Varsity baseball completed its season in the championship game versus Glenelg Country School on Sunday last with a 7-0 defeat.  After an incredible playoff run with victories against AACS (11-8), Pallotti HS (5-2), and #1 seeded St. Mary’s HS (6-5), the Lakers were stymied against the Dragons behind the pitching of sophomore Dylan Fanella.  He pitched a gem going the distance with a complete game 3 hitter.  The Lakers were led on the mound by sophomore Harris Lipinski, who pitched four scoreless innings.

Coach Greenwell and the team should be very proud of their efforts.  They had little momentum going into the post season with questions regarding their inconsistent defense.  The bats were always healthy, but the combination of both was often lacking.  Come playoff time, all facets to include senior leadership, timely hitting, good pitching, and more consistent defensive help were on display.  Seniors Devin Foudos and Peter Argo led this wonderful group.  Peter often willed his team to better play and victory using emotion and energy to generate a combative will.  Devin quietly used his lead off bat and stellar play in the outfield to silence the opponents.  Junior standout pitcher Freddie Bopst wanted the ball to either complete a game or save a game.

The team would like to thank all the parents for their postgame dinners, and their support throughout the season.  There were many wet, cold and windy scrimmages and games in February and March that made things challenging.  Again, thanks to all the parents for their support of this team and coaching staff.

The JV squad led by Liam Madden, catcher Drew Gray, and Will Reid had a wonderfully successful season.  It has been many years since we had a JV team within our baseball program. Getting our younger freshmen and sophomore players significant scrimmage /game minutes was important to grow the program.  Establishing good baseball habits with consistent practice skill development will pay dividends down the road.  Thanks goes to Head Coach Phil Sheehey, assistants Matt Wareheim and Jon Decker for all their efforts.

And finally, we extend thanks to Coach Butch Maisel for his tireless efforts to keep the baseball field groomed and pristine for all the MS, and US games.  It was a daily activity that demanded much effort.  Thank you again sir.

The Boys’ Latin varsity lacrosse team suffered a tough 10-9 loss to Loyola-Blakefield in the MIAA “A” Conference Championship game on Friday. Congratulations to the team for a wonderful season and to the Loyola Dons lacrosse team.  Below is a thank you note from Coach Bob Shriver ’69 for the team:

Dear students, faculty, parents, alumni, and friends,

On behalf of the 2013 Boys’ Latin Varsity Lacrosse Team, we want to say THANK YOU.  Thank you for being there with us this spring as we navigated through an amazing season.   

The spirit of Boys’ Latin was on full display Friday night.  That spirit is so hard for people who aren’t a part of BL to ever grasp.  It is there every day on Lake Ave., both in the halls or on the playing fields.  Last Friday evening, one only needed to hear the cheers of the student body, parents, alums, and friends to know how fortunate we are to be part of the Boys’ Latin family.

We wish the outcome was different. We know that sports mirror life and that you can’t always get what you want even when you work tirelessly and collectively for something. Not sure who the quote comes from but “sorrows keep you human and life keeps you humble.”

Sincerely,

Boys’ Latin Varsity Lacrosse Coaching Staff

Team Captains Mac Pons ’13, Colin Heacock ’13, and Christian Knight’13

A member of the class of '74 wrote this note following Friday night’s loss:

Victory has a thousand fathers. Defeat is an orphan. Everyone wants to be part of a championship; that’s easy.  No one wants to be part of a defeat. This is something that, in a profound sense, the team bears alone. And it hurts to the core. But because of that hurt, the team is bound together in a way that goes beyond the fleeting and simple joy of winning. They are now held together by a bond that no one else can really share. Well, almost no one else. Thirty-nine years ago, our class of ‘74 also saw its undefeated season go up in smoke with a loss to Loyola in the championship game. The terrible experience of their own defeat imbued within them a bond that brings them together in a way that victory lacks the power to do. After all, everybody claims a piece of that. It has them forever asking unanswerable questions. Through that comes wisdom and compassion. These are qualities that bring richness to life, and truth be told, it rarely comes any other way.”

The entire BL community is proud of ALL of our varsity spring teams including Coach Bill Greenwell’s baseball squad that lost in the MIAA “B” Conference championship finals yesterday at Ripken Stadium.  

Last week, the BL seventh grade students spent the past four days backpacking in the Otter Creek Wilderness in West Virginia. Head of Middle School Brandon Mollett reported “When we left from the staging area with our packs and each other, the team from Calleva emphasized one simple concept, ‘Right now, you are carrying everything you need for the next four days.’ On the first day, the students hear this and are eager to begin an adventure. By the third day, the students realize what this really means. Because you are carrying everything in and out, everyone needs to pitch in and do their part. Your sons shared the responsibility of divvying up gear and working together on mundane tasks like eating lunch as well as complex tasks like setting up camp. We enjoyed our time in the wilderness working together.”

Yesterday, BL's JV lacrosse team wrapped up their season with a 9-6 win over Gilman to become the JV MIAA A Champions.  Congratulations to the JV players, Coach Haugh (8th JV A championship), Coach Shilling, and Coach Muneses for all their efforts and hard work. For more detail, please go to Athletic News http://www.boyslatinmd.com/page.aspx?pid=721

It’s an exciting season for our varsity lacrosse team who move into the post-season playoff tournament after going undefeated regular season play.  For highlights, see the next All School News article and follow these links to press coverage:

• -The Baltimore Sun, Glenn Graham 5/9/13 “As MIAA playoffs begin, No. 1 Boys' Latin looks to complete unbeaten season” http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/high-school/bs-va-sp-boys-latin-lacrosse-0510-20130509,0,1639330.story
• -Varsity Sports Network “Chasing History” http://www.varsitysportsnetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9659%3Achasing-history-&catid=31%3Afeature&Itemid=9
• -Digital Sports Network 5/9/13  http://2476.digitalsports.com/2013/05/09/boys-latin-complete-the-perfect-season/

The team is focused on the games ahead of them.  Athletic Director Michael Thomas said “Our varsity lacrosse team continues to quietly and humbly progress through the tough A conference schedule.  The "third season" (after pre and regular seasons) playoffs will begin next week.  Go Lakers!

This is a season for the record books.  Last night, our varsity lacrosse team, led by senior captains Mac Pons, Christian Knight, and Colin Heacock, scored a workmanlike victory over St. Paul’s to complete the regular season with a 18 -0 record, 9-0 in MIAA A conference play.  Throughout the entire season, Coach Shriver’s gang has maintained the #1 ranking in the nation by both Under Armour/Inside Lacrosse and US Lacrosse/Nike.  They secured the #1 seed in next week’s MIAA playoff tournament when they will play on Tuesday, May 14th at 5pm at Towson University. Join us to watch BL face the winner of the St. Paul’s vs. Calvert Hall game. Tickets are $8 and are available at the campus store or on game day at the Towson box office.  Michael Thomas said "Our well coached varsity team is a mature group that has been tested. Coach Shriver and Coach Dubin have created a unified team that remains very humble.  Please continue to support this wonderful team as they charge ahead." 

For more perspective on the team, here is a recent article in the Baltimore Sun by Glenn Graham, "Coachspeak with Boys' Latin Lacrosse's Bob Shriver"  http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-04-04/sports/bal-coachspeak-boys-latin-lacrosse-bob-shriver-20130404_1_top-15-poll-latin-lacrosse-washington-college-grad

With more on BL Lacrosse, Athletic Director Michael Thomas notes:
Junior Varsity - Lacrosse Coach Haugh and Coach Shilling have done a great job this spring with a talented JV group. They have progressed this spring with an 8-1 record.  Their lone loss was by 1 goal to Gilman about two weeks ago. We play in the JV A Championship tomorrow, May 9th at 4:30pm at Gilman. Please support this talented team of coaches and kids.

Fresh/Soph Lacrosse - Coach Robinson, Coach Lee Kennedy, and the FS team have completed their season.  The boys improved throughout the season and became very strong on the defensive side.  They had great difficulty scoring goals, so we look forward to their maturation as they move to the JV team next spring.

Middle School Lacrosse - The three middle school lacrosse teams will be completing their schedules this week. All boys have played with great effort and have learned what it means to compete against some very talented opponents.  We thank the following coaches for all their assistance and time: Carl Voigt, Mark Glaeser, Duncan Booth, Todd McNemar, Thomas Thibeault, and Gavin Youngquist.  The 7th and 8^th grade teams play on the lower field th grade teams play on the lower field tomorrow versus Loyola, at 3:30 and 4:30pm respectively.

We were once again very fortunate to have Michael Thompson, Ph.D. on campus for two days last week.  Dr. Thompson, distinguished author, psychologist and expert on male development, met with Boys’ Latin parents, students, and faculty, and WMAR-TV ABC2 News covered the middle school dads' breakfast where Dr. Thompson spoke on "The Importance of Dads in the Lives of Sons."  Click the image or link below to view http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/education/psychologist-speaks-to-students-and-parents-at-boys-latin-on-male-development. This segment aired May 1st on WMAR’s “Making a Difference” education news segment by Sherrie Johnson.

This was Dr. Thompson’s third in a series of visits as resident fellow with BL’s Bauer Institute for Leadership and Personal Growth.  In addition to the middle school dads’ breakfast, BL held a meaningful discussion with parents in an evening session on topics from his recent book “It’s a Boy!  Understanding Your Son’s Development.”  Interspersed in the two days were faculty workshops in each division.  These two days follow his visit in November when the focus was on the nature and impact of friendships from his book “Best Friends, Worst Enemies.” 

As BL’s Bauer Institute Fellow, Dr. Thompson will return to campus for another three visits during the 2013-14 school year.  Dr. Thompson is renowned worldwide for his knowledge of boys and has worked as a consultant or psychologist in more than 500 schools in the US, Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.  He is the author or co-author of nine books including New York Times best-seller Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, Speaking of Boys: Answers to the Most-Asked Questions About Raising Sons, Best Friends/Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Worlds of Children, The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Achieve Success in School and in Life, and It's a Boy!: Understanding Your Son's Development from Birth to Eighteen.

This recent note from BL’s Varsity Golf Coach Mason Champion is heartwarming and worth sharing. After recent competitions, Coach wrote “Watch our boys compete and you’ll see young men of integrity, discipline and intention. That’s the focus. Those are the points of accountability. Our boys walk with purpose. They work hard. They do their best. They do what’s right. They support one another and they operate with quiet confidence.  That’s what you look for as a coach and as a parent.  Those are the things that matter.  When you catch glimpses of these things – snapshots in time that reflect manifest developments that might otherwise prove intangible, you take pause, reflect, and smile.  Because you know what’s at work in their hearts – and you thank the Heavens for a moment where you can see, if only for the blessings of perspective, that a young man is walking down the proper path.  And you, of all the millions here on earth, have the good fortune to be at his side.

“Well, here’s a case in point.

“Yesterday during the 2^nd Round of the MIAA Stroke Play Championship, Bennett Wisner came to the 17^th hole at Maryland Golf & Country Club standing at one over par on the day and tied for the lead in the Championship.  Playing in the final group, alongside 3 other boys vying for the same title, he viewed the Par 5 ahead of him as an opportunity to take control of the lead.  He cut the slight dogleg by bombing a drive over its corner; and then, in good form, struck his second shot onto the green.  He walked to the putting surface with the poise of a true competitor and looked upon the distance between the ball and the cup with focus and determination in consideration of his eagle putt.  Then, he looked upon the ball itself…

“Raising his eyes from the ball, he called for his fellow competitors and course officials – declaring clearly “I’ve made a mistake. I’ve played the wrong ball.”  After a minute of discussion involving his available options and repercussions, he returned to the spot of his prior shot under penalty of 2 strokes and replayed toward the green once again.  Shortly thereafter, he exited the green with a bogey 6.

“When he was praised for calling a penalty on himself that later cost him the U.S. Open, the great Bobby Jones once said ‘You might as well praise a man for not robbing a bank.’  That was how he thought.  That was his mentality.  An absence of truth was not an option.  Integrity was a constant, not a variable.  Period.  End of story.

“Bobby Jones would have been quite proud of Bennett Wisner.

"Wisner didn’t pause to consider that nobody noticed he had played the wrong ball.  He didn’t think upon the potential of sneaking one past the crowd.  He didn’t position himself to cover tracks or justify a falsehood, or think for a moment that he might be able to get away with something.  He didn’t reconcile an improper course of action by convincing himself that errors such as this are relatively commonplace and therefore excusable.  Nope.  Nothing like that even came close to piercing his psyche.  Not for a second.

“You’ve read about Bennett’s victories and his accomplishments over the years.  No doubt you’ll continue to read about them for many years to come:  his 8 straight wins in middle school, his 65 to win the MAPGA Junior Championship, his national ranking, his seemingly un-ending promise and potential.  All of that is remarkable indeed.  But take close note to understand that it pales in comparison – pales! – to the truth, and the integrity, and the honesty, and the gentlemanly balance with which he carries himself.  That’s what differentiates Bennett Wisner.  That’s what makes us proud.  And that’s what we caught a glimpse of it yesterday.”

Boys' Latin earned a 4th Place Finish at the 2013 MIAA Stroke Play Team Championship - besting 19 other conference schools.  The Lakers were represented in the Team Finals by Senior Danny Murphy (154), Junior Bennett Wisner (148), Sophomore Seth Miller (164) and Junior Dylan Watts (166).  This was the second straight year Boys' Latin has notched a top finish in this championship (2nd in 2012).  This is a worthy and significant accomplishment, and we remain very proud of the boys for how hard they’re working and the integrity with which they represent themselves.

Junior Bennett Wisner (148) and Senior Danny Murphy (154) head into the third and final round of the MIAA Stroke Play Championship with their eyes on the prize.  With the leader at 146, both Lakers are within striking distance ahead of the finals, to be contested across the famed East Course at Baltimore Country Club on April 29^th. Boys’ Latin last won the Individual Title in 2008, and has two very strong contenders in Wisner and Murphy heading into the finals this year.  Be sure to cheer them on this week and join us on Monday if your schedule permits.

The Post-Match Summary for last week’s contest vs. Loyola has been published to the Team Website.  I’m very proud of our boys for how they battled back to split that decision.  Please take a moment to check out the summary and affirm our boys accordingly: http://boyslatingolf.com/Post_Match_Summaries.html  Go Lakers!

On Friday, lower school students placed pinwheels in the ground to create a pinwheel garden in front of the south campus.  The pinwheels represent a healthy and safe childhood.  This is part of an effort to support The Family Tree, a local non-profit organization working to strengthen Maryland families and in recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  You may have already seen similar pinwheel gardens "cropping up" around the city and country, like the one in Times Square, New York.  For fun, here is a link where your child can design his own free pinwheel and post it to an online web garden or send it to a friend:  http://www.standforchildrenmd.org/.  That site also provides general information about the statewide initiative.

Each year, there is something heartwarming and inspiring about joining together students (grades K-12), faculty and staff in a collective effort to give back to our larger local and global community.  Last Friday, April 19, Boys’ Latin came together as one school in our Annual Service Learning Day.  The theme this year was “Clean Water Resources,” and we held activities that explored the issues of water contamination, quality, testing, clean up, and consumption as well as dams, urban runoff, green roof construction, ground water resources and recycling.  In SLD2013 and in previous years, students worked side-by-side with lower, middle and upper school partners in cross-divisional activities.  One new feature this year was that over 70 students helped to lead activities for the cross-divisional groups.  In the afternoon, upper and middle school boys participated in service activities such as cleaning the bay around Fort McHenry with The Baltimore Aquarium, cleaning area streams for Blue Water Baltimore, and working on campus clean-up projects.  As a follow up, another group will perform farming tasks at The Pearlstone Center’s self-sustaining farm this weekend.

We kicked off the day with a morning all-school assembly where Upper School Science Teacher Wendy Forbes introduced our theme.  Miss Forbes shared interesting facts and two impactful videos (below).  You can click on the links to access the videos:
- Global population growth is reaching 7 billion people (from National Geographic, Dec 2010):  http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/the-magazine/the-magazine-latest/ngm-7billion/
- Colorado River is the most endangered river in America (from Peter McBride, April 2013): http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/colorado-river-most-endangered-river-america.html

During Service Learning Day, there were some fun activities, each with a lesson.  One group raced to carry water to your “BL Family” over and around obstacles.  This gave the boys an opportunity to reflect on the difficult journey many people make every day to carry water to their school or homes.  The “BL Families” were groups of students with a mix of all ages.  It was also a great way to see big boys helping younger boys and vice versa.  It is a fun day for all, and, more importantly, it ties back to the character values BL holds dear – courage, compassion and integrity.  Boys gained a first-hand sense that service to others enriches the self.

With a parent, faculty/staff or alumni login, you can click on Photo Gallery and then SmugMug for additional photos from the day.  With our many thanks, we acknowledge the Parents’ Association for providing volunteers and lunch for the day. Special thanks to Director of Service Learning, Susan Brown and the following faculty members who served on the Service Learning Day Committee to plan and execute Friday's activities:  Cindy Alderman, Kate Berger, Jenifer Blair, Henry Blue, Sally Brackins, Candy Bradfield, Lauren DeVries, Wendy Forbes, Shara Hine, Sean Kriebel, Janet Maisel, Stephanie McKew, Helen Potter, Kay Schuyler, Robin Smith and Sarah Woods.

The upper school robotics team ended its 2012-13 season with a fabulous performance in last weekend’s FIRST FRC Chesapeake Regional Tournament, held downtown at the Baltimore Convention Center.  The team, led by co-captains Matt Bennett (lead builder) and Alex Hughes (lead programmer), demonstrated consistently high accuracy, high scoring in autonomous mode, successful manually teleoperated shooting, and near perfection in the pyramid climb -- all that despite a loose wheel in Match 1 and damaged main breaker switch in Match 3.

Based on strong performances in the Qualification Matches on Friday and Saturday, the BL team was selected to play on the 2^nd ranked Alliance Team (Alliance2) in the afternoon elimination rounds.  Alliance2 was one of 4, 3-team alliances to reach the semifinals.  The semifinals were hard and closely fought.  The first semifinal match was particularly amazing as our drive team held the perennially strong Moe Team (#365) to fewer than 20 points.  Moe had averaged well over 60 points in every other match of the tournament.  Matt and Alex all but shut Moe down, jamming its Frisbee shooter and blocking them from their loading station and their favored shooting position.  Metal was bent and virtual sparks were flying as we captured the match 82-60.  The next two semifinal matches were hard fought 73-78 and 77-106 losses.  That’s a close point spread for these 3 matches combined of only 12 points (232-244).

The team sends a very special thanks to Ms. Annemarie Merow who was instrumental in helping us develop a mobile app to replace our cumbersome, “old school” paper scouting system.  Team members used Smartphone and iPads to record the match statistics for each of the 63 teams over the course of 86 matches then analyzed the data in real time.  This gave Alex and Matt the opportunity to make important adjustments in strategy for the final rounds.  Good, sound data driven decision making!!!

Please join us in congratulating Matt and Alex and teammates Jason Price, Charley Hughes, Michael Chalawsky, Michael Knott, Anthony North, Rachel Cooper (McDonogh), Logan Atkinson, Michael Hopkins and Parker Hawkins.  We also thank Corey Bernard, Michael Shortt, Avery Engel and Michael Ostendorf for their support efforts on Friday, and thanks to many faculty members for support and for helping team members catch up on classwork, tests, etc..

Coach Anne Kellerman summed up the event by saying “As usual, our Lakers fought hard to the bitter end, representing themselves and BL with distinction.  Go Lakers!”

Additional photos are available with a login at http://boyslatin.smugmug.com/2012-2013Galleries/Upper-School/Robotics-Competition-Baltimore/28944201_vQVdcD#!i=2460356693&k=FqxV7Bc

On Tuesday, Boys’ Latin upper and middle school students had the treat of hearing Dr. Christopher B. Howard, address our community.  Dr. Howard, President of Hampden-Sydney College, is one of the youngest college presidents in the United States, a distinguished graduate of the US Air Force Academy, a Rhodes Scholar with his Doctorate in politics at Oxford University and an MBA with distinction from the Harvard Business School, presidential appointee to the National Security Education Program Board, and a regular guest on Ali Velshi's CNN television program. Clearly you can see that Dr. Howard is recognized for his academic and leadership achievements, and with our boys he connected with inspiring stories of character and love for his family.

His message was simple – 5Be’s:

1. “Be Yourself” – He recounted how he wore a neck tie in the 7^th grade because he wanted to be somebody one day, joined the ROTC in high school because he wanted to serve our country, and became Student Body President because he wanted to make a difference.  His bottom line message is “don’t drink, smoke or touch that” - you know what’s right and what’s wrong.
2. “Be Humble” – He shared stories of being a father to his own two sons and quoted Abraham Lincoln “You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.”  His bottom line message is that it does not matter what your parents have because you must find your way.
3. “Be Accountable” – He recalled his football coach’s challenge as he singled out individual BL boys “What kind of team would we have if we played like YOU? Practiced like YOU? Then, he pointed out to seniors that THEY set the standard. His bottom line challenge is to stand up for what’s right even when you don’t think anyone else is looking.  He challenged each class with the question “Will you be great seniors?”
4. “Be Courageous” – He recounted his third solo mission in an Air Force jet when he felt so cool/thrilled to be cleared to do an acrobatic move…until the plane malfunctioned.  He had to eject; the plane exploded, and he was hospitalized for knee surgery while the accident was under investigation. Once he was okayed to fly again, he made the hard choice to go on and later became an Air Force pilot. His bottom line is be willing to “suck it up” and not let fear hold you back.
5. “Be the change you want to see in the world” – This quote is disputed but often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi and paraphrased by Dr. Martin Luther King. Nevertheless, the bottom line is go make a difference.

On Sunday April 7^th, two BL students were named as 2013 Carson Scholars.  Anthony Wyler ’15 was honored as a first time scholar, and Josh Hamburger ’13 was recognized for his second year as a scholar.  Both boys accepted their awards at the 17^th Annual Maryland Carson Scholars awards banquet on Sunday where three distinguished honorees were also recognized:  Dr. John Mather (astrophysicist and Physics Nobel Laureate), Matt Stover (Ravens Kicker and pro bowler) and Chris Wallace (Fox News Anchor and Emmy Award winning journalist). 

Carson Scholarships were first awarded in 1996 when the program made 25 awards.  Now across the country, 425 academic “Super Stars” were named as 2013 Carson Scholars, and 715 previous scholars were recognized for continuing to meet the high standards of academic excellence and community service.  Award recognition banquets are held in nine different regions each spring with scholars ranging from grades 4-12.  Winners have the honor of being named “Carson Scholars” and are each awarded a $1,000 college scholarship, an Olympic-sized medal and a trophy for their school to celebrate their accomplishments.  Anthony and Josh are shown at the left with their medals.

Congratulations to Josh and Anthony for all of their hard work!

The author Gary Moore visited our campus on Tuesday and spoke with both middle and upper school boys.  His visit started in the middle school with a breakfast for the boys who read his book Playing with the Enemy.  The book is about his father who was a professional baseball player and a World War II veteran.  At breakfast, the boys enjoyed the opportunity to meet Mr. Moore and ask him specific questions – plus they always enjoy a good meal!  Later, Mr. Moore spoke to the entire middle school student body about his book, the upcoming movie adaptation of the novel, the value of imagination, and the role that reading and writing can have in fostering creativity.  Mr. Moore spent the remainder of time in the middle school visiting classes and speaking with small groups of students. 

In the upper school, Mr. Moore spoke to our boys in the library.  The boys found his comments and story fascinating, especially when he talked about his father’s difficulty in speaking about the war and the circumstances behind his finally hearing his father’s tale.  Mr. Moore encouraged our students to practice their writing and to try to capture feelings and moods in words as they happen.  All found his session interesting and informative.

Thank you again to librarians Janet Maisel and Eric Hanson for bringing Gary Moore to campus.  Thank you to the Parents’ Association for their support.

Anne Kellerman, upper school robotics team coach, is happy to report that the team performed well in the FIRST FRC Robotics DC Regional tournament March 28-30.  “The team finished regulation rounds in 10th place of 59 teams and entered the elimination rounds as the Captain of the 8th Alliance (and you thought only the NCAA had an Elite Eight?!   Oh no, not so!) The drive team (wearing black and white checkered morph suits) and robot performed well under pressure but were eliminated in the quarter finals.  Team captains Alex Hughes and Matt Bennett were simply amazing.  Thanks for your support. The guys did a great job representing themselves and BL.”  Our congratulations go out to Anne and the team for all their hard work in preparation for this competition, and we look forward to cheering them on in two weeks for the Chesapeake Region tournament.

