MUSTANG MESSENGER - Bishop McNamara High School

FALL 2012
MUSTANG MESSENGER
News for Families, Alumni and Friends of Bishop McNamara High School and La Reine High School

FALL 2012 CONTENTS
3 President’s Message
4 Advancement Office
5 Welcome New Board Members - ‘to think with Christ’
6-7 Class of 2016 Roll Call
8-9 Campus Chatter/Faculty & Staff News
10 Cultural Exchange - Spanish students visit BMHS
ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
L’oreal Edmondson ‘98
Director of Institutional Advancement
Sandy Mammano
Director of Events and Alumni Relations
Alice V. Case
Director of Annual Programs
Janice Cuellar LR ‘69
Director of Web Communications
Kristen Nunez
Director of Communications
12 Twenty Years Later by Alfred Odierno
13 President’s Roundtable: Marco Clark ‘85 and Kosi Dunn ‘13
14-15 Alumni Family Fun Weekend Recap
16-20 Alumni News
17 Alumni Profile: Dr. Scott Drew ‘79
21 Alumni Profile: Saniel Atkinson ‘09
22 Arts Calendar
23 In Memory
PRESIDENT/CEO
Marco J. Clark, ‘85
PRINCIPAL
Reginald Brady
2
Bishop McNamara High School
Advancement Office
6800 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, Maryland 20747
(p) 301.735.8401
(f ) 301.735.0934
The Mustang Messenger is published
three times each year. We welcome
comments, suggestions, and information.
Please contact: Advancement Office
301.735.8401 ext. 134
Visit us: www.bmhs.org
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bmhsalumni
CFC: 62489
United Way: 8895
Maryland Charities: 6137
©BMHS All Rights Reserved
On the Cover: Spapshots of the Class of 2016 taken during Freshman Orientation.

President’s Message 3
Dear Bishop McNamara and La
Reine Families and Friends,
One of my favorite weeks of the
school year is the first week of
school. Yes, I was actually one of
those students in my youth who
looked forward to returning to
school after summer vacation. I
know that some of you might not
relate to that but, for me then,
and it continues today, it’s a real
highlight of my year. The energy
is always so high, teachers and
students are refreshed, and the
dreams and goals of a new year are
so clear. Students get a chance to
catch up with friends they haven’t
seen all summer and as they anxiously enter each classroom
to meet their new teachers, they do so knowing that this new
year is a tabula rasa or, blank slate. I love helping freshman
find their classrooms and teaching them how to get into
their lockers. And I am invigorated by the new seniors who
have matured and are now the new leaders of the school. A
new tradition that was started in recent years is when our
new freshman enter onto the school grounds with their
parents, the driveway entrance to the school is lined with our
student leaders who greet them with cheers, posters and signs
welcoming them with open arms to their new home. Just
thinking about it brings me such great pride and joy.
So, whether you graduated from high school one year
ago or forty-one years ago, it was the love, loyalty, hard
work, sacrifice and commitment you demonstrated then
that opened doors of opportunity for you later in life and
formed you into the person you are today and is creating
opportunities for students tomorrow. I hope you take some
time to reflect upon and reminisce about your high school
days and as you do I hope you will continue to keep Bishop
McNamara in your thoughts and prayers for it is through
your support that we help the leaders of tomorrow to realize
their gifts and talents today.
Thank you for all you do and we hope that you will come
home again and visit in the near future so that we can say to
you too, “Welcome home!”
With Pride in the Maroon and Gold,
Marco J. Clark ‘85
President/CEO
Throughout the years, Bishop McNamara High School has
touched the hearts and lives of thousands of young men
and women by providing not only top-rate educational
and leadership opportunities, but by being a family that
supports and encourages one another to reach their Godgiven
potential. Our teachers, counselors, coaches and
administrators are people of hope who inspire excellence and
teach justice for all people. Some may not recognize it until
years later, but one thing for sure, the Catholic education we
all received in the Holy Cross tradition has made a difference!
As we enter into this new school year with a record
enrollment of 890 students we do so with the anticipation
that the best is still yet to come. On that first day when
we meet with our new families, they hear us say the words
that Bishop McNamara is a place where opportunities
abound. With 19 athletic programs, 55 clubs and activities,
a dynamic fine and performing arts program, STEM
programs, opportunities for leadership development, and a
comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, this school
offers something for everyone! I know that none of this
would be possible if it wasn’t for those that came before,
whose shoulders we stand upon, that have paved the way for
the students of today.
Marco Clark visits with Tom ‘84 and Bill Buckley ‘80 at the Alumni Happy Hour held on
September 7, 2012
Follow me on:
@mustangprez
BLOG: http://mustangprez.blogspot.com/
3

Advancement Office
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Alumni Basketball Game
Friday, November 23, 2012
Alumni Gathering at Showplace Arena
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Hall of Fame Awards Banquet
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Mustang Madness/Walk-a-Thon
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Mustang Cup Golf Tournament
Friday, April 26, 2013
visit www.BMHS.org for a full calendar of events
and updated information
2012-2013 BOARD of DIRECTORS
Mr. Robert Antonetti, Jr. ‘94 (Chair)
Mr. Charles (“Rod”) Marvin, Jr. (Vice-Chair)
Mrs. Toni Lewis-Bennett LR ‘88 (Secretary)
Mr. Michael Mattera ‘67 (Treasurer)
Mr. Paul Agustin ‘99
Ms. Nicki Burns LR ‘92
Mr. Daniel E. Curtin
Fr. William Foley
Mrs. Anne Gillis
Dr. Marilyn Goldsmith
Fr. Kevin Kennedy
Mr. Andrew Merkle ‘94
Mr. Adel Musa
Mr. James O’Brien ‘88
Mr. Robert Sensenig
Bro. Michael Smith, CSC
Mr. Ernest (“Marty”) Spain ‘95
Mr. Marco Clark ‘85 (ex-officio)
4

