THIS IS SURRATTS FOUNDATION E-NOTICE 2013-11 OF NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Hello Hornets:

Here are some items that might be of interest:

1.  NEED FOR GENTLY USED STRING INSTRUMENTS.  As reported in the last e-Notice, the School is in need of "gently used" string instruments for the recently-revived student orchestra.  The Foundation thanks Steve Profilet (71) for the first donation to this cause -- a virtually new violin that was recently received with much gratitude by instrumental music department chair Valerie Dent.  Please send me an email at hsmith@smithdowney.com if you have a violin, viola, cello or double bass collecting dust in a closet that you'd like to donate to this very worthy musical cause.

2.  UPDATE ON EFFORT TO SET RECORD.  Thanks to the very generous early donors listed below, we're well on our way to setting an all-time fund raising record with the 2013 Annual Campaign.  No donation is too small (or large) to make a real positive difference in the lives of the great kids at Surratts.  (Those $5 and $10 donations really add up after a while.)

We're noting that many of this year's donors are specifically earmarking their donations for special Foundation funds like the Charlie Waddell Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Principals/Faculty/Staff Memory fund, and the like.  And many donors are using their donations as a way to remember classmates, schoolmates and staff members who had an impact on their lives.

We thank all of you in advance for considering making a contribution to this year's effort.  (Because the Foundation has been so active in making grants last year and this year, we'll need to rely on the generosity of a record number of donors to refresh our funds so we can continue to advance the mission of the Foundation into 2014.)

Donating is very, very easy:  just mail in the Donor Form at the end of this email, or donate online through paypal by clicking the link on the home page at www.surrattsville.org.

3.  OFFICIAL FOUNDATION OVERVIEW.  Every so often we include in an e-Notice the "official Foundation overview" that we distribute at events like the recent Back-to-School Night at the School.  The overview attempts to summarize the work of the Foundation to date, which of course would not be possible without the support of the Foundation's many donors and tireless volunteers. 

"The Surrattsville High School Foundation, Inc. is a Maryland not-for-profit corporation that has been determined by the IRS to be a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions to the Foundation are treated as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. The Foundation was formed in 2000 to benefit the greater Surrattsville High School community. The following is an overview of the Foundation's activities to date.

Honors and Awards – NAACP 24^th Annual Hester V. King President's Award, 2012; Citations and Proclamations from the Governor of Maryland, the Maryland Senate, the Maryland House of Delegates, and the Prince George's County Executive.

Scholarships (photos and bios at surrattsville.org)

1. 2001 - Christina Morse, LaToya Harris and Tricialand Hilliard
2. 2002 - Joy Pemberton, Patrice Felton, Andreka Thomas, Samara Cook and Chantal Brown
3. 2003 - Ricky Hammett and Janelle Jackson
4. 2004 - Bonnie Chow, Melissa Hunter and Brinkley Hypes
5. 2005 - Michelle Branch and Benjamin Ellis
6. 2006 - Jenese Reed and Cordell Kennerly
7. 2007 - Brene Carrington, Tayana Harrison and  Broderek Stewart
8. 2008 - Samantha S. Stancil, Brittany M. Bean and Danyelle D. McElrath
9. 2009 - Anica Davis, Harold Edmonds and Marina Anoh
10.  2010 - Diamond Higgs and Taneishia Holley
11.  2011 - Chelsea Ray, Jenee Glover and Rontanetta Gibson
12.  2012 - Markita Hill, Robert Martin, Patience Amankwa
13.  2013 - Morgan Comer, Johnsonette Bishop, Hawa Anthony, Kayla Butler, Emarii Lopes, Christopher Richardson

Gifts and Grants (partial list)

