December 2, 2021
On November 23, the class of 2025, staff, and alumni attended the 19th Distinguished Graduate Ceremony. Presented by the Distinguished Graduate Organization, Alumni Association, and Student Government Association, the ceremony honored five Linganore alumni to speak to freshmen.
Five honorees were selected to be inducted as Distinguished Graduates in the following categories: Athletics, Academics, Sciences, Public Service, and Arts & Humanities. They are alumni who have excelled in their professions.
In addition to a short speech and recognition, each honoree received a pin and a plaque.
Mr. Jeremy Brown organized the event and the lunch in the Learning Commons that followed for the families and graduates.
David W. Reaver accepted the Athletics Award. Graduating in 1999, Reaver was a four-year shortstop for the Linganore baseball team. In 2003 he was drafted to play professional baseball. He is now a career firefighter who is raising a family in New Market.
CTC teacher Philip D. Arnold accepted the Academics award. Graduating in 1979, Arnold then traveled the world for 25 years working on countless engineering projects. He became a teacher for FCPS 11 years ago and has been recognized as a Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Remington Poulin, graduating class of 2007, received the Sciences award. In his junior year of high school, he interned for the National Cancer Institute at Ft. Detrick. He now teaches chemistry and biochemistry at UNC Wilmington.
Public Service honoree, Gordon B. Johnson, Class of 1986, attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the U.S Army as an infantry officer. He is a 23- year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Before retirement, Gordon served almost three years as the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Officer.
The final honoree, Curtis E. Jewell, Class of 1999, was honored for his involvement with Arts & Humanities. Jewell has produced several feature films, co-founded CultureNet, a platform for streaming music and arts, and is the General Counsel of ESAB. He received the Prize for Excellence in Business Law and a Certificate in Business and Public Policy from The Wharton School.
Student leaders accompanied the honorees as they toured the school and talked to classes. Student leaders included Grace Booth, Matthew Coffey, Conner Cunnane, Daniel Etherton, Leaf Kullgren, Promise Green, Hannah Morin, Maeve Smarick, and Lindsay Toothaker.
Senior Connor Cunnane was a first-time leader for the Distinguished Graduates ceremony.
“The Distinguished Graduates’ ceremony was overall very fun. I loved hearing the graduates speak about how their daily life was after high school. The luncheon was probably my favorite part of the experience, as Grace Booth and I talked with the Distinguished Graduates, specifically Mr. Arnold, about college and life after high school,” said Cunnane.
Ninth-grade students spoke at the ceremony: Kendall Bazemore, Brennan Considine, Cody Duckhorn, Rachel Ham, Dorothy McMillan, Owen Newcomer, Molly Stanfield, Clay Stull, Logan Wall, and Nick Wright.
“The ceremony was definitely one to remember. I will especially remember the motivational speeches that all the alumni have given,” said Stanfield.
The National Anthem was performed by the brass ensemble: Mary Bailey, Zach Biritz, Chloe Byrd, Eddie Cretella, Lyra Garrett, Daniela Gerardi, Matt Germann, Aiden Gilbertson, Johanna Huggins, August Jansen, Nolan Lizmi, Jack McCoy, Diego Monzon, and Charlie Wurster.
As the ceremony concluded, Principal Hanlon said, “Class of 2025, you’ve heard some important words today, and the resounding theme in these words was opportunity. The foundation that you have at Linganore High School is a chance to springboard to opportunities in the future. What will your opportunities in your future bring you? As you come out of here today and reflect, think about those words. Think about the things that you want to explore and try while you are in high school and what you are willing to commit in order to seize those opportunities in the future.”
“How much time do you want to put into it to make it to the next level? Are you willing to practice when nobody’s watching? As an athlete, that’s where you’re going to stand out.” – David W. Reaver
On November 23, David W. Reaver LHS Class of 1999, was recognized as the Distinguished Graduate in the Athletic category. Reaver was a very active member of the Linganore community, participating in both baseball and basketball.
Reaver was a four-year starting shortstop for the baseball team, led the team to Central Maryland Conferences titles in 1998 and 1999, and was selected as first-team All-CMC and All-Area. He did this while compiling a .587 batting average–.247 above the overall average for high school baseball players.
In his 212-game career with the Brooklyn Cyclones, Capital City Bombers, St. Lucie Mets, and Washington Wild Things, Reaver compiled a career batting average of .258 with 3 home runs and 84 RBI. He began playing during the 2003 season and last took the field during the 2005 campaign.
