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Catoctin High School Class of 2020 by Theresa Hutchinson;

Courtesy of John Kinnaird

Catoctin High School Graduation Plans

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has announced that all high schools will have a virtual graduation ceremony this year. Staff members at Catoctin High School (CHS) are working hard to create a memorable virtual ceremony for the Class of 2020 that will air the week of June 8.

Catoctin High School also offered seniors the opportunity to wear their cap and gown and walk across the CHS auditorium stage. A photographer captured a picture of each senior on the stage, which will be included in Catoctin’s virtual graduation ceremony. The event took place on May 26-28. Seniors were limited to bring no more than four members of their immediate family to watch them walk the stage.

CHS Principal Jen Clements issued the following statement, “Seniors (and families of seniors) – I know that this school closure, at what would normally be a time of great celebration and anticipation, makes us all feel as if we are losing out on important milestones—I agree and feel the same way. As a principal, graduation is the day that brings me the greatest joy; and every day with students in the building is what gives me energy…those have both been missing during the past few months. However, I have challenged myself (and encourage all of you to do the same) to find the good and to make the best of what we cannot control. Whether we like it or not, this time in our lives will be memorable and will leave an unforgettable mark on the year 2020. This situation has also afforded us time to reflect and appreciate even the little things (I have heard this in my communication with many students, and think this mature perspective will serve you well as you venture into adulthood). I have also seen many examples of our community coming together (not physically together, but always together in spirit and purpose) to support each other and our students—this just serves to reiterate what is so special about our Catoctin community. So, as you feel the disappointment of what is different about your senior experience, I hope you can also be reflective about what you have gained through the last two months, but also throughout your time at Catoctin High School.

We now know that Graduation will be a virtual program to be aired during the week of June 8. I understand the feelings of disappointment and frustration that our current situation is affecting such an important and momentous event. While I share those same feelings, I also take great pride in the beautiful graduation program that we are producing to honor our seniors; the hundreds of hours that are being poured into creating an amazing and meaningful program is reflective of our goal to honor you in the best way we can right now. I look forward to the opportunities ahead to see you, to congratulate you, and to wish you well (from a distance!).

Thank you for your continued support of our community, our school, and, most especially, the beloved members of our CHS Class of 2020. Through our collaboration, support and communication we will come through this Cougar Strong!”

Honoring Catoctin High School Seniors

In honor of the Catoctin High School Class of 2020, signs celebrating each of the graduates were on display at Catoctin High School on Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22. The signs were provided through the courtesy of the Town of Thurmont, the Town of Emmitsburg, Catoctin High School, and Karen and John Kinnaird.

Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird posted the following message on social media, “We are very proud of each end every one of the students from within the Catoctin High School feeder area, and we congratulate [our graduates] for achieving this goal in your journey through life. Your future holds an entire world of opportunity; make the most of it.”

Catoctin High’s Mike Franklin Named as One of Seven Finalists for 2019-2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year

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Catoctin High School’s Mike Franklin is one of seven finalists for the 2019-2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year, announced by Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). This most recent accomplishment is one of many honors that Franklin has earned throughout his career. These honors include: 2014 Maryland Outstanding PE Teacher, 2016 Hood College Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award, and 2017 Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Year.

Franklin, who is a physical education teacher and baseball coach at Catoctin High School, was named Frederick County’s Teacher of the Year at the end of April. He has served as a champion and advocate for students throughout his 23 years teaching with FCPS.

Bernie Quesada, former Catoctin High School principal and now Middletown High School principal, echoes this sentiment, “Mike Franklin’s most endearing quality, and one that I personally admire, is that he has the uncanny ability to make any educational situation, no matter how difficult, much better with his positive and unwavering faith in children. That is a rare, innate quality that should be celebrated and emulated in teaching.”

Jennifer Clements, current principal at Catoctin High School, expressed her excitement surrounding Franklin’s accomplishment and stated, “Mike Franklin has been an asset to Catoctin High School for over 20 years, during which time he has taught, inspired, mentored, and supported thousands of students and colleagues. He is an excellent teacher and coach, but, most importantly, he is an amazing person who works each day to bring a smile to those around him and to ‘catch them being good.’ We are proud of Mike’s well-deserved recognition as FCPS Teacher of the Year and finalist for Maryland’s Teacher of the Year.”

Franklin recognizes the value of providing students with positive reinforcement: “I believe in celebrating successes daily. I’ve seen the power of a compliment or a simple positive phone call home to let the parents know their child is awesome.”

