LaureL LeafFall 2014

(L-R) Jean Waller Brune, Vicki Zakrzewski, PhD and Dana Hamilton, BS, RN

roland Park Country School

Democracy is My anchorn early October, Margaret Hu, Assistant Professor of Law at Washington and Lee University School of Law, visited RPCS as the Sarah Crane Cohen Visiting Scholar in the Humanities. Margaret held an Upper School assembly and an evening lecture for the community. She discussed her

new research related to immigration and discrimination, and specifically focused on database-screening discrimination and

whether or not data surveillance programs are constitutional. More and more government programs rely upon “big data” analytics in an

attempt to assess who is unlawfully present and who potentially poses a national security threat. Margaret Hu’s research interests include the intersection of immigration policy, national security,

cyber-surveillance, and civil rights. Previously, she served as senior policy advisor for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Margaret believes deeply in our democracy and in safeguarding the U.S. Constitution. She is one of the only attorneys in the country researching the issue of the lawfulness of big data screening. She also gave our students a perspective on building a career and advised students to “reverse engineer

your life.” Think about where you want to be and construct a plan to get there. “You cannot listen to the naysayers, but do leave room for diversions in that path.” She also addressed work-life

balance, noting that only women seem to be asked about the topic. She gave a realistic view of how difficult it is to make it to the top of your profession—the dedicated work ethic it takes

as well as the resources needed if you also want to raise a family.

The RPCS community is deeply grateful to the Crane family for their vision to help us bring distinguished educators to our campus who can share their compelling stories.

I

HaPPineSS anD GratituDe: recipe for a Meaningful Life

In mid-October RPCS held its 6th annual Robinson Health Colloquium. Generously funded by former Trustee and parent of an alumna James G. Robinson, who believes that parents must be fully engaged in the lives of their daughters, the Robinson Health Colloquium focused this year on well-being. Vicki Zakrzewski, PhD, Education Director of the Greater Good Science Center, presented The Science of a Meaningful Life to students

the SARAH CRAnE COHEn Visiting Scholar in the Humanities Lecture

Through the generosity of the

late Charles Crane, a Baltimore

businessman and philanthropist,

an endowment was established

at Roland Park Country School

in 1993. This fund was created

in loving memory of Mr. Crane’s

mother, Sarah Crane Cohen,

a warm and compassionate

woman who possessed a genuine

fondness for all people. The Sarah

Crane Cohen Visiting Scholar

in the Humanities endowment

brings a distinguished educator

to campus each year.

About

An Education AboveTM

in Grades 8–12, held a faculty workshop and addressed parents and educators in an evening lecture. Dr. Zakrzewski’s work focuses on how the social-emotional skills of students contribute to their academic success and future ability to become caring members of society. She provided science-based tips for promoting the social and emotional development of students, teachers, and administrators, as well as methods for creating positive school cultures.

In addition to her comments on the importance of expressing and feeling gratitude, her definition of happiness as “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.” was powerful for our community to consider. She asked each of us to think about “what kind of a person we want to be.”

With JOY! as the Student Government Association’s theme for this academic year, it was certainly fitting to welcome Dr. Zakrzewski to the Robinson Health Colloquium and feel her passion for helping others create a meaningful life.

Think about where you want to be and construct a plan to get there.

Dr. Zakrzewski provided science-based tips for promoting the social and emotional development of students, teachers, and administrators, as well as methods for creating positive school cultures.

Dale Bittinger, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Admissions, Orientation, and School Partnerships at UMBC, has been in higher education for over 20 years. In 2007, the Chronicle of Higher Education named him as one of the Ten Influential Admissions Deans/Directors in the country. He is currently on the College Board’s Admissions and Enrollment Services Advisory Group and the College Board’s Regional Council. He previously served on the Executive Board of the Potomac and Chesapeake Association of College Admission Counseling (PCACAC) as well as an Assembly Delegate for the national Association of College Admission Counseling (nACAC). He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from West Virginia University and is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Philosophy in Public Policy at UMBC. Dale has been a Parent network Volunteer at RPCS and, with his wife Katie, has assisted with the Annual Giving campaign. The Bittingers have three girls at RPCS: Riley, 2024, Molly, 2026, and Kerri, 2028.

