Bond Mill Career Day is a tradition that is educational for the students and hopefully will inspire them to see that they can do what their hearts desire if they work hard and get a good education. School counselor Rona Pemberton this year organized an event to be remembered. All sorts of careers were represented with interesting talks and demonstrations. There were more than 20 presenters. Dr. Joseph Allen, a retired NASA astronaut, spoke about his adventures in space; Rocco Belmonte of Hilti brought in power tools and let the students drill into a cylinder block; Chinny Nwagbo told the students what it was like to be a professional basketball player; Dr. Barbara Wynter, a forensic psychologist, intrigued the students with the power of the mind; Lorenzo Nicholson arranged for the National Children's Hospital Bear to tell the students about the importance of handwashing and prevention of germ sharing; and Lucy Ertter demonstrated horse training by bringing her own horse, Red, to school. Students got to hear the stories of nurses, attorneys, a librarian, police officer, a county judge, computer science specialist, a doctor, a soccer coach from England, engineers, Army officer, a naturalist who brought along his bearded dragon, a sign language specialist, martial arts instructor and the list just goes on.
The highlight of the day was the return of four Bond Mill alumni who were welcomed by teachers and staff who hadn't seen them in quite a while. It was a real treat to see the students all grown up with careers of their own and it was so special that they were there to share their experiences. They were Erin Larrabee, a bioengineer; Brooke Gray, a nurse; Ashley David, a dancer and choreographer; and Natalie Steenrod, a neuroscience researcher. The Bond Mill staff and students were so grateful to all the presenters who took time from their own schedules to inspire the minds of our future
Bond Mill Elementary students presented their Spring Concert on May 11. It was raining outside but the school auditorium was rock and rollin' to "La Bamba," "Splish Splash," "Rockin' Robin" and my favorite, "Yakety Yak (Don't talk back)" with over 150 kazoos! The fourth- and fifth-grade students pleased the crowd with their enthusiasm and great sound. Vocal director Rolanda Brown always brings out the best in her students with the help of her stage manager, Kristen Ruiz.
The Instrumental program was especially impressive this year under the guidance of instrumental teacher Patrick FitzGerald. "Shark Attack!" had the audience on high alert. A special shout out goes to Advanced Band and Orchestra members Josue Campos, Sala Davis, Liam Brinton, Emnet Frank, Drew van der Have, Noah Michael, Jeremiah Michaels, Ethan Bunkley, Xavier Pickett, Anthony Young, Kelly Barclay, Raegan Perkes, Marissa Galdamez, Alex Griffin, Saidah Raphael, Ciara South, Asia Arrington and Maya Miller.
The Bond Mill PTO Carnival is this Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Don't miss this. The entire community is invited. Young and old will have activities to delight. Come on up to the school and have a blast.
Congratulations to Mike Lhotsky, a guy who is admired and loved throughout the Laurel community. Mike retired as the city of Laurel Parks and Recreation director after almost 40 years. Mike and his lovely wife, Mary, raised their three children — Megan, Christopher and Colleen —here in West Laurel. Mike was everywhere – whether it was at the West Laurel Swim Club, the baseball, soccer or football fields, with his own kids and the neighborhood kids. Now he can kick back and enjoy a new adventure.
The West Laurel Civic Association General Spring Meeting is May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the West Laurel Community Building on Brooklyn Bridge Road. The West Laurel community is invited, welcome and encouraged to attend.