After a year of construction—and a fair amount of classroom improvisation—Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA) proudly opened its brand-new Newstead Gym with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration on April 9, 2025.
The 9,545-square-foot facility includes a modern gymnasium with spectator seating, a new classroom, and upgraded student restrooms. Designed to support physical education, school sports, and community events, Newstead Gym is a major investment in student wellness, engagement, and school spirit.
Reflecting on the past year, Principal Matt Hornbeck praised the resilience of the school community during the construction process. “Trying to teach and learn while 1,000 students navigated a full year of construction was an adventure,” he joked. “Picture a math lesson competing with the sound of a jackhammer, or quiet reading time interrupted by a reversing forklift. But our Hampstead Hill community showed we can do hard things—with grace, patience, and even a little humor.”
The celebration drew prominent city and state leaders, including Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen, and City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises. All spoke to and applauded the project as a model of what’s possible through collaboration between schools, government, and communities.
Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) CEO Laura Doherty opened the ceremony by highlighting the gym’s role in supporting the whole child and thanked the donors, BCP Board members, and community partners who brought the vision to life.
Doherty gave special recognition to Baltimore City Public Schools, BCP’s educational partner, for providing a crucial last-dollar, interest-free loan, as well as to the project’s key partners: construction firm Whiting-Turner, architectural team EwingCole, and owner’s representative Bob Prout.
The event also honored former HHA parent and lead donor Mike Palmer as the cornerstone of the effort. “Mike, thank you for your tireless advocacy, detailed problem-solving, and unwavering commitment. This wouldn’t have happened without you,” Hornbeck said.
The gym is named in honor of Palmer’s mother, Carol Newstead Palmer, a public school teacher, volunteer, and lifelong advocate for children and the outdoors. Despite living with a chronic illness from a young age, Carol’s passion for education and sports never waned.
In his own remarks, Palmer shared a powerful vision for how Newstead Gym will shape the student experience: “With this new space, we can better serve our students, avoid interruptions to gym classes, and expand our sports programming.”
The project was made possible by generous support from the Sherman Family Foundation, Abell Foundation, Richman Foundation, France-Merrick Foundation, Middendorf Foundation, Charles T. Bauer Charitable Foundation, the State of Maryland, and Baltimore City Public Schools.
Before turning the gym floor over to students, including HHA’s basketball and volleyball teams, for a ceremonial “first shot,” Hornbeck issued one final call to action: support the school’s effort to rebuild its playground.
“The playground is essential to the experience at Hampstead Hill Academy, especially for our youngest students, and it is open to the community,” he said. “It serves as a space where children can learn, grow, and play. The PTO has generously pledged some funds, and the school will contribute as well, but we still need to raise more to make this project a reality. If you’re able to donate or would like to get involved, please reach out to me directly. Your support will help us create a safe and engaging space for everyone in the community.”
The celebration wrapped up with cheers, basketball, and commemorative mini basketballs—a fitting end to a day that honored not just a new facility, but the spirit of a community that made it possible.