‘to think with Christ’
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Board members, Daniel Clement, Charles Hopkins, Lawrence Callaway, Jason Groves, and Steve Kemp
for their selfless service over the past two years. Please welcome our new Board members, Paul Agustin ‘99, Dr. Marylyn Goldsmith, Fr. Kevin
Kennedy, Andrew Merkle ‘94, and Adel Musa who have agreed to serve on the Board of Directors for the next two years.
Paul Agustin ’99, a Training Specialist
and Instructional Designer for 3M Health
Information Systems, taught Math, Science
and Technology at Bishop McNamara for
three years following graduation from Johns
Hopkins University in 2003. A resident of
New York City, he sits on the Development
and Technology Committees with the goal
to help the school expand its Science and
Technology programs. Paul has a deep
commitment and history with the school as
his younger brother and sister are alumni, as
well as several cousins.
Hobbies/Activities: Running and hiking; spending time with his new
wife, Beverly; watching cooking shows to experiment with new recipes
Book on nightstand: American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal
Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Lyle
Music on I-pod: Mix of top 40 and alternative rock
Dr. Marilyn Goldsmith joins the Board as
a member of the Personnel Committee. For
Dr. Goldsmith, quality education is of the
highest priority for her and her children and
believes in the mission of the school. With
two children who are alumni – Marlisa ‘07
and Matthew ‘10 – she felt that Bishop
McNamara prepared them for college and
their careers.
Dr. Goldsmith attended Arkansas State
University, the University of the District
of Columbia, and obtained her doctorate
from Nova Southeastern University. She has been an educator for over
thirty years and now serves as a principal within a Prince George’s County
public school. She was an active volunteer while her children were
students and is honored to serve, once again, as a Board member.
Hobbies/Activities: Vintage shopping; working out and practicing yoga
Book on nightstand: Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
Music on I-Pod: Gospel music and tropical ocean sounds for relaxation
and yoga.
Father Kevin Kennedy served as the
facilitator of the 2011-2012 Strategic Plan
for Bishop McNamara. He is the Pastor at
St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Cheverly,
Maryland and is an Adjunct Professor at
The Catholic University of America where
he teaches graduate courses in leadership
and organizational development. In
addition to pastoral ministry, he enjoys
training and fostering rescue dogs for
adoption. In his free time, he travels, hikes
and enjoys the visual and performing arts.
Father Kennedy was born the youngest of eight children in New York
City. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from
Bernard Baruch College in Manhattan with a major in finance. He
received a Master of Business Administration degree with a double major
in finance and strategic management from the Krannert School at Purdue
University. Before his priesthood, he worked in the financial industry
for several years and eventually became the Chief Financial Officer of a
medical research company in Maryland. Before ordination in 1995, Fr.
Kennedy studied at The Catholic University of America and received a
Bachelor Degree in Sacred Theology and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in
May 2007.
Book on nightstand: Over Our Heads by Robert Kegan
Musci on I-pod: Everything from acid rock to opera
Andrew Merkle ‘94 serves on the
Nomination and Executive Committees.
A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University, Andrew is
a Biomedical Engineer/Program Manager
with Johns Hopkins Hospital. A native of
Clinton/Upper Marlboro, he attended St.
Mary’s Piscataway prior to entering high
school at Bishop McNamara. His wife,
Michelle (DeCesaris) ‘94, is also an alumna
along with three brothers, many cousins and
his father-in-law, Marco DeCesaris ‘67, who
was a member of the first graduating class.
His mother-in-law, Diane DeCesaris, graduated from La Reine in LR
‘67. When asked why he agreed to serve on the board, Andrew said he
would like to help contribute to the trend towards excellence in academics,
athletics, and fine arts.
Andrew spends his free time with his wife and two young boys. He still
plays some soccer and now coaches his older son, Ethan’s, team
Hobbies/Interests: scratch golfer, tremendous singer, and talented chef…
frequent embellisher.
Adel Musa agreed to serve as President of
the Bishop McNamara 2012-2013 Parents’
Club to ensure he advances the education
of daughter, Shadia ‘13, and all Bishop
McNamara students. A graduate of The
University of the District of Columbia, Adel
is an accountant at the Gaylord Hotel in the
National Harbor.
Mr. Musa was born in West Africa and
enjoys reading and watching football.
Book on Nightstand: Nice Bike – Making
Meaningful Connections on the Road to Life by Mark Scharenbroich.
His words of advice to students: Don’t fail to plan because you might plan
to fail.
5

Class of 2016 Roll Call
6
Garrett Alexander
Rajah Allen-Cooper
Kaitlyn Ardovini
Brady Arnold
Mitchell Arrendell
Michaela Atiemo-Hatcher
Katelyn Bailey
Simone Baker
Mia Barnes
Olivia Barnes
Stephanie Beall
Jeffrey Belfield
Lauren Bellamy
Kyle Benjamin
Traevon Benjamin
Beverly Bennett
Alexa Best
Kaira Blackmon
Delonte Blakeney
Tyler Blount
Jordan Bobo
Joshua Bonner
Taivion Boone
Eliot Borders
Brieanna Bowman
Eva Brady
Mya Bray
Ashley Brown
Corie Brown
Briana Bryant
Misha Bucknor
Keila Cala’
Anthony Caliando
David Carroll
Bryanna Carter
Jelani Chapman
Kayla Chesley
David Cobb, Jr
Elan Cole
Derek Coleman
Marcus Coleman
Matthew Coleman
Nicholas Consoli
Tianna Cooper
Alexandra Cooper-Bates
Janine Corley
Courtney Correll
Marcus Corrothers
Jesse Cotton
Joseph Cotton
Charles Creek
Moriah Crisp
Isaiah Cromer
Kayla Cross
Marc Cuffy
Joseph Danko
Che’la Davenport
Loretta Davis
Emberlein DiSalvo
Kelci Dixon
Kelli Dixon
Jalyn Douglas
Madelyn Dyer
Muriele Edejer
Chase Ellington
Alonzo Farley
Ileana Fenwick
Jaelyn Fenwick
Therese Fernandez
Mayra Fernandez-Martinez
Brandon Fields
Maya Fisher
Myles Flood
Megan Floria
Moira Flynn
Leah Fowlkes
Kara Gavin
Jasmyn Gilmore
Vanessa Giron
Frank Godfrey III
Daniel Graner
Gabriela Grant
Alesha Gray
Samuel Green
Devonje Greene
Jay Grimes
Gianna Grogan
Dominique Hansborough
Malcolm Harley
Kayla Harris
Kennedi Harris
Noah Harris
Leeya Harvin
Aidan Haugh
Cyrus Hawkins
Kayla Hawkins
Jalen Hayes
Michael Haynes
Nina Hemphill
Everett Henderson
Alexis Herbert
Star Herbert
Alexandra Horton
Fallon Howard
Azuri Hughes
Simone Hughes
Ololade Ihaza
Darnell Ivey
Cecily Jackson
Justin Jackson
Damon Jenkins
Ernest Jenkins
Maya Jenkins
Michelle Jenkins
Niya Jeter
Bobbi Johnson
Dione Johnson
Kendall Jordan
Lindsey Julian
Julia Kalshoven
Jailyn Kelley
Avery Kelsey
Spencer Kelson
Erica Kensey
Yetunde Kuti
Jada Lagman
Ralph Liberati
Vianni Ligon
Gabriela Lobban
Brian Lomax
Lawrence Mack
Tyler Mack
Danielle Malley
Holly Mann
Carlos Martins, Jr.
Avery Mathis
Lauren McCann
Dana McCoy
Jonathan McCullough
Jalen McKnight
Tseday Mesfin
Richard Mills
Sydnee Minor
Taylor Mitchell
Lyndsey Murray
Sarah Mustafa
Emmanuella Obidiaso
Trevor Oby
Amaka Okeke
Darius Okubo
Marie Page
Michael Parker-Bell
Dallas Parran
Danielle Pickering
Samara Pinkney
Jarret Poindexter
Kameron Pondexter
John Porcari
Bria Pullin
Chase Ragsdale
Dori Randle
Sean Richardson
Jasmine Riggins
Lauren Roach
Kennedi Rodgers
Kobe Rose
Mary Rourke
Xzaiver Rowell-Brown
Kalyn Rutledge
Carlos Salazar
Robert Seiler
Juwan Shadding
Neque Shirley
Jordan Simpkins
Cameron Smith
Kiara Smith
Morgan Smith
Stefon Somers
Jamila Spears
Briana Stanley
Taylor Stephens
Zana Stewart
Tahjze Strong
Emmanuel Strother
Senar Tesfay
Shayla Thomas
Brian Thompson
Caleb Thompson
David Thompson
Nikaiya Thompson
Katia Turner
Jada Twitty
Ashley Vines
Jacob Wade
Sydney Wade
Amira Walton
Tabon Ward
Shae-Lynn Warren
Alexis Waterman
Sedrick Watkins
Tyra Watkins
Jamar Watson
Madison Werts
Dasia Whigham
Javin White
Brandon Whittington
Brian Whittington
Jared Williams
Ramar Williams
Joseph Williams II
Elijah Williams-Honore’
Ja’Nelle Williamson
Nasir Willis
Emily Wilson
Thomas Wilson
Janae Witcher
Erica Witter
Casey Wooten
Carlton Wourman
Charleigh Wren
Jalen Wright
Jeffrey Wyvill
Kyndra Yates
Nicole Yeargin
Charles Young
I.C. Young

