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Testimonials

Taliah Lewis '26 Senior Spotlight

“Over the past four years at Bishop McNamara, I’ve grown in ways I never expected. I’ve learned to step outside my comfort zone, embrace new opportunities, and choose growth over doubt. I’m leaving more confident, resilient, and ready to lead with purpose as I begin this next chapter.”

Taliah Lewis has been accepted to  Louisiana State University, the University of Maryland, Spelman College, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University—an incredible achievement. This fall, she will continue her journey at Spelman College.

Taliah Lewis '26
New Graduate

Matthew Walther '01 Faculty and Department Chair

Matt is the Chair of the Computer Science and Engineering Faculty at BMHS, and a 2001 Alumnus.

He shares, "As a graduate of the school, it’s been very special to come back and be part of the same community that played an important role in shaping who I am. I enjoy the balance that teaching offers. There’s structure in the curriculum and what needs to be covered, but each class brings something different. No two classes are the same, and that's something that I really enjoy about this job.

"Teaching Computer Science has been incredibly rewarding, especially because I get to work with students every day and watch them grow more confident in their programming abilities. Seeing something that may start as intimidating turn into a genuine interest or even a passion has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. I’ve also been fortunate to build strong relationships with my colleagues over the years. Those friendships, along with the support and sense of community, make coming to work something I truly look forward to. It’s that environment that has kept me here for the past 10 years, and I’m grateful to be part of it."

Matt Walther '01
Faculty, Alumnus

Brittingham Barnett '25

"Bishop McNamara has prepared me with the social, moral, and ethical skills I need to help give back to the world. I've learned how to communicate, build up and strengthen relationships, and form deep bonds to help reach goals that would be difficult to accomplish alone.

The tools McNamara has given me to think outside the box and approach things from a different perspective are invaluable. I believe true education isn't just about developing smarts, but about shaping the whole person.

I feel McNamara's four foundational pillars-being family, building respect, educating minds and hearts, and bringing hope— accomplish that."

Brittingham Barnett '25
Alumnus

Phoebe Goodwin 2027

“I chose Bishop McNamara because of its warm and welcoming community, where both students and staff embody kindness and familial spirit. Additionally, the school offers a robust academic program and excellent sport opportunities, making it an ideal environment for personal and educational growth.”

Phoebe Goodwin '27
Student
 
Madison Bridges '26

"I chose Bishop McNamara because of the community - it is like no other. From day one, after experiencing all of the love, support, and hospitality McNamara provided, I knew it was the school for me. "

Madison Bridges '26
Student

McNamara-Logo

"From the point I stepped through the doors, I felt a strong sense of community, pride, and shared values of family, belonging, and acceptance at BMHS. I experienced excitement from my interactions with students, faculty, and the administration. However, the most important reason why I chose BMHS was the belief and confidence I felt that my daughter would be protected, nurtured, and challenged to achieve what she once believed were her 'impossibles'."

MRS. RENITA BRIDGES
Parent of Madison '26

Kow Simpson '22 accepted to Harvard, Duke, Brown, University of Maryland and more

BMHS prepared me for college since my freshman year when I had to learn how to be more organized to keep up with my assignments. For four years, I  had to complete homework assignments for every class, which required me to learn to balance my schedule and commitments.”

Kow Simpson '22
Alumnus, Harvard University Student

Senior Spotlight

“Bishop McNamara has a huge wealth of resources available for any dedicated student. While you definitely need to put in the work, the school and its faculty can connect you with a vast number of fields of study.” 

Dylan Burrell-Jones has been accepted to several universities, including Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, The Ohio State University (Columbus Campus), and the University of Maryland, College Park, an outstanding achievement. This fall, he will be continuing his academic journey at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Dylan Burrell-Jones
New Graduate

Qayden Samuels 2026

“Over the past four years, Bishop McNamara has helped me grow both academically and personally. It strengthened my math skills and supported my overall learning, helping me become a better student. Through activities like basketball, I’ve also grown as a person and developed into a stronger, more confident version of myself. My experience here has been well-rounded, preparing me for adulthood and helping me understand the importance of responsibility, growth, and staying focused on what truly matters."

Qayden has earned full-ride scholarships to Georgetown University, the University of Connecticut, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Michigan, the University of Georgia, Villanova University, the University of Alabama, and many more.

Qayden Samuels '26
New Graduate

Zhen Craft '25 will go on to University of Georgia

"Since I first toured the school, I knew Bishop McNamara was going to be my home. It has allowed me to grow into the young woman I am today, strengthen my intelligence in the classroom, build lifelong connections on and off the court, and be part of a community I could rely on. It has opened numerous doors for me, and I will be attending the University of Georgia on a full athletic scholarship."

Zhen Craft '25
Alumna

Bishop McNamara school seal

"We chose Bishop McNamara for our daughters because we wanted to ensure that they would spend the next 4 years in a place that fosters a spirit of excellence and service while also cultivating their minds and hearts."

Mrs. Courtney Ben
Parent of Kennedy '25 & Karington '27

Mrs. Emily Koenick

“The growth and changes that happen in high school are essentially the same for a teenager. What is different, however, is the environment in which the teenager experiences high school, and that's where McNamara is different — here you are cared for and educated in a way that is not similar to other high schools. When you fall, we catch you. When you want to succeed, we propel you. The word that best describes our vibe is simply, love.”

