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A Family Tradition

Burrier Becomes FFA State Officer

Alisha Yocum

For Ella Burrier, agriculture has always been a way of life. From the age of eight, she was actively involved in 4-H, where she raised rabbits and turkeys and took part in various craft projects. So, when she began her freshman year at Catoctin High School (CHS), it was only natural for her to join the Future Farmers of America (FFA), a student organization that fosters interest in agriculture and leadership.

Burrier’s deep connection to agriculture and FFA runs in the family (pictured above). Her parents, Tatiana and Seth, were both FFA members, making her involvement a continuation of a cherished family tradition.

“It’s just what our family does,” Burrier said, reflecting on the important role FFA has played in shaping her and her family’s life.

After graduating from CHS in May, Burrier is taking her passion to the next level as she steps into a leadership role as Maryland State FFA Vice President. She applied for a state officer position back in the spring. Once her application was reviewed, she went before a 10-person panel to complete an interview process, and she had to develop and present a workshop. A total of six offices were up for grabs. Although applicants don’t apply for a specific office, Burrier was selected by the panel to serve as vice president for the next year.

Burrier is the fourth person in her family to serve as an FFA Maryland State Officer. Burrier’s mom and two aunts were selected as Maryland State Officers upon graduating high school.

Burrier has already hit the ground running after being installed at the 96th Maryland FFA State Convention in June. In her role as Maryland State Vice President, Burrier spends her time promoting agriculture around the state by attending Maryland FFA Chapter events and talking to agriculture businesses.

“I have already learned so much about Maryland agriculture, and I am proud to be representing our small town,” expressed Burrier.

You will also find Burrier at upcoming local agriculture events, including the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show and the Great Frederick Fair. At the Fair, she will be a part of the Frederick County FFA Greenhand and Character Counts Ceremony, highlighting first-year FFA members and FFA members with outstanding character, as well as educating youth in the City Street Country Roads building throughout the week.

When asked what advice Burrier would give to those considering joining FFA, she replied, “I highly recommend getting involved and getting involved in competitions and, most importantly, be yourself—authenticity is a huge part of FFA.”

Ella Burrier, Maryland FFA State Vice President, sits on her grandfather’s 1952 Super M farm tractor. Cover Photo Credit: Brittany Thomas Photography

Ella Burrier, 2024-2025 State Vice President

Tatiana Smith, 1996-1997 State Reporter

Hope Burrier, 1994-1995 State Sentinel

Meaghan Smith, 1989-1990 State Chaplain

FFA State Officers tour Arlington National Cemetery.

Ella with the National FFA President Amara Jackson.

The Burrier Family at the Great Frederick Fair with their rabbits.

CHS and SES Lead the Way in Green Initiatives

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In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Catoctin High School (CHS) and Sabillasville Environmental School (SES) are making significant strides in promoting environmental consciousness among students and staff. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, both schools are setting the standard for what it means to be a Green School.

In the spring, both schools received green school status from the Maryland Association and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). The schools have to show several things in their application, including environmental curriculum, teacher professional development, the use of sustainable practices, and community partnerships with the intent to teach and foster sustainability.

Both schools currently operate a composting program in their cafeteria. This included purchasing a small refrigerator for unopened cold goods like milk and fruit, which are then made available for later use rather than wasted. Students also help teach their peers what can be placed in the compost bin, what can be recycled, and what is trash. By carefully weighing the trash, recyclables, and compostable materials, students have been able to see firsthand the impact of their efforts, as the amount of waste has decreased over time.

Beyond composting, CHS students are actively involved in local tree planting and invasive species removal projects. Some of these trees have been planted on the school campus, and students regularly monitor their growth. These activities not only beautify the school grounds but also provide valuable educational opportunities.

Looking ahead, Catoctin aims to deepen its collaboration with the Thurmont Green Team, potentially taking on the maintenance of community green spaces along the Trolley Trail.

With SES’s focus on agriculture and environmental education, gardening has become an integral part of the Sabillasville curriculum, with each class creating its own garden that ties into classroom learning. The recent installation of electricity and water in the school’s greenhouse has opened up even more possibilities for hands-on learning in the upcoming year.

Community involvement has been crucial to Sabillasville’s success. The revitalization of the Blue Bird trail, done in partnership with local groups and a Master Naturalist, has provided students with unique opportunities to learn about nature.

In addition to these ongoing initiatives, Sabillasville hosts monthly theme days focused on agriculture and the environment. These events, supported by community volunteers, have included Farm Day, Pollinator Day, and Farm to Table activities. Field trips to explore local ecosystems further enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Becoming a Green School is no small feat. Brian Brotherton, teacher and advisor to the CHS Conservation Club, estimates he and his students spent about 30 hours completing the green school application. Both Catoctin and Sabillasville have faced challenges along the way, but the rewards have been well worth the effort. Kaitlyn Bartlett, president of CHS’s Conservation Club, emphasized the hard work involved in maintaining their Green School status. “It was not easy to achieve, and it’s a lot of work to maintain, but it is definitely worth it,” she said. “We are very proud of what we are doing, and it’s amazing to see how much work people have put into this.”

Barb Doney, a teacher at SES, echoed this sentiment, noting the support from the community as a crucial factor in their success. “Becoming a Green School was a very rewarding experience. We were able to reach out to our community groups to help us increase our knowledge on being ‘green’. We appreciate the support that was shown to our school during this process,” Doney remarked.

As these schools continue to lead by example, they hope to inspire others to embrace sustainability and take action in their own communities. The future is green, and CHS and SES are helping to pave the way.

Teacher and Conservation Club Advisor Brian Botherton poses with students of the Catoctin high School Conservation Club with their Green School Banner.

Principal Sheena Talley and teacher, Barbara Doney stand with Sabillasville Environmental School’s Green School Banner.