Beverly A. Chaney attended James Madison University and received an undergraduate degree in Special Education. She is currently employed by Baltimore County Public Schools Infant and Toddler Program, which provides early intervention to at-risk or young children who are developmentally delayed or have physical or emotional challenges. She creates support systems for families who are struggling on a financial, emotional or physical basis. Previously, she worked in sales and marketing for a health insurance company and newspaper. She also was sales manager for a medical equipment company. Beverly has volunteered and served on the board for the Owings Mills Recreation and Parks Council and is also serving on the Advisory Board for Hayfield’s Golf and Country Club. She has volunteered extensively at RPCS where she and her husband, Mark, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of CareFirst, Inc., have a daughter, Amy, 2019. Beverly has served as a Parent Representative, as well as secretary of the Parent network and is currently the MS network Chair.

Scott P. Kurlander, an attorney with Schochor, Federico and Staton, a medical malpractice firm, graduated cum laude from Tufts University where he was a member of the Honor Society and sports editor for the independent student newspaper. Scott was also a four year varsity lacrosse player at Tufts. He graduated cum laude from Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware. A former judicial clerk to the Honorable Paul E. Alpert, Associate Judge of the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland and to the Honorable Edward J. Angeletti, Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Scott was honored as a Top 100 Litigation Lawyer in Maryland, American Society of Legal Advocates (2013) and served on the Voir Dire Committee, Maryland State Bar Association (2012). A member of the Peer Review Panel, Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland (2002–Present), he has many other legal associations and has been recognized for the highest level of professional excellence. At RPCS, Scott has volunteered extensively for the past three Annual Giving Campaigns and, notably, solicited 100% participation last year as Class of 2019 Parent Grade Chair. He and his wife, Elise, an Assistant Attorney General in Maryland, have a daughter, Sara, 2019.

Natalie Kay Nichols has just completed a one-year term, ex-officio, on the Board of Trustees, co-chairing the 2014 Annual Giving Campaign with her husband Matt. A native of Richmond, VA, natalie received her BS in Business from The University of Virginia. After graduating, she began her career in advertising at The Martin Agency in Richmond, Virginia working on multiple accounts including Mercedes-Benz, Saab and Amgen. She also has experience in direct marketing which she gained through her employment at Capital One in Richmond, Virginia. natalie is a dedicated

community service volunteer whose experience includes involvement with Maryland Family & Children Services, Maryland Antiques Show of Hunt Valley, and The Junior

League as well as extensive involvement with both RPCS and Gilman. natalie and Matt have twelve year old twins Abby, 2020 is at RPCS.

Lee Roebuck has just completed a one-year term, ex officio, on the Board of Trustees as President of the RPCS Parents’ Association. A native of Philadelphia, PA, she received her B.A. in English from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Prior to moving to Baltimore, Lee was Assistant to the Vice President of Strategic Management Group, Inc. specializing in executive development seminars for Fortune 500 companies. In Baltimore, she was assistant to the Executive Director of the Baltimore City Medical Society. She is now a full time community volunteer having served in various positions at RPCS, Gilman School, the Junior League of Baltimore and the William S. Baer School Partnership Board. She also coaches field hockey at the Club level and for USA Field Hockey’s Futures Program. Lee and her husband Charles are the parents of Emily, 2016.

