Spring 2010

A Catholic College Preparatory School Sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers

ConnectionsA magazine for the St. Mary’s Ryken Community

In this issue...

The of Nazareth

New feature: Spotlight on the Board of Directors

Distinguished Alumni Award presented to Reverend Keith A. Woods The St. Mary’s Ryken Fund

Tuition covers 83% of what it costs to educate a student. Your gifts to the 2009-2010 St. Mary’s Ryken Fund help us provide the rest:

• over $700,000 in tuition assistance for 52% of our students • merit scholarships for 10% of our students • retreats and religious enrichment activities • new vestments, altar cloths and liturgical supplies for Mass • building upkeep and campus maintenance • upgrades to classroom technology and computers

Thank you for investing in the students of St. Mary’s Ryken. From the President Table of Contents

Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, 2 The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth As we enter the final days of Lent and 7 A Day to Celebrate and can see the end of the academic year on To Remember the horizon, I pause to reflect on all of the 8 Board of Directors Spotlight wonderful moments that this school year 9 Athletics has held so far: the SMR STEM 100 10 Student News program is thriving in its second year - the 12 Alumni News honors physics classes visited the horizontal 14 Class Notes accelerator at the Pax Naval Base and the anatomy class had field 15 In Memoriam trips to witness an eye and a heart dissection. Almost 60 students 16 Distinguished Alumni Award participated in the spring musical Grease, whether on stage, behind 17 The Theodore Ryken Award the scenes or in the band. Several English classes visited St. Mary’s College of for a poetry workshop with Maryland’s Poet Laureate, Dr. Michael Glaser. The Easter food drive is wrapping up Spring 2010 and the juniors are completing Project X. Editor and Designer I urge you to read more about Project X on pages 10-11. The Denise Krumenacker community service outreach by our students is stronger than ever. Each year they regularly complete service-oriented projects linked to the mission of the school and the Xaverian philosophy. Photography Kristen Beck ’11 Over 74% of our students are Catholic and the focus of this issue is Robert Burke our commitment to Catholic education. I cannot help but marvel at DC Sports the drive and determination of the Sisters of Charity, the Xaverian Taylor Gregg Brothers, the local community, parents and teachers to firmly Donnamaria Jones establish a Catholic high school in Southern Maryland. Denise Krumenacker Steve Kupka Today, we stand on the foundations they have so carefully laid and, LifeTouch now, it is up to us to carry their legacy to the next generation. The Maryland Agricultural Bureau faculty and staff of St. Mary’s Ryken understand the importance Joan Stevens of the mission of Catholic education - that we are educating the leaders of tomorrow in academics and in the values of compassion, Cover photo: Jessica Sizemore ’11 simplicity, humility, trust and zeal.

Every day, I see our successes. Some of the accolades the Class of 2010 has received so far include seven National Merit Commended Mission Statement Scholars, and 13 Maryland Distinguished Scholars, including one St. Mary’s Ryken is a Catholic coeducational finalist and one semi-finalist. college preparatory school, operated under Xaverian Brothers sponsorship, committed to We receive no funding from the Archdiocese of Washington or the academic excellence and to individualized Xaverian Brothers congregation and are able to bring about all of student growth in faith, moral probity, the above good things because of you. Tuition and the St. Mary’s physical health, social demeanor and Ryken Fund make possible all we offer our students. responsible citizenship.

Thank you for your support of our students, of St. Mary’s Ryken and of Catholic education. St. Mary’s Ryken High School 22600 Camp Calvert Road Sincerely, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Mary Joy Hurlburt Tel: 301-475-2814 President E-mail: [email protected] “The love of Christ impels us” The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the Beginnings of Catholic Education in St. Mary’s County Spring 2010 3 Connections

Many of us who grew up going to a Catholic school can tell plenty of stories: getting rasped on the knuckles with a ruler for misbehaving; being sent to the bathroom to scrub off makeup; or having to wear coveralls or a “napkin suit” if caught out of uniform.

We did our best to exasperate the families from Maryland, and The Sisters opened their first school sisters, brothers and priests who did St. Mary’s County in particular, in 1814 and soon found themselves their best to turn us into responsible moved to the frontier involved in a variety of ministries, and moral young adults. seeking a new start. They also all in response to their loving sought Catholic education for their commitment to serve others. In “I was a little rascal, the class children. 1832, when Catherine Spalding clown,” admits Maria “Lou” Briscoe Gardiner ’44. “I like to have fun and enjoy life.” While Lou tells tales of annoying the Sisters with her gum chewing (“Once I had to put it on my nose and sit in the corner.”), she is quick to point out that the Sisters “made me what I am today, especially Sister Sara Ann [Abell]. ”

