Summer 2017
AMANDA MAHNKE
Summer 2017
Contents
| IN THIS ISSUE | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amanda Mahnke Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Curvan Director of Marketing & Communications
Brooke Norrett Corr ’95 Director of Alumnae Relations
DESIGN Melodee Dill Stephens PHOTOGRAPHY Douglas Benedict, Academic Images; Bowstring Media; Amanda Mahnke; Donna Meyer; Karen Mosimann Lifestyle Photography; Jim Roese Photography; Samantha Amadio; Linda Walters THE AGNES IRWIN SCHOOL Ithan Avenue and Conestoga Road Rosemont, PA 19010-1042 agnesirwin.org Grades PreK–4 Tel: 610-525-7600 Grades 5–12 Tel: 610-525-8400 Fax: 610-525-8908 FRONT COVER Dozens of purple bouquets go airborne as Dr. Wendy Hill congratulates the Class of 2017 at Commencement, June 8. Photo by Douglas Benedict, Academic Images
OPPOSITE Things get messy as sixth graders perform for parents and teachers at Medieval Night, the culminating celebration of their study of the period’s history, art, music and drama, on April 26. Photo by Karen Mosimann Lifestyle Photography
BACK COVER The Class of 2017 Photo by Karen Mosimann Lifestyle Photography
2 Year in Review
Head of School Dr. Wendy Hill reflects on the year at The Agnes Irwin School.
4 CAG
The Center for the Advancement of Girls wrapped up its year with two events aimed at empowering girls in STEM fields.
6 Reunion
Hundreds of alumnae returned to campus to catch up with friends and faculty at Reunion 2017.
8 Commencement
On June 8, faculty, friends and family gathered to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2017.
12 On A Mission
Agnes Irwin honors the leadership of departing Board of Trustees Chair Ann Laupheimer Sonnenfeld ’77.
14 A Legacy of Service
Three longtime faculty members retired this June, following a combined 54 years of service at AIS.
16 May Fair, 75 Years Later
May 2017 marked the 75th year students have gathered round the maypole in an annual celebration of spring.
18 Snapshots
Spring is a busy time at Agnes Irwin; take a look at just a few of our favorite moments from the end of the school year.
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Year in Review
2016-2017
LISA MOTTES
Snapshots. They capture a moment in time, preserving memories that build upon our school’s impressive history for both the present community and future generations. Throughout this issue, you will see images that encapsulate the joy of the Agnes Irwin experience — from the beloved traditions we treasure to new events that energized our students and their families. This year, our community came together in new spaces and new celebrations. With the addition of our beautiful property at 672 Conestoga Road, we enjoyed a lovely venue to host parent coffees, alumnae weekend brunches, and dynamic new Parents’ Council events, including the reimagined RaisE and Spring Market fundraisers. The property allowed us to open up innovative spaces within our existing school buildings to create the STEAM Studio and iWonder Lab — providing dedicated enclaves for our girls to tinker, collaborate, explore, dig deep, and think big. Time-honored traditions continued as this school year came to a close. You’ll see snapshots of our younger students performing The Gingerbread Man as they take the West-Wike Theatre stage for the first time, engaging in community service on Dolly Gaul Day, and weaving the maypole during our 75th annual May Fair celebration; Middle School girls creating and performing a bespoke opera inspired by the book Wonder, and persevering through adversity — an unexpected early morning power outage — to recreate history at our lively Medieval Night; and Upper School students advancing to the quarterfinals as the only all-girls team at a regional Robotics competition, being inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society, delving deep into new areas of inquiry, cultures and experiences during Senior Seminars and Special Studies Programs, and gaining national recognition for their athletic achievements. With the launch of our Strategic Plan, we began work that is inspiring our students, faculty, and administration, charting the course for our school’s future. We have redesigned our Upper School curriculum; introduced a math scholar in residence; launched an Innovation Team to expand peer-led professional development workshops and develop new approaches for incorporating technology and creative-thinking into our rigorous classrooms; and continue to take steps focused on the crucial goals of enriching our community and securing our financial future. The upcoming 2017-2018 school year promises to be even more rewarding as we continue to advance these, and other, exciting initiatives. And we said goodbye (for now) to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, three faculty members with a combined 54 years of service, and 65 impressive graduates 2
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WITH THE LAUNCH OF OUR STRATEGIC PLAN, WE BEGAN WORK THAT IS INSPIRING OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND ADMINISTRATION, CHARTING THE COURSE FOR OUR SCHOOL’S FUTURE.