Today, the eighth grade enjoyed Shakespeare Alive!, a set of fast-paced, mini-performances of “Shakespeare’s greatest hits” brought to us by The Maryland Shakespeare Festival.  The interactive performance provided an excellent introduction to Shakespeare and his work with segments from Macbeth, A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, Othello, As You Like It and more.  This is an excellent way to kick off our fourth quarter when eighth graders read Julius Caesar.

Congratulations to senior Torrin Stokes, who was named this week as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Delta Lambda Chapter) Beautillion Scholar.  This fraternity has been instrumental in supporting and developing leadership in the African American community since its inception in 1906 at Cornell University.  The formal scholarship award ceremony will take place in May.  We are proud of you, Torrin!

BL freshman enjoyed the annual Chesapeake Bay Foundation field trip on Friday March 22^nd.   The boys were a part of 3 groups that went out to study the health of the bay and its watershed that day.  One group went to Baltimore Harbor, another went to Annapolis Harbor, and the last group went to the Anacostia River.  The boys participate in a variety of shipboard activities – like dredging for oysters, netting fish, and performing chemical tests on the water.  Yes, they got wet!  Students had a chance to understand how we measure the Chesapeake Bay's health, and what we can do to try to improve our water quality.  Despite the chilly and windy weather, it was a good learning experience and positive opportunity for the class to connect.  

BL Athletics organized a media event to recognize and celebrate BL seniors who have been invited and agreed to play for a college team in the sport of their choice.  We would like to congratulate the following senior student athletes for their effort and dedication to academic and athletic success here at Boys' Latin.  Many of these boys are multi-sport athletes who have been instrumental to the success of many BL teams.  We are proud of these young men for their accomplishments and wish them well as they head off to their colleges and universities in the fall.

Senior Maks Pyatov directed the spring drama production, I Hate Hamlet, which was performed this week in the Sheridan Theater. In the srory, Andrew Rally (played by Casey Alderman) is a TV star with a beautiful girlfriend, devoted agent, and a chance to play Hamlet in New York's Central Park or return to LA with an eager director (played by Robert Norman) for a big dollar TV pilot...as a superhero.  When Rally has doubts about playing Hamlet, the ghost of John Barrymore (played by Corey Barnard) shows up to encourage and coach Rally. This all takes place in Rally's new apartment which is Barrymore's old home.  The cast and crew did a fantastic job bringing the story to life to make an energetic, funny, and exciting show!  They added inside jokes, learned to swordfight, aced the frustrated romance scenes, dialed up the LA hype, and had super sets and lighting.  All of this came together to make a hilarious show.  Congratulations to the entire drama production team on a great effort. Below are some links to hear our own students talk about the play.

Voices from I Hate Hamlet - Maks Pyatov, Senior Director

Voices from I Hate Hamlet, Senior Responses

Voices from I Hate Hamlet, The Cast

Click on this image to see an interview with Jim Sandusky on Varsity Sports Network from early in the season 11.26.12.

Head Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Jim Sandusky recently announced his retirement.  After a decade of outstanding leadership, Coach Sandusky is retiring so that he can spend more time with family.  Boys’ Latin is pleased that he will not be far away as he will continue to be a fixture in our football program as the Associate Head Coach and offensive coordinator.

Boys’ Latin School, the athletic department, and the ice hockey parents and players alike would like to thank Coach Sandusky for his dedication to the ice hockey program and our kids.  The experience, knowledge base, and ice hockey acumen that Coach brought to the program was immeasurable, and his teaching ability and personal devotion to his players will be missed.

During the past two seasons, Coach Sandusky led the Laker varsity team to runner-up status in 2013 and to a MIAA B Conference Championship in 2012.  During a recent ice hockey end of season celebration, Coach Sandusky received a plaque stating the following:

Coach Jim Sandusky - This plaque is presented to you for your years of service and dedication to Boys’ Latin School and the ice hockey program.  As a transformative coach and great teacher of the sport of ice hockey, you always remained loyal to your boys, coaches, and team.  You were consistent with your message. 

Be accountable to one’s self and team.
Be disciplined in your actions.
And be a great teammate.

Above all else, you led with and taught humility, a characteristic that is undervalued and underappreciated in today’s sports. Thank you for sharing your grace, coaching acumen, and intellect with our boys and coaches.

We, at Boys’ Latin, wish him well.  Again, we thank Coach Sandusky for his many contributions to the Boys’ Latin community. 

As we look ahead, it’s our pleasure to also announce that Varsity Assistant Coach and Middle School Teacher Chris Maisel ’04 has accepted the position of Head Varsity Ice Hockey Coach.

Trip organizer and BL Spanish Teacher, Kristen Tubman wrote the following:
“We had a wonderful time on our Ecuador visit over spring break!  The six BL students had an amazing time with this whole experience.  They have new friends and a new appreciation for the world.  They have learned about cultural differences and similarities, tried many new foods, seen beautiful sights, appreciated their privilege, and improved their language skills.  They have also grown in their maturity and self-composure during this experience, and it was an absolute joy for me to work with them and see them enjoy and grow.

“Our eleven-day visit was packed with activities, both in group and individual with the hosts.  We arrived late on Tuesday night after an uneventful flight and the host families patiently waited as we slowly made our way through immigration.  After a bit of sleep, everyone was cheery in school the whole day on Wednesday.  The boys enjoyed welcome ceremonies, meeting new friends, eating well, attending classes and seeing the mountain and city views from the patios. Thursday, we went into Quito city for a 3-hour double-decker bus tour with great views of the old and new parts of town, as well as images of the variety of residents and living styles here.  The boys happily got their first taste of the wealth of artisanry and tasty snacks available to buy here.  Friday was another school day.  In the afternoons, the boys hung out with the host siblings, went to the mall, went rock-climbing, played sports, listened to music, danced, visited other area sights and more. 

"Saturday we took a full day trip to Otavalo, a famous indigenous crafts market about 2 hours away.  On the way, we took a hike to a waterfall, and on the way back we ate lunch next to a lake at the base of an old volcano and then stopped for bizcocho cookies and dulce de leche.  In the market, the boys bargained for and bought weavings, sweaters, belts, wallets, jewelry, bags and paintings only to mention some of it. Sunday, we all did our own thing: Andrew did area errands; Travis went up the cable car and to a family party; Ikechi and Austin went to the volcano national park; and Hunter and Jarek went to the cloud forest and river.  Monday, we were in school where the boys got along very well with the students and classes here.  Everyone did fine with the language.  They really did have to speak Spanish.  It was needed in the market and cafeteria -- Austin and Ikechi learned a lot; Hunter and Andrew communicated very well; and Travis and Jarek even impressed the AP Spanish teacher.  The days were often beautiful with sun and clouds.  The weather there changes very quickly, and they adjusted to dressing for all seasons in one day.

"Tuesday, we went into the historical center for to visit a church (la Compania de Jesus--mostly covered in gold inside) and two museums (one a house from early last century, and the other a former hospital with cultural history displays) and eat and walk around a bit.  Wednesday, we were back in school, and Thursday we did some community service in the development of a center for the elderly in the morning and went into the eastern highlands for a gorgeous hotsprings visit in the afternoon.  In the evening, the boys gathered to say goodbyes. 

"The boys were wonderful on this trip.  I was able to count on them at every turn, and they made a positive impression at the Colegio Menor.  We must give many thanks to our exchange partners and hosts in Colegio Menor and to all of you all who made this possible with class coverage, bus driving, funding support, organizational support, academic support, emotional support, and plenty more.  BL has a great community!”

Worgo, Tom.  “Boys' Latin basketball standout overcomes heartbreak. Lakers' senior perseveres after personal tragedy.”  Baltimore Sun papers. March 14, 2013 --  Click here for the full article.

"...Fields' impact on the basketball team was undeniable this past season. ...Fields' accomplishments were all the more remarkable considering the challenging and painful journey the 18-year-old has traveled to get to a place where he has found reward in his athleticism and stability in his family life.

"Fields and his seven siblings were living with his mother, grandmother and grandfather in Reisterstown, where Fields attended Franklin High School as a freshman.  Then, starting in late 2009, Fields lost both his mother and grandmother within a three-month span. ...Fields and his siblings continued living with their grandfather until he was diagnosed with diabetes and could no longer care for the family.  After that, Fields and his siblings bounced around. Fields attended four high schools and lived in as many households in two states....

"During his junior year, Fields lived with a family friend and attended Southwestern Academy in Baltimore County.  It wasn't until last summer that Fields landed in a place that would give him a sense of family and stability. ...He recalls the exact date — Aug. 5, 2012 — when he found a permanent home with his legal guardians, Norman Mercer and Priscilla Jones-Mercer, whom he refers to today as his godparents.  ...Fields said his new family's support has kept him on track during the most recent struggles in his life, including not seeing most of his seven siblings. 

"Basketball has been an outlet for Fields. He has developed his gift for the game, working hard to be a starter every year in high school. Fields said his love of basketball has sustained him.  'I try to be the first one on the court and the last one off,' Fields said. 'I go to the gym in my free time. There was never a day off.

" 'My motivation is that I always wanted to be successful,' Fields said. 'And I look at my younger siblings, and I work hard for them every day. I haven't seen some of them in probably two years, but I just try to be a great role model for them. Going through all the hard times, I want them to be able to look at me and know I am going to college. I want them to pursue that also.'

"He also has had the support and admiration of his aunt, Marion Turner, a 39-year-old educator, now a principal at Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore.  'He's stayed focused,' said Turner, who has served as a mother figure for Fields. 'I have seen a lot of things in my 39 years. A lot of teens get off course. But he has really worked to stay on the right path.  He is very caring, very loving,' Turner said.

"Turner was instrumental in getting Fields enrolled at Boys' Latin. She wrote a letter telling school officials all that he had been through. ... his story touched Boys' Latin Headmaster Christopher J. Post.  'I met Brendan last summer when he shared his story and journey with me,' Post said. 'I was immediately struck by his courage and his cheerfulness. (His) courage spoke directly to the heart of our mission and core values.'  Post said that the school staff took a cautious approach to the admissions process. He said he asked several faculty members to meet with Fields so that the teen would have 'the best opportunity for success,' Post said.

" 'Brendan has seized every opportunity. He's been enthusiastic, hard-working and is focused on his goals of pursuing a career in medicine. He told me it's a way to give back to the people who cared so deeply about — those he loved. Brendan is a special young man.'

" 'He plays harder and more aggressively than anyone I've coached in a long time,' coach Rees said. 'He was just always there to give us spark.  There is no back-down in this kid. Pallotti had a 6-8 kid, Chapelgate had a 6-7 kid. He would go in and battle with them every night.'

"Rees marvels at Fields' resiliency.  'I think it absolutely takes a special kid to overcome what he went through,' Rees said. 'There were a lot of opportunities for an easy out, to go down the wrong road. And he never did.'

"For Fields, the ultimate goal lies ahead.  'I want people to look at me and say, "Wow, this kid made it." ' "

The Maryland State Boychoir kicked off their spring tour with a special assembly at Boys' Latin on Friday, March 8.  BL fourth grader Brian Lyght, was a featured soloist in “The Storm Is Passing Over,” and George Haynes, grade five was recognized as a new member in the Resident Training Choir.

The group, led by Artistic Director Stephen Holmes, presented a wide variety of musical styles, including traditional hymns, spirituals, popular, and multicultural selections. There were also opportunities for audience participation as Mr. Holmes addressed the mechanics of singing and changing male voice in a very entertaining manner.

The Maryland State Boychoir encourages boys ages 7-17 who love to sing to apply for membership into their program. Members of the Boychoir receive private voice and theory instruction, as well as opportunities to sing great music, make new friends, and travel the U.S. and abroad.

Carlos, a sixth grade student at Boys' Latin, recently had the honor of attending an event celebrating Black History Month at the home of Vice President Joe Biden.  Carlos, who was the only student aged person at the event, attended the gathering as a guest of Jack Pannell, Founder of the Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys and President of the Five Smooth Stones Foundation Inc.   Mr. Pannell reported that Carlos garnered respect and praise for his gentlemanliness.  Congratulations Carlos!

Boys’ Latin recently competed on It’s Academic, an academic quiz show for high schools.  Seniors Bobby Norman, Josh Hamburger and Spencer Stieff comprised the three-member team for BL, and they faced teams from Meade and Aberdeen.  Click on the image above (or follow this link http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/category/its-academic/ ) for a 6-minute snapshot of the teams.  This was taped on January 19^th, 2013 and aired on WJZ13 CBS Baltimore on Saturday, February 23, 2013.  Well done by our sharp BL team!    

Davis, Nyana.“Boys’ Latin Students Raise Trout for Hands-On Education.”  Towson Patch. February 22, 2013 --


"Fourth grade students at the private school are learning about stream ecology, water chemistry and more through the project.  Forget textbooks, fourth grade students at The Boys' Latin School of Maryland are taking a creative approach to their science education.  In partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the nonprofit Children Unlimited, the school is participating in a program that enables fourth grade students to raise trout as part of their science education.

"'It's a lot of fun for the boys,' said Aaron Sloboda, a science teacher at the school. 'The first thing they do when they come to class is check on the trout. Because it’s an ongoing project, they're invested in it.'

"The shipment of fertilized trout eggs arrived at Boys' Latin on Jan. 11. Since then, Sloboda's fourth grade science students have been monitoring the now-hatched fish by keeping track of their growth, taking water quality measurements and making other observations.  'I like doing the drops and seeing what color comes out [during water quality testing],' said Jack Fisher, a 10-year-old student.  Justin Kagen, another 10-year old student, echoed Fisher's sentiments.  'It's cool to see the different colors,' he said.

"Sloboda said the project gives the students the opportunity to study multiple academic disciplines in one setting, including stream ecology and water chemistry. Some of the students are even using the data collected to plot graphs in their math class.  'It makes a lot of sense to them to see the theory being applied in a real life situation,' he said.

"In April, the students, along with third and fifth graders, will release the trout into the tail-water at Lake Roland as part of an activity day with Park Rangers. This is the third year the school has participated in the project.  'It's hands on, and [the students] are actively learning while having fun,' Sloboda said."

Danny Murphy ’13 was selected to be WMAR's ABC2 News Student Athlete of the Week, and his TV interview aired Thursday, February 21, 2013.  Click the image above to watch the full story.  Congratulations Danny for all your hard work in the classroom, on the hockey rink and on the golf course!

Today, WMAR ABC2 News aired the following story by Sherrie Johnson.
"TOWSON, Md - Local high school students team up to host a fundraiser to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

"It's all part of Dodge for a Cure.  Several area Independent and Public High Schools have put together teams for the event.  The teams will square off on Saturday in a Dodge ball Tournament.  Teams will consist of six to ten players.  Participating schools are: Bryn Mawr School, Boys' Latin School, Friends School, Garrison Forest School, Gilman School, Notre Dame Prep, Roland Park Country School, St. Paul's School for Boys, St Paul's School for Girls, Pikesville High School, Towson High School and Loyola High School...."

"Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease that afflicts more than 30,000 people in the United States.  It causes debilitating lung infections that lead to premature death.  Students want to encourage others to participate in the fundraiser.

"We want to spread awareness to everyone because it is a very common genetic disease.  My brother has it and a lot of people in the community do so it's good to spread information about it.  People need to understand how to treat it and how to cure it maybe one day in the future," said Josh Hamburger, Senior at Boys' Latin School.  Dodge for a Cure will be held on Saturday February 23rd from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at Boys' Latin School in Towson.  The cost is $10 per person.
To watch the news video, go to: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/education/dodge-for-a-cure-to-benefit-cystic-fibrosis-foundation#ixzz2LfFPT3o4

This week, our long-anticipated WeatherBug station was installed.  This professional grade weather station collects data for worldwide weather forecasts.  Lower School Science Teacher Aaron Sloboda will be teaching boys in kindergarten through grade five lessons and activities as part of a curriculum that will also be integrated with math and social studies.  "We’re looking forward to the excitement of the daily observations and the unique hands-on experiences that are made possible by having the WeatherBug station.  Weather is a happening thing here at BL," said Mr. Sloboda.  The screen shot above was taken this afternoon. 

The entire BL community and even the global community can now can see and share live on-campus streaming video and weather data by clicking this link: http://weather.weatherbug.com/weather-safety/online-weather-center/OnlineWeatherCenter.aspx?aid=5200 Coming soon, you will be able to see our station from the WMAR Channel 2 News website and TV broadcasts as well as by downloading the free WeatherBug app for your phone, tablet or desktop.

We are most grateful for the generosity of the Parents’ Association and the Development Office in helping us to obtain the necessary funding to make the WeatherBug station possible.

Upper School Spanish Teacher Kristen Tubman has been on quite the roller coaster over the past few weeks.  She has organized and helped host a group of exchange students and their chaperones.  She has led the diversity club to workshops and hosted a coffeehouse here at BL, and she has taken Spanish students to see a play in DC.  Below are some of the highlights of the recent weeks.  We cannot thank Ms. Tubman enough for her energy and commitment to all of these programs.

On February 8th, Carmen Clark and Kristen Tubman took 13 BL seniors who study Spanish down to see a play ("House of the Spirits / Casa de los Espiritus") in DC in Spanish.  The visiting students from Quito, Ecuador's Colegio Menor School had a fun filled two weeks in Baltimore and beyond.  They did an evening in the Inner Harbor hosted by Krystal Ndukwu (parent of sophomore Ikechi), a day trip to DC, an afternoon visit to the BMA and JHU, and a group dinner on Monday.  Our visiting students Nico, Andrea and Camila as well as chaperone Nicole George all had a wonderful time. They left on Wednesday Feb 20^th, and our group of 6 BL boys goes down to Ecuador on March 5th.

On Valentine’s Day, we held an evening coffeehouse sponsored by the Diversity Club.  Club leaders Stephen Black, Jamal Perkins, Schazz Lee and Michael Chalawski put together a great evening which had in attendance about 35 BL boys and 30 visitors from Oldfields, RPCS, BMS and Garrison.  Senior Torrin Stokes won the prize for best performance with his talented and hilarious saxophone rendition of a Wham song.

Congratulations to the US robotics team for completing another successful FRC build season which ended yesterday, Feb. 19.  Special thanks to team co-captains, Alex Hughes and Matt Bennett whose long hours, hard work, and dedication are truly noteworthy, and to Anne Kellerman, Jim Haluck and Derrick Thomas for serving as faculty mentors.  Congratulations to the full 13-member team on a job well done!

Here's a look at the team robot in action:

or click on this link http://youtu.be/ryJ3UH5xGu8   Notice that the robot shot four out of four!!!

Now that the build phase is complete, our team moves on toward competitions which take place:
DC Regional: March 28, 29, 30 
Chesapeake Regional:  April 11, 12, 13 @ Baltimore Convention Center
All are welcome to come out to cheer on the BL team in competition.

Students are forming their teams for a 240-player dodgeball tournament to take place at BL on Saturday, February 23^rd from 4-8pm in the GAC.  Several area high schools will be participating (Bryn Mawr, Garrison Forest, Gilman, Loyola Blakefield, Notre Dame Prep, Pikesville High, RPCS, St. Paul’s, SPSG, and Towson High).

In tonight’s evening news on WJZ, Ron Matz said “It’s a unique fundraiser and it will bring hundreds of people together Saturday at Boys' Latin School…thanks to one determined family and a dozen local schools, thousands of dollars will be raised in the fight against cystic fibrosis.

“It’s dodgeball for a cure. Molly Danko and her sister Bridget came up with the idea in memory of their mother Stacy, who was 44 when she died of cystic fibrosis…. ‘She was a nurse in critical care at Hopkins and at Shock Trauma,’ Molly Danko said.

“The players know the importance of what will happen here.  ‘My brother was diagnozed with cystic fibrosis at a young age. I really started pushing for cystic fibrosis awareness and raising money. It’s gotten stronger every year,’ said Josh Hamburger, a senior at Boys' Latin. ‘It’s going to be 240 people. It’s going to be a lot of fun. We’ll have music and food. It will be fun to have everybody from all the local schools.’"

For the full article and video, click the image below or go to http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/02/19/boys-latin-to-hold-unique-fundraiser-saturday/#.USP-OtExHqg.mailto  

All proceeds will go to the Great Strides club to support Cystic Fibrosis research.  Participant registration is $10 with 6-10 players per team. Come out and join the fun!  Contact Maren Blum (marenblum@verizon.net) or Kari Mutscheller (410-628-0795) to register your team.

Each day BL parents, faculty and staff work together to model for our boys how to respond and relate to people, so we help raise well-rounded young men.  Teachers in the lower school recently read and shared the following article from Inc. entitled “The Ten Extraordinary Things People Say Every Day.”  Click here for the full article:  http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/10-things-extraordinary-people-say-every-day.html .  According to the article, these “are small things, but each has the power to dramatically change someone’s day - including yours.  They are:


            Here’s what I’m thinking.
            I was wrong.
            That was awesome.
            You’re welcome.
            Can you help me?
            I’m sorry.
            Can you show me?
            Let me give you a hand.
            I love you.
            And sometimes the best thing to say is nothing.”

During our upper school assembly on Valentine’s Day, Headmaster Post (behind the hockey mask), Brad Schwartz, Greg Sheetz, and our Larry the Laker treated us all to basketball and hockey antics in preparation for the big games on Friday the 15th.  Cathy Badmington dubed the event "Friday the 13th (or 15th) meets Valentine's Day."  We hope to see you at the big games today and this weekend:

- Varsity Ice Hockey B Conference Championships #1 BL vs #2 Gilman, 4pm at Piney Orchard Ice Arena
- Varsity Basketball MIAA Semifinals #1 BL vs Gilman, 8pm in the GAC
- Varsity Wrestling MD Independent State Tournament at McDonogh, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16

Good Luck Lakers!

Over the weekend, BL grapplers went to the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association wrestling tournament at Mount St. Joseph.  Nine wrestlers started on Friday, and six advanced to Saturday's round.  Shown in the photo with Coach Drew Haugh are the four Lakers who placed:

- Junior Evan Dohler finished with a 4th place medal also at 170 lbs.
- Freshmen Nick Malinowski (106 lbs.)  had a tough 1 point loss in the semi final round.  He eventually received a bronze medal as the #3 wrestler in the weight class.  His record this season is an astounding 33-5.
- Hunter Cotsoradis (120 lbs.) and Nate Malinowski (126 lbs.) finished with a 6th place medals. 

Congratulations to all the wrestlers and coaches for their efforts.  Good luck to the team as they head to the MD state tournament this weekend at McDonogh.

On Thursday February 7^th, BL faculty, staff and students in 4^th-12^th grades gathered for our Academic Honors Assembly.  Congratulations to all of the students who were recognized for their outstanding work in the second marking period.  Head of Lower School Kathy Arnold recognized 4^th and 5^th graders who made the Effort Honor Roll.  For middle school, Brandon Mollett announced the Honor Roll by grade, Effort Honor Roll as a group, and Dean’s List by grade.  Stephen Schools announced the upper school Honor Roll by grade, and Dean’s List.  At the end of the assembly, Mr. Post surprised the group by giving two nice treats – 9am purple cupcakes he called the “breakfast of champions” and another Purple Friday for all today.

Boys' Latin is pleased to welcome Nico who is visiting us from Quito, Ecuador as part of an exchange program with Colegio Menor school. On Wednesday afternoon in the upper school, students and faculty kicked off the visit with a welcome reception in the Alumni House.  Nico and two female students hosted by Bryn Mawr School will spend about two weeks attending classes and staying with host families here, and in the spring six BL students will travel to Ecuador to do the same there.  Over the past three days, Nico has enjoyed time with members of our community and feels welcomed by our community.  He will remain with us until February 19^th. 

Save the date!

Instrumental Music Teacher Clarke Nyman shared "This past week two BL boys traveled Blacksburg, Virginia to participate in the 16th Annual Virginia Tech Honor Band.   The honor band is a annual celebration of excellent student musicians from eight states on the east coast.  500 students from a pool of 1700 nominees from 170 schools are selected to participate in a this Honor Band Festival.  These 500 students are separated into five ensembles of varied ability."  This year two BL students Josh , a sophomore percussionist, and Matthew, an 8th grade trombonist, were selected to attend the event.  In fact, Josh was chosen to be the 1st chair (principal) percussionist for his ensemble group.  

"The event is a three day Band-o-Rama that consists of placement auditions, three different 4-6 hour rehearsals and a concert to conclude the event.  The boys' were also able to work with college-level musicians in a master class environment and were given the opportunity to listen to the Virginia Tech performing groups that include the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Hokie Band, and chamber ensembles.  Congratulations to Josh and Matthew!"

