Parents of current McDonogh students may sign up for website accounts. Signing up for an account allows a parent to access the online directory, DASH, and your customized parent Personal Page.
Kudos is the place to find exciting news about our current students, faculty, and staff. If you have an accomplishment to share, send a message (and high-resolution photo if you have one) to communications@mcdonogh.org.
Upper School History Department Chair Ned Courtemanche recently published a new case study on the Flint blog, showcasing innovation in McDonogh classrooms through the use of the latest release of Flint's "all-in-one AI for teachers to personalize learning for students."
"Flint's upgraded tools naturally align with the research-backed teaching methods that have been our bread and butter for decades," wrote Courtemanche, before delving into the design of six recently trialed, AI-based classroom activities where students utilized Flint as a tool in use cases ranging from coding or media and project analysis to a civil discourse practice partner or equation tool.
"We're learning that AI can actually amplify the LifeReady skills we value most—critical thinking, problem-solving, and authentic creation," concluded Courtemanche. "These six activities represent just the beginning of what's possible when expanded AI tools enhance thoughtful teaching."
Upper School humanities teacher Joanne Cho recently joined two other veteran economics educators on The Teacher's Sphere podcast to share strategies for transforming economics education through Sphere's real-world economics materials in an episode titled "Engaging Students in Civil Discourse Through Real World Economics."
With their extensive teaching experience, these educators reveal how they help students see economics everywhere, engage constructively across differences, and develop the critical thinking skills needed for informed citizenship.
Over the weekend of September 20–21, Enaye Englenton, Director of Equity & Inclusion and Parent Engagement, spoke on a panel at the Sphere Alumni Fellowship Summit, hosted by Sphere Education Initiatives (a partner of the Cato Institute).
She shared McDonogh's philosophy of Freedom of Expression and Civil Discourse, highlighting how this work supports strong classroom discussions, more confident faculty, and constructive partnerships with parents.
The summit brought together Sphere Alumni from across the country, underscoring the power of diverse voices and perspectives in strengthening education and democracy.
Abby Burstein '25 and Rolando Martinez-Aguilar '25 were presented with highly competitive scholarship awards from the Engineering Society of Baltimore during a special ceremony at the Engineers Club in Baltimore City on June 26. Abby received the Larry Lewis Award, and Rolando received the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award.
High-fives to Scott Ward, Director of Competitive Aquatics, who recently earned the "Tim Pierce Excellence in Coaching Award" at the Maryland Senior State Championships for his commitment to developing our Eagles in and out of the pool year after year. After receiving the award, Coach Ward said, "I was totally surprised but grateful to be recognized by my peers. Tim Pierce was a kind and patient coach who valued the development of the whole athlete, and I am honored to be associated with him through the award."
Congratulations to Philemon Kuo '26, Nitesh Cherukuri '29, and Ayan Naqvi '29 on becoming 2025 MatchCon finalists. Only mathletes in the 95th percentile or higher (628 students) who competed in the online MathCON national competition qualified for the Finals on May 10 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. A special shoutout to Philemon for his remarkable performance, earning a silver medal at the Finals!
Isabella Sodhi '25 created an artistic rendition for a new National Institutes of Health-funded study led by scientists at the Wilmer Eye Institute. Her graphic, which depicts a diabetic mouse retina demonstrating retinal vasculature with increased leakage following insulin-induced transient episode of hypoglycemia (low glucose), was published in Newswise.
Elise Cooper '25 was named Refuel with Chocolate Milk Girls Sprinter of the Year. Presented byThe American Dairy Association Northeast, the Athlete of the Year awards recognize six outstanding high school track and field athletes for their dedication and performance. Each of the finalist were elected from a group of Refuel with Chocolate Milk Athlete of the Month winners, all of whom showcased their talent at The Armory Track & Field Center in New York City. These outstanding student-athletes exemplify what it means to lead with determination, sportsmanship, and dedication—on and off the track! Elise, an Olympic qualifier, also recently signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Puma, becoming the company’s first American high school track and field ambassador. Read more in The Baltimore Sun.
Natalie Gallagher '29 excelled at the 2025 Maryland State 4-H Horse Bowl Competition on March 8 at the University of Maryland, College Park. She clinched first place in the Senior individual category and helped the Carroll County 4-H team secure third place. Throughout the contest, Natalie had to be quick on the buzzer to earn the chance to answer questions and demonstrate her knowledge of equine-related subject matter.