Banners sporting a new AIS look were unveiled campus-wide as the school introduced its new Strategic Plan on Dec. 1.
who will continue to live a legacy at the finest colleges and universities in America and abroad. They have all made Agnes proud. These snapshots capture our girls in the joy of discovering their best selves. As the Head of School, I am honored to participate in the journey of each individual Agnes Irwin girl — and to witness the impact they have on our school’s community and the world-at-large.
Dr. Wendy L. Hill
In Memoriam JOANNE HOFFMAN
As we were going to press for this issue of Agnes Irwin Magazine, we learned of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Joanne Hoffman. Joanne was our Upper School Director for the past four years. Her warm spirit and sparkling wit left such an indelible mark on our community that it’s hard to remember a time when she wasn’t at Agnes Irwin. Prior to her time with us, Joanne held administrative positions at Friends’ Central School, Moses Brown, and Concord Academy. Joanne was passionate about education — as well as our girls themselves. Ever full of Irwin’s pride, she truly immersed herself in the student experience: cheering them on at sporting events, applauding their academic, athletic, and artistic achievements, and, when the occasion called for it, donning a straw hat and flannel, or a fur coat and red lipstick, in hopes of winning an advisory costume contest. We celebrate Joanne’s humor, friendship, and leadership — and her love for our school.
From top: Joanna Wickersham ’17 and teammates chat with Robotics advisors during a competition in March; Dr. Hill joins the Varsity softball team as honorary captain in May; 5th graders perform their opera Wonder in May; Amelia Underwood’s second graders use the engineering design process in the iWonder Lab; Oz Perlman of America’s Got Talent dazzles parents with magic and mind-reading at RaisE, a Parents’ Council fundraiser held at the school’s new 672 property in April.
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Center for the Adva THE CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF GIRLS wrapped up its year with two marquee events, inviting the larger community to participate in vital work aimed at creating and sustaining more equitable female representation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. The events sought to address two facets of the same issue: systemic strategies for advancing women in STEM, and providing the space, resources, and encouragement necessary for girls to explore these fields.
Sharing Solutions: Advancing Girls in STEM Conference In March, CAG hosted its third annual Sharing Solutions: Advancing Girls in STEM conference at The Franklin Institute, bringing together more than 140 attendees from area corporations, nonprofits, universities, government entities, and K-12 schools. Attendees engaged in designthinking challenges; heard from keynote speaker Dr. Kim Cassidy, Bryn Mawr College president; and learned, brainstormed and shared partnership models that promote keeping girls and women engaged in STEM studies and careers.
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Tech Savvy In April, more than 60 local students attended Tech Savvy, a daylong STEM career conference designed to attract girls in grades 6-9 to these fields and to inform families about STEM education and careers. An AAUW program, Tech Savvy has traditionally been held on college campuses; Agnes Irwin is the first and only K-12 school in the country to host the event. The program provided a space for young girls to foster their interest in STEM fields and explore a diverse set of related careers, through hands-on workshops, life skills courses, and talkbacks with AIS alumnae who are scientists and engineers. Parents heard from AIS faculty about STEM careers, the college process, and how to support their daughter’s interest in these fields.