The Sisters are the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the religious order from Kentucky that answered a request in the late 1800s to establish a Catholic school in the very rural, very hard to reach St. Mary’s County, and who are responsible for (Above) The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth take time to enjoy a picnic lunch and educating generations of Southern (shown left) the Sisters at Camp Maria. Marylanders in morals and values. Father Jean Baptiste Marie The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth brought home two orphans left David, who was in the process trace their roots back to 1812 at the wharf in Louisville, they of establishing a seminary near when, in the newly-formed diocese began their social work ministry. Bardstown, put out a call for young of Bardstown, Kentucky, Bishop The following year, when cholera women willing to devote their lives Benedict Joseph Flaget saw an struck, the Sisters nursed victims to the service of the Church. From overwhelming need to provide of the disease and began their among the first group of women religious education for the children ministry to the sick. In 1884, they to respond, Catherine Spalding, a of Catholic families who had received another request to provide 19-year-old originally from Charles migrated there from Maryland. religious education for the children County, Maryland, was chosen of Catholic families. This time After the Revolutionary War, with as first superior of the religious the request came from St. Mary’s farmland becoming scarce and congregation named the Sisters of County, Maryland. depleted from years of tobacco Charity of Nazareth. growing, many large, Catholic 4 Spring 2010

During the first year, the number of pupils increased to 33.

The Sisters faced many hardships in the beginning. Furniture was in short supply, so as they moved from

St. Mary’s Ryken room to room, their chairs went with them. The cooking was done in an open fireplace and it wasn’t until 1887 that a windmill was installed to supply the building with hot, running water.

Always finding their calling in Sisters of Charity of Nazareth at their General Assembly in India in 2008. Sr. Judy is ministering to the needs of the seated in the second row on the left side in the blue/green salvar. community, the Sisters stepped In 1884, shortly before her death, twelfth order Father Jenkins had in to help nearby families with Mrs. Mary Miles bequeathed her appealed to – took up the challenge domestic tasks and with nursing Leonardtown home, Rose Hill in the spirit of their motto “The love the sick during a flu outbreak. Farm, to Father Charles K. Jenkins, of Christ impels us.” When several parishes in the S.J., pastor of St. Aloysius with the county opened Catholic elementary instruction that it must be used In August 1885, the steamer, schools, including St. John’s, Little by “a religious order to conduct a Thompson, arrived in Breton Bay Flower and, later, Mother Catherine Catholic school.” Father Jenkins carrying Mother Helena, Sister Spalding, they began teaching there began writing to various religious Rosanne, Sister Gregorita, Sister as well. orders. Several visited the site, Bertilla and Sister Madaline. The When summer heat became stifling, but came away discouraged by the Sisters were immediately impressed the Sisters and students escaped to dilapidation of the building and the with the hospitality of the people Camp Maria for an afternoon of isolation of the district whose main who came to the Leonardtown swimming in Breton Bay. Some means of transportation was by boat. wharf to welcome them. The next month, in September, St. Mary’s days, the boys up the road at Camp After much consideration, the Academy opened with 17 pupils, Calvert, the summer camp operated Sisters of Charity of Nazareth – the two of whom were boarders. by the Xaverian Brothers, paid a visit. Founded by the Sisters in 1937

Alumni

Maria “Lou” Briscoe Gardiner Isabelle ’44 grew up in St. Mary’s Waring County. Lou, her two sisters, Raley Hilda Briscoe Dale ’42 and ’48 and Adriana Briscoe Gillespy ’49, her late and her brother, The Honorable husband, John Hanson Briscoe ’52, all James, attended St. Mary’s Academy. were named Ms. Gardiner, her husband, “Pillars John, and their five children of the Community” in 2006. moved around the country and Her two daughters attended St. abroad with John’s job at the Mary’s Academy - Carolyn Raley Central Intelligence Agency. Davis ’74 and Suzanne Raley She and her husband later resettled in Southern Maryland. Here she poses Mower ’81 - and her son, Jack with her four grandchildren, all of whom attended St. Mary’s Ryken. From Raley ’72, attended Ryken High the left: Jessica Steppe ’03; Christen Fegeley ’09; Ms. Gardiner; Marissa School. Fegeley ’10; and Jason Steppe ’07. Spring 2010 5 Connections as a summer camp for girls, Camp Maria is still in operation today and hosts retreats (including some for St. Mary’s Ryken) and various types of renewal programs.

There always was a strong closeness between the students and the teachers.

