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Alisha Yocum

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”  ~Mark Twain

“Pomp and Circumstance” filled the air as 156 seniors from Catoctin High School made their entrance into the Mount St. Mary’s PNC Arena on Tuesday, May 22, for their graduation ceremony.

Class of 2024 President Natalie Hoyt commenced the proceedings with heartfelt gratitude extended to parents, teachers, and fellow students. The event unfolded with a performance by senior Ella Burrier, with her rendition of Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb,” a song that resonated with its message of confronting life’s trials and triumphs.

Jason “Mr. J” Johnson, a member of the Frederick County Public Schools Board of Education, addressed the graduates, laying down a challenge: To make their lives count. Offering advice, he urged them to share what they have, give their time and talents, and embrace a mindset of victory and perseverance. Dr. Cheryl Dyson, superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools, echoed sentiments of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining success in the face of challenges.

The celebration continued with seniors Amelia Phillips and Cody Eyler delivering a rendition of “In My Life” by The Beatles on stage. Carly Ridenour took center stage for this year’s Senior Address, focusing on the profound impact individuals have had on the seniors’ educational journeys.

Secretary of the Class of 2024 Gina Lin presented the coveted Cougar Paw Award, an accolade bestowed upon a CHS staff member embodying the school’s spirit. Mrs. Amy Jo Poffenberger, an Agriculture Educator and FFA advisor, emerged as this year’s deserving recipient, as voted by the seniors.

Principal Jennifer Clements reflected on the unique challenges faced by this graduating class, who embarked on their high school journey amidst the backdrop of the COVID pandemic. From virtual classrooms to unconventional homecomings, their resilience shone through. Encouraging them to view each new step as an opportunity for personal growth, Mrs. Clements implored students to harness their hearts, minds, and strength for the greater good.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Natalie Hoyt ceremoniously passed the gavel to Kylie Foster, the president of the Class of 2025, marking the transition of leadership.

Congratulations to the remarkable graduating class of 2025!

Sabillasville Boys!

Garrett Worth, Evan Burd, and Hunter Long.

The Reaver Family at Catoctin High School Graduation.

Friends pose at Catoctin High’s Graduation.

Kayleigh Frantz of Rocky Ridge graduates high school with Beta Club honors from Liberty University Online Academy. She was one of 660 seniors to attend graduation in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Haydn Mathews.

Caleb McCleaf, Mount St. Mary’s University Graduation.

Myah Efantis graduates University of MD on May 14. She is now Myah RN, BSN, and excited to begin her career at White Oak Medical Center on the cardiovascular floor.

River Moore, Nathan Moore, Robin Moore, and Adysen Moore at Brunswick High School Graduation

Lifelong friends, Caroline Clark, Ella Burrier, and Emma Magers, at Graduation.

Over the weekend spanning May 17, 18, and 19, Thurmont Middle School’s stage underwent a captivating metamorphosis into an underwater paradise, where students showcased their talents in the musical production of The Little Mermaid, overseen by theatre teacher, Ms. LaForce.

The production shared the classic Disney story of a young mermaid (Ariel), played by Alaina Furry (8th grade), who longs to visit the surface, which her father, Triton, played by Mang Dal (8th grade), has forbidden. After falling in love with a human Prince Eric, played by Evan Laird (6th grade), Ariel makes a terrible deal with an octopus-like creature named Ursula, played by Lillian Kimbrough (7th grade), who takes her beautiful voice. As the adventure unfolds, Ariel is helped by her underwater friends, Sebastian, played by David Ofari (8th grade), and Flounder, played by Myah Snider (6th grade). On land, Ariel is joined by Scuttle, a comical seagull, played by Lea Frecker (8th grade). The production ends with Ariel and Prince Eric being reunited and living happily ever after.

Throughout the production, dancers and supporting characters filled the stage, wearing beautiful costumes, as they danced and sang songs from the popular movie.

Furry dedicated six months to perfecting the songs for her starring role as Ariel, and her efforts truly paid off. Her voice captivated the audience as she performed melodies such as “Part of Your World.” Kimbrough fully embodied her character, delivering a powerful rendition of the beloved “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” which proved to be a favorite among the audience.