Last night, the Lakers scored four goals in the first three minutes and ended with a 9-4 victory over Gilman.  Tom Worgo gives a full report in the Baltimore Sun - January 31 2013, 7:08 PM EST:  "Boys' Latin coach Jim Sandusky had never seen a start to a game in his decade with the program like the one Thursday against Gilman.

"The Lakers scored four goals in the first three minutes as they went onto to post a 9-4 victory over the Greyhounds at Mount Pleasant Ice Arena in a Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference game.

"'We did all the little things that lead to goal-scoring opportunities early on,' Sandusky said. 'And we finished. We had a game a couple of weeks ago against St. Paul's, where we had a flurry in the middle of the game. We never had a flurry of goals like that to start a game.'

"Senior forwards Corey Koch, Bryan Lichtenauer and Michael Walker each had two goals for the winners on senior day.  For the complete article, go to:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/towson/ph-ms-tt-blhoc,0,5558460.story

Thursday morning, Boys’ Latin gathered as one school to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday.  Students from each division spoke about “Empathy” and how Dr. King believed in working together and caring for one another.  In advance of the assembly students, from youngest to oldest, worked through their advisories or class guidance lessons to discuss the meaning of “empathy” or walking in someone else’s shoes.  A poem by our first graders, selections by the middle and upper school choruses, and a slide presentation carried out our theme.  In advance, families donated shoes to be donated to “Soles for Souls.”  All donations were greatly appreciated and made this service effort not only a huge success, but also an impactful visual!  Thank you to all who were involved in this inspiring event.

Middle school students put on an excellent performance of The Ransom of Red Chief in front of three consecutive sell-out audiences last week.  Audiences could see that the performers’ enjoyed the humorous twists and turns of this O. Henry play (adapted by Anne Coulter Martens) which was a terrific fit for middle school age boys.  Special thanks and congratulations go to Artistic & Managing Director Gina Molling, Light & Sound Manager Eric Hanson, Set Builder Dan Hicks, the cast and crew for their hard work and wonderful performance!  Below is a sample of photos in a slide show, and to view more photos from the production go to SmugMug:  http://boyslatin.smugmug.com/2012-2013Galleries/Theater-Arts/MS-Play-Ransome-of-the-Red-Chief/27585455_K36s4f#!i=2322691969&k=8ZphHMV

Scenes from the play:

The Middle School robotics program, now in its 2nd year, sent two teams to compete this past weekend in the FIRST FLL Regional Qualifier held at Marriotts Ridge High School.  Both teams earned top honors in the project portion of the competition, but fell short in the robot game portion, finishing 10th (White team) and 16th (Maroon Team) of 25 teams.

The BL White Team (#377) earned the Judges Award for the Best Project Innovative Solution. The team developed an interactive website called “Wisdom Library” to connect middle and upper school students with senior citizens.  They envisioned the Wisdom Library to function as a comfortable space for students and seniors to develop social connections and share their life stories and experiences.  The Wisdom Library website was conceptualized, developed and coded exclusively by Boys’ Latin Middle School students and includes features to record text, audio and video based oral histories.

The BL Maroon Team (#375) earned the Judges Award for best Project Research.  They developed an innovative pedestrian crossing system they dubbed “Eldercross+” to address the issue of insufficient crossing time for senior citizens at large, busy intersections.  Their research included developing 3-D models of the Pratt & Light Streets intersection at the Inner Harbor, analysis of average pedestrian crossing times for seniors and non-seniors, as well as analysis of 2000 and 2010 age population statistics from the US Census Bureau.

Sixteen students participated on two teams – the maroon and the white teams.  Congratulations to these students and many thanks to coaches Annemarie Merow, Julia Williams, Terri Floccare, Debi Krulak, Elizabeth Wilson, Aaron Sloboda and Anne Kellerman.  Many thanks to the parents for their support and encouragement.  We recognize the long hours and tireless effort made by students, parents and coaches alike to work in robotics lab hours around academic, athletic and other co-curricular activities.

Parents and students with the BL password may access videos and photos of the students and robots in action at the event via SmugMug: http://boyslatin.smugmug.com/2012-2013Galleries/Middle-School/FLL-Robotics-Regional

On Monday, Mrs. Molling’s Introduction to Acting class enjoyed a guest artist lecture by Bruce Nelson who recently played Poe in Poe at Center Stage and was voted best actor in Baltimore by City Paper in 2012 -- http://citypaper.com/bob/artsentertainment/best-actor-1.1375070 .  The hour passed quickly as Mr. Nelson discussed his life in the theatre, his craft as an actor, and his experience in 170 productions over his 25 year career.  The students asked terrific questions.  The extroverted Mr. Nelson challenged the boys to follow their interests/passions and not to go through life “in a small way.”  Mr. Nelson is now appearing in August: Osage County at Baltimore's new Everyman Theater.

by Casey Rees ’13 and Richie O’Neil ‘14, The Inkwell, December 2012 --

"There is a big buzz around Boys’ Latin nowadays about the new Mascot.  Larry is the new Boys’ Latin mascot.  He dresses in a short sleeve button down flannel, khakis, a blue cap, and of course rocks a beard and mustache combination.  'Yeah Larry’s cap is cool and all, but the slippers he rocks are for real.  I get dizzy just looking at them,' says Sophomore Jared Snyder.  Larry is the newest way to bring excitement into the Boys’ Latin community.

"Larry is an investment made by the Spirit club to attract more fans to the games.  Even when the game isn’t going well Larry will be there raising spirits and bringing the pack together to cheer on the teams.  “One day I was just cheering on Volleyball when out of nowhere I see a big Lumberjack with a drum pumping up the crowd,” says Sophomore Devin Shewell. Larry has attracted more fans to create more energy for the games.

"Larry appears out of the blue to get the hype going.  'Over the past months I have gotten to love Larry and I always get excited when I see him at the games.  I feel like I’ve become a part of Larry,' says Junior Tally Bruno.  The true identity of Larry is unknown because he is only seen when wearing his costume.  Larry is a true motivator and is here to help Boys Latin through the Long run.

"Larry is a true believer in Boys Latin sports.  Larry last week sent a text to Colin Heacock saying, 'I’ll see you this afternoon we are bringing the hammer down!.'  Colin says 'Larry has always been there for me this year I look forward to the sports games to see him leading the pack.  I wish I could be Larry one day.'  Larry is a true role model because of his leadership and courage to lead the Lakers in the cheers against opposing foes.

"The recent addition of Larry has brought a new feeling to the Boys Latin community.  'Before Larry I didn’t even want to go to any extracurricular events at Boys’ Latin and now when I see him I get a feeling I’ve never felt before,' says Junior Griff Volker.  Larry is an unknown mastermind wandering Boys’ Latin. Students have thoughts of who Larry could be, but still there is no true answer of who is behind Larry’s mask.  Before Larry the school spirit was lacking and now the energy and sensation are back because of our new mascot Larry.  Larry has helped the crowd cheer on the volleyball team to the championship, the soccer team into the playoffs, and the football team to a successful year."

by Tom Worgo, Towson Times, January 9, 2013 --
“Terrific balance allows Boys’ Latin to sit atop the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference with a perfect 6-0 record according to BL coach Cliff Rees.  

“Scoring is the overwhelming strength of the team.

“‘You look at our starting lineup, and I kind of laugh sometimes,’ Rees said.  ‘It’s kind of hard going into a game not knowing who is going to be the guy that night.  I have five guys basically averaging in double figures.’

“The Lakers are that good after suffering through a long string of losing seasons.  ‘It’s certainly been a long time,’ said Rees whose team is 11-3 overall after going 11-15 in his first season last winter.  ‘It feels good.  You hope you can hang on and stay there, but it’s not an easy task.’

“With such a stacked lineup, the Lakers are, at the very least, a serious title contender.  With 6-foot-3 shooting guard Colin Heacock (averaging 12.3 points and 5 assists per game) and fellow senior Casey (15, 3) Rees, a 6-foot-2 point guard and the coach’s son, back in the fold, the Lakers have a formidable one-two punch.

“They’ve been joined in the lineup by two transfers, senior forward Brendan Fields, from the state of Washington, and junior guard Jordan Brooks (Archbishop Spalding).  Junior varsity promotion, sophomore forward Blair Brooks is the other newcomer.”

For more, click here for the full article or cut and paste the link below:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/towson/ph-tt-ms-ll-blhoops-0110-20130108,0,6244966.story

Ever wondered what it would look like if a robot could play Frisbee?  Wonder no longer....The Upper School robotics team kicked off its 7th season on Saturday, January 5 receiving its 2013 challenge, a Frisbee game called Ultimate Ascent.  Each year, the team participates in the FIRST FRC robotics competition founded by Segway inventor Dean Kamen.  In the competition this year, Ultimate Ascent is played by two competing alliances on a flat, 27 x 54 foot field.  Each alliance consists of three robots, and they compete to score as many discs into their goals as they can during a two-minute and fifteen-second match. The higher the goal in which the disc is scored, the more points the alliance receives.  Team members design and build a robot which they can remotely control to pick up, throw and deliver Frisbees to goals of three different heights.  Additional points can be scored if the robot is able to climb the pyramid shaped tower on the field.

Click here on the image below to watch an animation of the game or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itHNW2OFr4Y .

On Tuesday, December 11^th, all Boys’ Latin students, faculty and staff gathered to for a festive and fun celebration of our music program.  The middle school band kicked off the program and featured a trumpet solo by eighth grade Noah Vilceus.  Next, our upper school advanced handchimes class set the theme for the day with “On this Day the Earth Shall Sing.”  Our ten-member lower school band shifted the tone with a toe-tapping tune “Comet Ride” which then our eight-member jazz workshop group cranked up a notch with “Funkytown.”  Our middle school chorus, led by Kathy Anderson, and our upper school chorus, led by David Doherty sang festive favorites including a humorous rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” which had the crowd laughing along.  Our eleven member upper school jazz ensemble stole the show.  Their performance of “Say What?” brought the stands to life with clapping, the wave and lots of smiles.  We wrapped up the concert on a “California Dreamin’” high note from the lower school chorus led by Elizabeth Wilson.  Not finished yet, Headmaster Post brought us to our feet with an all crowd sing-along of “Deck the Halls,” and with holiday spirits leading the way, the crowded carried on with an unprompted “Jingle Bells.”

Fun was had by all.  We would like to thank all of the many students who participated in these wonderful performances.  Importantly, we would like to recognize David Doherty, Clarke Nyman, Kathy Anderson and Elizabeth Wilson for their wonderful leadership, dedication and talent which made this concert a treat for all.

Dear Alumni, Parents, Family and Friends –

I am saddened to share with you that Mr. Otis B. Read ’55, associate headmaster for operations and long-time head of the middle school, passed away this morning, following a long illness.  The family will receive visitors at Ruck’s Funeral Home in Towson on Friday, December 7^th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.  There will be a memorial service at Ruck’s on Saturday, December 8^th at 9:00 a.m.


Otis began coaching at Boys’ Latin while still a student at Johns Hopkins and started teaching here immediately after his graduation.  He moved with the School from our downtown location on Brevard Street to our “country manor” in the fall of 1960.  Otis gave more than fifty years of devoted service to the School he loved, and our hearts are heavy today with the passing of a dedicated teacher, coach, advisor and administrator, as well as a beloved mentor and friend.

Mr. Read served as head of the middle school from 1970 – 2003.  During his more than thirty year tenure, the middle school flourished as programs grew tremendously.  He fostered a warm and nurturing environment, best recognized in the dedicated team of faculty and staff that he built.  In fact, many of our faculty today were hired and / or taught by Otis during his time as head of middle school.

In 2003, Headmaster Mercer Neale asked Otis to serve in a new capacity as associate headmaster for operations.  In that role, he would oversee the vast and various capital projects in which the School would embark.  In no small way, Otis has been an integral part of not only Boys’ Latin’s arrival on Lake Avenue but our campus’ transformation over the past fifty years.

In recognition of this dedication and service, a Boys' Latin benefactor established the Otis B. Read Scholarship to honor Mr. Read.  The Read Scholarship is awarded to new middle school students who reflect Mr. Read's commitment to boys of great promise, character and contribution.

Additionally, last spring, the Alumni Association recognized Otis as a Distinguished Alumnus.  The following is an excerpt from that citation, written by Mac Kennedy ‘76, director of alumni relations.

According to the 1955 Boys’ Latin yearbook, the Maroon and White, Otis entered BL “bringing with him an easy manner and bright smile that will never be forgotten.” That “easy manner and bright smile” has remained at BL ever since. The Maroon and White was quite prophetic when it wrote “in future life we…feel certain that Oats will continue to gain new friends and recognition in scholastics and athletics because of his glowing personality and strong character.”  

After leaving BLS, Otis entered Johns Hopkins University and continued his lacrosse career. He was a two year letterman and a member of Bob Scott’s 1957 undefeated National Championship lacrosse team.   While still attending Hopkins, Otis started his career at BL in 1957 coaching football, basketball and lacrosse.

Boys’ Latin hit a crossroad in the spring of 1960. The school’s property on Brevard Street was designated for urban renewal and the school was forced to either relocate or cease operations. The relocation process was long and arduous and when the Lake Avenue site was finally selected, Okey O’Connor (former senior faculty member) decided he would not be a part of the new school, however, he insisted that the new Boys’ Latin include Otis Read. O’Connor saw the importance of BL continuing WITH Otis Read and his on-going financial support included that stipulation.

Otis was here on 822 West Lake Avenue greeting the new students in the fall of 1960. And he has been here ever since.

Otis and his legacy endure in the relationships he forged with fellow alumni, students and parents, colleagues and friends.  I would ask that you keep the Read family and our School community in your thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,
Christopher J. Post

For more information about Mr. Read, click here.

For two days before Thanksgiving, Boys’ Latin School hosted internationally recognized author and expert on male development Dr. Michael Thompson to speak on campus with students, parents, faculty and staff.  The focus for his visit was “Best Friends, Worst Enemies,” which draws from Dr. Thompson’s work on the nature and impact of friendships.


Boys’ Latin fourth and fifth graders had the privilege of having the first session with Dr. Thompson, and this was followed by a lunch meeting with the entire lower school staff for a meaningful conversation about best practices.

BL middle school boys were enthusiastic about their assembly in the Iglehart Center where Dr. Thompson walked the bleachers and passed off the microphone to students for questions and responses.  Dr. Thompson repeated that conversational style in a faculty Q&A session in the afternoon and later with a gathering of about 150 parents in the evening.  The parent session ranged from questions and concerns about the social lives of boys to the discussion of friendship, and the right role for parents in supporting those peer relationships.  On his second day, small groups of upper students met with Dr. Thompson to discuss similar topics.



BL heard an overwhelmingly positive response from all groups.  Headmaster Post commented “This is a gratifying affirmation of our work to instill in our students the core values of courage, integrity and compassion while helping them form enduring personal relationships.”

In early 2012, Boys’ Latin School created the Bauer Institute for Leadership and Personal Development based on a generous donation from the Charles T. Bauer Foundation.  Headmaster Chris Post remarked:  “Grounded in Boys’ Latin’s heritage as a school for boys, this Institute will serve as a programmatic center for our work with students in the areas of leadership, character and personal growth.  Through our research and programmatic developments, we’ll be able to expand our mentoring programs for students at all levels, providing them with greater exposure to and experiences for leadership and real world training.  With that, our boys will gain greater insight into their own strengths and ways to maximize their potential.”

Dr. Thompson has worked as a consultant or psychologist in more than 500 schools in the US, Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.  He is the author or co-author of nine books including the New York Times best-selling book Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys and Best Friends/Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Worlds of Children, about which Publishers Weekly declared, "Not since Dr. Spock and Penelope Leach has there been such a sensitive and practical guide to raising healthy children." His third book on the psychology of boys, titled It's a Boy!: Understanding Your Son's Development from Birth to Eighteen, was one of the 2012 BL faculty summer study books. 

 
Boys’ Latin School would like to congratulate sixth grader Tommy Hurley for holding top 10 times in eight events as posted by Maryland Swimming, the local organization of USA Swimming.  In the Thanksgiving Day update to the Individual Top Times, Tommy Hurley posted as:

#2  Boys 11 50 Free
#4 Boys 11 100 Free
#6 Boys 11 200 Free
#5 Boys 11 100 Back
#7 Boys 11 200 Back
#4  Boys 11 50 Breast
#3  Boys 11 100 Breast
#5  Boys 11 100 IM

Last Friday at a crowded ballroom luncheon with about 800 people, 2012 graduate Tyler Steinhardt was recognized on National Philanthropy Day with a 2012 Outstanding Youth Fundraising Award by the Maryland Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  The photo shows Tyler accepting the award from Janet and Frank Kelly who were recognized in 2011 as the Maryland Outstanding Philanthropists.  As many of you recall, Tyler organized the 24-hour world record breaking lacrosse marathon, Shootout for Soldiers, to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.  We are so proud of Tyler and were pleased to have Headmaster, Mrs. Post and a few others there to support and congratulate him.

The approaching Thanksgiving season naturally provides us the opportunity to reflect and give thanks for the efforts of faculty and students who for 4 years running have prepared weekly bag lunches for Sarah’s Hope.  Together the Boys' Latin community has prepared and delivered 40 lunches each Wednesday  - now roughly 5000 lunches in total - to Sarah’s Hope, a local homeless shelter for women and children.  Sarah’s Hope provides 24-hour emergency shelter, case management and other support services for homeless women and children in the Sandtown-Winchester area of Baltimore, Maryland.

This effort has been spearheaded our by Lower School Learning Specialist Stephanie McKew.  This is truly an all-school project; faculty, students and parents alike are involved in purchasing the ingredients and preparing, packing and delivering the lunches each week.  Some weeks the boys even decorate and include short letters on the lunch bags.  Faculty members pack lunches on the first Wednesday of every month year round. During the school year, lower school students take turns by grade level to pack lunches on the third Wednesday of each month, with families supplying the ingredients for the lunches. Students and faculty in the middle school Spirit Club pack lunches once each 7-day cycle on Day5.

Thanksgiving is an especially good time of year to give thanks that we are able to serve others and to be part of a school community which expects, nurtures and cherishes the value of serving others with generosity and compassion. 

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”  Henri Frederic Amiel

Faculty members involved in this effort include Kate Berger, Marta Cardarelli, Kimberly Bierer, Barb Starkey, Jean Campbell, Joyce Barnett, Stephanie McKew, Shara Hine, Anne Jung, Barbara Anne Bruno, Robin Smith, Anne Kellerman, Helen Potter, and Susan Brown.  Lower school students (grades K-5) as well as 14 middle school students are involved weekly, and a group of four parents play a vital role in coordinating the purchase of ingredients.  Thank you to all!

With blue skies and warm breezes, Boys’ Latin commemorated Veterans Day 2012 with activities tailored for boys of all ages.  The day began with our middle and upper school students gathering for an assembly organized by upper school History teacher Butch Maisel which highlighted the BL students who served or are serving our county in the military.  Mr. Maisel recounted BL history from the Civil War when our School split in 1864 into two and created the Carey School which was pro-Confederacy and, just one block away, the smaller Topping School which was pro-Union and which lasted only one year.  Students heard from special guest speaker Jamie Alban, who is a parent, trustee and decorated Marine officer for his service during the first Gulf War.  Mr. Maisel also recognized Patrick Young who served in the Marine Corps with his friend of Nick Ziolkowski, a BL ’01 graduate who was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004. 

Headmaster Post wrapped up the assembly by quoting his uncle who, when asked why he served in World War II, he simply said, “It’s what we did.”  Mr. Post went on to draw the parallel to our Laker values “courage, integrity and compassion – it’s what we do.”

Following the assembly, students from each division participated in our traditional wreath laying on our monument to fallen Lakers.  Throughout the day, students and faculty were able to visit the Alumni House to see displays of Civil War uniforms, artifacts and equipment from Mr. Maisel’s military museum.  In fact, the entire lower school went to the Alumni House to see the exhibit.  Senior James Weisman, dressed in a Civil War uniform, read Dadblamed Union Army Cow by Susan Fletcher.  Students had time to ask questions about life in the military then and now.

The following morning on November 13th, approximately 50 dads joined their lower school sons in the cafeteria to pack 25 boxes of candy and write cards and letters for Operation Gratitude.  Everything will be shipped overseas to our troops.

Thank you to all who participated and especially to Mr. Maisel who makes history come to life!

On Sunday, #4 seeded Boys' Latin Varsity Soccer Team defeated #3 seeded Severn School for the B Conference Varsity Soccer Championship.  It was an exciting game at Stevenson University in Owings Mills as the Lakers won 3-1.  For full coverage of the game, click here for the MIAA website article entitled "Lakers Complete Climb to B Conference Title" or copy and paste the following link: http://www.miaasports.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7839:lakers-complete-climb-to-b-conference-title&catid=31:feature&Itemid=18

For more photos (with BL login), go to http://boyslatin.smugmug.com/2012-2013Galleries/Upper-School/Bl-vs-Severn-Soccer/26480292_RgDwSz#!i=2210915752&k=k8Dh6LM

Mrs. Molling’s theater season began this year with a presentation of Ken Ludwig’s Shakespeare in Hollywood, which ran nightly from October 17th - 20th in Sheridan Studio Theater. Gina Molling, Artistic and Managing Director, handpicked the 2004 winner of the Helen Hayes Award for Best New Play partly because it lends itself to the skill sets of her students and capitalizes on their desire to have fun as they learn and grow as performers. After six weeks of rehearsal, it was evident that the cast relished their moments onstage in front of a live audience. In BL’s black box theater, viewers sat close enough to the actors to feel the ensemble’s energy of fellowship, which came across in exchanged looks and (at times) their own muffled laughter. We could sense their fondness for the material, which consisted of an amusing maze of spells, mistaken identities, complicated lighting, fast-paced blocking, and witty language.  English Teacher Marcia Flaherty commented, “The play is a full experience where the audience is as involved as the actors.”  Another audience member and Upper School English Department Chair Ann Gazin enthused, “Gina Molling chooses wonderful plays and has a unique way of engaging boys in every step of the dramatic process.”  There wasn’t a dull moment, and the collaborative effort among cast and crew was apparent to the sold out crowd of faculty, staff, students, families, and friends in the audience.

Set in the 1930’s, Ken Ludwig’s Shakespeare in Hollywood puts forth a story rooted in historic truth: many of the characters of the play were real people in the studio system who shot Shakespeare scripts on film (albeit unsuccessfully, and largely to enhance the reputations of lesser-known actresses). The plot’s amusing complications revolve mostly around a magical flower that causes characters to fall in love with the next person they see. “The comedy and characters are so broad that it allows for a certain kind of physicality, which the boys love,” Molling shared. In a series of blunders and unfortunate enchantments, the progression of the play ultimately lands in a fantastically ridiculous scene of ill-matched pairs, loopy love triangles, misassigned spells, and a man-turned-donkey.

While we applaud the entertainment value of the Boys’ Latin performance, the production wasn’t composed of fun at the sake of substance. “What’s unique about Shakespeare in Hollywood is that while it is considered a classic 1930’s screwball comedy, it has a Shakespearean language component that acts as the thread throughout the play whenever Oberon and Puck speak. That was the element of significance and subtext that compelled me to make the selection. Many students will walk away, and while they may not have read A Midsummer Night's Dream, they will have a good understanding of that play and perhaps a curiosity to learn more,” Mrs. Molling told BLink. Student crew members also acquired carpentry, lighting, and design skills from an apprenticeship-style learning model used in the set-building and tech divisions.  A comment from the audience was overheard, “It’s so impressive how our boys become actors, and the crew transforms the theater.”

In identifying the power of acting, Molling shared her belief that the craft develops processing skills that apply to real-world conduct and decision-making. “The practice necessary to have the line, understand the direction, and do the action will translate into other parts of the students’ lives as they instinctively process, think, and do almost instantaneously.” Shakespeare in Hollywood certainly exhibited the students’ capacity for that kind of learning and display, and the BL community will tune into what’s happening in Sheridan Studio as the Theater Department continues to present more stellar productions. This year, we can look forward to the middle school performance of “The Ransom of Red Chief” in the winter, and the upper school student-directed play produced in the spring.

On Saturday, October 15, Ms. Alderman (Upper School Math) and Ms. Blair (College Counseling) chaperoned ten upper school boys for this school year’s second Community Service trip sponsored by the upper school.  Our group was needed to help the center get ready for its upcoming event “A Taste of Hampden” which is scheduled for October 25^th from 6 -9pm.  Tickets are still available for this wonderful event online at hampdenfamilycenter.org.  The Hampden Family Center was established with the assistance of the Junior League of Baltimore and opened in 1995, and has as its mission “to enrich the lives of Hampden residents through education and professional support, and to encourage individual growth in the community.”  The next upper school community service outing is scheduled for Saturday, November 3^rd at the MD Food Bank.

