Be Part of SMART, LSM Class Members Launch Mentoring Initiative

A tremendous difference stands to be made by offering your time as a mentor or tutor for local high school and middle school students. Members of Class of 2014have established the Southern Maryland Academic Resources Team (SMART) to begin a legacy of LSM participation to assist mainstream and at-risk students achieve success both in school and after graduation and invite you to consider joining them in being part of something great.

Find out more about Fairlead Academy I located in Great Mills in St. Mary’s County, where SMART is launching its pilot program by attending the Open House, Thursday, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here you can find out more about becoming a mentor or tutor.

If interested in volunteering, submit your SMCPS volunteer application by April 15 for the 2013-2014 school year or complete for approval for next school year. Tutors are needed in all areas and alumni interested should contact Fairlead Academic Dean Rebecca Cline at rjcline@smcps.org.

Professionals are also being sought to participate in SMART’s Career Day on Thursday, May 8, from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Inspire students to reach their goals and help them gain insight to the career you have. Anyone interested in volunteering for this event should contact Steve Combs at smcombs@gmail.com.

Consider what lending your time and talents could mean for one student and their future. The difference can be profound.  

ALUMNI KUDOS

We like to spotlight the great things our alumni are doing within the community and aslo congratulate them as they make strides in their careers and in leadership roles. So here goes, consider the horns tooted!

Charles County Commissioner Debra Davis, LSM '09, was recently named to the Daily Record's Top 100 Women list for the second time! The list recognizes Maryland women making an impact through their leadership, community service and mentoring. Read more by clicking HERE.

 Mary Anne Bowman, LSM Class of 2014 member, was recently promoted after 15 years of service with St. Mary's County Public Library to become the organization's first Deputy Director.  She holds an MS in Library and Information Science and has served as Branch Manager of both the Charlotte Hall and Lexington Park branches.
      "I cannot imagine anyone more qualified than Mary Anne to take on this very important challenge," said Director Kathleen Reif.


Kim Rosenfield, LSM '10, was named as one of 52 members of Leadership Maryland's Class of 2014. The state-wide leadership organization selects up to 52 accomplished and talented leaders to participate in its program and Kim will join the alumni circle who have gone on to LMD after completing the regional Leadership Southern Maryland experience.
     To view the rest of LMD's Class of 2014, click HERE.

Mark Your Calendars for LSM Special Event March 20!

Please join us Thursday, March 20 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. at The Running Hare Vineyard for a special event to meet LSM's next Executive Directorand learn more about our REACH 2018 campaign.

An evening of fine wine and ambience with fellow alumni and a warm welcome for the recently selected ED, who will actively begin the position July 1, 2014. A team from LSM Class of 2014 will also be on hand to share details about their Get Moving Get Growing project, with a mission of establishing community gardens and afterschool fitness clubs to help Southern Maryland kids learn the importance of a healthful diet and regular exercise. See you there!

Click HERE for directions.

Volunteers Sought for Southern Maryland STEM-ing Event

STEM-ING SOMD is looking for volunteers and sponsors to help with this year's inspiring one-day event. 

Planning is underway for the 2014 STEM-ING event scheduled May 3 at St. Mary's College of Maryland. STEM-ING is focused on heightening the awareness and the interest of STEM education and STEM-related careers among 6th-8th grade girls.

The STEM-ING event will offer 140 students the opportunity to engage in 16 different fun, challenging, hands-on, STEM workshops. Participants will also hear from inspiring guest speakers and interface with role models.

Please reference our event pamphlet attached for detailed information on this exciting event.

STEM-ING is currently looking for volunteers interested in joining out team.

If interested, please contact us anytime at: stemingsomd@gmail.com or reach out through the alumni vine to Brandi Simpson, LSM ’11. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PAMPHLET

Find out more about this program HERE and a recent article about The Patuxent Partnership's involvement and sponsorship options HERE. 

LEAD 2014 Registration Now Open

Know any Southern Maryland teens looking for a unique, challenging and fun summer experience?
Help spread the word about LEAD 2014,  a 4-day, 3-night camp held in late June for high school students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 in St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert Counties. The program is sponsored by Leadership Southern Maryland and is facilitated my Maryland Leadership Workshops.
        LEAD is focused on strengthening skills in communication, planning, working in groups, and of course, leadership through experiential learning. The program is the perfect way for teens to build on their strengths and prepare for their future, all while creating memories and making new friends. 
     LEAD 2014 will take place on the beautiful, waterfront campus of St. Mary's College of Maryland June 22 - 25
      Registration and payment for this amazing program is easier than ever with the convenience of an online registration form, downloadable/printable application and required forms, and secure, convenient online payments. 
       LEAD Delegates of past years have said the program was an eye-opener, helped them build confidence, and was both fun and beneficial.

Visit the website for all the details:  www.lsmlead.org 
For Registration/Application Information: CLICK HERE

Last Chance to RSVP for Leadership Maryland's 'Day In Annapolis' Invitation (3/10/2014)

Leadership Maryland has graciously extended an invitation to LSM to its A Day In Annapolis event on Friday, March 21, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse at legislators in action as they consider public policy issues at the local level. Meet and discuss perspectives with General Assembly members and key lobbyists.  Continental breakfast and lunch provided. Cost for LSM members is $35 and $45 for guests. Follow the link below for the form and submit them by fax at or email for registration no later than March 10, 2014.  CLICK HERE

2014 LSM Diversity Dinner Begins New Tradition

     Leadership Southern Maryland hosted its inaugural Diversity Dinner on February 8, 2014 with a successful event reminiscent of a family reunion. With the goal of sustaining newly formed relationships among LSM alumni and new classes as well as integrating the Board and Council members, the casual soiree at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center was full of good food and discussion about both differences and common ground.  

        Class of 2013 decided to begin an annual affair which celebrates a new tradition of respecting, honoring and sharing our individual heritages.  Last year’s graduates provided a plethora of cultural comfort dishes, in addition to a catered offering, as well as a cook book with recipes representing the very diverse upbringings of LSM participants.

       John Felicitas, LSM ’13, is a retired educator and diversity consultant that shared some food for thought through discussion-sparking materials and anecdotes, as well as some traditional Filipino chicken adobo.

    “The more involved you become in a new culture the more apparent it becomes that there are hidden perspectives you are unaware of which complicate interaction,” one print out  read. The Class of 2013 and the LSM program, feels strongly that openly exploring those differences and accepting the breadth and depth of strengths diversity can provide is an essential aspect of leadership.

       From ’13 alumni Tim Renz’s sauerkraut burgers to Board Member Denise McDowell’s shrimp and grits, the dishes exemplified the unique story of each individual as well as the beauty, and deliciousness, of diversity. Click HERE to view more photos.

             These and more photos have been recently added to the LSM Photo Gallery. Check it out HERE.