This was the first performance for Laird, who went to auditions expecting to get a supporting role and was surprised when he got the role of Prince Eric.

“I learned that hard work and effort can make a great thing. It’s kind of like sports, you have to work hard and support each other like a team,” said Laird.

Furry said, “She loved getting to know other cast members better and seeing new friendships form. The entire cast was supportive of each other.” As she makes plans to head to high school, her advice to others is “Always audition—you never know your potential if you never try!”

Alaina Furry (Ariel), Lillan Kimbrough (Ursula), and AnnaBelle Fouche and Julian Jandres (Flotsam and Jetsam) act out a scene in Thurmont Middle School’s recent production, The Little Mermaid.

David Ofori (Sebastian) and Rylan Roberts (Chef Louis) perform for the crowd.

Students helped set the backdrop with their beautiful costumes.

Jake Taylor (Grimsby) and Evan Laird (Prince Eric) during a scene of Thurmont Middle School’s production of The Little Mermaid.

Sabillasville Environmental School – A Classical Charter (SES) recently held a Kindergarten signing for its new students who will be joining them in the fall.

Students were welcomed to the school “red carpet-style” as they signed their names committing to their attendance next year. Families were able to learn about the class schedule and visit the classroom, so they can prepare for their first year of school.

SES is just one of four charter schools in Frederick County and is open and free to all residents to attend, but students are selected through a lottery process.

Krislee and Kaycee Brashears sign their names during the recent Kindergarten Signing Night at Sabillasville Environmental School.

Jeremy Johnson, CYA Football & Cheer President

The world of youth sports continues to be a foundation for our community and the future of our next generation. Over the years, there have been both good and not-so-good things that have occurred in youth sports. With that being said, the thing that stands out the most and remains steady and strong is opportunity. There is a tremendous amount of opportunity for the youth to participate, no matter the age, sex, level of skill, or economic status. As part of CYA Football & Cheer, we pride ourselves in opportunity for all.

Over the last year, the launch of Frederick County High School Girls Flag Football has inspired us and motivated a new pilot program within MVYFL (Mountain Valley Youth Football League) to start a Girls Flag Football program for Grades 6-8.

As one of the largest and most successful local youth football associations in the area, MVYFL has the opportunity to develop a feeder girls flag football program for our area high schools. Through our outreach and connections throughout the community, we have a high probability of success for many years to come.

The Girls Flag Football Program’s goals are to promote physical fitness, build self-confidence, foster teamwork, develop leadership skills, offer college opportunities, and challenge gender stereotypes. The league vision allows girls to participate in both cheerleading and flag football.

Starting after Labor Day, the program will have a jamboree-style game day every other weekend through the end of October, with the possibility of a playoff format. The participating MVYFL directors are working diligently to plan and develop the most successful program possible.

Our local leadership at CYA Football & Cheer has also spent countless hours helping to develop this new opportunity for our local youth, as well as the youth of participating MVYFL teams across most of Frederick County.

For further information on the program, please visit www.cyafootballcheer.com and click on registration.

Alisha Yocum

On April 23, Principal Janine Smith was surprised as she entered the Thurmont Middle School (TMS) Gym to be applauded by students, staff, and family for the recent announcement that she was a finalist for the Washington Post Principal of the Year.

In its 41st year, the Washington Post Principal of the Year Award aims to acknowledge principals who are determined to enrich their schools in all aspects of education.

Dr. Markoe, Deputy Superintendient of Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) led the celebration and presented Smith with her award. Board of Education President, Karen Yoho, and other FCPS staff were also on hand to acknowledge the accomplishment.

Smith started out as a Middle School Teacher before becoming Assistant Principal at Windsor Knolls Middle from 2016-18. Later she became Assistant Principal at TMS before taking on her most recent position as Principal.

Assistant Principal Anita Shank nominated Smith for the award. The two have known each other for over 20 years. Shank thought her colleague was deserving of the recognition because of the change she has brought to the school. In fact, the school motto has become ‘Be the change”. Shank says she has really made students feel like they have a voice and makes sure everyone feels welcome.

Smith’s husband, also a FCPS Teacher, said his wife being a finalist confirms her hard work and dedication to ensuring that her students strive for excellence.