Special thanks goes out to the Hughes family and Vane Brothers for sponsoring our Community Service t-shirts again this year!

On Thursday, October 11, 2012, WMAR ABC News featured Chris Rubino ’13 as the Student Athlete of the Week.  Chris was the second student in a series to be highlighted for his strong performance in the classroom and in athletics.  Click the image above to see the full story.  Congratulations Chris for all your hard work!

Last weekend, BL Junior Bennett Wisner competed in the 106th Middle Atlantic Amateur Championship, held on Baltimore Country Club's famed East Course.  Thursday and Friday, he shot a 74 and 73 in the first two rounds and easily made the cut to play in the weekend.  Wisner negotiated the wind on Saturday, making his way around the course in 75 strokes; however it was in Sunday's cold and rainy weather where Bennett really shined.  He recorded the 5th lowest round of the day, 71, vaulting himself past a strong field of players from across the country, finishing 15th overall and just 2 shots off the mark of "Low Junior Golfer".  Congratulations to Bennett Wisner!!

On Sunday, September 23^rd, Spencer Stieff swam a one-mile pool event in memory of his BL classmate, Zakary Degross who died of cancer.  This was Spencer’s third year swimming in the event for Zak.  All proceeds from the swim go to the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where Zak received his treatment.  The upper school held a dress down day in September to support Spencer’s swim and raised $966.  If anyone is still interested in supporting the cause, please click on Spencer’s swim page at: http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/TR/PoolSwim/Baltimore?px=1098096&pg=personal&fr_id=1502

In a letter to the whole BL community, Spencer wrote "Thank you for the support for my third annual Swim Across America in memory of Zakary DeGross. I appreciate the contributions from the Boys’ Latin community."

The September 18th The Carroll County Times cover story showed Boys' Latin's own Eric Hanson hard at work restoring a Jeep from World War II.  The article gives a good back story behind how Mr. Hanson came to be featured on the National Geographic channel in a new reality TV show is call Family Guns -- a series about a father and son team who formed International Military Antiques, which has one of the world's largest collections of antique guns and military items.  The episode about Mr. Hanson will air on Sept. 26th at 10 pm.  Click below to follow links to:
- preview of the TV episode or
- read the full Carroll County Times article.

The Uganda Lacrosse Union (ULU) just announced recent BL graduate Tyler Steinhardt as the General Manager for the Uganda Men’s National Lacrosse Team.  In this role, Tyler will be "responsible for selecting, operating and bringing a team to the 2014 World Games in Denver, Colorado."  You can read more in the August 29, 2012 article from Lacrosse Playground: http://goo.gl/IeI97

Congratulations Tyler!

The Examiner published an article about the "One School, One Book" concept popular among Baltimore private schools.  The article includes the following highlights about the Boys' Latin program which is headed by Library Department Chair, Mrs. Terri Floccare.

“One Boys’ Latin, One Book”

At Boys' Latin in addition to building community and promoting literacy, the goals of the school-wide reading program, now in its 4th year, are to broaden perspectives, foster dialogue across age groups, and create a forum for tolerance. The 2012 One Boy's Latin, One Book selection, The Devil’s Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea, is the true story of 26 men and boys who, in 2001, attempted to cross the border into the desert of southern Arizona, the deadliest region of the continent, known as the Devil's Highway. While 26 went in, only 12 came back out. This is their story.

One Boys' Latin, One Book, not only encourages Middle and Upper School students to read, parents, teachers, and alumni are encouraged to participate and join the Boys’ Latin Community in early October for a discussion.

Click here for complete article.

The Boys' Latin program includes an evening book discussion, which will take place on October 2, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Upper School.  Parents and their sons are encouraged to attend this event.  Click here for additional information about the event.

Boys' Latin Junior Brett Roberts has organized a one-of-a-kind skimboarding event, Skim to Breathe, to be held on August 4, 2012.  Brett has organized the event in memory of his mother, Jennifer Christine Brock, who lost her life to lung cancer on March 14th, 2010, having never smoked a cigarette in her life. Brett and a team of dedicated individuals are teaming up to host this one-of-a-kind skimboarding event in Southern Delaware on August 4th, 2012.  Skim To Breathe’s main goal is to raise both money and awareness for lung cancer by benefiting the LUNGevity Foundation.

There will be great fun for everybody, including competitions, clinics, auctions, and much more. Click here to find more about the event, and please learn about The LUNGevity Foundation.  Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments you have. Other helpful links:

Register Here       Donate Here       Flyer

Boys' Latin rising Junior, Bennett Wisner is competing this week in the Junior PGA Championship at Sycamore Hills Country Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Held July 31st through August 3rd, the Junior PGA Championship is one of the two most prestigious junior golf championships in the United States.  Past champions include numerous PGA Tour Players and the entire Junior Ryder Cup Team will be comprised from the tournament field.

Wisner qualified for the championship by shooting 72-65 in order to win the Mid Atlantic Junior PGA Championship at Montgomery Country Club in Laytonsville, Maryland on June 28th & 29th.

Wisner, a key member of the Laker Golf Team, is the only Boys' Latin student in the school's history to earn his way into the field - and stands as one of the youngest participants in this year's tournament.

'We are very proud of Bennett for his integrity and his work ethic; and are very happy for all of his accomplishments on and off the golf course,' BL Head Golf Coach Mason Champion said. 'The posture of his heart is strong and he is a gentleman competitor.  Bennett has come a long way in his golf game the past few years and I'm certain the future will continue to shine brightly on all of his endeavours.'  Champion will travel to Sycamore Hills to support Wisner through a practice round on Monday and the championship's first round on Tuesday.

The Junior PGA Championship will be televised on the Golf Channel.  Coverage will no doubt include highlights of participants' time with tournament master of ceremonies and 2012 Ryder Cup Captain, Davis Love III.  Tune in to watch and cheer for Boys' Latin's own Bennett Wisner!"

Photo courtesy of Carroll County Times

Recent Boys’ Latin graduate and Student Body President, Tyler Steinhardt, has every reason to be both proud and exhausted.  This morning at 9:00 AM his efforts to bring the 24-hour lacrosse event “Shootout for Soldiers” set two records, one for the longest running lacrosse tournament and one for raising $105,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.  Over 1000 lacrosse players participated in the 24- hour long event and well over 5000 spectators were on hand to enjoy the terrific weather and spirited lacrosse games.  At least two US Army warriors were on hand to participate in the event.  Sgt. Ryan Major, a 2003 graduate of Towson High School commemorated the event by taking his first steps in public since he lost both legs and several fingers to an IED in Iraq.  Another warrior, Lt. Col. JC Glick, an active-duty officer who served five tours in Iraq and six in Afghanistan, made an eight-hour drive from Fort Jackson in South Carolina after seeing the event on Facebook. Glick said he was inspired by the event and the support the community planned to show Major and the mother of Nick Ziolkowski, a Boys' Latin graduate who was killed in Iraq in 2004.  Learn more at http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/high-school/bs-va-sp-shootout-for-soldiers-0614-20120614,0,7079971.story.

Congratulations to Tyler for making this event a stunning success.  Heartfelt thanks as well to the many generous sponsors, volunteers and participants.

 
Lower School held their annual Closing Exercises at 9:00am on June 7, in the Iglehart Center.  This year’s fifth grade class, the BL class of 2019, took center stage as we celebrated the completion of the 2011-12 school year.

In her remarks, Head of Lower School Mrs. Arnold thanked parents and students for a wonderful year.  To the matriculating fifth graders she said, “Your path is set – you have had a great start – great teachers and parents – you know what right is – now proceed (not quite over the bridge to upper school yet, but up the hill to middle school).  Just remember, we are always here if you need that boost.”

The 2012 recipients of endowed awards are:
- Doris L. Regan Award:  Jackson Marshall
- Woodward Award (to the outstanding athlete based on team spirit and ability):  Willie Wright
- Jack H. Williams (to the student who demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration of others):  Cooper Weidner
- Frederick A. Hahn (for leadership based on character):  Connor Stevens
- Benjamin Samuel Sorensen (the third grade student who demonstrates determination and potential for success): Patrick Okolo
- Brian C. Campbell (for excellence in writing):  Josh Meister
- Betty Banghart (to the student who demonstrates a true love of learning):  Christopher Kulik
- Lower School Faculty (the fifth grade student who has shown the most academic and personal growth during his years in the lower school):  John Recher

Ethan Carhuapoma and Clay LaVeist were awarded Timber Ridge Camp Scholarships established in memory of Nick Ziolkowski ’01.

Myles Davis, Eric Gazin, Andrew Grover, Tommy Hurley, Price Marlow, Josh Meister, Teddy Roebuck, Alex Stengel, Connor Stevens, Jeremy Weinberg, and Willie Wright received gold President’s Education Awards, with Mitch Boudreau, Charlie Kenny, Louis Marchese, and Cooper Weidner being given silver President’s Awards.

The year ends with the hope that all of our families find time for rest, rejuvenation, and reading!  For more photos, go to http://boyslatin.smugmug.com/2011-2012Galleries/Lower-School . 

 
 
On Saturday, June 2nd, the BL community gathered to celebrate our graduates.  It was a beautiful morning with a cool breeze and blue skies as the community gathered under large tents in front of Williams Hall.  One parent said, "BL does this so well.   It feels like such and warm, close celebration of the boys by the whole community."  Seniors, parents, faculty, adminstration, staff, family, friends and alumni all gathered with smiles and words of congratulations. 

The Messenger published an article on June 6th which describes the event well:
Small private schools mean intimate, personal graduations.  Boys' Latin Ceremony includes personal touch.
"When Boys' Latin Class of 2012 graduated on Saturday morning, they not only received their diplomas, but Headmaster Chris Post offered a few words about each of the 60 students in the class. The personal comments are not only a touching feature of the ceremony, but are also inspirational.

"When speaking about class valedictorian, John Brendan Owens, Post said, 'John came to Boys' Latin in the 6th grade. Through the upper school, all of your core academic courses have been either Honors or Advanced Placement classes. In fact, Brendan has taken 9 different Advanced Placement courses and will graduate today with a 4.26 GPA. Not bad, Brendan, not bad at all.'

"According to school spokesperson Sarah Woods, 'It speaks to how close our faculty and administration feel to each boy; and how they truly believe what they say about 'inspiring the best in every boy.' "

To see the article and other related articles on The Messenger's website, click here.

We would like to say a special thank you to Gina Molling and Charles Franklin who has worked over the years to build our Senior Internship Program into a strong and meaningful experience.  Seniors are interning at hospitals, businesses, charitable organizations, and numerous other types of organizations.  Each senior has set up his own internship, a two-week experience in their chosen professional field of interest.  It takes a considerable amount of work to coordinate this program, including years of tweaking, refining, and pushing the Senior Internship Program to where it is today.  Thank you Mrs. Molling and Mr. Franklin!  

Below are some initial comments about our interns:

• “Nick totally immersed himself into our activities program. His charisma helped him make friends quickly with our residents. He did group activities such as crossword puzzles, trivia, and word games.  His favorite part of the day was visiting residents in their rooms and showing them he cared and he let them speak while he listened. Nick has a gift for socially interacting with residents and staff.  I wish the internship was longer as we are starting to realize how much we will miss him after he has completed his time here at Pickersgill.” (Lenore D’adamo, speaking about Nick Shepherd’s internship at Pickersgill Retirement Community)
• “Robert was an excellent volunteer and a role model for all.  He was very professional, smartly dressed, willing to do anything he was asked to do, polite, interacted well with all and a credit to all concerned.  We would welcome him back to our unit any time.” (Susan Cutting, RN, speaking about Robert White’s internship at Mercy Medical Center)
• “As a side note, may  I say that Jim Mcelroy is a fine young man who is respectful, eager and sharp. Jim possesses a strong work ethic that will serve him well.  Maybe more to the point, our focus was not so much concerned with production, but rather exposing Jim to the multi-facets  of being a Consulting Engineer.  In working with our Electrical Engineering Group, Jim started with the recruiting aspects of identifying the skill-sets required to do our work.  Jim moved on to production – Contract Documents including Construction Drawings and Specifications.  Seeing this first hand should give Jim a flavor of what we do, if he so chooses.  He represented BL in an outstanding fashion.  It was our pleasure! (Tom Ioannou of TAI Engineers, Managers, Technical Services, speaking about Jimmy McElroy’s internship)
• “Carson Gaines has done very well during his time with us at the Fertility Center of Maryland.  He has always been on time, dressed appropriately, has participated fully in all activities of the center, and has been pleasant, helpful and cooperative at all times. He has developed a good rapport with the staff, and has been welcomed by our patients, who have allowed him to be present in almost all aspects of their care, including surgeries, physical exams, interviews, ultrasounds and embryo transfers.  He has spent time in both the embryo lab and the andrology lab and has quickly picked up on many aspects of human biology.  His questions have been insightful and have indicated that he has given thought to what he has learned and its wider applications beyond the walls of the center.  He has also participated willingly in some of the more mundane tasks involved in the day-to-day running of a busy medical practice- not everything we do is as exciting as surgery!  Nearly every member of the staff has commented on how well he has presented himself and, in particular, have commented on his firm handshake and the fact that he looks you right in the eye when meeting you and introducing himself.  I hope Carson enjoyed his time with us, and that he found the experience worthwhile.  Should he decide to pursue a medical career, I would be happy to have him rotate back through our office as a student or resident.”  (Dr. Katie Bass, Fertility Center of Maryland, speaking about Carson Gaines’ internship)

On Memorial Day Monday, the Loyola University Maryland Greyhounds won their first NCAA D1 National Lacrosse Championship.  Boys’ Latin School would like to send our best wishes and congratulations to the team, especially our BL graduates:  Head Coach Charley Toomey '86 and players Kevin Moriarity '07, Eric Tillman '08, and Jeff Chase '11 (as a redshirt).

In his junior year at BL, Charley helped lead the Lakers as goalie to the 1985 Maryland Scholastic Association (MSA) “A” Conference title victory over Loyola.  After BL, Charlie was a student-athlete at Loyola University where he was a two-time All-American goalie and ranks as one of the Greyhounds’ all-time save leaders.  In his career, Charlie played professionally for the Baltimore Thunder and Boston Blazers, coached Major League Lacrosse goalies, coached at the Naval Academy Prep School, Naval Academy and Severn School and then returned to his alma mater.  Charley is in his fifth season as head coach for the Greyhounds, 13^th year coaching Loyola overall and 22^nd year in his coaching profession overall.

BL is excited and proud of our Lakers, and we offer them our congratulations and best wishes for many more successes in the future!

Below is an excerpt from the upcoming BL alumni newsletter, This Week at Boys’ Latin by Mac Kennedy, which provides more detail on Charley Toomey’s years at BL:

Pride & Tradition II: Charles E. Toomey IV ’86
Charley Toomey ’86 guided his Loyola University Maryland Greyhounds to the Division I Men’s Lacrosse championship winning in the title game 9-3 over the University of Maryland. Congratulations to Coach Toomey and three of his players who are former Lakers: Kevin Moriarty ’07, Eric Tillman ’08, and Jeff Chase ’11.

However, this was not the first lacrosse championship for Coach Toomey. In 1985 he helped lead the Lakers to the Maryland Scholastic Association (MSA) “A” Conference title in a thrilling rain-soaked 7-4 win over the Loyola Dons.  Toomey set the tone for the BL victory within the first few seconds of the game. The opening face-off was won by Loyola and their fast break opportunity was foiled by a tough save. The Loyola attackman’s shot from point blank range was stuffed low as Toomey made many tough saves in the quagmire that surrounded him that day. BL ended the season as the number one team in the region. The BL defense of Toomey, Carl Voigt ’85, David Mitchell ’85, and Gavin Valle ’85 only allowed the opponents 5 goals per game.

The Lakers returned to the MSA championship game in the spring of 1986. This time, Loyola was the better team and beat BL 8-3. Boys’ Latin finished the season with a final 12-4 record and ranked third in the region.

Charley Toomey was named the 1986 team’s most valuable player at the annual athletic banquet. He averaged 13 saves a game for the season and allowed just 4.9 goals per game. In his two years in the Laker cage, BL compiled a 24-5 record.

In June of 1986 Toomey was awarded the Timothy E. Wynn Memorial Lacrosse Award at the International Games. The award was presented to Charley for being “the outstanding high school lacrosse goalie in Maryland.”  He was also named a high school All-American, second team All-Metro, and was BL’s C. Markland Kelly nominee at the Kelly banquet.

In his four year career as a goalie at Loyola College (now Loyola University Maryland) Charley was named collegiate All-American twice – honorable mention in 1989 and second team in 1990.

The 1990 Loyola Greyhounds lost to Syracuse University in the NCAA Championship game.

More Lacrosse Congratulations…
BL Junior Mac Pons was just selected as a High School All-American by the MIAA.  This is quite an honor because the MIAA only chooses five young men for the All American team each year.  Mac is fabulous on defense, a leader as co-captain of the team this year, and a Jack Williams Sportsmanship Award Winner.

In addition, BL Junior Mac Pons and Sophomore Shack Stanwick were selected as two of the 18 members of the MIAA "A" Conference All-League Team as picked by the "A" Conference coaches at the year-end meeting last evening, May 29th.  Shack is outstanding and versatile on attack.

BL is excited for both boys and proud to have them on our team.  Laker congratulations to Mac and Shack!

Tune in on Sunday, May 20th to the CSN rebroadcast of the May 18th MIAA Championship Lacrosse game, and you will see the following new video featuring our School.  Great job by seniors Brandon Cherry and Tyler Steinhardt!

On Wednesday the 8th grade embarked on "Go Learn!," a day in which they visit and engage in local businesses and
institutions with an eye on the entrepreneurship, teamwork, character, communication, and academic-based skills
employed and cultivated at such establishments on a daily basis. Amongst the establishments that graciously opened
their doors to our Lakers were the Baltimore County Court House, GKV marketing and communications firm, Ayers
Saint Gross Architects & Planners, HighBank investment bank, Vane Brothers tugboat & maritime services, and the
Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens! The guys had a fantastic and rewarding day and thanks to all in the Boys'
Latin community who designated their time, energy, and resources to making this very important endeavor possible!

On Sunday, May 6^th, a dozen BL community members gathered at 8am in Howard County to run the Maryland Half Marathon.  We ran for many different reasons:  to get in shape, improve our health, lose weight, check off a bucket list item, see if we could make it, have fun with & learn from the BL training team, and importantly support cancer research.  As a team, we raised more than $4,600 for cancer research.

With a rainy start and 13.1 miles behind us, there were all smiles at the finish line as we hugged each other, friends and family.  Photos are on SmugMug (password bl822):  http://boyslatin.smugmug.com/2011-2012Galleries/All-School/MD-Half-Marathon-BL-Team/22846844_6RvhV5#!i=1833955768&k=F3S7PKQ

Coach David Doherty said it well:  “A huge congratulations to everyone on the team.  It wasn’t just about the few hours of the race.  It was about the hours and hours of training that you have all done since we started meeting in January.  Think about all the times we met, all the places we ran and all the miles we put in!”

Runners were:
David Doherty, placed 3^rd overall
Sean Mullally ‘12, placed 9^th overall and 1^st in his age group
Cathy Badmington
Trish Fallon
Wendy Forbes
Rebecca Giordano
Cindy Harkum – ask her about her improved health check up.
Brian Higginson – who lost more than 20lbs in training!!
Debi Krulak
Molly Mullally
Shelley Seibert - ran in honor of her mother who was diagnosed with colon cancer last year
Sarah Woods

The annual Maryland Half Marathon supports the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center.  The Greenebaum Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, putting them in the top tier of centers nationwide for cancer research and patient care, and ranked #22 out of 900 cancer programs throughout the U.S.

Congratulations to Josh Hamburger ’13 and History Department Chair Adam Osborn for their leadership of the Great Strides Club which again this year rallied over 50 walkers from the Boys’ Latin community for the May 6 Cystic Fibrosis walk at Hunt Valley Town Center.  The club  raised over $32,000 in donations to support continued research for a cure of Cystic Fibrosis. Special thanks go to the freshmen and sophomores for their strong support and to many faculty members and parents as well.

Mrs. Rodriguez’s Physics students recently designed and constructed vehicles to compete in the BL 500 and Monster Truck Rally.  Students were given one month to design and build a vehicle using common household items and powered by a 1.5 volt motor provided by the school. The students’ vehicles were entered into two competitions, the BL 500 in which vehicles raced against one another to determine highest speed and longest distance travelled.  The second competition, The Monster Truck Rally, consisted of a test of strength and power to find the vehicle with the greatest load-bearing capability. And the winners are...

BL 500 Race:
B block:  Sean Ryan and Michael Walker
F block:  Brad Schwartz and Jake Walsh

Monster Truck Rally:
B block:  Miller Weglein and Colin Porter
F block:  Alex Hughes, Kolby Caplin, Zac Cooper

Overall best car:  Miller Weglein and Colin Porter

Not only was Friday, May 4th BL's Homecoming, but also it marked the end of our stewardship of baby trout in the lower school.  On a rainy and muddy morning, grades three through five had a terrific time releasing the trout in the tailwaters of Lake Roland, just at the Falls Road end of Lake Avenue. During their normal gym class, the boys released the fish, saw some basic fly-casting, and learned about aquatic insects and insect life cycles. Volunteers from Trout Unlimited were present, along with teachers and administrators from BL. It was a fun-filled morning that included Mr. Sloboda catching a crayfish.

All are welcome to join BL families and friends for the next Laker Leadership Series speaker, 1st. Lt. Chris Maisel '04 on Wednesday, May 2nd at 6:00-7:30 pm in the Sheridan Theater on the north campus.

The Upper School’s Community Service efforts continued on Sunday, April 22^nd when Ms. Kellerman and Ms. Alderman chaperoned four brave BL upper school students (B. Brown, A. Engel, M. Attman, and I. Ndukwu) to Open Farm Day hosted by Kayam Farm in Reisterstown.  The weather was less than perfect on this day, but fun was had by all and Kayam Farm appreciated our efforts.  After a thorough lecture and demonstration on the process of making compost, our boys worked on clearing the existing fields of weeds and other debris.  They also helped the other volunteers to load compost into large planting bins and to mix the compost with the existing soil. The farm consists of four acres used for planting and one acre used as animal pasture.  The farm grow organic vegetables and fruits, herbs, flowers and mushrooms.  The produce serves the members in the Community Supported Agriculture program.  BL plans on continuing this new relationship by bringing students back in the fall and spring of next year for more community service opportunities. 

From Coach Mason Champion:

"For the first time in school history, the Boys' Latin Golf Team took 2nd place in the MIAA Stroke Play Team Championship.  The second and final round of the Championship was played yesterday in the rain and cold across the links of Hunt Valley Country Club.  This followed a first round that was played last Monday at The Sububan Club.

"Up to 23 member schools from the A, B & C Conferences participate each year - and send up to 6 players per school to compete.  The Team Championship is played across 2 rounds with a cut following Round 1.  Teams with 4 or more players advancing through the first cut qualify for the Team Championship - and the school with the lowest 4 aggregate scores within those two rounds is awarded the title.

"Boys' Latin finished with a 4-man, 2-round total of 608 - second only to Mt. St. Joseph at 604.  The third place finisher was no less than 20 shots behind Boys' Latin.

"The Lakers were paced by the fine play of Senior Will Guy, who shot a two-over-par total of 146 (74-72); Sophomore Bennett Wisner, who fired a five-over-par aggregate of 149 (76-73), Junior Danny Murphy, who carded a nine-over-par total of 153 (78-75) and Sophomore Dylan Watts, who shot a sixteen-over-par aggregate of 160 (79-81).

"But wait…there's more.

"Individual Medalist honors are awarded to the low aggregate across three rounds.  With the field cut again at 159 following round two, the top 20 players advance to the third and final round - slated to be contested at Bulle Rock Golf Club in Havre de Grace next Tuesday, May 1st.  Currently, Guy is 2 shots off the pace of the tournament leader whose total now stands at 144.  Wisner and Murphy are well positioned within striking distance at five and nine shots back respectively.

"Oh, and one last thing…

"After taking-on Loyola tomorrow, Boys' Latin will face off against Mt. St. Joseph this Thursday at The Suburban Club in the final home contest of the season.  What a match that promises to be!

"Go Lakers!"

