The Gunston School is proud to announce the induction of the legendary 2000 Varsity Field Hockey Team into the Gunston’s Athletic Hall of Fame. This exceptional team carved their place in Gunston history with a dominant season, finishing with an impressive 13-3-2 record and clinching both the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference’s (ESIAC) regular season and tournament championships, a first for the newly-reincorporated Gunston Day School at the time. Not only was this their first season in the ESIAC, but it was also the first time Gunston had won a championship of any kind. They’re also the first team to be inducted into the hall of fame.

Under the guidance of Coach Anita Gruss—who also won the ESIAC’s Coach of the Year Award in 2000—the field hockey team not only demonstrated athletic excellence but also set the standard for teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Captains Carrie Fredland ’01 (ESIAC Player of the Year), Rachael Osberger ’01, and Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01 (ESIAC Tournament MVP) led the team. The team’s success was widely recognized across the conference and region. Seven players earned ESIAC All-Conference honors: Jenny Dey ’03, Carrie Fredland ’01, Rachael Osberger ’01, Shaw Strannahan ’02, Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01, Summer Veltman ’02, and Laura Williams ’03. Four players—Diana Jeffra ’01, Fletcher Johnson ’01, Strannahan ’02, and Terpeluk Parker ’01—were named to the ESIAC All-Tournament Team. Terpeluk Parker also earned First Team honors on the Star Democrat All Mid-Shore Field Hockey Team, with Strannahan and Osberger named to the Second Team, and Fredland receiving Honorable Mention.

“The biggest part of this team’s success was our three captains, [Fredland, Osberger and (Terpeluk) Parker]. It was like having three assistant coaches, which was a luxury,” said Ms. Gruss. “They helped manage things and they believed in my plan and they supported it and the team one hundred percent.”

The full roster of the Hall of Fame inductees includes: Katie Willis ’01, Elizabeth Miller Walters ’01, Sarah Ross ’02, Katie Scott ’01, Cullen West Raphael ’01, Diana Jeffra ’01, Chrissie (Terpeluk) Parker ’01, Rachel Osberger ’01, Carrie Fredland ’01, Rita Baghdadi ’03, Cristina (Laggini) Mudge ’03, Ora Beth (Mika) Mills ’03, Summer (Veltman) Denise ’02, Katie (Graham) Phillips ’04, Megan (Moore) Dunne ’04, Fletcher Johnson ’01, Laura Williams ’03, Shaw Strannahan ’02, Lauren Breslin ’03, Jenny Dey ’03, and Coach Anita Gruss, who previously served as Gunston’s Director of Athletics for years.

A powerful evening of reflection and conversation will take place Monday, May 19, as the Talbot Family Network partners with Building African American Minds (BAAM) to present a screening of the documentary film ‘Get on the Bus’ as part of the ongoing Conversations on Race series.

The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. at BAAM’s Academic Center in Easton and includes a light dinner catered by BAAM’s Island Taste culinary team.

The contemporary ‘Get on the Bus’ film invites viewers to travel alongside 56 students and adults on a five-day journey from Kent County, Maryland, to historic civil rights landmarks in the Deep South.

Their pilgrimage, which began with a soil collection ceremony in Chestertown in May 2022, includes visits to the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama—sites that explore the legacy of slavery, racial terror, and mass incarceration in the United States.

“The film captures not just the journey, but the transformation that happens when we confront history together,” said Dina Daly, executive director of BAAM.

“We believe these conversations are essential to building a stronger, more connected community,” Daly says. “And we are proud to partner with Talbot Family Network to bring this important event to Talbot County.”

Following the screening, participants will engage in guided conversation to reflect on the film’s themes and share personal perspectives. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required at bit.ly/may19convo.

“This event is part of our commitment to fostering deeper understanding and equity in our community,” said Nancy Andrew, executive director of the Talbot Family Network. “By creating safe, honest spaces for dialogue, we are laying the groundwork for lasting change in Talbot County and beyond.”

The Conversations on Race series is designed to bring people together around themes of racial equity, justice, and community healing. Events are open to all and aim to spark meaningful discussion and awareness through storytelling, art, and shared experiences.

Learn more about ‘Get on the Bus’ at bit.ly/gotbdoc. Find more about the Talbot Family Network at www.talbotfamilynetwork.org.

OPENING ON MAY 10

On Saturday, May 10, the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum will re-open for the 2025 season. Standard hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm, and tours at other times may be scheduled by emailing [email protected].