The Sisters were “good people,” said Isabelle Waring Raley ’48. “They were very motherly.” Oft times saying and doing the same things a mother would: “Once I went to a dance in a strapless gown and the The original convent. Sisters watched us girls closely as we came in. They had me throw a veil and I enjoyed being around them Ryken when it opened that year. over my shoulders,” Isabelle recalled. and helping them out after school.” While a summer camp counselor “Sister Julia Clare taught me About 70 graduates from St. Mary’s at Camp Maria, Sister Judy was throughout high school and was Academy went on to become Sisters able to see how the Sisters “enjoyed an excellent teacher and delightful of Charity of Nazareth, including life outside of their work and that person to be around,” recalled Sister Sara Ann Abell and Judy Raley. showed me another side of religious Judy. “She had a keen sense of humor. She nurtured the seeds of “I can’t say I always wanted to be a life.” my vocation through her example Sister,” said Sister Judy Raley ’57. Some of her favorite memories and asked from time to time, ‘Judy She is the Provincial of the Western from the Academy include “the Fay, when are you coming to us?’ She Province and serves as the leader of friendliness of both students and was from Chattanooga, Tennessee the 417 Sisters of Charity and 178 teachers, working in the clubs like and would sing ‘Chattanooga Associates in the United States. the CSMC and Sodality, putting Choo-Choo’ and tell us about that “I came to admire the Sisters of on the senior play – Meet Me in St. city. Little did I know then that I Charity for their commitment to Louis – and fourth-year Latin class would spend 12 years in ministry in education and wanting the best for taught by Sister Frances Clare with Chattanooga as a Sister of Charity of their students. They were excellent just Susan Marine and me because Nazareth.” educators. They had a joyful spirit the boys who were seniors” moved to The Sisters are now an international congregation serving in 20 states across the country and in India, Nepal, and Belize, Central America. They have their own Web site (www. scnfamily.org), Facebook page (Sisters of Charity of Nazareth), Twitter page (www.twitter.com/ scnfamily), and even a Sister who blogs (Sister Nancy’s OMG Blog – www.scnfamily.org/omg).

Camp Calvert boys visit Camp Maria in 1938. 6 Spring 2010 The Chapel of Charity St. Mary’s Ryken

Sister Judy Raley (seated, third from left) at the 50th Reunion for the St. Mary’s Academy, Class of 1957. The interior of the Chapel (above) and the altar set for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (below). In her position as of those Sisters of Charity Provincial, it is Sister Judy’s of Nazareth who have gone responsibility to assist the before us,” said Sister Judy. Sisters in living out the “I would invite the SMR congregation’s mission of community to join us in being “committed to work this prayer and to become for justice in solidarity with involved in fostering oppressed peoples, especially vocations among their the economically poor and children and grandchildren women, and to care for the by sharing the story of earth. We risk our lives and their own education and resources both personally experience with the Sisters and corporately, as we and their influence in engage in diverse ministries their lives. I have received The Chapel of Charity in Rupert Hall was dedicated in carrying out this mission.” many blessings as a Sister by the Francis E. Taylor family to Sister Pauline Abell and met many wonderful (shown left in the photo below), Sister Alberta Abell “The Sisters of Charity people along the way in (center) and Sister Sara Ann Abell (right), and to all have a long history in St. the ministry of education, of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who, impelled Mary’s County,” Sister Judy pastoral ministry, health care by the love of Christ, have enriched the lives of so continued. “We laid the and leadership in the SCN many. The inset of the below photo shows Mother foundation for Catholic congregation. To be a Sister Catherine Spalding, the first Superior of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. education and educated of Charity of Nazareth is a generations to assume wonderful opportunity to leadership in the community learn and to serve people all and in the Church. across our world.” Hundreds of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have left their footprints in St. Mary’s County with their influence spreading far and wide.”

“We pray daily that God will inspire women today to join us in service to God’s people and walk in the footsteps Spring 2010 7 Connections A Day to Celebrate and to Remember

It was a special day this past In a bittersweet moment, Monsignor a chip of a saint’s bone and are October when the SMR students, Chimiak informed those assembled considered to be some of the most faculty, administration and guests that he was giving the school, and sacred objects in Catholic tradition. joined together to celebrate Mass. using for this Mass, the chalice and There was a new altar to dedicate paten that were used by Father A relic of St. has and a chance to remember that William Finch during Holy Thursday great meaning for St. Mary’s Ryken. all here are members of the larger Catholic community.

The celebrants for the Mass were Monsignor Karl Chimiak, dean of St. Mary’s County, pastor of St. George, Valley Lee, Md.; Reverend William Gurnee, pastor of Holy Angels, Bushwood, Md.; Reverend Lawrence Young, pastor, Our Lady, Medley’s Neck; and Deacon Bob Monsignor Chimiak blesses the new altar. Standing behind the altar (from the left): altar server Matthew Connelly, Our Lady Star of the Hendricks ’11; Deacon Connelly; altar server Joseph Webb ’10; Father Young and Father Gurnee. Sea, Solomons, Md.

The altar is a gift from John F. ’79 and Mary H. ’80 Mass in April 2009. Father Finch St. Francis is the patron saint of Taylor and family: John Taylor, died of a heart attack just after he the Xaverian Brothers, the order III ’02, Alan ’04, Sarah ’05 and Jan finished celebrating that Mass at his founded by Theodore Ryken, and ’07. As with their previous gift of parish, St. Raphael’s in Rockville. the order that sponsors the school. the refurbished Rupert Hall Senior Courtyard, the Taylors gave the Monsignor Chimiak also donated altar and lectern in remembrance of a relic of St. Francis Xavier for the those who have done much for and altar. While relics are no longer in support of all who serve Catholic required to be placed in altars, education at SMR – the Sisters of they are a reminder of our earliest Charity of Nazareth, the Xaverian Christian roots. During the Brothers and all of the parents time of persecutions in the early and families of SMR. The altar Church, Christians celebrated the will be used whenever the school sacraments in the catacombs, which community celebrates Mass in the held the bodies or remains of the The St. Francis Xavier relic Paschal Hall gym. martyrs. Relics usually contain 8 Spring 2010 Board of Directors Spotlight

Since beginning his tenure on Leonard Raley’s parents were firm believers in the importance the Board of Directors in the of a Catholic education and made sacrifices to send all six of 1998-99 academic year, Mr. their boys to Ryken High School. Their legacy left its imprint

St. Mary’s Ryken James Cornelsen has watched on him, and now, Mr. Raley serves on the board of directors with pride the growth and strengthening and affirming the core values of a St. Mary’s changes at St. Mary’s Ryken. Ryken education.