CHS Has New Phone Number

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Catoctin High School (CHS) has a new phone number as of July 1, as all of FCPS transitioned to a new telecommunications system. The phone number change was necessary for two primary reasons: (1) The current telecommunications system being modernized to allow more system functionality and reduce maintenance and service costs; (2) the phone number change allows for the standardization of FCPS phone numbers with a common area code and initial three digits for all schools.

Catoctin High School’s new phone number for the main office is 227-203-3150.

Heroes on the Run

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Catoctin High School’s Inaugural Community 5K Raises $5,000 for Special Olympics

Alisha Yocum

It was a great turnout for Catoctin High School’s (CHS) first Catoctin Community 5K and Fun Run on June 1. The school’s Student Government Association and Unified Generation Club joined forces to plan the event, which benefited the Special Olympics of Maryland.

The day started with a fun run, which was a 1-mile walk/run around the track, followed by the 5K, which took advantage of CHS’s scenic campus, offering spectacular mountain views for the runners on the early summer morning. Many participants embraced the “Heroes on the Run” theme, dressing in capes.

Katherine Engelstatter, media specialist, and Charmane Nesbitt, instructional assistant for the Career Technology Education Department at CHS, organized the event. The two work closely together and often brainstorm about how they can generate support for their school and community.

Nesbitt is also the co-advisor of the Unified Generation Club that welcomes all students to experience club meetings with the inference of forming friendships and developing leadership skills through opportunities to share in school and community events. When the two came up with the idea of a run, they knew the Catoctin community would show their support.

“As a Unified Sports coach, I have been exposed to the great needs of the Special Olympics of Maryland. It is a nonprofit organization that provides inclusive sports to build physical, social, and leadership skills for individuals having disabilities. There is no cost for high school students (students having disabilities along with students not having disabilities) to participate in the interscholastic varsity sports: Unified Tennis in the fall, Unified Bocce in the winter, and Unified Track and Field in the spring. Special Olympics supports local programs in a variety of ways with sustainability as the goal,” said Nesbitt.

Eighty-six runners showed up for the inaugural event, which raised over $5,000 for the Special Olympics of Maryland. Monies were raised through registration fees and donations collected by students. With this being the first year, there were no awards given for the fastest times, but it was clear that the runners were not there for the awards—they were there to show their support for the Special Olympics.

Participants were also treated to delicious pancakes, served by Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, after they completed the race.

“The local police, town, ambulance company, and Special Olympics chapter all provided their support. Many of the CHS staff members donated items or time. Our Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Conservation Clubs ran the water stations for us. I love when an event brings everyone in the community together!” said Engelstatter.

The organizers wanted to thank the many local business that supported the event: Anytime Fitness, Bollinger’s Restaurant, Bollinger’s Construction, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Cousins Ace Hardware, C.R. Perella & Sons, Food Lion, Gateway 8 Theatre, Holtzople, Insurance Brokers of Maryland, J&B Real Estate: Cindy Grimes, Jubilee Foods, Kelco Plumbing, Mir Neurology of Hagerstown, PJ Roofing, TGIF Gettysburg, Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, Tuscany’s Pizzeria, Weis, and Wivell Homes.

The top four youth finishers in the 5K (from left): Jack Wivell, John Clements, Evan Laird, and James Clements.

Over 86 runners participated in the Fun Run and 5K to benefit the Special Olympics.

CHS Boys Track & Field Win Region Championship & Are on the Prowl to Win States

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Alisha Yocum

Catoctin High School’s (CHS) Boys Track and Field team showcased their exceptional talent and dedication at the recent Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) 1A West Region Championships, with several standout performances.

Deacon McIlvain made history by securing the all-time best shot-put throw for Catoctin, launching an impressive 51 feet, 2.75 inches to claim victory in the shot-put event. Gab Riling dominated the distance races, clinching victories in both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs.

In a competitive 800-meter race, Dennis Lease, Gab Riling, and RJ Etzler demonstrated their prowess by clinching the top three spots, with Lease taking first, Riling second, and Etzler fourth in a challenging regional field.

Furious Trammel showcased his versatility and skill by securing first place in the long jump, triple jump, and 400-meter dash, solidifying his status as the best in Catoctin history in these events. Additionally, Gavin Sheetz delivered a stellar performance in the 110-meter high hurdles, securing second place while breaking the 16-second barrier.

The team’s relay efforts were equally impressive, with the 4×400-meter relay team consisting of Trammel, Lease, Etzler, and Sheetz storming from behind to claim first place.

Coach David Lillard has been coaching the team for four years and couldn’t be happier with the results from the recent meet. Typically, CHS competes against much larger schools, so the group doesn’t necessarily see winning results during the regular season. Lillard says “ These guys rock because they keep on grinding and trusting that meet results are nothing compared to hitting personal bests and preparing for championships.”

Lillard knows it is a tough week ahead, especially for the seniors as they prepare for graduation and the team heads to the State Championships on May 22 & 23 as this paper goes to publication. Lillard says “Staying sharp is the key”. We wish them the best of luck as they continue to make the Catoctin Community proud.

Members of the Catoctin High School Track and Field Team recently won Regionals.

Pictured: (top, from left) Kendall Jones, Gab Riling, Bryce Bowers, Furious Trammel, Dennis Lease, CJ Ruby, Wayne Ferson; (bottom, from left) Wyatt Sullivan, Santi Canadas, and RJ Etzler.

Learning for Life Program Setting Students Up for Success

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Alisha Yocum

As you enter the Learning for Life (L4L) classroom at Catoctin High School (CHS), the smiles and laughter are contagious, and you can’t help but feel the love being spread by students and staff alike.

