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December 8, 2025

Cambridge Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Cambridge

7 Ed Notes

What To Do About China?

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Miles Yu, Ph.D., former Chief China Policy Advisor to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, will give Chesapeake Forum’s  2023 Distinguished Guest Scholar lecture on Wednesday, January 18th from 5:30-7pm.  In The Future of U.S./China Relations in a Turbulent World, Dr. Yu will share his view on this important and volatile relationship.

Clearly China’s actions are leading to raised concerns here in the U.S. as well as among our allies abroad. Dr. Yu will discuss the ideological, structural, and long-term forces shaping China’s geopolitical strategic intent.  Dr. Yu is the third Chesapeake Forum Distinguished Guest Scholar to be named in honor of its Founder, John F. Ford.

Miles Yu, Ph.D.

Dr. Yu received a doctorate in history from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s degree from Swarthmore College, and a bachelor’s degree from Nankai University.  As the principal China policy advisor on the Policy Planning Staff to Secretary of State Pompeo, Dr. Yu advised the Secretary on all China-related issues, and participated in key U.S. government interagency deliberations on major policy and government actions with regard to China and other East Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.  He is also a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and a professor of East Asia and military and naval history at the United States Naval Academy (USNA). He has published widely on China, U.S.-China relations, Asia in World War II, military history and the history of military intelligence.

The Future of U.S./China Relations in a Turbulent World is one (1) session, Wednesday Jan 18th from 5:30-7pm, ZOOM only.  $25.  Registration for all Chesapeake Forum courses begins January 9th.  To register for this or any other Chesapeake Forum course, please visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing continuing education opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore. If you would like to receive the Chesapeake Forum’s monthly newsletter, please email to [email protected] with your name and preferred email.  For each semester’s mailer, remember to include your full street address.

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New Ideas for a New Year!

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Kick off the New Year with some fresh ideas, new perspectives and thought—provoking conversations.   You’ll find it all at Chesapeake Forum’s Preview Party on January 4, 2023 (join virtually or in person at the Peachblossom YMCA in Easton).

Enjoy light refreshments while you hear first hand what’s in store for the 2023 Winter term.   As always, there is a robust curriculum with a wide range of subjects from birding to crypto currency, Greek cooking to art collecting and much more.  In previous years, several attendees said they signed up for a course they had not considered after hearing the instructor describe what participants would get out of it. Maybe you will find a surprise interest too!

Chesapeake Forum’s Preview Party is free and open to the public but registration is required due to limited space.  To register for the Preview Party January 4, 2023 from 4-6 PM, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.  Attend in-person at the Peachblossom YMCA in Easton.  Doors open 3:30 PM.  Presentation starts at 4PM.

Registration for Winter courses begins Jan 9th. To learn more about the courses offered this Winter and to register, please visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing continuing education opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore. If you would like to receive the Chesapeake Forum’s monthly newsletter, please email to [email protected] with your name and preferred email.  For each semester’s mailer, remember to include your full street address.

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

Institute for Adult Learning to Hold Showcase of Classes on January 7, 2023

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Would you like to learn about typical and atypical changes to the anatomy of the brain as we age and how they impact behavior? Perhaps you would like to join a line dancing class or a mindful walking group. If you are interested in science and the environment, you can learn how to improve the lives of songbirds in our area, how mountains form, or hear about discoveries from the James Webb telescope. Or you can participate in discussions about current events or banned books.

The Institute for Adult Learning, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide learning experiences and social events which enrich the lives of the age 50+ community in the Mid-Shore area, will hold a Showcase of Classes for the spring semester on Saturday, January 7, at 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Kennard Cultural Center, located at 410 Little Kidwell Avenue in Centreville, Md. In the event of snow, the Showcase will be held on Saturday, January 14.

The Showcase will provide an overview of 45 courses to be offered during the fall semester, which runs from February 6 through May 19, including history and current events, brain and body health, local environment and science, literature, arts and crafts, and culinary arts. All classes are held during the day, Monday through Friday, and range from one to eight sessions.

The membership fee of $90 per person per semester entitles participants to sign up for an unlimited number of courses. Members are also invited to participate in monthly happy hours and various field trips throughout the semester.

