Christie Grabis

Started: 1984 | White Team
Assistant Head of School
Favorite Tradition: Graduation
Did You Know? Mrs. Grabis is a fluent French speaker with an intense beach combing hobby who has completed several half-marathons, triathlons, many long-distance kayak races, and even a 100-mile cycling event.

The story begins in North Carolina, where Mrs. Christie Grabis (then known as Ms. Buckheit) started her career teaching French, English, and social studies in a public school system. Seeking an opportunity to focus exclusively on teaching French and longing to return to her Chesapeake Bay roots in Rock Hall, she found her way to Gunston almost serendipitously. On the day of her interview, she was greeted at the airport by Gunston’s long-time Director of Facilities, Robert Copper, who wore a navy suit and a driving cap while holding a welcome sign just for her. “I learned the full history of Gunston as we drove to the school. Once I saw the beautiful Gunston road, the barn, and the tree-lined drive, I was hooked. Then, when I saw the river, I knew this was the place for me—it felt like a homecoming,” she said. “What I do recall about my first day of work was the overwhelming flutter in my stomach. As the cars filled with family, students, and all of their stuff pulled around the circle in front of ‘Brick House,’ (now Everdell Hall), I had the same thoughts that every new student has. “‘Will they like me? Will I be successful? What do I say?’ But it passed, and my first year flew by. I enjoyed it all,” she recalls.

Some of her fondest memories from that first year include coaching field hockey, basketball, and softball alongside then-Athletic Director Anita Gruss. Mrs. Grabis was also inducted on to the White Team, making Green & White Days one of her favorite activities, alongside the yearbook reveal. “One spring evening, I was in my apartment getting ready for the evening study hall when I heard the loud whop-whop-whop of helicopter blades nearing the oval. Everyone ran outside to see what in the world was going on. A National Guard helicopter landed on the oval and the pilot, who was a family member of the Head of School, hopped out of the cockpit to deliver the yearbook!”

Starting as a full-time French teacher, dorm parent, and coach, Mrs. Grabis soon became an integral part of the Gunston community. “I taught French I, II, III, IV, and V, advised the French Club, and served as the advisor for the Honor Court,” she explains. Coaching in less-than-ideal facilities—a multi-purpose cafeteria at a nearby elementary school and outdoor tennis courts—added to the adventure. Her leadership roles evolved over time. After her first year, she was named Director of Studies and then Dean of Students. For the past 35 years, she has served as Assistant Head of School, overseeing academics, curriculum, and faculty while teaching courses like ethics and co-teaching the Gunston Experience as well as advising several clubs. The campus she first joined was a far cry from what it is today, reflecting decades of growth and development. With only three main buildings—Middleton, “Brick” House and the Academic Building—the school operated on 30 acres of open land. There was a barn that housed horses for the school’s riding program and the waterfront was largely undeveloped.

Despite these changes, one thing has remained constant: Gunston’s unwavering commitment to putting students first. “Long before there was a name for it, and the science to back it up, Gunston focused on the student experience.” Mrs. Grabis’s favorite memories include the school’s  Centennial Weekend in 2010, which brought more than 300 alums to campus at one time, and various coaching victories, such as a double-elimination field hockey tournament win against rivals Sts. Peter & Paul, Worcester Prep, and a number of other schools from Delmarva. “We climbed our way to victory, defeating SSPP in the last game at 6 p.m.” she recalls. As she continues her journey at Gunston, her hopes for the school’s future are clear: “Longevity and success—full enrollment, continued focus on student well-being, and mission-aligned, innovative expansion.” 

Mike Kaylor, P’00’03

Started: 1996 | White Team
History & English Teacher
Favorite Tradition: Bay Studies, Green & White Day
Did You Know? Mr. Kaylor teaches letterpress printing and Book Arts at Washington College, where he founded the Literary Press House in 1986. He is also a member of the Baker Street Irregulars, an invitation-only organization of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts founded in 1934.

Mr. Mike Kaylor’s journey at Gunston began with a chance meeting with the then-Head of School Peter “Stick” Sturtevant, Jr. who attended a lecture at Washington College (WC), where Mr. Kaylor worked at the time. Soon after, Mr. Kaylor joined the faculty full-time, coinciding with Gunston’s transition to coeducation. His daughter and son later attended as well, with his son serving as the captain of the school’s only boys’ team at the time—lacrosse. Initially teaching history, art, and English, Mr. Kaylor has mentored countless students over the years, some of whom have returned to Gunston as colleagues. He has witnessed significant campus growth, from the days of the red barn equestrian program to the addition of new classrooms and enhanced athletics, particularly in rowing and volleyball. Reflecting on those early days, he recalls, “The lacrosse field was just awful—filled with hoof prints.” Among his most memorable moments was the unique 
experience of sharing his children’s high school years. 