While still in shock from the surprise, Smith said she is so proud and grateful to be the Principal at TMS and she thanked her staff. “Without you [the staff] we could not do the amazing things we do here at TMS”.

Dr. Dr. Zadia Gadsden of Takoma Park Elementary School was named the winner of this year’s Washington Post Principal of the Year Award.

Janine Smith, a finalist for the Washington Post’s Principal of the Year, poses for a picture with her

Congratulations to Catoctin High School student Kayla Delcid for being named a 2024 Carson Scholar. Kayla was chosen because she demonstrated the highest standards of academic achievement, integrity, and civic and social responsibility.

With this honor, she will receive a $1,000 scholarship award that will be invested for her college education. In addition to the scholarship money, she will receive a medal and a certificate. 

Kayla will be honored at the Carson Scholars Fund’s 28th Annual Maryland Awards Banquet on Sunday, May 19.

The Catoctin High School (CHS) PTSA needs your help! The CHS Parent Teacher Student Association exists to help support all of our kids and the professional staff that works so hard on their behalf. They want to continue that level of support, and they are looking for volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering, you can send an email to CatoctinPTSA@gmail.com.

CHS PTSA meetings are held monthly via Google Meet from your home. All are welcome to attend! The next upcoming date for the meeting is May 14 at 4:00 p.m. To join the video meeting, go to https://meet.google.com/vqc-zgfr-zkh. Otherwise, to join by phone, dial 1-402-282-0447 and enter PIN: 952 544 193#.

Alisha Yocum

Brandy Baptiste didn’t necessarily set out to become a teacher. In fact, it wasn’t until after college when she was working for a company that specialized in Autism that she found her calling to become a teacher while working at a summer camp.

“I absolutely loved everything about it. I loved the kids, the different personalities, everything. I knew then that I needed to go back to school and get my Master’s in Special Education,” Baptiste said.

Now, sixteen years after taking her first teaching job with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) as a Special Education Teacher at Centerville Elementary, Baptiste was selected as one of five finalists in the running for FCPS Teacher of the Year.

Baptiste currently is a teacher in the Pyramid Program at Lewistown Elementary and has students in third, fourth, and fifth grades.

The Pyramid Program is a specialized program for students with significant social and emotional needs, allowing them to get special education and therapeutic services in a small classroom setting.

Building relationships with her students is what motivates Baptiste every day. She knows that those relationships build a sense of safety that allows her students to grow and take risks in the classroom. 

Although Baptiste is extremely proud to be a finalist for the Teacher of the Year, what she wants most from her nomination is to be a platform for all the great things happening with the Pyramid Program and at Lewistown Elementary.

“ I have found at Lewistown, we have some of the most hardworking and dedicated people I know. I cannot speak more highly of the staff and students I work with daily. They consistently go above and beyond what is expected of them,” said Baptiste.

“We are so pleased to have Ms. Baptiste representing Lewistown Elementary in this way. She is a committed and innovative educator who prioritizes her students’ needs each and every day,” said Principal Melissa Burton.

When not in the classroom, you will find Baptiste spending time outdoors. She especially enjoys hiking and riding her ATV at her camp in Pennsylvania (PA). Being from Pittsburgh, she is also a diehard Steelers fan and frequently goes back to PA to catch a game!

AnnaClaire Ayoub of Brunswick Elementary, Rebecca Delp of Lincoln Elementary, Heather O’Brien of Urbana High, and Ivette Taboas of Urbana Elementary are the four other finalists for 2024.

The winner of the FCPS Teacher of the Year will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Brandy Baptiste, teacher at Lewistown Elementary, is a finalist for Fredrick County Public School’s Teacher of the Year.

In the breadth of a single stanza, Longfellow evokes the image of two icons that have all but disappeared from our shared American experience: the village blacksmith and the American chestnut. Mount Saint Mary’s (MSM) is doing its bit to revive one of those icons by offering credited courses in blacksmithing.

MSM is in its second year of offering the course. There were six students the first year for just one class. This year, there are fifteen students in three classes. Each of the three classes meets once a week in the evening for four hours. One of the classes is an advanced class for the students who wanted to continue learning from the previous year.