Committed to celebrating, documenting, preserving, and sharing the history, traditions, heritage, and culture of Tilghman’s Island, the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum has dozens of oral histories by local watermen; hosts an exceptional collection of paintings by local artists; and has a treasure trove of artifacts and boat models.

NEW SHARPS ISLAND EXHIBIT

Located about three miles south/southwest of Tilghman Island, Sharps Island once measured 700 acres. Now, none of it is visible above the water (except for its last lighthouse), making it one of roughly 400 islands to have disappeared into the Bay.

The new exhibit takes us back to when Sharps Island rose above the Chesapeake Bay and housed a community of families and lighthouse keepers. The history begins with the first patent granted in 1652 was continued by the Exhibit Committee, which has researched, collected, and archived the rich history of this region.

The exhibit is based on the geology and archeological findings of Dr. Darrin Lowery, a distinguished archaeologist, who is from the area and has done extensive work on Sharps Island.  It begins in time with geological and archeological findings along with timelines and maps, including a collection of arrowheads that were collected from Sharps Island by Dr. Darrin Lowery, prior to its disappearance, some dating back 16,000 years.

The history continues with narratives from families who owned and lived on the island, along with some of their personal family documents. And of course the exhibit covers the various lighthouses that have stood on Sharps Island and the lighthouse keepers who took care of them. This portion of the exhibit includes an actual logbook, beautifully written by the keepers, which captures their daily observations.

Admission to the museum is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The museum is located in the Lee House at 6031 Tilghman Island Road. For additional information, contact us by email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.tilghmanmuseum.org.

The Gunston School’s annual spring fundraiser, Golfing “fore” Gunston VI, on Friday, May 2 welcomed parents, alumni and community members for a beautiful and warm day on the links at Queenstown Harbor. More than 80 golfers and 25 sponsors raised $40,000 for the school’s annual giving program, supporting the students and faculty of Gunston. Golfers began at 9 a.m. and enjoyed a lunch cookout at the Turn as well as refreshments and snacks throughout the day. After finishing 18 holes, golfers gathered for an awards ceremony.

Placing first for the Women’s/Mixed category was the “Fred Frederick Team” of Janell Frederick, P’23’25 (who also hit a hole in one that day!), Liz Brinster, Bonnie Castille and Julie Dixon, with a score of 59. First place for the Men’s category went to the “Angry Birdies,” with John Caron, P’17, Curtis Biggs, Jim Shifrin, P’21’21, and Brian Zottarelli, P’25’27 with a score of 55. Prizes for first place winners included Cooperstown Distillery bourbon whiskey bottled in golf club-shaped decanters with a set of nesting shot glasses. Winners for Men and Women’s Longest drive took home a new Stanley Cooler and included Charles Boyd and Julie Dixon. Dixon also won Closest to the Pin, receiving a foursome gift certificate from Queenstown Harbor.

Joining again this year was Professional Long Driver Scott Kalamar for an entertaining “Hole in 2” challenge, where golfers who made a qualifying donation can attempt to hole out the pro’s 400-yard drive on Par 5 for a chance to win a 3-day dream golf getaway to Pebble Beach, Cal.

Head of School John Lewis addressed golfers and sponsors at the awards ceremony. “First, I’d like to thank Golf Event Chair Brigitte Stranahan, P’25’27 for her leadership and help with this event, and I just really want to thank everyone here again for their generous support. Because of your commitment to the school, I get to say ‘yes’—yes to incredible experiences for our students and faculty that enrich their lives and expand their horizons. Just last week, I had the privilege of taking a group of students to Chicago for a national academic competition—a trip that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the kind of community support represented here today. On behalf of everyone at Gunston, thank you for making these moments possible.”