Other standout memories include a thrilling field hockey victory against Sts. Peter & Paul, which resulted in the boys having to wear skirts as part of a playful wager, and the somber gathering at the Head of School’s house to watch the September 11th attacks unfold before students were sent home for the day. His role has also extended beyond the classroom, leading student trips abroad to China, France, and the Netherlands. One of his favorite assignments teaches both research and public speaking skills through student presentations. “A presentation follows the same mechanics as writing a paper—subject, research, body, conclusion—but it also teaches public speaking and how to use technology effectively,” he explains.

Mark Wiening

Started: 1998 | Green Team
Dean of Students
Favorite Tradition: Green & White Day
Did You Know? Mr. Wiening played lead roles in a number of musicals at Church Hill Theatre, including The Music Man, Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, Carousel, and Into the Woods.

Upon his graduation from the University of Delaware, Mr. Mark Wiening knew he wanted to teach music somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic region. Drawn by the school’s picturesque location, the school’s idyllic blend of camp-like serenity and historic charm resonated deeply, reminiscent of both his childhood camp near Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and his father’s work on an estate in Malvern. The warm welcome from Mrs. Grabis, Ms. Gruss, and Mr. Sturtevant sealed the deal and Mr. Wiening began his tenure that year with 11 other new faculty members as the school adjusted to its transition from an all-girls boarding school to a day school. His first whirlwind year included designing and outfitting the newly-created Gale Music Center. Before its completion, classes were held in “Jacob’s Lounge,” now the school’s health center. Despite a modest start—five choral singers and a handful of instrumentalists—his vision for the program flourished. Within a few years, the Gunston Chorale boasted 29 upperclassmen singers and a ninth grade chorus that filled the new music space with vibrant harmonies.

Over the years, Mr. Wiening’s roles at Gunston expanded. In addition to music, he directed the annual school play alongside colleagues and even worked in the maintenance department during summers, tackling tasks like mowing and painting. In 2011, as the school’s enrollment grew, so did administrative demands. Appointed Dean of Students, he balanced this leadership role with teaching music until 2020, when he transitioned fully to administration. Today, he oversees student life and teaches Gunston Experience courses alongside Mrs. Grabis. “The academic rigor of the school has increased, while maintaining the nurturing, community-minded focus that endures from the DNA of the Boarding School,” he explains. He describes Gunston as “Community with a capital C. The close-knit environment allows me to know every student and staff member by name—a rarity in education. It’s great to work in a place where appreciation is a daily occurrence.”

Through decades of change, several moments stand out. He vividly recalls a double-overtime soccer championship played in the snow, illuminated by car headlights. “I can’t remember if we won,” he admits, “but I remember how proud I was of our players for enduring the season with such heart.” Another fond memory is his introduction to Maryland’s unique weather. “I’m from Pennsylvania and had never heard of a ‘fog delay.’ My first two teaching days were delayed by fog, and when I got the call, I wasn’t sure if this was some form of new teacher hazing!” he laughs, initially suspecting it was a prank. When reflecting on his time teaching music, he recalls a favorite assignment of his was for music composition class in which they were instructed to write their own arrangement of “The Gunston School Song,” originally composed by Jane Harris in 1978. “On the banks of the Corsica River, upon a hill, lies the school that we all love, and forever will…” “Despite having the same melody, lyrics, and basic chord structure, each composition student’s personality would shine through in the unique accompaniment style they came up with, and the subtle rhythmic and harmonic variations they chose. We even used one student’s piano version as the background music for a digital holiday card to the alumni one year.”

Ben Dize, GP'28

Started: 1999 | Green Team
Part-time Woodworking Teacher (Former Art Chair)
Favorite Tradition: Disembarkation
Did You Know? Mr. Dize was an assistant track coach for 17 years, didn’t own a television until he was 15, and can write backward.

After retiring from Kent County Public schools after 30 years, Mr. Ben Dize was looking for another opportunity when Mrs. Grabis called him to offer a full-time teaching position, and he immediately accepted the offer—it had always been his dream to teach art at Gunston. Mr. Dize distinctly remembers his first day – the Student Government Association President stopped by to welcome him to the school and he was struck by the level of respect, kindness, and overall commitment to learning among the students. He initially served as the only art teacher, teaching all the courses. As the program grew, another teacher was added for photography and pottery. He retired from full-time teaching three years ago but has remained part-time.

When he started in 1999, Gunston had roughly 120 students. The Everdell building still had dorm rooms upstairs, and the Middleton building had not yet been renovated. The biggest change he has seen however, would be the advent and integration of technology at Gunston. His favorite thing about working at Gunston is the students. “There is a level of expectation that is consistent among the students of positive behavior—attending class, getting good grades, being kind and accepting, and being part of a community,” he explains. He still keeps in touch with some of his former advisees and alumni. “It’s fascinating to see them grow and accomplish amazing things. The first students I taught in Kent County are now 71 years old!”

