The CHS Library Commons is the center of our campus and the academic hub of school life. We believe that strong school libraries empower students and promote lifelong learners. Recognizing that there are different learning needs, we offer various clubs and areas for research, discussion, collaborative study and projects.  Our makerspace and workroom provide for creativity and hands-on fun!. We believe it is important to celebrate often and to expose our students to professionals who are enthusiastic in their fields of study or chosen careers. 

CHS Library Media Specialists Ms. Geri Cvetic

Librarian –Ms. Geri Cvetic began her career as a high school librarian at Chesapeake High School at the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year. Her educational background includes a B.A. in education from Harris-Stowe State University and a Master of Library Information Science from Denver University. She earned her National Board Certification in 2008 and renewed in 2018. She is passionate about her profession, teaching and learning. She has served communities as an innovative educator, public librarian and school librarian. She believes in real world, authentic experiences for students. She is most proud of the collaborative work done with a team of students setting up a live TV studio and managing it for 13 years. She believes in exposing students to highly motivating experts. Over the years, she has organized workshops, events and guest speakers such as Communication and Writing Workshops, Read across America Celebrations, Human Rights Days, Black History Days and Veteran Days. For these events she has scheduled enthusiastic speakers such as authors, poets, communication experts, and scientists. Ms. Cvetic loves reading and book discussions, clubs, hiking, nature and above all her CHS students, staff and community.

CHS Artist and Volunteer Amy Panzer

I have had a love for art ever since I was a little girl.  I drew on anything that I could get my pencil on, ...walls, curtains, and any white space on junk mail was quickly filled with spiraling works of art. My father built a double-sided chalkboard in hopes to salvage the rest of the house from my whirling masterpieces! My first commission was in the 5th grade from my teacher to create posters for her classroom. My studies took me to Clemson University where I obtained my degree in Architecture. From there I moved to Charleston, SC where I worked in the film industry, first as assistant to the Art Director, then set painting, and finally transitioning into catering. After moving back to Pasadena in 1998 I started my company, “A New Leaf” Craft Service- an on-set food & beverage service. This was my creative outlet, where the vibrant colors of fresh fruits and vegetables were my palate.

Art is the expression of imagination appreciated for beauty or emotional power. It is a universal language that brings people together, of all ages, colors, and backgrounds. It evokes thought, contemplation, discussion, it tells a story and brings awareness. Whether it’s through painting, sculpting, photography, dance, drama, literature, poetry, or food, art surrounds us. From cave paintings to cinematography, art is a means to tell a story and reflects our relationship with our surroundings. For me the process of creating and appreciating art increases happiness, confidence, self-esteem and reduces stress and social isolation. It helps us to imagine, aspire, and dream. Bringing art into the schools has created a source of beauty and joy for everyone to absorb. It connects us with each other and can be a source for dialogue, even if only to ourselves, that wouldn’t ordinarily exist.

I volunteered to help paint inspirational murals in the bathrooms at CBMS, this is where I met Erin, a fellow artist. We enjoyed bringing color and inspiration to an otherwise dull environment and went on to do more, including the teacher’s lounge and a stairway. We also facilitated the “Have a Heart” after school event where students came out to paint a heart of their choice on a 3”x 3” canvas. The final pieces were hung as a mosaic in the CBMS Teachers Lounge to beautify and connect teachers with their students. The students loved it and we hope to do one again soon to fill the wall!

I created the “Unity” design originally for the “Chalk Walk” 2017 at Chesapeake High School. It was a project to help bring togetherness to the school and community. I was asked to recreate the mural inside the main hallway at CHS by the school’s principal, Mr. Gorski. Erin and I spent about 30 hours to complete the mural. My brother and his son, Lucas Panzer, a CHS student, also helped in the final touches of the creation. The design, composed of hands of all colors supporting the earth, represents unity, and that we are all stronger together. I believe that one of the purposes of art is to help people not only get to know and understand something with their minds but also to feel it emotionally and physically, to motivate people to turn thinking into doing.  My hope for the “Unity” mural is to inspire  students and staff to come together, to build stronger relationships with each other, and to empower and educate the community.

 Erin and I received so many positive comments and beautiful smiles while creating this mural! It truly is so rewarding to see the appreciation from everyone! We will continue to bring change with paint at CHS and Chesapeake Middle School and hope to fill all of Anne Arundel County schools with color and inspiration! “Two Moms and a Brush”, coming soon to a school near you! Together we will make a difference!