Dr. Marinis Monthly Memo- June 2025

The Power of One Teacher

At some point in life, many of us can point to one person—teacher, coach, or mentor—who forever changed our path. At Calvert Catholic Schools, we see those transformative relationships happen every day.

This past weekend at our 99th commencement, our valedictorian, Allison Ott, reminded us of how profound that impact can be.

In her commencement address, Allison shared the story of her journey to the Catholic faith—how it was sparked, nurtured, and supported by one of our very own educators, Mr. Kory Wise. What began as a classroom connection grew into something far deeper. Kory became not only a mentor, but also Allison’s Confirmation sponsor, her godfather, and someone who walked with her as she joined the Catholic Church this year.

As I listened to her speech, I was reminded again that what we do here at Calvert is much more than academics. Our mission is lived out in the quiet moments, in the relationships that form between students and staff, and in the lifelong impact those relationships can carry.

This summer, we’re launching a new initiative to shine a light on these stories:

Inside Calvert: A Conversation with Dr. Marinis Real Teachers. Real Programs. Real Impact.

This short-form podcast series features meaningful conversations with Calvert teachers, coaches, and staff who are making a difference—not just in test scores but also in the hearts and lives of our students.

Each episode will explore why they serve, how their program transforms lives, and the unforgettable moments that continue to shape them. You’ll hear directly from the people who bring our mission to life.

The format is simple but powerful: a short intro, a few rapid-fire questions, and a heartfelt message from each guest. Like Allison’s story, each conversation will highlight one undeniable truth: a single teacher can change everything.

We invite you to listen, to share, and to reflect. Who was the one person who changed your life? And how can we continue to empower those life-changing moments here at Calvert?

Thank you for believing in our mission. I look forward to leading and sharing these stories with you all summer.

As always, God Bless & Go Blue!

Dr. Jeremy Marinis