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1CONNECTIONSWye River Upper SchoolSPRING 2024 GRADUATION ISSUE

2Lydia: I will be attending St. Mary’s Honors College. I know I am ready for college because I have learned how honoring a tradition of military service in my family. I will miss my friends very much but I know too.Alex: When I go to Maine Maritime Academy (to study marine biology and earn my friends. I am ready for college because I’ve learned how to especially in the MakerSpace and with my Independent Reading Trent: I will attend the Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland. I loved my classes ready for anything in college. I will miss my friends.Bridon: I am going to McDaniel College to study marketing and business. I will miss my teachers: they taught me to manage my time and to advocate for myself. Collins: I know I can tackle college when I go to the University of Central Florida to study aerospace engineering. My teachers helped me realize what I am capable of and how to advocate for myself.Avery: I will attend Washington College to study business and teachers for challenging me and preparing me for college. I will miss them and my friends.

3Luke: I will continue to serve my community. In addition to continuing I will be working in Centreville with the Maryland State Highway Administration.John: recieved my Yamaha marine engine and will pursue a career in marine engine repair. I will miss my teachers because I know they were always there for me.Inside This IssueCommencement 2024 pg 4The Senior Portfolio pg 5Q&A With Stephanie Borges Folarin and Nicole Sophocles pg 6,7From Wye River Upper School to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab: One Graduate’s Journey pg 8,9Wye River Upper School at The Centreville Armory- Ten Years and Counting! pg 10,11will miss most about Wye River Upper School.FROM THE CLASS OF 2024Why I’m Ready

4Commencement 2024Wye River Upper School celebrated the Class of 2024 during this year’s part of this year’s celebration: “As a member of the Class of 2020 we missed celebrating our graduation in person.” Macyn used her story to bolster the School has set them on a path to future success. Director of Maryland Park Services Ranger Angela Crenshaw delivered trust their instincts and to be true to their authentic selves as they face important decisions. Ranger Crenshaw described how her decision-making has changed my life and allowed me the opportunity to make positive changes in people’s lives every day” and although the “path was not straight or easy… I am thankful for it because it has brought me to this moment at Wye River Upper School.” Ranger Crenshaw described her previous work with the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park as instrumental in shaping her personal and professional values. She remains guided by same.”Founding Head of School Chrissy Aull listen to the address by Macyn Poag ‘20.

5Every spring, seniors present culminating portfolio projects that demonstrate what they have learned at Wye River Upper School. Our entire student body witnesses our seniors meet this graduation requirement when the seniors bravely take center stage and speak publicly about their accomplishments. e portfolio is a comprehensive digital record of their learning journey throughout their years at Wye River Upper School. is portfolio is a graduation requirement that has been integral to our program for over a decade. It is unique because it emphasizes how Wye River Upper School values not only academic achievement but also self-awareness and preparedness for life. e portfolio began as a way for students to showcase their progress towards meeting 21st-century learning criteria, which at Wye River Upper School we referred to as the 6 Cs (Creativity, Collaboration, Cosmopolitanism, Character, Communication, and Critical inking). Over time, the portfolio came to place a stronger emphasis on the student’s personal reection. Even as it evolved, the core objectives of the portfolio remain aligned with our school's mission: "Students who learn dierently discover through innovation, develop with rigor, and celebrate their strengths at Wye River Upper School while preparing for success in college, career, and life."e portfolio now focuses on artifacts of learning that demonstrate growth in three primary areas: Learning, Literacy, and Life:Learning Skills: Demonstrating adaptability to diverse environmentsLiteracy Skills: Life Skills:e portfolio includes written essays, project-based work, artwork, photography, and videos. Development of the portfolio showcases each student’s visual, written, and technological skills. Each artifact is accompanied by a student-written reection, highlighting growth areas and personal challenges encountered during the learning process. Finally, before graduation, each student presents their portfolio to the faculty and student body in a formal assembly, allowing them to share their growth, achievements, and reections with the school community. is presentation underscores the importance of the portfolio as a tool for self-discovery, growth, and preparation for future success.Faranetta by Reverend Mary Friel.Avery Clawson stands with Board Chair Nikki 5