Campus Chatter
This summer, Shadia Musa ‘13 worked in
the Visitor’s Center at NASA Goddard.
As a part of the internship, she had to
speak to and inform guests at the Visitor’s
Center about various topics related to
NASA’s discoveries, newest missions, and
general science topics (e.g., the Infrared
Camera Demonstration, Hubble Deep
Field Image Gallery Talk, and the GeChron
Demonstration).Dem
During the last week of her internship,
Shadia was invited to speak at the
STEMposium conference held at The
University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Shadia Musa during internship at NASA
ati
Sarah Coss ‘13 was selected for Women’s
Softball 1st Team All-County by the Prince
George’s Gazette. Sarah is a catcher who
hit .485 and committed no errors this past
season. Also named were Caitlin Gordon
‘13, Juliet Denton ‘13 and Jackie Pickering
‘14 who were recognized on the Honorable
Mention All-County Team by the Gazette.
Helen Bell ‘13, an Advanced Drawing
student, won the Artsonia’s “Artist of the
Week” award for the 10th-12th grade age
group., during the week if June 3-9, 2012.
Artsonia is a national on-line gallery with
thousands of participants.
India Deahl ‘13 was invited to the White
House with other selected students to
discuss and participate in President Obama’s
press conference to call on lawmakers not to
double student loan interest rates. India was
the only high school senior that was invited
to attend.
Brielyn Rogers ‘13 was selected to the 2012 First
Team All-County Track and Field for Triple
Jump. Brielyn capped the season with a 39-foot
leap which was the top jump by any Maryland
competitor this season.
Connor Hax ‘13 was selected by Maryland State
Association of Baseball Coaches to 2012 Futures
Team. The team is composed of Seniors across the
State of Maryland. The Futures team participated
in several tournaments over the summer and fall.
Javier Rivera ‘13 participated this summer as a
Leadership Ambassador in the 2012 Leadership
Summit: International Diplomacy through
People to People. The Leadership Summit began
at Columbia University in New York City and
concluded at George Washington University in
Washington, DC. As a main part of the program,
students were tasked to work in groups to write
a model UN resolution for their country that
included offering other countries to join or be
signatories supporting them.
Ramario Chapman ‘13, who recently made the
Maryland State ODP Soccer Team, was selected
for the Region 1 Team.
Mark Busbee ‘13 and Kendall Pace ‘13 were
selected as finalists for Positive Coaching Alliance
(PCA)’s Triple-Impact Competitor® Scholarship
Program Sponsored by Deloitte and Thrive
Foundation for Youth. PCA is a national non-profit
with the mission to provide all youth and high
school athletes a positive, character-building youth
sports experience.
Shadia also attended
Kosi Dunn ‘13, Eric Powell ‘15 and Kayla McAfee
‘13 took their Youth Slam Team to compete at the
Brave New Voices International Poetry Festival in
Berkeley, California over the summer. Their team
won second place in the Semi-Finals, making DC
slam team history as the first team to qualify for
semi-finals. They are ranked 5th in the nation.
Randy McCain ‘14 participated in a five week
Naval Seacadets training over the summer and
spent two weeks participating in a Cyber Security
Training at Prince George’s Community College.
Jeremie Davis ‘14 was selected to emcee
The Girl Scout Walk on the Mall on June
9, 2012 in downtown Washington DC.
Over than 250,000 Girl Scouts, friends,
parents and alumnae attended the event.
First Team All Met Mustang wrestler,
Alfred “Baby J” Bannister ‘14 won the
Gold Medal at AAU Junior Olympics
Games in Houston Texas.
Thomas McGinley ‘15 participated in
Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) this
past June and rode a total of 460 miles in
7 days. On several days he was one of the
first riders to finish and on one day, was in
the top 4, out of 1200 riders. Thomas also
participated in theTruxton Youth Triathlon,
held in Annapolis, where he took 1st place.
Thomas McGinley at Bicycle Ride Across Georgia
Hannah Villanueva Bush ‘15 successfully
auditioned for the Cirque Du Soleil at
National Harbor and performed with the
troupe on Wednesday, September 26, 2012.
The Bishop McNamara Women’s lacrosse
team, in conjunction with US Lacrosse
and the Potomac Chapter, announced the
selection of five women’s lacrosse players to
the High School Girls All-Academic Team
for 2012.
Attack - Cathy Anderson ‘12
Midfielder - Leslie Martin ‘12
Senior Defender - Simone Miles ‘12
Senior Defender - Czarmaine Andaya ‘12
Goalie - Meghan Clark ‘13
8
the Maryland Space Busi
Mercy or click on the link at

