Hall of Fame Inductees

2007 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Donna Chaney Bunn '78

Donna was an active member and leader of the School community while she was a student at Calverton. She played multiple sports and served many years on Student Council in various leadership roles and on the Student Disciplinary Committee. Donna graduated from Virginia Tech with a Business Management degree and returned to work at the family business, Chaney Enterprises, where she started working at age 16. She became the Office Manager and then started the Human Resources Department. Upon her father’s death, she took over as Vice Chairman of the Board. Donna served nine years on The Calverton School Board of Trustees, six years as Vice President, and started the Trustee Committee. Since retiring from the Calverton Board, she has served on the Capital Campaign, Marketing and the Alumni Field Committees. She currently serves on the executive planning committee for the annual 3v3 soccer tournament. Donna is a parent of Philip ’08, Will ’09, Beth ’11, and Spencer ’17.

Wanda T. King

Wanda served on the Board of Trustees from 1987-2005, rejoining the Board in 2008, and serving as Board President. She led the Board of Trustees with vigor and enthusiasm. Her achievements and contributions to the School are extraordinary. During her tenure, she provided the leadership and financial support needed to ensure the School would not only survive but also thrive. This she has done anonymously in her quiet and reserved manner. She organized a fundraising effort at the School, implementing the first Annual Giving campaign. She consistently committed to seeing that many students are afforded the opportunity of a Calverton education. In 1998, she directed a master plan for campus expansion, with the completion of the Bowen-Thomas Science and Art Center in 2001. The Calvert County community has greatly benefited from her involvement, including serving as co-chair of the hospital’s capital campaign and treasurer for her church, as well as raising funds for the Johns Hopkins Professorship in Pediatric Endocrinology and working on the President's Leadership Council at Washington College. Wanda is the parent of Michelle ’91, Christine ’92, Thom ’00, and Kate ’03.

Frances E. Markwith

Fran joined The Calverton School in the fall of 1970 after teaching at Maret School in Washington, D.C., her alma mater. As a physical education teacher and athletic coach, Fran was instrumental in developing a strong physical education program at Calverton. In her first year, she introduced the sport of field hockey to Calverton and began Field Day, a long-standing tradition that remains today. Fran devoted a great deal of time and talent to the students and her many contributions to the school included coaching basketball and softball, teaching driver’s education, and driving the school bus. In the fall of 1981, Fran became the first Athletic Director and after retiring in 1994 as Director of Student Support Services she returned to her first love, field hockey. Since then, she has been an assignor for the Tri-County Field Hockey Officials Association, vice president for the United States Field Hockey Association, and has traveled extensively with friends who support the national teams.

Patricia W. Meagher*

Patricia Meagher, the first Headmistress at The Calverton School, worked tirelessly with the Board of Directors and the first families in the creation of the School. She had been teaching sixth grade and seventh grade geography at The Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland when she was interviewed for the position. At the time, Mrs. Meagher had been coming to Calvert County for the summers and most weekends since 1950 when her parents purchased Morgan Hill Farm in Lusby, so Calvert County definitely felt like home. During her tenure, she built a solid college preparatory program, along with the faculty she hired, and developed high standards academically and morally for all students. Calverton credits Mrs. Meagher with one of its most important traditions – a firm handshake – one that is carried on to this very day. Mrs. Meagher remained the Head of the School until 1981. Upon her retirement, she began to devote more time to volunteer activities including working with the Red Cross and various environmental groups, as well as offering tax advice to elderly citizens. She has traveled extensively and visited every continent.

Charles Richard Weber '75

Rick has had a distinguished career as an athlete and an educator. During his years at Calverton, his outstanding basketball skills, as demonstrated by his 1,440 career points and 1,100 rebounds, brought recognition and recruitment offers from over thirty notable college and university coaches, as well as recognition to the School’s young athletic program. Rick earned numerous awards while playing varsity basketball each year for nationally ranked Roanoke College, graduating with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Health and Physical Education. He was a celebrated head varsity basketball coach at Amherst County High School in Virginia before returning in 1984 as a teacher, Athletic Director, and head varsity basketball coach at Calvert and Northern High Schools, earning numerous SMAC championships and coach’s awards. Rick completed his master’s degree in Education Administration at Old Dominion University in 1992 while coaching there. Since 1997 Rick met with continued success as head basketball coach, Vice Principal at Northern, and Principal at Huntingtown High School.