“SMR is truly a college “It is a real pleasure to work with so many dedicated and preparatory school,” he states, caring board members,” he says. After much research and noting that the school’s many interviews, SMR recently implemented a strategic administration and staff master plan. “The commitment to a robust capital facilities continually work to strengthen improvement master plan will help ensure Catholic high Mr. Jim Cornelsen and enhance the quality of a St. school education for future generations of Southern Maryland Board of Directors Mary’s Ryken education. “Over students.” Chair the years, I have witnessed the substantial increase in the level of enrollment and have He is especially proud of the fact that the school has made seen the school property transforming into a truly unique and continues to make great environment. Seeing the school’s master plan come to strides: the creation of SMR fruition has been a real highlight for me.” STEM 100, designed to expose 100% of the student body to While the look of the campus may have undergone science, technology, engineering significant changes, Mr. Cornelsen appreciates what has and math enrichment programs; stayed the same, “Looking across the athletic fields and being named the pilot high from Rupert Hall, out to beautiful Breton Bay, offers one of school in Maryland for the the most unique and idyllic views on a high school campus robotics program sponsored by in the country.” the National Defense Education Program (NDEP); the continued As president and CEO of Old Line Bank, Mr. Cornelsen growth and diversity of the is committed to the ideals of community banking and to student body; membership and serving the community. To the students at St. Mary’s participation in the Washington Ryken, he offers that as young adults “you have everything Athletic Conference Mr. Leonard Raley to gain by being truly involved in your communities. Live (WCAC); and the outreach Board of Directors life to the fullest. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.” and communication to Vice Chair alumni.

Mr. Cornelsen recently finished reading Outliers by As an alum, he would advise today’s students to “Dream Malcolm Gladwell and came away impressed by the big and follow your passion. Work hard, and remember the author’s novel view of looking at the processes of success. good life lessons and values you learned at St. Mary’s Ryken. He was especially struck by a quote from the book about Always be kind to others and volunteer to help those who are “how the world could benefit if more of our kids were in need. Never forget your roots.” granted the opportunities to fulfill their remarkable potential.” Mr. Raley is vice chancellor for advancement for the University System of Maryland (USM) and president and Through his service on the board, Mr. Cornelsen has CEO of the USM Foundation, which manages more than worked to bring many opportunities to the students at St. $750 million in endowment/ operating assets for the benefit Mary’s Ryken. His term comes to an end this academic of the 13 USM institutions and six community college year and he notes that “it has been an honor and a privilege foundations. serving on the board.” When on the SMR campus, he relishes the view from Rupert Hall. He enjoys reading – right now, it’s Highest Duty by Captain Chesley “Sulley” Sullenberger, and Warrior Priest by Mike Johnson - skiing, travelling and spending time with his family – his wife, Suzanne, and daughters, Elyse and Allison. Spring 2010 9 Connections Athletics Record-setting Season for Varsity Men’s Basketball Team

This season was one for the record books. The men’s varsity basketball team, under the leadership of Head Coach Dave Tallman, broke the school record for wins in a season with their 17th victory in February: a 73-64 win over St. John’s College High School.

The team ended the regular season tied for third place and earned a spot in the WCAC quarterfinals. For the first time ever, a men’s varsity basketball playoff game was held at SMR, but the team couldn’t overcome a determined St. John’s squad and lost 69-61. Their record for the season was 18-10 (10-8 WCAC) and tied for third place. Two games particularly stood out for Coach Tallman – the dramatic overtime wins at Our Lady of Good Counsel and Carroll. At Archbishop Carroll on January 8th, the team won 80-79 in the third overtime. At Our Lady of Good Counsel on January 22nd, they won 88-85 in double overtime. Treveon Graham scored a season high 37 points in this victory and was named the “Star of the Day” in The Washington Post. “I told my guys that this season is something to be proud of,” said Coach Tallman, “and that they should be humble but hold their heads high. They worked extremely hard in the off-season and this is a credit to them and my assistant coaches. I gave the defensive coaching duties to my assistant David Kiefer (who Guard Treveon Graham ’11 takes it strong to the basket. spent three years between Cincinnati and Kansas Graham was voted First Team All-WCAC by the conference coaches. State as a student coach for Bob Huggins and Frank Martin) and our defense is what allowed us to win all of these close games. This season was a total team effort from all involved.” The previous record of 16 wins was recorded in the 2006-07 season, when the team went 9-9 and finished 5th in the league.