Attendees may join the IAL and enroll in classes either at the Showcase or on the organization’s website after the event. Registration to attend the event is not required but is recommended by sending an email to [email protected].

For more information about the IAL, visit the IAL website at www.instituteforadultlearning.org.

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50th Anniversary Party Nets $50,000 for Echo Hill Outdoor School

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The tally is in –Echo Hill Outdoor School raised more than $50,000 for student scholarships at its 50th anniversary celebration on October 15, 2022.  Held under a tent at Red Acres Farm in Worton, the event drew nearly 300 people and 26 leading business and individual sponsors.

“We are grateful to all who joined us as we celebrated 50 years of transformational outdoor education for students from schools all over the Mid-Atlantic region,” said Founding Head Peter Rice.  “We were touched by the outpouring of support and love for the school, and we thank everyone who participated.  Their contributions are helping to make an Echo Hill Outdoor School experience possible for students of all income levels and backgrounds, and we are very thankful to everyone who helped us mark this auspicious milestone.”

Founded in 1972 by a group of visionary friends who imagined and then invented a new way to teach school children about the outdoors, Echo Hill Outdoor School was one of the first of its kind in the world to offer a residential program for youngsters that would enrich traditional classroom science instruction through entirely outdoor lessons and learning.

“We have found that environmental awareness and concern do not correlate with privilege,” Richard Balaban, a member of the Board of Directors, added.  “In our curious 21st century world, all kids need and deserve our kind of education. The scholarship funds we raised at this event will enable worthy students, regardless of their ability to pay, to benefit from our extraordinary programs.”

Centered on innovative teaching methods and a custom curriculum many say provides a “magical” experience for students, since 1972, Echo Hill Outdoor School has inspired more than 250,000 children with programs such as Bay Studies, the Mystery Tour, and Aqualogy that change how youngsters experience and relate to the outdoors.

Classes are conducted on an extraordinary 240-acre waterfront campus combining pristine and varied Chesapeake Bay ecosystems that encompass bay, field, wetland, stream, woods, beach, river, a half mile of Bay waterfront, and nearby villages.

In addition, the school owns and operates a fleet of historic watercraft used for classes every day to establish the bridge between Chesapeake Bay ecology and stewardship and the history and culture of the waterman community.

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Student Promoted in Civil Air Force

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Country School 8th grader Willem Grant ’23 has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol since 2021. His promotion today to Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt) was granted alongside the Wright Brothers Award, which is the first of 5 milestone awards given in the Cadet Program. It marks the completion of the first phase of the CAP Cadet Program and requires passing a comprehensive test on leadership, along with a physical fitness test and a drill performance test. In addition, Staff Sergeants may also become Flight Sergeants and supervise Flights anywhere from 8-20 cadets.

CAP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves as the civilian auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force. The Cadet Program is one of CAP’s three missions [the other two being aerospace education and emergency services (e.g. search and rescue)]. As a CAP cadet, you will participate in a year-round program where you fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape and push yourself to new limits.

The program transforms youth into dynamic citizens and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on four elements: leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. As you participate in these four elements, you advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers and scientists first explored their careers through CAP. The leadership skills, self-confidence and discipline you gain will prepare you to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself in life.

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Saints Peter and Paul Inducts Newest Members of the National Honor Society

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Congratulations to the following students who were inducted into the Dominican Chapter of the Saints Peter & Paul National Honor Society. The students met and exceeded the four guiding principles of Scholarship, Service, Character, and Leadership. Their intellectual abilities are apparent in the classroom, and their resumes spoke volumes of the depth and diversity of their participation, service, and leadership in and out of school.

In addition to their other service activities, the National Honor Society commits their time and talent in coordinating the largest peer tutoring organization in the school. These young people exemplify the finest qualities of the National Honor Society and Sabre Pride! Congratulations and well done!

