The Gunston School welcomed more than 220 guests to its waterfront campus for the 10th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast on Saturday, October 18, 2025, chaired by Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28. The school’s largest fundraising event of the year was dedicated to funding a crucial overhaul of the school’s rural campus technology infrastructure.

The event generated more than $73,100 through sponsorships, raffle tickets, and general event income. The live and silent auctions contributed $35,000, and the highlight of the evening was the direct-giving “Raise the Paddle” segment, which alone generated an impressive $45,000, bringing the total gross funds raised to just over $150,000.

The live auction, led by auctioneer Woody Dunstan, P’24,  saw enthusiastic bidding for big-ticket items, including a seven-night bareboat charter on a Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 Catamaran in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a three-bedroom penthouse in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and a beachfront villa in St. Thomas on Bolongo Beach. Unique experiences tailored for the Gunston community were also highly sought after, including 10 VIP seats for the Class of 2026 Graduation and the exclusive first-choice parking spot for the entire 2026-2027 school year. Major bids were rounded out by a professional Paul Reed Smith SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar and a catered cocktail cruise for eight on the Chester River.

The online silent auction, which ran from October 13 through October 19th, allowed the entire Gunston Community to participate. The selection featured tempting travel and local excursions, including a three-night stay in a lovely waterfront Annapolis condo, a weekend getaway in St. Michaels, a five-day Myrtle Beach vacation, a Deep Creek Cabin Weekend, and several fishing charters. Gift certificates for popular local restaurants were also available, alongside offerings of golf and spa packages, and original artwork.

Head of School John Lewis commented on the successful night. “The community’s response was overwhelming and demonstrates a shared vision for Gunston’s future. A comprehensive overhaul of our network infrastructure is now fully supported, which will ensure fast, secure, and seamless connectivity across campus. These upgrades are essential to supporting student learning, classroom technology, campus safety systems, and daily operations.”

Guests also enjoyed delicious food from Phat Daddy’s BBQ, Superior OysterShuckers, and Emily’s Produce, along with a beer truck, wine pull, cocktails, and dancing to round out the evening.

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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.

Photos by Elaina Faith Photography

The Gunston School is proud to announce that four members of the Class of 2026 have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. This distinguished recognition is awarded to students who placed among the top 50,000 scorers out of more than 1.5 million high school students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in October 2024. This recognition places these students among the top 3-4% of all test-takers nationwide.

The following students from the Class of 2026 were honored for their outstanding academic promise: Kate Andrews ’26, Soren (Arlo) Badger ’26, Eamon Schopfer ’26, and Lucas Watkins ’26.

“This is among the highest academic honors a student can achieve. We couldn’t be prouder of Kate, Arlo, Eamon, and Lucas. This recognition is a direct result of their remarkable intellectual curiosity and dedication to their studies,” said Head of School John Lewis. “The National Merit Commended Scholar achievement is a fantastic milestone in their college journey, and we look forward to continuing to work with them through our college guidance program as they explore their options and build on this success.”

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Founded in 1911 and currently enrolling 256 students, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host OysterFest on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10am-4pm, inviting the community to celebrate the Bay’s favorite bivalve with a day of fun for the whole family.

The OysterFest menu, of course, features fresh oysters served a variety of ways, plus other local fare, craft beer, and spirits. There’s also live music on two stages, an oyster stew competition, boat rides, a full schedule of demonstrations and presentations, children’s activities, and more.

Tickets for this rain-or-shine event, including a new VIP offering and CBMM Fall Festival Passes, are on sale now at cbmm.org/OysterFest, with discounted pricing for CBMM members.

Whether you prefer to sip, savor, or slurp Chesapeake Bay oysters, you’ll appreciate this beloved fall festival with oyster offerings from the Talbot Watermen Association and several local oyster farms, including raw and cooked options.

Guests can also purchase a variety of Chesapeake delicacies and other food offerings via local vendors on campus, plus a beverage selection that includes specialty cocktails and an array of local craft beer options. All food and drinks are an additional charge.

The always-popular oyster stew competition gives guests the chance to sample offerings from area restaurants in an OysterFest mug and then vote for their favorites to help decide which chefs claim the coveted title and local bragging rights.

The friendly competition continues with our annual oyster slurp-off contest. Interested participants can sign up on the day of the event.

