May 30, 2019 SPOTLIGHT On Friday, May 10, Mr. M. ChrisTopher Williams celebrated his last day of class with his seniors in Global Studies along with many members of the Bishop McNamara administration and faculty as he is retiring after forty years of teaching, thirty-six of them here at Bishop McNamara High School.
Mr. Williams first came to BMHS in 1979 after having served for nearly three years as a volunteer teacher of English and African History in the Sudan. For the next nine years, he was teacher of World History to sophomores and Anthropology as a senior elective. In 1994, the newly co-ed BMHS instituted a new Global Studies course for all senior students. Over the years of his educational service, Mr. Williams has been awarded opportunities to work and study abroad, the better to incorporate his foreign travels and international studies into this new course. He traveled as a volunteer for Operation Crossroads Africa to Kenya and Botswana and for International Development Exchange to Ghana. Moreover, he was awarded fellowships and grants to travel with the Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs to Japan, with Saudi Aramco to Saudi Arabia and with Global Exploration for Educators Organization to Costa Rica with the assistance of the BMHS Capital Partners program.
In 2004 Mr. Williams received the Caritas Award for Distinguished Faculty Service, and because of his impact on the School, he has been selected as the 2019 BMHS Presidential Award recipient. Congratulations Mr. Williams! We were so honored to have you as part of our community for so long, and wish you all the best!
Click here for more information about Mr. Williams and how he has impacted Bishop McNamara High School.
BMHS Crab Feast Tickets are now available for our Crab Feast - all proceeds go to benefit Bishop McNamara High School Athletics.
Click here to get tickets now - TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!
The Crab Feast will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in our Andy Mona '82 Student Center from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. - crabs will be served from 7-9:30 p.m.
We will have a Wagon of Cheer, 50/50, raffle and silent auction at the event.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 4 Andy Mona Student Center ● 12 p.m.
June 21 Renditions Golf Course
September 7 Andy Mona Student Center ● 6:30-10:30 p.m. Join us for the 2019 Mustang Cup/Sip & Swing! We know June is still a long way away, but we're so excited to announce our Mustang Cup/Sip & Swing officially has a date!
Join us on Friday, June 21, 2019 at Renditions Golf Course for an afternoon of golf in support of BMHS athletics! Or, if golf isn't your thing, join us for the Sip & Swing, which includes a wine pairing lunch, exclusive vendors and lessons with a Renditions Golf Pro.
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW - if you have any questions, contact our Director of Special Events Melissa Antonio Huar LR '91 for details.
WCAC Night with the Nats! Bishop McNamara and the Nationals are teaming up for the inaugural WCAC Night with the Washington Nationals on Thursday, June 20 at 7:05 pm vs the Philadelphia Phillies. For the first time ever, the Nationals are creating a co-branded Bishop McNamara/Nationals hat which has the curly W Nationals logo on the front and the school logo on the side!
Come out and show your school pride as students, alumni, parents, faculty and friends take over the ballpark for a day. With the purchase of a special WCAC ticket, fans will receive a discounted game ticket and a limited edition co-branded Nationals hat with the school logo. For every ticket sold, $5 will also be donated to the WCAC. This offer is open to anyone affiliated with the schools, not just students. All tickets must be purchased through the Nationals website special link.
The co-branded hats are limited to the first 1,000 tickets for each school. Once that limit is reached, the school's name will reflect "SOLD OUT" on the checkout page and you won't be able to select that school any longer. Click here for the event flyer.
Win a Week in Palm Beach, Florida! With all this chilly weather we've been having - even if it IS almost springtime - we KNOW you're dreaming of sunshine and warmth.
Enter to win our upcoming raffle and you could win a week in Palm Beach, Fla. at the Marriott Ocean Pointe!
SPECIAL UPDATE: We have had a donor that has donated $2,500 to the winner of the Palm Beach Raffle, bringing the grand spending money total to $3,000 to the winner.
Click here to purchase your raffle ticket now for your chance to win! The drawing will be held on June 21, 2019 at our Mustang Cup/Sip & Swing event. Tickets are $25 each - you do NOT want to miss out, get your tickets now!