Madison Pegram '25 has achieved the prestigious honor of being named a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. One of the most esteemed and highly competitive undergraduate merit scholarships worldwide, Morehead-Cain brings together a thriving cohort of emerging leaders, thinkers, dreamers, creators, and adventurers, and provides them with the tools to meet their potential and shape societies. In addition to fully-funded studies, scholars gain access to a network of peers and mentors, challenging internships and summer experiences, and an opportunity to travel the world.
Kali Rahman '26 was elected Teen President by his peers at the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. 75th Annual Eastern Region Teen Conference, held in Philadelphia, PA, March 20-23, 2025. In this leadership role, Kali is responsible for implementing initiatives that promote leadership development, civic engagement, and financial literacy among the region’s youth. He will also collaborate closely with the national organization to advocate for legislative policies that benefit the Black community and champion programs that empower and prepare young people for future success. As Teen President, Kali represents more than 11,000 family members across 61 chapters spanning eight states.
Kylie Beard '25, Mya Quarcoopome '27, and Ana Grace Karpovich '28, members of the Marlan Farm Polo Club in Freeland, MD, won the U.S. Polo Association Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship at the Empire Polo Club in Coachella Valley, CA, March 14-16. Confident throughout the match, the team assembled a dominant performance to secure Marlan Farm’s first national title.
Middle School humanities teacher Steve Martel is a 2025 winner of the Lyric Baltimore Believer Award, presented to educators who go above and beyond to inspire their students' creativity and passion for the arts. Steve was nominated by a parent who told him, "I’ve been continually inspired by everything you pour into this program [Rock Shop]. So, when the Lyric announced they were accepting nominations for the Believer Award, I didn’t hesitate for a second - I knew I had to write about you. It was one of the easiest things I’ve ever written because your dedication and impact speak for themselves."
Elena Cooper '25 placed second overall in the long jump with a jump of 20.03 feet at the New Balance Indoor National Championships held in Boston on March 13-16, 2025. Currently ranked #3 nationwide in the long jump, she looks forward to continuing her athletic career at Stanford University starting this fall.
Elise Cooper '25 placed first and set a new personal record of 22.64 seconds in the 200m event at the New Balance Indoor National Championships held in Boston on March 13-16, 2025. Her outstanding performance also propelled her to the #2 spot on the U.S. high school all-time indoors list and #6 on the World U20 all-time list. Two weeks before the New Balance event, Elise placed first in the U.S. high school 300m race and set a new national record at The Circuit meet at the University of Pennsylvania's Ott Center. Watch her post-win interview here.
Associate Director of College Counseling Jazmin John led the planning for the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools 2025 Equity & Innovation Summit held February 23-25 in Nashville, TN. During the conference, 70 college counselors from around the country engaged in courageous conversations, affinity spaces, and roundtable discussions focused on supporting students as they navigate the complexities of the college landscape and the ever-evolving social and political climate.
Isabelle Freiburg '26 received a “Standout” award for her solo performance at the Artist Simply Human (ASH) Dance Convention in Philadelphia in January. She also earned a scholarship to the Nationals Competition in Orlando this summer, with an opportunity to audition to become a touring member of the ASH company.On
Austin McNair '26 was named a 2025 Fellow for the Arts and Social Justice Fellowship at Strathmore after completing a competitive application and panel interview process. The program supports youth leadership at the intersection of arts and social change. During the Fellowship, Austin will attend performances at regional venues, engage in thematic workshops with mentors and their peers, and create a final project exploring issues of importance to him through the media of his choosing.
Pianist Mingze Li '28 won first place in the East Carolina University Piano Competition Senior Division on January 25, 2025. In November of 2024, he traveled to Germany to perform at the Klassik im Klösterle in Weil der Stadt. He also performed for students of the Johannes Kepler Gymnasium Weil der Stadt as part of an effort to promote cultural exchange between young people. Follow Mingze's musical journey on his YouTube channel.
Isabella Sodhi '25 created an artistic rendition for a new study released by researchers at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine regarding treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. View her graphic published in Newswise.