1.  $2,200 and $1,100 unrestricted gifts to the School in 2000 and 2005
2. Commercial grade popcorn machine and supplies in 2001
3. $200 to SGA for Homecoming decorations in 2001
4. Graphing calculator to student in need in 2001
5. $500 to Cheerleading Squad in 2002
6. $1,800 in scholarships to Global Young Leaders attendees in 2002
7. Three commercial grade supply carts to office in 2002 and 2003
8. Over $250,000 of computer equipment in 2002 and 2003
9. Courtyard renovation and benches/tables in 2002 and 2003
10. Two electric typewriters to Media Center
11.  Cash stipend to dance student studying in Philadelphia
12.  $150 gift to student participating in Caribbean baseball tournament
13.  $300 gift to 2005 softball team for needed equipment
14.  $7,000 gift from Class of 52 to Band Department
15.  Financial assistance to senior requiring night classes to graduate with Class of 2006
16.  Financial assistance to senior requiring financial assistance to participate in 2006 graduation
17.  Provision of assistance to Boomerang yearbook staff with 50th edition of Boomerang
18.  Funding of State and IRS filing fees for, and legal services for, Touchdown Club
19.  $500 gift to Band for 2011-2012 year expenses
20.  Funding of awards to Faculty Accreditation Team
21.  Joint grant to purchase electronic marquee sign for School entrance
22.  Contribution to 2011 After-Prom Party
23.  $500 gift to Band in 2011
24.  Gift of 30 computers and 45 computer monitors in 2011
25.  Gift of "Legacy Wall" at the School
26.  Acquisition for School of music and lyrics to Alma Mater and Fight Song
27.  Funding for needed supplies for Nurse's Office
28.  Funding of Student of the Month awards
29.  Funding of graduating senior Treasure Chests
30.  Funding of SAT break snacks
31.  Funding of Fallen Heroes plaque
32. Addition to Legacy Wall of photos of recent Scholarship and Achievement Award recipients
33.  Funding Faculty/Staff Appreciation event snacks
34.  Increased grant for School's electronic marquee
35.  Co-funding with JROTC of new Cadet Colonel Tekau Rasayon Memorial Scholarship
36.  Funding of "Project 412" tutoring project
37.  Funding of AP Psychology trip to APA headquarters
38.  Purchase of Fight Song sheet music for Music Department
39.  Funding for Band Auxiliary uniforms
40.  Funding for Autism Department field trip to Towson University
41.  Funding of Volleyball team equipment
42.  Financial assistance to cheerleaders wishing to attend cheerleading camp in 2010
43.  Funding of a library of books and a nice rocking chair for Child Growth and Development Department
44.  Purchase of World Book encyclopedias and world almanacs for Media Center.

Achievement Awards (photos and bios at surrattsville.org)

1. 2000 - Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. (60)
2. 2001 - Building Superintendent (Since 1963) Gerald Pickeral
3. 2001 - Foundation Visionary Charlie Cooper (52)
4.  2002 - Christmas in April Executive Director Mary Kucharski (76)
5.  2002 - International Opera Star Gordon Hawkins (76)
6.  2003 - Long-time Surratts Employee Roberta Padgett Taylor (53)
7.  2003 - Command Fighter Pilot Col. Robert Marr, Jr. (71)
8.  2003 - Internationally Acclaimed Painter Kevin Fitzgerald (71)
9.  2004 - University of GA Basketball Head Coach Dennis Felton (81)
10.  2005 - French Legion of Honor Recipient Nelson Duke (40)
11.  2005 - Clergy Member and Public Servant Susan Thomas Azud (73)
12.  2005 - Oscar Winner Marcia Gay Harden (76)
13.  2006 - General Tom Travis, M.D. (72)
14.  2006 - Police Chief Fred Keeney (73)
15.  2007 – Chef Patrick O’Connell (63)
16. 2007 – Chef Greggory Hill (79)
17. 2007 – Chef Timothy Dean (89)
18.  2008 – Professor Russell Barkley, Ph.D. (67)
19.  2008 – Professor Rick Lifton, M.D., Ph.D. (71)
20.  2008 – College President Dave DeCenzo (73)
21.  2009 - Educator Deborah McAllister Brown (72)
22.  2009 – Educator Helen Bovbjerg Niedung (54)
23.  2009 – Educator/University of MD Women's Basketball Coach Chris Weller (62)
24.  2010 – Legendary Coach Lew Jenkins (former faculty)
25.  2010 – International Relief Worker Rix Mills (62)
26.  2010 – Community Activist Ann Weaver Pelle (71)
27.  2011 – Pilot, Jumper and Community Activist Elizabeth Lee Glesberg May (78)
28.  2011 – Award-winning Bassist John Previti (72)
29.  2011 – Award-winning guitarist Dave Chappell (75)
30.  2012 – WWII hero James Paul Duke, Jr. (39)
31.  2012 – Navy veteran and fallen police officer Paul Talbert (65)
32.  2012 - Groundbreaking FBI agent and Marine Colonel Susan Roley Malone (65)
33.  2012 – Army Blackhawk pilot and JAG lawyer Cindy Gleisberg (79)
34.  2013 – Professional athlete and youth mentor Leonte Collins (94)
35.  2013 – Emmy winning actress Laura Sisk Wright (88)
36.  2013 – Special needs advocate Barbara Thomas (82)
37.  2013 – Army Major General Kevin O'Connell (78)