As a testament to the class’s appeal, there is a waiting list forty-six students deep—and counting—for next year’s course.

The course is taught by Harold Green of Emmitsburg at his shop on Waynesboro Road. He prefers to be addressed simply as Harold. Initially reluctant to teach, Harold has been wowed by his students. He constantly comments on how enthusiastic his students are and what a pleasure it is to teach a skill to such eagerness.

When asked why they would take a course in such an old technology, senior math/computer science major Thomas Passaro simply expressed a desire to create something with his hands. That seemed to be the consensus of the others—a desire to create something tangible.

Annie Brennan, a neuroscience major from Northern Virginia, was one of the charter students of the first year. She’s in the advanced class this semester and helps Harold teach the class, all while learning the trade. She’s done well enough to have some of her work picked up to be sold in the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum’s gift shop in St. Augustine, Florida.

In watching Harold conduct his class, it’s easy to see the truth in his statement that his students have become friends. There is a continual, good-natured banter between student and teacher not often found in a typical classroom. His wife, Diane, often feeds the students.

After seventeen years, Harold retired from Camp David in 2016. He’s been a blacksmith for more than forty years. In a year’s time, he exhibits his skills and wares at as many as twenty-seven vendor shows, including Colorfest.

Harold’s shop, Horseshoe Forge & Ironworks, is located at 9245 Waynesboro Road, just west of Emmitsburg. Besides the items from the forge found in the gift shop, Harold is a farrier and does custom ironwork as well.

If you want to find him at Colorfest, you can find him up front in the town park near the tennis courts. Just listen for the ring of the anvil.

MSM blacksmithing instructor, Harold Green, in his Emmitsburg shop.

Annie Brennan demonstrates for the class.

Annie Brennan demonstrates for the class what the taper for a wall hook should look like.

Olivia Irvin, a Health Sciences junior from Calvert County, Maryland, starts forming a piece of bar stock that will become a wall hook.

Thomas Passaro discusses with Annie Brennan his progress with the wall hook project.

Are you looking for a scholarship? Check the Community Foundation of Frederick County (www.Frederick CountyGives.org) for the scholarships offered by the Thurmont High School Alumni Association.

The application’s new final date is April 15, 2024. You must be a graduating high school senior and related to someone that graduated from Thurmont High School or from Catoctin High School, classes of l969 to l974.

Then remind those that did graduate during those years that the annual alumni banquet will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Thurmont Ambulance Event Complex. Any questions may be directed to Viola Noffsinger at 301-418-1760 or by email vmnoff@gmail.com

The Emmitsburg High School Association is accepting Scholarship Applications. Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in May to deserving students. Any Catoctin High School senior or graduate who is enrolled in an institution of higher learning is eligible if he/she resides in the Emmitsburg School District. This includes Emmitsburg 21727, Rocky Ridge 21778, and Taneytown 21787 (Taneytown boundary is determined by Bridgeport on Rt. 140). Applicants may apply each year as long as they are enrolled in an institution of higher learning.

Selection is based on having a 3.0 or higher GPA, being a full-time student, presenting two letters of recommendation, and pursuing higher education (4-year college, community college or technical). No GPA is required for full-time technical school.

Applications may be obtained by contacting the Guidance Department at Catoctin High School (240-236-8082, Mike Marquez) or EHSA (443-677-5705, Vickie Frushour).

All applications must be received by May 1, 2024.

The Distinguished Graduate Organization was established to recognize the graduates of Catoctin High School (CHS) who have made a difference locally, in the state, and/or in the nation. These men and women are nominated in five categories: Academics, Arts & Humanities, Athletics, Business, and Service (community, military, or public).

Nominated graduates will be mailed an application to complete. Honorees are selected from those applications returned to the committee. All nominees must be graduates of Catoctin High School. Students who attended CHS but did not graduate from CHS are not eligible for recognition.

The Distinguished Graduate Organization would also like to recognize former Catoctin staff members who have had a significant impact on the graduates of Catoctin High School. The community can nominate former cafeteria workers, custodians, instructional aides, secretaries, administrators, or teachers. The earliest a former staff member can be nominated is two years following their departure from CHS.