All the oyster-themed fun will come with an upbeat soundtrack thanks to live music on both sides of campus all day long. An OysterFet staple, Electric Newgrass band Swamp Donkey will once again share their unique blend of originals and covers at the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand. There will also be a stage on Fogg’s Landing, including a performance by local sibling trio The Folk Villains, to add to the festive atmosphere.

Throughout the day, the Van Lennep Auditorium will host a variety of guest speakers, including representatives from the Pocomoke Indian Nation, whose ancestral lands span much of lower Delmarva. In addition to their auditorium presentation, the Pocomokes will offer demonstrations throughout the day to share their history and traditions with guests near CBMM’s Shipyard.

Representatives from the American Chesapeake Club and their pups will be on hand to highlight Maryland’s official dog, the Chesapeake Bay retriever.

CBMM will also debut a new theater space on Navy Point, showcasing a selection from its library of historic and documentary films that includes the works of the celebrated environmental filmmakers Tom Horton, Dave Harp, and Sandy Cannon-Brown.

OysterFest programming, including presentations, demos, and performances from the Pocomoke Indian Nation, The Folk Villains, and the American Chesapeake Club, is supported by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center through the Maryland Traditions Program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Children can explore life on the Bay through a range of themed, hands-on activities, including lawn games, model boat building, and more. The Phillips Wharf Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on site, too.

Guests have a variety of ways to get out on the water at OysterFest, including free, drop-in cruises aboard CBMM’s floating fleet vessels. Patriot Cruises will offer a Narrated Historical Cruise on the Miles River at 12:30pm with combo tickets that include OysterFest admission and the cruise available.

CBMM is thrilled to welcome a pair of visiting tall ships to join in the fun. AJ Meerwald, a restored oyster dredging schooner that is New Jersey’s official tall ship, is offering free dockside tours from 10am-3pm and a ticketed public sail at 4pm, while Lady Maryland, a full-scale reproduction of a traditional 19th century Chesapeake Bay cargo schooner called a pungy, will be available for free deck tours during the festival before offering a ticketed sunset sail at 5pm.

Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase commemorative OysterFest gear in the Museum Store, showcasing this year’s featured historic oyster tin from CBMM’s collection. The one-gallon tin, featuring a silhouetted sailboat underway, was packed by Harrison & Jarboe Seafood Company in the 1950s on CBMM’s Navy Point and marketed as Miles River Brand Oysters. The design will be emblazoned on shirts and hats for purchase, as well as the mugs used for the oyster stew competition and the VIP tote bags.

This year, OysterFest is generously sponsored by PNC Bank and What’s Up Media.

OysterFest tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to OysterFest and other annual festivals celebrating the best of the Bay throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive the $10 discounted admission for two additional adult guests.

To level up the fun, VIP tickets include festival admission, entry into the oyster stew competition with commemorative mug, access to the VIP Hospitality Lounge with a complimentary beer and wine bar, an exclusive OysterFest tote bag with a list of vendor specials, and discounts at the festival bars. The cost is $50 for CBMM members and $80 for non-members.

The CBMM Fall Festival Pass offers entry to three upcoming signature festivals, including OysterFest, the Holiday Edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival (Saturday, Nov. 22), and Winter on the Chesapeake (Saturday, Dec. 13). The cost is $20 for CBMM members and $44 for non-members.

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To discover all the terrific benefits of membership and join today, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

During the festival, additional free parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including OysterFest. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited.

Bikers and classic car enthusiasts gather in support of the students and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Benedictine 

(Ridgely, MD – September 23, 2025) – Benedictine hosted its’ Chrome City Fundraiser for the 23rd year, drawing hundreds of visitors, motorcycles, hot rods, classic, custom, and vintage cars to the campus in Ridgely, Maryland on September 20th. The day included a car and motorcycle competition, live music by the Stoneflies – a Paul Reed Smith employee band, door prizes, food trucks, and fun for the whole family. The Benedictine Foundation’s Chrome City Fundraiser supports students and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential.  

Two of Benedictine’s supported adults were able to be vendors this year, selling their own creations. Dom sold holiday décor, while Chas sold his fishing lures. Both enjoyed attending the event as vendors for the first time. “I had a great time at Chrome City. I met a lot of people,” said Dom. Chas stated, “I was very successful selling my lures at Chrome City. I almost reached my sales goal (and) met some nice people.”