Earlier in the summer, 68 rising juniors and seniors attended the YouthLeader 2012 Conference
in Baltimore, Md. on the campus of Notre Dame of Maryland University. These students
represented a number of student organizations including Peer Ministry, Student Council, the
Senior Cabinet, and the St. Andre Service Squad. The purpose of YouthLeader is to empower
young people for Christian leadership.
Faculty & Staff News
Michael Ter,rance Skerpon was born
on Friday, June 15, 2012. Weighing 9
lbs 3 oz and measuring 20 inches long,
Michael was welcomed with open arms
by big brother Danny and parents,
former Campus Ministry Director, Katie
Skerpon, and math teacher, Patrick
Skerpon.
Student leaders at YouthLeader 2012 Conference
Eight student leaders, representing
Student Council and Peer Ministry,
along with Ms. DeLeonibus and Mr.
Shin traveled to Holy Cross College
in South Bend, Indiana for the
Holy Cross Conference for Student
Leaders. The students interacted
with students from Holy Cross high
schools located around the country.
The students learned more about
the Holy Cross Charism, met many
Holy Cross Brothers, participated
in various community service sites
in South Bend, and learned about
leadership skills.
Skerpon family celebrating birth of their son
English Department Chair and teacher
Charlie Shryock IV, announced the birth
of his daughter, Mathilda Anne Shryock,
who was born July 14, 2012 and measured
9 lbs 6 oz. Charlie’s wife, Julia, and older
daughter, Nolla Mae, are enjoying the new
addition to the family.
Shryock family with new daughter, Mathilda
Congratulations to Bishop McNamara
teachers who were recognized for their
years of service to the Archdiocese of
Washington. Honored BMHS teachers
included Richard Middleton, 40 years;
Alfred Odeirno, 35 years; M. Christopher
Williams, 30 years; Clare Treichel, 30
years; Brenda Stephens, 25 years; Dorothy
Butler, 25 years; Matthew Goyette, 25
years; and Saiedeh Khalili, 25 years.
Math teacher, Michael Fox Boyd, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and summited on Friday, July 20,
2012. Mt. Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania and is the highest mountain on the continent.
Mr. Fox-Boyd remembered to where his Mustang cap to show his Mustang Pride!
The High School Principal’s Association
(HSPA) and the Catholic Schools Office
of the Archdiocese of Washington honored
Michael Fox-Boyd for the New Teacher
Award and Patrice Wolfe for Veteran
Teacher Award. Presentations were made
to them at the annual HSPA Conference,
held on October 26, 2012, by His
Emminence, Cardinal Donald Wuerl.
9

cultural exchange students from Pamplona,
Spain experience life as a Mustang and learn about American culture,
history and traditions
“Julen and Sergio were so much fun to host. Their presence alone was great
because there was never a dull moment and I always had two friends to just
chill with. Along the way, I learned that teen life in other countries isn’t too far
from our own!” ~ Justin Kelly ‘13
Bishop McNamara students were able to experience the merging of cultures when
30 Spanish students spent almost two weeks with host families. The students,
accompanied by three teachers, traveled from Pamplona, Spain – home of the world
famous San Fermin, otherwise known as Running of the Bulls, and brought to life
by author Ernest Hemingway in his famous novel, The Sun Also Rises. Enrolled in
Paz de Zegunda, a private school on the outskirts of the Basque city, the students
came to Bishop McNamara with the intent to experience American culture, including
education, history, food, and the language, sports, and hobbies.
Organized by Language Department Chair and Spanish teacher, Mrs. Gina Gomez-
Bozzo, this unique exchange began several years ago through personal contacts Mrs.
Gomez-Bozzo established in Spain. As a reciprocal exchange, approximately
20 Bishop McNamara students will travel to Pamplona in late March 2013
to live with their Spanish peers for ten days where they will attend school
and visit sites around the Basque region.
During their exchange, the Spanish students were on a partial schedule
with their teachers, spending three days shadowing Bishop McNamara
students in class and spending three days visiting famous landmarks in
Washington D.C. including the Smithsonian, U.S. Capitol, White House
and Mt. Vernon. While with host families, the students experienced
typical American life – going to sporting events, including a Mustang
football game, participating in scouts, shopping, eating at local restaurants
and even taking day trips to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City.
The host families and students agreed the exchange was an invaluable
experience, bridging the gap between two very different cultures and
making the world just a little smaller.
10
Top: Bishop McNamara students and Spanish Students gather at Alumni Family Fun Day; Center:
Spanish Students visit Washington D.C.; Right: Mr. Justin McClain ‘00, wife Bernadette, and son John-
Paul enjoy a fall day with the Spanish students whom they hosted.

20 YEARS LATER by Alfred Odierno
I
t was twenty years ago - September 8, 1992. On that day
McNamara High School became a coeducational institution. Up
until then everything had been fine, or so we thought. McNamara
was in its 27th year of existence and I was in my 13th year of teaching
English there. We were all guys and we were happy as clams. Between
compositions and vocabulary quizzes, we talked about the Redskins,
last Saturday’s Mustang football game, and had belching contests. It
was kind of like a fraternity, maybe a little more Animal House than
Phi Beta Kappa some days, but we liked it just fine.
But all was not well, for several years Catholic education in the
Washington area had been under much duress. Between economic,
cultural and demographic changes many a Catholic school was closing
its doors. The newspapers were telling us how Catholic education was
merely a quaint relic of another time, antiquated by the current day’s
sensibilities and economically and culturally
unworkable. And on our worst days we
worried that they might be right. Enrollment
everywhere was dropping like a rock. Our
aging religious could not staff the classrooms
in adequate numbers. Things were pretty bleak.
Then in an act requiring equal parts faith,
sacrifice and courage, the leadership of allmale
Bishop McNamara High School and
all-female La Reine High School made the
difficult decision that the girls’ school would
close and Bishop McNamara would remain
open and move forward as a coeducational
institution. The good news---secondary
Catholic education would survive in Prince
George’s County . The bad news---through the anguish it was hard
to see the good news. Nobody was happy. We were losing our little
clubhouse on Marlboro Pike and the girls on Silver Hill Road were
losing their entire school, literally. For many at La Reine it was as if the
home of their mothers, aunts, sisters and cousins, something that was
theirs, and theirs alone, was being taken from them. And they were
now being forced across town to go live with their evil uncle. This was
an arranged marriage, not a love match.
Mr. Odierno (right) with the Poetic Justice Club, c. 1992
The only reason I even remember that it was September, 1992, is
because my now twenty-year-old son was born the night before the
first day of classes. I had begged my wife a hundred times to have
this child any day except the first day of school. Standing before
a classroom of boys and girls together for the very first time at
McNamara High School was a historic, momentous occasion that
simply could not, and would not, be missed.
With my newly arrived son’s cooperation I was able to get to school
that morning directly from the hospital, bleary eyed, but on time and
on cloud nine, going from the elation of one birth, now to be part of
another birth --a new coed school! I was pretty excited--until I arrived
in the classroom. As I walked in the door of my senior Brit Lit class for
the first time, I saw huddled in one corner a group of former La Reine
girls with a collective glare on their faces that could have vaporized
any male within a five-mile radius. In the opposite corner cowering in
abject fear were all the boys, football players included. It was clear that
if one of the tenets of a Holy Cross education was ‘being family’ we
definitely had our work cut out for us. It was indeed a memorable day
and year. It could have been a disaster, but it wasn’t. It had its many ups
and downs, and like a lot of things, some days the kids handled much
of the transition better than the grownups. But we made it all work
And now it’s been twenty years and the
rest is history, as they say. Today as we look
around this beautiful, bustling, successful,
and remarkable school- it now seems as if it’s
always been that way. I don’t think anybody,
myself included, would have even remembered
it has been so many years if I didn’t have my
son’s birthday to remind me. And of course,
like all things, those many years have passed
by now in a blur. But what I can tell you
about those twenty years since boys and girls
first joined together in secondary Christian
education in Prince George’s County is
how many stereotypes have been crushed,
prejudices dismantled, new voices added to the
exchange of ideas, fears defeated, minds opened,
new bonds created, lifelong friends made and I think even a marriage
or two thrown in for good measure.
Every mother knows how birth can be a painful process, but one
rewarded a hundred times over by the gift of new life. And in many
ways that is what becoming coed was for us all. Never forgetting the
painful sacrifices made and the courage shown by those first coed
students who gave up what had meant so much to them, and the heartwrenching
decisions made by those in our schools’ leadership positions,
in order to allow for the this living, breathing, gift of the outstanding
coeducational school community we have now become. Today it’s just
like the alma mater says—“brotherhood and sisterhood in Christian
unity...”.
Happy twentieth (coed) Birthday.
“Today as we look around this beautiful, bustling, successful, and remarkable school -
it now seems as if it’s always been that way.”
11

