Wye River Upper School announces will host a virtual event with transgender Disney + Star, Sage Dolan-Sandrino, and her mother, Karen Dolan.

Registration is open to the public for the open-format conversation with Sage Dolan-Sandrino and Karen Dolan, as they discuss what it is like to be and to raise a transgender teenager in today’s age. Known most recently for starring in episode 5 of the Disney + docuseries, Growing UP, Sage shared her journey from a young girl finding the words and space to be herself to leading and creating room for others to do the same. Having transitioned at age 13, Sage quickly claimed her place in the world as a trans-Afro-Cuban public leader and activist for transgender youth. Sage ignites change through her work with the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Transgender Equality. She is the producer of National Black Justice Coalition’s most recent creative project, FLOWER, a video interview series that celebrates trans-women, made possible through the Monica Roberts Fellowship award. Sage is the Founder and Creative Director of The Team Mag, a digital zine. She also serves on the advisory board of Gucci’s CHIME FOR CHANGE and the National Black Justice Coalition’s Black Trans Advisory Board. Sage was named one of The Kennedy Center for Performing Art’s inaugural Social Practice Resident artists in 2019.

Karen Dolan is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies. She appears regularly in print and radio regarding issues of domestic poverty, economic policy, and gender diversity. Karen is Sage’s mother and appears with Sage in Disney+’s docuseries Growing Up.

Head of School, Stephanie Folarin shares, “We are delighted to have Sage and Karen join us on December 1. Their expertise in this area is invaluable. We are so excited to share their knowledge and passions with our community.

About Wye River Upper School
Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn
differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at traciespence@wyeriverupperschool.org.

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, Wye River Upper School (WRUS) held its 20th Anniversary Gala at the Talbot Country Club in Easton, MD. With 140 guests in attendance, the school raised over $105,000 in net revenue- a WRUS record-breaking amount. To help celebrate the school’s 20-year legacy of changing the lives of students who learn differently, the evening featured live music from the Gold City Band, a silent auction of seven exciting experiential items, and a “Glitz in a Glass” station where guests played the game of chance by choosing a champagne glass in hopes of winning an item of jewelry donated by Shearer the jeweler. Guests enjoyed the delicious gourmet meal offerings led by the talented Talbot Country Club executive chef David Hayes and his team.

Midway through the event, board member Clayton Railey, and long-time supporter, Richard Tilghman lead a “Stop the Auction” to raise funds to support the school’s Financial Aid program. The goal of $50,000 was largely exceeded, with a total of over $64,000 raised. As part of Wye River’s mission, the school works to make its educational experience accessible for all students, no matter their walk of life or financial background.

WRUS Head of School, Stephanie Borges Folarin comments on the guests in attendance and the atmosphere of the evening, “The warmth of the eastern and western shores was on display on October 1 as we celebrated our 20th Anniversary! Honoring the people who’ve been supportive since Wye River opened its doors and toasting with our newer friends was a joy. Our community is filled with love, friendship, and support. We are excited to share the next 20, 40, 60 years with this fantastic community.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the school’s valuable mission to educate and serve the needs of students who learn differently due to dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, high-functioning autism, and more. The school’s program provides a well-rounded, rigorous, individualized curriculum that recognizes and develops each student’s strengths. WRUS offers an inclusive and uniquely supportive environment enabling each student to thrive and grow socially and academically. WRUS enrolls students from eleven different Maryland and Delaware counties. For 20 years, Wye River has been changing student lives by:

· providing unique real-world experiences that bring students out of the classroom and into the community,

· making possible generous financial awards that open Wye River’s doors to all families and students,

· investing in project-based learning opportunities that allow students to engage in authentic inquiry,

· supporting the Executive Functioning needs of students, and so much more.

Wye River Upper School shares its deepest gratitude for its generous sponsorships from the following community members:

Host Sponsor The Seip Family Foundation

Lead Sponsor Soistman Family Dentistry & Associates

Diamond Sponsors Out of the Fire, Pam & Jim Harris

Platinum Sponsors For All Seasons, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7464, John & Susan Devlin

Gold Sponsors Accounting Strategies Group, LLC, Bridges Behavioral Health and Wellness, Queenstown Bank, Law Office of Patrick J. Fitzgerald, LLC, Dukes-Moore Insurance Agency, Willow Construction, Andy & Gretchen Cheezum, Peter Stifel & Hughlett Kirby, Ed & Elaine Bednarz, Richard & Ellen Bodorff, Tom & Cathy Mendenhall, Beverly & Richard Tilghman, Peter, and Diane Pappas

Silver Sponsors ProMD Health, Shore United Bank

To learn more about how you can support Wye River Upper School and help them celebrate its 20th Anniversary, contact Emma Rose Mumma- Director of Development and Philanthropy, at 443-262-8256 or emmamumma@wyeriverupperschool.org.

Wye River Upper School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is focused on students who learn differently, discovering through innovation, developing with rigor, and celebrating their strengths while preparing for success in college, career, and life.

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.

Wye River Upper School will hold an in-person open house on Thursday, April 21,  2022 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Prospective families will have the opportunity to see the depth of the academic, social and emotional impact Wye River Upper School has on high school students. Families will also be able to meet and speak with faculty and staff, parents and students. Registration is required: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/admissions/open-house-event/

Wye River School, the brainchild of Chrissy Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, opened its doors in September of 2002 when Aull struggled to find a high school for her son with learning differences. Twenty years and 900 graduates later, Wye River continues to provide the educational and social experiences for students to become successful and fulfilled in all walks of life. Last year, those paths included students who aspire to attend medical school, act on Broadway and to become certified as an underwater welder.

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, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact traciespence@wyeriverupperschool.org or call 443-262-8292.