Miscellaneous

1.  Establishment of active web site at
2.  Establishment of youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/SurrattsvilleFDN
3.  Publication of regular Surratts News "e-Notices"
4.  All Classes and Staff Sunday Rides in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005
5.  Establishment of School Archives in 2000, and Oral History Project in 2005
6.  Publication of All Classes and Staff Directory in 2000, and update in 2010
7.  Initiation of "Spruce-Up" Committee in 2002
8.  Offer to establish Sports Boosters Club in 2002
9.  Participation in 2001-2004 Graduation and Senior Awards events and 2002 Class Competition
10.  Provision of panel of judges for Ms. and Mr. Surrattsville event in 2002
11.  Assisting with Coach Haigler's request to NIH for Medical Science course grant

Fund Raising

1.  Golf Outing Fund Raisers in 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2010
2.  All Classes and Staff Reunion Fund Raisers in 2000, 2005 and 2010
3.  Charter Donors Campaign in 2000
4.  Annual Campaigns, 2001 – Present
5.  Legacy Society established 2003
6.  All Classes and Staff "Surrattstock" Fund Raisers in 2002, 2005 and 2010"

4.  SEEKING ST. JOHN'S INFORMATION.  Les Illinski (82) is hoping to contact folks who attended St. John's Elementary from 1964 to 1968, and is hoping to contact Michael and Donna Cardinale who attended St. John's in the late 1960s.  Please email Les at leslyillinski@aol.com if you have any information that might be helpful.

5.  A "FIELD TRIP" RECOMMENDATION.  A travel tip from your editor:  Last month, we hosted our oldest granddaughter and oldest grandson on an all-day tour of Abraham Lincoln-related sites in the D.C. area.  (Both of them are huge Lincoln fans.)  The day was such a successful one that I wanted to share its itinerary as a recommendation for a fascinating local "field trip" for those of you living near, or planning a visit to, D.C.  Like, I imagine, many of our readers, it had been some time since we visited some of the sites in question, and they all have been very significantly improved of late and offer a fascinating array of items and programs for visitors of all ages.  As was expected, Mary Surratt gets significant attention at all the museums. 

Our day started with a drive down the GW Parkway from the Cabin John Bridge to Memorial Bridge to emphasize how close the Confederacy was to Lincoln's White House home.  We then stopped by Arlington National Cemetery, both for its own sake and to illustrate the proximity of Lee's Arlington House to Lincoln's White House.  We then crossed Memorial Bridge and visited the Lincoln Memorial before heading to the absolutely fantastic -- and significantly expanded -- Ford's Theatre and Museum for a timed, ticketed tour by National Park Service guides, some in period costumes.  We then crossed the street to the Peterson House, which now features not just the bedroom in which Lincoln died but also an outstanding four-story, multi-media museum.  We then traveled a few blocks to Mary Surratt's boarding house where the plot to murder Lincoln was planned – it's now a Chinese restaurant but there's a historical plaque on the outside wall. 