Tournament sponsors include Heron Heroes Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P’23 ’25) and What’s Up? Media. Grill Station sponsors include Heron Heroes Joyce & Associates, LLC (Kevin & Christine Joyce, P’26), Easton Dermatology Associates (Brigitte & Dr. Donald Stranahan, P’25’27), and Horace K. Wood, DMD, PA (Leigh & Dr. Horace K. Wood, P’24’27). Awards sponsors include Heron Heroes McCallister, Detar, Showalter & Walker (Adele & Ryan Showalter, P’25’27 and Melissa & Doug Walker, P’25’27), “Friends of Gunston,” Paul Ewing’s Contractor Supply (Pam & Charlie Andrews, P’26), The Bent Family, P’25’27 and Serino Orthodontics. Eagle sponsors include Heron Heroes Ebb Tide Tent & Party Rentals, The Dreeke Family, P’28, Callahan’s Gas & Appliances (The Callahan Family, P’22), and PepUp (Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28). Birdie sponsors include Heron Heroes Dr. Laurie & John Lewis, The Shifrin Family, P’21’21, Wye Mills Mechanical, LLC (Marie & Stephen Thomas), ShoreGate Partners (Chesley & Justin Nonemaker, P’27’29), Dogwood Acres (The Reichardt Family, P’21), Shore United Bank (The Augustus Family, P’26’28), The Country School, and Tred Avon Family Wealth. Hole sponsors include Lona Sue Todd of Taylor Properties, Wrench & Socket, LLC (Beth & Tim Lavery, P’26), and St. Anne’s School of Annapolis.

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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.

This past weekend, The Gunston School hosted the 2025 Maryland State High School Rowing Championships on its 75-acre campus situated on the Corsica River, bringing together 130 athletes and approximately 300 spectators from across the state. Participating programs included Roland Park Country School, Elizabeth Seton High School, Freedom Rowers, Blair Crew, and host team Gunston.

“I’m incredibly proud of our rowers—not just for their strong finishes, but for the teamwork, determination, and grace they showed throughout the regatta. Hosting this event is always an honor, and it was wonderful to see so many dedicated young athletes competing at such a high level,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Waterfront Athletics and Head Crew Coach Natalie Reading. Thanks to the Corsica River’s natural protection, race conditions remained consistent and calm all day—perfect for competition.

Roland Park Country School was named the overall state champion, with strong finishes across multiple events, including gold in the Women’s Varsity 4+ (WV4+) and Women’s Novice 4+ (WN4+). Gunston earned second place overall, highlighted by gold medals in both the Men’s Varsity 4+ (MV4+) and Men’s Junior Varsity 4+ (MJV4+). Medals were awarded for all first-place finishes, and the event served as a celebration of the dedication and sportsmanship of Maryland’s young rowers.

Support for the regatta was provided by USRowing, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, and the Maryland State Police. Thanks to strong collaboration between coaches, race officials, and safety agencies, this year’s regatta ran more smoothly than ever before, earning praise from participants and spectators alike. Additional images can be found online at row2k.com.

The Oxford Community Center (OCC) is excited to dive into the Gettysburg experience with guest host Mickey Terrone, a civil war expert and local historian. It will be a 2-phase event. On Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30pm, at the Oxford Community Center, there will be a showing of “The Gettysburg Episode” from the Ken Burns’ Civil War series.  The Tuesday screening will be entertaining as a stand-alone presentation for interested audiences. It is not required to attend the excursion and it is free and open to the public. But, the talk will definitely “set the stage” for those attending the bus trip. Save the date for both.

On Wednesday, May 21 at 8:30 am, the bus departs OCC for Gettysburg.  At the battlefield, the first stop is at Little Round Top for a brief description of the intense fighting on Day 2 of the 3-day battle.  The trip continues over to the Copse of Trees which marked the end of Pickett’s Charge on Day 3. Finally, the tour heads to the Gettysburg Visitors Center where everyone can have lunch and take in the wonderful displays and descriptions of this bloodiest of battles of the Civil War.

On the bus, Terrone plans to offer some interesting information to and from Gettysburg. He will be answering questions and filling in the blanks. The bus is targeting a 6:30 pm arrival back at the OCC.

The excursion costs $75 which covers the bus, driver’s tip, snacks and good conversation. For more information, and to secure your seats, visit oxfordcc.org.

The Oxford Community Center is a non-profit 501(c) (3) with a mission to provide the region with a year-round schedule of free or reduced educational, cultural, and recreational programs and events.

Transforming Lives Campaign Public Phase announced Funds raised support critical services for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.

Guests walked the Red Carpet into Benedictine’s “A Celebration to Transform Lives” Gala on April 26, 2025, held at the Trident Aircraft Hangar. Over 150 guests enjoyed a Hollywood-themed evening and raised nearly $180,000 for the intellectually and developmentally disabled and autistic children and adults supported by Benedictine.