Over the span of his 56-year teaching career, Mr. Dize estimates he has taught around 5,000 students. One of his most memorable experiences was a spring break trip to New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand, they visited an extreme sports park where some students went bungee jumping. One girl’s eyes were covered with a network of broken blood vessels afterward, which looked alarming but was apparently common. Mr. Dize opted out of the bungee jump but did try a wind machine that let participants float in midair for a few seconds. “My favorite assignment is portrait drawing,” he adds. “Many students think they can’t possibly draw a person’s face, but I teach them step-by-step, and their results often exceed their own expectations. It’s always rewarding to see a student create their best portrait ever.” 

David Henry, P'20'23

Started: 1999 | Green Team
Director of Admission & Financial Aid, Head Coach for Varsity Volleyball
Favorite Tradition: New Student Retreat
Did You Know? Mr. Henry gets pretty emotional when it comes to how sports and life are related and puts a lot of thought into what he says about every athlete at the athletic awards ceremony.

Mr. David Henry’s Gunston career began with a basketball. Holding a degree in mathematics and a master’s in school leadership, he was teaching in Caroline County public schools when he spotted an opening for a boys’ basketball coach at Gunston. Intrigued, he applied, and after a successful interview, he took on the role while continuing to teach elsewhere. “I just loved it,” he shared, reflecting on those early days. “Then [Head of School] Peter Sturtevant offered me a job as a math teacher.” Mr. Henry recalls his first day vividly. “We had an all-faculty meeting in the dining hall, which was half the size it is now,” he said. “The campus was small and had an old-school look. It definitely needed renovations for us to grow.” In 2006, Mr. Henry transitioned into the role of Director of Admission and Financial Aid, where he has been a cornerstone of Gunston’s growth.

However, Mr. Henry’s connection to Gunston extends beyond his professional role—it’s deeply woven into his personal life as well. He met and married Reid, his wife, a few years after joining the school, where she also worked. They married in 2004 after Mr. Henry asked for, and received, the blessing of her grandmother, Marguerite Thomas, Gunston’s long-time former business manager who spent 35 years at the school. Together, they have built a family and a life deeply connected to the school. “One of my favorite things has been having my kids go here,” he said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to coach and know I’ve contributed to shaping both Gunston’s growth and generations of student athletes.” Mr. Henry’s tenure at Gunston has not been without its challenges. “The market crash of 2008 was a big challenge,” 
he noted. The sudden death of Head of School Jeff Woodworth during this time added to the school’s struggles. 

But for Mr. Henry, one of the hardest challenges was navigating the community’s initial reluctance to embrace Gunston’s growth. “Getting everyone to agree to let the school grow wasn’t easy, but it was necessary,” he reflected. Coaching has been one of the highlights of his time at Gunston. Among his many memories, one stands out—a basketball championship game against an undefeated Worcester team. “We had a great team that year, and they had an excellent team,” he said. “We played tough and even had the lead by one going into the last 30 seconds. But they ran a back-door play and won it on a last-second score. It was a heart breaker.” Yet, what remains with him isn’t the sting of defeat but the grace and resilience his players displayed in its aftermath. “Those kids knew they’d played their hearts out. They gave me a standing ovation when I got on the bus, and that moment has stayed with me.”

Mr. Henry’s favorite tradition is one he helped create—the new student retreat. “It sets the tone for a tight-knit class,” he said. “It’s something Mrs. Grabis and I started, and it’s become a meaningful part of Gunston’s culture.” As for the future, he envisions continued growth and excellence. “I hope we continue to grow and become one of the state’s leading independent schools in academics and athletics.”

Reid Henry, P'20'23

Started: 1999 | Green Team
Assistant Business Manager
Favorite Tradition: Embarkation & Disembarkation
Did You Know? Mrs. Henry absolutely loves bookstores!

Mrs. Reid Henry had a history with Gunston even before she started working here in 1998. Her grandmother, Marguerite Thomas, spent 35 years as the school’s beloved business manager. Additionally, her sister is a graduate and Mrs. Henry herself spent a year at Gunston during high school. After moving back to the Centreville area as an adult, she sent her resume in, knowing it would be a great place to work, where it was kept on file until an opening became available. During her 26 years, Mrs. Henry has helped many departments including admissions, advancement, communications, registrar’s office, and eventually settling into her current role as Assistant Business Manager. She is also the proud parent of two Gunston alumni, who graduated in 2020 and 2023.