For a two-year ex officio term:

Katharine Fox Castro, 2004, will begin a two-year term as President of the RPCS Alumnae Association. She is a 2008 graduate of Stanford University, with degrees in Economics as well as African Studies. Katharine is an Associate with M&T Bank’s Debt Capital Markets group and focuses her time on middle market loan syndications. While a student at RPCS, Katharine was recognized numerous times as a scholar-athlete, receiving the Echo and Frances E. Pitts Awards in Middle School, the Smith College Book Award in her junior year and, subsequently, The Connie Williams Excellence in Athletics Award and The USMC Distinguished Athlete Award. At Class Day, she received The Margareta A. Faissler History Prize and State of Maryland Scholastic Award. In her senior year, Katharine served as President of Honor Board and, at her Commencement, was presented The Herbert E. Witz Award for her leadership, loyalty and service to School and Community. She currently is active at RPCS through the Alumnae Association Board, as a parent to Stella Castro, 2023 and as a mentor for the Baltimore Girls School Leadership Coalition program.

For a one-year ex officio term:

John B. McGowan (Jack), Vice President, Institutional Sales, U.S. for T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., will begin a one-year term as Chair of the 2015 Annual Fund. Jack received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehigh University (magna cum laude), where he also served on the Investment Committee for the university endowment fund for nine years. He earned an MBA from the Darden School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia and has also earned the Certified Public Accountant (nY) and Chartered Financial Analyst designations. Jack and his wife Brenna have been involved in various community organizations since moving to Baltimore and are currently active as members of the Leadership Committee at the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and the Development Committee at the Gilman School, where they were the 2013–2014 Gilman Fund Parent Chairs and led the Parent Leadership Gifts Committee. Jack and Brenna also served as the Annual Giving Class Chair for RPCS in 2011–2012. Jack and Brenna, have a daughter Meredith, 2021 at RPCS.

Mary Louise Woolley will begin a one-year term as President of the RPCS Parents’ Association. A graduate of the University of Richmond School of Business, she received an MBA at George Washington University. Subsequently, Mary Louise was employed by Aetna, Verizon and direct marketing, all relating to business sales and marketing. Currently working as a Design Associate at the Maryland Design Center, servicing and selling to licensed interior designers, she is a former President of the Baltimore Women’s Interclub Tennis League. In addition to serving as Web Secretary and then Vice President of the RPCS Parents’ Association, she also volunteers in the School’s Spiritual Mentoring Program. Mary Louise and her husband, Jeff, have two RPCS daughters: Bracken, 2014, and Gabrielle, 2016.

rPCS Welcomes new trustees

❧ Congratulations to Senay Washington, 2017 who placed 2nd in the Congressional Art Competition. Senay’s monoprint landscape was on display at Ft. McHenry last spring.

❧ Congratulations to Regan Gore, 2015 who was named a National Merit Semifinalist and is eligible to continue in the competition. The 60th annual National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarship. More than 1.4 million students in 22,000 U.S. high schools entered the National Merit Scholarship Program competition as juniors by taking the PSAT’s. Congratulations to seniors Anna Cox, Brittany Day, Caroline East, Alexandra Hough, Grace Laria, Emma McCormack, and Susan Radov on being named National Merit Commended Scholars.

❧ Congratulations to Sydney Haywood, 2016 who was crowned as the 2014 National American Miss Maryland Teen in August. She will be attending the National Pageant at Disneyland dur-ing Thanksgiving week. The National American Miss Pageants are dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the National American Miss Pageants awards 1.5 million dollars in cash, scholarships and prizes to rec-ognize and assist the development of young women nationwide.

❧ Kudos to Campbell Barnes, 2020 who participated in the Adirondack Canoe Classic, a 90-mile canoe race with her father in September and Campbell selected the American Vitiligo Research Foundation as the beneficiary of their effort.

❧ Congratulations to First Grader, Annabelle Slowikowski, Second Graders Charlotte Sigler and Rebecca Dunn, Third Graders Sammy McPherson and Josie Russo, Fourth Graders Josie Kalbfleisch and Makenzie Pridgen, and Sixth Graders Ammara Elsevier and Scarlett Bonner whose artwork from 2013-2014 will be displayed in AIMS LS student exhibition at the Walters Art Museum.