Candi Chiaruttini and Paul Milne of Easton, MD, co-chaired the event.  Candi is a recent addition to Benedictine’s Board of Directors.  She and Paul are active members of the Easton community, who founded the legendary restaurant 208 Talbot in St. Michael’s and owned The Oaks Waterfront Inn until 2022.  “Paul and I are honored to chair this event on behalf of Benedictine.  A dear childhood friend is supported by the Benedictine.  I’ve seen firsthand how the services and incredible staff at the organization have positively influenced his life.  We support the work Benedictine does for children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, and think it’s important to bring a broader awareness to the community about the programs they provide,” commented Candi Chiaruttini.

Scott Evans, Executive Director of Benedictine, announced the public phase of the “Transforming Lives” campaign, which will transform and upgrade two major spaces on the organization’s Ridgely, MD, campus.  “We are thrilled to announce the public phase of our ‘Transforming Lives’ campaign.  We have raised more than $ 14 million towards our goal of $ 18 million!  These funds will be used for the following:

The Benedictine School Residential Wing; these new, modern residential dorms will provide our students with a comfortable, homelike setting for learning and living

Unrestricted Support; supports urgent needs and is vital to make up the difference between funding agencies and operating costs. These funds ensure the highest quality programs and services

The Benedictine Ridgely Training and Enrichment Center for Adults; this new center will provide a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, computer lab, and adaptable spaces that will provide a variety of activities and training, and will also house offices for the adult services staff.

Benedictine Staff Support will provide resources for staff incentives and activities that enhance the staff experience

A heartfelt thank you to those donors who have made gifts or commitments to the ‘Transforming Lives Campaign’.  It’s the most ambitious campaign in our more than 65-year history, and I’m confident we’ll achieve our goal.”

Two awards were announced at the Gala, the Sister Jeannette Murray Award and the Sister Mary Agnes Heart of Benedictine Award.

The Sister Jeannette Award is given to a staff member nominated by their peers and is considered a high honor.  Casey Townsend is the 2025 recipient of the Sister Jeannette Award. Casey has been a dedicated employee for 21 years in the Adult Services program, and truly exemplifies Benedictine’s mission and values in the way she displays compassion and caring for the people supported, and also for the staff with whom she works.

The Heart of Benedictine Award embodies the love and care everyone involved with Benedictine gives to the children and adults they support.  This award recognizes outstanding and dedicated service to the Benedictine Community. It serves to remind us of our core values of Dignity, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.  Angel Russell is the 2025 recipient of the Heart of Benedictine Award.  Angel is the Environmental Services Director and has been with the organization for 21 years.

Guests of the Gala enjoyed cuisine from Hambleton House catering and music by Steve Moody’s Entertainment Connection.

Sponsors included many Benedictine family members & friends, as well as: Acrisure, The Nolan Investment Group RBC Easton, The Oaks Waterfront Hotel, Greystone/Morgan Stanley, 4 Dogs Brewing Co. and Pub, PepUp, Kleppinger Electric, Higgins Crab House North, Queenstown Bank, Mullen Sondberg, Wimbish, & Stone, and Easton Utilities.

For more information on Benedictine’s events, services, ways to support, or the “Transforming Lives Campaign,” please contact Caroline Bauerle, Chief Advancement Officer at [email protected] or call 410.634.2292.  Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org

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About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider whose mission is to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine currently supports close to 200 children and adults.

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 supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community. 

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and the Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with close to 400 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

A federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education’s attempt to end diversity, equity and inclusion practices in schools by threatening to withhold federal funding from those that refuse to comply.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Baltimore wrote Thursday that the court isn’t required to assess whether policies from the department “are good or bad, prudent or foolish, fair or unfair.”

But the court “is constitutionally required to closely scrutinize whether the government went about creating and implementing them in the manner the law requires. The government did not,” the judge wrote.

“The Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of their Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”) claim, have demonstrated that they will be irreparably harmed absent preliminary relief, and have shown the equities and public interest favor them,” she wrote in a 48-page ruling.

While Gallagher focused on the process behind the policy, another federal judge blocked the attempted DEI ban based on the effects the policy would have if it was allowed to take effect.

U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty in New Hampshire said in her 82-page ruling Thursday that a preliminary injunction was proper because the plaintiffs had shown they were likely to win on their claims that the policy is unconstitutionally vague, that it infringed on teachers’ First Amendment rights, that it would cause actual harm and that it overstepped the federal agency’s authority, among other claims.

And yet another judge, U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich in the District of Columbia, ruled from the bench Thursday that the government could not enforce its demand that schools certify by April 24 that they were in compliance with the anti-DEI rule because the policy was so vague that schools could not know if they were in compliance or not. Threatening the loss of federal funding “without sufficiently defining the conduct that might trigger liability, violates the Fifth Amendment’s prohibition on vagueness,” Friedrich said in a brief 16-page ruling.