Presidents’ Ro
12
With the presidential election season in full swing, Bishop McNamara President/CEO, Marco Clark ‘85, sat
down with Senior class president, Kosi Dunn ‘13, to discuss their goals and outlook for the school. Fortunately,
they shared a bi-partisanship approach that that serves as a good model for administrations at the state and
national level.
As the Presidential election nears, we are bombarded with
Q contentious debate and a divisive outlook on how to approach the
top issues facing this year’s electorate. Heading into a new academic
year and, in spite of the debate at the national level, how do you plan to
create a spirit of unity as the leaders of this school
MC The general election has become divisive with personal attacks and
airing of dirty laundry. For Kosi and I, we depend on the Senior class to
demonstrate leadership. I need to support Kosi and maintain an open
dialogue with him and other Senior leaders.
KD We should focus on how to be better Americans, not better
Republicans or Democrats. Seniors are looked up to at the school.
Youth leaders must keep positive and motivational. They must sustain it
during the ups and downs throughout the year.
What are your top three goals that you wish to accomplish this
Q academic year
MC Work on the reaccreditation process (which occurs every seven
years) which will help identify the goals of the school; implementation of
the Strategic Plan; clarify and enforce school mission – many people can
describe it but can’t repeat our Mission Statement.
KD Set a standard and legacy for Class of 2013; define school culture
as a place of openness and inclusive diversity; help create open dialogue
between students and administration.

QWhere do you see the school in five years
MC I see it as the same place at the heart but the physical plant
adapted to the needs of students in terms of facilities and technology.
KD I see the school continuing to attract high quality students and
families, and faculty and staff who are interested in self-discovery.
QMr. Clark, how would you describe yourself as a senior in high
school
I loved school and the Holy Cross Brothers helped define me and
discern my leadership potential. I was also a typical teenager –
precocious, curious, a risk-taker, and pretentious. If I could do it over,
I would spend more time helping the greater community. In reflection,
though, a lot of my actions covered up deep-rooted insecurities. By
senior year, I learned how to be myself.
QKD to MC What was your biggest challenge during your senior
year
QWhich leaders are your role models, past or present
MC Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Martin Luther King.
They were leaders who acted in times of crises and brought about social
change.
KD Marco Clark, Alex Haley, and Steve Jobs
QWhat is your best argument for why Bishop McNamara is a great
school
MC Bishop McNamara is a place with real people who care about real
issues and make a real difference in the community. Opportunities
abound academically, spiritually, athletically, and artistically.
KD This is the only school that Honors Physics students do homeowork
with African Dancers. A tap dancing poet is the school president.
Football players are taking AP Biology. Everyone is family. No facades
or frauds.
MC I was over-involved and had to learn how to balance all it and
also have fun. I wanted to be liked and sought approval – sometimes
I think this made me stray from my core values.
QMC to KD How can the administration support you
KD Help with logistics and details during school events.
undtable
Kosi, what are you plans upon graduation How will you use
Q what you’ve learned at Bishop McNamara as they relate to
your plans
I want to attend New York University so I can better myself as
an artist. Right now, I’m looking at Interdisciplinary Studies. I
really want to travel, especially to South Africa where my Dad is
from. I want to go to places where I can help. I want to start a
REVOLUTION.
Kosi, what events do you have planned for the school year as
Q school president
Canned food drive and Spirit Week – make them bigger and more
inclusive. I got a lot of good ideas at the Leadership week I spent at
Holy Cross College during the summer. Improve or create clubs so
they exist to serve the greater good. Start a Slam Team.

Alumni Family Fun Weekend brought together friends, family and even foreigners (i.e., Spanish exchange
students) for three days of celebration and an opportuntiy to reconnect with one anonther. Beginning with
Friday evening happy hour in the school library, approximately 50 alumni stopped by for drinks and light Hors
d’Oeuvres. On Saturday, many current students and alumni stopped by to participate in games and other
entertainment before the first home football game where the Mustangs routed Georgetown Prep. The weekend
culminated with a brunch, mass and program, honoring generous benefactors to the school.
14
Alumni Family
September 7-9, 2012