❧ Congratulations to the following RPCS athletes who were named Academic All-Americans by U.S. Lacrosse: Katie deMuth, 2014; Mary Diffenderffer, 2015 and Abbey Muhly, 2014.

❧ Congratulations to Audrey Todd, 2012 who was named a women’s lacrosse junior captain at Harvard.

❧ Congratulations to Catherine (Casey) Merbler, 2011 who was instrumental in the founding of the Varsity Squash team at Dickinson College and is the Captain of the inaugural women’s team.

❧ Congratulations to Dani Kell Steinbach, 2004, Director of External Programs, who was awarded the Penzance Plate from the Young Victorian Theatre Company this summer which is given to someone who makes an outstanding behind-the-scenes contribution to YVT.

❧ Congratulations to Penny Starratt Duffy, 1966 whose novel The Cartographer of No Man’s Land was a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize—a prize named in honor of the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia. It celebrates the power of the written word to foster peace.

❧ Congratulations to Peggy Ollerhead, Educational Psychologist, who was selected as a recipient of a 2014 American Psychological Association Convention Award Program to attend the convention in August. Four seniors, Regan Gore, Evelyn Cortezi, Hannah Baron, and Gretchen Herwig attended the convention with Peggy.

❧ Kudos to Jimi Kinstle, Director of Upper School Theater who wrote a version of Snow White and Seven Dwarfs that is being produced by Pumpkin Theatre on December 6, 7, 13 and 14.

❧ Janet Aldrich, Lower School Science, Curt McKnight, 4th Grade, Melissa Bristow Carter-Bey, 1st Grade, Kitty Davis, Assistant Lower School Head for Early Childhood Education, and Jane Lancaster, Assistant Lower School Head, attended Responsive Classroom Leadership Conference in Chicago in October.

Sydney Haywood, 2016

&noteSneWS

❧

Lower School teachers

Some of the highlights from her trip were seeing beautiful sunsets, ospreys and their nests up close, blue herons on the shoreline hunting for food, cow nose stingrays skimming the surface of the water, crabs swimming in the water and untouched marshland and shorelines with native vegetation. It was so incredible to see the natural beauty of the bay and enjoy swimming in this amazing Maryland resource, minutes from where we live. Liz will be sharing books about native wildlife with her First Grade as part of their story book writing unit where they write stories about squirrels. The books she is reading to them will introduce them to the Chesapeake Bay and native wildlife and she will be able to share pictures of the animals that she took to enhance the stories. The books will help her provide the class with examples of story elements so they may use them in their own story writing.

PAIGE nORTH~US HistoryPaige travelled to Iceland. Inspired by her Honors World History students and their many questions about the Vikings, Paige set out to learn more about the ways in which the Vikings shaped Icelandic history. She spent five days in Reykjavik, visiting history museums and archaeological sites, including the oldest Viking establishment in the city, which dates to 871. From there, she travelled to the site of Europe’s oldest parliament, Thingvellir national Park, which was established by the Vikings soon after they settled in Iceland. The influence of the Vikings can be seen and appreciated in everything from the Icelandic language to the wild Icelandic horses that roam the island. The Icelandic people have a pride in their country and a deep sense of place and environmental stewardship that is impressive and inspiring. Paige will be including a mini-unit on Vikings and the pursuit of wayfinding in her Honors World History course this year.

DIAnE PnIEWSKI~MS History and GeographyDiane travelled to Scotland to experience firsthand the days leading up to the September 18 vote on Scottish independence from the UK. She spent most of her time in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, while venturing on a day trip to the Highlands. The Scottish identity revealed itself through visits to the national Museum of Scotland, the national Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh Castle, the Writer’s Museum, and taverns, where yes, haggis was consumed. The two visions for Scotland’s future were crystalized for her when she stood midway between the Scottish Parliament building and Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, which stand only yards apart. She will use this experience to help students understand how new countries come into being.