Sign up for Summer Enrichment! Our summer enrichment program registration site is up and running, all ready for summertime!
Click here to register and peruse our many options for summer - we have so much available this year for your child! From fine arts, to technology, to leadership enrichment, help give your child the opportunity to try out something new and exciting!
REUNION PLANS BMHS Class of 2009 Reunion Update for the BMHS class of 2009 - we officially have a date for your reunion! We hope you will come back to reconnect with your classmates on June 22, 2019, we know the event will be lots of fun!
The reunion will take place at Mission in Dupont (1606 20th St. NW Washington, DC 20009) from 5-9 p.m. Click here to get your tickets now.
For more information, contact David Clark '09 - we hope to see you there! BMHS/LRHS Class of 1969 Reunion The Bishop McNamara and La Reine Cass of 1969 50th Reunion officially has a date and location! Oct. 25-27Join us Oct. 25-27 for a fun-filled weekend of catching up with your classmates! Oct. 25 there will be a Meet and Greet at Hilton Garden Inn in Annapolis, Md. (305 Harry S. Truman Parkway). Then we have an Alumni Banquet planned on Oct. 26 from 6-10 p.m. at Renditions Golf Club (1380 West Central Ave.). Then finally on Oct. 27 from 8-11 a.m. we will have a Farewell Brunch at Hilton Garden Inn. If you would like to book your room now at Hilton Garden Inn, please click here. The Reunion Committee has booked a minimum block of 10 rooms, reservations at the quoted rate will be held open until September 25 - but remember the Naval Academy is holding its Homecoming that same weekend, so hotels will be scarce closer to the reunion date. BMHS Class of 1999 The Bishop McNamara High School class of 1999 is in the process of gathering interested individuals to help plan their 20-year reunion! We officially have a date: Sept. 6, 2019 - we hope you can join us!
If you are interested in helping to plan the reunion, or if you have any questions, please contact Alkia Morris for details.
BMHS Class of 1979 The BMHS class of 1979 has begun planning their reunion. They have a date already picked out! Alumni, mark your calendars for Sept. 13, 2019 so you don't miss out on this chance to catch up with your classmates!
For more information, please contact Director for Mission Advancement Dr. Robert Van der Waag.
BMHS & LRHS Reunion Plans Bishop McNamara is reaching out to the following Bishop McNamara and La Reine High School classes to help organize their upcoming reunions:
Bishop McNamara & La Reine High Schools: '74, '84 and '89
Bishop McNamara High School: '94, '04, and '14
If you or any of your classmates have questions, need help or are interested in forming a reunion committee, please contact the Advancement Office.
BMHS and LRHS class of 1969, we would love to help you plan your 50th reunion! Please contact Dr. Rob Van der Waag for details and for more information!
CALLING THE BMHS CLASS OF 2018!! JOIN US FOR GRADUATE RETURN DAY!
This year, the 2018 Class Graduate Return Day will be held on June 4, 2019 in the Andy Mona Student Center. The festivities start at 12 p.m., so be sure to stop by and reminisce with your former faculty and catch up with your classmates!
We would love to see your college apparel to see who has traveled the farthest - but most of all we would love to see you. So be sure to join us!
Click here for more information!
Join our Alumni Association! Interested in joining our Alumni Association? Want to get involved with on-campus events and alumni reunions? There are some great perks that come from being involved with our BMHS/LRHS Alumni Association - Contact our Alumni Association President Marlo Ford LR '87 to learn more!
End of Year Giving at Bishop McNamara High School We close the 2018-2019 school year having furthered our vision to form empowered leaders, inspired by the Gospel, who transform the world.
BMHS thrives today due to our community's spirit of philanthropy. Through the generous financial contributions of thousands of donors this year, the School supported the Bridge of Hope and Saint Andre Bessette tuition assistance initiatives, expanded our academic, fine arts, and athletic programs, launched student support initiatives such as the St. Andre and Middleton Scholars Programs, provided numerous faculty professional development opportunities, enhanced our classroom technology, and made our faith-inspiring retreat programs even more enriching.
