (Annapolis), Mekonnen Sahle-Selassie (Easton) The Anita Gruss Athletic Award, 12 Star Award, NROTC Award; Aaron Sanderson (Annapolis) 12 Star Award, Merchant Marine Academy Award; MacKenzie Smith (Stevensville) English Award, Senior Paradigm Winner; William Stuart (Oxford); Finnegan “Finn” Theeke (Easton) Music Award; Liam Thomas (Arnold); Aidan Trautman (Centreville) Moore Award for Improvement; Brielle Tyler (Denton); Isabelle Wagner (Chestertown) Community Service Award, 12 Star Award; Autumn Watson, (Centreville) Computer Science Award, 12 Star Award; Yining Wei (China); Oliver White (Easton) 12 Star Award, NROTC Award; Jiacheng “Jason” Ye (China); and Linze “Alfred” Zhao (China).

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located on 75 waterfront acres in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information. 

Pictured standing left (l-r) is commencement speaker Johnny O’Brien, Head of School John Lewis, and pictured standing right (l-r) is Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis and Gunston’s Chair of the Board Patrick Shoemaker ’03. Not pictured is Nicolás “Nico” Izquierdo (Spain).

Students (l-r)
Front Row: MacKenzie Smith (Stevensville), Autumn Watson, (Centreville), Olivia Faff (Easton), Ava Melvin (Ridgely), Julia McClary (Warwick), Virginia “Ella” MacGlashan (Centreville), Alanna Grace (Centreville); Katelyn “Kate” Campbell (Centreville),  Jenna Frederick (Grasonville), Calla McCluskey (Centreville), Katherine “Kate” Kroncke (Grasonville), Jennie LaTorre (Chester), and Olivia Amygdalos (Wyoming, Del.). 

Second Row: Natalie Henry (Centreville), Grace Anne Phillips (Stevensville), YaXin “Angelina” Lin (Middletown, Del.), Sarah “Eli” Ireland (Centreville), Catherine Hansen (Cambridge), Julia Reed (Chestertown), Céline Denat (Switzerland), Sadie Cloud (Easton), Madilyn “Maddie” Algier (Easton), Elizabeth “Lane” Parkhurst (Centreville), Brielle Tyler (Denton), Paige Kroncke (Grasonville), and Miranda Pope (Port Tobacco). 

Third Row: Julia Buchanan (Centreville), Tess Kontarinis (Wittman), Grace Evans (Chester), Xuanyao “Henry” Feng (Centreville), Jiacheng “Jason” Ye (China), Aaron Sanderson (Annapolis), Paget Kellogg (Oxford), Zachary “Zack” Adams (Centreville), Kelby Booth (Denton), McKinsey Brown (Centreville), and Isabelle Wagner (Chestertown).

Fourth Row: Yining Wei (China), Linze “Alfred” Zhao (China), Finnegan “Finn” Theeke (Easton), Aiden Lafferty (Chestertown), William Stuart (Oxford), Ian Kissel (Annapolis), Nathan Porter (Centreville), Thomas “Tom” de los Reyes (Annapolis), Nicasio “Nick” Ceruolo (Annapolis), Aidan Trautman (Centreville), and Thomas “Cy” Johnston (Severna Park). 

Fifth Row: Liam Thomas (Arnold), Nicholas “Nick” Abell (Crownsville), Andrew Rich (Annapolis), Garrett Lang (Trappe), Christopher “Bates” Nittle (Easton), Mekonnen Sahle-Selassie (Easton), Damian René (Easton), Oliver White (Easton), Charles Evans (Chester), Cooper Hightower (Stevensville), and Zacharia “Zach” Mozher (Middletown, Del.).

This year’s valedictorian honor (also called the Samuel A. Middleton Award) was bestowed upon Zacharia (Zach) Mozher of Middletown, Del. (pictured right) with Gunston Head of School John Lewis.

Assistant Head of School Christie Grabis presents the The Gunson Award to Damian René of Easton, Md., pictured left with Mrs. Grabis.

On Tuesday, May 16, The Gunston School inducted Joe Cusimano ’12 to the Athletic Hall of Fame for his exceptional performances in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse during his time at the school. His long list of accomplishments include being the boys lacrosse record-holder for career scoring with 205 goals and 75 assists. In a single season, he holds the number one record with 79 goals and 23 assists during the 2011 season. In 2010, 2011, and 2012 he was named Gunston’s MVP. During his senior season, he was selected as the Varsity Lacrosse Captain and as the winner of the Bob Scott Award, given to a lacrosse player who exemplifies teamwork, sportsmanship and citizenship.

