See the Good

We ask for your patience as the School transitions to a new website on Friday, August 4. We anticipate the new site will be live and fully functioning by Sunday, August 6. Thank you!

“In boredom, may you find purpose; in fear, may you find courage; in anxiety, may you find peace;
God is good, all the time, especially now.”

-Principal Tom Durkin

As we strive to keep our Patriot community connected during this stressful time, we are proud to launch a new initiative called "See The Good," an extension of the well-known and loved John Carroll mantra, "God is Good, All the Time."

Through this campaign, we are hoping to shine a light on all the good our students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff are doing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is filled with examples of our community working as a force for good, and we hope it is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit during even the most daunting challenges.

If you hear of a good "See the Good" story, we welcome submissions at news@johncarroll.org. You can also share your story on social media using the hashtag #SeeTheGood.

Students

VolunTeen Helps CrossRoads Transitional Living

The students of VolunTeen are at it again! Members of the student-lead service organization collected gifts, toiletries and other much needed supplies for the young women at Crossroads Transitional Living. Crossroads is a program which helps young people transitioning out of foster care prepare to live independently. VolunTeen’s hope is that these donations will help these young women feel valued and cared for. The group, which is comprised of local high school students, included President Drew Evans ’23, Vice President Ryan Skandalis ’23 and Secretary Katie Yurechko ’20, as well as Alex Fuller ’23, Noah Miller ’23, Jayson Polesovsky ’23, Max Vaughan ’23 and Greg Temple ’23.

Bella Voce sings "Down in the River to Pray" to Brighten our Days!

We may be facing challenging times, but music by Bella Voce will brighten any day! Distance could not put a stop to the creative drive of these talented students and their moderator, Mrs. Julie Parrish. Led by featured soloists Maddie Evering ’20 and Jillian Connolly ’23, students learned, rehearsed and recorded their parts of “Down in the River to Pray” at home. After submitting their individual parts, Mrs. Parrish mixed them into a single recording. This is a first for Bella Voce and we think you’ll agree that the results of their efforts are stunning. Great work, Patriots!

Talking With Tommy

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!

Grace Madigan Sews for Good!

Staying home to combat the spread of COVID-19 has left us all with a great deal of time on our hands. Some are using this time to learn a new skill. For Grace Madigan ’21, that skill is sewing. What began for Grace and her mom, Sandra, as simply sewing masks for her grandparents has quickly grown to almost 100 masks that have been donated to family, friends and any essential workers in need. We are proud of students like Grace who are taking on new challenges to help those who need it most.

Samantha Katen '24 Uses Her Sewing Skills to Make Protective Masks

They say that “necessity is the mother of invention”. That has certainly been true for Future Patriot Samantha Katen ’24. Samantha saw the need for protective masks and got creative to fill that need. While at home, she has sewn masks using leftover upholstery fabric. After the elastic she was using for ear pieces ran out, Samantha repurposed hair ties to complete the job. Samantha’s creativity and drive to help others will make her an outstanding addition to the JC family!

Shorts Lawncare Helps JC Student Emergency Fund

Many small businesses have been forced to temporarily shut down in the wake of COVID-19 related closures. Some that have been able to continue operating, like Shorts Lawncare, LLC., are turning their gratitude into an opportunity to pay it forward. Shorts Lawncare, owned and operated by Brett ’20 and Austin Shorts ’22, along with their younger sister Sara, wanted to do something to help their fellow Patriots who have been impacted by the economic consequences of this pandemic and have decided to donate a portion of their April profits to the John Carroll Student Emergency Fund. We are grateful for students like Brett and Austin who know the true meaning of being a Patriot. For those of you interested in hiring Shorts Lawncare you can reach them at: Shortslawncarellc@gmail.com!

Emma Ritter and the IAAM Public Service Announcement

In a time filled with uncertainty and stress, it is more important than ever to take care of ourselves. Emma Ritter ’20 joined fellow IAAM athletes to provide strategies for caring for our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing while remaining at home. While they may normally be competitors on the field, these athletes have come together with a common goal. Take Emma’s advice and get plenty of Vitamin C! To watch the video, please click here.

Virtual Pet Therapy

When senior Brian Thompson realized he would not be able to continue with his pet therapy Senior Project at the Perry Point VA Medical Center as originally planned, he quickly switched gears. He worked with Pets on Wheels to create trading cards with fun photos and facts about Mjolnir, a therapy cat who typically makes in-person visits with Perry Point's Community Living Center inpatients. Brian cut card stock, embossed the cards, painted the backgrounds and assembled the cards, which were a big hit with patients!

