Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Throughout the year we will use this page to 'spotlight' EHS Alumni. If you would like to be listed here, or want to nominate someone else, simply contact us via alumni@ehsaa.org
Janey Clewer
EHS Class of 1976
Janey Clewer, a classically trained pianist since the age of five, is an accomplished singer-songwriter. She graduated from EHS in 1976 and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelors of Music in Voice, from Indiana University’s Jacobs School Of Music. There she studied with Grammy-award-winning, renowned Metropolitan Opera soprano, Eileen Farrell, as well as renowned operatic bass, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni. In her time at I.U. she also sang jazz standards alongside pianist Joey Singer: serving as the opening act for Mercer Ellington with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra.
Shortly after graduating and moving to New York City, she started touring internationally with superstar Julio Iglesias. Janey was his duet partner and background-singer for nine years. After her first year of touring with Julio, Janey relocated to Los Angeles, California where she began her career as a session singer. On and off camera, she worked on countless films, television shows, commercials and record sessions
Interview Highlights:
- It’s amazing how childhood memories can have such an impact! I’m the same!
- I started private classical piano lessons with Virginia Reinecke at age 5 and continued studying until I was almost 18. Ms. Reinecke was an exceptional teacher who had me playing Debussy, Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, all the greats, but she also encouraged my writing and would devote a small portion of my lesson to hearing my latest piano compositions.
- Were you more interested in classical music than pop?
I also had a love for pop music and so, at age 15, I joined a band where I played keyboards and sang lead vocal. We played on weekends through my high school years. It was a lot of fun. After graduating from high school, my serious training shifted to studying classical voice. I got my BM in Voice at Indiana University’s School of Music, now called Jacobs School of Music, studying with operatic greats, including bass, Rossi Lemeni and soprano Eileen Farrell. It was also in college that I was exposed to jazz through my then boyfriend, jazz pianist, Joey Singer. My eyes were again opened to new music, which was incredibly exciting for a blossoming musician. Since those beginnings, my professional music career has tapped all of my musical influences; classical, pop and jazz, both as a writer and as a singer.
To read more about Janey go here: Janey Clewer (janeyclewermusic.com
K. Jane Williams
Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
EHS Class of 1980
Key Faculty influences at EHS:
Mr. Bob Bunnell, Band and Choir Teacher and an English Teacher who’s name escapes me but predicted that I would go into public service. Mr. Bunnell taught me a lot about music but more about myself. He taught me to work hard and to pursue my dreams. That nothing was outside my reach.
College and formal education following EHS:
University of Maryland, Bachelor of Science, Journalism, Minor in Business and Music
Early Career Highlights:
1984-1988 Political Appointee Reagan-Bush Administration
US Department of Labor, Press Aide
US Department of Energy, Special Asst
1988 - 1993 Political Appointee Bush-Quayle Administration
US Department of the Interior, Congressional Liaison and Chief of Staff
1993 - 1994 Director of Volunteers, Sauerbrey for Governor
1998 Fundraiser, Sauerbrey for Governor
2000 Director of Coalitions, Bush for President
2002 Fundraiser, Ehrlich for Governor
2006-2011 Director of Development, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
Served as first Development Director establishing the Development program including the establishment of the Marion Program for students who learn differently.
Washington DC Highlights
2011-2015 Senior Legislative Assistant, Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)
Served as the Senior Legislative Advisor developing and drafting legislative initiatives and monitoring legislative developments within multiple Committees and the House floor.
2015-2017 Director, Washington Area Transit Office, Maryland Department of Transportation
Served as the Director of the Washington Area Transit office under Governor Larry Hogan managing the State of Maryland’s $550 million investment in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Metro system (WMATA) in Washington; DC
2017-Present Acting Administrator, Federal Transit Administration – US Department of Transportation, Trump-Pence Administration
I was sworn in by Secretary Chao in August of 2017 and currently lead an agency of more than 550 people located in Washington D.C. and across 10 regional offices throughout the country. I am responsible for managing an annual budget of over $13.5 billion overseeing and assisting more than 3,000 transit providers and state DOTs across all 50 states and U.S. territories. FTA manages more than $90 billion in current grants for large infrastructure investments in transit systems such as heavy rail, light rail, bus rapid transit, streetcar, ferries
Family Highlights
It might be interesting to note that I have two daughters both of which have followed in my footsteps!
