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News & Photos
John Wood and Steve Martel Awarded Teaching Chairs
The first day of the 2019-2020 school year for McDonogh faculty and staff on Monday, August 19, was filled with joy and excitement. The buzz of old friends and new, greeting each other at the opening meeting in Tagart Memorial Chapel, was difficult to quell. After Head of School Dave Farace ’87 gave an overview of the year ahead, new faculty and staff were introduced, and members of the administrative team gave reports. Farace concluded the meeting by announcing the recipients of two endowed teaching chairs. Endowed chairs are the most prestigious honor any educator can earn. Chairs recognize great teaching as well as commitment to the McDonogh community. This year, as in the past, the deserving recipients were completely surprised and overwhelmed by the honor.
Dr. John W. Wood III Awarded the Raymond B. Oliver, Class of 1940, Teaching Chair
Farace set the stage saying, “Like many of us, this person started as a teacher at McDonogh. Like some of us, this teacher was a last-minute hire, recommended by a current teacher—Smalltimore. And like all of us, this rookie teacher jumped in with enthusiasm, kept afloat during the first couple of years, and then began to thrive. Also, like many of us, that one-year appointment has turned into an illustrious career of teaching and learning. In the classroom, this teacher truly practices what we preach: learn continually, work hard, stay curious, try new things, help, and be kind to others… all with enthusiasm and a great sense of humor.”
Before revealing that the recipient was Upper School History teacher John Wood, Farace said, “This teacher is always looking for unconventional ways to teach so that all students can learn, and he is particularly proud of helping struggling students succeed by encouraging them to ‘think outside the box.’" He concluded, “His intellect is widely respected by colleagues and students alike, and his joy in learning – through musical instruments, languages, sports, traveling, or new historical topics—is contagious.”
Thrilled for their colleague, the crowd was on its feet as Wood, accompanied by his wife, accepted the Raymond B. Oliver ’40 Teaching Chair. Ray Oliver’s children, Craig Oliver '70 and Vicki Oliver Wineke were also on hand for the presentation.
Steve Martel Awarded the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Teaching Chair
The prelude to the introduction of the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Teaching Chair could have applied to most in the room. Farace said, “In today’s chaotic world, children need authentic guides. Their thirst for knowledge can be quenched when they know and trust that guide. They need a teacher who honors each student for their own gifts and strengths. And if they don’t have an apparent gift, they need an advocate who can help them find a passion. They need a teacher who will address their challenges with support and love, but also one who is firm in the conviction that each student do their best.”
He continued saying, “Today’s chair recipient is one such authentic guide. He leads children on their way to happiness and learning every day because of how deeply he cares for each of them. He allows, and more so, encourages children to take risks in life. A renaissance man himself, the children know he has risked and learned, and that makes their moment of discomfort more comfortable. He is a humanitarian who believes in the good in us all, but especially in the children he teaches and guides. He shares his own unique perspective with students, and they appreciate him for being himself while continually pushing them further.”
There was a mummer of speculation among the crowd when Farace said, “Be it in his classroom, on a lacrosse field, or on a stage, our honoree is a man of conviction who is dedicated to the children he coaches, teaches, and guides.” Farace officially revealed the name of the recipient saying, “If you know our honoree, Steve Martel, you know his life is full because of his love of music.” Then, colleagues Kara Zimmerman, Beth Rausch, and Kevin Costa performed a song that Martel recently wrote.
As with Wood, the audience rose to their feet applauding in appreciation of Martel, the Middle School Social Studies Department Chair. He was joined by his wife, children, and mother as he graciously accepted the award.
Seven endowed teaching chairs have been established at McDonogh. They have been named in honor of Dutch Eyth, Ray Oliver, Tom Harper, Charles Kinard, Doc Lamborn, John Grega, and the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Foundation.
The first day of the 2019-2020 school year for McDonogh faculty and staff on Monday, August 19, was filled with joy and excitement. The buzz of old friends and new, greeting each other at the opening meeting in Tagart Memorial Chapel, was difficult to quell. After Head of School Dave Farace ’87 gave an overview of the year ahead, new faculty and staff were introduced, and members of the administrative team gave reports. Farace concluded the meeting by announcing the recipients of two endowed teaching chairs. Endowed chairs are the most prestigious honor any educator can earn. Chairs recognize great teaching as well as commitment to the McDonogh community. This year, as in the past, the deserving recipients were completely surprised and overwhelmed by the honor.
Dr. John W. Wood III Awarded the Raymond B. Oliver, Class of 1940, Teaching Chair
Farace set the stage saying, “Like many of us, this person started as a teacher at McDonogh. Like some of us, this teacher was a last-minute hire, recommended by a current teacher—Smalltimore. And like all of us, this rookie teacher jumped in with enthusiasm, kept afloat during the first couple of years, and then began to thrive. Also, like many of us, that one-year appointment has turned into an illustrious career of teaching and learning. In the classroom, this teacher truly practices what we preach: learn continually, work hard, stay curious, try new things, help, and be kind to others… all with enthusiasm and a great sense of humor.”
Before revealing that the recipient was Upper School History teacher John Wood, Farace said, “This teacher is always looking for unconventional ways to teach so that all students can learn, and he is particularly proud of helping struggling students succeed by encouraging them to ‘think outside the box.’" He concluded, “His intellect is widely respected by colleagues and students alike, and his joy in learning – through musical instruments, languages, sports, traveling, or new historical topics—is contagious.”
Thrilled for their colleague, the crowd was on its feet as Wood, accompanied by his wife, accepted the Raymond B. Oliver ’40 Teaching Chair. Ray Oliver’s children, Craig Oliver '70 and Vicki Oliver Wineke were also on hand for the presentation.
Steve Martel Awarded the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Teaching Chair
The prelude to the introduction of the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Teaching Chair could have applied to most in the room. Farace said, “In today’s chaotic world, children need authentic guides. Their thirst for knowledge can be quenched when they know and trust that guide. They need a teacher who honors each student for their own gifts and strengths. And if they don’t have an apparent gift, they need an advocate who can help them find a passion. They need a teacher who will address their challenges with support and love, but also one who is firm in the conviction that each student do their best.”
He continued saying, “Today’s chair recipient is one such authentic guide. He leads children on their way to happiness and learning every day because of how deeply he cares for each of them. He allows, and more so, encourages children to take risks in life. A renaissance man himself, the children know he has risked and learned, and that makes their moment of discomfort more comfortable. He is a humanitarian who believes in the good in us all, but especially in the children he teaches and guides. He shares his own unique perspective with students, and they appreciate him for being himself while continually pushing them further.”
There was a mummer of speculation among the crowd when Farace said, “Be it in his classroom, on a lacrosse field, or on a stage, our honoree is a man of conviction who is dedicated to the children he coaches, teaches, and guides.” Farace officially revealed the name of the recipient saying, “If you know our honoree, Steve Martel, you know his life is full because of his love of music.” Then, colleagues Kara Zimmerman, Beth Rausch, and Kevin Costa performed a song that Martel recently wrote.
As with Wood, the audience rose to their feet applauding in appreciation of Martel, the Middle School Social Studies Department Chair. He was joined by his wife, children, and mother as he graciously accepted the award.
Seven endowed teaching chairs have been established at McDonogh. They have been named in honor of Dutch Eyth, Ray Oliver, Tom Harper, Charles Kinard, Doc Lamborn, John Grega, and the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Foundation.