“When I started, there were staff living in Middleton apartments and there were also apartments in Everdell that had winding metal staircases outside all the way up to the third floor.” Mrs. Henry witnessed the remodeling of Middleton, Everdell Hall, the Atrium, Heron House, and the tennis pavilion construction. But perhaps one of the biggest events to have happened to her during her time at Gunston was meeting and marrying her now husband, David Henry, who serves as the Director of Admission and Financial Aid. She recalled some of her more vivid memories: “Once when I worked in Admissions, the director called me the morning of the annual Gunston Country Fair and told me his wife had just had their triplets and I had to take his position for the day! Another time I’ll never forget is when my office was on the third floor, we had an earthquake and I thought the building was collapsing and couldn’t get down the stairs fast enough!” The 2011 earthquake was one of the strongest earthquakes to be felt in Maryland with a 5.8 magnitude that was felt across more than a dozen states. “I love the people of Gunston, the beautiful environment, and the feeling of working somewhere that is meaningful.”

Ernie Darling

Started: 2004 | White Team
Director of Facilities (retired in January, 2025)
Favorite Tradition: Green & White Day
Did You Know? Mr. Darling volunteers with the Sudlersville Ruritans, building free handicapped ramps for those in need. 

Mr. Ernie Darling was working as a carpenter for Kent County public schools when his friend was offered the job at Gunston and accepted, but then four years later moved on to a different career and convinced Mr. Darling to take his place. The first maintenance issue Mr. Darling dealt with (of which there were many) was the heat in Everdell that was constantly broken. “The school deferred a lot of maintenance for a while so it could get teacher salaries up and attract new talent. So our motto for a while with maintenance was, get a roll of duct tape, glue it up, and make it work!” One of the first major projects Mr. Darling oversaw was the reconstruction of Middleton House in 2007, then a condemned building that had been out of use for quite some time. “The building was down to the studs, we demolished a lot and completely rebuilt it. The original building was created in 1890 and it burned to the ground very shortly afterward. A group of lawyers from Wilmington then rebuilt it so they could go goose hunting around here before the Middletons bought it from them,” he recalls.

Mr. Darling recalls his early days at the school with its dirt roads, a handful of small sidewalks, and a “horrendous” state of grass from students trekking through from the lack of footpaths. “When you work in maintenance,” he shared, “Who’s your boss? Everybody is your boss.” The constant maintenance requests from “everybody” certainly kept him busy, but out of all his duties, the one he liked the least was snow removal. The “snowmageddon” of 2010 brought more than four feet of snow to Maryland. “That was the only year I can remember where we actually had to pay for help with the snow removal. We piled it so high, we couldn’t pile it anymore and had to get someone to come take it away. Even my son, who was 10 at the time, came to help shovel snow with his friend.” Despite the challenges of snow, Mr. Darling says his favorite thing about Gunston is “The beauty of the campus and I like not knowing what my day is going to bring. Your day changes within an hour after you arrive and it keeps things interesting.” When asked about his hopes for Gunston’s future, he said “I hope we get a new gym!”

Avis Wheatley ’01

Started: 2004 | Green Team
Spanish Teacher
Favorite Tradition: Sorting on Green and White Day when new students, faculty, and staff are assigned to teams and receive a t-shirt.
Did You Know? Ms. Wheatley plays the Harrison and Harrison pipe organ!

During her years at Bridgewater College, Ms. Avis Wheatley majored in Spanish and organ performance. She loved speaking Spanish and studying abroad in Mexico and Spain. Becoming a Spanish teacher at her alma mater, where she graduated from in 2001 seemed like a dream come true. She recalls her first year as a Gunston teacher as “exciting, fun, but terrifying.” She relished being able to chat in Spanish all day with her students, and they had parties for Cinco de Mayo and other events in class. “It was possibly not as academic as it should have been, but I was only about 10 years older than most of my students at the time,” she recalls.

Ms. Wheatley recalls a “much smaller, more wild place with lots of hidden spaces and many more flowers” during her earlier years. She taught in Everdell and “My classroom was several old dorm rooms with the walls knocked out and the doors filled in. The AC was a loud smelly unit in the back of the classroom that froze and deafened the students back there while everyone else broiled. No screens in the windows. Bees regularly buzzed in. Lovely wooden floors though.” Her favorite thing about working here is the wonderful community, great colleagues, and knowing that she teaches students who really want to learn and speak Spanish. “I hope Gunston will continue to be a haven for personalized learning,” Ms. Wheatley adds. And she has high hopes for the crew program. “I just really love the crew program. I think it is such a wonderful opportunity for our students. It was fabulous watching the sport take off from a small non-competitive team to what it is today.”

Richard Spray

Started: 2005 | White Team
Groundskeeper
Favorite Tradition: Laying of the bricks at Disembarkation
Did You Know? Mr. Spray enjoys goose hunting on the weekends!