Abigayle D’Ette - graduated from Mount St Mary’s in 2017 and is currently working for the Hogan Administration as a Marketing Coordinator for MdTA. So she is not only working in the Political world but also in the transportation field.
Jacklyn Ann - graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida State University in 2019 and is currently working for Secretary Ben Carson at the Housing and Urban Development Department and is a political appointee to the Trump-Pence Administation.
In 2017, I relocated to Anne Arundel County after having spent more than 30 years in Howard County. I built a home in Annapolis, Maryland where we now reside.
Rev. Karen Bunnell ('73) received the 2018 Society of John Wesley Award
Pictured with Karen is her mother (seated), sister Sue Johnson, and great nephew Damien Hollyday
Rev. Karen Bunnell
Senior Pastor, Elkton United Methodist Church
EHS Class of 1973
Rev. Karen Bunnell ('73) has been Senior Pastor at Elkton United Methodist Church for over 18 years. Many of our alumni in this era may remember Karen's father (Robert Bunnell) was the music teacher at EHS for many years, and ironically enough, the choir director at Elkton UMC during many years of Karen's childhood.
Rev. Karen Bunnell (73) has been Senior Pastor at Elkton United Methodist Church for over 18 years. Many of our alumni in this are may remember Karen's father (Robert Bunnell) was the music teacher at EHS for many years, and ironically enough, the choir director at Elkton UMC during many years of Karen's childhood.
Karen graduated from EHS in 1973 and attended Salisbury State College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1976 After returning to the Elkton area she worked several jobs at the Univ. of Delaware. While there she was also attending Asbury United Methodist Church in New Castle. DE. Karen was very active in the church leading their youth group and helping to develop a Christian Education program. After a few serious discussions with the Senior Pastor at Asbury, Karen decided to devote life to the ministry and attend seminary.
Karen began her journey in 1984 attending Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC graduating in 1987 with a Master's of Divinity. Her first appointment was to Aldersgate UMC in Wilmington DE. She was one of 3 pastors assigned to that church with a membership of over 2100! Karen remained an associate at Aldersgate until her appointment to Elkton UMC in January of 2000.
Elkton UMC was the church of her childhood, and in the town where she grew up and knew most everybody which brought her great joy, and a few challenges. Elkton UMC continues to be a mission oriented church, taking part in mission trips to Congo, Appalachia and Costa Rica, giving record amounts to UMCOR (United Methodist Church on Relief), and partnering with several local elementary schools in support of teacher and their classrooms. Many EHS alumni attend her church as well as many current students of EHS. Elkton UMC regularly celebrates the graduates from EHS and supports them through college.
Last May Karen was nominated and received the prestigious "2018 Society of John Wesley Award" during the 136th commencement of Wesley Theological Seminary. This award is the highest honor given to alumni of the seminary recognizing their significant contributions through sacrificial leadership to God, the church, and Wesley Theological Seminary. The members of EUMC and her family were very proud of her receiving this much deserved award. You can read the article about from the Cecil Whig here - "Rev. Bunnell named to Society of John Wesley"
Karen remains active in the Elkton community and attends local events with friends and family. While her father passed away many years ago from ALS, she has her mother and many brothers and sister nearby. Karen's family includes a sister and 4 brothers, 9 nieces and nephews, and 11 great nieces and nephews.
Summary by Jeffrey Bunnell ('75)
Donna Horgan ('73)
Donna (Mercer) Horgan
EHS Class of 1973
Donna was born and raised in Elkton and has always been involved in the community. After graduation in 1973, Donna attended Cecil College and has been involved with the college ever since. She married Tom Horgan in 2001, having 2 children (Kimberly & Blair) and 1 grandchild (so far). She enjoys spending time and spoiling her grandson Jack at every opportunity! They take summer vacations together to Rehobeth Beach every summer. Donna and Tom are looking forward to retiring soon and doing some traveling.
Donna has worked for the State of Maryland for over 40 years. Of those years, 27 of them were working for the President of the Maryland Senate, Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Currently Donna is the Reading Clerk for the Senate. During the 90 day session in Annapolis you actually hear Donna reading bills to the assembly and taking all votes on those bills during assembly broadcast. She often appears in the news as spokesperson for the Senate. When not serving the Senator, Donna is an established and successful realtor with Key Realty in Elkton.