Fun Weekend
15

Alumni
16
‘82
Ken Harris, whose graduating
class is celebrating their 30th
Reunion this year, is pictured
here with wife, Michelle, and
daughter, Lauryn. Ken lives
in Clarksville, Maryland and
manages his own export firm.
Ken Harris with family
‘83
Kyrese (Johnson) Scott
received her Doctorate in
Health Sciences Degree with a
concentration in Organizational
Leadership and Behavior from
AT Still University in Mesa,
Arizona on August 4, 2012. Dr.
Scott is the mother of Kazel
Mutombo ‘10 and the sister of
Kyle Johnson ‘79.
‘84
Ricardo A. Crocker had a
stretch of the Santa Monica
Freeway in California named
after him after losing his life,
in 2005, to a rocket propelled
grenade explosion while
conducting combat operations
in Hadithah, Iraq on May 26,
2005. Major Crocker was a
Santa Monica Police Officer
from 1995-2005 and in the
United State Marine Corps from
1989-2005. For the entire story
go to the website, Fallen Hero,
or join a thread of tribute on
Alumni Facebook in his honor
(look for a post by John Tan ‘84).
‘87
Reggie Smith has been
appointed to the Board of
Trustees at Berkeley College.
‘00
Rhonda Jordan conducted
her dissertation defense at
MIT entitled “Incorporating
Endogenous Demand
Dynamics into Long-term
Capacity Expansion Power
System Models for Developing
Countries” on September
17, 2012 and is now Dr.
Rhonda Jordan.Her mother,
Faye Jordan, in a message to
President/CEO Marco Clark ‘85,
wrote “I am feeling so many
emotions at the moment. But
I wanted to say ‘Thank You’
to you, Mrs. Gossett, and the
BMHS Faculty and Staff. All of
you have played a pivotal road
in not only Rhonda’s life but all
of the Jordan kids (Curtis ‘07
and Teddy ‘98).
Justin C. Smith, graduated
from The University of Florida
in Gainesville on May 6, 2012
with a Master of Science in
Mechanical Engineering. Justin,
a Lieutenant in the United
States Coast Guard, is assigned
to the USCGC Valiant (WMEC
621) as the Engineering Officer.
The USCGC Valiant is homeported
out of Jacksonville, FL.
‘99
Paul Agustin, a former teacher
and new Board of Directors
member, was married to
Beverly Escario on August 18,
2012.
‘02
Jeannette Lopez married Dr.
Luis Garcia on May 26, 2012
in Baltimore, Maryland. She
also accepted a new role with
Starbucks working in Human
Resources for their largest
coffee roasting plant in the US,
located in York, PA.
Katherine Vlcek married
Matthew Harrison on
September 1, 2012.
‘04
Shannon Nicole Greer Arnie
earned her Doctor of Physical
Therapy degree on September
13, 2012 from the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore.
Shannon is the daughter of
Mrs. Dawn Greer, staff member,
and sister of Adam Greer,
Religious Studies Department
Chair, Teacher, and Women’s
Lacrosse Coach. She will take
her Physical Therapy Exam with
the intent to practice on the
Eastern Shore.
‘05
Therese Beale, who perfomrs
under the name Reesa Renee,
performed at the Fillmore in
Silver Spring, Md. on August 25,
2012 and recently released her
album “Release”.
Dori (Wiseman) Johnson
was named “Touch of Class”
award winner, in August, by
the Maryland Horse Industry
Board (MHIB). Recently, she
represented the United States
in a series of test match
competitions in the United
Kingdom.
Dori started playing polocrosse
with the Marlborough Pony
Club in Upper Marlboro. She
has continuously competed
in national and international
competitions since 2008. Last
year Dori was named one of the
top four U.S. women polocrosse
players and represented the
U.S. in World Cup competition
in Great Britain.
Stephen Fitzgerald ‘71
and Nick Ferrante ‘84 were
named to the Maryland Super
Lawyers list as top attorneys
in Maryland for 2012. No more
than 5 percent of the lawyers
in the state are selected by
Super Lawyers.
Super Lawyers is a rating
service of outstanding
lawyers from more than 70
practice areas who have
attained a high degree of peer
‘07
Tiara Darnell, a graduate of
University of Maryland, and
a volunteer for the Peace
Corp in Morocco, maintains
a blog called Eat Well. Travel
Often.http://thatglobalswagg.
tumblr.com/ that records her
experiences. Tiara credits her
trip to Africa in her junior
year at BMHS with teacher
Kyle Green and others for
influencing her decision to
volunteer for the Peace Corp
and travel the world.
Marcus Harrington and Julia
Hickok were engaged in July.
Marcus had Julia meet him
at Bishop McNamara on the
pretense of touring their alma
mater. The couple entered the
classroom where they first met
and he dropped to his knee
and popped the question. A
joy-filled and tearful response
of “Yes” immediately followed.
Marcus Harrington with Julia
Hickock
recognition and professional
achievement. The annual
selections are made using
a rigorous multi-phased
process that includes a
statewide survey of lawyers,
an independent research
evaluation of candidates, and
peer reviews by practice area.
Stephen has a law office in
LaPlata, Maryland and Nick
has offices in Prince Frederick
and California, Maryland.

Heart of Compassion
Dr. Scott Drew ‘79 visits the heart of Africa to help
improve the lives of people with dermatological
conditions.
Students at Bishop McNamara were given a
lesson in compassion when Dr. Scott Drew ‘79
stopped by to speak with them in early September.
In the area visiting friends and family,
he made time to share his experiences and join
in some of the activities held at Bishop McNamara
during Alumni Family Fun Weekend.
Dr. Drew, a dermatologist with a practice in
Marion, Ohio spoke about his time as a volunteer
with the non-profit organization A Passion
to Heal. “It was a privilege and I learned
so much from these wonderful people,” says
Dr. Drew of his experience in Narok South, in
rural Kenya where he has opened a dermatology
clinic for the indigenous people of that
area. Scott worked with a philanthropy called
Free the Children who put a video on a website
called PassiontoHeal.com. The video highlights
the people, the volunteers and efforts to abate
diseases endemic to the area.
Scott wanted to share this with our community,
“...because BMHS has a long history of
instilling in its students the life value of service
learning; I know I am one of many alums
whose lives are continually influenced by the
traditions of BMHS.”
ing learned much more than I taught, not just
about medicine, but also about life, materialism,
and human relationships.”
He has been recruiting other dermatologists to
work at the clinic, and is happy to report that
he has been able to staff the clinic for the next
twelve months. Scott is returning to Kenya in
January and hopes to open a similar clinic in
India in the spring.
He has great memories of his time at Bishop
McNamara, as well, saying of his experience,
“Most importantly, BMHS was a great place to
learn; I have great memories of and friendships
from my years there.”
Dr. Drew lives with his wife, Pam, in Ohio. His
daughter, Delaney, is 22 and recently graduated
from Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree
in Politics and Government. She is currently
studying in Barcelona, Spain. Danny, his son,
is 21 and a senior screenwriting major at The
Ohio State University in Columbus. Ohio.
PassiontoHeal.com
In addition to medical missions, there are
mission trips available to high school seniors,
and Dr. Drew felt that some young men and
women of BMHS might enjoy such an opportunity.
He and his wife sponsored an Ohio
student this summer to go to Kenya, and, according
to Scott, “It was a powerful trip.”
Dr. Drew attests that his week in Kenya was
the best week of his professional life. “While I
went there to share my expertise and teach the
local physicians,” he told us, “I left there hav-
Dr. Drew addresses Bishop McNamara students
17