On the day I visited, students were in the middle of a lesson about vegetables. The students were planting seeds, which they hope will yield a harvest in the future with the help of the Science Department down the hall. Students were sharing their likes and dislikes of the vegetables pictured on the box of seeds—many of whom were not fond of beets. 

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) offers the L4L Program for students with a variety of developmental and cognitive disabilities. Through small class settings, students learn functional academic and life skills as they work to earn a High School Certificate of Completion. All ten high schools in the county have a L4L program, as well as Crestwood, Middletown, Oakdale, Walkersville, and West Frederick Middle Schools, and Glade, Monocacy, Orchard Grove, and Twin Ridge Elementary Schools.

This is the first year that the L4L program is being offered at CHS, with six students currently enrolled. Jessica Coblentz, a former L4L teacher at Monocacy Middle and a Special Education teacher at Thurmont Middle School, jumped at the opportunity to teach the L4L program when it became available. She currently leads the classroom along with Special Education Assistants, Brenda Triantis, Lacey Littleton, and Lizzie Dougherty. 

A typical day for L4L students at CHS includes a mixture of academics and life skills. Students have jobs that teach them skills to become more independent after high school. Two students help in CHS’s pre-school program, while the others go

off campus to the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve. There, students help with jobs like wiping down tables, setting up and preparing for upcoming events, and general cleaning.

Ashlyn Riggles, Relationship Visibility Champion, at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve said they love when the L4L students come to the preserve. “As the kids began coming, they got more excited and more comfortable with our staff. They began asking questions about animals and opening up about themselves.”

It is clear that the L4L students enjoy coming to school every day. When asked what they like about school, the word “Everything” was blurted out without hesitation from student Riley Elias. Although, when taking a minute to think about it, the parade seemed to be a crowd favorite. The L4L Program decorated and rode a float through the Homecoming Parade in the fall. The group came up with a theme and made the decorations themselves. Animals were another crowd favorite, from the animals they see at the zoo to the class pets and a new project, incubating eggs, which they are eagerly awaiting to hatch.

Another student, Josh Ramos, explained the black folders that are also part of their daily routines. Prior to coming to L4L, students relied on teachers to communicate with parents. As part of this program, students write in their folders every day and share what they did for the day and what activities they have coming up to learn responsibility.

Coblentz says she loves the flexibility the program offers to get the students what they need. If academics aren’t working in the morning, then they have the flexibility to adjust their schedule, and if things aren’t working, they can pause and have grace. Through this flexibility, Coblentz says she can see the growth in all the students from the beginning of the year.

Triantis, who they call Mrs. T, said that she is rewarded every day she comes to work. “It is especially rewarding seeing them go out on jobs and learning skills that will make a difference in their life.”

The L4L also has an open-door policy and encourages non-L4L students to visit the classroom frequently. Jacob Hemler, a CHS student who helps out in the L4L classroom in the afternoons, clearly has developed a great relationship with the L4L students. As he entered the classroom on the day of my visit, students were quick to acknowledge him, and a little bantering began in good fun. Coblentz says CHS is a great place for the L4L program. Students and the community are so open and welcoming, and this atmosphere allows the L4L students to thrive as they interact in the hallways and help with jobs around school.

As I left the L4L classroom that day I certainly couldn’t help but feel uplifted by the students who had put a smile on my face from the moment I walked into their classroom. I can’t wait to check back and hear about all the success this program will bring to current and future L4L students in the Catoctin community.     

Catoctin High School Learning for Life teacher, Jessica Coblentz, with her students.


Students from the Learning for Life Program help at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve with general cleaning duties and upcoming events.

Learning for Life students plant seedlings in the greenhouse.

Catoctin Feeder Community Night Brings Families Together

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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

Thurmont Lions Club Present a Lion and Junior Lion Award

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On Wednesday, May 8, 2019, the Thurmont Lions Club honored two students at its Education Night program. Each year, the club presents a Lion Award to a Catoctin High School (CHS) student and a Junior Lion Award to a Thurmont Middle School (TMS) student who has volunteered the most hours.  Each student is presented with a certificate and a check.

The Junior Lion Award was presented to a Thurmont Middle School eighth grader, Morgan “Mo” Baker, who earned his service learning hours at the 4-H Shooting Sports Club. He volunteered throughout middle school on a regular basis, recruiting and educating the public about 4-H shooting sports and gun safety. He has sold raffle tickets, participated in clean up days, and sold food at events.

When asked about his service learning, Mo indicated it gave him something good to do with his time. He also learned some construction skills while volunteering. During his years in middle school, he earned a total of 258 hours of service, which is the highest number of hours for any eighth grader.

The Lion Award was presented to Catoctin High School senior, Noah Barth.  During his four years at Catoctin High School, he has accumulated a very impressive 1,075.5 hours of service. Noah has served as a camp counselor at Camp Round Top for the Your Farmers Safety Camp for the past four years.   In addition, Noah has served in a variety of service roles with Catoctin’s award-winning FFA organization, led by Amy Jo Poffenberger; as a volunteer at the Frederick County soup kitchen; and as the manager of the CHS football team for the past three years. Noah has also helped with the CHS unified tennis team for the past two years, under the direction of Coach Charmane Nesbit, and has been a member of the CHS varsity tennis team for the past four years, under the direction of Coach David Gadra. 

Pictured from left are Lion George Bolling, Noah Barth, TLC President Julie El-Taher.

Heroin’s Grip Documentary to be Shown at Catoctin High School

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The award-winning documentary Heroin’s Grip is scheduled to be shown at Catoctin High School, located at 14745 Sabillasville Road in Thurmont, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by The Town of Thurmont, The Thurmont Addiction Commission (TAC), and FUSE Teen Center.

