On a pleasant, crystal clear Wednesday morning in early June, nearly 60 alumni volunteers embarked on the pre-graduation ritual of Senior Tie Delivery Day. Drivers traversed five Maryland counties, reaching points as distant as Clarksville and Woodbine to the southwest, and Forest Hill and Bel Air to the northeast. In between, countless smiles, high-fives, and warm embraces materialized across Greyhound territory in this beloved graduation week tradition carried out for the Class of 2026. 

It was an early morning for several volunteers. Three alumni relatives of a current senior — (two brothers and a father) — pulled up to campus before 7 a.m. to collect ties: Riley Walters ’23, Andy Cameron ’87, and Jack Nuermberger ’22. Hayden Carptender ’23 followed soon after; he snapped a photo with his sleepy brother, Chase ’26, and sent it to Gilman by 8 a.m.! 

Family group presentations were in order this year. Jack was joined by his older brother, Charlie Nuermberger ’21, who had given him his tie back in 2022! Drew White ’89 roped in elder son Jack ’21 (adorned in his Gilman tie) for the handoff to younger son Cabot ’26. Debu Bose ’88 conducted a similar ceremony with Xandy ’24 and Coco ’26. A special multi-generation family celebration came together in the form of Rip Zink ’65, son Matt ’92, and grandson James ’26. Kaydin Lunn ‘23 enjoyed the unique privilege of presenting ties to brother Kendall ’26 and cousin Mikey Savage ’26.

Alumni relatives were the largest driver contingent, but alumni faculty and staff also showed up in force. Sixteen school employees took a break from the school day to put the pedal to the metal, surprising 60 seniors with their neckties. Jeff Gouline ’00, meanwhile, put one foot in front of the other, walking a four-house circuit across Charles Village. Several teachers pulled in an alumnus familiar to a recipient for a delivery: Will Marbury ’93 with brother Rob ’89; John Schmick ’97 with friend Jim Garrett ’61, and Donell Thompson ‘91 with classmate Tim Scott ’91.  

Teachers routinely request the heaviest delivery load since they know the seniors best! Special thanks to Matt Baum ’93, Joe Valentine-White ’07, Will Marbury ’93, and Will Bartz ’99 for each making five presentations. 

The most well-represented class among the delivery men? That would be the 2024 graduates; seven of their ranks participated. Likely given the proliferation of older siblings, the 2020’s were the largest decade represented. But don’t overlook the 90s! A hearty crew of 13 donned their well-worn neckwear and presented fresh apparel to their youngest alumni brethren!

Devoted delivery drivers reflected warmly upon the experience. “As always, a great experience for me, but also for the young men about to become Gilman alumni,” noted Jamey Hebb ’82, a veteran volunteer. Edward Brown ’14, like Hebb, a member of the Alumni Association Board of Governors, but a first-time deliveryman, relished the “cool volunteer opportunity,” highlighting how much fun he had “chatting with the seniors and hearing about their interests and college plans.”

The tradition is a happy one for the parents who witness it, too. One shared this heartfelt reflection with her son’s delivery driver: 

“We loved having you … Your words were so inspiring and encouraging that I probably needed to hear more than he lol! Thanks so much for telling him about the real stuff that matters. [I’m] thankful to Gilman alumni that they started this tradition, and hopefully these kids will turn out to be as empathetic and impactful. Meeting you makes me feel [my son] can get there too."

See photos from the deliveries.