Our Newest Members of the Dominican Chapter of the National Honor Society

Robert O’Connor

Peter Anderson

Reilly Bramble

Evan Dundon

Vincent Dyer

Morgan Earls

Aaron Ewing

 Schuyler Gary

William Hamilton

Cadence Kelley

Ryan Kelly

Davis Kimminau

Leonel Loaiza-Paucar

Michael McHale

 Maguire Perry

Morgan Quade

Brayden Smith

K’den Spears

Emmary Sweeney

Evan Villano

Genevieve Webb

NHS Officers

Hattie Messick

President

Paige Simonsen

Caleb Schneck

Vice-President

Ryan McHale

Treasurer

Sam Lovell

Secretary/Chaplain

Catherine Cronan

Service Coordinator

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Gunston’s Night of the Arts Features Student Creativity

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The Gunston School’s Fine Arts & Performing Arts Departments held their annual Night of the Arts on December 8 to celebrate the creative talents of its students. Families and guests enjoyed a wide variety of paintings, photographs, mixed media prints, pottery, wood sculptures, and 3D printed projects. Several performances were also featured, including student bands Brookletts and Soundproof, as well as instrumental soloists. The school’s theater group, The Gunston Players performed a scene from their upcoming production, “The End of the World (with Prom to Follow)” which will be shown at the Church Hill Theatre in Church Hill, Md., on February 10-12, 2023.

Gunston’s small class sizes allow the opportunity for students to learn and practice unique forms of art that would otherwise not be available in a larger class. “After students master the basics, we provide the opportunity to pursue whatever artistic interests they may have, such as sculpture, woodworking, pottery, mixed media approaches, lithography, screen printing, you name it. Often, students will come up with something totally new and unconventional or discover a talent they never knew they had,” said Chair of the Fine Arts Department Victoria Windmiller.

Equally impressive is the work and talent coming from the Performing Arts Department, headed by Dr. Ryan Asprion. “We have many dedicated performers in our midst, from actors and dancers to musicians and singers. Even with all of their other obligations, they practice hard and are ambitious with their performances. As you can see from this evening, their hard work has paid off,” he said. 

In addition to traditional performances, students have also collaborated to create short films in which various skill sets are needed including graphic design (opening and ending credits), costume design, creating sound effects with non-conventional materials, filming, editing, acting, and even writing and producing. 

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. 

Aidan Watson ’25 (Centreville, Md.) standing next to his artwork.

A ukulele orchestra, led by Finn Theeke ’23 (pictured second from left). Also pictured (l-r) Oliver White ’23 (Easton), Finn Theeke ’23 (Easton). (seated, back row) Ella MacGlashan ’23 (Centreville), Drew Tolley ’24 (Cambridge), Cooper Hightower ’23 (Stevensville), Liam Thomas ’23 (Arnold). (seated, front row) Anna Szwaja ’24 (Easton), Kate Campbell ’23 (Centreville), and Bates Nittle ’23 (Easton) (far right seated).

(l-r) Sophie Pierce ’26 (Centreville), Annabelle Sinatra ’24 (Chestertown), Evelyn Russ ’25 (Cambridge), Emma Sharp ’25 (Chestertown), Sanai Vanable ’26 (Easton), Nevin Porter ’26 (Easton), Maggie Porciello ’25 (Denton), Drew Tolley ’24 (Cambridge), Josie Merton ’24 (Centreville), Mia Walker ’25 (Easton), and Alix Allison ’25 (Annapolis).

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Benedictine Awarded 2022 Rural Impact Award

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Benedictine was awarded a 2022 Rural Impact Award for Outstanding Rural Community Development. This award is presented by the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) which serves as the State’s federally designated rural development council and advocates for the interests of rural Maryland. Through their work they recognize individuals and organizations that have performed extraordinary acts of service to communities throughout rural Maryland.

Awards were presented at the 2022 Annual Meeting held at the Kent Island Resort in Stevensville. The Outstanding Rural Community Development award is given in recognition for leadership, dedication and noteworthy achievement to help improve rural communities.

“We are honored that Benedictine has been selected for a Rural Impact Award. Benedictine’s impact on Maryland’s eastern shore is significant and we are honored to do this work for our community and the people we serve,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director.

Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans poses with (left to right) Janine M. Lis, Marketing and Communications Manager, Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer, and Caroline Bauerle, Director of Development at the Rural Impacts Awards Ceremony held at the Kent Island Resort in Stevensville, Maryland.

Benedictine’s work began over 60 years ago as a school for 17 children with Downs Syndrome and has grown into a multi-functional year-round education and residential center serving close to 200 students and adults with a variety of services. Benedictine is one of the largest employers on the eastern shore with over 350 staff members, a school campus in Ridgely, 22 group homes, and an office in Easton.