 Heroin’s Grip tells the story about the heroin and opioid epidemic from the viewpoint of those on the front lines of this national crisis. The film features a Thurmont family and other Frederick County families whose lives have been affected and forever changed by addiction, and includes stories from those currently using, people in recovery, as well as perspectives from law enforcement, healthcare workers, judges, prosecutors, and others who deal with people in this crisis every day. Ultimately, the film gives hope for the user and for the families who’ve been affected.

The film is produced and directed by Emmitsburg resident, Conrad Weaver.  The first lesson Conrad Weaver learned about heroin, as he worked to produce his new film Heroin’s Grip, was that no one is immune. Addiction captures rich and poor alike.

As one reviewer writes, “This movie is so relevant to what families are experiencing across our country. Anyone with a child should see this film. How do we keep our kids from falling into addiction? Heroin’s Grip will put it into perspective for you.”

Maryland currently ranks as the sixth deadliest state for drug overdoses.  During 2018, there were 55 fatal opioid-related overdoses, and 279 non-fatal overdoses in Frederick County alone. Within the United States, there were over 72,000 opiod-related deaths in 2017.  This is an epidemic that spans across all ages, races, and economic groups. This film gives the viewer a view of the crisis from all perspectives. 

All ages are encouraged to attend. Donations of canned foods will be accepted for the local food bank.

For more information about Heroin’s Grip, visit www.heroinsgrip.com. Follow us online at www.facebook.com/ThurmontAddictionCommission/.

Food, Families, and Fun

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Theresa Dardanell

Catoctin High School (CHS) hosted another successful Community Dinner on Thursday, April 4, 2019.  Everyone living in the Catoctin feeder district was invited to enjoy a free meal, sponsored by Olive Garden and organized by the Outreach Committee at CHS. The Olive Garden Restaurant provided spaghetti, breadsticks, and salad. Trinity United Methodist Church donated their delicious cakes for dessert. Donations of supplies and items for the raffle were given by Weis, Food Lion, Bollinger’s Restaurant, Mountain Gate, Kountry Kitchen, Gateway Market and Candyland, Renovations Spa and Salon, Sheetz, the Palms, Carleos, and Subway.  The CHS horticulture class made beautiful table centerpieces that were given away to lucky winners at the end of the night. Staff, along with National Honor Society students, served the meal.   Volunteers also provided fun activities for the children. Hula hoops, corn hole, target toss, and board games, along with coloring supplies and face painting, were set up in the cafeteria and on the patio outside.

Carole Elliott, one of the organizers of the event, said, “We had a great turnout! Many enjoyed the dinner, raffle, games, and desserts! It was one of many events that Catoctin holds to bring the community together!”

The Outreach committee also sponsors the CHS food pantry, blessings in a backpack, Thanksgiving baskets, Santa’s workshop, and Cinderella’s closet for prom. 

Donations for any of these worthwhile programs are always welcome. Contact Carole Elliott at CHS at 240-236-8081 to find out how you can help.

Volunteers setting up for the Community Dinner at Catoctin High School.

Student Peace Award presented to CHS Senior Eliza Phillips

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Catoctin High School (CHS) Senior Eliza Phillips was selected as this year’s recipient of the “Student Peace Award of Frederick County,” representing  Catoctin High School.

School Counselor, Dana Brashear, stated, “Eliza goes out of her way to make others feel welcome and secure with who they are. She is not afraid to stand up for others, or be her own person.”

“It’s very difficult for me to see people hurt others. When I see injustice, I feel as if I must do what I can to make things right,” expressed Eliza.

Each year, high schools in Frederick County are invited to choose one of their students to receive the “Student Peace Award of Frederick County.” The purpose of the award is to honor students who are helping to make our world a better place by promoting the values of peacemaking, conflict resolution, and respect for all people. This year, all eleven public high schools and two private high schools in Frederick County selected a student to receive the award.

The award comes with a $200 check for the student, and a $100 contribution to the charity of the student’s choice. Eliza chose Heartly House, which provides comprehensive services for victims and survivors of intimate partner abuse, rape/sexual assault, and child abuse.

Awards were formally presented at a Peace Conference and Awards Ceremony at Friends Meeting School in Ijamsville, Maryland, on March 30, 2019. Congratulations to Eliza for receiving this recognition from her school community.

Eliza Phillips, senior at Catoctin High School, is selected as this year’s recipient of the “Student Peace Award of Frederick County.

CHS Recognizes its Distinguished Alumni

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James Rada, Jr.

Catoctin High School (CHS) recognized its graduates who had gone on to find success post-high school during its 4th Annual Distinguished Graduates Induction Ceremony on November 20, 2018.

“We’re here to connect the future with the past,” said Teacher Mike Franklin.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the freshmen and senior classes at CHS. They were the future that Franklin wanted to show what can be accomplished by graduates from the school. Many of the graduates said that when they were students, they wouldn’t have believed that they would be honored as a distinguished scholar. However, they had applied themselves in their chosen fields, seeking to do the best work. It was an effort that succeeded for them in academics, arts and humanities, athletics, business, and public service.

This year’s ceremony was dedicated to the memory of 1LT Robert Seidel, a member of the CHS Class of 2000, who was killed in Baghdad in 2006.

Besides graduates from the school, former staff members Gail Slezak and Earl Miller were also recognized for the impact they had on the lives of Catoctin students. Slezak was a music teacher at CHS when it opened in 1969.

“I was eager to meet the challenge of creating a music program here at Catoctin High School,” Slezak said. In 1970, Music Theory students actually wrote the school’s alma mater using skills that she taught them.

Miller was the principal of CHS from 1984-1996. He called his time at the school, “the most significant chapter of my career,” in part, because he was shaping the school in his own community.

“The decisions you are making in high school will shape the life you will live later as an adult,” Miller told the students.