Tyler Steinhardt ’12 and the ACT Club sent out the following press release on Tuesday that was picked up by Inside Lacrosse and other media outlets: “A group of local high school students has organized what stands to be a world-record breaking event called Shootout for Soldiers. The Shootout is a 24-hour lacrosse game with all proceeds going to support the Wounded Warrior Project in its effort to aid wounded US soldiers. The event, which will be held at The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland on June 14-15, will seek to use the common platform of lacrosse to unite area lacrosse players ages 10+ in the common benefit of the Wounded Warrior Project.” For the full article, click on: http://insidelacrosse.com/news/2012/04/10/baltimore-high-schoolers-plan-24-hour-lacrosseevent-benefit-wounded-american , and for more information and to register click on http://shootoutforsoldiers.com . All players age 10+ are invited to play, including parents!

Lower school boys had fun planting pinwheels to support The Family Tree, a local non-profit organization working to strengthen Maryland families.  The event also served as recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  For more fun, here is a link where your child can design his or her own pinwheel and post it to an online web garden or send it to a friend: http://www.standforchildrenmd.org/

On Friday April 20th, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends gathered to enjoy our 2012 Spring Art Show.  All enjoyed creations from BL students as well as many scenes of the Boys' Latin campus created onsite by visiting artists from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

Many thanks to our four art teachers shown below (L to R):  Marta Cardarelli, Demond Baine, Trevor Twist '98 and Amy Digges.

Congratulations to Upper School students for their excellent choral and instrumental music performances on Sunday, April 15 at the annual Spring Concert.  Congratulations as well to Instrumental Music instructor, Mr. Clark Nyman, for another successful and enjoyable set of ensembles performances.  Hearty congratulations are in order to Mrs. Cynthia Harkum who will retire at the end of the school year after 22 memorable years at Boys' Latin.  Mrs. Harkum was presented with flowers by Upper School Head, Mr. Stephen Schools, various well-wishes and gifts from the chorus and a standing ovation from concert goers.  The BL community thanks Mrs. Harkum for 22 wonderful years of service to the school.

From tilling the soil for planting, observing bees and learning about pollination to writing letters to our politicians, coming up with initiatives to end hunger in Baltimore city, exploring hunger through literature and creating youth learning materials for SNAP, the boys explored the issues of hunger from all angles today.  By 9:30am, we loaded 300 lunches into a van bound for the Franciscan Center who served them that day.  By 11:40, we loaded another 240 lunches into some parents' cars (thank you parents!) bound for Manna House and My Sister's Place.  Throughout the morning, a rotating delivery service (thanks to Earl Smith, husband of Robin Smith) took over 80 casseroles plus extra hot dogs to Our Daily Bread.  In addition, 300 more lunches were packed to be served Monday at Paul's Place (thanks Robin Smith for delivery).

As a healthy and interesting learning opportunity, the boys even got first-hand experience with eating lunches prepared for soup kitchens!  Many parent volunteers helped to serve our community 800 lunches, including some special Passover lunches. 

The lessons from today will hopefully carry forward for the boys and instill a greater understanding of issues in the community and world around us.  Two activities for upper school boys will extend beyond service learning day.  One group of boys worked with Sally Brackins to brainstorm a possible proposal to submit to the Urbanite for the Hunger Initiative contest, and the project will continue with the boys who are interested.  The government representatives from SNAP, today’s version of food stamps, were so pleased with the materials a group of upper school boys designed in the digital lab with Sarah Woods that SNAP plans to use the materials with their clients going forward and share these with the regional offices.

Another extension of the day will be using the meal plans developed by some of the middle and upper school boys to cook dinner and take it to Sarah’s Hope to serve.   The Boys’ Latin community will be serving Sunday dinner to the residents of this shelter for women and children on the following dates:  May 13, May 27, and June 10.  If you are interested in participating, contact Susan Brown (sbrown@boyslatinmd.com).  

Thanks to all the parents, faculty, staff and friends for making the boys’ experience so meaningful.  In addition to the slides shown here, more photos are posted on SmugMug.

Special thanks to Director of Service Learning, Susan Brown and the following faculty members who served on the Service Learning Day Committee to plan and execute Friday's activities: 

The Baltimore Sun published the following article on April 14, 2012:

Boys' Latin School's Tyler Steinhardt is always involved in fundraising. If he isn't having a dodge ball tournament to raise money for a child with cancer, then he is organizing a special help group on another high school campus or coaching lacrosse in Uganda.

For his next project, Steinhardt, 18, has organized the Shootout for Soldiers, a 24-hour lacrosse game to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project or wounded American soldiers.

Initially, there were some snags, but now head coaches Bobby Shriver of Boys' Latin and Calvert Hall's Bryan Kelly have gotten involved.

And some of the players who might participate are North Carolina midfielder R.G. Keenan and Johns Hopkins attackmen Wells Stanwick and Chris Boland.

The event is planned for June 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. on June 15 at Boys' Latin. All ages are welcome and there are individual and team slots available.

"Certainly, supporting wounded vets is as noble a cause as anyone could get into," Shriver said. "Doing it with the game of lacrosse that so many in this community love only adds to the event. And Tyler is just a wonderful kid who is always doing wonderful stuff around here."

Steinhardt is the kid who doesn't have much athletic talent, but a huge heart. He could only play two years of lacrosse at Boys' Latin because he wasn't good enough.

He played on the team's varsity basketball team in the winter, but spent more time cheering and giving high fives off the bench then shooting jumpers in games.

You get the picture.  Click here to read complete story.

US History teacher Adam Osborn wants to remind the BL community that it's that time of year again, where we come together as a community to show our support for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by raising funds and participating in the Great Strides Walk Sunday, May 6 at 9am at the Hunt Valley Town Center.

Last year BL raised over $30,000 and over the last fourteen years the BL community has raised over $250,000. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to come together again for a very important cause that touches the lives of so many in our community.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Adam and his team are asking for your continued support. Please join the Boys' Latin Team and team captain, Josh Hamburger ’13 by clicking on the following link:

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=8050&idUser=139328

Let us come together and (to paraphrase from our mission statement) reach our maximum potential while empowering our community to mature with an increasing sense of self-worth and an awareness of our responsibilities towards ourselves and our community.

To view Josh's YouTube video, please click the following link. Feel free to use this video in your own fundraising!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjqe-QRVX5M&feature=relmfu

Freshmen from Mr. MacDonald's World Cultures class enjoyed a visit from Mr. Patrick George, a friend of Upper School technology Coordinator Mr. Derrick Thomas and a native of India The visit augments the sophomores' study of the Indian culture.  Mr. George shared his perspective of India from his childhood to the present and shared his specific perspective of growing up in the Christian minority in India, a county dominated by the Hindu and Muslim religions.  The sophomores were fascinated as they discussed the caste system, untouchables, religion, employment and academics with Mr. George.  They made many important comparisons to life in India versus life in America. We thank Mr. George for sharing his experiences with the students.

Who are those well-dressed young men you've been seeing on campus these past few Wednesdays?  Are they NFL, NHL, or NBA scouts?  Are they Secret Service recruiters?  Are they from the FBI? No!  The well-dressed young men you've been seeing are our very own SENIORS!  We can give special thanks to senior Ben Feild for initiating this entertaining senior activity.  We've enjoyed the dapper apparel of many seniors who have participated in 'Senior Suit-up Wednesdays."  Enjoy the accompanying slideshow.

Who would you hire?!

From Mrs. Molling at the Theater Arts Desk

On behalf of the entire cast and crew of the For Heaven's Sake production, we would like to thank our BL community -- parents, faculty, and staff --for their support shown for the recent Senior-directed prodcution of For Heaven's Sake. Senior night was a huge success with the entire senior class in attendance!  The cast and crew ran a magnificent show each night to sold out audiences. Yet most importantly, Senior directors Joey Ernest and Eric Simmons deserve a big shout out for directing their cast and crew!  We are very proud of them both for their dedication, talents, and hard work, not only in this show, but also for the past four years in the Theater Arts.

The US robotics team has successfully completed its fifth season.  The team competed in the FIRST FRC Chesapeake Regional Competition on March 8, 9 and 10 and the Washington, DC Regional on March 29, 20 and 31.  The team designed and built a robot to compete in this year's game called Rebound Rumble, a game resembling basketball. While the team experienced some mechanical inconsistencies in during their first few matches in the Chesapeake Regional, they played 3 near perfect matches which included several 3-point half court goals and balancing the robot on the center court bridges in the end game. The Team was selected to play on a Blue Alliance team with The Umbrella Corporation Team 1719 (a joint Park School/ Delaney High School Team)) and The Blair Robot Prodi jet Team 4499 from Silver Spring, MD.  This alliance competed through the quarter and semi-final Elimination rounds, but did not advance to the finals.  The team competed vigorously throughout the DC Regional and ended 35^th of 63 teams.

Congratulations to the entire team, and especially to team captains Alex Hughes and Matt Bennett, drive team members Charley Hughes, Jason Price and Parker Hawkins, and to Scouting Manager Jack Brinkley, all of whom contributed dozens of hours during the 12 week build and competition season to lead the team through another successful season.

Boys' Latin's Vartsiy Baseball team participated this past weekend in The President’s Cup event, an event which aims to unite Baltimore’s youth by using baseball to bring together groups of high school students from different backgrounds who would not normally compete with one another. Baseball has historically been a sport that crosses racial and socioeconomic lines to unite the city’s youth. The President’s Cup showcases youth baseball which has been on the decline in many cities, including Baltimore, for much of the past decade. With the President’s Cup, participants work to recreate the unifying magic of the sport to bring together athletes from different backgrounds.
Boys’ Latin hosted two teams in the President’s Cup Baseball Tournament on Saturday, March 31st, and played its first game on Monday, April 2nd @ 4:00pm at Archbishop Curley High School against City College.

The Boys’ Latin Upper School robotics team will compete in the FIRST FRC Chesapeake Regional Competition this weekend, March 8, 9 and 10^th   at the Baltimore Convention Center.  The event is free of charge and open to the public.  This year’s team has designed and fabricated a robot which includes a 6-wheel tank drive with Arcade type drive train, and a variable speed shooter (for shooting basketballs through hoops).  The robot control system includes PlayStation controllers, multiple autonomous program modes and, new this year, the ability to “drive” the robot completely “hands-free” via a Microsoft Kinect station.  Kinect is a motion sensing input device made by Microsoft and is based around a webcam-style add-on peripheral.  Kinect enables users to control and interact with other devices (in this case a robot) without the need to touch a game controller, through a natural user interface using body gesturess, as demonstrated in this video by drive team member Jason Price.  Kudos to team captains Matt Bennett and Alex Hughes for their dedicated efforts to lead the team throughout the rigorous and intensive build season, and especially for their efforts to debut the hybrid game play with Kinect.

WBAL radio, Tuesday, February 14, 2012 -- Angela Jackson aired a nice story on Boys’ Latin’s lower school:

Whether it be double dutching or single jumping, the lower school students at Boys' Latin are doing it all on this Valentine's Day.  The school is working with the American Heart Association on its 7th annual Jump For Heart to raise funds to help people with heart problems and heart research.  The boys, teachers, parents and administrators are all in red and equipped with ropes for the cause.

Click here to see a write up of the story and hear the following interviews with BL faculty and staff:
- Kathy Arnold, Head of Lower School, noted that the annual event combines a focus on health awareness with the School’s overall service learning curriculum.
- Donald Rickels, Lower School Teacher, explains why the annual event is important to him and BL.
- Sarah Woods, Director of Stategic Communications, comments that the boys had fun learning to jump rope and double dutch.

On Friday, February 11, BL seniors Jonny Brennan and Tim Wilcox performed with the band "Worth Our While" at the Recher Theater in Towson as part of a fundraiser called Concert for Hope Six .  Through the concert, the boys raised $1,500 to benefit HopeWell, an outstanding, free local resource for families coping with cancer. Jonny and Tim were outstanding, and they were cheered on by many family and BL friends, faculty and staff.  Nice job guys!!

Varsity Sports Net, February 10, 2012- Click here for the full article by Donald Daniels and video from the championship game at Piney Orchard Ice Rink in Laurel Friday afternoon. 

Lichtenauer Leads the Way as Lakers Claim First Crown Since 2003  "For the first time in nearly a decade, the Boys’ Latin School Lakers are ice hockey champions. In a tension packed, up-tempo game, the Lakers were able to hold off St. Paul’s School, 3-2, for the MIAA B Conference championship in front of an electric crowd at Piney Orchard Friday night.

“'It was our first time playing in front of a big crowd, they really pumped us up because St. Paul’s had a lot of big hits and we really fed off of our crowd,' said Laker junior Bryan Lichtenauer who had one goal and two assists.

“'These guys stepped right from the beginning in November with the goal that they were going to do everything it took to win the championship,' said Boys’ Latin coach Jim Sandusky, whose team capped a 10-4-1 campaign. 'It’s the culmination of commitment and maturity, and you can achieve if you do all right things.'

"Tied at 2 with 9 minutes, 38 seconds left in regulation, Lichtenauer intercepted a St. Paul’s pass deep in their own and scored the game-winner goal on a breakaway. His tally clinched the Lake Avenue school’s first league title since claiming the B crown in 2002-03.

“'We thought that if came out with the right attitude in the third period that one our guys would step up and Bryan did,' said Sandusky.

"It didn’t take long for Boys’ Latin to get  going as junior Corey Koch found the back of the net at the 12:39 mark, with Lichtenauer and junior Maxx Lowenstein assisting. Three minutes later, St. Paul’s (5-11) drew even as senior Riley Meyer cashed in off of a face-off win in Laker terrority.

"The Lakers regained the lead in the second quarter, thanks to Lichtenauer.  He found senior defenseman Brodie Pavo a few feet inside the blue line. Pavo slung the puck pass St. Paul goalie Whit Schweizer (18 saves).

“'I think we played tremendously well, made a few mistakes,' said Sandusky. 'I think we outplayed them up and down the ice, I give them [St. Paul’s] credit, they had a lot of effort.'

"The Crusaders answered with Ned Moreland’s stick side goal, but the Brooklandville school averted disaster. With five minutes left, back-to-back St. Paul’s penalties gave the Lakers a 5-on-3 advantage. Boys’ Latin could not make St. Paul’s pay on multiple chances to even up the score.

"St. Paul’s pulled Schweizer in the final minute of regulation, but Lakers withstood the late rush.The Crusaders’ best chance came when senior Sean Baker had a one-on-one opportunity with 58 seconds remaining, but shot wide right.

“'They whole time was just thinking I know that they’re not going to come a lot, but when they do they’re come hard,' said Laker junior goalie Danny Murphy (16 saves). “We did a job of controlling the puck and when they did get those two goals they came hard at the net.'

"It was a fitting end between the rivals. Boys’ Latin claimed a pair of one-goal decisions during the regular season.

"Friday, the third time was charm.

“'We’ve been clicking all year and we came to the side and said let’s get it done and we did,' said Koch."

The scores were BL 3 (1 Koch at 12:39, 1 Pavo at 9:37, and 1 Lichtenauer at 9:38) and St. Paul’s 2 (1 Meyers at 9:09, 1 Moreland at 7:06, 0). 

Yesterday, our freshmen Fine Art Foundation theater students visited Center Stage where they took a back stage tour, met the heads of each department, and then saw the play, Gleam.  Last week in the Sheridan Studio, this class enjoyed our second, guest artist lecture presented by Gavin Lawrence from the Gleam cast. For one solid hour, Mr. Lawrence discussed his life in the theatre, his craft as an actor, and his experience in Gleam.

Congratulations to Greg Pyke and Brandon Cherry who have committed to play football at University of Georgia and Johns Hopkins, respectively.  On Wednesday, the boys’ families and members of the football team gathered at the Alumni House when Greg and Brandon signed their official letters of intent.  In their college choices, both boys have been able to combine their passion for football with a challenging academic experience.

#2 seed St. Paul’s vs. #1 seed Boys’ Latin

Friday, February 10^th at 4pm, Piney Orchard in Laurel

Admission is $8.00. Stay tuned for details regarding a student fan bus.

The Boys’ Latin Model United Nations (MUN) team traveled to the esteemed Ivy League Model United Nations Conference in Philadelphia last weekend. With 12 of 20 team members who are seniors, the conference marks the last event for seniors, many of whom were the original BL Model UN founders three years ago.  Congratulations go to senior Joey Ernest who led the team and earned an Honorable Mention portraying the role of Cleobulus in the Peloponnesian League as part of a Joint Crisis Committee focusing on relations between Athens and Sparta.

BL featured two members in Crisis Committees (Joey Ernest and Bobby Norman) and represented the countries of Poland and Burkina Faso in the General Assembly and Specialized Committees.  Headmaster Post attended the second day of the conference and commented:  “Saw our boys seek 'world domination' …Great to see them debating, coalition building, creatively forming alliances and solving problems. We also had two Lakers in historical simulations, and they were very much in the middle of things.  Twelve seniors and Mr. McDonald started Model UN three years ago. Great to see the way it's grown.”

 Over the past three years, the club has grown from 12-20 members, attended a total of three different conferences, and received a total of five awards.  An integral part of the growth and success of the club has been the leadership of senior members and the continued support from the Parents and Alumni Association.  Many thanks to all involved!

Congrats to the FLL Robotics participants for Saturday's success at the FLL State Championships.  They did a fantastic job in all parts of the competition including their project piece, Jeopardy; a discussion about their robot design and programming; a discussion of their core values; and the final robotic competition.  During each of the discussion/presentation sessions, the ten boys held exclusive 15 minute discussions with judges and the BL coaches were not allowed to speak.  WOW!  When challenged by the Core Value judges to build the tallest structure that could hold a bottle of water for five seconds (without talking), they were the first group to complete the challenge. 

The team bested their 115 top robot challenge score from qualifiers last week twice with scores of 117 and 139.  Their score of 139 was a perfect mission with the robot completing each of the tasks selected by the boys.  Their scores put them approximately 20th out of 74 team for the robotic missions.  The 2:30 minute video is found at:  http://boyslatin.smugmug.com/2011-2012Galleries/Middle-School/FLL-Robots-State-Championships/21246034_Jz6vcx#!i=1691368018&k=5MrPx83&lb=1&s=A

The highlight of the day was when the boys were awarded the 2nd place trophy for "Gracious Professionalism", one of the core values of the FLL program!! 

The growing photo album will help to clarify the day!  http://boyslatin.smugmug.com/2011-2012Galleries/Middle-School/FLL-Robots-State-Championships/21246034_Jz6vcx#!i=1691403977&k=3DkwFFW

Congrats again to the hard-working group of boys!  Here is a short list of their accomplishments in the last two weeks:

• Two days before qualifiers the team realize that their robot(s) were illegal.  They combined four robots into one!
• Team wins the Project Presentation piece at qualifiers and is second place overall which sends them to States.
• On Monday after qualifiers, the boys decide to redesign each of their attachment systems and reprogram each mission.
• On Thursday, two days before States, the boys learn how to combine all their programs into one, allowing a touch sensor to be used to switch between programs.
• The boys are the first to complete the "secret challenge" during their Core Values time.
• During their first of two practice runs on the official tables on Saturday, the boys find that the florescent lights were too bright, rendering their light sensor inoperable.  This would have been devastating since three out of four of their missions relied on the light sensor.  In ten minutes, the boys retrofit their robot with a light shield.  Without testing the final design, the boys enter their first official round and the new shield works well.
• Perfect mission (with the tasks the boys selected to run) and their best score of 139 at States.  Places them approximately 20th out of 74 teams in the robotic competition piece.
• Team receives the 2nd place "Gracious Professionalism" award.

The Boys' Latin Varsity Wrestling Team ventured to Overlea High School Friday and Saturday to participate in the 25th annual Overlea Invitational Wrestling Tournament. The Lakers entered 12 competitors in the 23 team tournament, and finished an impressive third overall versus other tough and experienced teams.

Four BL wrestlers, Colton Haugh, Hunter Cotsoradis, Rocco Bruno, and team captain George Rice advanced to the semi -final round. Three of those four, Hunter, Rocco, and George moved on to the final round. Two BL grapplers secured top honors, Rocco Bruno and George Rice, by winning their respective weight classes. Frankie Johnson and Evan Dohler wrestled back to place 3rd  and 5th in their weight divisions.

It was a great weekend of wrestling for the Lakers, as they prepare for their final month of Miaa competition.  The first photo shows the place winners from the tournament, standing from left to right:  Frankie Johnson - 3rd place 120 lbs., Colton Haugh - 6th place 106 lbs., Rocco Bruno - 1st place 152 lbs., Hunter Cotsoradis - 2nd place, 113 lbs., George Rice - 1st place, 160 lbs., Evan Dohler - 5th place, 170 lbs, plus Captain Eric Simmons in the center.  The second photo shows “our circle of life, circle of wrestling.”  Coach Haugh commented:  "Just look at our guys in their ‘circle of wrestling’, intently listening to their head lioness, Angie Bruno (Rocco's Mom), inspiring them to do their very best when the action resumes.”

Coach summed up the weekend by saying “How great it was to be so successful as a team, capturing 3rd place in such a big tournament.  What is really so satisfying and rewarding to us as coaches is to watch our kids during a short break in what is a very long weekend. The bonding that goes on is like no other sport.  It’s a tight knit, supportive bunch of boys and parents.  This circle photo says it all about BL, and what a special place it is!"

Competing in its rookie season and in its first official competition, the Middle School Robotics Team earned high marks in its FIRST FLL Qualifier match held on Saturday, January 21.  The team finished in first place in the Project portion of the competition and in third place (with a high match score of 115 points) in the Robot Game portion of the competition, earning a nomination to attend the FIRST FLL Maryland State tournament to be held next weekend at UMBC.

The team's project educated the judges about safe processing of chicken and how to avoid salmonella contamination.  The team's robot included a robust chassis design with various swapable mechanisms and sophisticated programming to allow the robot to autonomously execute mission tasks.

Ms. Annemarie Merow, one of the team's 7 faculty coaches, described the day as follows:  "I can't begin to describe the excitement of the day, how united the boys were throughout the day, and how well they represented BL.  I hope we can keep the excitement up for one more week!!"

Congratulations to Middle School students Paul A, Ricky A-M, Trey B, Alex C, Robbie D, Will K, Matt P, Harry P, Noah V, and Grant I, and to faculty coaches Mrs. Kellerman, Ms. Merow, Mrs. Krulak, Mrs. Floccare, Ms. Wilson, Mrs. Williams and Mr. Sloboda, and student mentor Rachel Cooper for their efforts and accomplishments.

Click to view additional photos and videos.

Lakers earn conference title berth, Crusaders hope for rematch

Boys' Latin players mob junior goalie Danny Murphy after the Lakers defeated archrival St. Paul's, 2-1, at the Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena on Thursday afternoon.(Photo by Nelson Coffin, January 19, 2012)

The following is an article by Nelson Coffin for the Baltimore Sun:
"Boys' Latin's turnaround season is just one step away from becoming even more special after beating archrival St. Paul's for the third straight time this winter.

The 2-1 victory gives the Lakers (8-3, 6-1 Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland B Conference) a berth in the title game with two games remaining in the regular season."

For the full article, click Baltimore Sun Online.

The Examiner published the following article by Meredith Bower:
"You may know Boys' Latin's (BL) reputation for its teams, but it's not just the sports teams that train and compete. In fact, BL's Robotics Team, whose season began earlier this month, has just entered the intensive building phase leading up to the official competition. Over the next six weeks the boys on the team will build a robot they hope will go on to compete on the national level in the 2012 “Rebound Rumble.”

What are the robots expected to do?
The Rebound Rumble is a robotics game played between two Alliances of three teams each. Each Alliance competes by trying to get as many basketballs into hoops during a two-minute, 15-second match. Balls dropped into higher hoops by the robots score more points for their team. Alliance teams are awarded bonus points if their robots are balanced on bridges at the end of the match.

BL Team prepares for Robotics season
To prepare for the season, members of BL's Upper School Robotics Team visited two Baltimore area companies, Vane Brothers and Marine Applied Physics Corporation, who specialize in robotics and remote communications. The boys had the opportunity to witness highly sophisticated designs for unmanned surface vessels built for the US Navy and digitally machined models for MIT graduate class experiments.  The following day was the official kickoff of the 2012 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition season. Inventor Dean Kamen was joined by former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, will.i.am, frontman of The Black Eyed Peas, and a host of other celebrities via video to launch the 21st FIRST®Robotics Competition (FRC®) season and to announce new robotics game called “Rebound Rumble SM.”  The Boys's Latin team and an estimated 60,000 people around the world watched the kickoff via live NASA-TV broadcast and webcast.