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Reunion
May 5-7, 2017
HUNDREDS OF ALUMNAE RETURNED TO CAMPUS TO RECONNECT WITH CLASSMATES, FRIENDS AND FACULTY DURING THIS YEAR’S REUNION WEEKEND, HELD MAY 5-7. From a Head’s Luncheon honoring the Class of 1967, to class parties, to back-to-school classes taught by history teachers Andrew Connally and Wigs Frank, the weekend was full of opportunities to share memories of Agnes Irwin past, and to celebrate its present. 1. The Class of 1967 celebrated their 50th Reunion with fanfare. 2. Saturday’s activities included a State of the School address by Dr. Wendy Hill, the annual Alumnae Association Business Meeting, and the Reunion giving awards. The Class of 1977 received this year’s Sophy Dallas Irwin Award, a giving award recognizing the reunioning Class that raises the largest dollar amount by Reunion Weekend. The Classes of 1952 and 1967 shared the Loving Cup, both having achieved 100% participation in giving by Reunion Weekend.
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3. The Class of 1962 4. The Class of 1952 5. The Class of 1982
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6. The Class of 2002 7. The Class of 2012
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8. The Class of 1972 9. Members of the Laurel Society enjoy brunch during Reunion Weekend.
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10. The Class of 1977
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11. Dr. Wendy Hill, Jennifer Keh Creary ’93, and Sally Schoettle Randolph ’58 at the Laurel Society Brunch. 12 & 13. Music teacher Murray Savar leads a sing-a-long with alumnae.
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MAY 5-7, 2017 | Reunion
1. Members of the Laurel Society gather for a group photo at 672 Conestoga Road during Brunch. 2. The Class of 1957
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3. The Class of 1992 4. The Class of 2007 5. Reunioning classes gather for the Alumnae Luncheon on Saturday. 6. The Class of 1987 at their class party 7. Ann Laupheimer Sonnenfeld ’77 thanks Polly Warren Coxe ’77, outgoing president of the Alumnae Association, for her service to the school. 8. The Class of 1967 in class color-coordinated headwear for Reunion Weekend — a sea of red in the West-Wike Theatre!
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9. The Class of 1997
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Alumnae Awards Each year, Agnes Irwin recognizes reunioning alumnae who have made exceptional contributions to their communities. Kristen C. Umstattd ’72 is the recipient of this year’s Margaretta Anspach Willing Award, given to an alumna who has been outstanding in leadership and civic responsibility or who has made a real contribution to the arts and sciences. After graduating from law school, Kristen entered the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving active duty as a Lieutenant; she later joined the CIA as a Soviet Naval Analyst. She served as mayor of Leesburg, VA from 2002-2016, and is now the Leesburg District Supervisor.
Middy Dorrance ’67 is a former member of the AIS Alumnae Board, a generous donor, and a tireless cheerleader for the Class of 1967. At her 10th Reunion, Middy stepped in as a Class Representative, a role she has held ever since — even planning special activities for her classmates that recall cherished memories. It’s no wonder her classmates have long seen her as their “glue” and their emissary to the school. She is the recipient of this year’s Alumnae Award, presented annually to an alumna who has made a significant contribution of service to the school in a volunteer capacity.
Alana Yoel ’07 is a mechanical engineer with a passion for combining arts and technology. In 2012, she co-founded Agent of Presence, a fashion technology company, whose products — including a dress that lights up in response to the wearer’s heartbeat — have received international press. She currently helps design soft fabric and plastic robots at Pneubotics, and is the recipient of this year’s Heather B. Thiermann ’81 Young Alumnae Award, presented to an alumna who has made an outstanding contribution through her community interests or her professional or academic pursuits.
