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Catoctin High School Earns School of the Year Award

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Catoctin High School (CHS) has earned a 2016-17 School of the Year Award from the Maryland Center for Character Education at Stevenson University (MCCE).

Principal Bernard Quesada commends school counselor Dana Brashear for outstanding work leading to this recognition, which will include a School of the Year banner for Catoctin to display, a certificate of recognition, and attendance at an October 5 awards program at the university’s Rockland Center, Owings Mills campus.

“Schools of character prove that when school communities come together for a common purpose, amazing things happen,” said CHS Principal Quesada. “Our commitment to operating as a school of character works to safeguard our kids and our community.”

“In schools of character, adults embrace their critical role as models. Teachers work together as professionals—and with parents and community members as partners—to positively shape the social, emotional, and character development of the young people entrusted to them each day,” according to the Character Education Partnership (CEP) website, www.character.org.

This is the fifth consecutive year Catoctin High School has earned MCCE School of the Year recognition.

Catoctin Corner

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Crystal Naff Named 2016 FCPS School Secretary of the Year

Congratulations to Catoctin High School secretary, Crystal Naff. During the June 8 Board of Education meeting, she was recognized as an outstanding member of the Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) support staff.

Naff has worked at Catoctin High since 2002. As the secretary to the principal, she supports the administrators at Catoctin. Her job also includes overseeing the front office staff and handling the finances for the school, as well as all of the clubs. Because she enjoys working directly with the students, she chose to add the responsibility of senior class co-advisor. She was previously the junior class advisor, whose responsibilities included setting up the prom and making sure that all students have a wonderful experience. As senior class advisor, Naff works with parents, vendors, and community members to make graduation an experience to remember.

Principal Bernard Quesada nominated Naff for the award. In his nomination he stated, “There is literally nothing that happens in our school without Crystal’s influence or help. Most importantly, she has used all of these positions to work and mentor children in our school. She makes an intentional point to get to know and work with students and their families. I, like all of the staff and students in our building, are better people for having worked with Crystal Naff.”

Nomination letters were also submitted from several students and staff at Catoctin High School. These letters testify to the professionalism, dedication to the job, and respect for others that is shown daily by Naff.
SCHOOL-news---Naff
The welcome sign in the background says it all: Crystal Naff makes everyone feel welcome at Catoctin High School

Catoctin High Awards Distinguished Graduates

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James Rada, Jr.

One is a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. One is a local businesswoman. One is a police chief. One is a college coach. One is a retired Catoctin High School teacher. They are all part of the group of first recipients of the Catoctin High Distinguished Graduate Awards.

Principal Bernard Quesada told the gathered seniors and freshmen that each year Catoctin High School graduates students who leave their mark on the world. “Since our first graduating class, Catoctin High School has served as a landmark for success,” he said.

The honorees were selected by the Distinguished Graduate Organization, which formed over the summer. The organization established the awards “To recognize distinguished graduates of Catoctin in the areas of Academics, Arts & Humanities, Athletics, Business, and Public Service. Former Catoctin staff members who have had a significant impact on graduates of Catoctin High School will be recognized.”

Gus Eyler, Class of 2001, was the Academics inductee. Eyler is a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Fraud Section. He also serves as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Maryland. While a Catoctin student, he played sports, served in student government organizations, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He lives in Kensington, Maryland, with his family.

Eyler praised the education he had received at Catoctin High. “Learn from these people,” he said. “Imitate their efforts. It will serve you well.”

Maggie Doll, Class of 1971, was the Business inductee. She is the owner of Gateway Candyland, a family business that has given many Catoctin students their first job. She is also very active in the community, helping with fundraisers for cancer patients, school organizations, local events, and location fire and ambulance companies.

She encouraged the students to be a part of their community. “Get off the texting. Get a personality. Learn to relate to people,” she urged the students.

Kate Robinson, Class of 2006, was the Athletics inductee. Robinson was a three-sport athlete while at Catoctin High. She took that love of sports with her and had a successful college athletic career and has become a successful college coach. In 2014, she was named first-ever head women’s lacrosse coach at Whitman College in Washington.

“Challenge yourself,” Robinson said. “Don’t be afraid of failure. Make your moments count.”

Greg Eyler, Class of 1974, was the Public Service inductee. After retiring from a twenty-five-year career with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in 2005, he was appointed the Chief of Police for Thurmont.

Eyler urged the students to make a difference with their lives. “Nothing is more powerful, and I mean nothing, is more powerful than determination.”

Tom Sherald was the Former Catoctin Staff inductee. Sherald retired from the Frederick County Public School System in 2011, after thirty-nine years. He spent eighteen of those years teaching at Catoctin High. He spent most of his career teaching physical education.

He told the students that ideally their high school years will prepare them for their futures. “The jobs that many of you do may not even exist now,” Sherald said.

Besides a 2015 Distinguished Graduate Award, each inductee also received Catoctin High-themed gifts.

sherald

Pictured from left are Maggie Doll, Rachel Olson, Chief Gregg Eyler, Principal Bernard Quesada, Gus Eyler, Kate Robinson, Tom Sherald, and Keith Bruck.