Mr. Richard Spray joined Gunston through his connection with Mr. Ernie Darling, whom he previously worked with at Kent County Schools. When the groundskeeper position opened up, Mr. Darling called to offer him the job and his first major task was setting up the gym for an upcoming fundraiser. His role has remained steady over the years, though his responsibilities shift with the seasons. Summer means grass cutting, while every day presents new and different challenges. When he first started, the campus covered only 30 acres and served 140 students. Today, it has expanded to 75 acres with 250 students, a transformation he has played a key role in supporting. Mr. Spray’s favorite part of the job is the ever-changing nature of his work and the ability to contribute behind the scenes to the school’s ongoing growth.

After 15 years, he finally joined a team—White Team—and takes great pride in his involvement in one of Gunston’s most cherished traditions, Disembarkation, particularly the laying of bricks, even though it is a lot of work afterward to install them. Among the many challenges he has tackled, the 2010 blizzards stand out as a defining moment. With two massive snowstorms in one week, he and his team worked tirelessly to clear the campus, keeping operations running despite the school being closed for weeks. Through all the ups and downs, he remains dedicated to the school’s mission and hopes Gunston will continue to grow, with a new gym as the top priority. Beyond his work, Mr. Spray enjoys goose hunting, particularly setting up decoys and hiding in a blind. Now in his 19th year at Gunston, he considers it the longest he has worked anywhere and appreciates the strong connections he has built. He still speaks with Mr. Darling every week, a testament to the lasting relationships formed through his time at the school. For Mr. Spray, Gunston is not just a workplace but a community he loves being a part of every day.

Kim Vess, P'11

Started: 2007 | Green Team
Registrar and Assistant to the Head of School
Favorite Tradition: Embarkation & Disembarkation
Did You Know? Ms. Vess is an avid Eagles fan that loves 70’s music on Sirius Radio.

For nearly two decades, Ms. Kim Vess has been a steadfast presence at Gunston, the keeper of student registration, service learning hours, transcript requests, editing and reviewing teacher comments, and serving as the right hand to the Assistant Head of School. Ms. Vess’s journey to Gunston began after noticing a job listing for an assistant to the head of school in the paper and thinking, ‘Wow that is really close, only one street away!’ and immediately applied. The year was 2007 and it was during a pivotal time for Gunston, as the reconstruction of Middleton Hall was wrapping up. Over the years, her role expanded to include many more responsibilities including managing the record of every student in the school. Enrollment fluctuated a lot those first few years, from 145 students when she started, peaking at 156 before the recession brought it down to 133.

What has kept Ms. Vess at Gunston all these years? “I truly believe in the way we teach here. No matter how a student learns, we adapt to meet their needs.” Her son Jacob graduated in 2011, having attended for his sophomore, junior, and senior years. “Having him here was a special experience,” she shares. She also cherishes the familial bond among the faculty and staff. “They’re like family. If I ever needed anything, I know I could pick up the phone and someone would be there to help.” Over the years, Ms. Vess has accumulated countless memories, from natural disasters like hurricanes and spending time in the basement of Everdell during a tornado warning to the infamous earthquake. As she looks to the future, Ms. Vess hopes Gunston will continue to grow and thrive while remaining steadfast in its commitment to supporting students and the broader community.

Tammy Boone, P’17’21’27

Started: 2008 | Green Team
Academic Support Coordinator
Favorite Tradition: Disembarkation and Green & White Day
Did You Know? Mrs. Boone is the most enthusiastic chaperone for the Chesapeake Bay Studies Program!

Mrs. Tammy Boone’s journey at Gunston began after applying at the suggestion of her husband’s aunt to bring her passion for math to a school. She started as a tutor with just one student, coming in for a single class period, staying for lunch, and then heading home. As the campus and student population began to grow, so did the need for more of Mrs. Boone’s time and she became full time in 2017. In addition to working directly with students, she oversees fellow tutors and faculty to ensure that students’ additional or special learning requirements are met. She is also a long-time assistant coach with the rowing team, an interest that stems from her own son’s participation in the program during his four years at Gunston. Mrs. Boone grew up in Washington and attended Western Washington University where she earned her bachelor of science in education. After graduation, she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska working with the Fairbanks Native Association as a parent educator and home visitor. While in Alaska, she met her husband, Scott, a native to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and subsequently moved to Centreville.

Her fond memories include early mornings arriving at school for regattas before the sun rose and a special evening when Coach Nicky Stimpson organized a waterfront screening of The Boys in the Boat documentary for the rowing team. “As far as the most challenging, I would say the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest challenges the school has faced,” she recalls. “That and probably the renovation of Everdell where we had to eat lunch in the gym, it was a bit cramped!” Mrs. Boone’s hope for Gunston’s future is simple but profound—she hopes that Gunston will always know each student personally, continuing the strong sense of community and support that makes the school special.

Dr. Ken Wilson

Started: 2009 | Green Team
Science Teacher
Favorite Tradition: Prom 
Did You Know? Dr. Wilson’s favorite baseball team is the Washington Nationals and he plays the ukulele, and enjoys attending music festivals in the summer. 