Kerry Dingle, Class of 2001, was the academics inductee. She is an appellate litigator with the Securities and Exchange Commission, protecting investors from financial fraud. She gave the students some tips on understanding and taking control of their finances. It is only in doing that, she said, that they would be able to build the life they wanted.

Justin Albright, Class of 2009, was one of the athletics inductees. Although his athletic skill helped him earn a college degree, today he works as a software engineer. He told the students to be true to themselves and have patience.

“Good things will come to you as long as you continue working hard and continue doing the right things,” Albright said.

Sean Reaver, Class of 2001, was also an athletics inductee. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate now serving in the Marine Corps, Reaver urged students to set their goals high and to not be afraid of failure because it would help them learn and get better.

Craig Mayne, Class of 1996, was the business inductee. Mayne, who owns the Ace Hardware store in Thurmont, recounted some of his personal struggles and struggles as a student. He told them that they don’t necessarily need to attend a fancy college to be successful, but they do need to work hard and strive to be the best that they can be.

Randy Waesche, Jr., Class of 1972, was the public service inductee. An active member of many community organizations, Waesche urged the students not to coast but to push themselves to do more.

David Ammenheuser, Class of 1980, was the arts and humanities inductee. He told the students that adults don’t have all the answers, but they are there to listen and help. However, the students also need to listen and absorb what knowledge they can to figure out the answers to their questions.

Principal Bernie Quesada noted that the inductees and their achievements were part of what helped make CHS a “landmark of success.”

The pictured CHS Distinguished Graduate inductees are: (from left) Gail Slezak; Craig Moyne; David Ammenheuser; Sean Reaver; Randy Waesche, Jr.; Kerry Dingle; Earl Miller; and Justin Albright.

Photo by James Rada, Jr.

 

Looking for All CHS Cougar Football and Cheerleading Alumni

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In honor of the 50th anniversary of Catoctin High School (CHS), the football and cheerleading teams are pleased to announce that at the October 26, 2018, game, they will be inviting their past players and members to walk out at half-time and be recognized by graduation year as honored alumni of CHS programs. They are excited to invite the community to join in the celebration of the school’s sports history, as well as watching this year’s Cougars beat Clear Spring on their march to playoffs 2018. Go, Cougars!

Catoctin High Envirothon Team

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Theresa Dardanell

After a first place win at the Frederick County Envirothon competition, the Catoctin High School (CHS) team placed sixth (out of seventeen teams) at the state competition in June at the Maryland 4-H Environmental Education and Camping Center in Garrett County.  In the Wildlife competition, they were awarded second place.

The members of the CHS team, named The Primary Successors, were Zack Carter, Samantha Grimes, Edison Hatter, Jimmy Kempisty, and Devin Shorb. With the help of advisors April Wells and Ron Albaugh, the five seniors (now graduates) prepared for the competition that included tests in five areas: aquatics, forestry, soil, wildlife, and a fifth topic that changes every year (this year, it was rangeland management).

The students met not only during school hours but also on their own time to learn as much as possible about each topic. Preparation included absorbing information from books, diagrams, field guides, and websites, as well as hands-on training. When I met with the students during one of their practice sessions at the school, they were preparing for the aquatics test by identifying various fish. They know and rely on each other’s strengths during testing. Wells said that they each take one part of the exam and then work together to finalize their answers. It was obvious that they work well together as a team and that they have fun at the same time.

Pictured from left are Edison Hatter, Devin Shorb, Samantha Grimes, Jimmy Kempisty, and Zach Carter.

Thurmont Lions Club Outstanding Students Receive Awards

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During the Thurmont Lions Club Education Night ceremony on May 9, 2018, four scholarships were awarded to Catoctin High School (CHS) seniors.  Three scholarships are awarded competitively based on academic achievement, participation activities, and financial need. These students not only achieved honors, but also spent many hours performing volunteer work, along with participating in a wide variety of activities. Community service is one of the most popular extracurricular activities for high school students to do in their free time. These volunteer hours are very impressive when your application is reviewed for college acceptance.

Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Cameron Hewitt, who will be attending the University of Maryland; Avie Hopcraft, who will be attending Baylor University; and Sean Miller, who will be attending Rensselaer Polytech Institute.

Hannah Barth, recipient of the Vic Jagow Scholarship, was awarded $1,250 for her fourth year of a four-year scholarship. She will be attending the University of Wisconsin. The student receives the scholarship for four consecutive years, depending on grade-point average

These scholarships are made possible from the Community Birthday Calendar fundraiser that has been granting these scholarships for over forty-six years. These deserving seniors and the Thurmont Lions Club thank supporters for their generosity.

Catoctin High School’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Begins

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Catoctin High School (CHS) has formed a 50th anniversary planning committee. The committee members are looking for memorabilia from the last fifty years that can be photographed, scanned, and/or displayed in the school for the 2018-2019 school year. The lobby will be “rejuvenated” this summer to display items from each decade. This is a GREAT opportunity to share your fondest memories from your high school years with the current generation!

In addition to the above, families where multiple generations have graduated from CHS, visit https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/catoctin50 to find out how to contribute to this celebration this year!

The Student Government Association of Catoctin High School will present several activities to celebrate the anniversary. Look for a 50th anniversary table and display during the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show in September 2018. On October 5, 2018, a reception will be held for alumni in the school’s cafeteria before the CHS Homecoming football game. On this evening, CHS alumni will receive student-priced admission to the Homecoming game.

The CHS Sports Boosters will also host activities to commemorate the anniversary. Stay tuned for details about these and more upcoming events and activities that commemorate the school’s anniversary.

Catoctin High School 2018 Maryland State SkillsUSA Contest Results

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Congratulations to the Catoctin High School (CHS) students who competed in the 2018 Maryland State SkillsUSA contests held on April 13-14, 2018.