Alumni
Jeff Kinney ‘89 was a
featured author at the
Library of Congress
National Book Festival
held on the National Mall
in Washington DC in
September. According
to Josephine Kalshoven
‘14, Mr. Kinney had the
longest lines and the
most fans waiting for
autographs.
18
Caroline Schuler graduated
from The Art Institute of
Charlotte on June 14 and
was awarded a Bachelor of
Arts in Photography. She will
make her home in Greenville,
SC where she is employed
as a Photography Assistant
for Muse 10 Photography. In
addition to her “day job” she
is also the owner of Aperture
Portraits (www.apertureportraits.com).
Caroline is
engaged and has a March 2013
wedding planned.
Danielle Stevenson graduated
from LIM College with Bachelor
of Business Administration in
Marketing and Associate of
Applied Science with a minor
in Fashion Merchandising.
‘08
Bryan Thompson was featured
in the September 14, 2012
edition of The Washington Post
with a spotlight on DC Fashion
Week. Pictured as part of a
feature article about menswear
designer, Andrew Nowell, Brian
was a runway model for the DC
event.
‘09
Joey Gorirossi completed
his junior year at Seton Hill
University (Greensburg, PA)
with a 4.0 GPA for the Spring
2012 semester, earning
Dean’s List honors for the
third straight semester. Joey
is majoring in History and
Political Science and is also
a Midfielder for the Seton
Hill Griffins Men’s Soccer
Team, competing in the
West Virginia Intercollegiate
Athletic Conference (WVIAC).
He was named to the WVIAC
Commissioner’s Honor Roll for
the 2011-12 athletic year and
received the Griffins’ Teammate
Award for the Fall 2011 soccer
season.
Monica Mason, a University
of Memphis student, was
named to the United States
Track & Field and Cross Country
Coaches Association Women’s
Track and Field All-Academic
Team. During the 2012 track
and field campaign, Monica
excelled both in the classroom
and in athletic competition.
Monica, an accounting major,
carried a cumulative GPA of
3.35, while playing a role in
breaking the school’s record for
indoor and outdoor 4 x 400m
relay team. Along with her
teammates, she took bronze
and All-Conference honors
at the 2012 Conference USA
Outdoor Championships,
qualifying them for the NCAA
East Preliminary where they
broke their own program
record.
Allison Baumgartner , a
senior at King’s College in
Wilkes-Barre, PA is majoring
in chemistry with a minor
in math. This past summer
she interned at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) in the
Pharmaceutical Development
Services branch where she was
a member of the team that
manufactures and analyzes
a variety of pharmaceuticals
and drugs. Allison hopes to
attend pharmacy school after
graduating from King’s.
Allison Baumgartner
‘10
Simone Harris, a junior at
Villanova University, studied
abroad in Paris, France during
the spring of 2012 where she
was immersed in the French
language. This past summer,
Simone interned in New York
City as a sales and trading
summer analyst at Goldman
Sachs. At Villanova, she is a
Presidential Scholar, Student
Ambassador and member
of the equity society on
campus and is studying to
earn her Bachelors of Business
Administration in Finance and
French.
Alexis Bigelow, a University
of Delaware junior, spent the
month of June in Australia,
studying elementary education
at various schools in Sydney,
Melbourne and Tasmania.
Alexis is in the process of
earning her Bachelor of
Science degree in Education at
Delaware, is a member of the
Fighting Blue Hen Marching
Band, a Blue Hen Ambassador,
and Vice President of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Incorporated, Mu Pi Chapter.
Jacqueline Corley earned
Dean’s list honors for the spring
2012 semester at Mount St.
Mary’s University. Aside from
excelling in the classroom,
Jackie is also playing soccer for
the Mount’s Division 1 women’s
team where she was named
the Mount Athlete of the Week
for her hat trick in the Mount’s
victory over Delaware State.

Alumni
Bryan Freeman, in his third
year at Morehouse College in
Atlanta, GA, has maintained a
cumulative 3.51 GPA and also
served as the honors program
club’s sophomore liaison and was
selected to be an attendant to Mr.
Tau Beta Sigma, Iota Rho chapter.
In addition, he is the keyboardist
for a five piece band that plays
r&b, rock, and neo-soul music.
Bryan also plays as a pianist and
vibraphonist for the Morehouse
College Jazz Ensemble.
In May of this year, Bryan
completed an intensive
intermediate level Chinese course
abroad at Shanghai University.
Upon his return, he interned at
Newport News Shipbuilding.
Bryan is majoring in business
administration concentrating in
accounting with a Chinese studies
minor.
Adrianna Cornish is in her junior
year at the University of Maryland,
College Park. This summer she
interned with the Healthy Futures
Program, assisting county officials
to reduce the low infant mortality
rate in Prince George’s County,
Maryland. Currently, she acts as
the membership chair of NAACP,
and the chaplain of the Kappa
Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority Incorporated. She also
has become a member of the
National Pan Hellenic Honors
Society and accepted two
scholarships for this semester.
Mayowa Alli was named to the
Men’s Soccer Preseason All-
Patriot League Team. Now in his
junior year at Bucknell University,
Mayowa was the Patriot League
Rookie of the Year in 2010. In
his sophomore year, he earned
First Team All-Patriot League and
Second Team All-Mid-Atlantic
Region honors after leading
the team in goals (7) and points
(16) from his left back position.
Mayowa was a three-time Patriot
League Player of the Week last
season, winning the offensive
award twice and the defensive
award once.
Renata Malionek a student
at Susquehanna University is
currently studying abroad in
Capetown, South Africa. Her
experiences and reflections
can be viewed in her blog:
http://32hoursaway.wordpress.
com/
alum and football talent
Cam Chism ‘08, visits summer camp
Cameron Chism ‘08 returned home to talk with
attendees at the BMHS summer football camp program.
Cameron, a recent graduate of the University of
Maryland, was signed this spring as an undrafted free
agent by the Indianapolis Colts, after starting nine games
last season for the Terrapins, totalling 47 tackles and 3
interceptions. Although Cam was released by the Colts
shortly after the season started, we suspect it won’t be
long before we see him back on the gridiron.
Cam speaks to BMHS football summer camp attendees and
answers questions about his NFL experience
Cam visits with Mr. Clark and Mr. Brady
Lt. Meghan Prinkey ‘08, who graduated
in May from the United States Air Force
Academy, stopped by Bishop McNamara
this past summer to speak about life
at the Academy and offer words of
encouragement to Project PRIDE students.
She also had an opportunity to visit
with Mr. Clark, Mr. Brady and former
teachers. Meghan is now at MIT, studying
astronautical engineering.
19

Alumni
Maxwell Allegro, a King’s College junior,
was awarded the API Affiliate Scholarship
to study in Grenoble, France, during this
semester. Maxwell, who is majoring in
International Business, will attend the
Grenoble Ecole de Management (AACSB),
where he will study Business and French
and earn a Certificate in Business Studies.
‘11
Brandon Joyner, an Elon University School
of Communications student, recently had
the experience of interviewing Byron Pitts,
CBS Chief National Correspondent. On
September 20, 2012, Mr. Pitts, a member
of the School of Communications Advisory
Board, was the inaugural speaker in the
university’s 2012-13 speaker series for the
Liberal Arts Forum.
Edward Pak was accepted into the
University of Southern California where
he is studying Accounting and Business
Administration at the USC Marshall School
of Business.
‘12
Matt Nunez ‘12 had one of his photos
selected for the Dave Matthews Band music
video, Mercy.
Erick Salazar and his father, Manny,
participated in the Nation’s triathlon in
support of the Lymphoma and Luekemia
Society. g
Simone Miles won the silver medal
for photography at the NAACP ACT-SO
competition held in Houston, Texas.
Evan Gaskin is the recipient of a 2012
Dorothy Marvil Memorial Scholarship,
awarded by Educational Systems FCU. Evan
will receive $3,000 toward his college tuition
for the 2012-13 academic year. Evan attends
Elon University.
Shane Kelly celebrated receiving his Eagle
Scout award at a ceremony on July 19, 2012.
Shane, who started scouting at 10 years old,
had completed the requirements for the
Eagle award during his senior year at BMHS.
Shane’s “Act of Cheerful Service” involved
clearing a trail and adding erosion control,
steps, and trail markers to create access to
a historical grave site in Croom, MD where
the family of the first Episcopal Bishop in
America is buried. At the award ceremony
Shane was presented with accolades and
mementoes from our state senator, our
representatives in the Maryland House of
Delegates, and other dignitaries, including
Mr. Marco Clark ‘85. Mr. Justin McCLain
‘00 offered the invocation. Margaret
Magnaye ’12 played “On Eagles Wings”
and Simone Miles ’12 took photos of the
Shane Kelly accepts Eagle Scout award
We want to hear from
YOU!
Send us your updates,
tidbits, personal stories
and anything else of
interest that you would
like included in the
Messenger. Please forward
to the attention of
Advancement@bmhs.org.
20
La Reine High School Class of 1987 gathers for their 25th reunion at the Greenbelt Marriott in Greenbelt, Md.