Donna serves as Vice-chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Cecil College, and served as President of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges from 2014 -2016. As if that is not important enough, Donna is a member of Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), a national association for community colleges, and currently serves as their Maryland State Coordinator.
Donna is a Member of the Elkton United Methodist Church (a former member of the Board of Trustees) and currently teaches Sunday School for 3rd & 4th graders. Donna has always loved Elkton and works to help keep Elkton being the best it can be.
Dr. David Foye
Principal David Foye
EHS 2018
David Foye, who most recently served as the principal of North East High School, will become the principal at Elkton High School. Former EHS principal John Roush has moved to a new central office role, director of student and school safety.
Foye said both high schools are unique in their own rights — Elkton has fewer students but a newer building, while North East has more students in an older building. However, he said both schools value the role of technology in learning.
As Elkton’s principal, Foye said he will be focused on increasing student achievement, graduation rates, scholarships that students receive, and student acceptance into colleges and military service.
Foye acknowledged that there may be a learning curve to accomplishing these goals, especially with Elkton High School also getting two new assistant principals. However, he was confident that his team would get the job done.
“It will really be all of us getting on the same page, being goal-oriented,” he said.
Foye was an North East High School assistant principal for four years and principal for three years. He said the transition will be bittersweet.
“I will miss the students and the families,” he said. “You get a chance to meet siblings that enter the school system. You get the chance to meet families … But I’m looking forward to new experiences. I’m excited. Just as excited as the students are for the new school year.”
<reprinted with permission, Cecilwhig.com, Aug 6 2018>
James Piner ('75)
Town of Elkton Commissioner Earl Monroe Piner Sr.,
Class of 1975
is a Elkton High School graduate, and a former 1st Team All-County basketball player. After high school, Earl continued his basketball career at Wilmington College, later reaching Semi-Pro status in Philadelphia. Earl obtained his AA degree in Business Administration from Cecil College.
He worked for the A.I. DuPont Company for 20 years and is currently employed with W. L. Gore & Associates. Earl has been a licensed Insurance Agent for 33 years and has served as a Commissioner for the Town of Elkton since June, 2004. Earl has served as an Assistant Basketball coach at Cecil College for 14 years and continues to provide basketball programs and camps throughout Cecil County. In 2015,
Earl established Piner’s Basic Basketball, in association with Cecil County Public School’s Movers Program, providing an after school mentoring program for middle school students. Earl spent over 17 years coaching Baseball for the Elkton Little League and helped form several AAU basketball teams, and also coached Soccer and Softball.
Earl has been recognized by several organizations for his community service. On October 19, 2006 Earl was recognized by The NAACP for his Civic Contributions and the voluntary service he had afforded to the youth of Cecil County. In 2007 he was presented with the Community Excellence for Minority Achievement Award by Achievement Initiative for Maryland’s Minority Students and the Maryland State Department of Education. Earl was selected as a Community Award recipient in The Maryland State Education Association’s (“ MSEA”) Minority Recognition Awards Program, which is a statewide program through the Maryland State Education Association.
Earl was named Maryland’s Most Beautiful Person in 2002, another award given by the State of Maryland for his many years of volunteering to his community. In addition to his community service listed above, Earl has volunteered his time for a variety of organizations, including previous service on the Cecil County Boys & Girls Club; Elkton Board of Zoning Appeals; The Cecil County Board of Education, where he was recognized for being the only Board of Education member on a Town Council; the Cecil County Board of Ethics; the Minority Student Services Committee for Cecil College; and served as an Advisory Board member at Cecil Bank for 2 years.
Earl resides in Elkton with his lovely wife of 40 years, Debbie. He and Debbie have 3 children and and 11 grandchildren. Earl enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and his extra time is shared with his Gospel group (The Piner Family Gospel singers). Earl says his purpose in life is to live life to the fullest and share the happiness with others.
Earl plans to continue serving the people of Elkton, providing as much support to the community as possible; as a leader and a citizen. “My goal is to serve my family, friends and all the citizens of Elkton”