Once again, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) students performed extremely well, earning 22 gold medals, 19 silver medals, 7 bronze medals, and 2 voting delegates.

All first-place gold medal winners have earned the right to represent Maryland and compete in the SkillsUSA National Competition (in Louisville, Kentucky) in late June.

Cheyenne Scobie—1st, TV Multimedia Broadcast News Production; Olivia Dart—1st, CAD Career Pathways Showcase: Manufacturing; Samantha Smith—1st, Cosmetology Nail Care (Contestant); Dalton Wine—Automotive Tech Voting Delegate; Isaac Storer—1st, Web Design Web Design;

Nathan Schwartzbeck—1st, Ag Metals Welding Fabrication; Rachel Burns—2nd, CAD Career Pathways Showcase: Arts, Audiovisual Tech and Communication; Emma Appel—2nd, TV Multimedia Television (Video) Production; Keegan Coolidge—3rd, AOHP First Aid/CPR; Kaleb Sellers—3rd, Digital Design Screen Printing Technology. Way to go, Cougars!

 

Catoctin High School Drama Company Presents Auntie Mame

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Theresa Dardanell

The Catoctin High School (CHS) cast and crew of Auntie Mame  demonstrated remarkable versatility during their performances on October 27 and 28, 2017. The story is about an orphan, played by Casey Ecker, who goes to live with his eccentric aunt, played by Jean Pembroke.  Ecker and Pembroke, who both have previously performed on stage at CHS, were joined by a group of students who played multiple roles during the show. Some of these cast members were making their stage debut during this performance.  Sophomore Isabel Rozo did an amazing job playing five completely different parts in her first-time performance. She not only had to change costumes for each character, she had to switch personalities.  The story took place over many years, so there were a lot of costume changes for all of the characters, not only those with multiple parts. Justin Peters, another student who had never been in a performance, played four different characters. Matthew Imes also portrayed four characters during the show. Christopher Reed, a senior at CHS, has been in many productions since his freshman year.  He played three very diverse characters during this show. CJ Corbin made his stage debut by playing three parts. Addison Eyler also portrayed three different characters. Zoe Scheetz played two characters in her first on-stage performance. Iain Hallowell and Teairah Velasquez also joined the cast.

When describing the cast and crew, Director Cheryl Ehrlich said, “I just couldn’t be prouder.” The tech crew, supervised by teacher Evan Felmet, worked behind the scenes. Tech Crew members were:  Jude O’Donnell, lighting; Sophia Degennaro and Ethan Simpson, sound; Lauren Haller and Tara O’Donnell, stage crew.

Cast of Auntie Mame.

Tech Crew members for Auntie Mame.

Catoctin Sports Boosters to Hold Holiday Open House

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The Catoctin High School (CHS) Sports Boosters will hold its 9th Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., in the CHS Cafeteria.

Cougar apparel, blankets, stadium seats, hats, and miscellaneous novelty items will be available for your Christmas shopping. There will be light refreshments.  Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card for Sports Boosters items. Organizations within CHS and sports teams will be invited to have their current fundraisers available for your Holiday purchases (cash or check will be accepted by each individual group or team).

For more information, please contact Bob Marlow at 443-829-3809.

Food Brings Community Together

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Theresa Dardanell

Everyone who attended the Free Community Meal at Catoctin High School (CHS) on April 11, 2017, enjoyed pizza, pasta, garlic rolls, salad, and cake. The dinner was provided at minimal cost by Rocky’s Restaurant in Thurmont, and the cakes were donated by Trinity United Church of Christ.  The CHS Outreach Committee sponsored this event to show unity and to bring people in the community together. Susan Weaver, CHS guidance counselor and Outreach Committee chairperson, said that many of the students, school staff, and families, in the Catoctin feeder area, attended the dinner. It was a time to relax and enjoy the company of neighbors and friends. Tables were set up with activities for children and teens. The “smaller kiddo activities” table had coloring books, Easter craft activities, markers, and pencils; the “bigger kiddo activities” table had board games.

Weaver said that the first community dinner, which was held in the fall, was a great success. She shared a heartwarming story with me.  During that dinner, a couple sat down with a woman who was sitting alone. Because it was close to Thanksgiving, they asked her what she was doing for the holiday. She began to cry and said that she had nowhere to go. They immediately invited her to have dinner at their home. Food really does bring people together!

The Outreach Committee also has a BFF (Backpacks For Food) program to provide food on the weekends for students who might otherwise go hungry. Each week, food donated by parents, staff, students, and community organizations is collected, sorted, and packed in backpacks by volunteers. These backpacks are distributed to about sixty students at Catoctin High, Thurmont Middle, Sabillasville Elementary, and Thurmont Elementary.


Friends and Neighbors enjoy a Free Community Meal at Catoctin High School

A Chromebook for Every Student

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Theresa Dardanell

Catoctin High School (CHS) is one of four Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) high schools chosen to participate in the One-To-One Device pilot program, in which all students receive a Chromebook to use at school. Students have the option to also take the Chromebooks home or choose the “bring your own device” option and use their own devices, to include laptops, tablets, or smartphones, at school as well as at home.

A Chromebook is similar to a laptop but is designed to be used primarily while connected to the internet. Most applications and documents “live in” the cloud.

CHS English Teacher Kathy Herrmann explained that her students work with Google Classroom. This web service allows students to check assignments, get extra help, and communicate with the teacher at school and at home. She also uses websites like Kahoot and Quizlet, which promote interaction between students in class.

CHS Media Specialist Kate Mills said that students have many databases and reference books available online; with the Chromebook, they can access them at any time, instead of just during computer lab. Teachers incorporate “acceptable and responsible use of the internet” as a part of their lessons.