Dr. Ken Wilson recalls arriving on campus for his interview on a beautiful spring day, “It brought back happy memories of exploring the fields and woods in my native western North Carolina where I grew up in a small town.” His first year at Gunston was filled with nervous excitement as he adjusted to a new academic environment. Coming from Ann Arbor Academy, a school specializing in students with ADHD, dyslexia, and high-functioning autism, he was accustomed to diverse learning needs. Gunston, while similarly diverse, also included exceptionally gifted students, creating an intellectually dynamic atmosphere. One of his most vivid memories from that first year was an unexpected fire alarm he triggered while conducting a chemistry experiment in the physics lab—an alarm that was directly connected with the Centreville fire department. “The alarm went off for what I assumed was a drill and we went outside and fire trucks were arriving. Then I realized that I had set off the fire alarm and I was scared about losing my job my first year! Of course everyone was kind and reassuring, demonstrating that Gunston not only nurtures its students, but also its staff.”

Over the years, Dr. Wilson has taught physics, chemistry, and robotics. He also served as a department head but has always remained dedicated to teaching science. He fondly remembers living on campus years ago in the “Gatehouse,” where he would walk his standard poodle at night, enjoying the darkness, the sound of owls, and the sight of fireflies lighting up the bushes. Though he now resides in Easton, he misses those peaceful Gunston nights. “As the school has grown, I’ve been trusted with an incredible amount of resources to do my job. The facilities, technology, etc. are at a much higher level than when I arrived,” he explained. “My favorite thing about working here is that the students are open to teachers trying out various approaches to teaching. I like to try new things, and I feel that if they work, the students support me, and if they don’t work so well, the students are still happy to see me try new things. The students and the administration encourage innovation.”

Among his most exciting teaching moments was Gunston’s first near-space balloon mission. “Due to a tracking limitation, we lost contact with the balloon when it reached an altitude over 10 miles. The balloon ascended as expected, we lost contact as expected, and then we waited for it to pop and the payload to resume sending signals when it dropped below 10 miles. For me, it was like a NASA control room during a Mars landing when you lose contact with the spacecraft as it descends through the Martian atmosphere and then wait for the spacecraft or Rover to send signals from the surface saying that it was OK. When the signal came back from our balloon as it descended on its parachute, I jumped up and down and cheered like we had landed on Mars,” he said.

His favorite assignment involves using Hot Wheels cars as projectiles, where students predict landing positions based on velocity calculations. The moment when the cars land exactly where predicted reinforces the real-world application of physics principles. As he looks toward the future, Dr. Wilson hopes Gunston continues to foster a diverse community of learners, supporting students with a range of abilities. He believes that combining different strengths and challenges creates a rich educational environment.

John Lewis

Started: 2010 | Green Team
Head of School
Favorite Tradition: Disembarkation
Did You Know? Mr. Lewis has lived and taught in South America and Asia, his head is full of trivia, and he never misses Orioles Opening Day!

When Mr. John Lewis was first approached about Gunston, he was working as the head of upper school at Ranney School in New Jersey. “Knowing that I was from Maryland, a recruiter called me up and invited me to apply,” he recalls. “He said, ‘There’s this beautiful little school in Maryland...’ The rest is history.” Gunston’s natural beauty struck Mr. Lewis from the beginning, though the facilities needed a lot of attention. “As it is now, Gunston’s campus was stunningly gorgeous, but some of the buildings and the waterfront were in need of renovation,” he says. Working closely with the Board, he helped craft a plan to address these needs. Under his leadership, the school has doubled its enrollment and campus acreage and expanded its programs, offering more classes, sports, clubs and extracurricular opportunities. Major renovations, including Everdell Hall, Heron House, the waterfront, and more have enhanced the school’s facilities. Yet, despite these changes, he emphasizes that “Gunston’s culture is extremely strong, so in many ways, the school doesn’t feel like it has changed much.”

For Mr. Lewis, the heart of Gunston lies in its people. “Every day I get to work with great students and amazing colleagues in a gorgeous place, so I feel incredibly lucky,” he says. Living nearby allows him to walk to work, a perk he particularly enjoys. Alumni connections are a source of joy for him as well. “I love getting texts, emails, visits, and even wedding invitations from alums, some of whom are now in their 30s,” he shares. One memorable encounter happened at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, where a park ranger leading a tour turned out to be Caroline Currey ’16, a former student. “Her history knowledge was encyclopedic as a student, so it was great to see her in the perfect role.” Gunston’s traditions, many of which he created, hold a special place in Mr. Lewis’s heart. “There are so many, but my favorite is probably Disembarkation,” he says. “This event captures so much of what makes Gunston special: the campus, the community, and the relationships between students and teachers.”

