Volume #107 | November 2023 | |
I have lost an invaluable partner
By Carol Chelemer, Chair, AEHS Alumni Association
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Fred Shelley, a beloved member of the community, passed away on October 19, 2023. He leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Fred was born on July 22, 1952, to his loving parents Fred Shelley and Catherine (Murphy) Shelley.
Fred's educational journey commenced at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, MD, where he graduated in 1970. He then went on to achieve a B.A. in Philosophy from Clark University in 1974. Fred's passion for learning led him to continue his studies and earn an M.A. in Geography from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1977. Undeterred by challenges, he pursued his academic dreams relentlessly and earned a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Iowa in 1981.
Throughout his life, Fred made significant contributions to the field of Geography through his research and teaching efforts. His work was widely recognized and respected by colleagues and students alike. As a professor, he inspired countless minds and instilled a love for knowledge within those fortunate enough to be under his guidance.
Family was paramount to Fred, and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He is survived by his devoted wife Arlene M. Shelley, their son Andrew P. Shelley (wife Lindsey; daughter Hartley Rundell), stepson Edward M Stapleton (wife Melanie; daughter Jenna; son Jackson), brother Larry Shelley (wife Julie Jensen; son David Shelley), and sister Anne Shelley (partner Michael Moffitt). Fred's love for his family knew no bounds, and he created a warm and nurturing environment that brought joy to everyone around him.
Fred Shelley will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to his family and profession. In addition to being a passionate scholar, he possessed a sense of humor that could light up any room. His warmth and compassion touched the lives of many, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we bid farewell to Fred, let us celebrate the remarkable life he lived and find solace in the memories we shared. May his spirit continue to inspire us all to strive for excellence, embrace our loved ones, and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Services are planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Fred’s name with:
AEHS Athletic Hall of Fame or
AEHS Alumni Association
P.O. Box 1
Kensington, MD 20895
Click HERE to donate to Alumni/Athletic HOF.
Editor Note: Per conversation with Arlene Shelley, Fred’s wife, please designate contributions for the Alumni Association’s First in the Family Scholarships.
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It’s Academic Team News
By Ms. Elizabeth Colson, It’s Academic Coach
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The Einstein It's Academic team taped their first match in October. We faced off against teams from Magruder and Lake Braddock. The show will air on WETA on January 27 at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm.
The team of Ben Spirtas, Eddie Jones (both seniors) and Brendon Leung (junior) did fantastic! While I can't reveal the winner, I can say that we did very well, indeed.
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Einstein S.T.A.G.E. Presents “Lavender” | |
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Picture this. Einstein (or more specifically, Mr. Smeallie) has to decide on the Fall play. Last year the cast performed “Clue High School Edition”. In 2009 the selected play was “You Can’t Take It With You”. In 2003 “The Miracle Worker” was performed. Familiar titles, all very well done.
But here’s a thought. What about performing a play by a novice playwright? Further, what if that playwright has a connection to Einstein High School? Finally, what if the connection is that he (Mr. Langston Muller), who is now studying at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, GRADUATED from Einstein High School in 2023!! Betcha didn’t see that coming, right?
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The World Premiere of “Lavender” by Langston Muller was performed on November 2 to an enthusiastic, supportive audience. In brief, it’s a comedy about finding one’s self. Set in a mythical kingdom (the medieval period costumes are terrific), the main characters are a pair of star-crossed lovers forced to marry, but in love with others. Lots of conflicts with parents and friends, a villainous butler, a pack of bears, a ruler of small stature and BIG personality, and a wonderfully staged food fight result in an entertaining show.
During intermission I conducted a brief interview with Langston. He spent his early years in Baltimore but has lived in the area since 3rd grade. He’s been a performer (first role in “Annie” in grade 2). In addition to this work, he has written a one-act play as well as other creative writing. Asked about how he felt about having his play performed at Einstein, Langston said he “feels pretty good. It’s kinda unreal.” Inspiration for “Lavender” derived from the story’s core concept of two gays (man and woman) who are married to each other, not realizing the other is gay. “Lavender” is a gift from Langston to his alma mater to show his appreciation. As he put it, he wrote with the intention of performing it on the Einstein stage with the performers he knew. As the production went forward, he incorporated suggestions from cast and crew; he values collaboration. Let me note here that this dramatic work at the outset was a work of collaboration between Langston and Eleo Aposporos, his editor, story contributor, friend, and fellow student.