During his time at Linganore, Reaver was also a member of Students Against Drunk Driving and participated in the Students Helping Other People Organization. Aided by their advisor, Mr. Mike Chavez, Reaver would help families in the Linganore area. Their yearly project was to clean up the New Market town park.
“Coming back today to receive this award, I started to think of all those goals we have at a very early age. Mine was baseball. That’s all I wanted to do and it’s still a huge part of my life. My playing days are over, but now I coach,” said Reaver.
Reaver didn’t brag about his successes–he recognized the hard work it took him to get to where he is.
“I was fortunate to have a lot of success both individually and as a team. As everybody knows, when you’re winning you can only win if you’re having fun. So I am very appreciative of all those opportunities and those teams I was on.”
At the University of Richmond, Reaver earned his degree in Business Administration. During his Richmond Spider baseball career, he won the Atlantic 10 regular-season championship in 2002 and 2003 and the Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship.
Reaver set the Richmond school record with a 34-game hitting streak and holds the all-time University of Richmond and Atlantic 10 Conference single-season hits record with 104 and 30 doubles.
In the 2002 season, Reaver helped to lead the University of Richmond baseball to hold a record of 53-13–the highest number of wins in Richmond history. He was later inducted into the University of Richmond Hall of Fame.
In 2003, Reaver was drafted into the MLB New York Mets Minor League and continued playing for two seasons. During that time, Reaver played for the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Port St. Lucie Mets, and the Capital City Bombers. He also played for one season on an independent league, the Washington Wild Things.
“Baseball at Linganore has been very good to me and has given me a lot of opportunities. It allowed me to go to college, get a degree from the University of Richmond. It allowed me to reach a goal of mine, to play at the professional level. I was able to travel out of the country, see a lot of states and stadiums. Some of those bus rides were 14 hours long. I’ve met a lot of good friends along the way, I talk to these guys almost every day. I appreciate all those friendships I gained, ” said Reaver.
At the Distinguished Graduate ceremony, Reaver gave advice to the Class of 2025.
“When things started to get serious for me, I was sitting right in this auditorium [during the distinguished graduate ceremony] as a freshman at Linganore. If I could stress one thing today, it would be, you have to start understanding how to invest your time if something is truly your goal. That might mean putting the phone down, putting the video game down, or be late to a social event, whatever it might be, those are just the small decisions that will make or break your dreams and goals,” said Reaver.
Reaver is now a firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Loudoun County Virginia. His stepson is currently a sophomore at Linganore.
After the ceremony, Reaver visited Football Coach Rick Conner and Basketball Coach Rachel Easterday’s physical education classes and shared his wisdom with students that may aspire to become professional athletes in the future.
“Be open-minded. It might not be Plan A, it might not be Plan B. You might not make the varsity team freshman year, you might not get your division I scholarship. But as long as you are on a team, as long as someone is willing to give you division II or division III, whatever it might be, as long as you have the opportunity to play and are still willing to invest time in yourself and your sport, you will always have a chance,” said Reaver.
On November 10, Senior Benjamin Moore signed for a full ride to play baseball for the Monarchs at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The Old Dominion Monarchs baseball team is an NCAA Division I college baseball team that competes in the C-USA East Division. Pitcher Moore hasn’t given up an earned run since May 14, 2019.
“When I talked to him he didn’t say much about himself, he made sure to put the focus on me. When he spoke to our class, he reputedly mentioned the importance of practice, I couldn’t agree more.” said Moore.
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“Work hard, play hard, have fun, It’s always a game. Be a good student, be a good teammate, be a good person and cherish your time at Linganore. You will carry these memories with you for a lifetime. Go, Lancers. ” said Reaver.
More information on Reavers Baseball Statistics: Brooklyn Cyclones, St. Lucie Mets, Capital City Bombers, and Washington Wild Things.
Curtis E. Jewell, a 1999 graduate, is the 2021 Distinguished Graduate in Arts & Humanities. During the ceremony on November 23, he was accompanied by his wife, mother, and father. In addition to being a lawyer, He co produced, Forte, Maestro, and more.
Jewell participated in many activities throughout high school. Most notably, he was SGA president his senior year, started in all 10 football games on the offensive line senior year, and was Co-Editor of The Lance. At graduation, he was a valedictorian and was the recipient of the English Department prize.