His most treasured Gunston memories have come in the classroom and with his beloved Academic Team, aka. The Nerd Squad. “My job is incredibly diverse and interesting, but teaching is still my favorite part of the day. Over the years, I’ve been able to work with so many curious and talented students—many of whom are working in public service—and for me my classroom has always been a haven for developing close relationships, discussing interesting ideas, and enjoying moments of fun and laughter.”

Over the years, Mr. Lewis has also logged hundreds of hours taking trivia-minded Gunston students to academic quiz bowl tournaments, including multiple trips to Chicago for the NAQT National Championships. “I’m a believer that knowing a lot of facts still matters,” he shared, “and Nerd Squad van rides are the best!” As a teacher, Mr. Lewis delights in assigning “The Presidents’ Project” in his AP Government class. “Every presidency is incredibly interesting,” he explains. “It helps each student get permanently connected with the life and era of the president they research.” As he reflects on his tenure, Lewis’s vision for Gunston’s future is clear. “My goal is to help Gunston and the 
Chesapeake Watershed Semester get stronger and stronger in all ways, so that students in the future can have similar experiences to students who are here now,” he says.

Juan Angarita, P'22

Started: 2010 | White Team
Chair of the Foreign Language Department, Instructional Technology Coordinator, and Boys’ Varsity Soccer Head Coach
Favorite Tradition: Green & White Day
Did You Know? Señor Angarita loves playing soccer and tennis but you can also often find him playing music with his younger brother Cam in Juan’s home music studio.

Señor Juan Angarita was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. After completing high school, he went on to study economics and music at the Javeriana University in the country’s capital. Señor Angarita immigrated to the United States in 2001 to finish his studies at the University of Maryland, earning a bachelor of arts in music composition. He taught Spanish and music at Wye River Upper School and managed their soccer program before joining Gunston. Señor Angarita was already familiar with Gunston when he began working here as his brother Cam had graduated from the school in 2004.

Señor Angarita’s first year at Gunston was marked by major transitions. It was the school’s centennial celebration, the Everdells were retiring, and John Lewis was stepping into his role as the head of school. However, one of the most striking differences for Señor Angarita was the technological landscape. Coming from a school where every student and faculty member had laptops and high-speed internet, adapting to Gunston’s limited and unreliable connectivity was a challenge. With only desktop computers for teachers and little instructional technology, he had to adjust his teaching approach quickly. In 2011, he also took on the role of instructional technology coordinator, developing plans to introduce technology as a major teaching resource.

Despite these advancements, what Señor Angarita values most is Gunston’s serene, secluded campus and its supportive environment. The encouragement from leadership has allowed him to explore, pilot, and implement instructional technology in the Spanish department, enhancing student learning. Beyond the classroom, Señor Angarita maintains strong relationships with former students, often playing pickup soccer with them. His proudest achievement is the remarkable progress of the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team. Once a team that struggled to compete, they have now become a formidable force, finishing as ESIAC conference runner-up for three consecutive years and, in their first season in the MIAA conference, securing another runner-up title. When it comes to teaching, his favorite moments involve students acting out the stories they create in class. “It’s a fun and immersive way for students to acquire the Spanish language without even realizing it.”

Mike McFarland

Started: 2013 | White Team
History Department Chair
Favorite Tradition: Green & White Day
Did You Know? Mr. McFarland is a big fan of Liverpool Football Club and Australian Cattle dogs including his pup named Lola.

Mr. Mike McFarland was at a hiring convention in Philadelphia when he signed up to interview at Gunston. “I had lived in Annapolis 20 years before for graduate school and I remembered I really liked the Eastern Shore,” he recalls. “My first year at Gunston, I lived on the third floor of Everdell in an apartment. The current student parking lot was a tennis court and there was a large dumpster between AB and Middleton!” Mr. McFarland stayed at Gunston for its beautiful campus, small class sizes, and the chance to work with “some really amazing students.” When reflecting on his teaching over the years, he recalls one of his favorite assignments in AP European History. “We do a simulation of the Treaty of Versailles (the treaty at the end of World War I) where students represent either the U.K., France, or the U.S.A.,” he explains. “They negotiate the treaty and each country is awarded points if their demands are in the treaty. This allows students to find 
out what was important to each country and the difficulty in negotiating treaties, especially when each side has different priorities.”

Dr. Mariah Goodall, P'28

Started: 2015 | White Team
Science Teacher
Favorite Tradition: Embarkation, Disembarkation, Green & White Day
Did You Know? In high school, Dr. Goodall was a top middle-distance runner in Virginia, qualifying for the Virginia AA state championships annually, with personal bests of sub-21 minutes in the 5K, 60 seconds in the 400m, and 2:20 in the 800m. 

