Maryland Park Service Recognizes 16 New Ranger School Graduates

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Crisfield, Md.  (Friday, February 20, 2009) — The Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service, this morning recognized the newest graduating class of the Maryland Park Service Ranger School. This ceremony marks the first class of new Maryland Park Ranger graduates since 1996.

“Maryland State Parks allow people to experience some of our State’s most cherished treasures and most beautiful places, “ said Superintendent Settina. “For more than a century our Rangers have been the guardians of these places, serving as mentors protecting our visitors and enriching their experience.”

Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina attended the ceremony, along with Deputy Superintendent Chris Bushman and other Maryland State Park and DNR officials. Ranger Steve McCoy, Assistant Dean for the School, was the emcee for the morning.

The four-week academy was held at Janes Island State Park in Crisfield, Maryland, incorporating classroom instruction with practical park experience through the operation of the hypothetical Julie Schweikert State Park, named in memory of Ranger Julie Schweikert, the recently deceased manager of Janes Island State Park. Park employees from across the state, both veteran and relatively new, completed training in various aspects of park operations to develop and enhance the skills needed to be responsive to the resources and visitors to Maryland’s 65 State Parks. Students experienced real life scenarios and instruction involving resource management, search and rescue, campground operations, park maintenance, resource interpretation and diversity in education.

A Maryland Ranger devotes professional responsibility for stewardship and protection of Maryland’s natural and historic resources. In carrying out that duty, a Ranger incorporates education, enforcement, management and conservation when serving park visitors.

Below is a list of the graduates and their hometowns.

Patrick Bright, Jr., Newburg
Paul Detrich, Federalsburg
Jacob Doyle, Smithsburg
Rob Dyke, Reisterstown
John Fitzroy, Kennedyville
Nathan Graham, Elkton
Mark Hollenbach, Salisbury
Christine Jiricowik, Upper Fairmount
Cineva Kline, Berlin
Amelia Matos, Annapolis
Nicole Merrick, Middletown, DE
Steve Robertson, Big Pool
Wanda Sandy, Scotland
Bobby Sims, Rainelle, WV
Meghan Sochowski, Lexington Park
Brent Sullivan, Salisbury

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February 20, 2009

Contact: Kara Turner 410-260-8018 katurner@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.