Ned Courtemanche, Upper School History Department Chair, recently contributed an article,From Panic to Possibility: How AI Could Revolutionize the Teaching of Critical Thinking,on The Flint Blog. This is the first of many articles Ned plans to publish regarding AI-powered teaching and learning.Flint is an AI platform that helps K-12 schools personalize learning for students.
Hilary McDonough, Director of Global Programs, was selected to serve as the 2024-25 Global Educator-in-Residence with the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG). In this role, Hilary will lend her expertise in curriculum design and intercultural dialogue as a pedagogical tool. GEBG is a leading nonprofit association of K-12 schools around the world that researches and establishes model practices in the field of global education.
Sophia Papadakis '25 was named a National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) 2024 GRiT Ambassador. The GRiT Program engages female student-athletes in raising awareness of the effort to get #moregirlsonbikes. GRiT Ambassadors play a key role in recruiting and retaining more girls in NICA programs at the state level.
Kare Coley '24 was selected from a field of applicants — including law school students, master's students, and college seniors — to participate in the prestigious Black Professionals in International Affairs Summer Internship Program. As an intern, she will collaborate with seasoned professionals and gain valuable insights from leading foreign policy experts. Kare stands out as the youngest participant chosen for the 2024 cohort.
Photo Credit: The Baltimore SunElise Cooper '25claimed a gold medal in the 200-meter race at the 2024 USA Track & Field Under-20 Championships and qualified to compete at the U.S. Olympic trials for a spot running the same event at the Summer Olympics in Paris. During the trials, she posted the 15th-fastest time among 27 semifinalists with 22.71 seconds. While she did not qualify for the finals, she finished fifth in her heat with a personal best time. Elise is scheduled to compete at the 2024 World Athletics U-20 Championships in August in Lima, Peru.
Carly Green '24was one of only 300 students selected nationwide for Bank of America’s prestigious Student Leaders® program. As a result, Carly secured an internship at Port Discovery Children’s Museum where she will gain valuable insights into the operations of a nonprofit organization by collaborating with various constituents and engaging in research, design, and content development.
Hannah Gray '25 (poem), Reshma Pahwa '27 (critical essay), and Zewdi Tesfayohannes '25 (poem) received Gold Key Awards in the 2024 Maryland Region Scholastic Writing Awards competition, which is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious creative teen recognition program for students in grade 7-12.
Nationally ranked mathletes Lizzy Albertine '26, Philemon Kuo '26, and Christina Z. '29 showcased their exceptional skills and earned top honors at the MathCON Finals in Chicago on May 11. Christina (ranked 12th nationally) received a Bronze Award, and Philemon (ranked 16th) and Lizzy (ranked 23rd) both received Honorable Mentions. Out of more than 30,000 participants, the trio qualified for the final competition by placing in the top 5% in their respective grade levels. Jolee X. '28 and Helen L. '29 also qualified for the finals but were unable to attend the final round. Additionally, Philemon achieved an impressive second-place finish in the State of Maryland Math League competition, competing against students from 40 schools.
Through his involvement with Jack & Jill of America, Austin McNair '26 was granted an opportunity to visit the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on May 10. He received a private tour, attended a courtroom lecture, and spoke with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, further deepening his understanding of the judicial system.
On April 21, 2024, Nina Murthi '24, Caitlin Rapalski '24, Solana Silverman '25, Zewdi Tesfayohannes '25, Danielle Nelson '24, and Sophie Winter '26 were recognized by the National Center for Women in Technology for their aptitude and interest in IT and computing, solid leadership ability, community service, learning outside of school, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.
Lizzy Albertine '26, Philemon Kuo '26, Jolee X. '28, Christina Z. '29, and Helen L. '29 are 2024 MathCON finalists. Only students in the top 95th percentile or higher qualify for the National Finals in Chicago on May 11.
Helen Luo '29 was awarded first prize for violin in the 2024 Vivaldi International Music Competition, an online competition that aims to challenge the virtuosity and artistic excellence of performers.
Kare Coley '24 represented McDonogh with distinction and dedication as a member of the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program. As a page during the 2024 Legislative Session, Kare gained firsthand experience of the inner workings of state government and had the opportunity to observe legislative sessions and committee meetings.
Chidi Onwuanibe '27 won first place in the WJZ Black History Oratory Competition. Hundreds of students from across Maryland submitted essays, and 20 finalists read to a panel of judges at Morgan State University.