Jewell believes Linganore was a key factor in his success. “Really wonderful folks are at this school, strong community. I think it teaches you the ability of believing in yourself and hard work,” said Jewell.
After graduating from Washington University, he went on to University of Pennsylvania for Law School. Once law school was over, he went on a long and successful legal career to this day. Jewell is currently a lawyer at Colfax’s largest business platform, ESAB.
Jewell’s passion is music and the arts. Jewell produced his first film with a college friend, Maestro. Jewell has helped produce several feature films including Forte and Nordic Pulse, which are documentaries about classical music with international scope and distribution.
Jewell gave a little insight to his next documentary. The documentary is called, Detox and will go behind the scenes behind the first and only technology addiction center in the United States, located in Seattle, Washington.
Jewell is a co-founder of CultureNet, a platform that focuses on high-quality arts and cultural content. The company’s goal is “to bring the arts into more homes and schools in engaging and impactful ways that further their mission of inspiring a paradigm shift in our collective cultural consciousness that encourages values, critical thinking, and innovation.”
Jewell said, “Try to challenge yourself and do things that make yourself uncomfortable, using that to build empathy in the world we live in is a critical skill set to have. It is just as important as education.”
So make yourself uncomfortable, question your beliefs, and explore your creative side. A universe of opportunities will present themselves.
— Curtis E. Jewell
After 22 years, Jewell toured the school and was shocked by how much the building had changed since his high school days. Class of ’22 president, Matthew Coffey and senior Emma Jaffe, accompanied Jewell throughout his tour.
During the third block, Jewell visited the journalism classroom. As a past editor for The Lance, Jewell was able to truly connect with the students. He discussed the importance of journalism in today’s society. Saying, “keep it real and have vetted information.” He also compared and gave a little insight on what journalism used to be.
“We didn’t have computers and video like you guys did today. We had to write everything down and then print it out to share with the school,” said Jewell.
Academic awardee Philip D Arnold (Class of 1979) is one of the five graduates honored at the Distinguished Graduate ceremony. Currently teaching CAD architecture and engineering at CTC, Philip Arnold has extensive experience in the field.
In high school, he loved participating in the FFA, NHS, and all mathematics and science opportunities.
During his speech to the Class of 2025, he said, that he could always be found in the math or science rooms. He loved engineering and found his passion here at Linganore.
In addition to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering at Virginia Tech, Arnold spent time at the University of Maryland where he completed his masters of science coursework in systems engineering. Arnold became a Software Engineer and his career followed the path of management, software specialization, engineering, and, eventually, teaching. Philip D. Arnold was selected as a Washington Post Teacher of the Year in 2021.
During the ceremony Arnold’s main message was to find your passion.
“The next four years are going to fly by. The most important thing I think you can do during that time is find out what kind of work you find fulfilling,” said Arnold.
Arnold shared that he was most proud of his engineering accomplishments and the accomplishments of his students. Arnold said, “The system I got to work on right out of college [was implemented] and it gave them 4 hours of warning about a flash flood instead of 45 minutes and the number of fatalities dropped by over 400 people every year.”
He shared that the work of his students is only supported by him. He is a motivator in the students’ lives and that’s it. He accepts the students’ bright ideas and encourages them to make them into something amazing. Arnold has inspired eleven years of engineering students and has helped them find the college/career path that is right for them.
Arnold also spoke about the college advice that he shares with each of his students. “Colleges mainly look for three key things. One third of their evaluation depends solely on GPA. The next third depends on your SAT score.” Arnold explained that when students apply, the aspect that makes the decision is “the final third: your personal story which has developed over these high school years.”
Arnold inspired students to make the most of their high school experience by signing up for events, volunteering, and seeking out opportunities that will help them find their key interests.
“Colleges are looking to give education to people who make their communities better. You really cannot wait until the 12th grade to start volunteering and finding your passion,” said Arnold.
Arnold continued to speak to students after the ceremony concluded and gave them advice to help them chase their dream careers. He spoke in two freshman classrooms and was
given a tour of the school by senior Connor Cunane and sophomore Grace Booth. He also attended a luncheon with the other distinguished graduates where he talked with his peers, family, and students.
