ROCK HALL — Friday morning, parents, relatives and friends funneled into the Kent County High School Trojan Stadium to congratulate 142 graduating seniors.
Members of the school board were present but acted mainly as spectators along with the parents in the seating area, some out on the field, the majority on the bleachers.
But during the Kent County Board of Education’s regular meeting session on May 28, each member offered their own remarks, showing appreciation for the 2024 graduating seniors at the close of their year.
Board Member Trish McGee
“Congrats to the class of 2024!”
McGee pointed to the Salutatorian, Madison Messick heading to the University of Maryland, College Park and the Valedictorian, Ben Loller, heading to Brown University.
Both were present at the meeting.
“I can’t think of two better representatives of Kent County Public Schools than these very fine young people.”
McGee added that both of them were very active as seniors in school matters, Messick as the student representative for the Board, Loller as an engaged member of the Citizen Advisory Committee.
Of the latter, McGee said, he brought a valuable student’s perspective especially during the discussion of the implementation of Kirwan, the landmark piece of legislation passed in 2021, which includes comprehensive changes to Maryland’s early childhood and public schools.
Board Member Frank Rhodes
Rhodes commended the awards ceremony that took place earlier that month.
He said it was a wonderful ceremony, but also mentioned that based on comments, he’d like to see how they can make it shorter.
He encouraged parents to urge their children to sign up early, which will increase the likelihood of them receiving an award.
He spent some time reflecting back on his one year in service and said how each member’s opinion should be valued for optimal results.
Board Member Aretha Dorsey
“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the seniors on a job well done.”
She congratulated Messick on her full scholarship, and also others who received awards. She also said congrats for the ones who didn’t receive awards, who are headed for college, a trade school or the military.
“It’s a big step and I wish you the best.”
Vice President of the Board Francois Sullivan
She echoed McGee’s statements looking over at Loller.
“I look forward to how you’re going to change the world for us.”
It was a message that went right along with the graduation theme on Saturday, where Principal Kris Hemstetter instructed everyone to “pause... and take it all in, then make your mark on the world.”
After the board’s graduation remarks, President Goetz provided an overview in the hunt for a new Superintendent.
Last week, he said, was round three. Three rounds, and three candidates. Mary Boswell-McComas, LeTrecia Gloster and Dawn Lucarelli.
On the 21, 22, and 23 of that month they had visited. Each candidate had their own day to get acquainted. Candidates met at 11:15 a.m. at the high school, had lunch and had time with the students.
“It was a constructive session,” said Goetz.
After lunch each candidate got a tour of the school system.
Goetz said, “Albeit it was quick — we had a packed day, so they were able to get a good vibe. The candidates had some wonderful comments who they interacted with.”
Following that was the meet and greet at the central office in Rock Hall. The senior team met with them, as well as the stakeholder community consisting of business folks, clergy, and overall a ‘broad net.” The session was conducted by the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE).
Dinner followed with members of the board in an informal interview.
The search will be moving into the next phase with the goal to select somebody before Superintendent Karen Couch’s departure effective June 30.
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