Head Athletic TrainerMarty Sataloff received the 2024 Neil Buckley Service Award at the National Prep Wrestling championships on February 24. The honor is awarded annually to an individual for their exceptional contributions to student-athletes and the sport of wrestling.
Isabella Sodhi '25 created an artistic rendition published in the scientific journal Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News on December 12, 2023. Her graphic depicted a 3-dimensional retinal organoid exposed to oxidative stress demonstrating marked cell death within retinal photoreceptors.
Greatest Good McDonogh Program Manager Artie Spruill was awarded the 2023 Continental Memorial Award presented by the Continental Societies, Inc. Baltimore Chapter. The chapter presents the award annually to a community leader or organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the Baltimore community.
Catherine Arbaugh '24, James Pitts '24, Caitlin Rapalski '24, and Elliet Walton '24 were named 2023 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. They are among some 16,000 national semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Cate Arbaugh '24, Megan Winakur '24, Nina Murthi '24, Kelvin Niu '24, and Tony Liu '24 received the Global Seal of Biliteracy, an award recognizing an individual's level of proficiency in two or more languages.
The 2023-2024 McDonogh Model UN team, a delegation of 16 students under the leadership of Carly Green '24 (President), Jackson Smith '24 (Vice President), and Jon Salenger '24 (Secretary), competed against 800 students from 76 schools across the US and the globe at the Columbia University Model UN Conference in January of 2024. Jackson Smith '24 won the award for Best Delegate (two years in a row) as Jani Vreto, an Albanian freedom fighter, at the Congress of Berlin, in 1878. Mark Cherches '25 won the award for Best Delegate as Alvah Bessie, a Hollywood screenwriter accused of having ties to communism during the Red Scare period. Jon Salenger '24 won the award for Outstanding Delegate as Heliotrope at the Encryption Eclipse Event that dealt with the fictional scenario of hackers attacking the financial epicenters of the world. Connor May '24 won the award for Honorable Mention as Uesugi Kagekatsu, a powerful daimyo during the Battle of Sekigahara in Japan.
Over the weekend of September 20–21, Enaye Englenton, Director of Equity & Inclusion and Parent Engagement, spoke on a panel at the Sphere Alumni Fellowship Summit, hosted by Sphere Education Initiatives (a partner of the Cato Institute)..jpeg)
Abby Burstein '25 and Rolando Martinez-Aguilar '25 were presented with highly competitive scholarship awards from the Engineering Society of Baltimore during a special ceremony at the Engineers Club in Baltimore City on June 26. Abby received the Larry Lewis Award, and Rolando received the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award.
Nitesh Cherukuri '29 was crowned the National K-8 Chess Champion at the US Chess Federation's SuperNationals in Orlando, Florida, the weekend of May 9-11.
High-fives to Scott Ward, Director of Competitive Aquatics, who recently earned the "Tim Pierce Excellence in Coaching Award" at the Maryland Senior State Championships for his commitment to developing our Eagles in and out of the pool year after year. After receiving the award, Coach Ward said, "I was totally surprised but grateful to be recognized by my peers. Tim Pierce was a kind and patient coach who valued the development of the whole athlete, and I am honored to be associated with him through the award.".jpeg)
Congratulations to Philemon Kuo '26, Nitesh Cherukuri '29, and Ayan Naqvi '29 on becoming 2025 MatchCon finalists. Only mathletes in the 95th percentile or higher (628 students) who competed in the online MathCON national competition qualified for the Finals on May 10 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. A special shoutout to Philemon for his remarkable performance, earning a silver medal at the Finals!
Isabella Sodhi '25 created an artistic rendition for a new National Institutes of Health-funded study led by scientists at the Wilmer Eye Institute. Her graphic, which depicts a diabetic mouse retina demonstrating retinal vasculature with increased leakage following insulin-induced transient episode of hypoglycemia (low glucose), was published in Newswise. 