Rural jurisdictions share common characteristics that set them apart from their suburban and urban counterparts, such as geographic isolation, lack of transportation, and lack of access to and availability of health care, and includes 18 of the 24 jurisdictions in Maryland. RMC’s vision is a future where all of Rural Maryland is prosperous with thriving resources, vibrant economies and healthy, connected communities.

Benedictine was nominated for this award by Anthony S. Casey, Commissioner, Town of Ridgely. Support for this nomination was provided by Larry C. Porter, President, Board of Commissioners, Caroline County, MD; Steven J. Arentz, State Delegate; and Tony Holt, Account Manager, BDK, Inc.

For more information on Benedictine, please go to www.benschool.org. If you would like information on how you can support the children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism at Benedictine reach their greatest potential, please contact Claudia Cunningham at [email protected].

About Benedictine:

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

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

WC Professor Prud’homme to Lead Online Course on American Government

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The Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture and the Department of Political Science at Washington College in Chestertown Maryland have launched a new online college course exclusively for upper-level high school students. The course is Political Science 102: Introduction to the Government of the United States. The 14 week online course will help ensure students are well prepared to serve as leaders in America.
Program resources will include great works of American political thought, including the U.S Constitution, James Madison’s Notes on the Constitutional Debates, The Federalist Papers, The Writings of the Anti-Federalists, Collected Speeches of Abraham Lincoln, and Collected Writings and Speeches of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Copies of all these works will be provided to enrolled students at no cost. There will also be one inexpensive textbook required that will be available for purchase.
The course will be taught by Joseph Prud’homme (Ph.D. Princeton), a faculty member in Washington College’s Political Science Department and the Director of the Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture. Professor Prud’homme will be using the Socratic method of learning that uses dialogue between teacher and students, with continual probing of great questions concerning American government.
Students will also experience an enriched learning experience with one-on-one tutorials with Professor Prud’homme in the Oxford University style and with special guest speakers throughout the program. High school students who complete the program will earn credit for a full college course that can be transferred to any college or university.
The program will run twice a week from January 23, 2023, to May 12, 2023 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM Eastern Standard Time. Flexibility in the time is available.
The Institute at Washington College can discount the course tuition fee from the standard Washington College course tuition fee of $2,000 to $1,250. The maximum number of students enrolled is limited to twelve to ensure a seminar learning experience, with extensive discussion and dialogue on the assigned readings and concepts.   Enrollment is on a rolling basis but the course will likely fill soon.
If interested, please contact Professor Joseph Prud’homme at [email protected]

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Benedictine Raises Over $150,000 on Giving Tuesday

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The Benedictine Foundation raised over $150,000 on Giving Tuesday through the support of numerous donors. Denise Kaczmarczyk and John Johnson longtime Benedictine supporters matched what was raised with a donation of $75,000.

Benedictine employs over 350 staff that are dedicated to serving children and adults with moderate to severe developmental disabilities and autism. When Denise and John learned of the Benedictine Foundation’s effort to raise money on Giving Tuesday in support of the Benedictine staff, they pledged a $50k match. And upon hearing that the Foundation had raised $75K, Denise and John generously increased their match to $75k.

“We wanted to give to the Benedictine staff that work so tirelessly in supporting the student and adult population that Benedictine serves,” stated Denise Kaczmarczyk. “Seeing the dedication and the everyday miracles that happen at Benedictine is an inspiration to me and my husband. It is a mission we feel very strongly about and want to give to those that work so hard.”

Denise Kaczmarczyk and John Johnson pictured earlier this fall at the Benedictine School playground to see new equipment and safety features that were funded by their donation.

Denise and John learned about Benedictine a number of years ago at a Christmas Bazaar. They were deeply inspired by the mission of Benedictine and have become dedicated supporters.

“Benedictine is overwhelmed by this incredible display of support from all of our donors. Denise and John’s support for the staff and individuals Benedictine serves is a tribute to their selfless generosity and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. It has been a privilege to get to know them.” said Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer, Benedictine Foundation.

For more information on Benedictine’s events, services and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham at [email protected] 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

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

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