The first 100 cars that registered received a dash plaque and everyone that registered received a commemorative Chrome City t-shirt. First place car was awarded to Richard Dascenzo for his 1965 Chevy and First place motorcycle to Joseph Wachter for his 2012 Kawasaki Vaqmaro. Sister’s Choice was awarded to David and Ellen Coleman for their 1962 Chevy Corvette. Thank you to Del Mar Va Judging Group for selecting the top 20 cars and to New Castle County Troopers for selecting the top 10 motorcycles. Thank you to Sister Mary Agnes for selecting Sister’s Choice. 

Numerous food trucks were on site to purchase breakfast and lunch from including Uncle Bernie’s Steak Shack, Smokin’ on the Shore BBQ, Jimmy’s Fat Rolls, So Coast Street Eats, Walker Family Seafood, Shore Good Coffee, T&D Fusions, Breezy Treats, Isaiah’s Ice Cream, and SnoAngels Shaved Ice.

Sponsors of this year’s Chrome City included A.H. Hatcher, Willow Construction, Fresh Air Concepts, The Jetty, Queenstown Bank, Southern Corrosion, Torchio Architects, Preston Automotive Group, Acrisure, Central Sod, Chesapeake Urology, Uncle Bernie’s Steak Shack, Bullock’s Deli, Callahan’s Gas, What’s Up? Media, So Coast Street Eats, Jimmy’s Fat Rolls, Conner. Inc, and Paul Reed Smith. Chrome City was also supported by numerous families, friends and staff.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate Benedictine’s 23rd Annual Chrome City Fundraiser. We all love to see the amazing motorcycles and cars come up Benedictine Lane. Thank you to all our sponsors and everyone who attended,” said Executive Director, Scott Evans. “Your support makes it possible for us to fulfill our mission to make sure all the children and adults we support living with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism achieve their greatest potential. “

If you would like more information on how you can support Benedictine, please contact Caroline Bauerle at [email protected] or 410. 634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org. 

 

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About Benedictine:

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

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties.  

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. 

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community. 

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

 

The Judy Center Early Learning Hubs of Kent County are celebrating the program’s 25th anniversary and the start of the school year with a special Touch a Truck event.

Join the Judy Center teams from Galena Elementary School, H.H. Garnet Elementary School and Rock Hall Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 in Worton Park.

This event is free and open to Kent County families with children ages birth to 5 years old.

Families can check out large commercial and utility vehicles like fire engines at the Touch a Truck site in the park.

Concessions will be available for purchase from food trucks.

The Judy Centers are still accepting participants for the Touch a Truck. Sign up online at https://tinyurl.com/2z2pvt8w by Sept. 26.

Judy Center programming is developed with funds from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Childhood.

Visit www.kent.k12.md.us for more information on Kent County Public Schools and the Judy Center programs.

The Gunston School is pleased to announce the Mid-Shore College Fair and Financial Planning Evening on Tuesday, October 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Chesapeake College’s Health Professions and Athletics Center in Wye Mills, Md. This event is free and open to the public, however advanced registration is highly encouraged. Students will receive a barcode after registering, and colleges will scan it during the fair to receive the student’s contact information. Participants are encouraged to browse the college fair at their own pace and have the option to attend one of two sessions on the Financial Aid Process at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. This event typically draws around 60-75 colleges and universities from across the country.

“Our college guidance program is all about finding the right fit for each student, and we take a lot of pride in that personalized approach,” explains Co-Director of College Guidance Emily Coffey. “By bringing the Mid-Shore College Fair to our community, we’re able to share that commitment and offer a valuable resource to all students and families in the area, helping them navigate a process that can feel pretty overwhelming.”

The Mid-Shore College Fair was made possible with support from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Students may register at https://app.strivescan.com/registration. Contact Gunston’s Directors of College Guidance with questions: Emily Coffey, [email protected] or 410-758-0620 ext 3101 and Tony D’Antonio, [email protected] or 410-758-0620 ext 3100.