6When Stephanie Borges Folarin walked through the doors optimism have been evident in the daily musical greeting she sounded through the halls of our building each morning. standard for inclusivity and understanding for one another. took an interest in their lives. She worked with our students as an alternative safe space. Mrs. Folarin’s forward-thinking passion and dedication to making education accessible to that she’ll touch the lives of many more to come. What is your favorite thing about the WRUS community?My favorite thing about our community is the unwavering support we have for one another. It’s truly heartwarming to creates a nurturing environment where everyone feels emotionally.What do you wish for Wye River moving forward?my heartfelt wish for the school’s future is to continue striving for excellence and innovation in education. I hope that the school will remain dedicated to adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of our students and ensuring that every individual feels valued and supported. profound and positive impact on the lives of its students and the broader community in the years ahead.What will you take with you from this experience into your next?will carry with me cherished memories of the incredible for the opportunity to have been a part of this vibrant community.Q & A with Stephanie Borges Folarin

7Nicole Sophocles has been part of the WRUS family most recently as Assistant Head of School. Mrs. Sophocles What rst drew you to Wye River Upper School?science teacher at an alternative charter school in Prince but grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of support for students and teachers.I will always fondly remember my interview with Chrissy Chesapeake College. Speaking with Chrissy galvanized my and provide everything students need to be successful. What did you think the rst time you visited the Armory? inspiring! I love old buildings and buildings with character. When you were a student, did any of your teachers particularly inspire you?and I remember vividly his dedication to us. I was on the record himself teaching the class on video for the substitute his commitment.What do you like to read?Earle particularly inspiring. How do you “get psyched up” for something?planning–it gets me prepared and ready for anything. For What are you most looking forward to next school year?program is cohesive across grade levels and that it aligns with our mission. What we do here is remarkable and important and a written presentation of our program will articulate the philosophy of our classes and curriculum to the community beyond our walls. I am also very excited to continue to develop the 8th grade. Q & A with Nicole Sophoclesbefore the 2024 Student Award Ceremony)

8Many high school graduates enroll in and complete a post-secondary program immediately following their senior year without looking back. And that can be the right path for route that provides an opportunity to stop and smell the roses–or to stumble upon something unexpected but meaningful? leading him into a career he loves at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. Jacob began his post-secondary career as a high school student at Wye River Upper School when he dual-enrolled in a degree-seeking program allowed Jacob to earn college credits within the supportive framework of the WRUS community and environment.with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Jacob’s initial interest in web design led him to study server varied and robust education. “I have a much wider skill set When Jacob excelled in a Satellite Communications course position at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab missions. Jacob was recently part of a team that developed and Earth. and expects excellence in anything they pursue and so does knew him to be a dedicated and disciplined scholar with a passion for technology and innovation. His kindness and sense of humor made for an all-around great person. I am delighted for him and for APL and I wish him the best.” From Wye River Upper School to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory:One Graduate’s Journey“Knowing what I know about JHU- APL, I totally appreciate the t between them and Jacob. APL looks for and expects excellence in anything they pursue and so does Jacob.” - Chrissy Aull, Founding Head of School

9Beginning a career in space engineering is impressive for challenges with meeting grade-level math and reading standards. traced back to his decision to enroll at Wye River Upper in its early years when the school was largely unknown. provide Jacob with the education he needed. At Wye River interested us.” Other aspects of school life that stand out in Jacob’s memory are the rapport he developed with teachers students took during their time at WRUS. Jacob has proved to us all that sometimes doing the next world. For current WRUS students embarking on their own through the following web links:https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/space-communications-navigation-program/wideband-technology/ https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/NASAs_Transition_to_Commercial_Space_Networks_A_Leap_in_Wideband_Communication_999.html https://twitter.com/NASASCaN/status/1749470205355475352 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10115782the radio within the Octocopter.

10Wye River Upper School at the Centreville Armory: Ten Years and Counting!Wye River Upper School opened its doors in Centreville in 2014. sidewalk and the lobby.Did you know that the school’s tagline: “...because not all great about this statement and how it aligns with the school’s mission that they wanted to preserve it for future generations of our students.years. Her dedication to the school and its students shone through every day: from Present-day facade of the Centreville Armory110

11Alexa Seip felt drawn to Wye River Upper would serve it well. Alexa Seip has been a served for eight years as Board Chair. A focal point of the lobby are the wide stairs that lead to second-story classrooms Trustees. Trustees and Ms. Aull the building so that he could keep a close eye on construction–such was the level of his devotion to the asbestos tiles were removed from the treads of these access to upstairs. here and not a single photo exists of the work in progress. continues to this day–he has served for many years on the dedication signage to Founding Head of School Chrissy Aull.2019 at their graduation.(Back Cover) School’s move to Centreville’s Armory building.Class of 2025 on the steps that Stoney built Former Board Chair Alexa Seip gives Zoe Brown ‘19 her WRUS diploma.2311

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