B.E.S.T. Summer Scholars 2026


August 18, 2026

This summer, newly enrolled B.E.S.T. middle and upper school students spent five weeks building the skills, confidence, and connections to help make their transition to independent school a successful one through the 2026 B.E.S.T. Summer Scholars program. Grounded in the theme “Go to Grow!”, the program combined academic preparation with opportunities for meaningful personal growth. Scholars explored core subjects including science, math, English Language Arts, history, design thinking, and visual arts.

Just as importantly, students experienced what it means to join a new community. Through conversations, reflection, and bonding with peers, they celebrated their identities, considered the perspectives they bring, and began building connections within the B.E.S.T. Member School community.

Weekly field trips added joy, discovery, and real-world learning to the experience, creating space for students to connect, explore, and have fun together. These included a day at Camp Hippodrome, team-building at Outward Bound, a walking tour of Marble Hill and a trip to Monster Mini Golf.

With new knowledge, friendships, and an affirmed sense of belonging, the 2026 B.E.S.T. Summer Scholars are ready to take their next steps with confidence as school begins in just a few short weeks.

Camp Hippodrome
At Camp Hippodrome, the Scholars stepped into the world of improvisation, building confidence and creativity through interactive games, collaborative exercises, and team-building activities. Following a full day of rehearsals, they brought their energy and newfound skills to the main stage, delivering an unforgettable performance in a theater renowned for hosting iconic productions such as Hamilton and Tina.

Outward Bound
At Outward Bound in Leakin Park, Scholars challenged themselves, tried new things, and built trust along the way. From the high ropes course to team activities, students encouraged one another, worked together, and grew stronger as a group.

Marble Hill Walking Tour
Scholars explored Baltimore’s Marble Hill neighborhood, starting at the Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum and visiting sites connected to leaders like Thurgood Marshall and Frederick Douglass. The tour brought Baltimore’s history to life and gave students a deeper appreciation for the city’s legacy of courage, advocacy, and resilience.

Storytelling Workshop with Dr. David Fakunle ’05
Scholars explored the power of storytelling with Dr. David Fakunle ’05, a B.E.S.T. and Friends School alumnus and advocate for cultural identity and healing. Through conversation, writing, and reflection, students considered how their experiences shape their stories and how their voices can help shape their futures.

Transition Workshop with Farah Evans and Donnell Thompson
Farah Evans of Bryn Mawr School and Donell Thompson of Gilman School led thoughtful workshops to help Scholars prepare for the next chapter. Students received practical guidance, encouragement, and support as they looked ahead to the transition to middle and upper school.

Charm City Run Wellness Workshops
New this year, our partnership with generous funder Charm City Run brought Scholars a two-part health and wellness workshop focused on fitness, hydration, and healthy habits. Experienced coaches led students through relay training, stretching, and proper warm-up and cool-down routines, while creating a fun, supportive environment centered on teamwork.

We are grateful to Charm City Run and the coaches who shared their time, expertise, and energy, helping our Scholars build skills they can carry into athletics and everyday life.

Monster Mini Golf
Scholars had a blast at Monster Mini Golf, enjoying some friendly competition, plenty of laughs, and a fun chance to bond outside the classroom.

At the heart of this summer were the faculty, staff, and Alumni interns who showed up for our Scholars every day with care, encouragement, and joy. They created a space where students felt welcomed, supported, and confident enough to try new things. We are deeply grateful for the leaders who helped our Scholars feel at home and reminded them that they belong.

Summer Scholars Co-Directors, LaShanda Lawrence and Peggy Bittner
Andrew Avallone (History and Design Thinking)
Toni Hagerich (Art)
Fitz Hardcastle (Math)
Morgan Moore (ELA and Athletics)
Natasha Safaee (Science)

Interns:
B.E.S.T. / Maryvale Preparatory School Taige H. ’27
B.E.S.T. / St. Paul’s School Alumnus Aamir E. ’26
B.E.S.T. / SPS Alumnus Xavier B. ’25.

To Our Extraordinary Students:

This summer, you’ve grown, challenged yourselves, and built a community together. As you begin this next chapter, carry with you the confidence to be yourself, the courage to try new things, and the knowledge that you belong. Your new schools are lucky to have you, and we are so proud to welcome you to the B.E.S.T. family!

We are deeply grateful to The Thomas Wilson Foundation and Charm City Run for their generous support of the Summer Scholars Program. Their commitment helped make this meaningful summer possible, giving our students space to learn, grow, and build confidence. We are so thankful for their investment in our Scholars and their futures.

Our Heartfelt Thanks to Roland Park Country School for graciously and lovingly hosting us for over two decades.