Cusimano, originally from Centreville, Md., is also known for how he stacked up among other athletes on the Eastern Shore. He made the ESIAC Lacrosse All Conference 1st team twice (2011 and 2012). In 2010, he was a part of the ESIAC All Conference 2nd team. He was awarded ESIAC Player of the Year in 2012. Aside from his work in lacrosse, in 2009, Joe was selected to be the Junior Varsity Basketball Captain. He also was a part of the ESIAC All Conference 1st Team for Soccer in 2009 and 2010. Gunston welcomed former teacher, coach and fellow Gunston Hall-of-Famer Ned Southworth to present the award who described Cusimano’s many accomplishments.

After accepting his award, Cusimano thanked his family, his coach, teammates, teachers, and Gunston’s former Athletic Director Anita Gruss. “Earning this award means a lot to me. I can truly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without Gunston and sports and the people that enjoyed them with me during the four years I was here. Lacrosse and Gunston Athletics gave me a time to shine and […] helped me develop some of the most important skills in life. It allowed me to become a teammate, a leader, a problem solver, and taught me how to succeed and make the most of every opportunity, even when we weren’t always winning. Gunston enabled me to develop the attributes that got me through college at Auburn, my first and second job, and now has been a large contributor to a very successful business that I’ve recently created with my partners. […] It’s an honor to be back here.”

Photo: On Tuesday, May 16, The Gunston School inducted Joe Cusimano ’12 to the Athletic Hall of Fame for his exceptional performances in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Former Gunston teacher, coach and fellow Hall-of-Famer Ned Southworth presented the award. Pictured (l-r) Head of School John Lewis, Ned Southworth, Bobbie Cusimano, Joe Cusimano, Michael Cusimano III, Michael Cusimano Jr., Vince Cusimano, Patrick Gillespie ’09, Former Director of Athletics Anita Gruss, and pictured in front is Maria (Cusimano) Gillespie ’10 and Caroline Gillespie.

After graduating from Gunston, Cusimano went on to play lacrosse at Auburn University where he was named Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) Honorable Mention All-Conference Attack, SouthEastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC) Player of the Year & SELC Rookie of the Year all in 2013. Joe graduated from Auburn University in 2016 and now is a Certified Public Accountant for a Financial Group in the Washington, DC area.

Gunston’s Athletic Hall of Fame was established to honor and recognize those individuals who, through their accomplishments, have brought pride and distinction to Gunston and the community as either an athlete, coach, administrator, or contributor to the success and development of Gunston’s athletic program.

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 Gunston School is pleased to announce that three members of the graduating class of 2023 have earned recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program. Nicholas (Nick) Abell of Crownsville, Md., and Damian René of Easton, Md., received commendations, an acknowledgement given to students who participate in the program and demonstrate exceptional academic ability, recognizing their outstanding performance.

Additionally, Zacharia (Zach) Mozher of Middletown, Del., was named a National Merit finalist, a prestigious designation that places him among the top 15,000 students in the country, representing less than one percent of high school seniors.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual competition that honors academically gifted students across the United States. It recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and have exhibited remarkable potential for future success.

Nick is headed to Furman University to study mathematics, Zach is headed to Princeton University to study medicine, and Damian René is headed to Swarthmore College to study computer science and cognitive science.

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 Golfing “fore” Gunston IV fundraiser on Monday, May 1 at the Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville welcomed 101 golfers including Gunston alumni, parents, past parents, and community supporters. A 9 a.m. shotgun start began the day, with teams competing for prizes while enjoying food, drinks and fun give-aways.

The day’s winners include: Men’s First Place with a score of -19, Creg Fleetwood, Casey Grieves, Barton Shaw and Brian Bowser, and Women’s First Place/Mixed with a score of -10, Dane and Mary Ways, P’18 and Chuck and Jen Batchelder received prizes of Yeti Carryall totes and gift certificates to Prospect Bay’s pro shop. 

The winner of the Men’s Longest Drive was Creg Fleetwood, and for Women’s Longest Drive, the winner was Vicki Dean with a prize of a MV2 Golf bag. Men’s Closest to the Pin winner was George Subioni, with a prize of a Prospect Bay Foursome and Women’s Closest to the Pin winner was Chesley Nonemaker, P’27 with a prize of a brand new Bat-Caddy X3R electric cart. Last Place Winners were Sean Matthews, Tyler King, and Michelle and Chip Compton, with a prize of brand new pickleball racquets and ball and Dick’s Sporting Goods gift certificates.