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Commencement JUNE 8, 2016
| CLASS OF 2017
ON JUNE 8, AGNES IRWIN’S CLASS OF 2017 gathered together as upper schoolers for the last time — taking the stage as students, and leaving it as Agnes Irwin’s newest alumnae. Ann Laupheimer Sonnenfeld ’77, who delivered this year’s Commencement address as one of her last official acts as Chair of the Board of Trustees, spoke on the importance of mentors, the value of a good book, and encouraged students to “figure out who you are, and try to like yourself.” “Don’t lament — do,” Ann told the class. “Try things that are new and hard, and realize that you can be something amazing and successful — and that you, yourself, may be good at math or science or be able to write essays and blogs, win arguments or tell jokes, or make robots, build drones, be an inspiring teacher or scientist, paint, become a psychologist, environmentalist, animal behaviorist, or an epidemiologist, a college professor, a hedge fund manager or just be the best friend there ever was.” In her own address, student-elected speaker Laura Tobar ’17 congratulated her classmates and reflected on her experiences at Agnes Irwin. “Comprised of 65 incredible people, we are philosophers, mathematicians, essayists and scientists,” she declared. “Our time at Irwin’s has molded us into critical thinkers, powerful athletes, and incredible artists. We’ve read Virgil, Shakespeare, Faulkner, and Voltaire, among countless other greats, and we’ve tackled the themes in their works with poise and curiosity. We’ve learned how to voice our opinions tactfully, how to solve problems analytically, and how to converse in languages different than our own. We have become the bold, independent, compassionate people we are today because of our Irwin’s education. And more so, because of the people behind the curriculum. ... When I think about the future, I am saddened to know that I won’t have you by my side. But I am so incredibly optimistic for the world when I think that the members of the Class of 2017 will be scattered across the country and beyond, spreading a unique brand of intelligence, dedication, and kindness.” Congratulations to the Class of 2017!
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CLASS OF 2017 | Commencement
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Opposite: Faculty and trustees file into Agnes Irwin’s gymnasium for Commencement on June 8, extending one last “congrats” to the seniors. Above: 1. Siyi (Lisa) Huang poses with Dr. Hill after receiving her diploma. 2. Students take a selfie with Dean of Students Jenn Fiorini ’97. 3. Student speaker Laura Tobar 4. The Class of 2017 5. Olivia Freiwald and Caroline Buck 6. Students cheer as their classmates are called forward to receive their diplomas. 7. Students assemble at 672 Conestoga Road for their class photo. 8. History Department Chair Wigs Frank and 12th Grade Dean Michele Kane lead the way to Commencement. 9. Commencement speaker Ann Laupheimer Sonnenfeld ’77 10. Senior Bel Cantos sing together for the last time as students. 11. Xiomara Lozano-Torres and Maya Brown-Hunt 12. Julianna Tornetta, Brooke Bekkedam, and Riley Powers
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C E L E B RAT I N G O U R
Seniors
Clockwise from bottom left: The Class of 2017’s 19 “lifers” who attended Agnes Irwin since kindergarten; seniors run through the halls before the Changeover Assembly on their last day of class; juniors sing to the seniors at Class Night; a number of students were honored at Class Night, including Sydney Cohn ’17 (Daphne Apostolidis Award), Sadjah Bey ’17 (Jeanne Clery Award), and Sabina Smith ’17 (Head of School Award); alumnae mothers and daughters at Commencement; Agnes Irwin’s newest Cum Laude Society inductees.
