A Thousand Miles of Quaker Education

Lynn Des Prez ’66 Reflects Upon Her AFS Experience

In the fifty-six years since I graduated from AFS, so much has changed, and yet so much is the same.

Back then, there were no computers, smartphones, or any of the incredible technology students enjoy today. What’s more, there were only eighteen of us in my class — and no boys! Now the classes are bigger and more diverse. It’s wonderful!

Living in Houston for the last 15 years, I have not had many opportunities to visit. But when I could not come to AFS, AFS came to me. COVID-19 offered the opportunity to share meetings with Head of School Rich Nourie and enjoy his comforting and hope-filled comments. When AFS announced its lifelong learning series last year, I was excited to get online and join in the conversations with other alumni. It gave me a great opportunity to see all the new interactive experiential learning programs, the evolving use of technologies, and the ongoing quality of the faculty and students. As much as AFS has changed, I am reminded that students continue to share experiences together decades later.

One of my lasting memories remains Wednesday Meetings for Worship, when we would sit as quietly as possible for an hour before lunch and try to respect the spoken thoughts of each other (as uncomfortably our stomachs would rumble in the many moments of peace). I understand that such an experience repeats even to the present.

I still speak regularly with my classmates with whom I have cultivated lifelong friendships. Pam, Nia, Cristy, Marianne and I remember our favorite teachers. Ms. Bickley got us through English. Ms. Banning encouraged us through four years of Latin. Ms. Lib Smith urged adventure with our trip to Calgary and Banff. Ms. Tees taught us biology, dissecting frogs. We were schooled in the Triangle Building. Now the campus has expanded to provide so many more academic and physical opportunities for the students. I wish I could visit more often.

I contribute financially to AFS yearly as my way to say thanks for these memories, friendships, and belief in quality education. Relationships are necessary to cope

with life’s many challenges. We all worry about health and being alone, but my high school friends have been supportive throughout life, professionally and personally. I have witnessed AFS grow from one building to a bustling campus, and its beating heart and honor system instilled in us still resonates. It is important for each of us to support that growth.

I truly believe that we alumni need to continue supporting education. As I age, I am grateful that I can increase my yearly contribution to AFS and participate as a member of the Class of ’66. I am grateful to AFS for its imprint on my goal to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. All gifts make a difference.

Senior Class Officers from the Class of 1966. From left to right, Theresa Hoerner, Lynn Des Prez, Anne Hutchinson. Seated, Fran Conkey.