Finalists are selected by a panel of judges from a number of key Maryland education organizations, representing principals, teachers, school boards, teacher unions, parents, and higher education. The selection process is based on a rigorous set of state and national criteria that include knowledge of teacher pedagogy, community engagement, and expertise in general education topics and issues. The finalists were selected from a group of 24 local teachers of the year that represent the 24 Maryland school systems.

The 2019-2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced at the October 25, 2019, gala reception and dinner at Martin’s West in Baltimore.

Catoctin High School (CHS) and Frederick County Public Schools celebrate CHS’s own Mike Franklin, selected as a finalist for the 2019-2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year award.

Students Honored During the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

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Theresa Dardanell

Each year, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) recognizes students who demonstrate the leadership qualities of Dr. King during the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in January. Students who earned the award demonstrated positive leadership qualities and exhibited the “Character Counts Pillars”: responsibility, caring, fairness, trustworthiness, citizenship, and respect. One outstanding student from each public school was chosen. The quotes below are from the nominations submitted by the staff at each school in the Catoctin feeder area.

Catoctin High School — Julia Ellenberg

“Julia has been an academic, athletic, and character leader at Catoctin High School. Julia is a member of multiple honor societies and a team captain on the swim team for Catoctin High School. Julia is looked at by her peers and her teachers as a steady and forthright young adult, who has helped lead our school through difficult circumstances. Julia’s work ethic in her academic classes is beyond compare, as she is planning on becoming a biomedical engineer; yet, she refers to her time as a student working in the Catoctin unified sports class as her most rewarding experience in high school.”

Thurmont Middle School — Thomas Bower

“Thomas is new to Thurmont Middle School (TMS) this year, and we are so lucky to have him. During his time at TMS, Thomas consistently demonstrates all of the characteristics for which this award stands. Besides his clear sense of responsibility and curiosity for learning, Thomas is friendly and always polite to others, no matter who they are. He always has a smile and seeks out ways in which he can help his peers. Thomas is an individual who I believe Dr. King would want to celebrate and promote.”

Thurmont Elementary School — Carolyn Mercer

“Thurmont Elementary School proudly nominates Carolyn Mercer for the Martin Luther King Jr. Award. Not only does she exhibit all of the qualities of ROAR (Respect, Ownership, Academics, Responsibility) in the classroom, but outside of school as well. She offers help without even being asked, and always has a smile on her face. Carolyn assists classmates by walking them to school, and in the community she folds laundry for a disabled elderly neighbor. We are so proud to have Carolyn representing Thurmont Elementary School.”

Thurmont Primary School — Ethan Tokar

“Ethan is one of the most helpful, kind, and genuine students at Thurmont Primary School (TPS).  When a new student arrived in his classroom, he offered to share materials, to sit with the student, and to be his partner during sharing time. He offers to help his teachers and other staff at dismissal, and he greets everyone with a smile! A representative group of teachers agreed that Ethan Tokar was a great representative of TPS for the MLK celebration!”

Emmitsburg Elementary School — Lillian Grable

“When we think of a student who is fair, celebrates others, and hopes to build a better future, we think of Lily! She mentors other students, helps with morning announcements, and is a gymnastics team leader. We are proud of her demonstration of kindness, and we enjoy watching her learn, grow, and inspire others.”

Lewistown Elementary School — Rachel Herbst

“Rachel has been involved in many roles while at Lewistown Elementary School. She has been a Peer Ambassador for two years and also a morning announcer. Rachel is a role model to all of her classmates. Rachel is always very respectful and polite to adults and peers. She has integrity and strives to do the right thing, even when no one is looking. She is engaged in learning in the classroom. She is always actively participating in class discussions. Rachel also perseveres and does her very best with any academic task. Her completed work is an example of what is expected as exceeding the expectations. Rachel is trustworthy and can always be counted on to be honest about any situation.”

Sabillasville Elementary School — Faith Harty

“Faith Harty shows many of the same qualities as Martin Luther King Jr. She is very caring towards her classmates and is always willing to help students and teachers as needed. She shows trustworthiness, as she often helps put away the computers or help around the room. She willingly helps other teachers, too! Faith is responsible and always works hard and does her best. Faith truly wants to learn. She shows other students the Sabillasville Elementary School way; she conducts herself in a safe manner, being careful not to cause harm to anyone else, she is engaged in learning, and is self-motivated to strive to do her best. She is an excellent representative for Sabillasville for the Martin Luther King Award.