The 2009-10 St. Mary’s Ryken Men’s Varsity Basketball Team Front row (from the left): Trent Walker, 3; Elijah Matthews, 32; Chris Robey, 11; Kai Smith, 55; Assistant Coach David Kiefer. Back row (from the left): Head Coach Dave Tallman; Assistant Coach Kevin Nelson; Deon Andrews, 1; Treveon Graham, 21; Josh Turner, 23; Lazar Petrov, 13; Dominique Robinson, 2; and De’Von Barnett, 4. 10 Spring 2010 Student News Mission Possible: Community Service at the Romero Center Project X:

St. Mary’s RykenCommunity service. At St. Mary’s For students who want a more hands-on Lent at Ryken, it’s not just a requirement; it’s experience, there are the mission trips. what we’re about. In October 2009, eight students ventured St. Mary’s Ryken to the Romero Center, located in East Camden, , in Each Lent, the juniors the Diocese of Camden. According to recent participate in Project X census figures, 44 percent through their theology of the city’s residents live classes. Project X (for in poverty, the highest Xavier) has several rate in the nation. components: the Poverty Project; the Fair Trade The Center was created in memory of the project; Operation Rice Archbishop of San Bowl; and the Food Fast. Salvador, Oscar Romero, The net proceeds from a champion of social all of these activities justice and the rights of are divided between the the poor and oppressed Catholic Relief Service who was killed while and our brother school, saying Mass. the Xaverian Brothers Called a “service Sponsored School in The SMR students who traveled to Camden, New Jersey for immersion” program, the Africa. community service and fellowship (from the left): Elizabeth Center gives students the Raley, Victoria Brown, Ms. Joan Stevens, Emily Attick, Cori Eisele, opportunity to venture Ian Realo, James Plummer, Emily Murphy, Daniel Murphy and out into the community The Poverty Project Mr. Steve Kupka. to help wherever they can. The curriculum for the Poverty Project is grounded As a Xaverian sponsored school, SMR The students, along with advisors Mr. Steve in Catholic social teaching: educates students in Gospel values and the Kupka and Ms. Joan Stevens, worked for every person is sacred and has social teaching of the Church, helping them four days at various tasks at nursing and a right to the basic needs for form the attitudes, values and competencies rehabilitation facilities, soup kitchens, human life and for work and that promote a life of Christian service and homeless shelters and food banks. fair wages. For this project, social consciousness. Or, as the Xaverian students are cast in the role In the evenings, everyone gathered together Brothers saying goes, SMR teaches students of a single parent with a for dinner and shared what their day was to “fall in love with the service of God.” 7-year-old son, living and like. “We all had a great time and it felt working in . They While students have a set amount of wonderful to know that we were able to develop an annual budget community service hours that they must make a difference,” said Ms. Stevens. based on a poverty-level accomplish each year, last year, students income ($8.12/hour) and completed more than 9,000 service hours the life circumstances set for above the requirements. them in the project’s packet. Through their clubs and school programs, They must make some tough students enthusiastically participate in choices along the way as they the Easter and Thanksgiving food drives figure out how to pay for and Santa Knight, a partnership with the transportation and the rent, county’s social services agency that brings make meal plans and grocery Christmas presents and basic items to some shop, and find affordable day of the neediest, local families. Daniel Murphy helps package food for care. delivery. Spring 2010 11 Connections Student News

Project X: Over 100 Lent at students participated in St. Mary’s Ryken the January 2010 Youth Fair Trade Rally & Mass Students research the topic and March of Fair Trade and then visit all theology classes to explain for Life in its importance. At the end Washington, of each presentation, the D.C. students offer Fair Trade chocolate bars for sale.

Operation Rice Bowl During Lent, we as XBSS Stewards: Christians are called to pray, each year, a group to fast and to give alms. of 11 students are Students are asked to fast chosen by the faculty for two lunches each week from very strict selection criteria. The during the five weeks of this XBSS Stewardship activity. They then fill their group works with “rice bowls” with the cost of Campus Ministry the meals. to carry out the school’s mission and The Food Fast Xaverian ministry in A 26-hour fasting retreat our school and global in which students join in communities. This solidarity with teenagers in year’s projects have included collecting developing parts of the world. cell phones for There are organized activities active duty soldiers, to pass the time and students collecting special intentions for a memory tree, organizing a book collection for displaced then spend the night in the children in Africa, hosting a tag day for Catholic Relief Services in Haiti and supporting various cafeteria. A communal meal cancer awareness activities to honor the memory of Jordan Paganelli. is held at the end of the fast. Senior stewards for the 2009-10 school year (above, from the left): J.T. Gregg, Allison Slaughter, Shannon Slaughter, Mark Ragland, Stephanie Dameron, Joey McGowan, Richard Bland, Erin Krumenacker, Caroline Buckler and Jason Torres. Missing from the photo: Erica In January and Heinze. Juniors were inducted into service at the St. Francis Xavier Liturgy in December February, and joined students from the other XBSS schools students raised in March for a week-long $1,500 to send to Xaverian retreat. The Haiti for disaster 2010-11 XBSS Stewards are (photo left, from the relief and $926 for left): Emily Simmons; Kane cancer awareness. Roland; Amanda Taylor; Nick Jarboe; Elizabeth Styles; Daniel Goodley; Elizabeth Raley; Zach Griffit; Keara Schmeiser; Brett O’Neill and Kelsey Roberts. 12 Spring 2010 Alumni News Men’s Night Out St. Mary’s Ryken The “snow-mageddon” in early February couldn’t quash the Alumni Tailgate Party. When the 20+ inches of snow began to recede, the alums were able to get together on Friday, February 19, 2010 to reconnect and reminisce.