Then, in the first week of the FRC build season, several recent BL Robotics Team alumni joined the current team to brainstorm and begin prototype work on the 2012 robot.  Boys' Latin's commitment to RoboticsSince 2007, BL has competed in FIRST Robotics Competitions both regionally and nationally. The six-week building season is preceded by weeks of experimenting with technology such as pneumatics and practicing operator training in the school's spacious on-campus robotics lab. The decision to devote space to the robotics program was an easy one for Headmaster Chris Post who says, "We know that boys learn best when there’s a real world application for the content that they’re mastering in classes.  Robotics is a great example of students applying high-level math and science concepts combined with their own creativity to solve complex problems.""The boys at all levels -- lower, middle and upper school -- are excited about their involvement in this program.  In this experience, they’re preparing for 21st century careers in technology, engineering and science that we can't even conceptualize today," says Post.

Click here to go to the full article and related articles in the Examiner.

Enjoy this animation of the 2012 game, Robot Rumble. 

December 17, 2011:  Varsity Sports Network reported “Lakers down Coppin Academy, 43-34, in the championship game” --  “The 37th Laker Invitational basketball tournament went to the host school, as Boys' Latin swept a pair of games, including a 43-34 victory over Copping Academy in Saturday's championship game, to claim the title.

BL knocked off Friends in Friday's opening round, in a contest which also counted in the MIAA B Conference standings.  Coppin reached the final with a win over Avalon School.

In Saturday's third place contest, Avalon outlasted Friends in overtime, 84-80.

Colin Heacock of Boys' Latin was named Tournament MVP after scoring 18 points in both games.  Avalon junior guard Emmett Sloan was recognized as the winner of the Spirit and Sponsorship Award.

Her are the members of the All-Tournament Team:
Brandon James, Jr., G, Friends School
Tracey Johnson, Sr., G, Avalon School
Casey Rees, Jr., G, Boys' Latin
Damonte Fallins, Sr., G, Coppin Academy
Will Robinson, Fr., F, Coppin Academy”

For the full article, go to:  http://www.varsitysportsnetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5195:bl-wins-the-laker-invitational&catid=31:feature&Itemid=1

For reporting on the Friday preliminary round of the tournament on December 16, 2011, The Baltimore Sun reported “Boys basketball: Boys' Latin defeats Friends in Laker Invitational.”  The article began “A three-minute span against Friends was near perfection for Boys' Latin in the semifinal of the Laker Invitational Basketball Tournament.  Boys' Latin went on a 12-1 run early Friday night in the first quarter to build a nine-point lead.  The Lakers never looked back en route to a 62-46 victory.”  For the full article, go to:  http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/baltimorecounty/sports/ph-ms-tt-boyslatin-friends-hoops-1221-20111216,0,3599119.story

Boys' Latin is pleased to announce the creation of a new scholarship program, and an article appearing in the December 14, 2011 edition of The Examiner summed it up well:  "Otis B. Read, III is not only a graduate of The Boys' Latin School (Class of 1955) he also served more than 50 years as a teacher, coach, advisor and administrator.  His dedication is now being recognized through a new scholarship program in his name at the school.

Otis Read Scholarships recognize outstanding middle school students


It's fitting that the new Otis Read Scholarship Program, introduced yesterday, and made possible through the generosity of a Boys' Latin benefactor, is available to middle school students. It was in this division of the boys' school that Mr. Read spent most of his career.  The middle school flourished under Mr. Read's 33 years as its head.

The Read Scholarship will be awarded to new middle school students (grades 6-8) who reflect Mr. Read's commitment to boys of great promise, character and contribution.  Winners will be selected on the basis of high academic achievement, strong personal integrity and outstanding involvement in the life of the community."

For a copy of the full article, click here .

Over this holiday season, student musicians from all three divisions treated us to a several wonderful performances in the All School Holiday Concert featuring choral and instrumental arrangements and in three outstanding divisional concerts.  In addition, the boys have performed throughout the community:

• 
  - Our eighth grade boys recently played handchimes for seniors at Roland Park Pla.
  - Last weekend, our lower school chorus performed with the Handel Children’s Choir.
  - Last Friday, our middle and upper school choruses sang at Greenspring Station for passers-by.
  - On Monday, our lower school chorus sang at Springwell Senior Living Community, and with several members of the lower school student council they enjoyed handing out gifts to the residents.  Thanks to the many families who donated gifts so that the boys could enjoy being “Santa” to a senior.
  - In the middle school, caroling trumpets strolled the halls.

What a wonderful way for our boys to enjoy performing while also spreading good cheer!

On Saturday, December 3^rd, Ms. Alderman and Mrs. Maisel chaperoned thirteen boys on a community service trip to St. Vincent's Villa. The group helped many other volunteers to assemble and decorate ninety-six Christmas trees!  Thanks to the following students for particpating in this effort: Avery, Jerel, Philip, Torin, Dimitri, Symeon, Michael, Max, Conner, Matt, Robert, George, and Charles. 

St. Vincent’s Villa is located in Timonium on Pot Spring Road just across from Stella Maris.  Formerly known as Villa Maria—St. Vincent’s Villa is a residential treatment center that provides therapeutic services for children whose behavioral and emotional needs have not been met at home or in their communities.  St. Vincent’s Villa diagnostic, evaluation and treatment programs help the organization to thoroughly assess each child and address their needs.

Boys’ Latin’s freshman class has adopted many of the middle school age boys for the holiday season.  Each advisory will donate the entire wish list for a boy who has items on his list such as CD players, footballs, football jerseys, scooters and gift cards for recreational activities are also very popular. 

We intend to continue this wonderful partnership with St. Vincent’s Villa in the near future including another community service trip planned for January 7^th, 2012 from 9AM – 12 Noon!  Please see Ms. Alderman if you are interested in helping to take all the Christmas trees and their decorations down on this date.  All students and parents are welcome (and may meet our group at the Timonium site if that is more convenient), but must sign up with Ms. Alderman. An email is sufficient if you do not intend to ride in the BL bus.  (calderman@boyslatinmd.com)

Join the Boys' Latin Fine Arts Department for an Art Exhibition Opening on Friday, December 2nd from 5pm - 6:30pm in the Smith Hall galleries.

The Examiner, November 17, 2011 -- click here for the full article and slide show.

The competition between rival schools Boys' Latin (BL) and St. Paul's School for Boys went beyond the playing fields when at the end of the football season the two schools held a friendly competition to see which school could donate the most canned goods to benefit hunger relief in Maryland. 

Boys' Latin earned bragging rights in both football and the canned food drive, with 10,245 cans collected as compared to 3,134 from St. Paul's.  Any way you look at it, this is a victory in the fight against hunger with both schools making a significant contribution.  The food items will be distributed this fall through the St. Vincent DePaul Society’s St. Ambrose Family Center. 

BL Director of Service Learning Susan Brown said “Thanks to all of you for your support of the food drive.  There will be many fewer Maryland families going hungry over the next couple of months thanks to the generosity of our community!"

Continue reading on Examiner.com Boys' Latin, Bryn Mawr and St. Paul's School for Girls share good news - Baltimore Private Schools | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/private-schools-in-baltimore/boys-latin-bryn-mawr-and-st-paul-s-school-for-girls-share-good-news#ixzz1e4hvG4Zz

Congratulations to middle school members of our new FIRST FLL robotics team for a successful showing at the St. Stephens Bradshaw scrimmage held on Saturday, November 12.  Team members participated in both practice and competitive tournament rounds and were able to gain valuable information and experience to improve and prepare for their official FLL Qualifier Match scheduled for January 21, 2012.  Enjoy this video showing Laker robots succesfully completing various Food Factor Challenge missions.  Go Laker Robotics!

Last Saturday, our fourth-seeded BL football team upset first-seeded Archbishop Curley in the MIAA "B" Conference semi-final game. The Lakers came from behind in the first quarter 7-0 to tie by half time and dominate in the second half. The final score 21-14 BL. Our senior running back had a spectacular game running the ball for 286 yards.

Join us on Friday to see the championship game at 5:30pm against Annapolis Area Christian School at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University. The BL School Store will sell advance tickets for $10 beginning Wednesday after 2pm.  Tickets are also available at the game, but Anne Whitman notes "We are selling advance tickets as a convenience to the BL community because on game day the ticket booth is a bit of a walk from the game location".

Congratulations and GO LAKERS!!!

There is a nice article in The Examiner today that highlights events this year and last.  Click here for the article.
At Boys’ Latin, we commemorate Veterans Day with activities tailored for boys of all ages.  Today, our middle and upper schools gathered for an assembly with touching personal stories from English Teacher Marsha Flaherty and History Teacher Lee Kennedy ’73.  The assembly was followed by our traditional wreath laying on our monument to fallen Lakers with student representatives participating from each division.  Students and faculty were able to visit the Alumni House to see displays of World War I artifacts and equipment.
Earlier in the week, our lower school assembly centered on letters and photos from three BL alumni, class of 2004, who are currently serving in the military: Chris Maisel, Alex Becker, and David Savanuck.  Click here to read David’s letter and see photos from Afghanistan.  David was recently awarded the Bronze Star for Heroism.  The Jewish Times featured David and his familiy in this article: http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/article/exemplary_military_service_of_the_savanucks/ .

Another day this week, lower school boys enjoyed a visit from Patrick Young, author of Old Abe, Eagle Hero.  He talked to the boys about Old Abe, an eagle that was a mascot of the Civil War Company of which his great grandfather was the commander.  His also read his book to the students.  After the reading and his presentation he personalized and signed copies for boys who had purchased his book.  This was a part of the library's celebration of "Animals in the Military" during the week of Veterans Day.

On the morning of November 10th, over 70 dads joined their lower school sons in the cafeteria to pack over 30 boxes of candy and write more than 50 cards and letters for Operation Gratitude. Everything will be shipped overseas.

Today while the upper and middle schools were in assembly, the entire lower school went to the Alumni House to see the exhibit of military artifacts from World War I from the extensive collection of upper school history teacher (and father of Chris) Butch Maisel. One of our seniors, costumed in a World War I uniform, read Fly, Cher Ami, Fly. 

Baltimore Sun, November 10, 2011 -- The Baltimore Sun included an article about Dennis Mahoney, BL class of 2008.  The article not only highlights Dennis' accomplishments as an athlete and student, but it also captures his exemplary character.  As a BL senior, Dennis was recognized among Baltimore area schools as the 2008 Scholar Athlete Award winner. 

"It was a simple block, really.  Late in the fourth quarter of a soon-to-be blowout victory, Notre Dame senior offensive tackle Dennis Mahoney flew off the line of scrimmage to a nearby Air Force linebacker and drove him to the ground. The block opened a hole for quarterback Andrew Hendrix to scamper 78 yards on a designed draw play, the longest run of the season for the Irish.

Standing in the bleachers, Mary Angela Mahoney felt several tears stream down her face as she watched her son get up from the ground and run after Hendrix down the field. Mahoney isn't an All-American, or even a starter. He's a four-year walk-on who followed his childhood dream to play in South Bend, Ind., after a high school career at Boys' Latin. ...."
Click here for the full article.  We are proud of Laker Dennis Mahoney!

Mrs. Rodriguez’s physics classes designed, built and tested catapults as part of their mechanics curriculum.  The project concluded with a launching competition on the football field. More than one group was able to achieve a launch of over 100 yards! The students did an excellent job designing, fabricating and operating the catapults which made for an exciting competition.

The Lakers defeated rival Saint Paul's with a final score of 6-0 in the annual gridiron contest to secure possession of the cherished Alumni Cup.  Additionally, The Lakers defeated The Crusaders in what has become an annual all-school canned food drive.  The Crusaders collected over 3000 cans while The Lakers collected over 10,000 cans.  Many thanks to students, parents, faculty and alumni for their enthusiastic support to collect these canned goods and to cheer the varsity football team on to victory.  Congratulations to Coach Ritchie Schell and his varsity coaches and players for a thrilling victory and special thanks to Student Body President Tyler and Service Learning Director Susan Brown for their leadership efforts to make the canned food drive a success. Watch for additional photos and details!

Enjoy this video created by Mrs. Krulak and the 3rd grade to promote the canned food drive.

Boys' Latin students enrolled in Mrs. Mullally's AP Calculus BC class participated in the AP Calculus Competition Online 2012, a competition designed for high school students that seeks to serve the needs of AP Calculus students worldwide.  Currently, more than 6,500 students from 140 schools in 44 states and 10 countries have registered to compete in this year’s competition.

Teachers monitor the test at their convenience during a two-week testing window.  The top 100 individual scores will be posted, as will the top 10 team scores. Each match consists of 28 multiple-choice questions. Students have 55 minutes to complete the exam.

Match I of the competition, which takes place from October 31 to November 11, focuses on the topics of limits, derivatives, and graph analysis.  Match II will take place March, 2012.

Boys’ Latin is proud to produce Sidney Kingsley’s The Patriots, winner of New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play in 1943. Kingsley, noted as “the Statesman for the American Theatre,” was elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1983. He devoted many of his plays to social themes and issues of his day.  The Patriots, directed by Shepard Traube, opened at the National Theatre in 1943, and ran 173 performances.

The Patriots is a historical drama, which begins after Jefferson returns home from France. He plans to return to Monticello with his daughter, Patsy. However, President Washington requests for Jefferson to stay in New York to become his Secretary of State and to assist him with the political upheaval and opposition of the day, mainly rising monarch strength. Reluctantly, Jefferson accepts this position only to begin verbal debates and political conflict with his archrival, Alexander Hamilton, a Federalist, prior to his election of 1800.

Boys’ Latin’s The Patriots opens on Oct. 19th and runs nightly through the 22nd in the Sheridan Studio, 7Pm curtain. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 12^th in the upper school lobby before school and during lunch times. Ticket prices are $5.00 for students and $7.00 for adults. No on line reservations will be taken. Learn more...

The cast and crew of the upcoming theater production of The Patriots traveled to Washington, DC where they had a fabulous day. They took a backstage tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for  the Performing Arts where they had an opportunity to watch the National Symphony rehearse. They also visited the Jefferson Memorial, and ended the day by going to watch a 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables.

We held our annual “One Book, One BL” book discussion this past Tuesday. This program provides an opportunity for various members of our community to get together and have a conversation about a common book. This year’s selection was The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore. More than 100 middle and upper school students, parents, teachers, and administrators were in attendance.

In a related event the next day, author Wes Moore was the featured speaker at the Advocates for Children and Youth Distinguished Speaker a guest of Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust, and senior Brink V. was the event’s photographer.

On October 1st, a unique community service trip was arranged for the freshman class. Twenty-nine freshman and four faculty and staff members traveled to First Fruits Farm to help with the potato harvest. First Fruits Farm is a non-profit organization located in Freeland, Maryland that grows and donates food to several Baltimore area food kitchens and shelters. Rick Bernstein, the founder and manager of First Fruits Farm, estimated that our Lakers’ contribution in the short four hour work period on Saturday helped to feed over 250 people in Baltimore area shelters and food kitchens such as the Baltimore Rescue Mission, Beans and Bread, Capitol Area Food Bank, Catonsville Emergency Shelter, Project Place, York Food Bank and many more.

In an interview last year, Rick Bernstein talked about Fresh Fruit Farm and how it works with Cindy Alderman, Upper School Community Service Liaison. Mr. Bernstein laughs about how fast the organization has grown over the last five years. It first began on the day that he decided to help out a local food kitchen’s daily shortage of food with some of his own backyard grown vegetables. From there, Rick reminisced about how the first plot of land next to his house came up for sale and how he was overcome by the feeling that he was meant to buy this land to grow more food for the homeless of Baltimore. After he purchased the property, machinery was donated and volunteers who had heard of his valiant efforts poured in to help. The most remarkable thing about the organization, is that it is completely run by volunteers… not one of the workers is paid a salary or wage; including Mr. Bernstein, who continues to report to his full time job with Alex Brown as an investment analyst. Think of it! Rick works full time, has a family of his own to care for, and takes on other church responsibilities, yet he still has time to oversee the harvest.

The October issue of Baltimore Magazine included a special section on Baltimore independent schools entitled “It’s Open Season for Schools”.   Shown at left is a call-out box that highlights several famous BL graduates.  In a section called “Claims to Fame,” BL’s history of championship sports teams and our outstanding math program were highlighted along with profiles for eight other schools.  The BL profile read:

Over the years, Boys’ Latin has had conference championship level teams in nine different sports, including lacrosse, football basketball baseball soccer, volleyball, ice hockey, golf, and cross country.   The lacrosse teams have wone the national championship twice.

You’re into math?  The upper-school math department offers two post-AP (college-level) math classes:  linear algebra and multivariate calculus.  This year, six boys from those classes achieved perfect scores on AP math exams.”

To see the full article, click here.

Some of you may already know that Pulitzer-Prize winning author Stephen Hunter dedicated his recent book, Dead Zero, to Nick Ziolkowski ’01.  Nick was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004.  This week, Stephen Hunter was on campus to present a signed copy of the book to our library.

Stephen Hunter's latest book, Dead Zero, was published in 2010.  The book cover, dedication page and signed title page are shown in these photos.  The author inscribed the book “for Boys’ Latin with all the best – Stephen Hunter.”

At age 22, Nick or Corporal Nicholas L. Ziolkowski, was a Marine fighting in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. The following website describes Nick well:  http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/nlziolkowski.htm .  After his death, a Boys’ Latin scholarship was endowed in Nick’s name.

Boys’ Latin School announced today that Zach Bradley is the new Head Varsity Squash Coach and Jon Minkowski is the new Varsity Assistant Coach, Head JV and Head MS Coach.

Coach Bradley graduated from Tufts University in 2010 and has been coaching both youth and adult squash at Meadow Mill Athletic Club.  He has previously coached at Bryn Mawr School and within our middle school program.  Coach Bradley also has been a volunteer for Squashwise in Baltimore and Squashbusters in Boston.  In high school, he was a three time varsity award winner.  He clearly has a passion for the game.  Coach Bradley is excited about the challenges of serving as our Head Varsity Squash coach.

Coach Minkowski joins us from the Maryland Athletic Club where he was a squash instructor.  He has also assisted with clinics/camps at Meadow Mill Athletic Club.  In high school, Jon was a four year letterman and won the 2002Boys U19 MD State High School Squash Championship.

Boys’ Latin’s squash community is fortunate to have Coach Bradley and Coach Minkowski lead our squash program.

For more information please contact:
Michael Thomas
Athletic Director
The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland
822 West Lake Avenue
Baltimore, MD  21210
410-377-5192 x1132

Need Community Service Hours?  Please consider dedicating some time on the following upcoming Saturday's at these worthy causes:
Saturday, October 1st
8:30 - 12:30 First Fruits Farm (Freshman Trip)
Saturday, October 8th
9:00-12:30, Hampden Family Center
Saturday, October 29th
7:30-12:30, Family Tree Walk & Fair
Saturday, November 12th
8:30-12:30, Civic Works

The middle school is in its second year of the Live Like a Laker Speaker Series. Initiated by Mr. Baine in coordination with Mr. Freihofer, this series encourages faculty members from all divisions to address middle school students on topics which reflect our core values as individuals and as an institution. We also hope to model thoughtful composition and execution for our students, particularly the 8^th graders as they prepare to deliver their own speeches. We have started to publish those speeches on the School’s web site in case you would like to review their content and have further discussion with your son. Click here to visit the page:  http://www .boyslatinmd .com/lll

On Tuesday September 20, the BL Cross Country Team had victories over Friends School, Pallotti High School, Baltimore Lutheran, and Beth T'Filoh at a meet at North Western State Park featuring 66 runners. Robert W. '12 led the race in the early stage, but an injury forced him to drop back to 13th overall, still scoring for the team. The lead was then taken over by Sean M. '12, closely followed by Frankie J. '13, Travis W. '14 and a runner from Baltimore Lutheran.
However, at around the one mile mark, Sean' s left shoe got stuck in some marshy ground, and he was forced to run on without it. He held the lead for the majority of the final two miles, before getting piped to the post by Jimmy H. of Lutheran. Sean's time of 17:58 is a personal best for the 3. 1 mile distance. Sean was followed by Frankie J. in 3rd (18:10), Travis W. in 4th (18:24), Brett R. '14 in 8th (19:20), Dylan H. '14 in 10th (19:28), and Carson G. '12 inn 14th (20:03 ). Congratulation to all of our runners!

On Sunday September 21, BL junior Spencer S. swam in the second annual Baltimore Open Water Swim as part of the Swim Across America Program.  Swim Across America is “making waves across America to fight cancer.”  Spencer swam 1 mile in memory of BL classmate Zak DeGross and to raise money for the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, where Zak was treated.   BL’s upper school held a dress down day and raised $1,200 for Spencer's efforts.  If you would also like to support Spencer and Swim Across America, click: http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/TR/PoolSwim/Baltimore?px=1090353&pg=personal&fr_id=1200    

Please join us
October 12th at 7pm

Click register for details and your free ticket. It only takes a minute to register, and we need a headcount for the evening. All are welcome, so feel free to bring your family and friends.

Click on the photo to see movie trailers.

With the first day of classes rapidly approaching on September 1st, this week we are busy with many preparations including welcoming our new faculty members:

Cathy Badmington -- College Counselor
The BL College Counseling office welcomes Cathy Badmington for the fall of ‘11.  Cathy joins the team with experience on ‘both sides of the desk.’  Prior to her nine years as college counselor at Mount De Sales High School, Cathy spent five years as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Loyola University (MD).  Previously, Cathy taught history at the Derryfield School in New Hampshire, where she was Assistant Director of Admissions, a class advisor, and coached lacrosse and field hockey.  Cathy holds a B.A. in History and French from Colby College and also studied at the Institute of American Universities, in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Jim Barton -- Upper School Science
Jim Barton will join the upper school science department in the fall to teach physics and chemistry.  Jim has a B.S. in Earth and Space Science from Mansfield State University, a masters’ degree from Johns Hopkins University, as well as graduate credits from Temple University, the University of Maryland, and Garrett College.  In addition to teaching at Bel Air High School for over thirty years, Jim has recently taught in the Engineering Innovation Program at Hopkins and in the GEMS program at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds where he also conducts scientific research.  Jim is an active member of MENSA and raises Swiss Mountain dogs.

Shara Hine -- Grade 2
Long-term substitute teacher Shara Hine will return to BL as a full-time faculty member in the fall to continue her work with the second grade.  Shara has seven years of elementary school teaching experience in addition to a B.A. in psychology from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in elementary education from Loyola College of Maryland.  Boys’ Latin is very glad to welcome Shara back!

Christopher Jenkins -- Upper and Middle School Latin
Latin teacher Christopher Jenkins has taught for twelve years, most recently at the Cardigan Mountain School in New Hampshire.  Chris will teach upper school and eighth grade Latin at BL, and he also has coaching experience in football, basketball, soccer, and baseball.  A graduate of the University of Richmond, Chris also has a master’s degree in Latin from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Chris also has experience of working with student government as well as teaching Spanish and ESL.

Ann Jung -- Grades 4 & 5
With over ten years of teaching experience in independent and public schools, Ann Jung will be joining the lower school faculty to teach fourth and fifth grade.  Ann has a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Delaware where she won the Student Teacher of the Year award.  Ann has been nominated a further two times for Teacher of the Year awards, and brings to BL expertise in writing, cross-curricular studies, and cooperative learning techniques.

Sean Kriebel -- Assistant Headmaster
Sean joins Boys’ Latin in the newly-created position of Assistant Headmaster after fifteen years at McDonogh School.   At McDonogh, Sean served as the Director of Financial Aid, taught upper school math, and coached varsity basketball and JV football.  Prior to his career in education, Sean worked as an attorney in his native Ohio.  Sean is a certified public accountant and holds a JD with honors from Ohio State University College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

Trevor Twist -- Part-Time Art Teacher
Boys’ Latin alum Trevor Twist will join the art department as a part-time instructor this fall; he will teach sixth grade art and an upper school art elective. During his time as a BL student, Trevor played three varsity sports, was the Student Body President, and discovered his love for art in Mrs. Petrush’s sixth grade class.  After graduating in 1998, Trevor earned a B.A. in Architecture at Lehigh University, and he also completed a four-year Certificate program at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.  Trevor is the owner of the Mitchell School of Fine Arts on Falls Road where he teaches painting, drawing, and art history to both children and adults.

Gillian Vernon -- Middle School English & Language Arts
After teaching with the AmeriCorps Teacher Program at Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington, Gillian Vernon will join the middle school to teach seventh grade English and sixth grade reading.  Gillian holds a B.A. in English from the University of Delaware where she worked as a writing tutor.  Gillian received a Global Scholarship to study at the University of London in 2007 and also has extensive expertise in mock trial, theater, chorus, and technology.