While golfers enjoyed their day on the links, other guests enjoyed both tennis and a lively pickleball match, “Dinking for Gunston,” organized by the Hallmark Family, P’24. “Not everyone golfs so we wanted to make sure we included other options for people to show their support. Pickleball was very successful this year and we can’t wait to incorporate it into next year’s event as well,” said Gunston’s Director of Events Lynda Scull. 

Additionally, a concurrently running online silent auction, the Gunston Biddersnest, offered items such as golf packages, a weekend getaway, photography sessions and more. Together, the golf tournament and the auction raised close to $30,000 toward Gunston’s annual giving program, which allows the school the ability to offer more than 60% of its students financial aid, provide additional enrichment and hands-on opportunities that extend beyond the classroom for both students and faculty, and more. 

“This is an amazing event,” said Gray Shannahan ’05, one of the event’s tournament sponsors and Gunston Alum. “You know, it wasn’t until I got out of college that I realized how special a place Gunston really is. Who else gets to go to a high school that’s on the water? […] It’s just really an amazing school and community and we’re excited to see the wonderful stuff you have planned for the future.”

“I really want to thank our volunteers who help us put on these wonderful events,” shared Gunston’s Head of School John Lewis. “They offer their time, their support, and it just means the world to both myself and the entire community.”

Event Sponsors included Tournament Sponsors Atlantic Cruising Yachts (Dawn & Christian Bent, P’25 ’27), Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Easton (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P ’23 ’25), Dani & Rick de los Reyes, P’23, Palmieri & Shannahan Financial Planning (Gray Shannahan ’05) and What’s Up? Media Company. The Crush Station was sponsored by Easton Dermatology Associates, LLC (Brigitte & Dr. Donald Stanahan, P’25 ’27) and the Grilling Station was sponsored by “Friends of Gunston.” Ceremony sponsors include Gillespie & Son, Inc. (The Gillespie Family, P’07 ’09 ’20 ’22 ’24) and Molly’s Place Sporting Goods (Nick & Katie Shajwani, P’26). Refreshment sponsors include Mirando Chiropractic Center (Kristy & Dominick Mirando, P’25), Dr. Laurie Lewis and John Lewis, Shore United Bank, Kent School, Callahan’s Gas & Appliance (Dana & Mark Callahan, P’22), Dogwood Acres (Audrey & Kurt Reichardt, P’21), and The Country School.

Contest sponsors include Ms. Alice Ryan ’75, the Shifrin Family, P’21 and the Radcliffe Creek School. 

Hole sponsors include RBC Wealth Management, Hoyas ’94, McCrone Hartwell Engineering, R&D Electric, Queenstown Bank, the Algier Family, P’23 ’26, the Sanderson Family, P’22 ’23, Gunther McClary Real Estate, Moorhouse Electrical Services and Long & Foster Real Estate (Dane Ways, P’18).

A special thanks to Premium Distributors of Maryland, Centreville, for providing drinks and refreshments.

Gunston Biddersnest Auction Donors: Links at Perry Cabin, Prospect Bay Country Club, Serino Orthodontics, New York Vacation (Karen Pupke, P’25), Gunston School Experiences, ReFocus Studios, and Chester River Country Club (Dan Philippon, P’25).

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 Gunston School is pleased to announce that three more members of the class of 2023 have signed their letters of intent to play sports at the college level, for a total of 9 students and 15% of the senior class, beating the national average for the second year in a row. At a recent signing ceremony this past Wednesday, April 26, students and their families along with coaches and faculty gathered in the Alice R. Ryan Family Library to celebrate their accomplishments. Nationwide, a little over 7% of high school athletes (about 1 in 13) go on to play a varsity sport in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) go on to play at NCAA Division I schools.

Miranda Pope of Port Tobacco, Md. will be cheering for High Point University. Pope is an integral member of Cheer Extreme All Stars—Maryland, where she was named both MVP and Captain, winning “The One and The Worlds” competition in 2021. Most recently, she led her team to the Level 6 World Championship in Florida at the ESPN World Wide of Sports Competition in 2022.

