As children develop, they look to the people in their lives to help them figure out who they are. With authentic feedback that focuses on their positive traits, children can develop strong self-esteem. Most likely this will align with their intuitive sense of who they are and who they would like to become. Growing up and filtering positive, constructive feedback from the hurtful words of others, particularly from peers is really hard.

It can be really challenging to parent when other people are mean to our children. How do you teach a child to navigate situations when their “friends” say things that are mean? As we all have experienced, those moments in our lives can be absolutely crushing. At Radcliffe Creek School and in our homes, we try to create a nurturing environment where this doesn’t happen. The reality is that kids can be unkind to each other anywhere and this is difficult to prevent despite our very best efforts. Therefore, it is important to help children build their coping skills. As we know, they can benefit from explicit instruction and help in processing a difficult situation.

Here are some of the tools we need to utilize as parents to help our children feel strong and competent.

-Be an active listener. Provide a safe space for your child to be able to talk about what is going on. This is easier said than done. The situation can feel really awful to your child, no matter how minor you may perceive the situation to be. Sometimes, their perspective may be skewed. Nevertheless, it is still hard to see your child in pain and not want to rush in and try to fix it. Take a deep breath and say, “I am glad you are telling me about what happened. I am here to listen and help if you need me to.”

-Frame the conversation with these questions:

Can you tell me what happened?

Has this happened before?

How did you react? How do you wish you reacted?

Were there other people around? How did they react?

How can your friends or adults be more helpful to you?

What can I do to help you?

-Try hard not to overreact because your child needs to feel like they are capable of working through the situation. When parents get really upset and take away a child’s ability to process, plan, and navigate the situation, your child will lose their sense of competency in dealing with these scenarios. Curse creatively in another room, call a good friend and vent to them about how angry you are at this kid who is making your child miserable. Do not involve your child in that conversation. They should not have to handle your emotions when they are trying to regulate their own. Your children need to know that you believe they will get through this.

-Brainstorm together why your child thinks they were being teased. If you can come up with ideas on why the other kid might be teasing your child, it could help you to create a plan together. Perhaps the other child is:

seeking attention

displaying what the teasing child may experience or what they see on social media

trying to gain a sense of superiority because they don’t feel good about themselves

looking for peer acceptance by putting someone else down

has a misunderstanding of differences

Supporting your children and helping them develop functional coping skills to navigate difficult interactions is difficult. Perhaps they may need other people besides their family to help them solidify these skills. Consider involving counselors, speech and language pathologists, teachers, mentors, administrators, and coaches.

 

 

Justin Thomas Nash, a 22-year-old from Smyrna, Delaware, has won the 2021 Sophie Kerr Prize, the largest undergraduate literary prize in the nation. He was among six finalists considered for the prize, worth $65,580 this year. 

Named after an Eastern Shore author who made her fortune in New York writing women’s fiction during the 1930s and 1940s, the Sophie Kerr Prize is awarded each year to the graduating senior demonstrating the best potential for future achievement in a literary endeavor. The first Sophie Kerr Prize was awarded in 1968. Since then, the endowment has provided more than $2.3 million in prize money to promising young writers, and brought to campus many of the nation’s top writers. 

This year’s winner is an English major with three minors (journalism, publishing & editing; communication & media studies; and art & art history), Justin Nash came to Washington College through the Cherry Tree Young Writers’ Conference, attending two conferences before enrolling in the fall of 2017.

During his four years at WC, he has held a number of literary positions, including editor-in-chief of the campus literary magazine Collegian, and the liberal arts journal Washington College Review. He has been senior poetry reader for Cherry Tree: A National Literary Magazine @ Washington College, vice president of the Writers’ Union, and a member of both the Cater Society of Junior Fellows and Sigma Tau Delta, the honor society for English majors. He was awarded the William Warner Prize for Writing about Nature earlier this spring.

In addition to his internships with Cherry Tree, Nash has held two distinguished internships in the writing and publishing world. Last summer, he interned for 24 Pearl Street, and the summer before that he interned for Copper Canyon Press, the country’s leading independent poetry publisher. 

The poems, stories, and essays in his portfolio, collectively titled Prestidigitate, examine travel, childhood, and conceit through manipulated address and formal play, and greatly impressed the faculty members tasked with choosing a single winner from a pool of talented writers.

 “The Sophie Kerr Committee describes Justin Nash as the consummate literary citizen, notes Sean Meehan, chair of the Department of English and director of the Sophie Kerr Endowment. “Justin grasps the power of writing to move the world, one thoughtful and witty and well-edited line at a time. As a student who has actively worked on every campus publication, with unparalleled editorial skills and instincts, and incredible generosity in supporting his peers and our programs, Justin already has a deep understanding of writing as both a profession and a calling. The Sophie Kerr Prize is awarded to the senior with greatest promise for ‘future fulfillment in the field of literary endeavor.’ Among an incredibly strong field of writers this year, and particularly the talented group of finalists we hear read Friday evening, the Committee believes Justin’s promise is unbounded. We will all be hearing more in years to come from this leader and explorer of the literary landscape.”