To date, the following colleges and universities will be attending (with about 20 more expected to be added to the list before the October event:

* Alfred University
* Alvernia University
* Bucknell University
* Cairn University
* Cedar Crest College
* Chesapeake College
* Christopher Newport University
* Clarkson University
* Drexel University
* Eastern Shore Higher Education Center
* Elizabethtown College
* Franklin & Marshall College
* Goldey-Beacom College
* Goucher College
* Hampden-Sydney College
* Hobart and William Smith
* Hood College
* Juniata College
* Loyola University Maryland
* Lycoming College
* Maine Maritime Academy
* McDaniel College
* Momnouth University
* Mount St. Mary’s University
* Neumann University
* Notre Dame of Maryland University
* Old Dominion University
* Palm Beach Atlantic University
* Randolph-Macon College
* Saint Joseph’s University
* Salisbury University
* Salve Regina University
* Savannah College of Art and Design
* St. John’s College (Annapolis/Santa Fe)
* St. Mary’s College of Maryland
* Stetson University
* Stevenson University
* Susquehanna University
* The Catholic University of America
* Towson University
* University of Alabama
* University of Delaware
* University of Maryland, Baltimore County
* University of New Haven
* University of Rhode Island
* University of Tennessee, Knoxville
* Ursinus College
* Washington College
* West Virginia University
* Wilson College

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. 

As we begin a new academic year, my 10th as Head of Kent School, I have chosen a word to carry our community forward: INSPIRE. Each year, I select a guiding word – one that captures our aspirations and centers our shared purpose. This year, I return to the core of why we teach, and why we lead – to INSPIRE our students.

To inspire means more than to spark motivation or encourage change. Its Latin root, inspirare, means “to breathe into.” As educators, we do not simply impart knowledge; we breathe life into potential and promise. We awaken courage (our word from last year), curiosity, compassion, and the confidence to ask: What can I do in this world? Who can I become?

At the heart of great teaching is inspiration. The research affirms what we have always known intuitively: inspired students are more engaged, more resilient, and more likely to persevere through challenges. According to a study by psychologist Todd Thrash, “Inspiration facilitates progress toward goals,” enhancing both creativity and academic performance. When students feel inspired, they don’t just learn; they grow.

And how are children inspired? Not by curriculum alone, but through people – teachers who care deeply, who listen, who model integrity, and who challenge students. They are inspired when love is present in learning, when they feel belonging because they are seen, known and valued, and when we believe in them even before they believe in themselves. We teach them, we love them, and above all, we strive to INSPIRE them.

To prepare for a year of INSPIRE, I read Trust and Inspire by Stephen Covey this summer, a book I believe that every parent, teacher, and leader needs to read. The author presents a leadership crisis in our world. He argues that most organizations, teams, schools, and families today still operate from a model of “command and control.”Because of the changing nature of the world, the workforce, work itself, and the choices we have for where and how to work and live, however, this way of leading is outdated.

I have shared with the Kent School faculty that Trust and Inspire offers a simple yet bold solution: to shift from this “command and control” model to a leadership style of “trust and inspire.” Trust and Inspire starts with the belief that all people/students are inherently creative, collaborative, and full of potential. It is the job of the leader/teacher to create the conditions for students to flourish. Students who are inspired by their teachers can become the best version of themselves and produce their best work.

You will hear me talk a lot this year about Teach, Love, INSPIRE. That is our path forward.

Nancy Mugele

After a thoughtful and comprehensive search process, the Board of Trustees of Wye River Upper School is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Sophocles as the permanent Head of School for Wye River Upper School, effective immediately. 

Over the past year, Mrs. Sophocles has served with distinction as Interim Head of School, providing strong and steady leadership during a time of transition at our school. As a founding teacher at Wye River, Nicole has been a cornerstone of our school community since our founding twenty-three years ago. With Nicole’s intimate understanding of our school’s values, combined with her long service and history of innovative thinking, she will continue to guide Wye River Upper School as we build upon our strong foundation and pursue new areas of opportunity for our School. 

Nikki Williams, Wye River Upper School Board Chair, states, “Mrs. Sophocles has helped to shape Wye River with deep dedication, vision, and a steadfast faithfulness to our mission. Her leadership has been characterized by transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students. The overwhelming support expressed by faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni made it clear to the Board of Trustees and the Search Committee that Nicole is the right person to lead our School into the future.” 

Mrs.Sophocles holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of Miami, a Master of Education from The University of Maryland, a Certificate in Independent School Leadership from Johns Hopkins University, and teaching certification in Biology. She has nearly twenty-five years of experience in classroom instruction, outdoor education, and school leadership. Mrs. Sophocles resides in Annapolis, MD, with her three children and husband. 

About Wye River Upper School: 

At Wye River Upper School in Centreville, Maryland, we reimagine the high school experience for bright students who learn differently. Serving grades 8–12, we deliver a challenging college preparatory program within a small, supportive setting. Our approach empowers students to discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for success beyond high school. Our supportive environment is designed for students with learning differences, ADHD, and unique learning profiles.