Langston is majoring in English and Theater. He intends to pursue a career in writing for stage and/or screen. Congratulations!
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Acknowledging Donations to Our Alumni Association
By Carol Chelemer
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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent a donation to the Alumni Association in 2023. These donations allow the Alumni Association to support activities at the school, including theater, music, literary magazine, and academics, as well as our two “First in the Family” scholarships and one-half of the trade school scholarship founded in memory of Robert Westwood (Class of 1965). Those who donated online should have received an acknowledgement of your gift at the time of donation. Those who contributed by check will receive a letter (via email) from me in the coming weeks. If you do not receive an acknowledgement by end of the year, please email [email protected]. | |
Fall Sports Season Wraps Up | |
FIELD HOCKEY by Coach Robin Drews | |
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Field hockey team finished their season on Halloween with a close 0-1 loss to Blair in the regional final. The team finished with a record of 10-4 after a conference reshuffle that had them play some of the most competitive teams in the county. Despite the more challenging schedule, the team won the Division Championship and brought home that honor for the first time since 2014. Although graduating 9 seniors, the team looks forward to continued improvement through offseason play.
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GIRLS VOLLEYBALL by Coach Alex Ochoa | |
Girls Volleyball finished 2-12 and lost to rival Kennedy in the first round of the playoffs. We had some really fun and competitive moments throughout this entire season which will lead to a lot of growth for the upcoming seasons. Towards the end, the student-athletes were finally able to develop stronger leadership skills to lead each other towards battle instead of blaming external influences when things went wrong. | |
CROSS COUNTRY by Malcolm Wilson | |
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The Einstein Cross Country Squad will continue its postseason run after the Boys followed their 4th Place County Tournament finish with a first place finish in the 4A North Regional Tournament. Led by Patrick Mozden's individual championship, the rest of the runners finished as follows: Griffin Lupes (3rd), Hank Schwartz (4th), Sam Buxton (7th), Estifanos Melaku (8th), and Luke Burkes (9th) earning All Region recognition. Griffin Lupes also received All County honors.
Update from Coach Eric Da Silva: The boys won the 4A State Championship on November 11. Below is a picture of the 4A State Champions!
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The Girls Team, after finishing 18th at the county meet, took second at the 4A North Regional, led by Ivy Ruskin (11th), Molly Tekelenburg (13th), and Leela Joshi (15th) and earning All Region Recognition.
Congrats to Coach DaSilva and the Titan XC Squad.
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FOOTBALL by Malcolm Wilson | |
The Einstein Football team finished its playoff run with a 27-6 loss to the Suitland (PG) Rams in the division semifinal. The Titans had advanced in the tournament with a first round defeat of DCC rival Northwood, 52-0. | |
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2023 VAPA Performance Calendar (Subject to change):
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12/8: Winter Dance & Jazz Concert and VAPA Art Exhibit
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12/15, 12/16: Renaissance Evening & Choral Concert
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12/20: Winter Instrumental Concert
2024 Events:
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5/20: AEHS Athletic Hall of Fame Scholarship Golf Tournament, The Links at Challedon, Mount Airy, Maryland.
NOTE: If you have information regarding upcoming Class Reunions, we would love to include them in Upcoming Events. Please send to: [email protected]. Thank you.
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We regret to announce the passing of Marylee Nielsen and on behalf of the AEHS community extend our condolences to her family and friends. | |
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Marylee Nielsen
Class of 1964
Marylee Nielsen (nee Warren) formally of Kensington and Bethesda, Maryland passed away July 23, 2023 in Plano, Texas after a long illness. Marylee graduated from Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, Maryland in 1964. She was a retired legal secretary with the law firm Vinson and Elkins in Washington D.C. Marylee was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She leaves behind two sons Daniel Nielsen (Debbie) Chicago, Illinois, Michael Nielsen (Kirsten) La Jolla, California, four grandchildren Maggie, Carrie, Beckett and Scarlet, a brother Steven Warren (Pat) Of Kensington, Maryland and wife S. Sellers of Plano, Texas. She is predeceased by her parents Robert and Elaine Warren.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Marylee's brother, Steve Warren for providing this information.
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Happy Thanksgiving from your Alumni Association!! | | | | |