Please return completed Nomination Form by April 15: USPS—Catoctin Distinguished Graduate, 14745 Sabillasville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788; Fax—240-236-8101; Email—Rebecca.Hurley@fcps.org or Lacee.Andrew@fcps.org.

Nominees will then receive an application to be completed by May 15. The Distinguished Graduate Organization committee will determine the award recipients by June 21.

Stephanie and Evan Felmet, Directors

This spring, the Catoctin High School (CHS) Drama Department is trying something a little different: a double cast show.

Little Shop of Horrors—the horror comedy rock musical—will take the CHS stage on April 18-20. The “Green” cast, led by George Hawkins and Colette Hartman-Carstensen as Seymour and Audrey, will perform on Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m.,  and Saturday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m. The “Red” cast, led by Doug Whitworth and Anna Code in the same roles, will perform on Friday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 20, at 1:00 p.m. Each main cast brings their own interpretation of the characters. The actors are encouraged to make their own acting and staging choices to ensure the performances are unique.

Creation of the various Audrey II puppets has taken months to complete. The man-eating plant begins as a small handheld puppet, then grows three times until it, and its grasping vines, take over most of the stage.

Meanwhile, the cast has been hard at work memorizing lines, practicing songs, and perfecting their dance steps. The crew has also been busy creating sets, lighting, and effects that will draw the audience into this bone-chilling story.

The show is rated PG-13 due to violence, substance abuse, and mild language.

What happens when a young florist finds a plant that’s out of this world?

Come find out at Catoctin High School on April 18-20.

Pictured (above) are George Hawkins, Colette Hartman-Carstensen, Doug Whitworth, and Anna Code.

Danielle Jackson

Do you know where your food comes from? How is it processed? Or even packaged? A lot of people think that their food comes from a store. But how does it get there? What steps are taken to get it to your table? This is something that is slowly slipping away from younger generations today.

Today’s youth are not as educated about the agricultural industry and where their food comes from. But the Catoctin High School FFA Chapter in Thurmont has a passion for agriculture and teaching! They keep our youth informed, educated, and active in the agriculture industry.

Every year in February, the Catoctin High School FFA Chapter, the Catoctin FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter, and surrounding community members all come together to participate in their annual hog butchering.

This year, the annual butchering was held on February 9 and took place in the agriculture area and agriculture classrooms at Catoctin High School. The day started around 7:00 a.m. and didn’t end until all the orders were processed and picked up. The Catoctin High School teachers, staff, and administration have always been so supportive of this tradition. Many teachers even bring their classes to the butchering. The butchering isn’t just an agricultural lesson or experience, it can be tied into other aspects of learning, too, such as math, science, photography, social studies, health, and history. Some of the teachers who bring their classes to visit create lesson plans and assignments based on the butchering. Math teachers will incorporate the scales and weighing of the processed meat into their assignments. Some science teachers will include the biology and chemistry of butchering in their lessons. Health teachers can incorporate how pork is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Any student who is part of the Catoctin High School FFA Chapter or in any ag class at the high school can participate in the butchering if their grades are eligible. Students help cut up meat, package meat, stuff sausage into casings and bags, and fill customer orders in the evening. By doing this, ag students actively experience the hard work that goes into a butchering, and they learn how food is processed and then put on their own tables. The experience also gives non-ag students at the school a new and better appreciation for agriculture.

Every year, the butchering continues to grow in more ways than one—in members, volunteers, and orders! There were about 120 total students, volunteers, and alumni members present, with 40 of those being FFA members. The students, members, and volunteers butchered 23 hogs, with an additional 3,000 lbs. of extra meat to fill over 300 orders.

We asked Amy Jo Poffenberger, one of the ag teachers and FFA Advisor at Catoctin High School, what her favorite part of butchering was every year. She said that her favorite part would have to be the sense of community, and everyone coming together to help with the entire day. This is Mrs. Poffenberger’s fourteenth year at Catoctin High School and her fourteenth butchering at the school.

We also spoke to Daniel Myers, who is a lifetime member of the Catoctin FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter and head of the butchering committee. We asked him what he hopes this experience teaches the students at Catoctin High School. He said that he hopes it gives them all a better understanding of how their meat is processed and packaged, and that they know that food does not just come from a store.