Did you know, however, that tuition does not cover our annual operating expenses? Gifts to the Bishop McNamara Fund help bridge the gap between tuition income and costs of educating every student at a high level. Gifts to the Bishop McNamara Fund provide President/CEO Dr. Marco J. Clark '85 and the Board of Directors with the flexibility to address the School's greatest needs. These include the ability to recruit skilled students who embrace Bishop McNamara's bold vision, secure the resources to attract and retain teacher-scholars of exceptional caliber, and enhance our highly regarded curricular and co-curricular programs while keeping tuition both attainable and stable as possible.
The amount that you give is not as important as your willingness to give. Every gift makes a difference!
Please give by June 30, 2019!
ALUMNI OPPORTUNITIES Living the Fourth - Kairos for Alumni! Calling BMHS alumni - Is it time to refresh, recommit, reconnect?
Renew your enthusiasm and your relationship with God. Living the Fourth is a young adult retreat for men and women ages 18-30 who have experienced a Kairos Retreat while in high school or college.
The weekend will be a powerful and prayerful reminder of our life's journey of faith. Total cost to attend is $195, click here for additional information.
Come back to McNamara - Moreau Fellowship Program Calling all recent BMHS graduates! We have an opening for our Moreau Fellowship Program!
This fellowship is for BMHS alumni who have recently graduated from college and wish to explore a career in education. The Moreau Fellow works as a full-time employee at the school, and based upon their experience and interests, will help with some or all of the following responsibilities:
One Moreau Fellow will be selected each school year.
Click here to apply or for more information about the position. ALUMNI UPDATES Kate Kasprzyk Kaelin '98 Kate Kasprzyk Kaelin '98 and her family (husband Steve and children Emily and Christopher) had a wonderful time at the An Unlikely Story Bookstore in Plainville, Mass, which is owned by BMHS alumnus, Jeff Kinney '89 - also the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series! She said that it is a beautiful bookstore, and when the staff heard that they were from Maryland and Bishop McNamara, Kate and her family were treated to a very interesting behind-the-scenes tour of how a bookstore operates
Breanna Ross '15 On May 24, our own Breanna Ross '15 gave a Ted Talk!
Her presentation, titled Impact that Money Can't Buy, Breanna talked about the importance of using one's gifts and talents to make a difference in the community, rather than throwing money at a problem hoping for a solution. She talked about her service organization, Written in My Soul.
Click here to watch the Ted Talk.
Well done Breanna! This is a great honor and you absolutely did an amazing job! We are continually touched by the work you do, you truly are living the Holy Cross ideals!
ALUMNI CAREERS Justin McClain '00 In April, the world witnessed the tragic Notre Dame Cathedral fire. As we well know, Catholics around the world were deeply affected by the tragedy, and many faced questions of faith.
Andrew Feather '13 Andrew Feather '13 recently started a new job as an investigative reporter at WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo Mich. In his time since leaving McNamara, Andrew graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor's degree in journalism and worked for WSIL-TV in southern Illinois.
McKenzie Bowling '02 We were so excited to hear that McKenzie Bowling '02 had a film featured in the DC Film Festival!
The Film Festival this year featured 80 films from 45 countries in 11 days. In particular, Filmfest DC champions new and diverse voices in the film industry. Click here for more information about the festival.
Congratulations McKenzie! This is incredibly exciting news, and we know this is only the beginning for you!
ALUMNI EDUCATION Jordan Mosby '15 Jordan Mosby '15 will be graduating from Morehouse College and soon he will begin preparations to move to Providence, RI to attend Brown University where he will be pursuing a Ph.D. In sociology.
As he begins this next phase of his journey, Jordan said that he is interested in connecting with any other BMHS alumni in the Providence area, specifically anyone who works at or is currently attending Brown University. If any alumni are indeed in the area, please feel free to reach out to Jordan!
Bryana Rivers '11 Congratulations to Bryana Rivers '11, who graduated with her Masters degree in generic medicine from University of Maryland!
Keep up the great work Bryana! We know that you will only continue to excel as you continue on to your professional career!
