ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
POTRAIT OF A MEADOWBROOK GRADUATE
We take an intentionally scaffolded and interwoven approach to learning at Meadowbrook.
Beginning at age three, your child constructs and connects with a deep understanding of their world. Not by memorizing facts or dates, but by living out their lessons.
We know that content is only one piece of learning. Because of this, each year of your child's Meadowbrook journey is as important and integral as the one before.
By the time your child graduates from Meadowbrook, they will have grown their own vegetables and fruits from seed and eaten them, mastered the interworkings of the postal service, binary coding, and sheet music, given several persuasive presentations, and prototyped at least one invention.
Your child will have helped a kindergartner learn to ice skate on a cold Friday in January, explained Darwin's Theory of Evolution in their own words, recited the Gettysburg Address from memory in the very spot President Lincoln once did, and enjoy a meal with classmates where only Spanish is used to order and mingle.
They will know how to balance the needs of others with their own. How to serve and how to lead. Your child will know their mind and speak it. And just as easily, listen intently and actively. They will hold a room and a conversation.
At Meadowbrook, these dynamic skills become second nature for your child. They'll be ready for every new challenge and any next school. But at this age, that's not our only focus. After sixth grade, your child can go anywhere. But will he know himself? Will she believe in herself? Will they share their joy with others?
These are the most important lessons your child can learn at Meadowbrook - and that's why we've been guiding them toward that knowledge all along.
Steven Sullivan '99
Since graduating from The Meadowbrook School in 1999, Steven has built a life full of adventure, family, and professional achievements. After Meadowbrook, he attended the William Penn Charter School and Ursinus College. In 2017, he married his wife, Cally, and they now have two young boys, Lincoln (5) and Roman (4). The family loves spending time outdoors, playing soccer, going to the beach, and seeking new adventures. Professionally, Steven balances two passions: real estate and the energy sector. He has been a licensed real estate agent for 15 years, helping buyers, sellers, and investors, while managing his own investments. In the energy sector, he spent 15 years at Limerick Generating Station, a nuclear power plant near Philadelphia, in roles ranging from supervising teams to leading major construction projects. Today, he serves as Manager of Innovation at Exelon Corporation, collaborating with talented colleagues nationwide to bring their best ideas to life. Looking back, he fondly remembers Meadowbrook’s strong sense of community and kindness. “The small class sizes and cross-grade-level interactions made you feel part of something bigger,” he recalls. He also treasures memories of the lunch setup with waiters and partnering with Pre-K students as a “big brother.” Teachers like Ms. Katona, Mrs. Mosteller (Ms. May at the time), and Mr. Middleburg made a lasting impact on him. His advice to current students? “Find what you love to do and meet with people who can help you figure out how to do it. Ask questions, network, and don’t be shy about asking for mentorship—most people are happy to help.” From fostering community connections as a student, to fostering innovation in his career, Steven continues to live out the values he learned at Meadowbrook, inspiring others along the way. Q: What have you been up to since graduating from The Meadowbrook School? After Meadowbrook, I attended the William Penn Charter School and then Ursinus College before entering the workforce. I married my wife, Cally, in March 2017, and we have two boys, Lincoln (5) and Roman (4). I spend as much time as possible with them—we love being outdoors, playing soccer, going to the beach, and doing anything adventurous. Q: Can you tell us a little about your current career or life path? After college, I was pulled in two directions: real estate and the energy sector. I’m happy to say I’ve been able to pursue both. I’ve held my real estate license for 15 years, helping buyers, sellers, and investors, while also investing personally. On the energy side, I began at Limerick Generating Station, a nuclear power plant near Philadelphia, and held various roles over 15 years, including leading major construction projects, supervising teams, and spearheading innovation initiatives. I’m now the Manager of Innovation for Exelon Corporation, the largest utility company in the U.S., where I collaborate with brilliant people nationwide to review and bring their best ideas to life. Q: Looking back, what part of your time at The Meadowbrook School has stuck with you the most? Meadowbrook was a culture shock for me because it was so different from my previous school. What stayed with me the most was the sense of community and the kindness that filled the halls. The small class sizes meant everyone knew each other, and the cross-grade-level interactions made you feel part of something bigger. Q: Do you have a favorite memory, teacher, or activity from your school years? I have many fond memories from Meadowbrook. I loved the lunch setup with waiters, which gave me the chance to meet new people. I also cherished partnering with Pre-K students and getting to play “big brother” to a younger child. Teachers who stood out for me include Ms. Katona, Mrs. Mosteller (Ms. Maye at the time), and Mr. Middleburg. Q: What advice would you give to current students as they think about their futures? Find what you love to do and seek out people who can help you figure out how to pursue it. There are countless unique career paths—ask questions, network, and don’t be shy about asking for time to learn from others. Most people are happy to mentor and share their experiences.
