On a chilly afternoon Nov. 4, a dozen or so students gathered after school to spread mulch in what will become a pathway built in honor of a beloved teacher.

The Oakland Mills High School students worked in an area adjacent to the track to honor Donna Sunderdick, an English teacher and track team "mom," who passed away in April of colon cancer at age 59.

Many of the students were members of the Environmental Club. Others just knew and loved Sunderdick.

"Most of these kids ... had some kind of personal influence from her," said science teacher and Environmental Club sponsor Cynthia Hamel.

The Environmental Club came up with the idea to honor Sunderdick with a path, which some students say is a perfect way to commemorate a person who loved the outdoors.

"She was very much an outdoorsy person ... and all about the community," said senior Ellie Davidson Wolf, who is on the track team and was sporting a "Team Sunderdick" T-shirt.

Added fellow senior and Environmental Club co-president Jessica Strothers of the path project: "It has to be big ... because she was a part of everything."

The path leads to Oakland Mills Middle School next door. It is about 200 feet long and 10 to 12 feet wide, according to Hamel. In addition to putting down mulch, the students also planted six trees and plan to add flowers in the spring. The path also will contain a stone or plaque with Sunderdick's name.

The cost of the project, according to Hamel, was about $800. The students and staff raised money and received donations, she said.

As the students worked, they reminisced about Sunderdick and what made her special.

"She was a strong woman. You could always depend on her," said Strothers, adding that when she was on the track team, a highlight was when Sunderdick brought them cookies.

"She was a really great teacher," said Lara Feezel, senior and co-president of the club who had Sunderdick for an SAT prep course.

There were a few students who hadn't had Sunderdick for a teacher but knew of her reputation at the school.

"She's something you need to experience to fully experience Oakland Mills," Greg Clarke said other students used to say of Sunderdick.

Hamel and her students plan to hold a ceremony to dedicate the path sometime in the spring.

"This is by no means done," Hamel said of the path, adding that they might also add a bench to what may become an outdoor classroom area.

Sunderdick's husband, Vincent, said the idea of the path is wonderful, and he is pleased the students continue to commemorate his wife's life.

"It's not forgotten because it happened in the last school year," he said of his wife's death. "It's nice to know that the memory keeps going."

* The Howard High School PTSA will hold a Longaberger Basket Bingo Night Sat., Nov. 14, at The Lodge, 2832 Nine Mile Circle, in Catonsville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets $18 in advance or $20 at the door. Food available for purchase. To purchase tickets, call Doug at 443-864-0396.

* Glenelg Country School will host its third annual Holiday Boutique Sat., Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at the school's athletic center, 12793 Folly Quarter Road, in Ellicott City. Jewelry, clothing, cosmetics, home and baked goods, and photography vendors will be featured. Go to www.glenelg.org for more details.

* The Greater Baltimore Medical Center's Asthma Sinus Allergy Program and the Howard County Health Department will present an educational seminar titled "Allergies? Asthma? Flu? Know What To Do" for parents of school-age children and teachers on Mon., Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., at the Lime Kiln Middle School cafeteria, 11650 Scaggsville Road, in Fulton. Seating is limited. Register online at www.asap-gbmc.com or call 410-583-8393.

* Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, a Catholic school in Ellicott City that has kindergarten through eighth-grade classes, is hosting a fall open house for prospective families Nov. 20 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 4801 Ilchester Road, in Ellicott City. For more information, call Brandy Munoz at 410-744-4251 or go to the school's Web site at www.olphschool.org.

* The River Hill High School Music Boosters are beginning their annual citrus fruit sale to raise funds for the music program. Monthly sales will continue through February. Orders are being taken for ruby red grapefruit, navel oranges, tangerines and variety packs. Order forms and more information are available at www.riverhillmusic.org (follow links to Citrus Fruit). To receive e-mail updates on the sales, e-mail rhhsfruit@verizon.net.

* The Marriotts Ridge High School music department, with the support of the MRHS Music Foundation, is holding its citrus fruit sale to help music students raise funds for an annual spring trip. Monthly sales will continue through February. November's sale will offer grapefruit, navel oranges, tangerines and a variety pack. Go to www.mrhsmusic.net or e-mail mrhsfruit@yahoo.com for more details.

Send school-related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

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