VICKIE L. SWAnSOn~MS/US Learning SpecialistVickie traveled to Oregon to attend a Shakespeare Festival and then visited Banff national Park and Lake Louise to capture the beautiful scenery through photography. Before leaving for Oregon, she took a photography course with national Geographic. This opportunity gave her ideas of how to take more interesting outdoor pictures. Her first destination was Ashland, Oregon, where one of the best known Shakespeare Festivals is held from

March to november each year. She saw, in an outdoor Elizabethan theater and under the stars, two plays, Richard III and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Before each play, she met with a small group of the audience and with a professor of literature who explained both the plot of the play and the staging. Unique to The Two Gentlemen of Verona, the play was acted by all females. She then headed to Calgary and on to Banff. She stayed at Lake Louise, a central location to hiking, canoeing and generally enjoying the outdoors. She used her newly found photography skills, taking pictures of the beautiful sights. Vickie hopes to use her expanded knowledge of Shakespeare plays with the Middle and Upper School students. Her intent is to help the students look for patterns in the plays, as well visualize the stage and actors. In addition, she hopes to share her pictures of Banff and her experience working with many accomplished photographers as part of the national Geographic seminar.

WEnDY TORRES~LS Technology CoordinatorWendy Torres is a native Puerto Rican. As a mother of two children—one of whom is in middle school and very interested in learning more about her Puerto Rican culture, Wendy thought it would be a great to travel to Puerto Rico for her sabbatical. She also wanted to learn and find resources for the Foreign Language department to help our students have a better understanding of Hispanic culture as well as the individual cultural differences that exist in Latin America. While in Puerto Rico, Wendy explored the historical Castillo de San Felipe del Morro created by the Spanish explorers to protect the island from invaders. She also visited the En Yunque rainforest, the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. national Forest system. The beautiful mountain peaks and

breathtaking waterfalls left Wendy awestruck. Wendy is looking forward to sharing the resources she brought back with the foreign language department as well as the Kindergarten/Prefirst when they study Puerto Rico.

PHYLLIS TRIPP~Director of TechnologyPhyllis visited Florence, Venice, and Rome, Italy this summer. While in Florence she went to several galleries and museums. She also took a day excursion to Siena and

Kent Summer Sabbaticals 2014TAnYA BLUMEnTHAL~US RussianTanya visited Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia. Tanya also traveled on a Baltic Sea cruise visiting the countries that historically and culturally had close ties with Russia throughout the centuries. Her goal was to enrich her knowledge of the contemporary Russian language and culture as well as to learn more about the interconnections of Russia with the Baltic area countries such as Finland, Sweden and Estonia. She will share her acquired knowledge with her Russian language classes.

ZACH BRYAnT~MS HistoryZach traveled to Brazil to learn about Brazilian history, culture, and soccer. He visited the four largest cities in Brazil—Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Salvador. Each city offered a uniquely different experience. He took guided tours of the city of Salvador, Recife, the UnESCO World Heritage Site Olinda, and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio. He was also able to attend five World Cup matches including the USA-Belgium game and the France-Germany quarterfinal match. At the World Cup, he was able to meet and spend time with people from numerous countries including nigeria, the netherlands, Costa Rica, Argentina, England, as well as Brazil. He visited churches, museums, forts, and markets, some of the most beautiful and well known beaches on earth, attempted to learn how to Samba, and was able to take Bossa nova guitar lessons. Zach’s trip will enhance his unit on Conquistadors and Slavery as well as his ability to coach soccer and play guitar at MS concerts.

