Imagine a world where all amputees have access to affordable, life-changing prosthetics. That's the future that senior and SERC student Arav Bhargava is working towards; tackling complex problems with ingenuity and compassion. His low-cost, 3D-printed prosthetics aren't just devices; they are tickets to a world of possibility. This isn't a science project; it's a revolution in accessibility.

Congratulations to seniors Arav Bhargava and Max Zeldes, who were named Top 300 Scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024! Both are students in Potomac's Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) program. This contest is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science/math competition for high school seniors. Under the mentorship of Dr. Isabelle Cohen and others, they've spent the past two years researching their projects.

• Bhargava is recognized for his research: "Low-Cost, 3D-Printed, Universal-Fit, Transradial Socket for Amputees in Developing Countries."

• Zeldes is recognized for his research: “Improvement to Electroencephalography-Based Imagined Speech Brain-Computer Interfaces Using a Targeted, Dense Array of Electrodes With Scalp Current Density Calculations.”

Amazing work, Arav and Max!

Omari Pearson, author, professional athlete, and founder of Passion to Purpose, received the award during a school-wide assembly honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Potomac’s Generosity of Spirit Award is given annually at the Thanksgiving Assembly to a faculty or staff member who exemplifies Potomac’s core values, demonstrates “generosity of spirit,” and inspires others through their actions. This year, the award was presented to two highly respected members of our community: Coach and Physical Education Teacher Barb Mays and Security Guard Marc Lucas.

Coach Mays, a Potomac employee for 28 years, is described as “an outstanding educator and coach.” She has dedicated her entire career to empowering young people through physical education and athletics. A former dual sport college athlete at George Mason University, Coach Mays has played an integral role in Potomac’s girls’ field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse programs. She also created and runs the Girl Power Sports & Leadership Camp, designed to encourage young girls to express themselves through sports and help develop self-confidence. 

Mr. Lucas, described as a “tremendous ambassador for the school,” is an officer committed to the safety, security, and well-being of the entire Potomac community. Mr. Lucas joined Potomac in 2013 after a three-decade career in law enforcement, including nine years as an FBI police officer. He is one of the first people to arrive on campus each morning. During the remote work days of COVID, he was at his post every day. The positive impact Mr. Lucas has on our community and guests is invaluable.

 Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Jenni Hoffmann, grade 2 teacher and K-6 social studies chair, was invited by Renée Gokey, teacher services coordinator at the NMAI, to present and model place-based teaching practices. The teachers who attended learned to see the outdoors as a teaching tool and further embrace the diverse culture and history of Indigenous American Nations

Seven Upper School seniors from The Potomac School have been selected as semifinalists for 2023 National Merit Scholarships.

This year’s honoree is Cort Morgan, art department chair, who is also celebrating his 40th year at Potomac. This award holds particular significance because Mr. Morgan and Mr. Cook were close friends. 

The Potomac community officially ended the 2022-23 school year today during a K-12 Closing Assembly rich with joy, tradition, reflection, and heartfelt emotion. The program began with the ceremonial procession of seniors and kindergartners, with our youngest students presenting a flower to each senior lifer.

Mr. Kowalik spoke about how generosity of spirit defines our school and has the power to make the world a better place. SGA President Yabby Maelaf ’23 and President-elect Kasim Khapra ’25 also gave inspiring remarks, and musical selections were shared by the IS Handbell Ensemble, IS/US Orchestra, IS Chorus, Third Grade Chorus, and IS/US Band.

The assembly concluded with the presentation of awards to three members of the senior class: Peyton Zarate received the Edith Blair Award, Yabby Maelaf received the Seth-Smith Award, and Ali O'Brien received the Head of School Award.

The assembly was a wonderful way to bid farewell to the school year and look ahead to the adventures of summer and our community’s return to Potomac in the fall. Watch the recording of the event and check out the photos.

If you would like to experience Potomac’s Commencement tomorrow, June 9, at 10:00 am but are unable to attend in person, please enjoy the livestream viewing option.