“Talking with Mr. Arnold was one of my favorite parts of the ceremony and experience. At the luncheon Grace Booth and I talked with Mr. Arnold about college life and what Grace and I both want to pursue in college. I also talked about current high school life and how that is going to affect college,” said Cunane.
“Arnold’s advice is something to really think about. As a sophomore I still have some time to grow my volunteer hours, and expand my community presence,” said Booth.
To take Arnold’s words and put them to use, “go out, meet someone outside of your social circle, volunteer somewhere new, and most importantly, find your passion in your four years here at Linganore.”
Dr. Remington Poulin, a 2007 graduate, received the 2021 Distinguished Graduate award for science. Dr. Poulin is currently a research assistant professor and the Director of Spectroscopy Facilities at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where his research group focuses on understanding chemistry’s role in marine communication.
Speaking to the Class of 2025 at the ceremony, he said, “The one thing I want you to take home is the fact that what roots you lay today and foundations you build are absolutely going to defend and change your course of life.” He got students thinking carefully about their future and stressed the importance of a good high school education and experience.
While Poulin was in high school, he took advantage of the many avenues for leadership. He participated as an active member of the Boy Scouts, Student Government Association (SGA), marching band, and chess club. His professional scientific career truly began during his junior year at Linganore, where he gained practical training as an intern in the biopharmaceutical development group at the National Cancer Institute. This Werner H. Kirsten Student Internship Program allowed him to explore new aspects of his craft and quickly set him up for success in his future work.
Dr. Poulin’s passion goes beyond dedication toward service and molecules. He thoroughly enjoys scuba diving, traveling, nature photography, volunteering, and archery. He has also utilized his time as a Science Judge for Peach State Lolus Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a science partner for both the Native American Alliance for Teach for America and for Habitat for Humanity, and volunteering as the Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts.
Some of his notable work stems from as early as May of 2006, when he was a Werner H. Kirstin Student Intern and began his work with the National Cancer Institute. Starting that year in Hawai’i, Mānoa, he gained work experience as an assistant, intern, and researcher for several years up until May 2012. He then transitioned to his job experience in Georgia, where he spent several years working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. In Germany, Poulin became a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, as well as the Metabolomics Consortium Head and an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Researcher at Friedrich Schiller University.
Beth Ericsson was a science teacher during Poulin’s time as a high school student, and she speaks highly of his drive to do well and his presence in any learning environment.
“He was so inquisitive and curious. You could tell he was gonna go on into science,” said Ericsson. “Even in high school, he just had such an intellectual thirst for scientific knowledge. It was striking about him.”
In Germany, over the course of 2018 and 2019, Poulin acquired teaching experience in Chemical Ecology with Dr. Georg Pohnert, and in Bioanalytical Chemistry Seminar with Dr. David Russo and Dr. Pierre Stallforth. His knowledge shows as he makes several efforts toward peer reviewing and student mentoring.
Poulin has traveled for his work and uses that experience in current endeavors. He attended the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa with a scholarship, where he received a Bachelor of Art degree in chemistry and a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology. Then, he studied at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, and received his doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry.
He was so inquisitive and curious. You could tell he was gonna go on into science. Even in high school, he just had such an intellectual thirst for scientific knowledge. It was striking about him. — Beth Ericsson
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Dr. Poulin’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. He has earned international awards, honors, and grants. Poulin received the Best Student Oral Presentation Award in July of 2015 at the International Society of Chemical Ecology in Stockholm, Sweden, along with a travel grant to attend a workshop with the Swedish Royal Academy of Science in Rjorn, Sweden. Georgia Tech has recognized Poulin as an outstanding T.A. award finalist. Bonn Germany awarded him the Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Research fellowship from the AvH Foundation. Poulin also received the Graduate Assurance in Area of National Need Fellowship for the Department of Education in Atlanta, Georgia.
His mother, Margray Poulin, has observed his defining qualities and development first-hand over the years.
“Of course, we are very proud of Remy for earning his PhD, but we are also impressed with his ability to set goals for himself and to step out of his comfort zone to realize those goals,” said Mrs. Poulin. “We are proud that he is independent, thoughtful, well-informed and not afraid to embrace the unknown.”
Dr. Poulin’s work has appeared in 13 publications, including his most recent in October 2021. His research is focused on understanding the chemical landscape of phytoplankton interactions. Additional projects aim to utilize compounds released by phytoplankton to combat malaria and neglected tropical diseases caused by parasites that share evolutionary links to phytoplankton.