The rulings by Friedrich and Gallagher — both of whom were appointed by President Donald Trump (R) in his first term — are effective nationwide. The preliminary injunction by McCafferty, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama (D), is nationwide as well, but only in effect at schools where plaintiffs in her case — the National Education Association, its New Hampshire chapter, and the Center for Black Educator Development — are represented.

Since being sworn in to his second term in January, Trump has pushed for the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and policies in federal agencies, colleges and universities and K-12 schools.

The lawsuits stem from a Feb. 14 “Dear Colleague letter” from the Education Department to schools across the country that reminded K-12 schools, colleges and universities that if they do not comply with civil rights law “face potential loss of federal funding.”

But the letter, and supporting documentation, went on to declare that DEI programs violate the law as just another form of racial discrimination, using terms like “pervasive and repugnant,” “toxic,” and “insidious” instruction that use “crude racial stereotypes” to divide students.

That was followed by an April 3 letter to state education agencies given 10 days — later extended to April 24 — to certify their compliance with federal DEI ban in order to continue receiving federal assistance.

The letter was quickly challenged. In addition to the New Hampshire plaintiffs, the NAACP filed suit in Washington, D.C., and the American Federation of Teachers, its Maryland chapter and the American Sociological Association – later joined by a school district in Eugene, Oregon — sued in Maryland.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education did not respond to emails Thursday seeking comment on the multiple court rulings. But education advocates were elated.

“Today’s decision from the court affirms what we already know – the Trump administration is unlawfully threatening educators who meet the diverse needs of every student and undermining our public education system,” AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell said in a statement. “This preliminary injunction pauses the chaos caused by targeting and attacking vital communities and temporarily protects the critical funding schools, from our K-12 schools to our higher education institutions, rely on.”

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement that, “Our fight is far from over, but today’s decision is a victory for Black and Brown students across the country, whose right to an equal education has been directly threatened by this Administration’s corrosive actions and misinterpretations of civil rights law.”

“We look forward to prevailing against their cruel attempts to undermine the mission of the U.S. Department of Education and relegate children of color, students with disabilities, and poor students to a second-class education in a throwback to the era before Brown v. Board of Education,” he said of the 1954 Supreme Court ruling the ended the “separate but equal” doctrine that allowed for segregated schools.

‘Reaffirming its commitment’

While the court challenges were pending, Maryland school officials were working on their own response to the DEI certification letter that had been due to federal officials by Thursday.

According to a letter from State Superintendent Carey Wright, the state will continue to affirm its commitment to upholding civil rights laws. In doing that, all 24 school system superintendents signed a certification of compliance letter that was sent via email to the federal department’s Office of Civil Rights.

Wright also mentions the New Hampshire case, in which the plaintiffs had reached a short-term agreement with the department to delay implementation of the certification, which was extended Thursday by McCafferty’s ruling.

“While MSDE [Maryland State Department of Education] is unaware of any legal authority obligating it to comply with USDE’s request, MSDE is reaffirming its commitment to complying with Title VI and other relevant federal laws,” Wright wrote.

Wright and state Board of Education President Joshua Michael issued a joint statement in a video for stakeholders.

“Above all, our charge remains to ensure that all students have equal access to a high-quality education — all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, neighborhood, disability, socioeconomic status, or the language spoken at home, Michael said. “Not only is this our moral calling, but Maryland law gives us this charge.”

As for the case in Maryland, Gallagher did reject the plaintiffs’ request to require that the Trump administration restore DEI and civil rights guidance from previous administrations on its website. She also ruled the current department can maintain an online portal titled “End DEI,” through which community members can report instances of discrimination.

“The government is entitled to express its viewpoint on its website and to maintain a reporting portal for Title VI and Equal Protection concerns, so long as it does not actually pursue enforcement actions that are not in accordance with existing law,” the judge wrote.

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by William J. Ford, Maryland Matters
April 24, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

The Gunston School’s Rocketry Team recently concluded its most active and ambitious season yet, with 19 students participating in the 2025 American Rocketry Challenge (ARC)—the nation’s largest middle and high school rocketry competition. Guided by mentors Dr. Ken Wilson, Mr. Ryan Reading, and Dr. Mariah Goodall, students began meeting in October, devoting 11 weekends to designing, building, and testing their own rockets using raw materials supplied by the school.