MARY BETH DYER~Fifth GradeMary Beth traveled to Alaska to explore Kenai Fjords and Denali, two incredibly diverse national parks in the south central area of the state. Hiking and camping provided the opportunity to learn more about efforts that are underway to sustain national parks for future generations. In Kenai Fjords, she explored the coastline surrounding Aialik Bay and hiked up to the Exit Glacier. In Denali, Mary Beth camped in pristine wilderness and attended an inspirational poetry workshop. She also met the Denali sled dogs and learned about the vital role they play in helping to maintain the Denali wilderness in the winter. She took part in the Denali Bio-Bug Blitz, a biodiversity survey. Resources from these experiences will be used to enhance a nature-based poetry unit for the 5th Grade. Mary Beth’s time in Alaska coincided with the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in Fairbanks. These highly competitive games were most notable for the respect and honor that competitors displayed for one another. Lessons learned will be shared with the students when playing games with classmates. Mary Beth also visited the Anchorage Museum to see Gyre: The Plastic Ocean. This incredible exhibit highlighted works of art created from beach debris. Photos from this exhibit will be shared as inspiration for an environmental service project using plastic materials found in the local area.

JAnE LAnCASTER~Assistant LS Head for Elementary EducationJane also spent her summer sabbatical in Alaska. Her first objective was to spend time in the unspoiled wilderness, soaking in the sights and sounds. She saw secluded bays and coves, lush temperate rain forests, mountains, rocky islands, glowing blue glaciers, and abundant wildlife including eagles and whales. Jane’s second goal was to explore a part of American history

that is so very different from that of the Mid-Atlantic States with which she was already so familiar. While cruising from Vancouver to Alaska and back, Jane explored the cities of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. She saw quaint fishing towns, heard stories about the explorers who ventured so far west and north, learned to pan for gold, tasted the scrumptious flavors at an Alaskan salmon bake, saw lumberjacks in action, experienced the native Tlingit culture, rode to the top of a mountain to see the sights, flew in a helicopter and landed on a glacier, and experienced the thrill of riding/driving a professional dogsled.

SARAH LAYnG~US Physical EducationSarah spent five weeks on Chebeague Island, ME living a healthy lifestyle. She incorporated various kinds of lifetime fitness activities into her daily life, such as kayaking on Casco Bay; playing on the Island’s 9-hole golf course; walking the Island trails; biking the quiet roads; and playing tennis on the Har-Tru surface courts. Additionally, Sarah took numerous Zumba classes at the Rec Center, so that she can add it to the Upper School P.E. curriculum. Chebeague Island also encourages sustainable living. She ate local seafood, digging for clams and supporting the Island lobstermen; ate organic vegetables, from the community farm; and participated in the Island Transfer Station, where Islanders recycle and reuse. Sarah had a marvelous trip, immersing herself in healthy island living. After all, Maine is “The Way Life Should Be.”

LIZ MEREDITH~First GradeLiz traveled by trawler on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay to experience boating life on the bay. Her journey began in Kent narrows. Liz enjoyed observing native wildlife and eating local seafood. She visited the Chesapeake Bay Maritime museum in St. Michaels to learn more about the history of the Chesapeake Bay.

[continued on back page]

The Kent Summer Sabbatical Program was endowed in 1999 by a generous gift from the Kent Family Foundation.

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PAID Baltimore, MD

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LaureL LeafRoland Park Country School 5204 Roland Ave. Baltimore, MD 21210

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Fall 2014 www.rpcs.org

Kent Summer Sabbaticals 2014 [continued]

San Gimignano. Phyllis then traveled by train to Venice and had the pleasure of experiencing life on an island. This was the most amazing part of the trip. Seeing the ancient ruins of Rome surrounded by modern building and cars was truly memorable. During her trip Phyllis took special notice to the many different ways modern technology was interwoven in to the building security, museum displays and transportation.

MARIA TERESA VASTA~US SpanishIn July, Maria Teresa visited the Basque Country which covers a vast territory from the northeast of Spain to the southwest of France. Its architectural and gastronomic habits are important clues in order to understand the Basque culture. Bilbao—a clear symbol of cultural revival—reflects the ability of the Basque peoples to adapt, survive and thrive. From Romanesque architecture to the striking design of the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art, Maria Teresa

explored their cultural autonomy “in situ,” as well as the individuality of their Catalonian and Galician neighbors. Her goal was to bring into her classroom a more clear understanding of these ancient inhabitants of Western

Europe, and their cultural impact in the region and the former Spanish and French colonies in the Americas.