Then it was back in the car and over the Pennsylvania Avenue bridge into Maryland to trace (in rough terms) Booth's ride to Surrattsville.  The next stop was the truly outstanding Surratt Tavern and Museum in Clinton, where period-costumed guides toured us through the house and tavern and the adjoining museum, and shared fascinating stories about the role of the establishment and the stories behind the various members of the Surratt family.

We then made the mandatory photo stop in the traffic circle in front of the School, realizing that it was too late to catch the last tour at the very favorably reviewed Samuel Mudd House and Museum in Charles County.  (So the portion of Booth's flight after the murder starting at the Surratt Tavern and ending in Virginia will have to wait until the next field trip.)

For history (or just Mary Surratt) buffs, I can't recommend this very interesting day trip highly enough.

6.  VARSITY JACKETS ON SALE AT SCHOOL.  The School has informed us that it once again is selling Varsity Jackets to students and alumni.  The jackets are of the traditional wool and leather variety, green with white sleeves and green and white trim on the collar, cuff and hem, with Hornet logo, Class year and an embroidered name.  The jackets cost $250 for S, M, L and XL, and $255 for 2XL, 3XL and 4XL.  (Tall sizes are available at an additional fee.)  Please contact LaKeshia Myers @ 301-599-2453 or  LaKeshia.Myers@pgcps.org with any questions, to see a photo, or to place an order.

7.  NEW PHOTOS CONTINUE TO BE ADDED TO FOUNDATION'S FACEBOOK GROUP.  Thanks to the work of Shelby Lee Oppermann (79), Greg Laxton (80), Debi Caputo Rosen (71), Evan Vutsinas (76) and others, the large collection of wonderful historical photos with Surrattsville themes on the Foundation's Facebook Group, "Surrattsville Alumni," continues to grow.  These include wonderful photos from Surrattsville's various theatrical events over the years, photos of the gone-but-obviously-not-forgotten Ranch Drive-In, photos of beloved teachers, a tribute to Accokeek's own Link Wray (recently nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Greg is one of the special custodians of the Link Wray legend) and a photo of Link at Surrattsville, and the like.

(Naturally, the Foundation would love to have any Surrattsville- or Clinton-themed historical photos or videos you might wish to share.)

8.  FOUNDATION'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL CONTINUES TO ADD CONTENT.  The Foundation's rapidly expanding youtube channel is always looking for additional content to add.  (There's a rumor that there might be some digital copies of drama productions at Surrattsville that might be suitable to include.  Naturally, we'd love to have those treasures!)  Please become a subscriber to the channel, take a moment to view the programs on the channel at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/SurrattsvilleFDN, and let us know if you have access to any content that could be added.

9.  REQUEST FOR HELP WITH DGITIZATION OF FOUNDATION ARCHIVES.  As many of our readers know – and as all recent visitors to the Foundation's "Surrattsville Alumni" Facebook Group have seen – the Foundation's Historian and Archivist, Shelby Lee Oppermann (79), has largely single-handedly saved from destruction, collected and made presentable a virtual treasure trove of Surrattsville-related historical items.  Shelby now hopes to digitize those priceless artifacts to ensure their survival into perpetuity.  Here's a message from Shelby that we shared in the last e-Notice:

"We're hoping to find someone with the capabilities to professionally digitize all our Foundation memorabilia.  I will get as much up on Facebook as the material will allow, but a professional job would be really nice.  I also want to see if anyone in our Surrattsville community would be able to take the Foundation's oral history interviews off of the digital tape recorder and the cassette recorder, enhance them, and take out background noises (though the live episode of "Hornetman" recorded in the background of some interviews from the Y2K reunion was pretty funny!).  I did have the digital tape recorder downloaded onto a CD last year.  I am having fun uploading and describing the pictures, and reading all the comments.  In addition to the Surrattsville Alumni Facebook Group, I have been uploading onto various Facebook groups like "If you grew up in Clinton you remember," "Clinton Volunteer Fire Department," and the various elementary school pages.  Shelby"

