5th Grader Peter Van Dalen WPS Head of School for a Day

5/8/2025

Berlin, MD – Worcester Prep 5th grader, Peter Van Dalen, stepped into the role of Head of School for the Day on Friday. Peter earned this special opportunity as part of a live auction item at the WPS Gala this past March.

Peter hosted a golf-themed casual dress day for students, faculty, and administrators, inviting participants to dress in golf attire with a $2 donation. Thanks to enthusiastic participation from across the school, $600 was raised and will be donated to the Ocean Pines Junior Golf League—an organization that promotes youth involvement in golf through skill development and league play.

Peter kicked off his day by greeting students and families at morning drop-off. He then surprised his fellow 5th graders with donuts, double recess, and a homework-free evening. Peter conducted a faculty meeting and successfully coordinated a school-wide fire drill. For lunch, Peter and his friends enjoyed a special sushi meal, generously donated by OC Wasabi. Lunch was followed by a 5th-grade ice cream party in the sunshine. The fun continued with a spirited game of Capture the Chicken, closing in on a wonderful day led by Peter.

Founded in 1970, WPS is a private, independent Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 School, located in Berlin, Maryland. Approximately 500 students attend from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. For more information about WPS, please visit www.worcesterprep.org or call 410.641.3575.

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WPS Head of School for a Day, Peter Van Dalen (Rehoboth Beach, DE), is all smiles sitting in a very important chair at WPS.
At the start of the day, WPS Head of School Dr. John McDonald stands with Head of School for a Day, Peter Van Dalen (Rehoboth Beach, DE), as they welcome students to school.
WPS Head of School for a Day, Peter Van Dalen (right/Rehoboth Beach, DE), treated his friends to lunch in his new office. He sat next to classmate Tobi Blaska (left/Ocean City, MD) before digging into sushi, generously donated by OC Wasabi.
WPS Head of School for the Day, Peter Van Dalen (first row center/Rehoboth Beach, DE), treated his 5th-grade classmates to a game of Capture the Flag instead of classroom time.
WPS Head of School for a Day, Peter Van Dalen (Rehoboth Beach, DE), rides along with WPS Assistant Head of School/Athletic Director Mike Grosso while performing routine athletic field checks.
WPS Head of School for a Day, Peter Van Dalen, presented Head of School, Dr. John McDonald, with a check to be donated to the Ocean Pines Junior Golf League. Peter hosted a golf-themed casual dress day for students, faculty, and administrators, inviting participants to dress in golf attire with a $2 donation.

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Worcester Preparatory School

508 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811

Phone: 410-641-3575 | Fax: 410-641-3586

Celebrating 50 years, WPS is an independent, college prep day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 students. Located in Berlin, Maryland, the private school attracts an average of 500 students from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.