Jordan Hinkle '15 On May 24, 2019 Jordan Hinkle '15 graduated from the United States Naval Academy! He will continue on with the Navy, predominantly in the submarines.
Congratulations Jordan! Thank you for your commitment to your country and for all the hard work you have put in so far.
Laura Irwin '15 Congratulations to Laura Irwin '15 on graduating from St. Edward's University!
Megan Snider '15 and Laura Johnson '15 Megan Snider '15 and Laura Johnson '15 graduated this month from St Francis University, Loretto, Penn.!
Stephanie Dorn '11 Stephanie Dorn '11 graduated from Gallaudet University with a double major in sign language interpreting and Deaf Studies.
Congratulations Stephanie! We can't wait to see what you are able to do for the deaf community.
Ceonna Parran '10 We recently heard back from Ceonna Parran '10 - she graduated from Tufts Dental School! After spending a great deal of her free time staying involved with the community at Tufts, Ceonna plans to practice dentistry in Houston, Texas.
Congratulations Ceonna!
ALUMNI SPOTTED ON CAMPUS Joanne Cipriano LR '80 and Barbara Balduman LR '80 John Piazza '79 with Director of Development Sandy Mammano. AROUND CAMPUS BMHS Hosts Renowned Spanish Opera Singer Israel Lozano Bishop McNamara High School hosted renowned Spanish opera singer Israel Lozano on May 2, where he spoke to students from Luis Duclos' Spanish Exchange Program and sang for Anthony Conto's award winning string orchestra. Mr. Lozano passionately encouraged our students to pursue their musical talents for the sheer joy of spreading this "universal" language that brings people together instead of separating human beings apart.
Click here for the full story!
Jakia Brown-Turner '19 featured by WJLA Channel 7 News WJLA 7 recently produced a video on Jakia Brown-Turner '19 and the incredible season that she has had with her team. The video also features WCAC Coach of the Year Frank Oliver.
Click here for the video.
Congratulations Jakia! We know you will continue to do well as you start off to college this fall!
Carlos Saravia '19 featured in The Catholic Standard Carlos Saravia '19 was recently featured by The Catholic Standard as part of their graduation edition. In the article, Carlos talks about his interest in engineering and how he acclimated to Bishop McNamara High School.
Click here for the full story.
Carlos will be participating in the Driscoll Scholars Engineering Program, which begins with two years at Holy Cross College, followed by three years at the University of Notre Dame.
Congratulations Carlos! We are so proud of you and all of the hard work you have put in these past four years. We look forward to hearing more from you!
BMHS Hosts Fourth Annual Academic Signing Day On May 6, Bishop McNamara High School hosted its fourth annual Academic Signing Day. The capstone event of the assembly each year is the video, artfully produced by Director of Instructional Technology Matthew Buckley '98, where each of the 215 students in the Class of 2019 reveals where they have chosen to go to college. Click here for the full story, and for a link to the video!
Congratulations to BMHS Students Inducted into ASL Honor Society! On April 29, Bishop McNamara High School held its American Sign Language Honor Society Induction Ceremony to celebrate and honor students who have made an enthusiastic commitment to the study of ASL and Deaf Culture.
Click here for the full story.
Varsity Baseball Earns Best Regular Season in BMHS History Congratulations to the Bishop McNamara Boy's Varsity Baseball Team, led by Head Coach Anthony Sosnoskie, as they ended the regular season with a 20-5 record. This is the best regular season in school history!
The team garnered many Washington Catholic Athletics Conference individual honors including three first team awardees - Ian Cawthorne: INF, Ryan Shieh: Catcher, Joe Quelch: Pitcher, second team - Donavan Frayer: Pitcher, and Honorable Mention Jalen Watson, Jared Mammano, and Brandon Baker. Ian Cawthorne was named the 2019 WCAC Player of the Year and Coach Sosnoskie was named the WCAC Coach of the Year for the first time in his career. With their 20-5 overall record, they came in first place on their side of the WCAC league standings and starting on Saturday, May 4, they headed into the WCAC playoffs as the number two seed.
Click here for more - Go Mustangs!