Everyone who helped said that this year’s butchering was probably the best and smoothest-running butchering that they have ever had, and they hope that they can top it next year.

This event would not have been possible without the help of students and chapter members, alumni and supporters’ members, the staff of Catoctin High School, and the surrounding community members.

The Catoctin High School FFA Chapter hopes to keep this tradition alive for as long as possible and for generations to come.

Catoctin High School FFA members stuff sausage into casings.

Catoctin FFA Alumni, Supporters Chapter members, and community members work together to cut meat into portions to be processed.

Students from Catoctin High School take a tour and watch while Alumni and community members tend to the kettles.

Alisha Yocum

The community came together for its annual Catoctin Feeder Community Night on January 24 at Catoctin High School. Families from all the feeder schools within the district, including Catoctin High (CHS), Emmitsburg Elementary (EES), Lewistown Elementary (LES), Sabillasville Environmental (SES), Thurmont Elementary (TES), Thurmont Primary (TPS), and Thurmont Middle (TMS), came together for a chance to share dinner together, connect with local community agencies, and watch some cougar basketball! Dinner was provided thanks to donations by the Thurmont and Emmitsburg Lions Clubs, as well as the Parent Teacher Associations/Parent Teacher Organizations from LES, SES, TPS/TES, TMS, and CHS.

Essays and drawings from students who wrote about what they love about their Catoctin Community were on display. Kindness seemed to be the re-occurring theme that students highlighted in their writings. This year’s essay winners were:

Primary

Analee Winfrey, LES

Aidan Clark, SES

Intermediate

Franek Zielinski, TES

James Dugan, TES

Middle School

James Clements, TMS

Alisha Yocum

Members of Sabillasville Environmental School’s Student Government Association (SGA) joined over 600 other charter school advocates at the Maryland State House on January 31 to advocate for charter school facility funding.

The group included Bradley Brauning, Kalee Hall, Maycee Grimes, Ruby Jones, and Wyatt Roderick, along with their teacher, Mrs. Isennock; President, Mrs. Yocum; and parent, Mr. Jones.

While Charter Schools are public schools, they currently receive no funding specifically designated for maintaining and updating facilities. Throughout the day, students were able to meet with Senators and Delegates and explain what they love about their school and why this funding is important to its future.

All Maryland middle school students are invited to enter a statewide writing contest focusing on the themes of peace and social justice.

The contest, which is sponsored by Anne Arundel Peace Action, the Maryland Peace Action Education Fund, the Benjamin Peace Foundation, and the Peace and Social Concerns Committee of Annapolis Friends Meeting, is open to all 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in public or private schools in Maryland and to homeschooled students corresponding to the same grade levels. This is the 25th year the contest has been conducted.

Four cash prizes will be awarded: $500 for first place, $300 for second place,  $200 for third place, and $100 for fourth place. The winners will be honored at a special ceremony, although attendance is not required to receive an award.

To enter, students must submit an entry of up to 1,200 words on this topic:

It is arguable that the most important development in the early 21st century has been the emergence of social media. There can be little question that platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now “X”), Instagram, Snapchat, and many others have revolutionized the avenues with which citizens can communicate with one another. However, these vehicles have been criticized for interfering with privacy, giving voice to extremists, and causing emotional harm. What role has social media played in your life? Do you think that it has been a mostly positive or negative force—and why? Has social media contributed to or obstructed world peace?

Entries  must be accompanied by a separate cover sheet, including the student’s name, address and phone number or e-mail address; school’s name, address and phone number; and the name of the teacher sponsor if applicable.

Entries and accompanying materials must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2024, and mailed to: Fred B. Benjamin Peace Writing Contest, 310 Riverview Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403-3328.

Anne Arundel Peace Action and the Maryland Peace Action Education Fund are affiliated with Peace Action, the country’s largest grassroots peace and disarmament organization with approximately 100,000 members nationwide.

For more information, call 410-263-7409 or e-mail mjkeller@att.net.