Special Issue of "The Patriot"

"The Patriot" staff pulled off something truly remarkable, putting together a special COVID-19 issue of the John Carroll student newspaper in just two weeks, when typical turnaround time for a print issue is four to six weeks. During the last 40 minutes they had together in class, the students planned and gathered information for stories for this special digital-only issue. Mrs. Hall reflected, “Back on the 13th, I told them that I thought it would be 10 or 12 pages. I certainly did not expect it to be 18 pages!” Seniors Alex Hau, Kate Gromacki and Emma Balint (Chief Editors) and sophomore Belle Wilson (Managing Editor) led the charge for this effort, and we are so proud of these students and Mrs. Hall on their accomplishment. To read the special edition, click here.

Keeping Food on the Table

Just six days ago, JC freshmen and cousins Donnie Waitt and Gabriella Steck started a GoFundMe page to raise money to assist families who are currently out of work due to COVID-19. Last night, they exceeded their goal of $1,000! The funds collected will be used to provide grocery store gift cards to those in need.

Faculty & Staff

The Patriot Bus Is Headed To Your Neighborhood!

A few weeks ago, a group of John Carroll faculty and staff hopped on buses and delivered care packages to each of the 152 members of the Class of 2020 at their homes. However, Luke Wentworth was at work when the Patriot and Dean of Student Services Mr. Larry Hensley arrived. Not to be deterred, they got back on the bus and drove to Luke’s job to surprise him there. We are grateful for faculty and staff like Mr. Hensley and the Patriot (otherwise known as Assistant Principal Mr. Hollin) who are dedicated to making each student feel known and valued.

Harford County Cultural Arts Board Helps Local Artists

The financial impact of the closures caused by COVID-19 can be felt in every industry, including the arts. Many in our community find their livelihood in artistic endeavors. College Preparatory Dance Program Director Mrs. Laura Ward-Moran and her fellow members of the Harford County Cultural Arts Board have recently approved an Emergency Relief Grant for Artists in the Harford County area. This grant will provide needed assistance in amounts up to $1,000 for local artists struggling with financial loses related to this crisis. For more information or to apply for a grant, visit culturalartsboard.org.

A New Use for 3D Printers

After receiving a request from the principal at St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis, STEAM Program Coordinator and Computer Science Department Chair Mike Monaghan agreed to utilize John Carroll’s 3D printers to make parts of protective masks and respirators. From April to mid-June Mr. Monaghan printed and shipped components to Eclipse Group who assembled and delivered the masks to Anne Arundel Medical Center and other medical facilities. It takes about 9.5 hours to print a two-piece mask set. On June 19, Mr. Monaghan dropped off the last batch of masks to the Eclipse Group in Annapolis. JC contributed 486 mask shells to the effort which consumed 31 rolls of 3D filament and a few printer nozzles. The two JC printers logged 2,743 print hours since the beginning of April.

Alumni

The Little Free Food Pantry

Jerry Pilachowski ’71 knew that the closures put into effect in Pennsylvania, including his own sign making business, would mean tough times ahead, especially for those dealing with food insecurity. In an effort to help members of his community continue to put food on their tables, Jerry started the Little Free Food Pantry in a small tent in front of his home in Red Lion. Before long, that small tent had to be exchanged for a donated shipping container as his neighbors, area businesses and a team of volunteers embraced the “give what you can, take what you need” food pantry. To read more click on the links below.

WGAL TV 8 video and article

York Dispatch article and video

Alumni Helping His Students Practice Gratitude

Daniel Egan ’01 is teaching his middle school students at Ridge and Valley Charter School in Blairstown, New Jersey to practice gratitude, even in trying times. Students have spent time writing letters to first responders, medical personnel and essential workers expressing their thanks for the important work being done by people in those categories. One student writes “I am grateful for your service to our community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s comforting knowing that you are there.” We couldn’t have said it any better!

Alumni Mastering Effective Telehealth

Kathy Sapitowicz ’81 has played a vital role in the COVID-19 pandemic. She may not be fighting on the front lines, but she is one of the master minds behind all of your telehealth visits! In her role as Project Lead at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Kathy was training doctors on how to use telehealth effectively long before coronavirus came around. She and her team continue to work diligently on ways to enhance telehealth for treating COVID-19 as well as for other healthcare applications. Thank you, Kathy for all your hard work and dedication on making this new type of doctor visit more accessible for everyone.