Assistant Principal Kelly Kirby said that because the students are enthusiastic about using technology, the teachers can redirect that interest into their instructions. Lessons have been redesigned for online use, and teachers were given training on how to use online resources. “The response to the One-To-One program has been positive for teachers and students.”

Students in Kathy Herrmann’s class use Chromebooks, with the website Kahoot.

Vote for Catoctin High School for the 2017 Vans Custom Culture Contest

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Catoctin High School (CHS) is back at it again! CHS Art Teacher Laura Day’s students entered the 2017 Vans Custom Culture Contest for a second time. Last year, CHS placed in the Top 50 in this national contest, and they hope to make it again to the second round, which is the public voting stage.

Public voting is open, and you can cast your vote until May 10, at 5:00 p.m. Voting can be done by visiting the customculture.vans.com and clicking on Catoctin H.S. under the Northeast Region.

Who Is Your Pick for CHS Distinguished Graduate?

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The Distinguished Graduate Organization of Catoctin High School (CHS) is accepting nominations for the 2017 awards. Community members are invited to nominate their choice of any CHS graduate (any year) who they feel is deserving of recognition in any of the five categories: academics, arts and humanities, athletics, business, and service. The community can also nominate a former CHS staff member (cafeteria worker, custodian, instructional aide, secretary, teacher, or administrator) to be recognized.

Nomination forms can be picked up in the front office of CHS or be downloaded online at http://education.fcps.org/chs and submitted by May 1, 2017. Nominees will then be provided with an application form.

Applications must be submitted by June 1, 2017, and award recipients will be selected and notified by June 15. The 2017 Distinguished Graduate Award Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. during the school day on November 21, 2017.

Catoctin High School Hosts 2nd Annual Distinguished Graduate Ceremony

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Each year, senior and freshman class members at Catoctin High School (CHS) are invited to the school’s annual Distinguished Graduate Honoree Induction Ceremony that takes place during school. The Distinguished Graduate Organization, made up of retired and current CHS staff members, started the program last year as a means to show students their potential by allowing them to meet and hear about former graduates of CHS who have made a significant impact on others. One graduate is recognized each year in the categories of Academics, Arts & Humanities, Athletics, Business, Public Service, and former Catoctin Staff Members.

On November 22, 2016, the ceremony was held. The National Anthem was sung by Mr. Richard Troxell, Lily Bean made introductions, and CHS Principal Bernard Quesada gave opening remarks. Current ninth and twelfth grade students introduced each of the inductees.

Tyler Jessee introduced the Former Catoctin Staff Member Honoree, Ann Bonitatibus. Dr. Bonitatibus began her career as an English and math teacher at Middletown High School, then became assistant principal at Frederick and TJ High Schools. She advanced to become principal at New Market Middle, then principal at Catoctin High from 2001-2005. Before being appointed superintendent for the Conejo Valley Unified School District in California in July of 2015, she served several roles within the Frederick County Public Schools system, including director of High Schools, associate superintendent of Secondary Schools, and chief operating officer. Through all of these diverse roles, she created forward-focused visions that were supported by school communities.

Dr. Bonitatibus talked about her experiences at Catoctin, in relation to other jobs she’s held. She shared a timely message about freedom of expression, which was relevant to current times, with the presidential elections taking place.

Phoenix Staub introduced Academics Inductee Joshua Ballew, Catoctin Class of 2003. Dr. Ballew is one smart man! He graduated valedictorian for his graduating class, was awarded the Outstanding Senior Scholar award his senior year, and named a Maryland Distinguished Scholar finalist and National Merit Commended Scholar. He graduated summa cum laude from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, with a bachelor’s degree and a double major in mathematics and physics in 2007. He served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Mathematics and earned departmental awards in both the physics and mathematics departments. He was inducted into the college’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter.

He continued his education by earning his PhD from the University of Maryland College Park in Applied Mathematics and Statistics and Scientific Computation, with his dissertation entitled Mathematical Topics in Fluid Particle Interaction. He is currently a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University, where he continues his research into fluid-particle interaction models and teaches various college math courses. Dr. Ballew has been published in several peer-reviewed journals. Interestingly, he’s written questions for the Frederick County Academic Tournament.

A humble man, Dr. Ballew talked to the students about his time at Catoctin, and his experiences throughout his education.

Taylor Crum introduced the Public Service Honoree, James “Jim” K. Hamrick, CHS Class of 1981. Jim and his wife, Pamela, reside in Thurmont and enjoy visits from their four grown children and six growing young granddaughters. Jim and Pam enjoy “two-wheel therapy,” while riding motorcycles and participating in the charitable Hogs and Heroes Motorcycle Foundation of America.

While attending the University of Maryland as an engineering student, Jim opted for a vocational change to law enforcement. He began this career as a University of Maryland Police Officer, graduating the police academy in 1985. Over the next twenty-five years, he rose in rank to Major and obtained a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland in 2000. In February of 2011, Jim was hired as the chief administrative officer at the Maryland police and Correctional Training Commissions in Sykesville, Maryland. As of July 2016, he now serves as the chief of police at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland.

Outside of law enforcement, Jim is involved in the community. He is a life member and Chaplain of both the Guardian Hose Company and the Thurmont Community Ambulance Service. He served for several years as a founding member of the Board of Directors of The Source Christian Radio AM 1450, WTHU. Jim is also an ordained pastor, and the founding pastor of St. John the Baptist Antiochian Orthodox Church in Lewistown.

Jim’s message to the students was that life is full of twists and turns, but living in service is a very fulfilling path.

Owen Bubczyk introduced the Athletics Inductee, Kathy Messner Stevens, CHS Class of 1998. Kathy is a true inspiration. Two weeks after graduating from Catoctin, she was driving a vehicle that was hit from behind and pushed into the on-going path of a tractor trailer. The near-fatal auto accident almost left her paralyzed. It is truly awesome to listen to the experiences of this great athlete, who transferred her drive to succeed into a drive to survive and thrive. The physical devastation of the auto accident could only be met head-on with true grit and faith as she battled to recover from a broken neck, fractured back, ruptured spleen, and punctured lung, among other injuries.

