Gunston Transforms Education into Action with Civic Learning Day

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Gunston Transforms Education into Action with Civic Learning Day
Photos by Dr. Asprion, Kellen Fitzgerald ’28, Parker Wilson’27, Emory Day ’26, Olivia Murray ’26, and Mr. Lewis
 
The Gunston School recently hosted its annual Civic Learning Day, dedicating a full day to experiential learning that moves civic education beyond the classroom, engaging the entire student body in hands-on community service, career exploration, and critical discussions on current civic issues. The goal was to inspire students to embrace their roles as informed, active, and responsible citizens.
 
“Our Civic Learning Day is a cornerstone of The Gunston Experience, moving civic education from theory to practice,” said Head of School John Lewis. “By combining meaningful service work with direct exposure to public service professionals, we empower our students to understand and embrace their critical role in building a stronger community and a healthy democracy.”
 
The day was anchored by a robust schedule of community service. Groups of students traveled off-campus to assist key local partners, including Haven Ministries, where they sorted donated food items and organized warehouse space, and Tides of Grace, where they helped sort donated toys and assemble new storage units. Students also visited the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County to see the inner workings of a courtroom. Simultaneously, teams on Gunston’s campus managed a mix of environmental and humanitarian work. This included essential projects like replanting the pollinator garden, establishing a new garden in front of the AB/Field House, and packaging goods for regional non-profits.
 
Humanitarian efforts focused on preparing sandwiches and healthy snack packages for Lighthouse Annapolis, assembling food packages for MidShore Meals til Monday, and preparing over 200 customized care bags for the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, students processed collected shoes for transport to Rukundo International.
 
The afternoon transitioned into a comprehensive Career Tracks program, connecting students with a diverse roster of professionals who exemplify public service. Students engaged with more than 12 speakers from national and regional organizations, including the Office of Naval Intelligence, the US Department of State, a US Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander, an Air Force Pilot working for the Pentagon, the CEO of the Chesapeake Conservancy, a Family Nurse Practitioner from Choptank Community Health, and more. 
 
“There were 12 parent volunteers leading sessions,” explains Director of Belonging & Community Dr. Ryan Asprion, who planned the day’s events. “Our students really love getting a firsthand perspective on how their passions could possibly translate into impactful careers across government, health, environmental science, law enforcement, and the non-profit sector.”
 
The day concluded with student and faculty-led discussion sessions, fostering civil discourse on important modern topics ranging from Environmental Justice and the Evolution of Women in Politics to Media Literacy and “Your vote, Your power.”
 
“Civic Learning Day reinforces one of the school’s core values,” said Dr. Asprion, “and that is to prepare students to be ethically and environmentally minded scholars, citizens, and leaders for a globalized society.”
 
A special Thank You to the Parents & Friends of Gunston that volunteered their time:
  • Krystal Algier, P’23’26: Family Nurse Practitioner, Choptank Community Health
  • Michael Borland, P’22’27: Assistant Director, Office of Naval Intelligence
  • Matt Coffey: Air Force Pilot at the Pentagon
  • Anthony Friedrich, P’27: Policy Director, American Saltwater Guides Association
  • Kerri Weale: Sniffing dog expert demonstration, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
  • Jennifer Krafchik, P’28: Museum Curator/Collections Manager, US Senate
  • Dustin Temple, P’28: Security Specialist, US Department of State
  • Sarah Volker, P’29: Senior Policy Analyst, Public Policy Partners
  • Ildi Watkins, P’26’28: Foreign & Civil Service, State Department
  • Robert Forloney, P’29’29: Cultural Worker, Maryland Humanities
  • Joshua Parker, P’29: Director of Environmental Health, State of Maryland
  • James Tate, P’28: Police Officer, Department of Defense
  • Michael Borland, P’17’22: Retired Naval Intelligence Officer
  • Sam McElroy: Public Speaker/ Opera Performer

Student Presenters Included:

Evelyn Regenhardt ’27, Violet Borland ’27, Nevin Porter ’26, Kate Andrews ’26, Marley Farmer ’27, Scotia Hopper ’27, Emma Nkanza ’26, Lia Schut ’26, Lily May ’26, Susannah Clark ’26, Riley Faff ’26, Eamon Schopfer ’26, Brynn Roberts ’27, and Natalie Edelen ’27.

 

  • Chesapeake Conservancy
  • Choptank Community Health
  • Civic Learning Day
  • Civic Learning Day 2025
  • Civics
  • Haven Ministries
  • Lighthouse Annapolis
  • MidShore Meals till Monday
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • Rukundo International
  • Tides of Grace
  • student profile
  • student story