News from AEHS Alumni

Keeping with tradition*, the Class of 2013 held their Senior Picnic on May 28 following graduation rehearsal. Although the weather was a bit dismal, the spirits of the graduates were very positive, as you can imagine! After picking up their caps and gowns (remember that!) their picnic had to be relocated into the gym where they enjoyed a lunch from Subway.

            But this year, for the first time, your Alumni Association was there to honor these soon-to-be grads by providing two treats. First, we provided delicious desserts that were catered by Mamma Lucia's. Second, each student who provided contact information on a sign-in sheet was presented with a small gift. The gift, a squeeze light key chain with the Alumni Association logo and email address, was an even bigger hit than the cannoli! We like to think we are helping to literally "light their way" into the future.

            Our first-year budget was stretched to the limit and beyond by this project, but we believe it was worth it. Please remember that we are just beginning to build the Association and we can use the financial support of all AEHS alumni everywhere. No amount is too small and your tax-free contributions will allow us to continue to grow the Alumni Association into an entity that not only connects with our alma mater, but which connects all AEHS alumni.

            Look for the soon-to-be-launched FOR THE SOON TO BE LAUNCHED AA PAGE ON THE HALL OF FAME WEBSITE! Contribute to the Association via the Hall of Fame website and get in touch via email to Alumni@AEHSHOF.com. We are looking for volunteers, especially those with social media expertise!

            *When did the tradition of a Senior Picnic following graduation rehearsal begin? We'd like to know!!

 Carol Chelemer '66 is the co-founder of the AEHS Alumni Association.

This evening I wish to give special thanks to Bob Owens for his efforts in organizing the event, and also to each of you for coming.

            My career at Einstein began in 1962 as an English/Latin teacher under our first principal, Tom Conlon. I taught all fours years of Latin. That September when the doors opened, our faculty was the youngest in the county and up to the task of functioning in an unfinished building without books. Those exciting days required many decisions, such as naming the "Nucleus" newspaper, the "Quantum" yearbook, and the Titan football team. That memorable year, the football team finished undefeated. Girls had only club sports, no varsity sports. Bob Owens, a mischief maker, and frequent visitor to the office of assistant principal, Mr. Dick McNally, held the pulse of the class with an infamous hayride. Who can forget McNally's starring role as a hood, clad in a black leather jacket, in the drama "Up the Down Staircase?"

            My Einstein journey is about to change as I will become a faculty alumnus assisting Einstein's students in whatever they need as long as my health permits. Being with you means everything to me; for I love you individually and collectively. During my fifty years at Einstein, I tried to live by the Ignatian principle: "Love ought to be seen more in deeds than in words." An open door, an effort to listen and implement student needs, a plan of action, a spokesperson for the confused: All these actions coalesce in service. Counseling a teenager for the journey of life is ever changing. Who would disagree?

            Having experienced success as well as failure, I leave knowing that my disappointments were few, my efforts were appreciated and joy permeated my career. The Einstein spirit is tenacious. Only a few of you know that Einstein High School is the only high school in Montgomery County which faced the possibility of closure twice. Each time we fought. We rallied and ultimately we won. In general, we are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We treasure relationships. A notable number of Einstein graduates have married one another and enjoyed fruitful and lasting marriages.

            Your friendship and connection with students has made Einstein a bit of a heaven on earth -- for our school has special charisma. We are the ultimate public school in our mission to be a comprehensive school - one that serves students with diverse needs building on their strength. We are a true democracy in that we seek unity in diversity. We try to meet each student's needs as an individual. We seek the common good. We emphasize service to one's neighbor. We promote life-long learning. When all is said and done, schools are about rapport. The relationship of teacher to student, coach to player, conductor to musician, choral director to singers, art instructor to artist, principal to student, counselor to counselee. The lasting sustenance of these relationships is the heart of a force intangible and lasting.

As a school community, we blend tradition with innovation. Tradition gives stability, values, enlightenment. Innovation gives a dynamic new life and a passion for change, for without change, there can be no real growth and no real life. A Career Center, the flourishing Visual Arts Center, adoption of the International Baccalaureate and the Academy of Finance programs, the establishment of the Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Einstein Alumni Association demonstrate that growth and change. In his book The Divine Landscapes, Ronald Blythe talks about the sacredness of place. I see Einstein as a sacred place with charisma because of its students, teachers and parents. That charisma emerged during a January musical performance when Joan Rackey led the Einstein Jazz Band on the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration struck a divine chord -- beautiful and moving in every way.  

In the course of my career I have witnessed three generations mature. Watching students develop from ninth grade through twelfth grade has been a lifetime experience. Two such students come to mind -- Marc Elrich and Phil Andrews - men who are dedicating their lives to the Montgomery County community, reflecting the Einstein spirit of service. Seven Einstein heroes have died for their country in the armed services. Another five students have given their lives in service for their neighbors. There are those who are making a better world in medicine, law, law enforcement, medical emergency work, firefighters, first responders, teachers, politicians, administrators and financiers.

I am proud to be an Einstein Titan, pleased to know that others will follow, and that students and faculty members will continue to make Einstein the place to be. Thank you for coming! Let's remember this retirement as a celebration.

We regret to announce the passing of Denise Berry St. Lawrence and Nancy Kouzel Minkoff and on behalf of the AEHS community extend our condolences to their families and friends.