For daily visitors to Broadneck Patch, you might have recognized that we just did a story on Diane Casey, as the AVID teacher at Broadneck High School who was nominated for Teacher of the Year by BHS principal David Smith. After I got to know Casey, I realized that she has done even more than put together a successful AVID program at her school. She traveled with Broadneck High students on their Frigid Friday Polar Plunge just last week, and she also volunteers with local sports teams. In fact, Casey is helping with coordinating the “Rivalry Challenge” – a series of charity basketball games …

Most people who retire look forward to sleeping in, traveling the world, enjoying some peace and tranquility. So that makes Dr. Lou Norbeck’s plans even more interesting. Monday is Norbeck’s last day as a guidance counselor for Severn River Middle School, his 38th year with the Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Over the years he has reached thousands of kids, whether it is through teaching, coaching, or counseling. “I never cease to be amazed at how kind and generous students are,” reflected Norbeck as he packed up his boxes in the school’s guidance office. “Some things never change.” But a…

What a difference a week makes!  Last Friday, Bonnie Protzman was busily gathering volunteers, communicating with vendors, and overseeing the setup for Arnold Christian Academy's first Winter Beach Party held at New Covenant Church in Arnold on Saturday. It took months of long hours to make sure that this first community-wide event at the school would be successful. From contacting the media, to alerting local businesses, to brainstorming family entertainment, Protzman, with the help of loyal volunteers, did it all (including dressing up as the school mascot during the day). "We wanted to …

Hayley has been wowing local audiences this week with her portrayal as Queen Aggravian in the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis production of “Once Upon a Mattress.” Hayley, a senior at Broadneck High School, is no stranger to performing. She portrayed Marian the Librarian in last year’s CTA production of “The Music Man” and has the part of Anita in Broadneck High School’s upcoming production of “West Side Story.” She also is in the school band and vocal ensemble and serves as a vocalist for the school’s Jazz Band. Hayley is a star student at Broadneck, where she was named a National Merit …