James Allen Hall, associate professor of English and director of the Rose O’Neill Literary House who created the Cherry Tree Young Writers’ Conference Nash first attended, has known Nash since even before he enrolled at Washington College.

 “He has proven himself to be an incredible literary talent, with particular strengths in poetry and creative nonfiction writing but also in editing and publishing,” notes Hall. “In his first year, he wrote an essay that was nominated for the Norton Writer’s Prize and which was runner-up and published on Norton’s website. About that essay, the judges wrote that Justin ‘uses an innovative form, imagery, and dialogue to create an evocative piece that helps readers reflect on bodies, identity, and control.’ 

“Justin builds work of incredibly imaginative richness and rigorous structural integrity. His writing echoes literary forbears like Robert Frost and Louise Glück in lines like these: ‘I want to know // which thing to take solace in: that someone/ mends the fence, or that they will not try forever.’ There’s also a deep awareness of contemporary writers as well, especially in his more formally daring work that employ echoes of Jericho Brown and Franny Choi. And yet Justin’s voice never sounds like anyone else. He is making it all new—whether he’s writing about rural landscapes, or about guns, or about the ways in which our bodies are policed. Justin’s writing is urgent and refined, restrained but revelatory. We are meeting him at the beginning of a great career.”

After graduating, Nash intends to take a gap year before pursuing an MFA in poetry. 

 

 

 

Six Washington College seniors today were selected as finalists for the Sophie Kerr Prize in literature, worth $65,580 this year. The winner of the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize will be announced this Friday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m.

The event, held in person for the finalists on Martha Washington Square, will be hosted by Jim Dissette ’71, a local writer and book artist who won the Sophie Kerr Prize 50 years ago. Viewers can watch the live-streamed event from the YouTube link here.

The finalists each have focused their academic studies in the humanities, predominantly in art & art history, English, communication & media studies, creative writing, and journalism, editing & publishing.

For more about Sophie Kerr and her legacy, go here.

Top left:

MacKenzie Brady • Baltimore

An English and studio art major, MacKenzie Brady is the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Elm; poetry editor for the student literary and arts magazine, Collegian; managing editor of the student journal of liberal arts and sciences, Washington College Review; president of Writers’ Union; a poetry screener for the national literary journal, Cherry Tree; and a member of the National English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta. Brady’s portfolio contains poems, flash fiction, essays, and a satirical Elm article exploring relationships, personhood, and family that pushes the limits on form. After graduation, Brady will be working as a reporter for the Kent County News, with plans to pursue an MFA in poetry sometime in the not-so-distant future.

“What’s impressed me most about Washington College is all of the different opportunities I’ve had here. Being able to work on all the publications and have my hands in so many things has been really great.”

Top center:

Nicole Hatfield • Columbia, MD

An English major with minors in creative writing and journalism, editing and publishing, Nicole Hatfield is an intern in the College’s Department of English. Hatfield has been a poetry screener for the past two years for Cherry Tree: A National Literary Magazine @ Washington College She is an active member of the Campus Garden, was an intern at the Eastern Shore Food Lab, and achieved academic distinction as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Hatfield’s portfolio, “Inhabit,” includes a collection of poems, personal essays, and literary analyses, many focused on placemaking and the body.

Top right:

Rebecca Kanaskie • Tamaqua, Pennsylvania

An English major with a minor in journalism, editing & publishing, Rebecca Kanaski worked as a peer consultant for the Writing Center, a photographer for The Elm, a nonfiction screener for Cherry Tree, and was a member of the both the prestigious Cater Society for Junior Fellows and Phi Beta Kappa. Kanaskie’s writing portfolio centers around the facets that constitute place and how they shape one’s personal identity. As her creative nonfiction pieces, academic essays, and prose poetry alternately switch between the creative and academic aspects of photojournalism, Kanaskie’s portfolio culminates in a reflection of the lasting impact natural spaces can hold upon the human mind while also serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving the environment while we are still able to. Having graduated in December 2020, Kanaskie is working at The Brinton Museum in Big Horn, Wyoming, and will attend the University of Idaho for a master’s degree in English literature this fall.

Lower left:

Justin Nash • Smyrna, Delaware

An English major with three minors (journalism, publishing & editing; communication & media studies; and art & art history), Justin Nash came to Washington College through the Cherry Tree Young Writers’ Conference, attending two conferences before enrolling in the fall of 2017.