Gunston’s College Guidance Co-Director Tony D’Antonio commented, “Miranda has what I call a NEVER GIVE UP approach to THINGS. We all face setbacks and obstacles along the way, but it’s how we respond to these challenges that defines us. Over this past year, I have had many meetings with Miranda as she has remained focused on her academic progress and her college application process. This focus has earned Miranda offers of admission to Auburn, Ole Miss, Palm Beach Atlantic, and of course, where she will be competing as an NCAA Division I Cheerleader—at High Point University.” In addition to cheer, Pope played volleyball and lacrosse at Gunston.

Aaron Sanderson of Annapolis, Md. will be playing soccer for the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Sanderson began playing the sport at age four, joining his first club travel team (Maryland United FC) at age 10, in addition to playing for Gunston. “I was originally interested in USMMA for the education and the opportunities I would have after college,  but being able to play on their soccer team made me want to go there even more,” he said.

“Aaron’s commitment, work ethic, and leadership had a tremendous positive impact on our soccer program and on his teammates,” said Juan Angarita, Gunston’s Head Coach for Boys Varsity Soccer and faculty member. “In his early years at Gunston, Aaron quickly became a pillar of strength for our varsity team.  Not only did he display an exceptional aptitude as a goalie, but he impressed the coaches and teammates with his outstanding foot skills. […] During the fall of 2021, Aaron scored 6 goals and in the fall of 2022 he scored 8 goals. In both seasons he also had more than 10 assists. Undoubtedly,  his leadership and ability on the pitch helped our team reach the championship game two years in a row. As a result, Aaron was selected for the ESIAC all conference team for both seasons and in his last season he received the coach’s award.”

Aidan Trautman of Centreville, Md. will be running cross country for Emory and Henry College. Trautman joined what was then a newly-formed cross country team at Gunston in his ninth grade year. At the time, he was also involved in travel baseball but decided to shift his focus to cross country training. Additionally, Trautman has also participated in the Triathlon program.

Gunston’s Cross Country and Triathlon Coach Bobby Stephenson said, “I once explained a very simple mantra to the cross country team and Aidan is the embodiment of that mantra: If you want to run fast, you have to run fast! Aidan absolutely took this to heart and for him what it really means is that you have to work really hard to achieve your goals. […] The transformation that Aidan has made from his [ninth grade] year to now is astonishing and that transformation is entirely the product of goal-setting. Each year Aidan has shown up with very clear goals, both for himself and for the team, and each year he has achieved those goals, from running a sub-20 minute 5K his sophomore year (check), winning a conference championship (check, twice), earning all-conference honors (check, three times) to a goal that he’s set for himself just three days from now, to run a sub-17 minute 5K. He’s been a role model for his teammates in this way and he’s become a leader that is irreplaceable.”

“I’m most looking forward to the incredible experience that Emory & Henry has to offer. From the entirely new environment, the awesome teachers I’ve already met, to the new cross country team I get to work with, I look forward to spending my college experience and my next few years there,” said Trautman.

Photo: (seated, l-r) Gunston seniors Aaron Sanderson (Annapolis, Md.), Miranda Pope (Port Tobacco, Md.) and Aidan Trautman (Centreville, Md.) Pictured (standing, l-r) Gunston’s Director of Athletics Josh Breto, Gunston Faculty & Coach Juan Angarita, Bob Sanderson, Michelle Montalbano, Gunston’s Co-Director of College Guidance Tony D’Antonio, Naté Pope, Charlie Stinchcomb & Jean Stephens Stinchcomb, Tiffany and Brian Trautman and Gunston Faculty & Coach Bobby Stephenson. 

The Gunston School Athletics Program has 19 interscholastic teams, as well as several recreational athletic offerings. 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 Gunston School hosted the Maryland State High School Rowing Championship on Saturday, April 23, 2023 at their 75-acre waterfront campus in Centreville, Md. In addition to Gunston rowers, the event welcomed Elizabeth Seton High School, Roland Park Country School, Freedom Rowers and Baltimore Community Rowing to campus to compete.

The event was sponsored by Washington College with races beginning at 8:30 a.m. Rowers competed in a 1,500-meter sprint style race on the Corsica River. Events included doubles, 4’s and 8’s in Men & Women’s Varsity, JV, and Novice levels.

“Our rowers have worked tremendously hard all season,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Gunston’s Waterfront & Head Rowing Coach Natalie Reading ’16. “They’ve been committed to workouts and staying focused both on and off the water. Saturday was a moment for all of that hard work to be put on display. I am incredibly proud of our team’s performance, and looking forward to seeing how we will build on this momentum.”

