B.E.S.T. Summer Scholars 2019


August 7, 2019

For five weeks during June and July, B.E.S.T. hosted our annual academic enrichment and transition program for 25 newly enrolled, rising middle and upper school B.E.S.T. students. The program consisted of rigorous academics, art, athletics, a curriculum focused on transitions, and time to build lifelong friendships.

Outward Bound

At Outward Bound, B.E.S.T. students took on challenges and achieved great things during their outdoor adventures together. They participated in team-building exercises and pushed themselves to have new experiences and grow as leaders.

Storytelling Workshop with David Fakunle ’05

B.E.S.T. and Friends School alumnus, David Fakunle ’05, directed a storytelling workshop for Summer Scholars. Students had the chance to work with David on telling their personal stories. David facilitated discussion among each group as he asked them to share their core values, their daily emotions, and how they feel about where they are on their “Hero’s Journey.”

Camp Hippodrome at Summer Scholars

This summer, Camp Hippodrome came to Roland Park Country School and allowed our students to express themselves through movement, song, and dance. Students had the opportunity to learn some numbers from the Broadway hit, Hamilton!

Banneker-Douglass Museum

Students attended a field trip to the Banneker-Douglass Museum in downtown Annapolis. At the museum, they learned about Maryland’s African American history and heritage.

Students reading a quote by famed civil rights photographer, Gordon Parks

A B.E.S.T. student admiring the exhibit dedicated to Verda Freeman Welcome, the first Black woman elected to a State Senate

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A Huge Thank You to Our Supporters!

We are extremely grateful for our generous funders for making this experience possible for our students:

Thank you to STX for gifting each Summer Scholar participant with a new lacrosse stick and ball!

Summer Scholars wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and talent of the Summer Scholars faculty and staff! Thank you for supporting our newly enrolled students and providing them with the tools necessary to help them feel ready for their transition to their new schools! We know our students will be successful as they begin their independent school journeys.

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Elisha James, Summer Scholars Director and Science

Edwina Jones, Reading

Cari Hummel, Writing

Fitz Hardcastle, Math

Antoinette Hawkins, Art

Kim Hoffman, Social Studies

Yvette Matthews, Extended Day

Akailah McIntyre, Explorations: Finding Me

Preston Waters, Athletics

India Kutcherman ’18, Intern

Niala Kutcherman ’19, Intern

Keziah Palmer, Intern

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Thank you to Roland Park Country School for hosting our Summer Scholars program!