At WC, Justin has held a number of literary positions, including Editor-in-Chief of Collegian, the campus literary magazine, and the Washington College Review, the liberal arts journal. He has been senior poetry reader for Cherry Tree: A National Literary Magazine @ Washington College, vice president of the Writers’ Union, and a member of both the Cater Society of Junior Fellows and Sigma Tau Delta.

“I thought Washington College was the perfect place for me to do everything I wanted to do,” he says. “I knew the English department was great, but The Cherry Tree journal and the Rose O’Neill Literary House opened up a new world for me.”

The poems, stories, and essays in his portfolio, collectively titled Prestidigitate, examine travel, childhood, and conceit through manipulated address and formal play.

Nash will be looking for jobs in publishing and book production, and is considering pursuing an MFA in poetry.

Lower center:

Megan Walsh • Timonium, MD

Megan Walsh is an English major with a minor in creative writing. In her time at Washington College, she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, a peer tutor in the Writing Center, a poetry editor for the literary journal Collegian, and a member of Writers’ Union, She was honored to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Walsh’s writing portfolio includes a collection of poetry and short stories that revolve around themes of trauma, self, physicality, and loss. After graduation, she plans to intern for the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library through the Starr Center’s Explore America program.

Lower right:

Tamia Williams is a double major in English and communication & media studies with three minors (Black studies; creative writing; and journalism, editing & publishing. While participating in Writers’ Union and Cleopatra’s Sisters, she’s worked with various departments around campus to enrich her community. Supported by the Starr Center’s Explore America program, Williams interned in the publishing office at the Library of Congress. She had a second internship with the National Endowment for the Humanities, and achieved distinction as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her writing portfolio, “Learning to Unlearn,” includes a collection of academic essays, nonfiction pieces, and standalone prose focusing on identity, family, and spirituality.

“I grew up in a Christian household with traditional values. Now I see myself as a spiritual person who is not constrained by stereotypes of ethnicity and race,” she says.

After graduation, she is heading out for a road trip with friends, before applying for a position in publishing.

Three years ago, the Spy interviewed St. Michaels High School senior Jack Gill about his two-year campaign to gain acceptance at the United States Naval Academy.

On the face of it, Jack had all the “right stuff.” This included being the school’s valedictorian, class president, athlete, countless hours of volunteer work, and the blessings of Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen and 1st District Congressman Andy Harris. And yet, a dreaded email that spring crushed Gill’s dreams when he was notified that he had been placed on the “waitlist.” In other words, this was the subtle way in which the USNA informed applicants that they should be looking at other schools.

Through sheer determination, Jack did not go gently into retreat. He redoubled his efforts and, against all odds, was indeed accepted at the last minute into the Class of 2022.

The Spy remembered that background when one of our readers asked how Jack has fared since that interview took place. Beyond the initial challenges of Plebe (freshman) year of intensive physical and mental endurance tests, Gill and his classmates have also had to fulfill their academic requirements during the COVID pandemic, resulting in being restricted to dorm rooms for more than a year.

Given all this, the Spy was just as curious as some of our readers on Jack’s journey, and we drove over to Annapolis a few weeks ago for a quick check-in with him just outside the Academy’s Visitor Center to get an update.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. 

In honoring the contributions of dedicated community members, Chesapeake College Foundation raised $35,100 for student scholarships during the virtual week-long Chesapeake College Foundation Pride of the Peake 2021 event. The honorees were John DeLuca, Bob Rauch and the Multicultural Advisory Committee.

The Foundation exceeded the goal to raise $30,000 for the designated endowed scholarships celebrating the honorees.

Pride of the Peake culminated on April 29 with its Virtual Finale—an online video event to honor the recipients. The video included appearances by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Maryland Senator Adelaide Eckardt, who honored the recipients for their extraordinary service.

The video also featured interviews with students who have benefitted from the support of the honorees. View the complete video at https://www.chesapeake.edu/pride-of-peake

“Our honorees have done so much to help students across our region meet their goals and improve their lives through education,” said Chesapeake College President Clifford Coppersmith. “Their efforts make a difference to our community every day. They choose to invest their talents, energy and resources in our students. We regularly see the results of their investment in the lives of our graduates and the communities they serve.”

Retired businessman and community advocate Mr. DeLuca established the TREES Scholarship to prepare Certified Nursing Assistants for work in the community. Since launching the scholarship to aid aspiring CNA’s, Mr. DeLuca’s support has expanded to include other workforce training initiatives.

A long-time supporter of higher education in Maryland, Mr. Rauch is President of RAUCH inc. and has partnered with Chesapeake to prepare the region’s workforce. He has worked to provide both career and transfer pathways for Chesapeake students.