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COLLEGE CHOICES | Commencement
College Choices for the Class of 2017
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% will attend one of America’s “most competitive” colleges (Barron’s)
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% are recruited athletes and will play their primary sport in college
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% will attend one of their top college choices
Congratulations to our 65 graduates, who will continue their education at America’s most selective colleges and universities, and internationally-renowned institutions abroad. They will join our strong network of Agnes Irwin alumnae who continue to embody our mission of empowering girls to learn, to lead, and to live a legacy. Jada Tyler Ackley Temple University Hailey Frances Andress Cornell University Kiana Jasmine Askarpour University of California, Los Angeles
Catherine Aemilia de Lacoste-Azizi*v Yale University Gillian Clare Diebold* University of Pennsylvania Alexis Carol DiPasqua Saint Joseph’s University
Lila Stevenson Barker University of Virginia
Liza Darling Fahey Wake Forest University
Lydia Clair Bartosh Colorado State University
Dillon Ashley Fisher The George Washington University
Brooke Elizabeth Bekkedam The University of Alabama
Riley McDevitt Flick University of St Andrews
Emily Victoria Berardino Fordham University
Olivia Seidenberg Freiwald* Tufts University
Sajdah Bint Bey* Barnard College
Glynis Mary Gardner Dickinson College
Maya Naki Simone Brown Hunt University of Pennsylvania
Kathryn Lambert Hall Dartmouth College
Emmie Miller Kiely Brown University
Caroline Adams Richardson Boston University
Julianna Tornetta Princeton University
Caroline Alexander Buck Princeton University
Kerry Caden Hanrahan University of Colorado at Boulder
Emma Grace Lewis Barnard College
Mary Regan Schmidt Georgia Institute of Technology
Jacqueline Marion van der Veen Georgetown University
Alexis Lynn Capers Lafayette College
Cordelia Garlin Hare University of St Andrews
Kennady Rene Schuster Fordham University
Olivia Janus Carey Davidson College
Brianna Mikala Harris Temple University
Sara Kohana Wada* University of California, Los Angeles
Sydney Jennings Cohn New York University
Nichole Anne Heller University of Southern California
Caroline Attison Coyne University of Pennsylvania Sadie Elisabeth Coyne University of Southern California Gabrielle Marie D’Arcangelo*s Princeton University Elizabeth Lindsay Dallara University of Delaware Katheryne Aldys Davis Royal Holloway, University of London
Xiomara Alexa Lozano Torres Macalester College Michelle Jie Luv University of California, Berkeley
Skyla Naomi Segel The George Washington University
Michala Catherine Maciolek Syracuse University
Kendall Victoria Shein Pomona College
Siyi Huang University of Rochester
Ann Dawson McConnon Providence College
Jordyn Ann Hurly* Northeastern University
Julia Jean McDowell*s Tufts University
Reagan Ireland Silvi University of Southern California
Juliane Elizabeth Jemmott Hampton University
Charlotte Judith Meltzer University of Michigan
Madeline MacKenzie Kaller United States Coast Guard Academy
Alicia Christine O’Neil Cornell University
Fenian Kenney* University of Notre Dame
Sara Eryn Perkins* University of Pennsylvania Riley Stokes Powers Auburn University
Grace Howard Smith Franklin & Marshall College Sabina Lauren Smith*v Vanderbilt University Paige Tierney Stewart Bucknell University Laura Bremer Tobar*v Stanford University
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Camaryn Leigh Walsh Wofford College Joanna Dalton Wickersham* Carnegie Mellon University Courtney Monet Williams Spelman College Marlis Rain Woodward Montana State University, Bozeman Daniela Casselle Wright Arizona State University * Cum Laude Society
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On a Mission Honoring the leadership of departing Board of Trustees Chair Ann Laupheimer Sonnenfeld ’77
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s Chair of Agnes Irwin’s Board of “I am so proud and honored to be here to address Trustees, an alumna, daughter of an you today as one of my last official acts as Chair of alumna, and mother of an alumna, the Board. For I, too, am graduating,” Ann said. Ann Laupheimer Sonnenfeld ’77 has On June 30, Ann ended her 12-year tenure as a often been described as “the member of Agnes Irwin’s Board of Trustees, the consummate ambassador for past six of which she served as Agnes Irwin.” Chair of the Board. Approachable and energetic, “Ann thought and planned big “SHE WAS she knows almost every faculty — but not recklessly or without and staff member, scores of reason,” Vice Chair Susan Burch IN IT TO WIN IT, students and alumnae, and has (P’09, ’10, ’30) shared at a dinner AND THAT’S EXACTLY been present at dozens of held in Ann’s honor on June 2. sporting and arts events over Ann “was on a mission — WHAT HAPPENED.” the past decade, invariably clad committed in mind and heart, in AIS spirit gear. the picture of leadership and Susan Burch, Vice Chair On June 8, Ann traded in her courage. The optimist in Ann 2016-2017 Board of Trustees blue and gold for academic believed in the possibility of regalia, taking the stage as change and growth.” Agnes Irwin’s Commencement Under Ann’s leadership, AIS speaker. Addressing the Class of 2017 from a launched its Center for the Advancement of Girls, podium in the school’s gymnasium, she began by created a dynamic National Alumnae Advisory congratulating the 65 soon-to-be graduates seated Council, appointed Dr. Wendy Hill as the 13th Head before her. of School, developed a vibrant new mission
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Clockwise from left: Donning hardhats with Jim Buck for the groundbreaking on an expanded AIS campus in May 2012; embracing new Head of School Dr. Wendy Hill at her Convocation in 2014; speaking at the launch of the Center for the Advancement of Girls in 2011; cheering at AIS/ EA Day 2013; speaking at Commencement 2017.