Elise Cooper '25 was named Refuel with Chocolate Milk Girls Sprinter of the Year. Presented by The American Dairy Association Northeast, the Athlete of the Year awards recognize six outstanding high school track and field athletes for their dedication and performance. Each of the finalist were elected from a group of Refuel with Chocolate Milk Athlete of the Month winners, all of whom showcased their talent at The Armory Track & Field Center in New York City. These outstanding student-athletes exemplify what it means to lead with determination, sportsmanship, and dedication—on and off the track! Elise, an Olympic qualifier, also recently signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Puma, becoming the company’s first American high school track and field ambassador. Read more in The Baltimore Sun..jpg)
Natalie Gallagher '29 excelled at the 2025 Maryland State 4-H Horse Bowl Competition on March 8 at the University of Maryland, College Park. She clinched first place in the Senior individual category and helped the Carroll County 4-H team secure third place. Throughout the contest, Natalie had to be quick on the buzzer to earn the chance to answer questions and demonstrate her knowledge of equine-related subject matter. 
Madison Pegram '25 has achieved the prestigious honor of being named a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. One of the most esteemed and highly competitive undergraduate merit scholarships worldwide, Morehead-Cain brings together a thriving cohort of emerging leaders, thinkers, dreamers, creators, and adventurers, and provides them with the tools to meet their potential and shape societies. In addition to fully-funded studies, scholars gain access to a network of peers and mentors, challenging internships and summer experiences, and an opportunity to travel the world. .jpeg)
Kali Rahman '26 was elected Teen President by his peers at the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. 75th Annual Eastern Region Teen Conference, held in Philadelphia, PA, March 20-23, 2025. In this leadership role, Kali is responsible for implementing initiatives that promote leadership development, civic engagement, and financial literacy among the region’s youth. He will also collaborate closely with the national organization to advocate for legislative policies that benefit the Black community and champion programs that empower and prepare young people for future success. As Teen President, Kali represents more than 11,000 family members across 61 chapters spanning eight states..jpeg)
Kylie Beard '25, Mya Quarcoopome '27, and Ana Grace Karpovich '28, members of the Marlan Farm Polo Club in Freeland, MD, won the U.S. Polo Association Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship at the Empire Polo Club in Coachella Valley, CA, March 14-16. Confident throughout the match, the team assembled a dominant performance to secure Marlan Farm’s first national title.
Middle School humanities teacher Steve Martel is a 2025 winner of the Lyric Baltimore Believer Award, presented to educators who go above and beyond to inspire their students' creativity and passion for the arts. Steve was nominated by a parent who told him, "I’ve been continually inspired by everything you pour into this program [Rock Shop]. So, when the Lyric announced they were accepting nominations for the Believer Award, I didn’t hesitate for a second - I knew I had to write about you. It was one of the easiest things I’ve ever written because your dedication and impact speak for themselves.".jpg)
Elena Cooper '25 placed second overall in the long jump with a jump of 20.03 feet at the New Balance Indoor National Championships held in Boston on March 13-16, 2025. Currently ranked #3 nationwide in the long jump, she looks forward to continuing her athletic career at Stanford University starting this fall.
Elise Cooper '25 placed first and set a new personal record of 22.64 seconds in the 200m event at the New Balance Indoor National Championships held in Boston on March 13-16, 2025. Her outstanding performance also propelled her to the #2 spot on the U.S. high school all-time indoors list and #6 on the World U20 all-time list. Two weeks before the New Balance event, Elise placed first in the U.S. high school 300m race and set a new national record at The Circuit meet at the University of Pennsylvania's Ott Center. Watch her post-win interview here. 
Damian Manna '29 showcased his skills and secured his second title in the Middle School Division (115 lbs) at the MDWay Maryland State Wrestling Championship on March 2, 2025. He also earned his third Maryland State Wrestling Association title at the Youth State Championship on February 8, 2025.
Associate Director of College Counseling Jazmin John led the planning for the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools 2025 Equity & Innovation Summit held February 23-25 in Nashville, TN. During the conference, 70 college counselors from around the country engaged in courageous conversations, affinity spaces, and roundtable discussions focused on supporting students as they navigate the complexities of the college landscape and the ever-evolving social and political climate.
Landon Rottman '28 won the championship (15-18 age group) at the Under Armour 2025 Junior Tour Winter Nationals Golf Tournament held February 13-17 at PGA National in Florida. 