Over 30 Ryken High School alums came for food, fellowship and the chance to catch the men’s varsity basketball team in action against Bishop Ireton. After dinner, they were off to Paschal and watched SMR capture the win, 69-51.

Photo left (from the left): Bob Taylor ’68 and Tom Mattingly ’64.

Photo right (from the left): Dr. William Boyd ’63, Teeny Guy ’62 and Bob Durbin.

Make connections with SMR alums; check out “St Mary’s Ryken Alumni” - our group on Facebook.

Naming Opportunities Announced for SMR Stadium

Athletic Field Athletic Track Athletic Pressbox & Grandstand Athletic Scoreboard (Reserved) Team Room & Locker Room Athletic Director’s Office Fine Arts Classroom – Band Fine Arts Classroom - Chorus Entrance Sign “Walk of Fame” Brick Pillars (34 available)

For more information, contact the Advancement Office at 301-373-4182 or [email protected]. A view from the end zone. The stadium is scheduled to open in August 2010. Spring 2010 13 Connections Alumni News

SMR On the Road: City

They say if you make it in New York, you can make it anywhere; this is certainly the case with Chef Mikey Price ’93 (far right in the above photo). His restaurant Market Table, located on 54 Carmine St., is a very charming place with a friendly staff and a menu reminiscent of his roots in Southern Maryland.

SMR alums from the New York area gathered on September 24th for an “After Hours” event hosted by Chef Price. Many younger alumni who have gravitated towards the Big Apple effused that they love the excitement and energy of living in New York. Patrick Christensen ’01 recently completed the New York City Marathon, running in memory of his friend John McGowan who died of Cystic Fibrosis in 2000. Jennifer Makholm ’00 is making her mark on the entertainment and theater scene, working as a producer with her company, The Process Group, on a new Off- Broadway show. Other attendees included Megan Farrell ’03; Eva Glaser ’03; Wendi Leggitt ’03; Molli Leggitt ’04; Leah Mitchell ’97; Mike Raley ’93 and Sarahby Suzanne Snyder Taylor, ’00. director of alumni and From the left: Megan Farrell; Principal Rick Wood; Pat Christensen; Wendi Leggitt and parent relations Molli Leggitt. 14 Spring 2010 Class Notes

Class of ’69 St. Mary’s Ryken

Twenty-four members of the Ryken High School Class of 1969 had a blast at their 40th reunion in October 2009. Thanks to the efforts of Steve Raley, the class reconnected at Lenny’s Restaurant in California, Md. - Tom McCoy even made it all the way from Switzerland! After dinner, everyone vied for a chance to share their memories. Special guest Brother Cornelius Hubbuch was a class favorite and all agreed that he hadn’t changed one bit since their days on campus. Not wanting to wait ten years to get back together for their 50th reunion, it was unanimously decided to start planning for a 45th reunion.

Class of ’97 be the best that I could possibly be,” Nicholas says. “St. Mary’s Ryken is an incredible school and community leader. While working as an analyst for the U.S. Department My time at SMR holds a very special place in my heart. I of Homeland Security in December 2007, Chris hope to return one day.” Campbell received his M.B.A. from the University of Maryland. He and his wife, Mandy, now reside in San Antonio, Texas, where Chris works as a financial analyst Got news? for U.S.A.A. Chris and Mandy welcomed their first child, Charlotte Arden Campbell, on March 17, 2009. E-mail us at [email protected] Chris enjoyed seeing his former classmates at the class reunion and invites them to keep in touch with him at [email protected]. Class of ’07

Mollie Bird earned her associate’s degree of science in pastry In February 2009, Nicholas Quin Serenati received his arts, magna cum laude, from The Restaurant School at M.F.A. from Goddard College in Vermont. He has won Walnut Hill College. She is currently employed with Poste platinum awards at the EMPixx Awards Competition Moderne Brasserie in Washington, D.C., as a pastry chef. 2009 (Ohio) for Best Experimental Short Film and was Class of ’08 nominated for Best Cinematography at the Director’s Chair Film Expo 2009 (NYC). Recently, he was Rachel Miller was named Miss honored with a Crystal Reel Award for Best Director of Maryland Agriculture 2009 on Photography from the state of Florida’s Motion Picture August 28 at the Maryland State and Television Association for work on Planting Hope, Fair. After serving at the fair, her a film made as a call to action for a local safe-house for responsibilities will continue this battered and abused spouses. year as she participates in activities representing Maryland agriculture. He is the department chair of the cinematic arts program Rachel was selected from a group at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, of 22 women representing the farm Florida. This year, he will marry his college sweetheart, bureaus of Maryland’s 22 counties. Jamie Victoria Amantea Kolson. She lives on and assists with the He is working towards his Ph.D. at Union Institute and operations of her family’s 270-acre produce farm and nursery University in interdisciplinary studies: humanities and in Clinton, Md., which has been in her family since the culture. Nicholas says, “Being a Leukemia survivor, I 1840s. intend to study the parameters of the human condition as it pertains to spirituality in the face of adversity.” Rachel is studying to be a lawyer and is majoring in criminal justice at the College of Southern Maryland. She works in “I thank you for the opportunity to share my the law offices of Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike accomplishments with the school that motivated me to Miller Jr. Spring 2010 15 Connections In Memoriam