(If you might be able to assist in this important conservation effort, please send me an email at hsmith@smithdowney.com. )

10.  CLASSES OF 83/84/85 REUNION.  We received this notice from the Classes of 83, 84 and 85:  "Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 11, 2014 for our Classes of 83/84/85 Reunion.  Please email Debbie O’Clair MacKenzie at Debbiemackenzie45@yahoo.com to be placed on the mailing list (if you have not already received the “save the date” email).  If you have questions about the event, contact your Class representative:

1983—Becky delVillar Levin:  bdellevin@gmail.com

1984—Gary Stallings:  gstallings@yahoo.com

1985—MaryBeth Klick:  mbklick@aol.com"

11.  REQUEST FOR NAMING ASSISTANCE ON FALLEN HEROES PLAQUE FOR LEGACY HALL.  As reported previously, thanks to the efforts of Bob Jeter (64), the Foundation is preparing a Fallen Heroes plaque to hang in the Legacy Hall that will contain the names and Class years of Hornets who died while serving in the military or as first responders (or later from service-related injuries).  Please contact Bob at bobjeter@verizon.net if you know of any Hornets who should be honored in this way.  In addition, Bob is asking for your thoughts on an appropriate title for this plaque, so please send him an email if you have any ideas.

[Ed note:  Photos of the Legacy Wall can be found on the Foundation's web site at www.surrattsville.org.]

12.  STILL SEEKING WEB SITE DESIGN ASSISTANCE.  The Foundation continues to seek members of the Surrattsville community with web site design skills to volunteer to assist with some changes being contemplated for our web site at surrattsville.org.   Please send me an email at hsmith@smithdowney.com if you'd consider donating your skills to this effort.

13.  CLASS OF 64 50 YEAR REUNION.   We received this announcement about the Class of 64's upcoming golden event:  "The Class of 1964 is planning a 50th reunion in Ocean City for late September 2014.  It might seem a long way off, but we all know how fast time goes by.  We need to firm up a place, reserve a block of rooms to set aside, and determine how much space we will need.   Please email Ginger Trapanotto, gingersnap699@gmail.com or Phil Foster, fosterphilip6@gmail.com if you (alone or with a guest) are interested in attending.   Also, if you know the whereabouts of any former classmate, please ask him/her to email one of us or you can forward the information to us.  We appreciate any help you can provide and the "committee" is looking forward to re-visiting the 60s with everyone."

14.  FOUNDATION FACEBOOK PRESENCE CONTINUES TO GROW.  The Foundation's Facebook Group – called "Surrattsville Alumni" – continues to grow, and now exceeds 1650 members.  This is a great, and free, way for folks to stay in touch.  Similarly, the Class-specific Facebook Groups – that have names like "Surrattsville 1969" and the like -- continue to grow.  These Facebook Groups are becoming an increasingly active way for folks to share memories and news updates of interest to the Surrattsville community.  Please consider joining the Surrattsville Alumni Group, and your own Class-specific Group.

15.  SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE.  Neal Dawson (73) has sent along this great tip about 2014 summer internships for high school and summer students:

"Subject: SEAP & NREIP Internships Open Season. SEAP and NREIP Open Season has started.     It's time to apply for SEAP and NREIP!  Do you know a high school or college student who is interested in science, technology, math and/or engineering?    Applications for the Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP) and the Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP) opened on October 1!   These competitive intern programs provide an opportunity for students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer.  Both NSWCCD Philadelphia and West Bethesda are among the laboratories participating in the programs for summer 2014.

SEAP is open to high school students.  It pays $3,300 for new students and $3800 for returning students for the 8 week summer internship.   Students must be 16 years of age at the time of application deadline, Jan 6th 2014.  More information and details about eligibility can be found at http://seap.asee.org/ or on the attached flyer.  NREIP is a 10 week internship open to both undergraduate and graduate students.  For undergraduate students the stipend is as follows: Sophomores receive $5,400.00.  Juniors and Seniors receive $8,100.00. Graduate students will receive $10,800.00. More information and details about eligibility can be found at http://nreip.asee.org/ or on the attached flyer.  Note that the application window opened October 1 and applications must be complete, including all supporting documentation, no later than January 6, 2014 5:30pm EST.  Incomplete applications will note be considered.   Apply now!"