The Founding Board of Directors: Honorable Perry G. Bowen, Jr.*, James T. Briscoe*, Charles R. Cox, Jr.*, Dwight B. Galt, Jr*., S. Jack Hammett, Robert Lee Horsmon*, Owen H. Jones*, Earl M. Thompson*, Kenneth M. Wells*

The Founding Board of Directors played an integral role in the formation of The Calverton School. Working with other concerned parents, they were determined to found and sustain a school that stressed academic achievements above all else. These people characterized the strength of human spirit needed to give birth to a school. The early years were filled with frequent meetings, plenty of physical labor, and a frenzy of fundraising activities by countless individuals. The Calverton School was fortunate to have The Board of Directors lead this fledgling school with a steady, yet aggressive hand. These nine individuals knew the meaning of a hard day’s work and didn’t shy away from a commitment about which they felt strongly. Self-made businessmen, independent farmers, a judge, a writer…they all worked together to realize this dream of “building a school,” involving the entire family with their wives working just as diligently. As Judge Bowen once said, “Although I was part of it, it still seems - after all these years - an unbelievable accomplishment in such a short time. It is a tribute to the energy and commitment of all of the parents of those days.”

2008 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Dr. Elizabeth Cataldi

Libby served as Head of The Calverton School from 1987 to 2004. Her first involvement at Calverton was as a reading and writing coach, and she brought the “Writing and Thinking” project to Calverton. Before long, Calverton became a demonstration school for the State of Maryland and received recognition for the program both nationally and internationally. During Libby’s tenure as Head of School, she worked with the Board of Trustees to develop a master plan for Calverton, oversaw the acquisition of the “Hundred Acre Wood” and marsh properties, started the Annual Giving campaign, facilitated a successful capital campaign to build the Bowen-Thomas Science and Art Center, and many other initiatives. An accomplished writer herself, Libby authored Stay Close, which was published in 2009.

2010 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Chloe Briscoe Ewalt

In 1973, after graduating from Sweet Briar College, Chloe accepted an offer to teach at Calverton. In 1983, she took on the role of Lower School Head in addition to her teaching duties. After devoting 17 years as Lower School Head and 30 plus years teaching first grade and other subject areas, Chloe worked briefly as the librarian before establishing the first alumni office at Calverton. Her ceaseless efforts led to the creation of the Alumni Council and the Hall of Fame. Chloe continues to serve the school well today in a variety of capacities, offering countless volunteer hours to special projects like cooking club, May Pole, and the annual tea party. Outside of the school, Chloe devotes much energy to a variety of community projects including the One Room Schoolhouse and the Calvert County Historical Society. A lifelong resident of Calvert County, Chloe is the parent of Matt Ewalt '98.

G. Richard Gray '74

During his years at Calverton, Richard was an All-Conference member of two league championships teams: soccer '72 and basketball '74. He also participated in Drama Club, Yearbook and student government. After earning a degree at Washington College, he attended the University of Baltimore Law School where he graduated in 1983 as valedictorian, receiving his Juris Doctor summa cum laude and winning the Law Faculty Award as the most distinguished graduate. Richard served as the President and CEO of several companies, including Gray & Associates and he was a recipient of the Governor's Salute to Excellence. As an attorney, Richard has been rated AV Preeminent by his peers every year since 1990, a ranking at the highest level of professional excellence. He has served on Board of Trustees and was instrumental in the establishment of the Alumni Council. He currently serves as a Trustee to the United States Naval Academy Foundation and a board member of Von Paris Enterprises.

2011 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Bonnie Horsmon Miller '75

Bonnie has been at Calverton since Day 1. While a student at Calverton, Bonnie played every sport available to girls. She was involved in the Literary Magazine, Yearbook, Drama Club and Glee Club, and she also served as Student Council President. After graduating from the University of Richmond in 1979, she returned to Calverton to teach third grade and taught Calverton students for ??? years. In 1985 Bonnie became a consultant for the Maryland Writing Project and the following year became a coordinator and teacher coach for Calverton's Thinking and Writing Program. In addition to teaching, Bonnie worked diligently to establish the Admissions Program, the summer camp, the Alumni Council, and the Hall of Fame. She also co-chaired the 40^th Anniversary Committee. Bonnie retired from Calverton in 2005. She is the parent of Emily '04 and the daughter of Founder Robert Lee Horsmon.

Dr. Willem Roosenburg '77

Willem is recognized internationally as an authority on turtle conservation and the diamondback terrapin. He helped design and implement an environmental education program in collaboration with Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, National Aquarium in Baltimore, and Maryland Environmental Services. Willem's research was instrumental in developing regulations that require the use of turtle exclusion devices on Maryland crab pots. He frequently lectures about his diamondback terrapin research throughout Maryland. Willem graduated in 1981 with a B.S. from the University of Rhode Island in Zoology, followed by an M.S. From SUNY, Buffalo State College in Biology in 1986 and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in Evolutionary Ecology in 1992. He is a professor at Ohio University.

