School News

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.

At a ceremony yesterday, May 24, 21 scholar-athletes from the Class of 2023 announced their plans to play sports at the college level. Students, their families, coaches, and faculty gathered in the Spangler Center for Athletics and Community to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Upper School Robotics team 12H finished as division champions and advanced to the finals at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas – the largest robotics competition in the world. They finished second in the world – a school and Virginia State record. Seniors Ben Bartlett, Claire Coker, Rohan Iyer, and sophomore Elaina Song competed hard. Upon their return to school, the team was greeted by US Head Doug McLane, parents, and students with a surprise party! The IS Robotics teams gleefully welcomed them as well. The event was presented by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and the REC Foundation, and some sponsors include NASA and Google. Congrats to our robotics program!