Here's hoping this finds you well and enjoying a lovely Autumn!

All the best, Henry Smith (71)

In Memoriam

LEE ANN MORGAN WRIGHT (69) died on October 21st in Baltimore. She is survived by husband David Wright; sons Will Wright, Frank Scharmen, and Fred Scharmen; daughter Joanna Wright; granddaughter Leah; mother, Barbara; brothers, Bill, Glenn and Matthew and their spouses Linda and Dawn; and many other family and friends.  Remembrances will be held on November 9, from non-2:30 p.m. at The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf, 1000 Fell St, Baltimore, MD 21231, 410-522-7777, one of Lee Ann’s favorite places, and from 3-5 p.m. at The Grunwald Club, 2825 O’Donnell St, Baltimore, MD 21224, 410-675-3400, about 5 minutes from The Inn.

For much of her life, Lee Ann found herself surrounded by children -- her own, their friends and other neighborhood kids who needed a safe place to hang out or have a sandwich. Her family decided that a way to honor Lee Ann would be to make a donation to Save the Children if you wish, but other gifts or gestures are fine too.  For more info, contact Terry Profilet Constable at constableterry@gmail.com.

MANY THANKS TO THESE GENEROUS DONORS TO THE 2013 CAMPAIGN!

• Patricia Becker Oles (71)
• Steve Profilet (71)
• Vicki Forsht Williams (65 and former faculty), In memory of Eugene Colgan (former faculty) and Richard Mortimer (57, former faculty)
• Nancy Miller (67)
• Vicky Simontacchi Young (57), In memory of Richard C. Mortimer (57, former faculty)
• Bob Marr (71)
• Debbie Cox Marr (72)
• Mark Scoville (74), In memory of Mike Helfrich (74) and Nancy Maddox (74)
• Rick Torrecarion (74), In loving memory of Patsy Torrecarion (76)
• Linda Dorsey Blum (66)
• Nancy Lapin LoBianco (65), In memory of Tony Marchetti (65)
• Sandra Smith Simmons (70)
• Duke Coleman (53), In memory of Donald England (53)
• Lois Barrett Hessberg (70)
• Lee Hessberg (68)
• Donna Rae Sturtevant Smith (70), In memory of Cliff Hersey (former faculty)
• Henry Smith (71), In memory of Cliff Hersey (former faculty)
• Sandra Smith Simmons (70)
• Donald Knight (92)
• David Cranford (90)
• Vera Twigg
• Paul Monaghan (59)
• Melissa Gilcrest (69)
• Deborah Caputo Rosen (71)
• Nancy Oursler Maynard (65), In memory of Cliff Hersey (former faculty)
• Judy Miller (70)
• Mike Blair (71)
• Larry Romjue (57), In memory of Lois Marie Osgood (57) – "It's not for me to say," Johnny Mathis
• Leslie St. Clair (70), In memory of Bob Mahler (70) and Georgy Stevens (70)
• Anne Noyes (former faculty), In memory of Lillian Holland (former faculty)
• Helen Bovbjerg Niedung (54)
• J. Paul Rickett (69)
• Gloria Blandford Rickett (71)
• Marge and Bill Allen (parents)
• Coach Lew Jenkins (former faculty)
• Dan Bayne (71), for the Charlie Waddell Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Sherry Dodson Brunett (69)
• Dave DeCenzo (73)
• Mike Miller (70)
• Patricia Nugent (71)
• Dave Weber (65)
• Judy Gordon (65), In memory of Cliff Hersey (former faculty), Roseann Falcone (65), Tony Marchetti (65), and Bill Millios (honorary 65 Hornet)