This year’s ARC challenge required students to engineer a rocket capable of carrying two hen eggs, mounted sideways, to an altitude of 790 feet. After reaching that height, the rocket had to separate into two sections that would descend independently via parachute, with the egg-containing section landing exactly 42 seconds after launch. In addition to meeting these complex design criteria, students had to pass safety inspections, conduct flight simulations, and work collaboratively through challenges in construction, testing, and troubleshooting.

The student-led program was coordinated by senior Emma Sharp, who served as the team’s “Rocketry Tsar.” She oversaw logistics, documentation, and supported team problem-solving throughout the year. During the fall semester, while Emma participated in the Chesapeake Watershed Semester, junior Connor Joyce stepped in as “Rocketry Rasputin,” offering critical support with rocket design and simulation software.

The Gunston rocketry students were divided into four teams. Team Mini Apollo, led by Eamon Schopfer ’26, came the closest to achieving the altitude goal, reaching 837 feet—just a 6% deviation from the target. Team Stellar Stooges, led by AJ Friedrich ’27 and including Nevin Porter ’26, Denis Hein ’26, Aiden Filer ’26, and Tiago Paul ’27, drew attention for their rocket’s striking Maryland flag design. The team’s craftsmanship and artistic execution stood out, and the rocket flew straight and true in testing, though it also experienced occasional issues with parachute deployment.

Team Sparrow, led by Tommy McGeady ’25 alongside teammates Trevor Janssen ’25, Jed Cohen ’26, and Andrew Shingledecker ’27, took a bold approach with a rocket design featuring mid-body canards in addition to traditional tail fins. Team Short Rocket, which included Logan Kile ’25, Kyle Dixon ’27, Blake Algier ’26, Tai Davis ’28, Caden Quiron ’26, and Grant Edgar ’28, focused on innovation. Logan designed a clustered-engine rocket powered by three motors and incorporating student-designed 3D-printed parts. The rocket passed inspection and was cleared for launch at Red Glare, but a loose electrical connection in the ignition system prevented liftoff. The team plans to attempt the rocket’s first full launch at Gunston later this spring.

These four teams of 19 students attended the Red Glare Rocketry Festival in Church Hill, Md., and brought five rockets for launch. Each team underwent formal inspections with the Range Safety Officer before heading to a professionally managed launch field, where rockets were flown one at a time. In addition to their ARC rockets, students launched a two-stage rocket built from a kit by Connor Joyce ’26, a tube-fin rocket, and a scale model of NASA’s Space Launch System, which is designed to return humans to the moon. Nearly all the rockets featured custom-designed 3D-printed components fabricated by students themselves.

“While the teams did not advance to the ARC national finals, the season was marked by bold design choices, meaningful learning experiences, and a deepened understanding of engineering, collaboration, and persistence,” said Dr. Wilson. “Students definitely finished the program with a stronger foundation in aerospace and STEM fields, as well as a sense of pride in the growth and creativity they demonstrated throughout the year.”

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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 Country School, a cornerstone of independent education on the Eastern Shore since 1934, is thrilled to celebrate its 90th anniversary with a special weekend of festivities on April 26 and 27, 2025. Alumni, current and former families, faculty, and the greater community are invited to join in commemorating this important milestone.

For 90 years, The Country School has prepared students for academic success while emphasizing character, service, and community. This year’s anniversary theme, “Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” reflects the school’s commitment to honoring its legacy while preparing students for the future.

The celebration kicks off with a couple free events on Saturday, April 26—an Alumni Cocktail Reception from 5–6 p.m., followed by a Community Celebration from 6–10 p.m. featuring live music, food, drinks, and tributes to the school’s past and present. 

On Sunday, April 27, the celebration continues with the 4th Annual Black & Gold 5K Run & Fun Fest. The day includes a 5K run/walk through downtown Easton, kids’ fun runs, and a family-friendly festival with a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, games, dunk tank, food trucks, and more.

Reflecting on his first year as Head of School, Jay Parker shared, “I’m continually inspired by the remarkable individuals who have called this school home—students, parents, alumni, and teachers alike. I can’t wait to celebrate this 90-year legacy with such a warm and generous community.'”

As part of this milestone celebration, The Country School especially hopes to connect with alumni. If you are a Country School alum or know someone who is, please help spread the word and join us for this memorable weekend.

Visit www.countryschool.org or Facebook/CountrySchoolMD for more information or to register for the weekend events. You may also register by calling 410-822-1935.