Click here to see a recent article in the Lake George Mirror that highlights eighth grade English teacher and grade dean Al Freihofer.  Over 18 days this summer, Mr. Frei rowed more than 500 miles from Kingston, Ontario, Canada to Lake George, New York. In the process, he raised approximately $7000 for financial aid scholarships at Boys’ Latin.  Mr. Frei invites all of us to read or participate in his blog that journals his progress along the journey (www.mrfreicanadianrow11.blogspot.com ).

Head Coach Jim Magee ’74 reports that in the recent 13 and Under Maryland State Interclub Championships all four finalists in the tournament attend Boys’ Latin. In the Open Draw Jimmy M. ’17 won, beating Pearce O. ’18. In the consolations (a full back draw) Ryan S.’17 beat Griffin M.‘17.

The future looks bright for the BL tennis program. The tennis Lakers compete in the MIAA “A” Conference.

“There were Lakers everywhere at the Junior Tour of Maryland Championship at The Woodlands on June 28^th.  Rising Junior Danny Murphy ’13 shot 79 and won the event - finishing atop the 28 person field.  Rising Sophomore Dylan Watts ’14 finished tied for 6th in the same event after firing an 85.  Shadow Program member Drew Nicholas shot 39 to finish 2nd in the 12-13 year old division; and Justin Donawa notched a 4th place finish in the same division after shooting 41.

“Rising-Sophomore Bennett Wisner ’14 shot 63 on Father's Day, breaking a 20 year old course record at Piney Branch!  His amazing accomplishment was recently highlighted in an article in the Carroll County Times.  Click here to check it out: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/sports/local/prodigy-at-piney-branch-breaks-course-record/article_9a8710d8-b021-11e0-84f7-001cc4c03286.html

“We're working diligently on details of upcoming BL Golf Team Events.  Stay tuned to www.boyslatingolf.com for ongoing updates and announcements.”

Michael Floccare, Mitch Horning and Elliott Trostell, recent graduates from the Class of 2011, competed in the Pokemon Video Game National Championships in Indianapolis over the weekend of July 8-10. Mitch entered the competition as the reigning Northeast Regional Champion. Michael, Mitch and Elliott competed against over 100 competitors from across the country. Michael went on to place 4^th, winning an invitation, lodging and air fare to compete in the World Championships in San Diego August 12-14. He'll face competitors from Italy UK, Germany, France, Spain and South Korea. Learn more at http://www.pokemonvgc.com/en and http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/07/12/2011-pokemon-video-game-us-national-championship-winners-announced.aspx.
Picutred from left to right above are Elliott, Michael and Mitch on graduation day.

Michael, Mitch and Elliott are headed to UM College Park, Harvey Mudd College and University of Notre Dame, respectively in the fall to begin their college careers.

Recent BL graduate and lacrosse standout Jeff Chase was featured in a Baltimore Sun "Varisty Q&A" article.  Chase reflected on his time at Boys' Latin and his comeback from a serious knee injury with great pride and emotion.  Excerpts follow:

Q: What's it feel like to be a high school graduate?
A: It's a special time. I'm extremely excited to be a graduate of Boys' Latin, and to call myself an alum is a little weird, but it feels really good.
Q: What will you remember most about Boys' Latin?
A: I'd say just the warm atmosphere here. Walking into the school every day, it was always a warm place, and I cherish so many moments here, and I think a lot of kids can say the same. It's just a special place. There's a lot of pride and tradition that goes through this place, and I was very fortunate to have gone here.

Read full story and view video interview with Chase...

Page Edmunds II ’34 (second from left) was recently in Pearl Harbor outside of Honolulu to donate the battle flag of the World War II submarine USS Aspro to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. Battle flags were flown by the US submarines after patrols and touted a sub’s ship-sinking record. The embroidered felt flag denotes 22 merchant vessels and four military ship sinkings by the Aspro.  Page was a communications officer aboard the USS Aspro, a 311-foot diesel electric sub during World War II. 

Boys' Latin parent and past president of the BL Parents' Association, Lara McLaughlin, has just published her first novel, Alabaster Houses, which tells the story of Jane Pepper, a thirty six year old editor in a small Baltimore press. Until the past year her life has been comfortable and enviable, but when her daughter develops leukemia, then accidentally dies, only Jane knows the reason for the accident. Keeping the secret may cost her her family, her career, and her sanity.

Mrs. McLaughlin holds a B.A. in English from Denison University, and an M.A. in writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her sons Chris, Ian and Patch are BL alumni from the Classes of 2011, 2006 and 2003 respectively.  For more information about Mrs. McLaughlin and about Alabaster Houses, please visit http://www.laramclaughlin.org and http://www.alabasterhouses.com.  Congratulations, Lara.

Again this summer, many members of the Boys’ Latin faculty will travel the globe to pursue exciting, educational and enriching experiences, thanks in large part to the school’s generous commitment to supporting a variety of faculty summer and travel grants.

Beau Dagenais received the Ford Foundation Faculty Grant and will attend productions of the Royal Shakespeare Company at Lincoln Center in NYC and the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia.

Stephanie McKew received a Colbert Award and will join Donna Avila, Greg Schnitzlein, and Julia Williams on the educational mission to Sierra Leone.

Brandon Mollett received a Colbert Award and will attend the summer session of the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College in Vermont.  

Rich Zielaskiewicz received a Colbert Award and will travel to Nepal to volunteer, teach, and travel.

Brian Mitchell received a Summer Grant and will attend the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute in Colorado Springs to improve the curriculum and daily interaction with ninth grade age boys and enhance his work as ninth grade dean.

Jean Campbell received support from the Brooks Fund and will visit portions of the Oregon Trail and travel to sites described by Lewis and Clark on their journey west.

Also of note, Al Freihofer has been named the Dyson P. Ehrhardt Faculty Chair and Madame Terry Howell has been named the J. Duncan Smith Faculty Chair for 2011-12.

Congratulations to these members of the faculty who help us all aspire to their high standards of excellence in the classroom and their tireless dedication to the lives and learning of the BL boys.

Again this year, faculty members Donna Avila, Greg Schnitzlein, and Julia Williams will be traveling to Sierra Leone on an Educational Mission in coordination with the The Healing Hands Foundation and the Madieu Williams Foundation. Lower School Learning Specialist Stephanie McKew and Mary King, the IEP chair and a Special Educator at Hereford Middle School,  will join the group as well.  They will be working at the Abigail Butscher Primary School in Calabatown to help this underfunded school develop curriculum and improve their educational resources. The group will also deliver and utilize the learning materials and supplies collected by Boys' Latin students during our recent Service Learning Day. The group plans to build bookshelves, share interactive teaching methods with the faculty, paint the school, and generally immerse themselves in the life of the school. From this experience, Donna, Greg, Stephanie, and Julia will bring back and share their global perspective of education with their Boys' Latin students and the BL community at large.

Eighth grade English teacher and grade dean Al Freihofer has announced plans to undertake his fourth and longest summer row to raise scholarship funds for Boys’ Latin. Mr. Frei will begin his 502-mile row in Kingston, Ontario on June 21^st.  and end his row when he arrives at his mom’s house on Lake George, NY.

Mr. Frei expects this journey will call for two to three weeks of effort, and  hopes that you will follow his progress (or pitfalls!) on his blog at www.mrfreicanadianrow11.blogspot.com as he posts reports along the way. In the meantime, please consider making a generous gift to Boys’ Latin as a means of helping our boys to continue their own adventure on Lake Avenue.

Thank you for your consideration of others….and for your wonderful support of our school!

Learn more…

Proceed to Online Donation Form 

Each member of the Class of 2011 is currently engaged in a Senior Intership project (May 17 - 27).   Students are working in a wide variety of professional and entertainment venues, including The Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore City Homicide Unit, O'Conor and Mooney Realtors, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, the Wetlands Institute, MASN, the Baltimore County SWAT team, Paragon Bioservices, Towson University, the Baltimore Ravens, Kennedy Krieger Institute, the Baltimore Humane Society, Amtrak, the Mayor's office, and numerous law firms and city elementary schools. 

Through the application process, students provided the following insight into their interests and expectations for their senior internship experience:

"I expect that I will have a better understanding of not only the wetlands, but also how to research a marine environment. The past two years I have taken AP Biology and Environmental Science, and I want to put this knowledge into practice. This internship will give me my first experience in a research setting, and hopefully I will be able to build off of this internship in the years to come" - Charles R.

"One of the few career possibilities that I have considered is an occupation that deals with writing or pop culture or sports journalism. MASN is a perfect opportunity for me to further explore what goes on in such an environment. I hope to learn the technological advances sports journalism has made, as well as the type of people I can expect to work with in a writing career choice. I also aim to impress the organization so that I will be offered a summer job assisting those who work at MASN."  - Chris A.

"My personal goal is to learn more about developmental disorders and be able to help make a difference in someone’s life. It doesn’t have to be a big difference but the experience of being part of something bigger than myself is the most attractive part to the internship. Another goal is to learn about helping care for people who need people to help them. What I hope to get out of this experience is experience in researching and treating inherited developmental disorders. At a more personal level, the experience of being part of something so great and large is why I chose this internship. Kennedy Krieger helps thousands of families, and has made leaps and bounds in the treatment of patients. The chance to improve the quality of life for others is a chance that I want to take advantage of." - Sam S.

Saturday, May 7^th marked the last upper school community service trip for this school year. The group of twelve students joined Ms. Alderman and Dr. Blair to help Our Daily Bread (a division of Catholic Charities), serve lunch to over 500 guests.

Students performed jobs such as server of breads, meals, tea, and water as well as dish washer, cleaner, and setup crew. The time flew by for all participants as the guests continued to rotate through the dining hall.  

In preparation for the trip the Community Service Club stayed after school on Wednesday and baked 500 cookies and donated them for the day’s dessert. A special thanks goes to Christi Barry of the Laker Café for her donation of the cookie dough as well as her time working with the club to bake the cookies! The guests of Our Daily Bread raved about the cookies and were most appreciative of this freshly made dessert!

For information about community service opportunities this summer contact Mr. Franklin at cfranklin@boyslatinmd.com

Renovations + Reopening Event = Success!
On a sunny afternoon of April 28th, Boys’ Latin officially reopened Smith Hall as the School’s Center for Arts and Technology.  Boys were overheard saying “Wow, I did not expect this.  It’s all for art!” and “I wish this was here before my senior year.”  The renovated space overflowed as the crowd enjoyed art, music, robotics demonstrations and friendly conversation.  Student artists presented their work to proud parents and friends.  Live music from our jazz ensemble filled the upstairs art studios and added a festive feel to the event.  Families were interested to see robotics demonstrations, and many boys were excited to have a turn at the robot controls.  Faculty and staff enthusiastically shared plans for new programmatic capabilities in forensic and environmental sciences, robotics, painting, ceramics, other visual arts and digital design.
 
The new Smith Hall Center provides a focal point for arts on campus with two additional art studios, dedicated gallery space to feature a variety of visiting professional art and the ability to further integrate middle and upper school arts programs.  In addition, the facility is equipped with state of the art technology for applied sciences and digital design including studio capability to support engineering modeling, digital imaging, animation and videography.  This gives student publications and productions the updated technology and instruction needed to put their best ideas forward and to be well prepared for college.
 
The renovations and reopening event were viewed as a success by all in attendance.  Thanks to the many people in the BL community who contributed to this success!

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland announced today that Cliff Rees is the new Head Varsity Basketball Coach. Boys’ Latin School is very excited to have Coach Rees lead our basketball program. He has demonstrated great leadership and character.

Coach Rees was a member of the United States Naval Academy basketball program from ’84-’88. He participated in three NCAA tournaments while playing beside Doug Wojcik, current Head Basketball Coach at the University of Tulsa, and NBA great David Robinson.   Coach Rees earned four varsity letters, was captain of the team his senior season, and ranks in the top ten in Navy history in games played, games started, career assists, and free throw percentage.

Mr. Rees served as a United States Marine in both Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 and 2. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy/Marine Corp Commendation Medal, two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Combat Ribbon, and the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal.

Since 1999, Coach Rees has coached many levels of basketball to include recreational, travel, and AAU basketball. 

The Boys’ Latin School and our boys will be well served to have such a decorated man of character, confident leader and talented basketball coach work with our boys and lead our basketball program.

After being on the short end of four one-goal losses — two in overtime — this spring, Boys' Latin found out what it feels like to win a nail-biter by stunning  archrival St. Paul's, 10-9, in double-overtime Tuesday afternoon in front of a big crowd in Brooklandville.

Freshman Shack Stanwick did the honors for the Lakers, converting a nifty feed from his senior brother Wells to secure the victory with 40 seconds remaining in the second extra session of a game that had no effect on the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference playoffs that begin Friday.   Learn more...

Varsity Lacrosse plays at McDonogh on Friday, May 13 at 4 PM in the MIAA quater finals.

In 2010-2011, BL's Tennis Team built a strong foundation for years to come. Without a senior on the squad, and with Freshman players at both #1 singles and #1 doubles, the team has a bright future.

Playing in the tough MIAA "A" conference, team spirit and morale was kept at a high level with the leadership of Captain Van Miller, who did an outstanding job.

Though the squad struggled for team victories, improvements in conditioning, technique, and match toughness were impressive as the season progressed.

Just a few individual highlights are the 4 wins of #2 Van Miller, the extraordinary improvement of Sam Boykin and Dylan Hazlett, as well as the athletic shot making of doubles players, Jack Metzger, Travis Stoler, and Josh Hamburger.

Most importantly, this year's team displayed great sportsmanship, enjoyed themselves, and were excellent representatives as Boys' Latin student-athletes.

After more than 3 1/2 hours, 22 runs and 11 innings, Zach Davis thought it might be a good idea to end the standoff between BLs — Boys’ Latin vs. Baltimore Lutheran on Monday afternoon in Roland Park.

The senior designated hitter from Mt. Washington did just with one out in the 11th inning when he deposited an offering from rookie reliever Jon Schildwachter well over the 16-foot high fence in deep left field to give Boys’ Latin a hard-fought 12-11 victory and berth in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference playoffs.  Learn more...

The baseball team plays at Mt. Carmel on Friday, May 13 at 3 PM in the playoffs.

An all-school event to benefit schools in Baltimore City and Sierra Leone
On Friday, April 15, Boys’ Latin students (grades K-12), faculty and staff came together as one school to give back to our larger local and global community in our Annual Service Learning Day.   This year, the theme was “Education – Global and Local,” and our efforts went to aid schools in Baltimore City and Sierra Leone.  Together, we assembled math flash cards, reading tools and classroom supplies. It is a fun day for all, and, more importantly, it ties back to the character values BL holds dear – courage, integrity and compassion. Boys gain a first-hand sense that service to others enriches the self.
To kick off the day, Minnesota Vikings’ Madieu Williams spoke to whole school about his experiences in Sierra Leone and the work that he is doing with his foundation to improve medical, dental and educational conditions there. This summer, four BL teachers (Donna Avila, Stephanie McKew, Greg Schnitzlein and Julia Williams) will travel with the Healing Hands and Madieu Williams Foundations to Sierra Leone. Our teachers will deliver teaching tools and supplies that were assembled during Service Learning Day to the local school and train local teachers.
During Service Learning Day, there were also some fun activities, each with a lesson. A relay race to carry water to your “BL Family” gave the boys an opportunity to reflect on the journey Sierra Leone children make every day to carry water to their school or homes. The “BL Families” were groups of students with a mix of all ages. It was also a great way to see big boys helping younger boys and vice versa. Fun was had by all.
With a parent, faculty/staff or alumni login, you can click on Photo Gallery and then Smug Mug for additional photos from the day.  Many thanks to those who made Service Learning Day possible:

Please make note of these upcoming fundraising activities: 
**Cystic Fibrosis Walk: We are gearing up for this year's Great Strides Walk to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research.  This year, we are bringing everyone together as one team for the walk on May 22 at the Hunt Valley Town Center.  Registration will start at 9am, the walk begins at 10am. We need your help. Below is a link to our Team Page:  http://www.cff.org/great_strides/JoshHamburger Registration is simple, just follow the instructions, then you can start fundraising! It's as simple as sending emails to your friends and family, who can donate online. They can also register with our team and fund raise as well. The more the merrier! Fundraising suggestions are available on the site, and will help get you started. Community service hours are available, but you will need to raise funds in addition to participating in the walk to be eligible for the hours.
**Walk for Maryland’s Children: This is a fun family walk and fair. Join The Family Tree on Saturday, May 14 at the 33^rd Street Y at Stadium Place (900 33^rd Street, Baltimore). Registration begins at 8am. The 1 mile kids’ fun walk and the 5K family walk both start at 9am and are immediately followed by a Family Fair with rides, giveaways, food, entertainment, face painting, other activities, football clinics for children by Ravens’ Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta and Raven’s guests, and more. All FREE! For more information or to join others from BL on our team click https://famtree.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/Home/SetTeamPersonalPageFundraising/tabid/278539/Default.aspx?joinme=5801
**Make-A-Wish Kids Triathlon: We encourage you to register your children for this fun fundraiser. Last year’s event sold out, so sign up early at www.makeawishkidstrimd.org or call 410-580-wish (9474). Fun is had by all as children swim, bike and run at Padonia Park Club in Cockeysville on May 22. The proceeds help make local wishes come true.
PLEASE take the time to register and participate in either of these events. It is so important for so many people, and continues to be a great way for us to come together as a community to help others.

On Thursday, April 28th from 5:00-7:00pm, we will hold an All-School Art Show to celebrate the opening of the new art and technology facilities in Smith Hall. Join us to see K-12 art plus professional art from BL alumni, parents and faculty. You will have an opportunity to meet some of the artists, hear live jazz music and enjoy complimentary refreshments. All are welcome.

The upper school robotics team had another solid performance at the FIRST FRC Philadelphia Regional competition April 7-9, finishing 17th out of 56 teams (many of whom were 12-20 year veterans.) The  team finished with 5 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie and a Ranking Score (RS) of 33.33, which represents the average number of points scored per match by the BL robot.  The team hung ubertubes in 7 of 9 matches during the autnomous mode and hung complete logos in most every match as well.  While it was somewhat disappointing not to be chosen for an elimination round alliance, the team celebrates this qualification round standing, as it is the highest in the 4-year team history.

Bravo to our drive team (Job Bedford, Matt Bennett, Elliott Taft, Alex Hughes and Slater Wingate) and Pit Crew (Eric Simmons, Matt Bennett and JB Ring) for their efforts on and off the field.

On Saturday, April 9th, Ms. Alderman (Upper School Math) chaperoned six upper school boys including Chris and Casey Alderman, Sean Horning, Michael Floccare, and Jahsaan Hamilton, on a community service trip to the Gutierrez Studios located in Clipper Mill. While there, the boys unloaded several trucks of party supplies and furniture for the Hats Off to Hampden Family Center Gala. Over three hundred people attended the gala later that evening and it proved a very successful fundraiser for the center. Learn more...

The Upper School robotics team successfully competed in the FIRST FRC Washington, DC Regional Competition March 24-26. The team won 6 of its 10 matches, finishing 26 out of 63 teams. In addition, the team was the number two team selected to participate on an alliance in the elimination round matches. The team successfully competed through the quarter finals. To cap it all off, team co-captain and lead mechanical engineer JB Ring was awarded the prestigious Dean's List Award. This award was established by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway and founder of the FIRST robotics program. This award recognizes leadership and engineering excellence and is presented to only two of the approximately 1200 students participating in the competition. Pictured here are 1) the Drive Team ((l to r) Matt Bennett, Elliott Taft, Slater Wingate, Job Bedford, 1) JB Ring and 3) Robotics Team. 

On a related note, members of the team are featured (briefly) in this newly released FIRST video narrated by actor Morgan Freeman, who calls the upcoming FIRST Championship “The Superbowl of Smarts.” The Lakers compete again next weekend in the FIRST Philadelphia Regional being held April 7-9 at the Liacouras Center at Drexel University.

Middle and Upper School students enjoyed a lecture on March 29 given by Jeff Korman, Manager of the Maryland Department at the Enoch Pratt Library.  Students learned about Wilkes' family farm in Harford County, his ties to the American political party and his strong pro-slavery sentiments which eventually provoked him to assassinate President Lincoln.

In recognition of Boys' Latin's 50th year on Lake Avenue, the Baltimore Messenger published an article on March 17, 2011 that highlights Laker athletic achievements.  Click here for the full article.

The sixth graders rounded out their study of invertebrates with a starfish dissection last Friday. On their lab practical test, the boys identified the parts of the starfish they had found during Friday's dissection and matched the names of structures with their functions. The students are looking forward the upcoming unit which includes a frog dissection! The last phylum they studied was the echinoderms.  Each student created an animated figure “Voki” to teach each other about echinoderms. Click on the links below to enjoy a few of the student’s Voki’s:
http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=3486194&height=267&width=200
http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=3486226&height=267&width=200
 

For immediate release from Johns Hopkins University - Nineteen educators were honored this year, including Kate Halada from BL, as Fellows in the 2010-11 Sarah D. Barder Educator Recognition Program administered by The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). The goal of the Barder program is to honor educators who effectively motivate and inspire children with pronounced academic ability.
Each year, CTY invites students in its summer and on-line programs, residing in California, Nevada and Maryland, to nominate the teacher who has had a positive effect on the student’s education. Nominated teachers are invited to submit an essay describing their teaching philosophy. A panel of Hopkins educators selects a small number each year for recognition as SBD Fellows. New SDB Fellows were inducted at the SDB Annual Conference, held this year from February 25-27 in Palo Alto, California. Nearly 400 educators have been honored as SDB Fellows in the 23 years of the program. Pictured right is Ms. Halada receiving her award.
Ms. Halada is a fourth grade teacher at the BL.  She is a graduate of the Ohio University in Athens, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, with a focus on middle school mathematics and social studies. Kate is also a veteran employee of CTY, having served three of our summer program sites over an eight year period. She taught in the Harford County public schools for three years before her current position at Boys Latin. In her essay, Kate speaks of the personal and professional satisfaction she receives from building relationships. She writes, “I am fortunate to teach – all day, every day. But I am far more fortunate to learn – all day, every day.” The key to her success with students, she believes, is mutual respect and trust. Kate’s nominating student, Trey Burrell, would second this assessment. He describes Kate’s extra effort with him and all of her students. “I always liked math, but because of Ms. Halada, I love math.” Trey concluded his essay with this simple but heartfelt recommendation: “I hope you pick Ms. Halada. She is so cool!”  
Congratulations to Kate Halada from the entire BL community!

On Saturday, February 12th, eleven Boys’ Latin students (Peter Partlow (12), Sam Huber (12), Justin Hill (12), Taylor Stothoff (12), Stephen Luck (12), Ben Kellar (12), Jimmy Peacock (11), Andrew Hairston (9), Brock Turnbaugh (9), Connor Mules (9) and Justin Williams (9)) joined with the Civic Works staff to landscape and clean up wetland area near Clifton Park. Civic Works helps our community by engaging hundreds of volunteers to work on service projects throughout Baltimore. Special thanks go out to Jennifer Streeter from Finance for leading the trip in Ms. Alderman’s absence. The BL group met the Civic Works supervisor at the Clifton Park Mansion and was led to the nearby wetlands. The area was marked off by stakes and the students performed various landscaping tasks. The students finished the planned work ahead of schedule and were transferred to another area to complete additional clean up. The best parts of this trip, according to Justin Hill were the group work and the autonomy afforded them in completing their assigned tasks as well as helping the community and working with his friends. The next Community Service Upper School trip is scheduled for Saturday, April 2 from 8:30 AM – 1PM. Our group will be joining hundreds of other volunteers in the Annual Project Clean Stream.

The Minolta Face-Off Classic at M&T on March 12th will feature a college lacrosse triple header:Syracuse vs. Georgetown, Virginia vs. Cornell, and Johns Hopkins vs. UMBC. BL has been given excellent seats at a reduced cost of $15 per ticket (walk up price will be $22.) Tickets will be available in the BL book store. This is a great opportunity to see some wonderful lacrosse in great seats. Laker alumni will participate in all three games including David Shriver ’06(Georgetown), Brett Weiss ’07 (Georgetown), Jack Dudley ’07 (Cornell), Chris Boland ’06(Johns Hopkins), Aaron Verardi ’09(UMBC), Jake Zimmerman ’09 (UMBC), Conor Finch ’10(UMBC), Marcellus Preston ’10 (UMBC), and Michael Kantz ’10 (UMBC.)

The Boys' Latin IT'S ACADEMIC match will air this Saturday, February 19, at 10:00 am on WJZ (Channel 13 in the Baltimore viewing area.)  To honor the team---and the whole school---our sponsor Giant Food will be featuring special "Boys' Latin School Hoagies" at the Giant Store at 5340 York Road.  The special "Boys' Latin School Hoagies" will be available from Thursday, February 17 through Sunday, February 20.