Gunston earned four first place finishes throughout the day. The women’s varsity four, women’s JV four, women’s varsity eight, and men’s varsity 4 all took home gold medals. Gunston’s men’s double, who has been rowing together for 3 days, took bronze in their event. The men’s novice eight claimed second, and men’s JV four took third.

“It was an incredibly windy day that tested rowers, coxswains, and coaches alike,” explained Reading. “Athletes were rowing into the wind, fighting their way down the course. The day concluded with the Women’s Varsity 8 race, shortened due to choppy water on the first half of the course. Roland Park and Gunston fought back and forth to be out in front all the way down the race course, with Gunston pulling out ahead during their sprint.”

For the day’s full results, click here.

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located on 75 waterfront acres in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information. 

The Gunston School will be holding its spring fundraiser, Golfing “fore” Gunston IV, on Monday, May 1, 2023 at Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, Md. Tournament Sponsor Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is giving away a chance to win a VIP Foursome. Purchase a Hole or Contest sponsorship between now and April 23 and you will be registered to win! The winner will be announced Monday, April 24.

This year’s event welcomes a record five Tournament Sponsors including Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P’23 ’25), Dani & Rick de los Reyes, P’23, Atlantic Cruising Yachts (Christian & Dawn Bent, P’25), Palmieri & Shannahan, (Gray Shannahan 05) and What’s Up? Media.

New this year is the addition of a pickleball tournament organized by Andy & Micelle Hallmark, P’24. If you’d like to show your support by connecting with other members of the Gunston community, come out and enjoy the day playing tennis followed by your choice of lunch options that are hand selected by the chef and paired with wine and dessert.  We have two tennis courts available for your tennis match as well as afternoon pickleball sessions available!

Returning this year are our popular Grilling and Crush Stations, sponsored by Heron Heroes Easton Dermatology Associates, LLC (Brigitte & Dr. Donald Stranahan, P’23) and Friends of Gunston. Golfers will be vying to win prizes such as a Bat-Caddy X4 Sport, MNML MV2 Golf Bags, Yeti Cooler Bags, Pro Shop gift cards, and more.

Additionally, beginning Monday, April 24, the Gunston Biddersnest online silent auction will go live, offering the chance to bid on items such as a golf simulator session, a full day Gunston Watershed Experience for a family of 4-6 plus lunch, a weekend in the Big Apple, and more. Auction winners will be announced at the golf awards ceremony on May 1.

Golf registration is $175 per player or $675 per foursome and $165 for alumni golfers and $650 for alumni foursomes. Sponsorships are also available, ranging from $150 up to $3,000 and include the opportunity for businesses to get their name and logo in front of the entire Gunston community of students, parents, alumni, and local community members. Proceeds from the event supports Gunston’s annual giving program, which offers students and faculty opportunities beyond what tuition would typically pay for.

Crew Station sponsors include Heron Heroes “Friends of Gunston” and Easton Dermatology Associates (Brigitte & Dr. Donald Stranahan, P’23). Ceremony sponsors include Heron Heroes Gillespie & Son, Inc. (The Gillespie Family, P’07’09’20’22’24) and Molly’s Place Sporting Goods (The Shajwani Family, P’26). Refreshment sponsors include Shore United Bank (The Augustus Family, P’26), Dr. Laurie Lewis and John Lewis, Mirando Chiropractic Center (Kristy & Dominic Mirando, P’25), Callahan’s Gas Inc. (Mark & Dana Callahan, P’22), Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat, The Country School and Kent School. Hole sponsors include R&D Electric, Dane P. Ways, P’18 of Long & Foster, McCrone Hartwell Engineering, Queenstown Bank, The Sanderson Family, P’22’23, Moorhouse Electric, Tony Drew and The Algier Family, P’23’26.

Visit https://www.gunston.org/giving/golfing-fore-gunston-2023  to register for the outing or a sponsorship (or both!), or call Event Director Lynda Scull at 410-758-0620, ext. 1200 or email [email protected].

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 Gunston School is pleased to announce their School Nurse/Health Coordinator Fairuz Manion, PhDc, MSN, RN has been awarded the 2023 Outstanding Private, Independent, and Parochial School Nurse (PIPSN) Award by the the PIPSN Special Interest Group of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN).

This award recognizes school nurses who demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise, research and education, management, mentoring, advocacy and leadership with a scholarship to both the NASN Conference and the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses (MASHN) annual conference.