spotlight on young alum
Saniel Atkinson ‘09
Saniel stopped by Bishop McNamara during the summer and
answered some questions about her academic and track & field
endeavors at the University of Georgia, where she is in her senior
year. She also chatted about her experience with the Olympic Trials,
where she competed with the Jamaican team. Although Saniel
didn’t advance to the 2012 Games, she has her sights on the 2016
Games to be held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
What led you to Bishop McNamara for high school
Bishop McNamara Track & Field Coach, Mr. (Keith) Chapman gave me some
school literature and invited me to an Open House. After visiting the school during
Open House, I was sold.
What was/were your most memorable moment(s) during your time here
Events that were class unifying such as Spirit Week.
Who were your most influential teachers or staff members and why
Mrs. Keller because we have similar personalities and I loved her classes because she
had a realistic approach.
We know you are currently at Georgia but were you recruited by other
schools Did you receive a scholarship to the University of Georgia
Yes, I received a full scholarship to Georgia but was recruited by a number of
other schools including University of Maryland, University of Texas, Penn State,
University of Connecticut, and several others.
Saniel, center, with Marco Clark ‘85 and Athletic Director, Anthony Johnson ‘98
What are you studying and what are your plans upon graduation
I’m an International Affairs major with a minor in Women’s Studies. I would like
to work with a major athletic company such as Nike.
How did BMHS prepare you academically and athletically
I was well prepared in both aspects because Bishop McNamara emphasized the
importance of academics while balancing extracurricular activities and sports. I feel
as if my head was already ‘college prepped’.
How did you choose high jump for your signature event
High jump chose me. Although I did everything in track and sometimes compete in the triple jump, my primary event is high jump. I just want to jump
higher.
Describe your training schedule
In the pre-season, I do 5:30AM and 3:00PM workouts then weight training. During the season, I jump three times a week, running (but not more than
150 yards), do lots of drills like jumping over boxes, a lot of core work and squats.
How do you balance training with your academic load
Whatever free time I have, I do homework. Usually, I talk through my notes with a tutor after I’m done with training. I prepare a lot.
Are you able to do any service work or volunteering
Yes, I help at shelters in Georgia and Maryland, collecting and donating clothing, toiletries and t-shirts from athletes. I also perform community service at
Martha’s Table, an organization in D.C. that helps the needy with food, clothing, and training programs.
What’s your approach to a jump
I have a very measured and precise approach to the mechanics of jumping and when I hit it right, it feels like air. It feels as if I’m floating and if I whip it, I
know I’ve cleared it.
We know you competed for a spot on the 2012 Olympic Team – what was that experience like and do you have aspirations to compete for future
games
Yes, I’m now training for the 2016 Olympic Team and want to be the person who changes the Jamaican team so it’s not just about sprinting. They need to be
competitive in field events too. I believe God has a plan for me and felt He gave me this opportunity to compete in the 2012 Olympic Trials.
Can you share words of advice, especially for student athletes
Don’t take any opportunity for granted or do things that will waste your time. If you get a scholarship and have to make the effort, make the effort! Hard
work pays off and nothing will be handed to you. If you need help, ask for it.
21

Arts Calendar
Fine Arts Christmas Festival
December 7 & 8, 2012
A fun filled evening of Music, Dance and Visual Arts.
Night of Jazz
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Dance Production
March 8 & 9, 2013
Spring Play: Shakespeare In Hollywood
March 22 - 24, 2013
guest artist series
dance
Joe Webb ‘96 - Thursday, November 29, 2012, 7:00PM
dance, performance art
Lida Winfield - Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 7:00PM
visual art
Jacob Ulrich ‘00 - Monday, January 28, 2013, 7:00PM
Senior Showcase - Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 7:00PM
MUSTANG SHOP
Your Destination
For Official Bishop McNamara and
La Reine Apparel and Spirit Items
This Christmas Season,
Give the Gift of School Pride!
22
Visit us online
http://shop.bmhs.org/

in Memory
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:25-30
‘80
SANDRA HAMBLEN CHAPPELL LR ‘73
Passed away on August 28, 2012. She is survived by husband, Harley Chappell; sister of Karen Hamblen Hesse LR ‘75 and
Dana Hamblen, Jr. ‘76.
MICHAEL CHIANTELLA
Son of Dr. and Mrs. Noel Chiantella ‘67
DAVE ELLIS
Brother of Br. Francis Ellis, CSC
HARRY ELLIS
Brother of Br. Francis Ellis, CSC
SANDRA GREENE
Mother of Anthony Greene ‘98 died on July 13, 2012.
STEPHANIE GREENHOUSE
Mother of Adrian Greenhouse ‘89 passed away on July 2, 2012.
BARBARA MCBRIDE FACINI LR ‘76
Wife of Steve Facini ‘76, sister of Mary Ann LR ‘71 and Jane LR ‘72, sister-in-law of Chuck Facini and Jule Facini Thorne LR ‘84
JUNE FERNEN
Mother of James Fernen ‘81 passed away on September 5, 2012 at the age of 74.
DOROTHY JOY
Grandmother of Danielle ( Joy) Neary ‘02 and Megan Joy ‘06
EDWARD “EDDIE” EARL MAY
Son of George May ‘85
DORIS PICKETT
Mother of DeEtte Mitchell (Pickett) ‘96
VICKIE THOMPSON
Mother of Alkia Carter ‘99
JIM VANGOETHEM
Grandfather of Sam Smith ‘15 and the father of BMHS parent, Nadine Smith, passed away July 24, 2012.
VICKY WILSON
Wife of Steve Wilson ‘69 passed away on September 3, 2012.
PHYLLIS WYVILL
Grandmother of Meghan Wyvill ‘12
23

BISHOP McNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL
6800 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD 20747-3270
301.735.8401
www.BMHS.org
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Forestville, MD
Permit No. 2048
OUR MISSION
Bishop McNamara High
School, a college preparatory
school in the Holy Cross
tradition, exists to educate
and form young men and
women in the Catholic faith.
The school challenges its
students to think with Christ,
a thought animated by the
Gospel, manifested in service
and informed by academic
excellence.
Welcome Back! Alumni enjoying Happy Hour as part of Alumni Family Fun Weekend. For more photos , see pages 14-15. From left: Ellsworth
Patterson ‘78, Ralph Cyrus Jr. ‘78, George Floria ‘78, Dorothy Butler ‘80, Joe and Sue LR ‘77 Cheseldine, Sarah Case ‘03, and Whitney Rhone ‘03.