2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Christine Clancy Blocksidge '92

During her Calverton years, Christine played multiple sports, served as President of the National Honor Society, and layout Editor for the Yearbook, managed stage productions, and volunteered in first grade classroom. After graduating from Tufts University with a double major in Clinical Psychology and Child Study, she attained a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Christine worked as a case manager, clinical counselor, social worker at the Kennedy Krieger School and volunteered mentoring foster children. Christine was a Founding Member of the Alumni Council. She helped with fundraising for Veterans Field and served on the Development Committee. She has generously invested her time and her talents in the Calverton community through countless volunteer hours, including President of the Calverton Parents Association. Her consistent dedication to The Calverton School community is self-evident. Christine and her husband Chuck have two children at Calverton, Charlie ’21 and Henry ’24.

Susie Hance-Wells '73

Susie was an active member and student leader of the School, playing every sport, serving as Student Council President, and being the female lead in Calverton’s first Drama Club production. She was involved in community activities, and was honored as Maryland State Farm queen. After graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in Agriculture, Susie returned to the family farm, Taney Place, assuming management responsibilities in 1983. Throughout the years, Susie’s concern for the farming community as well as the future of Calvert County has been clearly evidenced in her participation and volunteer service in various organizations, boards, and committees including Calvert County Farm Bureau, Red Cross, Calvert County Planning Commission, and Calvert Farmland Trust. Susie and her husband, Walt, have been honored twice as Calvert County Soil Conservationist of the Year and received the prestigious Maryland Farm Bureau Silver Bowl Award. Taney Place Farm, now in its ninth generation of family stewardship, continues to diversify to include its recent family operation, Battle Creek Beef, LLC.

Henry S. Trentman

Henry has a long history of giving to make the world a better place. He is known to be a truly humble and generous man, a leader in the community, and a philanthropist. After graduation from Bucknell University, Henry served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Henry provided enjoyment for all to hear books read by off-Broadway stars by founding his own highly acclaimed company, Recorded Books, in 1979. Henry and his wife, Ann, have been deeply involved in The Calverton School for more than 30 years. Their extremely generous contributions helped fund various projects including Founder's Hall and a fully endowed Upper School scholarship. Henry served many years on the Board, including as Vice President and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Henry served on the Calvert County Historical Society Board of Directors, Calvert County’s Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board, and the CalvertHealth Board and Foundation. Henry volunteered as Chairman of Project ECHO, the Homeless Shelter, and he brought the concept of Oxford House to Calvert County. Henry and Ann are the parents of Emma ’99, Tom ’01, and Peter ’04.

Linda B. Weigel*

For more than twenty-five years, Linda taught at The Calverton School. Her patience and expertise were evident every minute of every day and her unconditional love for each student was truly admirable. After graduating from The College of Notre Dame with a degree in Elementary Education, she attained a Master’s in Education with concentrations in Reading and Learning Disabilities from Loyola College. For years she volunteered in many after school activities, including clubs, family nights, and admission events. Linda often served as the Lower School representative for the annual giving campaign. She never hesitated to share the positive message of Calverton. Linda participated in the Meals on Wheels organization and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She was significantly involved in her church, including being a Eucharist Minister, serving on the hospitality committee, and the Nicaragua Mission. Linda is a stellar example of what every Calverton teacher strives to be...the best of the best.

2019 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

SAMUEL E. LONG '98, M.D.

Sam is a graduate of Class of 1998, and he has been supporting Calverton ever since. As a board member, Sam established the school’s first Annual Alumni Scholarship Fund. Sam was himself blessed to receive a full scholarship to Calverton, as he otherwise would not have had the financial means to attend. Many have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, the Calverton experience because of the generous scholarships Dr. Long and others provide. After graduation, Sam was one of seven students admitted to The George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences prestigious 7 year integrated BA/MD program, where he excelled. He completed his residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore Shock/Trauma. He has been a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Anne Arundel Medical Center for the past 11 years. He is a partner/owner in a large private physician group, where he serves as the chief financial officer on the executive board. He is also a voting member on Anne Arundel Medical Center Medical Staff Quality Review Committee.

STEPHANIE SMITH CHRISTIANO '95

Stephanie entered Calverton through the Ninth Grade Scholarship Program. Since graduation in 1995, she has continued to pay it forward, often choosing to help Calverton in quiet ways. She was a founding member of the Alumni Council and later served in the role of Chairman. As a past Board of Trustee member, she continues to assist the Development Office in building Alumni relationships. She contributes generously to Calverton and is passionate about helping the School continue to thrive. After graduating with a BS degree from Wesley College, Stephanie received her MBA from. She is a Senior Vice-President with Merrill Lynch, where she has worked for the past 20 years. She was named to Working Mother/SHOOK Research's list of “Top Wealth Advisor Moms” and to Forbes' “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Stephanie was selected as a 2018 Leadership Delaware Fellow. A firm believer in giving back to the community, she is a trustee of Wesley College. She also serves as vice president of the board at Hope Medical Clinic, which offers free medical and dental service to the uninsured.

* indicates deceased person