BETSY VILLIGER~LS Literacy SpecialistBetsy traveled to France this summer, and immersed herself in the French culture and her own family’s history and traditions. She visited the Dordogne region where she saw the Beynac Fort and Castlenaud which were important places in the Hundred Years War. She canoed on the Dordogne River, taking in the views of La Roque, and she hiked throughout the countryside. One of the highlights of Betsy’s trip was visiting the Font De Gaume Caves. These prehistoric caves were discovered by school children. She was fortunate enough to be one of the last to visit the caves and see the incredible paintings and engravings, as they will soon be closed to the public. Betsy saw the museum and memorial at Oradour-Sur-Glane. She also visited Paris, taking in many sights including a tour of Montmarte and the Musee d’Orsay. She also visited the Palace of Versailles. Betsy is excited to share her French experiences learning about family traditions, ancestry, and culture with her classes.

Varsity Volleyball In front of a packed crowd in the RPCS Athletic Complex, the RPCS Varsity Volleyball team swept Chapelgate Christian in three games (25-17, 25-17, 25-14) to claim their second consecutive title in the B Conference. Assistant coach Dani Kell Steinbach, 2004 remarked, “the 2014 Varsity Volleyball team, led by captains Libby Kluttz, Olivia Stevens, and Ariana Rodriguez, had one goal in mind all season—to defend their title as IAAM Conference Champions. It was a season of hard work, dedication, and spirited team play from the REDS that brought home the trophy in the end.”

Varsity SoccerThe Varsity soccer team knocked off Maryvale in the semifinals to earn a place in the IAAM B Conference Championship. Coach Kelly Pierce remarked, “The Varsity Soccer team had an amazing season, advancing to its second Championship in five years. Although we lost a hard fought battle in penalty kicks, I could not be more proud of the team. We spent countless hours working together, developing our game and bonding as a team. As the season continued our play improved and we grew confident in our ability. Our playoff run and regular season finish were so exciting and we are looking forward to competing for a championship banner next fall.”

ALL STATEHonorable Mention for Soccer~Francesca Whitehurst

IAAM All-StarsField Hockey~Emily RoebuckSoccer~Mackenzie Birely, Katie Clements and Francesca WhitehurstVolleyball~Ariana Rodriguez and Bailey Andrews

fallsports wrap•up

The 2014 Varsity volleyball team Middle Schools Cross Country State Champions

Congratulations to the following Student-Athletes who signed a national Letter of Intent in november to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level:Landon Warren~Vermont (Field Hockey)Michala Clay~St. Joseph’s University (PA) (Basketball)Lindsey Edwards~High Point (Basketball)Jenna Baverman~Hofstra (Lacrosse)Maddie Boucher~SCAD (Lacrosse)Riley Brager~Monmouth (Lacrosse)Jenna Janes~Vermont (Lacrosse)Francesca Whitehurst~Georgetown (Lacrosse)

Middle School Cross CountryCongratulations to the DC/MD Middle Schools Cross Country State Champions!

student artwork

The Laurel Leaf is published throughout the school year for the Roland Park Country School community. ✦ Head of School: Jean Waller Brune ✦ Assistant Head of School for External Relations: Nancy Mugele ✦ Director of Integrated Media Strategies: Kristin Raneri Nicolini, 1998 ✦ Assistant Director of Communication/Photography: Sarah Cody ✦ Design: Brushwood Graphics Design Group ✦ Printing: Mount Royal Printing ✦ RPCS news is welcomed and should be sent to nicolinik@rpcs.org.

Senay Washington, 2017~pastel

Save the Date5th Annual 5K Run and Family Fun WalkSunday, April 12, 2015

oops… We regret that Sonia Chung Kim, 1988 was omitted from the list of Legacies in the Senior Legacy photo in Connections. She is the aunt of Rebecca Jun, 2014 and sister of Susie Chung, 1985 and Alice Cootauco, 1992.