Alumni Spotlight: Michael Fusco III, Class of 1961 After graduating from Meadowbrook, Michael attended and graduated from The Episcopal Academy in 1965, followed by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his degree in 1969—just a year behind the current U.S. President. During his time at Penn, he completed Navy ROTC and was commissioned as a Navy Ensign upon graduation. Continuing his education at Penn Law School, Michael graduated in 1972 and entered active duty with the U.S. Navy JAG Corps the following year. His three-year tour took him to Newport, Rhode Island; Brooklyn, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he served his final year as Staff JAG to the disciplinary command at the Navy Support Activity. It was during that last posting that fate intervened—a young Navy Ensign assigned to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard as its Pollution Control Officer came to his office. Being the junior officer on the Shipyard’s staff, she was assigned to Court-Martial duty and Michael was there to answer any of her questions. That chance encounter led to their marriage in 1976, and the couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this coming March. Together they have one son, who attended The Hill School in Pottstown before continuing to Stetson University in Florida. He now works for CSX Railroad in Jacksonville, Florida, alongside his wife, and they recently welcomed their first child, Michael IV—affectionately nicknamed “DRU” for “quadruple,” as the fourth Michael in the family. After leaving active duty in late 1975, Michael began a long and distinguished legal career in Cape May County, New Jersey, where he has practiced ever since. Over the years, he has served as Assistant County Prosecutor, Municipal Prosecutor for Ocean City, and Solicitor for the Ocean City Planning Board. His professional contributions extend statewide—serving on numerous ethics committees, including the State’s Ethics Advisory Committee to the Supreme Court of New Jersey, where he completed a nine-year term recently. Today, Michael maintains a private office practice focused on mediation and arbitration, and continues to lend his experience to counsel across the region. Beyond the courtroom, Michael has been a lifelong Episcopalian, dedicating many years to Lay Reading service at his church in Ocean City. Reflecting on his journey, he considers himself truly blessed—both personally and professionally—and fondly remembers his Meadowbrook days, which ended with the honor of receiving the Director’s Medal at graduation.
Michael Fusco '61
JD Dillard '00
Check out JD Dillard's directing endeavors! JD's most recent film, Devotion, is a biographical war drama film, premiering on November 23, 2022. Devotion is a movie based on a true story about two U.S. Navy fighter pilots, Tom Hudner and Jesse L. Brown during the Korean War. Read more about JD in Variety. In addition to being a gifted writer, JD is also known for directing the movies "Sleight" and "Sweetheart", both having premiered at Sundance Film Festivals in 2016 and 2019.
Jarrod Spector '93
Catch Meadowbrook graduate, Jarrod Spector, on Broadway! In addition to being in Jersey Boys, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Sonny in The Cher Show, Jarrod is currently in Hamilton.
Jesse Dougherty '06
Jesse Dougherty is the Washington Nationals beat reporter for The Washington Post, and previously covered college athletics, high school sports, and the Washington Capitals. Before joining The Washington Post in February 2017, he briefly covered the NHL for the Los Angeles Times. He is the author of Buzz Saw: The Improbable Story of How the Washington Nationals Won the World Series.
Sam Brown was a four-star recruit with more than 20 scholarship offers. After graduating from La Salle College High School, Sam signed with Rutgers University where he is currently a running back. You can read more about Sam and his stats here.
Sam Brown '16
