When Katie Johnson ’07 and her boyfriend, Jared Noe, purchased and began renovations on Havre de Grace’s State Theater in early 2018, they dreamed of it becoming a place that not only showcased live entertainment, but one that also supported area small businesses. They didn’t know it then, but this dream would come to life in a way they could never have imagined. Shortly after renovations were completed and the theater opened, it was forced to close again with the onset of COVID-19.

Although we are required to maintain a social distance from one another, banding together as a community is more important that ever before. Just ask Rachael Rice ‘88, Laurie Lutche Scannell ‘88 and Director of Institutional Advancement Susan Butcher Roarty ‘95.

Now more than ever before, we are all craving more connection to others and to our communities. Astutely recognizing this need among his friends and classmates, Tommy Sukiennik ’21 launched an Instagram Live talk show, “Talking With Tommy.” In his first couple episodes, Tommy and his guests have discussed everything from Netflix to helping others. Future guests include a counselor who specializes in working with teens. Thank you, Tommy, for making our Instagram feeds—and our moods—a little brighter!

Karen Ruberry, grandmother of Future Patriot Breanna ’24, saw an opportunity to help others and made the most of it. Karen recently donated to the Student Emergency Fund using money she had raised by sewing masks for friends and neighbors. One act of generosity helped to meet two critical needs in our community. Thank you, Karen! We are excited to welcome you and Breanna into the Patriot family!