BMHS Educators Present at 2019 NCEA Convention & Expo Bishop McNamara High School President/CEO Dr. Marco J. Clark '85, Director of Student Support Abigail Greer, and Science Teacher Megan Judd presented papers to colleagues and associates from across the United States and around the world at the annual National Catholic Education Conference and Expo held this year from April 23 through April 25 in Chicago, Ill. Science Teacher Megan Judd's presentation titled, "Developing Investigative Learners Through Phenomena-Based Units," focused on helping students use science to make sense of phenomena in the natural and designed world. Dr. Clark's presentation titled, "Moving to Exceptional and Intentional Governance: Re-framing the Work of Your Board," focused on the issue of leadership, particularly how school Board's play an integral role in advancing private independent schools such as Bishop McNamara. Abigail Greer's presentation titled, "Digital Leadership Goes Mobile - Web & Social Strategies - Sharing the Good News of Your School!" focused on the important role that digital tools play sharing the great news that take place in individual Catholic schools. Click here for more details from the event!
BMHS Spanish Exchange Program - Part Two! On April 14, a group of 13 Bishop McNamara High School students and two teachers departed to Spain to finish the second part of the Spain Exchange program with Paz de Ziganda Ikastola in Pamplona. In 2018, we celebrated 10 years of friendship with our partner school Paz de Ziganda Ikastola and this very unique exchange program. Every other year, a group of Spanish students visit Bishop McNamara during September, and BMHS students travel to Spain during their Spring break vacation. The main objective of this program is for the students to have the opportunity to experience a place with the Spanish language and culture. This year the students had the opportunity to spend Holy week in Pamplona. The BMHS group crossed the Pyrenees Mountains and visited Bayonne, France as well. After Easter Sunday, the group headed to the South of Spain and visited the Alcañiz Castle (a 12th century Calatrava castle converted into a hotel), Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica (in Zaragoza), Montserrat Monastery, and the Gothic city of Barcelona. While the BMHS students and teachers were in Barcelona, they had the opportunity to visit Camp Nou Stadium (the place of one of the top five soccer teams in the world), Gaudi's Holy Sacred Family Basilica, Gothic Quarter, Park Guell, Casa Milá, and the Mediterranean sea. After 13 days in Spain, the Bishop McNamara group returned to United States on April 27, 2019. Click here for more! EMPLOYMENT AT BMHS Bishop McNamara High School currently has the following job openings:
Assistant Director of College Counseling
Special Educator Program Coordinator
Teacher, Social Studies (2019-2020 School Year)
IN MEMORY OF...
George "Ben" Baker, husband of Janine Simpson Baker LR '78, passed away on May 21, 2019. Click here for his obituary.
Lois J. Costanza, mother of Teresa Costanza Nolet LR '74 and Sue Costanza Kircher LR '78, passed away on May 23, 2019. Her obituary can be found by clicking here.
John Logan, Jr. '68, brother of Ronald Logan '70, passed away after a long battle with lung cancer on March 25, 2019.
Joseph Palmer, husband of long-time staff member Rita Palmer and father of Jim Palmer '78, Mary Chin LR '80, Edward Palmer '83 and Douglas Palmer '87, passed away May 7, 2019. Click here for his obituary.
Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Memorial Garden Our Memorial Garden, named in honor of student Terrell Edelen '14, is complete and will give our community the opportunity to honor other deceased loved ones, family, friends and/or teachers. For more information on how to purchase bricks or benches in the Memorial Garden, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement. Take time to come by for a visit to reminisce, or even just for quiet reflection. You Shop Amazon - Amazon Gives to BMHS
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support BMHS every time you shop, at no additional cost to you. Amazon will donate a portion of your eligible purchase price total to BMHS. CONTACT HOLY CROSS BROTHERS AND BERNARDINE SISTERS Bernardine Sisters on Facebook Bishop McNamara and La Reine alumni are invited to like the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Facebook Page. Get the latest news on the Sisters from La Reine and see what incredible pictures and events they have posted.
The retired Brothers of the Holy Cross and Bernardine Sisters would love to hear from you. To contact them, use the information listed below. Thanks! For the Brothers:
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