On November 23, Linganore honored five Distinguished Graduates for their achievements in the categories of Academics, Public Service, Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Athletics. Gordon B. Johnson, Class of ‘86, received the Public Service Award for his achievements.
He is a 20- year FBI veteran. In 2016 he was appointed special agent in charge of the Baltimore Field Office.
At the ceremony, he was accompanied by his wife Donna Johnson, and his father, Charles.
“Linganore changed his life. He made a lot of friends, and it was kind of like a family thing,” said his father.
“Linganore was an anchor, essentially. Everything revolved around Linganore. . . It had a foundation rooted in family and support,” said Johnson.
When the ceremony concluded, the graduates were given a tour of the school, each accompanied by SGA members. Johnson was accompanied by juniors Promise Green and Hannah Morin.
“I learned a lot from him actually, but the one thing that he told me to take advantage of was going into the military. He said that was a very advantageous opportunity,” Green said.
Green is now researching and considering going into the military after being inspired by Johnson.
During the tour of the school, Johnson saw how modern the new Linganore building is. He met many of the teachers and spoke in two classrooms.
While he was a student, Gordon was on varsity football and track. He had many great experiences with his many friends during high school. He was also played junior varsity basketball.
“I wish I would’ve enjoyed some of the experiences a little more that came my way. My advice for others is that as you get these experiences and opportunities, take them,” said Johnson.
“Linganore brought together the community beyond academics,” said Johnson.
While going through the process to get into the FBI, and even during service, Johnson often referred back to his time at Linganore.
“I learned most, if not all, of the material I use now at Linganore. . . As I went through training to get to the FBI everything traced back to Linganore. I would be doing things in college and think ‘Hey! I learned this at Linganore’ or ‘Where do I know this from? Oh I know it from Linganore!’” said Johnson.
The five distinguished graduates and the selected speakers from the class of 2025 gather to take a picture with their pins and plaques.
To be a freshman speaker at the Distinguished Graduate Organization ceremony is considered an honor. The Class of 2o25’s student leaders introduced the honorees on November 23.
Cody Duckhorn introduced David Reaver (Athletics); Rachel Ham introduced Gordon Johnson (Public Service); Owen Newcomer introduced Curtis E. Jewell (Arts and Humanities); Brennan Considine introduced Phillip Arnold (Academics); and Kendall Bazemore introduced Dr. Remington Poulin (Science).
Logan Wall led the pledge to the flag. Clay Stull and Dorothy McMillen led the recognition of the guests on stage.
Nick Wright spoke about the history of the Distinguished Graduate Organization.
The Distinguished Graduate Organization was established in 2002 to recognize the graduates of Linganore High School who have made a difference locally, in the state, and/or in the nation. Graduates are nominated in six categories: Academics, Arts & Humanities, Athletics, Business, Public Service, and Sciences. Since its inception the group has honored more than 70 alumni.
“It was awesome to represent the class of 2025 and to be able to listen to the graduates’ story of success. They were an inspiration to us all,” said Wright.
Student leaders Grace Booth, Daniel Etherton, Hannah Morin, Matthew Coffey, Leaf Kullgren, Maeve Smarick, Connor Cunnane, Promise Green, and Lindsay Toothaker were assigned a Distinguished Graduate to give a tours around the school. The Honorees visited classes.
Reaver visited Coach Rick Conner and Coach Rachel Easterday’s physical education classes and shared his wisdom with students who may aspire to become professional athletes.
Divison 1 baseball athlete Benjamin Moore, had the pleasure of speaking to the Athletic Distinguished Graduate.
“When I talked to him, he didn’t say much about himself. He made sure to put the focus on me. When he spoke to our class, he repeatedly mentioned the importance of practice. I couldn’t agree more,” said Moore.
Most of the freshmen speakers were nervous every year because some had never spoken on stage before.
The Brass Ensemble members included Mary Bailey, Daniela Gerardi, Zach Bieritz, Chloe Byrd, Nolan Lizmi, Jack Mccoy, Matt Germann, Aiden Gilbertson, Diego Monzon, Eddie Cretella, Johanna Huggins, Charlie Wurster, Lyra Garrett, and Augie Jansen.
At the end of the assembly, Principal Cynthia Hanlon encouraged the Class of 2025 to take what the Distinguished Graduates talked about, and told them to apply to consider they have potential to one day receive the award.
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