Isabelle Freiburg '26 received a “Standout” award for her solo performance at the Artist Simply Human (ASH) Dance Convention in Philadelphia in January. She also earned a scholarship to the Nationals Competition in Orlando this summer, with an opportunity to audition to become a touring member of the ASH company.On 
Mickey Deegan, Co-Athletic Director, was named the IAAM 2024 Athletic Director of the Year. With a remarkable 37-year career, Mickey’s dedication, leadership, and support for young women in sports have earned her admiration across the IAAM. This is her fourth time receiving this honor. In recognition of her retirement at the end of the school year, The Baltimore Sun published a fitting tribute on May 6 titled "Retiring McDonogh AD Mickey Deegan closing career on a high note." 
Austin McNair '26 was named a 2025 Fellow for the Arts and Social Justice Fellowship at Strathmore after completing a competitive application and panel interview process. The program supports youth leadership at the intersection of arts and social change. During the Fellowship, Austin will attend performances at regional venues, engage in thematic workshops with mentors and their peers, and create a final project exploring issues of importance to him through the media of his choosing.
Pianist Mingze Li '28 won first place in the East Carolina University Piano Competition Senior Division on January 25, 2025. In November of 2024, he traveled to Germany to perform at the Klassik im Klösterle in Weil der Stadt. He also performed for students of the Johannes Kepler Gymnasium Weil der Stadt as part of an effort to promote cultural exchange between young people. Follow Mingze's musical journey on his YouTube channel.
Pianist Mikhael Vainer '28 won second place in the Music International Competition “Golden Era of Romantic Music 2024″ by the American Fine Arts Festival and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City on November 9, 2024. 
Isabella Sodhi '25 created an artistic rendition for a new study released by researchers at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine regarding treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. View her graphic published in Newswise. .jpg)
John Papadakis '28 won the National Title in the Junior Men’s 11-14 XCC event at the 2024 USA Cycling Cross-Country Mountain Bike National Championships at the Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania on July 18, 2024. He also won the Junior Men 13-14 Criterium at the USA Cycling Junior Road National Championship in Augusta, Georgia, on July 28, 2024. John secured his first National Title in the Junior Men 11-12 category in 2022.
Ned Courtemanche, Upper School History Department Chair, recently contributed an article, From Panic to Possibility: How AI Could Revolutionize the Teaching of Critical Thinking, on The Flint Blog. This is the first of many articles Ned plans to publish regarding AI-powered teaching and learning. Flint is an AI platform that helps K-12 schools personalize learning for students.
Hilary McDonough, Director of Global Programs, was selected to serve as the 2024-25 Global Educator-in-Residence with the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG). In this role, Hilary will lend her expertise in curriculum design and intercultural dialogue as a pedagogical tool. GEBG is a leading nonprofit association of K-12 schools around the world that researches and establishes model practices in the field of global education.
Sophia Papadakis '25 was named a National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) 2024 GRiT Ambassador. The GRiT Program engages female student-athletes in raising awareness of the effort to get #moregirlsonbikes. GRiT Ambassadors play a key role in recruiting and retaining more girls in NICA programs at the state level.
Kare Coley '24 was selected from a field of applicants — including law school students, master's students, and college seniors — to participate in the prestigious Black Professionals in International Affairs Summer Internship Program. As an intern, she will collaborate with seasoned professionals and gain valuable insights from leading foreign policy experts. Kare stands out as the youngest participant chosen for the 2024 cohort. 
Carly Green '24 was one of only 300 students selected nationwide for Bank of America’s prestigious Student Leaders® program. As a result, Carly secured an internship at Port Discovery Children’s Museum where she will gain valuable insights into the operations of a nonprofit organization by collaborating with various constituents and engaging in research, design, and content development.
Hannah Gray '25 (poem), Reshma Pahwa '27 (critical essay), and Zewdi Tesfayohannes '25 (poem) received Gold Key Awards in the 2024 Maryland Region Scholastic Writing Awards competition, which is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious creative teen recognition program for students in grade 7-12.
Nationally ranked mathletes Lizzy Albertine '26, Philemon Kuo '26, and Christina Z. '29 showcased their exceptional skills and earned top honors at the MathCON Finals in Chicago on May 11. Christina (ranked 12th nationally) received a Bronze Award, and Philemon (ranked 16th) and Lizzy (ranked 23rd) both received Honorable Mentions. Out of more than 30,000 participants, the trio qualified for the final competition by placing in the top 5% in their respective grade levels. Jolee X. '28 and Helen L. '29 also qualified for the finals but were unable to attend the final round. Additionally, Philemon achieved an impressive second-place finish in the State of Maryland Math League competition, competing against students from 40 schools.