Theresa Gibson Bailey ’36 Patricia Ann (Pat) “It never entered my mind on that early September Dec. 17, 2009 Mertz Norris ’42 day that I embarked on the first day of my destiny. April 25, 1925 – Jan. 11, 2010 The year was 1938. I was 13 years old. I had arrived Marie Abell Bassford ’39 in Leonardtown to attend St. Mary’s Academy as a Dec. 27, 2009 Lucille Buckler Pilkerton ’50 boarder... March 18, 1932 – July 11, 2009 Mary Sterling Bell ’28 A big outing for us during warm spring and fall June 10, 2009 Katherine Greenwell Radford ’47 afternoons was to pile into the school bus and go March 13, 1929 – Jan. 5, 2010 Wanda Vallandingham Farrell ’70 to Camp Maria for a weiner roast. Almost every May 7, 1953 - July 20, 2009 Travis Richards ’04 Saturday, those gals who needed something from June 28, 1986 – Nov. 27, 2009 town were allowed to go with a or chaperone. Joseph Guy ’63 The highlight of that trip was to stop at the bakery Dec. 3, 1944 – Sept. 24, 2009 Mary Abell Scully ’40 and load-up on chocolate éclairs. May 30, 1923 – Jan. 6, 2010 Patrick Harrison ’88 We had a basketball team coached by Sister Rose July 25, 2009 Hugh Sterling ’43 Victor... When I first made the team I was a Oct. 18, 2009 sophomore. Our uniforms were the dreaded blue Paul Hayden ’65 bloomers. The boarders got together and designed Oct. 3, 2009 Francis Swann ’75 a new one that we couldn’t believe was approved by Nov. 13, 2009 John Heisler ’92 the . It was white, patterned after a tennis outfit Aug. 15, 2009 Mary with flared shirt and panties to match. The logo was Norris Trammelle ’59 light blue. We were in heaven! Joseph Lloyd ’38 April 24, 1921 - April 14, 2009 April 14, 1920 – Aug. 8, 2009 The two biggest highlights for any boarder were James Wheeler ’43 the Sunday night movies, when approved by Sister Wigberto Martinez ’03 Nov. 11, 2009 Lucina, the supervisor, or when the boys could come May 30, 1985 – Sept. 2, 2009 out on Sunday night to visit. Of course, both events were chaperoned...In order for all the boys to come visit, they would send a delegate to speak with Sister Lucina. We could always tell if it had been approved if the horns were blaring as they went out the lane.

When I was a junior, I had my first date with Harry Norris ’41, who was a senior at the time. We were engaged and married August 24, 1944. The rest is history! The town I once viewed as Hicksville has, since July 1946, become my home.”

Patricia Ann (Pat) Mertz Norris ’42 (1925-2010) Mother to five, grandmother to 15 and great-grandmother to eight