More Senior Deliveries...Welcoming the Class of 2020 into the JC Alumni Association!

The Class of 2020 will soon join the ranks of The John Carroll School Alumni Association (will tag) and their fellow Patriots wanted to welcome them in a big way. Members of the Alumni Association delivered a package to each senior containing some fun gifts, including a travel mug and class photo. Hugo the French Bulldog, an adorable honorary alumnus belonging to Rachael Rice ’88, was also on hand to remind them that “Once A Patriot, Always A Patriot!”

Alumni Hosts Virtual Music Marathon from the State Theatre in Havre de Grace

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. In response, Katie and Jared turned their business model into one featuring professional grade live streams and virtual events. On April 25, they hosted Lockdown Festival, a six hour music marathon presented virtually from the State Theater, in partnership with Lunar Bay Studio, Harford Community Action Agency and Slate Ridge Entertainment. Lockdown Festival not only provided local artists with the opportunity to perform again, but it also raised $6,000 for Harford Community Action Agency’s Food Bank! The event’s success inspired organizers to plan Lockdown Festival 2.0 to again benefit HCAA’s Food Bank on May 16 (https://www.facebook.com/events/974732159632406/). Katie and Jared’s commitment to their community doesn’t end there. They will also be hosting Virtual First Fridays as a means of highlighting local small businesses until they are able to reopen. We are inspired by Katie and Jared’s passion for giving back during this difficult time.

Patriot Alumni Team-Up to Collect Food for The Harford County Community Action Food Bank

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. These three dedicated Patriots and their families, including Chris Scannell ‘85, Erin Scannell ‘19 and Megan Scannell ‘21, have teamed up to help their neighbors dealing with food insecurity as a result of COVID-19 and are collecting non-perishable food items for The Harford County Community Action Food Bank. Join Rachael, Laurie and Susan in their efforts by dropping off much needed items from HCAA’s Wish List (bit.ly/FoodWishlist) to the front porch of their homes. The group will be collecting food donations until Thursday, April 30! Thank you, Patriots, for reminding us of the importance and power of community!

The Roarty Home, 212 Locust Hill Dr, Churchville MD
The Scannell Home, 2303 Thetford Court, Fallston MD
The Rice-Carey Home, 615 N Hickory Avenue, Bel Air MD 21014

'95 Grad Helps Make PPEs for Johns Hopkins Staff

Jeremy Rosendale ’95 recently joined forces with a number of other volunteers to make over 200 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff at Johns Hopkins, as well as first responders and others on the frontlines of the response to COVID-19. In the few hours that he spent volunteering, Jeremy became part of an effort to protect medical personnel which has produced over 50,00 PPE kits to date.

Trading Teaching for Serving in The National Guard

For some, serving others is a way of life. That is the case for Matt Linck '13. Matt put his career in special education on hold to answer his country's call as a member of the Maryland Army National Guard. Matt and his unit are now on Active Duty, working to distribute food and provide security where needed while also gearing up for a potential deployment in the coming months. Thank you, Matt, for your service!

Beynon Sports Uses Their Resources to Make Hand-Sanitizer

"Every effort counts." That is how Beynon Sports began a recent social media post that included a photo of their new production line churning out much-needed bottles of hand sanitizer. The Maryland-based athletic track and turf field surface company was founded by John T. Beynon, father of Andrew '93 and Jay '95, and today Andrew serves as Chief Operating Officer of the highly successful business. We are grateful and inspired by their efforts to respond to this crisis.

Promoting Protection

As an infectious disease specialist with Froedtert Health Clinic, Dr. Joyce Sanchez ’99 is helping those in the Milwaukee area learn about how to protect themselves from COVID-19. In a recent interview on Fox 6 Milwaukee, Dr. Joyce Sanchez suggests keeping your mouth covered and even using a makeshift mask, if needed.

Parents

JC Grandmother Donates to Student Emergency Fund with Money Raised From Sewing COVID Masks

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!

Feeding Our Heroes Campaign

Frederick Buechner said that “your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need." Theresa Riedel-Ray ’89, mother of Tucker ’19 and owner of The Lunch Box Deli on Aberdeen Proving Ground, realized that she could use her business as a way to help those on the front lines of the response to COVID-19 and started the Feeding Our Heroes campaign. Donations to this effort will provide free meals, prepared by The Lunch Box Deli, to the employees in area hospitals, urgent care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, as well as first responders. In giving to Feeding Our Heroes, the community can ensure that healthcare workers and first responders are well fed and that the staff of this small business remain employed. Click here to donate and learn more about this campaign.

