Sadly, our classmate Andrew Rolnick recently passed away after undergoing heart surgery. Those of us who knew him in high school will miss hearing about his many travel adventures, as well as his dry humor. I met Andrew (who I knew as Andy back then) my first day at Churchill, when we were seated across from each other at the same art table in Mrs. Simpson’s homeroom. I had recently moved to Potomac from California and didn’t know anyone in a school where everyone (at least it seemed like it to me) had known each other for years. Being especially shy and starting high school without a single friend was incredibly intimidating. Somewhere during that first week, Andrew struck up a conversation with me and became the friendly face I looked forward to seeing every morning. He was open to listening, as well as to sharing his own experiences and feelings. Today, thinking back on my time at Churchill, there are many wonderful memories, but one of the most vivid is seeing Andrew’s smiling and welcoming face every morning. Throughout our three years of high school, he was a friend I could open up to without worrying about being judged. Andrew’s openness, kindness, and friendly spirit will always be remembered and missed.

His obituary is available online.

submitted by Jennifer Rogers (Brockett)