In the July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 Annual Report: Corrections & Clarifications • Under the Principal giving society, Mr. William Cloonan is deceased. • The Rotary Club should have been listed as the Rotary Club of Lexington Park. 16 Spring 2010 Alumni Accolades Reverend Keith A. Woods ’86 receives Distinguished Alumni Award St. Mary’s Ryken “I was once told by a bishop,” begins Rev. Woods knew he wanted to grow theology. He was ordained a priest in Reverend Keith A. Woods ’86, “that a up to be a priest, just like Monsignor the Archdiocese of Washington on priest is the last Renaissance man - he Martin P. Harris. He watched Msgr. June 10, 1995 by Cardinal Hickey. has to know a little something about Harris care for the spiritual needs everything.” of his parishioners and take up any In the Catholic Church, priests job that needed doing – serving as belong to one of two groups - the parish’s diocesan or religious. Diocesan carpenter, priests commit their lives to serving plumber, the people of a diocese and make the electrician and promises of celibacy and obedience. janitor. Religious priests belong to an order such as the Jesuits or “I cannot and receive assignments from their remember a superiors, usually involving teaching time where I or work. didn’t want to be a priest,” he As a diocesan priest, Rev. Woods said. “There served at several parishes before was never any receiving his current assignment doubt. There in 2004, as pastor of St. Joseph’s has never been Catholic Church in Morganza and a morning I the pastoral administrator for Mother woke up and Catherine Spalding School in Helen. Reverend Keith A. Woods with SMR students from St. Joseph’s Parish. wanted to be From the left: Melody Russell ’10; Lance Casimir ’13; Mark Mergner something In addition to serving his ’13; Rev. Woods; Jaclyn Grigg ’11; Alicia Snellings ’12; and Brendon else.” parishioners, Rev. Woods finds time Burch ’10. to serve as a mentor. “I met Father After Woods when I was a sophomore at La graduating Plata High School,” said Rev. Patrick Indeed, Rev. Woods says there is no from St. Mary’s Ryken in 1986, Riffle of St. Peter’s Catholic Church such thing as a typical day and he can Rev. Woods attended Saint Pious in Olney, Md. “I was starting my find himself paying bills one moment X Seminary at the University of discernment to enter the seminary and then counseling a parishioner the Scranton in next. And, on February 4, 2010, he , was at St. Mary’s Ryken to celebrate earning his Mass and to receive the Distinguished bachelor’s in Alumni Award. philosophy. He then The Distinguished Alumni Award attended was established last year to honor the Mount accomplishments of outstanding St. St. Mary’s Mary’s Ryken graduates and celebrate University in their serving as positive role models to Emmitsburg, inspire today’s students. Md., earning a Master When he was a student at St. John’s of Divinity School in Hollywood, Md., the school in arts Rev. Woods and his family (from the left) his brother-in-law, Bill of St. John Francis Regis Church, and moral Briner; his mother, Mrs. Pat Woods; Rev. Woods; his father, Mr. Steve Woods; and his sister, Dawn Woods Briner. Alumni Accolades

Brother Daniel Doherty ’58 receives Ryken Award and he was my first On December 3 each year, St. Mary’s From Leonardtown, he went wherever the spiritual director. I think Ryken and the other 12 Xaverian Brothers Xaverian Brothers needed him most, including people should know that Sponsored Schools (XBSS) in the United nine years at their ministry in South America, Fr. Woods is a priest, in States celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier. where he learned his “appreciation for the every aspect of his life; Part of the celebration is the presentation of simple gifts of life that I experienced in Bolivia all that he says and does the Theodore Ryken Award to a member of among people who have so few material gifts.” is because he is a priest. the faculty or staff. Named in honor of the In this the year of the Brothers’ founder, He returned to St. Mary’s Ryken in 1998 and priest, he is in many ways the award recognizes taught math for seven years. In 2005, he was an example for all.” Rev. an individual for his asked to become the director of Ryken House Riffle co-celebrated the or her commitment in Louisville, Kentucky, a residence and Mass at SMR with Rev. to Theodore Ryken’s assisted living facility for retired Brothers. Woods. vision and dedication He returned to SMR this past summer. to an XBSS school. When not tutoring students or filling in as a “To this day,” begins Rev. At SMR, our honoree substitute math teacher, Brother Dan tries to Woods, “I am able to do this year was Brother find some moments to spend at his favorite the things He wants me Daniel Doherty ’58. spot on campus – the school’s dock on Breton to do because I am the Bay. moon that reflects His According to the sunshine.” Brother Daniel Xaverian Brothers He enjoys reading, music and cheering on Doherty Web site, “A Xaverian the students at the athletic games. “I’m also “Keith has worked hard Brother embraces interested very much in the history of St. to be a priest,” said his a missionary spirit following the example Mary’s County,” he said. mother, Pat Woods, “and of Xavier and strives to be available to go wherever the Holy Spirit might lead him.” All of us at SMR are thankful for Brother he works hard as a priest. Dan’s commitment and dedication to the It was wonderful to see Brother Dan has gone where the Holy Spirit students and to the school community. He him receive the award. – and the Xaverian Brothers – have led him truly embodies the spirit of the Ryken Award. We are and always will be and needed him most. Born in , proud of him.” New York, he was taught by the Xaverian Brothers at St. Teresa of Avila elementary At the liturgy, Rev. school and found himself interested in Woods gave the following becoming a Brother. advice to the students: “Don’t be looking to He began his studies to become a Brother other people to do things. at the St. Joseph’s Juniorate in Peabody, Solutions don’t drop out . In the fall of 1956, the of the sky. Support and juniorate moved to Leonardtown and was encourage each other. joined with Ryken High School. Brother God calls you. He knows Dan completed his last two years of high you can accomplish school here, graduating in 1958. things, because He taught For the next two years, he attended the you how.” novitiate in Leonardtown and had his first teaching assignment at the Leonard Hall School. He also worked several summers at Camp Calvert, the Xaverian Brothers summer camp on the Ryken High School campus. Brother Dan always takes the time to answer questions from students. Golden Gathering May 2, 2010 Gold & Silver Diplomas June 1, 2010 Golf Tournament SaveTo RSVP to any the of these events, Date to volunteer or for more October 4, 2010 information, please contact the Advancement Office Homecoming & Reunion Weekend at 301-373-4182 or at [email protected]. October 8-9, 2010

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A CATHOLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 22600 Camp Calvert Rd. Leonardtown, MD 20650