The Multicultural Advisory Committee, comprised of college employees and community members, works to promote diversity and inclusion at Chesapeake. To help support this mission, the group fundraises for the J.C. Gibson Memorial Book Scholarship for economically challenged students in the five-county service area.

The Peake level sponsor was the Birney Charitable Fund| Queenstown Harbor Golf Resort. The Gold Level sponsors were Reza and Dale Jafari and McDonald’s|The Meoli Companies.

Green Level sponsors were Bruce and Blenda Armistead, Cliff and Kathy Coppersmith; and Philip and Irmy Webster. The Blue Level sponsors were Candle Light Cove, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cecil, Chaney Enterprises, Edward H. Boyd Fund, Shore United Bank, PKS & Company, Willow Construction, Blenda Armistead, Tom and Cathy Hill; and Mark, Donna, Dominic, Mia and Luke Farella.

Online donations to the scholarships can be made through May 15 at www.chesapeake.edu/pride-of-peake. For information about supporting the scholarships, please contact Michelle Hall at mhall@chesapeake.edu.

It might tell you something about Andrey Perez that he’s a hard interview to get. With a full school schedule, sports, and a part-time job at the new Chick-fil-A in Cambridge, the only time he could fit in a Zoom call was during his lunch break at work.

It is one of many hints of how motivated Andrey is to move ahead in this world. The son of first-generation Americans, the Sts. Peter and Paul High School student started to lay out a plan for his future after taking a personal finance course and discovering his interest in the medical field down the road. And included in that plan was, of course, higher education.

And that’s when Andrey turned to the Mid-Shore Scholars program.

With the help of this unique organization’s support and mentoring, the Andrey Perez’s of the world can navigate the complex elements of college admissions, including the college selection process, filling out forms, or even finding the money needed to even apply to a school.

In Andrey’s case, he will be the second Mid-Shore Scholar since the program started a few years ago. While almost twenty-five students are now in the pipeline to follow him in the years to come, the volunteers and staff are collectively holding their breath as he awaits hearing from the school of his choice; Washington College.

Not only has Andrey applied, but he recently was nominated to apply to the school’s prestigious Washington Scholars program, which provides its award-winners a free ride for four years on both tuition and housing.

The Spy checked with Andrey and Mid-Shore Scholars director Vivian Landau a few days ago to hear more about his aspirations and the great benefits that come with participating in such a successful preparatory support program.

With fingers crossed, Andrey will hear soon from WC while his Mid-Shore community awaits the news with double-crosses theirs.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information about the Mid-Shore Scholars please go here.

 

 

The Spy was not entirely surprised the other day when Radcliffe Creek School’s board of trustees announced that it would be seeking a new provider for its auxiliary preschool program known as Little Creek School.

Little Creek came into being as a way for Radcliffe Creek teachers to enroll their children in a pre-K program and quickly grew into a popular school option for other working parents in the region that wanted their youngsters to experience unique learning opportunities before their kids entered primary school.

And over the years, Little Creek has done just that. Since it was founded, hundreds of Kent County toddlers and their parents have reaped the benefits of smaller class sizes and individualized learning to meet its students’ specific needs.

But as the Radcliffe Creek School board began to work on its five-year strategic plan, members came to the difficult conclusion that its priority must be with the core mission of its primary school. While the school’s administrators have gracefully provided oversight for Little Creek, it has been clear for some time that these two schools required independent management to successfully continue the high-quality standards both have achieved over the years.

For those compelling reasons, Radcliffe announced last week that it planned to close Little Creek in August 2021. It also launched a new initiative to attract a reputable childcare provider to take over Little Creek’s mission before that terminal date.

The Spy spoke with Head of School Meg Bamford and Board President Rob Ditmars to understand more about this important transition in Kent County education.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about Radcliffe Creek School and Little Creek School please go here.

 

Undoubtedly one of the immensely satisfying moments for any teacher is the look of a student who is absorbing the lesson taught. It could be an expression of the eyes, an unexpected question, the nod of the head, or an appreciative smile of a young person knowing something new. It is one of those simple pleasures that make the role of educator all the more rewarding.

But what happens when one of the best students you have is physically unable to send out these traditional messages that note comprehension? That is one of the challenges that Eastern Shore educator Bruce Glover has faced and resolved with his remote learning work with Oxford’s Tilghman Logan.

Tilghman has severe cerebral palsy, which limits his physical movement to one hand. But by creatively designing his learning experience online, both teacher and student have found a special union that Bruce hopes will lead Tilghman to express his thoughts and ideas through visual art.

The Spy caught up with Bruce a few weeks ago from his home in Salisbury to talk about his work with Tilghman and how educators can reach out to others with his unique challenges.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about Tilghman and remote learning please go here