Prior to the accident, Kathy was a champion athlete: a two-time national high jump champion; twelve-time Maryland State Champion; county champion; and held MVAL, regional, and championship titles. To this day, she holds state records for high jump and triple jump.

Before the accident, she had earned a full athletic scholarship to Penn State University. After intense rehabilitation and physical therapy, Kathy joined the Penn State Track and Field team seven months after her accident. She competed all four years, and served as team captain her senior year. She met, or bettered, her high school performances in the jumping events and earned the Nittany Lion True Grit Award.

In 2012, she was inducted into the Alvin G. Quinn Frederick County Sports Hall of Fame. She is currently a private coach, and assists at Oakdale High School. She has also coached for the Catoctin Youth Association and Catoctin High School

Kathy’s degree from Penn State was in Kinesiology. She’s currently earning her Master’s Degree in transpersonal psychology from Atlantic University. She owns her own hypnotherapy and massage business, Transform & Revive, LLC in Woodsboro, Maryland.

Kathy’s message to the students was very inspirational, siting faith and the unwavering support of her mother and her late father to sustain the “true grit” she exemplifies in her achievements. Kathy has a nine-year-old son, Zachary Evan.

Adam Fields introduced the Business Inductee, Deb Abraham Spalding. A common path for graduates of CHS may be to attend Frederick Community College and then move on to a four-year college. Deb did this, graduating from Towson State University with a B.S. in Physical Education and concentration in sports management. That degree allowed her to pursue the profession of providing recreation services, which she did while serving as recreation superintendent with Frederick County Parks and Recreation.

In 2003, she resigned from Parks and Recreation to start her own business. She is currently the publisher and owner of the local newspaper, The Catoctin Banner, and owner of E Plus Copy Center and Promotions in Emmitsburg. She has also coached field hockey and basketball for various organizations.

Deb related to the students by identifying similarities they all experience as students at Catoctin. While a student at Catoctin, Deb was vice president of her sophomore class and president of her junior class. She played field hockey, basketball, and tennis, and participated in chorus and school musicals. She was raised on the mountain in Foxville, attended Sabillasville Elementary School, and then Thurmont Middle School.

She is a graduate of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Frederick County Program, attended Oglebay School of Management, and completed coursework towards a Master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management at Frostburg University.

She has two children, Lydia (CHS Class of 2015) and Hayden (current CHS junior) and lives in Thurmont.

Hannah Belt introduced the Arts & Humanities Inductee, the greatly talented, internationally-known lyric tenor, Richard Troxell, Class of 1979. Richard has been thrilling audiences with his beautiful voice in leading roles in opera houses and on concert stages around the world.

His career skyrocketed when he appeared as Pinkerton in Martin Scorcese’s film version of Madame Butterfly in 1996. Not your normal opera singer, Richard’s career has ranged from being a recurring guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to climbing out of the sewers of Seville as Don Jose at Sydney Opera House in Carmen, to singing the National Anthem for Major League Baseball games to completing his latest CD, Classic Broadway.

In October of 2015, Richard sang and danced his way on to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, debuting in Michael Mayer’s “Rat Pack” production of Rigoletto while at the same time covering the road of Der Maler in Lulu and Alfred in Die Fledermaus.

Richard started singing at the age of four, along with his parents, belting out Broadway tunes at Lions Club benefits and singing hymns in the church choir. He received his operatic training at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He currently resides in the countryside of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Lisa Lovelace, who is a dancer and choreographer, and their two sons, Wilder and Shane.

His message to the students was that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Catoctin is a great place to start.

For more information about his program or to submit the name of a nomination for a future distinguished graduate, please email Keith Bruck at Keith.bruck@fcps.org.

2016f-distinguishedgrad-27

The 2016 Distinguished Graduates are: (from left) Deb Abraham Spalding, Business Honoree; Dr. Ann Bonitatibus, Staff Honoree; Richard Troxell, Arts & Humanities Honoree; Kathy Messner Stevens, Athletics Honoree; James Hamrick, Public Service Honoree; and Joshua Ballew, Academics Honoree.

Five $1,000 Scholarships Awarded

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The Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association (EHSAA) is pleased to announce the winners of their annual EHSAA scholarship program. Four $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. However, this year an additional $1,000 scholarship was awarded, thanks to an anonymous gift from a member of the Class of 1965. It was given in memory of all those deceased in that class (Kenny Krom, John Wagerman, David Naill, Clyde Hahn, Joseph Beale, Robert Ulrich, Gary Valentine, and Suellen Knipple Barbe).

The scholarship applicants were judged on involvement in school and community activities. Their academic work, financial need, and honors were also considered, along with their work experience.

The four scholarship recipients are graduating seniors at Catoctin High School (CHS) and were recognized at the school’s annual awards ceremony on May 31, 2016. Megan Millison, daughter of Sheri Wetzel and Phillip Millison, plans to attend Salisbury University and get a Master’s Degree in social work to help trauma patients. Maya Swiderski, daughter of Deborah Wivell and William Swiderski, plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to start her degree to become a veterinarian. Kayla Umbel, daughter of Chad and Sandy Umbel, plans to attend Virginia Tech to study in their dairy science program. Marah Williams, daughter of Richard and Joan Williams plans to attend Towson University to become an audiologist.

The fifth recipient is Taylor E. Shank, a former graduate of CHS, currently attending Clemson University, working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. She is the daughter of Duane and Anita Shank.

All recipients will be recognized at the Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association’s 92nd Annual Banquet, to be held October 15, 2016.