One School Assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On January 19, 2011, Boys’ Latin students grades K-12 came together as one school to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was a multimedia experience led by senior Jack Durkee as MC and including:

A rockin’ opening performance of “We’re Not Going To Take It Anymore” from the middle school band;
Lower school artwork of hand cut outs shaped to form the word “peace” and “hope”;
A PowerPoint presentation by seniors Adam Engel and Kendall Newman about Dr. King (click to view);
Our all school chorus singing “Let Me Be a Child of Peace,” where deep voices of upper school boys were echoed by high treble voices of the young lower school boys:
A moving, and at times funny, video montage of our boys response to the question “Who Inspires You?” (click to view);
5^th graders Harrison Brent and Hunter Isaac speech on “Heroes”;
An original song by Teddy Roebuck, grade 4, performed by the lower school;
A thoughtful speech by Avery Engle, 8^th grade, on “Equality”;
An original rap song called “He Had a Dream” by Rob White, 11^th grade;
A compelling speech on acceptance/not bullying by senior Tyler Brewer;
An solo performance of John Legends song “If You Are Out There” by talented senior Tyrelle Johnson;
Headmaster Chris Post’s closing reflections including key themes from Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech;
A final performance of “One Day” by the lower school chorus with visuals from Service Learning Day 2010 in the background (click to view).

Today, the Examiner published this article"Trout raising is going swimmingly at Boys' Latin".  Click the highlighted text to see the entire article and a slide show with several photos of our boys.

Lower school students in grades 3-5 recently received a grant of approximately 160 live trout eggs in January from Potomac-Patuxent Chapter of Trout Unlimited (PPCTC), part of a nation-wide initiative of Trout Unlimited, with permits provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.  Under the direction of science teacher Aaron Sloboda, 155 eggs have hatched and the students are having fun learning to monitor the water quality, feed the fish, measure growth rates and understand ecosystems.

A trio of outstanding students from Boys’ Latin School competed with teams from Huntingtown High School of Huntingtown, and Perry Hall High School of Baltimore, on IT'S ACADEMIC, the nation's foremost high school quiz program. The competition was spirited, and the match was won by Huntingtown High School. The program will air Saturday, February 19, at 10:00 am on WJZ, Channel 13.

Boys’ Latin’s team consists of Mitchell Horning ’11, Brendan Owens ’12, Will Fedder ’12 and Carson Gaines '12.  The faculty coaches are Adam Osborn and David Weiner.

On Saturday, January 8^th, The Upper School Robotics Team participated (via NASA TV webcast) in FIRST Robotics’ 20^th season kickoff event. 

“It’s not just about robots,” said FIRST founder Dean Kamen. “It’s about building self-confidence, respect and important relationships with people who invent new technologies to make a better future.” 

“I’m inspired by FIRST,” said will.i.am. “I’ve traveled all over the world, and this is the most exciting thing. You are cool, and I’m going to turn it up so everyone knows it.” 

Through collaboration with LEGO^® Education, a new opportunity to earn extra points is available to teams if they design, build and deploy a FIRST^® Tech Challenge Mini-Bot from their primary robot. For the first time in the history of the program, FRC will allow the use of the two robotic building systems from the FIRST^® LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge programs: LEGO MINDSTORMS^® and TETRIX^®. 

Guest speaker Neal Bascomb, author of THE NEW COOL, which chronicles the challenges of a FIRST Robotics team, said, “FIRST is a dramatic sports story that includes teamwork, mentorship, and inspiration. FIRST is about daring yourself to be exceptional.”

Immediately after receiving the rules of this year’s game, students worked in groups to brainstorm ideas for designing, programming and building this year’s robot.

To learn more and to view an animation of this year’s game, click here.

Monday, January 3, 2011, the lower school began an exciting new venture. The newly-formed podcasting club produced its first podcast. The club, open to fourth and fifth graders, is directed by Mrs. Krulak and Miss Wilson. Members are Will Krulak, Jackson Gazin, Nico Avila, Carter Frazier, David Giordano, Ryan Hurley, Charlie Kenny, Eric Gazin, Matt Post, Teddy Roebuck, and Ethan Carhuapoma. Each morning, except on Tuesday assembly days, a team of two or three boys meets at 7:15 to produce and record a two-minute podcast that includes lower school announcements, daily Laker Cafe offerings, a playground weather report and Laker Athletics reports. Click here to listen to these podcast on the Lower School Intranet.

The MIAA has announced its all star teams and the following BL Lakers were named All MIAA  in their conferences:
Varsity Football: Greg Pyke ’12, Brandon Barnes ’11, Marco Jones ’11, Mike Turner ’11, Jeff Chase ’11, Joey Weidner ’11, Taylor Stothoff ’11, and Ben Kellar ’11.
Varsity Soccer: Zach Davis ’11, Jake Sachse ’13, and Trevor Kiddy ’11.
Varsity Volleyball: Tanner Singleton ’11, Adam Engel ’11, and Alex McNulty ’11.

Additionally, Greg Pyke ’12 (Offensive Line), Marco Jones '11 (Defensive Line) and Michael Turner ’11 (Defensive back) were all named to the Small School All-State football first team last week. Brandon Barnes ’11 (all-purpose) and Jeff Chase ’11 (defensive back) were named honorable mention.  Marco Jones was also named a consensus All-State first team player.   

Are you ready for the snow and ice? Please be sure you have registered for Boys’ Latin’s campus notification system, e2campus, to receive timely updates on late openings and school closures. Our e2campus system will send a text message, email and/or voice mail to the phone numbers and email addresses of your choice.  Each e2campus account allows for messages to be sent to 2 cell phone numbers via text message, 6 email addresses and 2 land line phone numbers.  If you registered last year, you do not need to reregister. However, you may wish to update email addresses and phone numbers which have changed since your initial registration. Please register online at http://www.boyslatinmd.com/Page.aspx?pid=570. Questions? Contact Anne Kellerman, 410-377-5192, x1130 or akellerman@boyslatinmd.com.

In addition to e2campus notifications regarding inclement weather delays or closures, announcements will be posted on our website (www.boyslatinmd.com), WBAL (1090 AM) radio station, the following television stations: WJZ, WBAL, WBFF and WMAR and the School’s voice mail (410-377-5192). However, announcements using these methods do not typically appear as quickly as on e2Campus.

PARENT NETWORK’S WINTER 2011 OPEN MEETING
hosted at Boys' Latin School, Iglehart Center
 
TEENS: DATING AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
…what’s sexting got to do with it? 
featuring a panel discussion with the experts:
 
Linda Kelly, RN, FNE-A, SANE-A, Clinical Program Manager, GBMC SAFE Program – The founder of GBMC’s rape center, Ms. Kelly works within high schools around the state to promote safe dating, and defines how boys can be victims too.
Marty Lurz, Baltimore County Police Captain – A specialist on the legalities of criminal activities online involving teens and children.  He will discuss the state laws and cite local case histories of teenage sexting and illicit electronic usage.

Jennifer Buerger Adolescent Psychologist - Her specialty is teen relationships; mostly in the independent school realm.  She works with many area teachers too!
Adam C. Rosenberg, Esq., Executive Director Baltimore Child Abuse Center -  Where do healthy relationships begin?  At home, of course.  Violence begets violence and children mirror what they see.
 
Please mark your calendar and watch your inbox for more information about this very important event.
For more info email Parent Network’s president, Susan Shofer-Baron: susan.concorde@comcast.net

The Boys’ Latin community honored American veterans here and abroad through several activities. Student Government leaders from each division participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the newly installed memorial monument honoring Boys’ Latin graduated who have died in service to their country. As well, Military History teacher and long time faculty member Mr. Maisel set up an interactive display of authentic World War II military equipment. The display included three areas of interest – vehicles, paratrooper apparatus and the common soldier. The display included original WWII jeeps, parachutes, weapons and tents. Throughout the day, students from lower, middle and upper school divisions visited the display on the front lawn to better educated themselves about military equipment and the sacrifices and courage of the common solider. Many thanks to Mr. Maisel, his son Chris Maisel, Mr. Eric Hanson and Mr. Peter Lee for providing this inspirational and educational experience.
In addition, Lower school fathers and sons met before school on Veterans’ Day to pack boxes for our troops currently serving abroad. The boys filled the boxes with extra Halloween candy the lower school collected. Then they made cards expressing their appreciation of the men and women serving our nation. Special thanks go to Jamie and Rich Isaac and Sean Hurley who organize the father-son events!

The upper school community service club under the leadership of Ms. Cindy Alderman has served the Baltimore community on several projects this fall including tree planting with Civic Works, trash and debris clean up at Fort McHenry and renovations at the nearby Hampden Family Center. Learn more...

Laker Nation spirit and athleticism prevails in Lakerland!  Varsity football prevailed over the St. Paul's in the annual Alumni Cup competitionj, 28-12, and Varsity Soccer prevailed over Friends, 2-0.  Good luck to these teams as they enter into post season play. Photos courtesy of Sarah Woods and Harry Connolly

Boys' Latin faculty members are playing a prominent role in the November 1 AIMS 2010 Annual Conference, entitled Sustainability...A Journey for All. This year, Academic Technology Coordinator Ms. Annemarie Merow and 5th Grade Teacher Mrs. Stephanie Lange are the conference co-chairs for all Maryland independent schools. In addition, the following faculty members will present or preside at various workshops: Debi Krulak, Terri Floccare, Anne Kellerman, Bonnie Wilson, Kate Halada, Susan Brown, Stephanie McKew and Anne Gazin.
AIMS/IBSC 23 Things Mini-course
AIMS/IBSC Presentation

Boys' Latin is featured on WMAR ABCnews2 in their Take5 segment "5 Tips for Attending an All Boys Independent School."  The segment features interviews with Headmaster Chris Post and Student Body President Zak Davis, plus varied classroom shots including our pre-first class in the library with Mrs. Floccare, our kindergarten class with Mrs. Dudley and our upper school boys in Forensic Science with Mr. Haluck, Honors English with Mrs. Gazin and Linear Algebra with Mrs. Mullally.  Click here to see the broadcast.

A group of students has been meeting since the beginning of the year to design, organize, and execute a memorial to honor Zakary DeGross, class of 2013.  Zak lost his long and hard-fought battle with cancer over this past summer. The Zak DeGross Memorial Group is planning a spring assembly featuring reflections from faculty and peers about Zak’s impact on the Bl family, and will serve as a forum to share a more permanent legacy: The Zak DeGross Character Award that celebrates the courage, integrity, and tenacity in the face of adversity that Zak displayed as he fought the disease.  

The group members are, from left to right: Marcia Flaherty, Jake Chackman, Taylor Davis, Jamal Perkins, Alec Blitzstein, DJ Willoughby, Will Fletcher, Chazz Lee, and Brian Vuolo. Not pictured are: Jake Walsh and Tyler Betz

Students and faculty from the middle and upper schools gathered today in the Iglehart Auditorium to kick off the all-school canned food drive. Director of Service Learning, Ms. Susan Brown, introduced the project and today's guest speakers, Ms. Gerona Maxwell and Mr. Carl Baty from the Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau. Ms. Maxwell and Mr. Baty spoke passionately about their first-hand experiences with homelessness and emphasized the CARE acronym as an approach to improving the lives of homeless people.

C for Care and Concern
A for Advocate
R for Reach out and
E for Empathize

The canned food drive will run through October 28th. Divisional goals are as follows:
LS 302, MS 278, US 570 cans.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate fully and to consider donating canned food which contains meat, such as beef stew. There are collection boxes in each division. Sue Elias, Volunteer Coordinator for St. Vincent dePaul Society spoke concurrently to the lower school students about how they could help others by bringing in canned goods. Donated food will be distributed locally through Beans and Bread, the St. Ambrose Society and Sarah’s Hope.

Boys' Latin was well-represented at the Baltimore Running Festival on October 16th with members of our community running the marathon, the half marathon, and volunteering at a water stop.
Academic Dean David Doherty earned a place in 2010 Baltimore Marathon history by placing first in the Men's Masters Division with a finishing time of 2 hours 44 minutes 16 seconds.  Saturday's race represents Mr. Doherty's 10th marathon and his 7th Baltimore Marathon.   Mr. Doherty said that Saturday was, “A great day to race, despite the windy conditions on the hills.” He was excited to see middle school science teacher and Director or Service Learning, Ms. Susan Brown and lower school students at the mile six water station. 
Numerous Lakers also ran the half marathon: students Elliott Trostel (’11), Michael Floccare (’11), and Robert White (’12), and upper school Dean of Students Charles Franklin and freshman Class Dean, Brian Mitchell. Congratulations to Mr. Doherty, BL volunteers and half marathoners!

During November, the Honors Creative Writing students will take part in National Novel Writing Month - Young Writers' Program. So far the Boys'  Latin group is one of two such groups in Maryland, 240 in the US, and approximately 300 worldwide.  Each student will write a "substantial piece of fiction" - between 16K and 25K words starting on November 1 and ending on November 30. Their summaries and word counts will be viewable on line at www.nanowrimo.org.
Please feel free to ask them how the novel is going during November.  Students involved are Joey Ernest, Carson Gaines, Will Fedder, Brendan Owens, Sean Mullally, Carter Capute, Brandon Cherry, Grant Cohen, Jonathan Attman, Kyle Swift, Elliott Trostel, Nick Shepherd, Jonathan Brennan, and Chris Alderman. 

October 5^th marked the 3^rd occurrence of BL’s community reading program; One Book One BL. This year we partnered with the One Maryland, One Book program sponsored by the Maryland Humanities Council and approximately 50 BL community members read Outcasts United, and met for discussion. Participants included 25 students who were thoughtful, insightful, and articulate young men, many of whom were still in uniform coming directly from soccer games which brought a unique symmetry to the evening. Goals for this community reading program include:

Building community

Promoting literacy

Broadening perspectives

Fostering dialogue across age groups

Engaging in critical thinking

Setting a common ground for conversation

Creating a forum for tolerance

Developing sensitivity and an appreciation for diversity

Outcasts United Presentation by Luma Mufleh, Soccer Coach
Tuesday, October 19, 2010; 7-9 pm, University Union, Potomac Lounge
The bestseller, Outcasts United, by Warren St. John, recounts the story of the soccer coach Luma Mufleh, the boys and their families, and the small southern town changed dramatically by refugee resettlement.  Luma Mufleh will speak about her life and experiences as coach of a soccer team of refugee boys from war-torn countries.  Light refreshments will be served.  

Margaret Peterson Haddix visited Boys’ Latin on September 27^th.   She is the bestselling author of novels for young readers, including the Shadow Children series, which has been included in the lower school reading program for several years.  Found, the first book in her Missing series was a popular middle school Parent/Son Book Club selection.  Some of her many awards include the International Reading Association Children's Book Award, ALA Best Books for Young Adults and Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers citations, and state readers' choice lists in more than thirty states.  She talked to the boys about the writing process and answered questions our students had about her books. We were fortunate to have an author of her caliber visit our school.

Treasure Island Sails into the Sheridan Studio!
A Must See Play for All Ages!

Oct. 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.

Box office for Treasure Island will open on
Monday, Oct. 11th at 7:45 to 8:00 in the US lobby.

Student tickets are $5.00. Adult tickets are $7.00.
Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. 

Arrgh! Come One! Come All! 

Treasure Island will run from Wednesday, Oct. 20th to Saturday, Oct. 23rd.

The curtain is at 7 PM; please arrive 6:45 PM to get your intermission candy and your seat!  

Thanks to all the parents, students, and members of the faculty and administration who turned out to help make the BL Fall Festival such a success! It was truly a “one school” community event that we couldn't have done without your enthusiasm and hard work.  Beautiful weather, delicious food, fabulous artwork, fun games, an incredible robot and two victories on the athletic fields all added up to a wonderful celebration of all the things that make Boys' Latin great.

-          The Boys' Latin Parents' Association

PARENTS: Don’t miss this world-class event

"THE CREATIVITY CRISIS"
featuring Best Selling NYTimes Author Ashley Merryman
Tuesday, October 19, 7:00 pm
The Park School – Meyerhoff Theater

This event is Free and Open to all parents of independent schools

Merryman, co-author of New York Times Best-Seller NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children will be speaking on the “Creativity Crisis" and will detail her newest research revealing how creativity scores have been dropping since the 1990's. Her research was featured this past summer in Newsweek Magazine. NurtureShock has been deemed the "Freakanomics of childrearing", a great read ... a wake-up call for parents."   Includes book signing and sale. For more info call 410-339-4147.

The Healing Hands Foundation and the Madieu Williams Foundation will be featured tonight on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams at 6:30 PM. Segments of this broadcast may cover the Summer 2010 mission trip to Sierra Leone which Boys’ Latin faculty members Greg Schnitzlein, Julia Williams, and Donna Avila were a part of. We hope you enjoy the broadcast. Click here to view photos from the Sierra Leone mission trip.

• All auditions are cold readings.
• Students are required to fill out an audition form and to read the production guidelines prior to auditioning.
• Student actors need to be available for every production date.
• Student actors who have missed more than three rehearsals will be replaced.
• Parents are expected to pick up each student directly after his/her audition in the Sheridan Studio.

The fourth annual Battle 'o Baltimore was held at Boys' Latin on August 7.  NASA, Community College of Baltimore County and the Time Center sponsored the event.  Twenty-two teams from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC competed in over 100 competitive rounds of the FIRST robotics Breakaway game.  Students must undertake an impressive set of design, build, test and strategy analyses into order to successfully produce a robot for such competitions.  The Boys' Latin team competed through the semi-final round of match play.  Congratulations to robotics team students and parent mentors for a strong BL showing.

Continuing the Boys Latin Legacy….. Dr. Calvin Goddard, Father of Ballistic Forensics

In the fall, Boys’ Latin students will have the opportunity to explore the methods and theories of forensic sciences for the first time in school history. This in-depth honors level course will also continue the legacy started by Dr. Calvin Goddard, Boys’ Latin Class of 1907 who is acknowledged as the father of ballistic forensics.

On February 14, 1929 one of the country’s most horrific crimes was committed in a garage in Chicago. Seven men were lined up against a wall and gunned down with machine guns. The event became known as the St. Valentine’s Day massacre and it galvanized the public against organized crime. The brutality of the murders, and the thought that perhaps corrupt police were involved angered the public. The general population believed the violent crime spree orchestrated by organized crime would have to stop. 

Until this time, most gun slayings went mostly unsolve unless there were witnesses. Baltimorean and Boys’ Latin graduate Calvin Goddard changed this. Goddard developed the scientific theories and practices which today solve thousands of crimes involving the discharge of firearms.  

Calvin Goddard was born October 30, 1891 in Baltimore. He graduated from Boys’ Latin School in 1907. He was an excellent student and the number one boy in most of his classes. He especially excelled in mathematics and Latin. After his four years at BL, Goddard attended Johns Hopkins University and in 1911 graduated from Hopkins with his B.A. degree cum laude. In 1915 he again graduated from Hopkins, this time as an honor graduate from the Johns Hopkins Medical School. Furthering his brilliant scholastic record, he was numbered among the honor graduates two years later from the Army Medical School in Washington, D.C.

Goddard was a first lieutenant of the Army Medical Corps when World War I broke out and within a year was promoted to major and then eventually became a lieutenant-colonel. After serving abroad, he resigned his commission on June 2, 1920. The following year Goddard succeeded Dr. Arthur J. Lomas as assistant superintendent at Hopkins Hospital. In 1924 he was called to New York City and appointed the Director of the Cornell Clinic.

Goddard from his early youth possessed a fondness for firearms. This fondness eventually became his hobby. In his early years in medicine he owned a large collection of firearms. In April, 1925 while still in New York, Goddard established the Bureau of Forensic Ballistics with colleagues C. E. Waite, Phillip O. Gravelle, and John H. Fisher. The Bureau was formed to provide firearms identification services throughout the United States as few law enforcement agencies had the capability to provide these services.   

Colonel Goddard began to write and speak extensively on the subject of firearms identification gaining him an international reputation as a ballistics expert. On December 14, 1928 Goddard was in Baltimore demonstrating with pictures of microscopic enlargements of bullets and gun barrels that each weapon leaves a characteristic mark on the missile that it discharges. “Science has shown,” Goddard said, “that bullet-markings are as valuable as finger prints of criminals.” This theory was developed from the fact that no two things in the world are exactly alike. Marks, groves, lines and scratches determine whether a certain projectile has been fired from a particular firearm. 

Meanwhile in Chicago, George “Bugs” Moran, the leader of the north Chicago gang was stealing shipments of booze that was suppose to be delivered to Al Capone’s people on the south side of town. Capone had an informant in the Moran gang and the insider arranged to have a shipment of whiskey delivered to one of Moran’s garages on Clark Street on the north side of the city.

Capone was hoping that Moran and his top henchmen would all be at the garage when the shipment was delivered so all could be eliminated at the same time. Capone’s men staked out the garage and when the seventh man entered the building that morning they thought it was Moran. With Moran thought to be present, the ambush began. Five of Capone’s men disguised as uniformed policemen and plain clothes detectives entered the building, lined up Moran’s men against the wall and opened fire. Eight minutes later the entire ordeal was over.  

The public outrage over these slayings and the rumors that the Chicago Police Department was involved led local officials to immediately impanel a grand jury to investigate the killings. The crime scene was gruesome and the pictures of the gore were published in newspapers around the country. Before the bullet-ridden bodies were removed, Chicago’s coroner Herman Bundesen took dozens of photographs and ordered a careful collection of all of the empty shells, bullets and bullet fragments. The bullets were removed from the walls and bodies and carefully labeled in sealed evidence bags. Bundesen knew of Goddard’s work and asked the doctor to come to Chicago and look at the ballistic evidence. 

Goddard’s careful examination of the ballistics evidence was significant. Goddard was able to conclusively state that the killers had used one 12-gauge shotgun and two Thompson submachine guns in the slayings. He discovered that one of the submachine guns was fired using a 50-round drum magazine while the other was fired using a 20-round magazine. Because of the rumors of police involvement, all Chicago Police Thompson submachine guns were tested by Goddard against the crime scene evidence. He was able to prove that none of the police guns were used in the killings. Now the public knew that the killings were between rival gangs with no police involvement.

A tip from a person on the street that day led to the arrest of one of Capone’s hit men – Jack McGurn. Others were arrested but eventually all were released on bail or technicalities. Ten months after the massacre, the police received a lucky break. One of the Capone hoods, Fred Burke, was involved in a shooting death of a policeman in Michigan. The police searched the home of the suspect and found two Thompson submachine guns along with ammunition clips. Five days later the confiscated guns were delivered to Goddard. Goddard test fired the weapons and conclusively determined these were the same two guns involved in the St. Valentine’s Day massacre.      

Burke was eventually captured and sentenced to life in prison in Michigan. Chicago authorities wanted him as well since they now had evidence directly linking him to the massacre. Michigan refused to surrender him to Illinois.  

The St. Valentine’s Day massacre eventually became a dead issue and there would be no more arrests. However, the event was the birth of firearms identification becoming a vital element in putting thousands of future criminals involved in shootings behind bars when no eyewitness evidence was available.

Goddard later became the Managing Director of the Scientific Crime Laboratory, at Northwestern University in Chicago. During his lifetime and after is untimely death in March of 1955, Baltimorean, Boys’ Latin and Johns Hopkins graduate Calvin Goddard is still referred to in the scientific world as the “father of ballistics.”                                           

Boys’ Latin donated45 used computers to the Baltimore BORN (Boys Opportunity and Resource Network), a newly formed non-profit organization dedicated to providing afterschool educational  and social opportunities for middle-school aged boys in East Baltimore. Founded by Baltimore native and current Baltimore Ravens cornerback Dominique Foxworth, its ultimate goal is to provide boys with mentorship and guidance through  their middle- and high-school years and into college. For more information about Baltimore BORN, please see www.baltimoreborn.org. Lefthand photo: From left to right are BORN Program Director, Rasheem Rooke, BORN Interim Program Director Jonas Fester, BORN founder and Raven’s cornerback Domonique Foxworth and BL aTech Support Specialist David Sugar. Righthand photo from left to right are Jonas Fester and BL IT Director John Paquette.

Few people know that famous filmmaker and Baltimore native John Waters finished his high school career at Boys’ Latin. In a recent (May 27, 2010) YPR Midday interview with Dan Rodricks as well as in his recent Role Models book, John Waters reflected on his BL experience. John left  another Baltimore-area private school (reportedly due to his hair!) and stated about his experience there  “I think really every interest I ever had was discouraged.” John finished up at Boys’ Latin where “they more understood me- understood me- better.” Click here to listen to the interview.

Photo courtesy of www.desertfilmsociety.com