statement, expanded the school’s campus through the purchase of 672 Conestoga Road, and, this year, launched a bold Strategic Plan. A major accomplishment of Ann’s tenure was the completion of the ambitious $40 million Dare To Do More capital campaign, which allowed for a complete transformation of Agnes Irwin’s campus. From 2012 to 2014, Ann co-chaired the campaign — 10 times larger than the school’s previous capital effort — and personally solicited many of the major gifts to the school.
“Ann’s energy, organizational and motivational skills were, to me, a unique package — the likes of which I’d never seen,” said Jim Buck, who served as campaign co-chair. During the three-year campaign, Ann’s motto was “Never give up.” “She was in it to win it, and that’s exactly what happened,” Susan Burch described. The fundraising effort resulted in 85,000-square feet of new space dedicated to academics, athletics, and student life, including the Student Life Center and the 55,000-square foot Athletic Center. Ann and her family underwrote the new rowing center, bringing crew training to campus for the first time. The campaign marked the largest capital improvement project the school had undertaken since moving to the Rosemont campus in 1959. “We are all the beneficiaries of her determination,” said Head of School Dr. Wendy Hill. “Ann’s brilliance, persistence, love of our school, and unrelenting commitment to doing what is best for the institution, make her the quintessential Agnes Irwin girl.”
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From left to right: Top: Ann with Dr. Hill and former Head of School Penney Moss; Ann’s first grade class; celebrating with sister Helen Laupheimer Schlosser ’80 after daughter Caroline Santilli ’13’s senior assembly. Middle: at the ribbon cutting for the campus expansion with former Head of School Mary Seppala; incoming Board of Trustees Chair Connie Anne Phillips ’83 (right) celebrates Ann with the AIS community on June 2; Susan Burch speaks at Ann’s celebration; Ann with trustee Jennifer Kinkead ’84; Ann with Dr. Hill at an alumnae event in Vero Beach, FL. Bottom: Ann and mother Sissy Zabel ’51 (in pink) celebrate Agnes Irwin’s expanded campus with alumnae in September 2013.
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A Legacy of Service ON MAY 18, AGNES IRWIN FACULTY AND STAFF GATHERED TO CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF THREE RETIRING FACULTY MEMBERS, EACH OF WHOM SERVED THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY FOR A DECADE OR MORE.
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“INTELLIGENT, PATIENT, DEMANDING, CARING, PASSIONATE”
LOUISA MYGATT 27 YEARS
Interim Middle School Director In her 27 years at Agnes Irwin, Louisa has taught middle school history, 9th grade history, a 10th grade Financial Literacy mini-course, and an extra section of 7th grade English. She served as the school’s first Diversity Advocate, ran the school’s first Multicultural Days, advised the Upper School Multicultural Board, and served as Head of the Faculty/Staff Diversity Committee. And, of course, Louisa agreed to delay her retirement one year to serve as Interim Director of the Middle School. “These are some of ‘the facts’ about Louisa’s career here at AIS. But what you really need to know about Louisa is what a remarkable teacher, colleague, and person she is,” said History Department Chair Wigs Frank. “Mrs. Mygatt repeatedly shows how much she cares for all the students in the middle school,” said one ninth grader. “One of the many great characteristics of Mrs. Mygatt is that she knows when to help you figure out a concept and when to stand back and have you come to understand it
“A REMARKABLE TEACHER, COLLEAGUE, AND PERSON” on your own,” another noted. “She loves to see her students grasp the information she teaches and watch them strive to truly understand it and its importance. Her kind heart and good intentions have greatly benefitted our school.”