Manion leads the school’s overall approach to health, wellness, and health education, working with the school’s leadership to deliver a best practices health and wellness education program. She oversees student care management, employee care management, employee wellness program coordination, mental health support, and instructing the ninth grade wellness course.

Additionally, Manion secured grant funding to equip the campus with all new automated external defibrillator (AED) devices and leads the school’s annual trainings on First Aid, CPR, AED, epipens, Narcan administration, bloodborne pathogens, and “Stop the Bleed” programs. She organizes and administers vaccination clinics for employees and coordinates the school’s feminine hygiene program.

“Ms. Manion’s impressive resume details her many educational accomplishments,” said Christine Ratych, President of MASHN Executive Board. “She has served as a faculty member at several universities and also several years in clinical practice. She is also very involved in her community as well as her school.”

Before Manion joined The Gunston School in 2020, she worked for BayHealth Medical Center in Dover for more than 15 years, specializing in patient care, discharge planning, and overseeing outreach programs aimed to prevent communicable diseases and comorbidities within the state of Delaware. She also routinely volunteered as a substitute school nurse for Holy Cross Elementary for a number of years. She has a Masters degree in Community Health, and an extensive background in nursing education, serving recently as a Professor at Wesley College, Wilmington University, and Ana G. Mendez University.

Head of School John Lewis reflected, “Since she started at Gunston during the pandemic, Nurse Manion has improved and sustained a culture of health and safety at Gunston. In addition to being a caring and skilled nurse for students who are ill or injured, she’s integrated a series of innovative, best-practices measures for the entire community.”

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located on 75 waterfront acres in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Gunston School is pleased to announce that the Maryland State High School Rowing Championship will be hosted on their 75-acre waterfront campus in Centreville, Md. on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The first race will begin at 8:30 a.m. with rowers competing in a 1,500-meter sprint style race on the Corsica River. Categories include 4’s and 8’s in Men & Women’s Varsity, JV, and Novice levels. An awards ceremony will follow at the conclusion of the race.

“We are very excited to host this event for the first time,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Gunston’s Waterfront & Head Rowing Coach Natalie Reading ’16.

Spectators are welcome to bring chairs and/or blankets. Gunston’s campus is a smoke/vape, alcohol and drug-free campus. Leashed dogs are welcome as long as owners clean up after their pets. Restroom facilities and ample parking are available. A detailed schedule of events will be posted on Gunston’s website by Wednesday, April 19 at https://www.gunston.org/athletic/mdhsrc.

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located on 75 waterfront acres in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

In the second part of a two-phase acquisition, The Gunston School is pleased to announce that the school has secured an additional 15-acres of waterfront property adjacent to the campus. This new property, in addition to the 25 acres acquired in November of 2022, were part of the estate of the late Carter (Middleton) Bond, the granddaughter of the school’s founder, Samuel and Mary Middleton.

This second acquisition, which closed on February 21st, includes a waterfront lot adjacent to the Gunston’s current Corsica River shoreline, and it grows the campus footprint from 60 acres to 75 acres. Overall, the recent two-phase expansion has expanded the school’s campus by 114%.

Head of School John Lewis shared, “For the better part of a year, we have been working closely with the Middleton-Bond family to make this a reality. Their century-long relationship with the school gave the family the vision to understand how this additional space will serve the school’s next generation of students and educators.”

Photo: The Gunston School’s second acquisition of land includes a waterfront lot adjacent to the Gunston’s current Corsica River shoreline, and it grows the campus footprint from 60 acres to 75 acres. Overall, the recent two-phase expansion has grown the school’s campus by 114%, with the red line denoting where the original 35-acres ended.

“In the immediate term,” Lewis continued, “we will use this additional space to serve our athletic, environmental education, and summer programs. In the longer term, now that we have further enhanced one of most beautiful independent school campuses on the East Coast, we will need to reshape our campus master plan. Our ongoing goal is to serve as an essential part of the Queen Anne’s County and Mid-shore educational ecosystem for hundreds of students during the school year and through our Horizons and YMCA summer programs.”

Gunston’s Board Chair Patrick Shoemaker (03’) noted, “Gunston’s waterfront is central to our school’s identity, curriculum, and program. It extends a campus shoreline where so many students have thrived over the years, including me when I was a student here. Let me again acknowledge our Board of Trustees for their vision and skill over the past few months. This was a complex process, and the Board never lost sight of the acquisition’s long-term benefits to the school.”