Through his involvement with Jack & Jill of America, Austin McNair '26 was granted an opportunity to visit the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on May 10. He received a private tour, attended a courtroom lecture, and spoke with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, further deepening his understanding of the judicial system.
On April 21, 2024, Nina Murthi '24, Caitlin Rapalski '24, Solana Silverman '25, Zewdi Tesfayohannes '25, Danielle Nelson '24, and Sophie Winter '26 were recognized by the National Center for Women in Technology for their aptitude and interest in IT and computing, solid leadership ability, community service, learning outside of school, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.
McDonogh’s Groundskeeping Team was awarded the DMV Field of the Year Award from the Mid-Atlantic Sports Field Managers Association.
Lizzy Albertine '26, Philemon Kuo '26, Jolee X. '28, Christina Z. '29, and Helen L. '29 are 2024 MathCON finalists. Only students in the top 95th percentile or higher qualify for the National Finals in Chicago on May 11.
Helen Luo '29 was awarded first prize for violin in the 2024 Vivaldi International Music Competition, an online competition that aims to challenge the virtuosity and artistic excellence of performers.
Kare Coley '24 represented McDonogh with distinction and dedication as a member of the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program. As a page during the 2024 Legislative Session, Kare gained firsthand experience of the inner workings of state government and had the opportunity to observe legislative sessions and committee meetings.
Nitesh Cherukuri '29 won the 2024 Maryland Sweet 16 Chess Championship. He is the first winner in 10 years to have a perfect score! 
Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Brad Rees was named the IAAM 2024 Basketball Coach of the Year for the second time in five years. 
Elise Cooper '25 won the 200m title at the 2024 Nike Indoor National. Watch her post-race interview.
Chidi Onwuanibe '27 won first place in the WJZ Black History Oratory Competition. Hundreds of students from across Maryland submitted essays, and 20 finalists read to a panel of judges at Morgan State University. 
Jonas Levy '25 and Julia Norris '25 were selected as winners of the West Point Society of Baltimore's Leadership and Ethics Conference Essay Competition in February of 2024.
Head Athletic Trainer Marty Sataloff received the 2024 Neil Buckley Service Award at the National Prep Wrestling championships on February 24. The honor is awarded annually to an individual for their exceptional contributions to student-athletes and the sport of wrestling.
Isabella Sodhi '25 created an artistic rendition published in the scientific journal Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News on December 12, 2023. Her graphic depicted a 3-dimensional retinal organoid exposed to oxidative stress demonstrating marked cell death within retinal photoreceptors. 
Greatest Good McDonogh Program Manager Artie Spruill was awarded the 2023 Continental Memorial Award presented by the Continental Societies, Inc. Baltimore Chapter. The chapter presents the award annually to a community leader or organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the Baltimore community.
Catherine Arbaugh '24, James Pitts '24, Caitlin Rapalski '24, and Elliet Walton '24 were named 2023 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. They are among some 16,000 national semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. 
Cate Arbaugh '24, Megan Winakur '24, Nina Murthi '24, Kelvin Niu '24, and Tony Liu '24 received the Global Seal of Biliteracy, an award recognizing an individual's level of proficiency in two or more languages. 
The 2023-2024 McDonogh Model UN team, a delegation of 16 students under the leadership of Carly Green '24 (President), Jackson Smith '24 (Vice President), and Jon Salenger '24 (Secretary), competed against 800 students from 76 schools across the US and the globe at the Columbia University Model UN Conference in January of 2024. Jackson Smith '24 won the award for Best Delegate (two years in a row) as Jani Vreto, an Albanian freedom fighter, at the Congress of Berlin, in 1878. Mark Cherches '25 won the award for Best Delegate as Alvah Bessie, a Hollywood screenwriter accused of having ties to communism during the Red Scare period. Jon Salenger '24 won the award for Outstanding Delegate as Heliotrope at the Encryption Eclipse Event that dealt with the fictional scenario of hackers attacking the financial epicenters of the world. Connor May '24 won the award for Honorable Mention as Uesugi Kagekatsu, a powerful daimyo during the Battle of Sekigahara in Japan.
Alice Margraff, Director of College Counseling, has been named a Delegate for the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), a regional branch within the national organization (NACAC).