News from AEHS Alumni

#17-August 31, 2012

Fifty Years at Einstein

By Joseph Monte, AEHS Guidance and Career Counselor

Sporting crew-cuts and colorful bobby socks, Albert Einstein High School students eagerly burst through the open doors of Albert Einstein in the early morning hours of Friday, September 7, 1962.

We began with the 9th, 10th and 11th grades in an unfinished building. We taught without books for one month while waiting for a wing to be completed.

Students transferred to AEHS from neighbors Wheaton, Blair, Walter Johnson, and Northwood. These students would face the challenge of forming new loyalties and new traditions which succeeding Einstein classes would build upon. Although the school system's Office of Information said we were a highly experienced staff, in truth, the majority of the teachers had no more than three years' experience.

Mr. Thomas Conlon, our first principal, personally chose teachers for their teaching skills and team commitment. He sought to instill teacher and student pride. His frequent comment to the faculty was: "I'm only as good as you are." That first year an undefeated football team boosted school pride.

Mutual appreciation of teachers and principals continued throughout the life of the school. When Mr. Conlon died, the church was packed with faculty members. In the early sixties, we followed the town of Kensington boundary lines with its single-family homes, lower to middle income, white, college-bound students. In 1964, we published our first yearbook, started the first career center, and held our first graduation in a packed gym.

Our early athletes were fun, talented and winners in baseball, volleyball, basketball, basketball and track. Coaches Jack Keller, Jim McCauley, Al Ferraro, Jim Brown, Bill Welsh, Liz Bouve were filling our trophy cases.

Back in the 60's the principal's secretary, Lovey Jo Wolfe, believed every senior girl who wanted should have a date for the senior prom. So she established a highly successful matchmaking bureau. Most seniors and teachers graced the senior prom back in those days. Many smiles and hugs greeted the prom goers as they passed through the faculty receiving line.

For 25 years, our college-bound students enjoyed the benefit of a full-time college counselor. Students entered all the major colleges, including Ivy League colleges. No admitted student stayed home for lack of funds.

AP scores by subject were published annually. Biology, Calculus, and English scores were consistently outstanding. AP French scores at Einstein surpassed both public and private schools under Chris Richardson.   

Education at Einstein took another forward leap with the creation of the countywide Visual Art Center in the seventies. Professional artists/teachers Oroon Barnes, Jane Walsh and Mike Piechocinski have developed budding artists whose frequent awards, scholarships, portfolios and many perfect AP Art scores have brought Einstein national acclaim.   

 The population of diverse students from around the globe has steadily risen through the years. Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program has grown along with it. The miracle of seeing a student learn the English language and go on to a meaningful career is something we can praise our ESOL staff for.

 

In the early nineties, Dr. Richard Towers took over the helm. He brought about the revitalization of the school with the formation of the International Institute for Science and Technology (IST). Under the direction of superb AP Human Geography teacher Crawford Clark, the IST prospered and benefited from annual trips abroad. Dr. Towers' lasting contribution is the Academy of Finance, an unknown gem that is making a major impact in preparing our students for business careers.

In 1995, architect and Einstein alumnus Steve Parker (class of '66) was awarded the contract to redesign his alma mater. He worked very closely with the faculty to create the beautifully renovated building that is our present home.

Through the years many awards have been established to honor our students and faculty. All of these awards, along with the Ethel Bradford Memorial Courtyard, are meant to preserve the tradition of those who have contributed so much to our school community. A plaque in the Media Center cites their names and hall of awards may be seen in the Counseling area.

Building upon Dr. Towers' IST Program, Ms. Jan Mills successfully introduced the International Baccalaureate (IB). Melissa McCormack, the IB Director, choose the staff, worked on the details, filled out the myriad forms, recruited and retained the students. Sean English, the Director of Academies, encouraged all students to join academies.

After replacing Jan Mills, Mr. James Fernandez visited every classroom, learned the names and needs of many students, and sought to raise the quality of performance of both students and teachers.

At a reunion in 2005, the classes of '64, '65 and '66, voted to inaugurate an Athletic Hall of Fame. Bob Owens, Russ Bradshaw, Dennis Boyle, Bob Westwood and many others have succeeded in establishing the Hall of Fame.  

Into the 21st century, our rich history has provided us with many proud moments and illustrious alumni. AEHS has always been committed to be the best comprehensive public high school. We consider ourselves fortunate to be living and working in such a diverse and dynamic community. As we observe our 50th birthday, we are confident that our students will be well prepared for the challenges that await them.

Bill Bates '70 shares a video of his band, the Atom Bumz. Check it out HERE

David Cohn '72 is a journalist and architecture critic who has lived in Madrid, Spain, since 1986. David holds a B.A. from Yale University and a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University. He is the International Correspondent in Madrid for Architectural Record and contributes to international journals and Spanish newspapers. His books include Young Spanish Architects (Birkh�user, 2000), Manuel Gallego (Tanais, Sevilla, 1998) and the upcoming Modern Architectures in History: Spain 1920 - 2000 (Reaktion Books, London).

David is the author of a blog on architecture. Check it out HERE

1. "Let there be light." Name the long-time Athletic Director, who with the Booster Club raised the funds for the first stadium lights in Montgomery County.
2. Name the founding Principal of AEHS, who constantly said to his teachers "I'm only as good as you make me." 
3. Name the two AEHS graduates currently serving on the Montgomery County Council.
4. Name the AEHS graduate whose firm designed and renovated AEHS.
5. Name the innovation developed by the AEHS Counseling Department and adopted by all of the Montgomery County Public Schools.
6. What AEHS athlete became the backup quarterback to Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan at Auburn University?
7. What Einstein graduate was a four-year starter in basketball at the University of Virginia and a teammate of three-time Naismith College Player of the Year Ralph Sampson?
8. Name the production in which Richard McNally, one of Einstein's first Assistant Principals, stole the show by playing a punk kid clad in a black leather jacket. 
9. Name the AEHS graduate who has worked at AEHS for an entire career.
10. During the early years, AEHS student Roxanne Pierce was an Olympic gymnast.  Why did she not receive a varsity letter?
11. Name the AEHS graduate who won the United States Monopoly Championship.
12. When and under whose direction did the Visual Arts Center begin?
13. How many AEHS scholarships are named after students and faculty members?
14. Name the AEHS scholarship named for a visually impaired counselor. 
15. On two occasions, Einstein faced closure.  Explain the circumstances.
16. In what year did AEHS Class of 1965 graduates Charles Wood, Dr. Scanlon, and Bob Owens incorporate the first Booster Club in Montgomery County? 
17. Bob Owens was one of the co-founders of the AEHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.  Who were the other co-founders?
18. What Einstein graduate is currently the head women's basketball coach at the College of Charleston?
19. What former Einstein teacher, who was the daughter of concentration-camp survivors and a refugee from Communist Hungary, was the mother-in-law of broadcast journalist Peter Jennings and diplomat Richard Holbrooke?
20. What Einstein graduate has had recurring roles on the soap operas One Life to Live and All My Children?  

This quiz was prepared by Mr. Joseph Monte. Correct answers in a forthcoming issue of the newsletter!