Thurmont Grange Offering Two Scholarships

Thurmont Grange No. 409 is offering two scholarships to any 2024 Catoctin High School graduating senior or graduating homeschool senior, residing in the Catoctin feeder area, who will be attending a technical or trade school, community college, or four-year college.

Applicants are required to submit one letter of recommendation, an essay about how furthering your education will have a positive impact on your community, and your official high school transcript. Scholarships will be awarded on May 31, 2024. Applications may be obtained by emailing thurmontgrange@gmail.com or contacting the Catoctin High School Guidance Department at 240-236-8100. All applications must be received by April 30, 2024.

Are you looking for a scholarship? Check the Community Foundation of Frederick County for the scholarships offered by the Thurmont High School Alumni Association.

The application is open February 15 through March 15, 2024. You must be a graduating high school senior and related to someone who graduated from Thurmont High School or from Catoctin High School classes of l969 to l974. Remind those that did graduate during those years that the annual banquet will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Thurmont Ambulance Event Complex.

Any questions may be directed to Viola Noffsinger at 301-418-1760 or by email at vmnoff@gmail.com.

Since 1995, Thurmont Masons have awarded scholarships worth over $100,000 to area students! Scholarships are available to all graduating high school level seniors from a Maryland State accredited public, private, and/or homeschool program who reside within the Catoctin High School district boundaries. The “Mary and Robert Remsberg Memorial Scholarship” is worth up to $5,000, and The “Bernhard Cohen Memorial Scholarship” is worth $2,500.

Applications will be judged upon the following criteria in order of importance:  (1) Participation and leadership roles in community and/or school activities; (2) Content of a personal resume; (3) Academic record and/or special achievements; (4) Need for financial assistance; (5) Evaluation by school official and/or mentor; (6) Organization, appearance, and completeness of the application.

Scholarship application forms are available at the Catoctin High School Guidance Office and the Thurmont Public Library. Interested students must complete an application and return it to the location where it was obtained on or before April 30, 2024. The successful applicant and their family will be invited to Acacia Lodge’s Annual Strawberry Festival in June for the presentation of the scholarship.

Questions regarding the application should be directed to Acacia Masonic Lodge No. 155, Attn: Scholarship Committee via the Lodge website at thurmontmasons.com.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s online scholarship application for the 2024-2025 academic year is open through April 15, 2024. For the ninth consecutive year, more than $1 million in scholarship funds are available to students pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. By completing one general application, students may qualify for more than 200 scholarships. The completed application must be submitted online by end of day on April 15.

Last year, Community Foundation scholarships supported 340 students and totaled $1.8 million.

The Community Foundation is making adjustments to the application process to account for delays with the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Important details about this and the scholarship program can be found on the Community Foundation website at www.ScholarshipsFrederickCounty.com.

Students about to complete their senior year of high school; students already enrolled in a trade school, college or university, or graduate program; and nontraditional students over the age of 21 are eligible to apply. Some scholarships do not consider financial need. All students are encouraged to apply.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is a recognized leader in providing scholarships to area students, made possible by generous donors who establish funds or add to existing funds. For more information, visit www.FrederickCountyGives.org.

Alisha Yocum

Each January, Frederick County Public Schools recognizes students who demonstrate leadership qualities based on those of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Those characteristics include responsibility, caring, fairness, trustworthiness, citizenship, and respect. Students, families, and staff attended a celebration on January 4, where students from each school in the district were recognized on stage and given a medal and certificate. Congratulations to all our local award recipients!

Catoctin High School (CHS) — Furious Trammel, 12th Grade

Thurmont Middle School (TMS) — David Ofori, 8th Grade

Lewistown Elementary (LES) — Bryan Bower, 5th Grade

Emmitsburg Elementary (EES) — Austyn Tsikerdanos, 5th Grade

Thurmont Primary (TPS) — Braden Shankle, 2nd Grade

Thurmont Elementary (TES) — Emily Page, 5th Grade

Sabillasville Environmental School (SES) — Evan Matthews, 6th Grade

Furious Trammel, CHS

David Ofori, TMS

Braden Shankle, TPS, with teacher, Mrs. Harrington

Evan Matthews, SES

Austyn Tsikerdanos, EES

Bryan Bower, LES

Emily Page, TES