Emily Koenick
Faculty, English Department Chair

Ava Garland '23

“As an African American, I feel like we are often very distanced from our original roots and where we come from. Traditional African dance (at Bishop McNamara) gave me a sense of being deeply rooted in my culture. African dance is a technique that is perfected over the years. The excitement I get from it is that it is a style that really allows me to show my personality. It is also a great way to release any stress. The experiences I have had at McNamara definitely improved me … made me the person I am. McNamara is like a big family – we are all different, but we are all friends and we all talk and we all share experiences. That made me more knowledgeable and a better person.”

Ava Garland '23
Alumna Student at the University of Michigan

McNamara-Logo

"We love the inherent sense of community at BMHS, the warm welcome every time we come in the door, and the endless possibilities for our son at this school."

MR. ZAVEN ARZOUMANIAN AND MS. SIAN MACADAM
Parents of Matthew Arzoumanian '26

Mrs. Tracye Burr Mitchell

"Bishop McNamara is without a doubt a superb example of an entire school community focused on making a difference and bringing out the best in each of our children. Every member of the Bishop McNamara community - from the CEO, to the Principal, to the Administration, to the faculty, to the staff - ensures that our children graduate as confident and competent young people poised and prepared to show the world the best of themselves every day."

Mrs. Tracye Burr Mitchell
Parent of Lauryn '21 & Olivia '18

Paul O'Brien, Teacher

“I love how our students truly develop a thirst for justice. Our kids often become very active in causes that promote a greater society. In a world torn apart in so many ways, our kids truly become active, bringers of hope!”

Mr. Paul O'Brien
Faculty, Theology Department

Kai Powell 2026

“My coaches & teachers always believed in me, pushed me to do my best, & to fight through adversity. I’m very thankful for the McNamara community accepting me with open arms and hands for my last year in high school.”

This fall, Kai will attend American University on a full-ride athletic scholarship, where she plans to major in Business and Entertainment. Kai’s athletic achievements are outstanding, including winning Nike Nationals and helping secure the 2026 WCAC Championship.

Kai Powell '26
New Graduate

A smiling young woman wearing a blue shirt with the "Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University" logo, standing in front of signs for the Illinois Institute of Technology and New York Institute of Technology.

Mayleen Lauresta was accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she is majoring in Aerospace Engineering!

She was also accepted to New York Institute of Technology and Illinois Institute of Technology — an incredible accomplishment!

“McNamara has truly allowed me to develop the tools that I’ll need to succeed while in college and after. From the teachers who taught me everything I’d ever need to know to all the friends who supported me, they have provided me with many opportunities that have allowed me to find myself and shape who I am. I am proud and excited to take everything that McNamara has taught me these past four years to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where I will major in Aerospace Engineering. Go Eagles!”

Mayleen Lauresta '25
Alumna

Kendall Barnes-Loveday '25 Senior Spotlight

“Bishop McNamara has taught me to chase my dreams, no matter how big or small. Whether it was challenging myself in honors and AP classes, growing as a player on the soccer team, auditioning for the fall musicals, singing in choir, co-founding the National Art Honor Society chapter and securing the Visual Arts Program’s very first art show, or gaining access to rewarding service and internship opportunities, I have grown as a student, friend, daughter, athlete, artist, singer, Christian, and most importantly a human being. Bishop McNamara has taught me the importance of creating and uplifting communities."

Kendall Barnes-Loveday '25
Alumna

Brianna Reynolds '24

"Bishop McNamara High School has prepared me for college and beyond in multiple ways. I have been provided with teachers, counselors, mentors, study skills,  life skills, and resources to help me become a better version of myself. Coming into McNamara my freshman year I was shy, a person who was nervous to interact with the others. Through the help of the McNamara family I have become prepared to interact with other outside of the school in a confident matter."

Brianna Reynolds '24
Alumna

Ronnette R. Meyers, Chair Board of Directors

"During my time at McNamara as a parent of an alum, a member of the board, and now as Board Chair, I have witnessed firsthand just how extraordinary this school truly is. The strength, spirit, and warmth of this community are unmatched, and I have seen time and time again how Bishop McNamara creates opportunities for our students to thrive. This recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School is yet another testament to the excellence that runs through every aspect of our institution."

Ronnette Renea Meyers
Parent of Nia Meyers '22, Chair - BMHS Board of Directors
Kennedy Ben '25

“I still remember when I completed my shadow visit at Bishop McNamara during the 8th grade. I felt welcomed by everyone - students, faculty, and staff.  I could immediately see myself doing great things here and I knew I would get a great education that would prepare me for the world at large.”

Kennedy Ben '25
Alumna

Isaiah Pryor '24

“Bishop McNamara has prepared me for the next chapter in life and beyond in so many ways. As a transfer student in my sophomore year, I did not know what to expect. On my first day of attendance, the warm welcome I received was amazing! Bishop McNamara is truly a family! I am grateful to have experienced the very best teachers, exceptional coaches, inspiring teammates, caring counselors, great campus ministry, and challenging STEM coursework that has helped me to achieve my goals and become the best version of myself. I could not have done this without God, my family, and the McNamara family who have continuously guided me during these past 3 years. I am very excited to continue my academic and athletic career at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Bishop McNamara has equipped me with all the tools needed to be successful!"

Isaiah Pryor '24
Alumnus