Dr. Mariah Goodall graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 2004, one of 15 women and only the fourth cohort of women to matriculate since the institution became co-ed. She was a distinguished graduate with a bachelor of science degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in cardiovascular physiology from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a postdoctoral focus on skeletal muscle injury and repair, poised for a career in research. However, the constant need for securing research grants led her to explore an alternative path—teaching. She first stepped into the classroom as an adjunct professor at Washington College, where she spent four years teaching multiple sections of biology labs and designing curriculum for courses such as muscle biology and exercise physiology. 

It was here that she discovered her true calling: education. Eager to take on a larger academic role, Dr. Goodall reached out to John Lewis to express her interest in high school teaching, ultimately leading her to Gunston in 2015. “I absolutely remember my first day at Gunston,” Dr. Goodall recalls. “Embarkation made me feel instantly connected to the community. It was such a special tradition, and it still is.” Her first year at Gunston was a transitional one, teaching two ninth-grade biology classes and coaching fitness, the precursor to today’s lifetime sports program. The following year, she took on a full-time teaching position and expanded her coaching role. Over the years, she has taught a range of courses, including AP Biology, Brain Science, Anatomy and Physiology, and Algebra I, while continuing to guide students in athletics, most notably as the co-coach of the junior varsity volleyball team. As Gunston has evolved, so has Dr. Goodall’s role. She has witnessed firsthand the school’s growth in enrollment, sports programs, and athletic performance.

Yet, what remains constant is the school’s commitment to fostering individual student success. “I’ve never worked anywhere with such a supportive team of administrators and colleagues,” she says. “We all look out for each other and support one another without question. That’s what makes Gunston truly special.” “I’m one of the most competitive people you’ll ever meet,” she admits. “But what I love most about Green and White days is how they bring us together. We compete fiercely, but at the end of the day, we are all one community.” Among her many memorable experiences, one that stands out is the Bay Studies trip to Peru during her first year.

Traveling along the Amazon River, she and two students conducted research on the antiseptic properties of a local tree, Dragon’s Blood, and its effects on oral bacteria. Her passion for hands-on scientific discovery is perhaps best embodied in her favorite AP Biology assignment—the PTC Taste of Genetics Lab. In this lab, students determine their genetic ability to taste bitter compounds through a series of molecular biology techniques, including DNA isolation, PCR amplification, restriction enzyme digestion, and gel electrophoresis. “It’s a rare opportunity for high school students to conduct such advanced experiments, and it’s always a favorite,” she says.

Moe Weimer

Started: 2015 | Green Team
English Department Chair
Favorite Tradition: Bay Studies
Did You Know? Mr. Weimer loves math, designing, sketching, and building things with his hands. He used to build stages as a stagehand for IATSE Local 98 at the Hershey Theater, Hershey Park Stadium, and Giant Center. 

Some teachers stumble upon their dream job, and for Mr. Moe Weimer, it all started with a few friends teaching at Gunston. They told him the school was looking for an English teacher, so he applied, interviewed, and toured the campus. It didn’t take long for him to fall in love with Gunston’s mission and picturesque setting. Stepping into an independent school for the first time was both exciting and nerve-wracking. “It felt unreal. To be honest, I was kind of, sort of afraid that I would fail horrendously,” Mr. Weimer admits. But from the very first day, his advisory group, affectionately known as “Flannel Fam,” and his English students made him feel at home. Over the past ten years, Mr. Weimer’s role has evolved from English teacher to Chair of the English Department.

While his classroom, the student body, and even the trees on campus have grown, one thing has remained constant: “Green Team is, without a doubt, the best team.” Teaching comes with unexpected challenges—some more unusual than others. “The rancid smell of a dead squirrel rotting in my classroom walls was a weird plot twist one year,” he recalls. But nothing compares to the surreal experience of teaching during COVID. “I count my lucky stars that Gunston’s leadership team guided me through that turbulent time because, dang, that was tough. It helped that the students were super cool, too. I’m proud of all of us.” For Mr. Weimer, the best part of Gunston is the people. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing students, colleagues, parents, and administrators. For ten years, they’ve been bringing the best out of me.” His connections with students don’t end at graduation. Whether through emails, phone calls, runs with alumni, or even attending former students’ weddings, he cherishes staying in touch. “To say that I’m honored to have been invited to the wedding of an OG member of Flannel Fam Advisory is an understatement,” he said.

His favorite tradition? Bay Studies, especially hiking the Appalachian Trail with students. His proudest moments? Seeing students succeed outside the classroom, whether it’s the cross country team dominating ESIAC competitions or the Gunston Players putting on stellar productions. When it comes to teaching, Mr. Weimer finds the most meaning in two major projects: the Junior Symposium and the Senior Paradigm. “These assignments give students the opportunity to tell their stories and share their perspectives on what they care about. Every year, I learn a ton and a half from what students write, and I’m told that these projects mean a lot to them as well.” Looking ahead, “I hope the genuine love and care that Gunston offers its students never dies.”