Working to Do Good

In her role as Harford County’s Assistant Director of Development for United Way of Central Maryland, Amy Novak, parent of Victoria ’23, has been hard at work helping to round up volunteers and donations to respond to the influx of calls to United Way’s 211 line as a result of COVID-19. Thanks in part to her efforts, hundreds of volunteers stepped up to answer the hotline and to distribute food, tutor students and provide childcare. Also on behalf of United Way, Amy and her husband Vince recently delivered a car-full of treats to say thanks to the healthcare heroes at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Hospital!

Patriots Helping Patriots

We are committed to helping the community and businesses who have supported John Carroll over the years. Please consider showing the following businesses your support during this time of crisis. Thank you!

If your business has been impacted by COVID-19, please let us know if there are ways the John Carroll family can support you by emailing news@johncarroll.org.

Triple J Food Co. Open for Business...Food Truck Style

In need of a comfort food fix? Visit the Triple J Food Co. Food Truck, owned by Jeff Greggs ’99, at its new home at 2801 Churchville Road! Visit their Facebook page or triplejfoodco.com for more information or to check out their menu.

Safelite Maps Out Senior Surprise Delivery Route!

As the largest auto glass specialist company in the United States, Safelite serves some 10 million customers each year. Social responsibility is one of the company’s core values and their Safelite Foundation supports organizations and causes around the country that promote the health and well-being of families. Recently, The John Carroll School was the beneficiary of their support, as the Safelite team mapped out routes that made it possible for our staff to deliver care packages around the state (and even into Pennsylvania!) to every senior in the Class of 2020 in just two days! As it says on their website, “Sometimes we go big with a large donation or volunteer project, but often it’s just a helping hand – every bit, though, is just as important.” We couldn’t agree more – this was certainly very important to our JC community! Thank you, Safelite, for helping us show these special students a little extra love during these tough times.

Find Your Inner Peace During Virtual Yoga!

In the face of a global economic and public health crisis, many are experiencing an increase in anxiety and stress. Nisat Bhatti, mother of Iman ’22, hopes to offer our community an avenue to manage that stress and encourage mental and emotional wellbeing. A yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience, Nisat is offering a Virtual Yoga class designed for all ages and skill levels for a nominal donation. Donations will go directly to local organizations benefitting those impacted by COVID-19. Contact Nisat at 443-567-8699 to get the week’s schedule as well as the meeting ID to attend. Namaste!

Zooming Into Fitness with Kore Bootcamps

Kelly Backert, mother of Gabby Albright ’23, owns a small boutique fitness studio in downtown Bel Air called Kore Bootcamps that started offering virtual fitness classes via Zoom back in December. When small businesses and gyms had to close due to COVID-19, they were able to easily transition to virtual classes because they were already in place. If anyone associated with John Carroll is interested in taking Zoom virtual classes from home, Kore Bootcamps would love to have you. Simply email Kelly and she can help you get set up. Kore Bootcamps offer cycle, bootcamps, yoga and meditation all from the comfort of your home. Click here to visit the Kore Bootcamps website.

Homemade Pizza Fun at Buontempo Bros.

Have you heard the news? Buontempo Bros. Pizza, owned by proud Patriot parent Renato Buontempo (Serena '09, Marina '10, Francesco '18, Isabella '20) is helping families make the best out of being at home with new homemade pizza kits! These have been a huge hit and even spurred some fun Facebook contests. Order these and other Buontempo favorites then pull into their designated parking spot and have the food - and fun - brought right to your car. Click here for their full menu and to order online.

About

Admissions

Academics

Student Life

International

Arts

Athletics

“In boredom, may you find purpose; in fear, may you find courage; in anxiety, may you find peace;
God is good, all the time, especially now.”

See the Good

Students

Faculty & Staff

Alumni

Parents

Patriots Helping Patriots

About

Admissions

Academics

Student Life

International

Arts

Athletics

“In boredom, may you find purpose; in fear, may you find courage; in anxiety, may you find peace; God is good, all the time, especially now.”

See the Good

Students

Faculty & Staff

Alumni

Parents

Patriots Helping Patriots

“In boredom, may you find purpose; in fear, may you find courage; in anxiety, may you find peace;
God is good, all the time, especially now.”