DR. HELENE WALKER 17 YEARS Middle School Psychologist
ELLENA VAGANOS 10 YEARS
Middle School Math Teacher “Ellena is everything a middle school teacher should be; intelligent, patient, demanding, caring, passionate and a wonderful role model for teenage girls,” said middle school math teacher Dawn Anthony. “Ellena’s love of math is obvious. When a student enters her classroom, they instantly know that math is important and that success is attainable.” One colleague noted, “there is a constant stream of students in and out of her room” — a testament, Dawn says, to the time Ellena spends sharing her knowledge with her students. Ellena is also passionate about service to others, and spent many hours helping to develop service opportunities for middle schoolers. When she formally stepped down from that role a few years ago, she continued to find ways to incorporate service into her classroom. Another colleague commented, “It is so obvious that Ellena puts students first and thinks about what will help them, not only as students of math, but as people who will grow up to contribute more meaningfully to the world, thanks to the love, effort, and care that she puts into each one of them.”
“How can we put into words what Helene means to the Agnes Irwin community?” asked learning specialist Elizabeth Barrows as she began her toast at Helene’s retirement celebration. In her 17 years at Agnes Irwin, Helene has touched many lives, Elizabeth said. “She has worked with every grade, taught Let’s Care in the Lower School, created and taught the Courage to Be Me curriculum, and counseled countless students, parents, and teachers through friendship squabbles, developmental changes and challenges, and potentially life-changing events.”
“ONE OF THE MOST GENUINE PEOPLE I KNOW” One graduate shared: “Dr. Walker has been one of the most integral people guiding me through my Agnes Irwin experience — without the years of care, time, and kindness that she has given me (and my friends), my time at AIS would have been very different. Dr. Walker is one of the most genuine people I have had the absolute pleasure to have in my life. I wake up, and send a little energy into the earth every morning for Dr. Walker, as I could never begin to repay her for everything she has done for me.”
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75 Years of May Fair
1950 THEN AND NOW
Each spring for well over half a century, our youngest students have donned colorful dresses and flower crowns, delighting onlookers with a series of dances round a maypole at May Fair, Agnes Irwin’s annual celebration of spring.
Above: At left, May Fair circa 1950 at Agnes Irwin’s former campus in Wynnewood; at right, fourth graders weave the maypole on May 19 of this year.
This year’s May Fair, held May 19, marked the festival’s 75th anniversary. Although May Fair began in 1942, the maypole dances weren’t introduced until nine years later. “It was Lucetta Sharp Alderfer who started the tradition of the Maypole at May Fair in 1950,” according to an Agnes Irwin history book written for the school’s 125th anniversary. “She used carpet binding to strengthen and stiffen the ribbons before dyeing the reinforced ribbons blue and gold.” Today, the tradition of dancing round the maypole continues. As pop tunes fill the air, students in PreKindergarten through third grade perform dances they have ever-so-studiously practiced in P.E. class, before fourth graders take their places for the traditional maypole dance, weaving together the blue and yellow ribbons.
At right: Fashions may change, but some things stay the same. Parent volunteers in 1978 and this year’s May Fair chairs; lemon sticks past and present; and lots of fun.
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1. Lower Schoolers explore Ithan Creek’s ecology with AP Environmental Science students. 2. Dr. Wendy Hill leads a sheep brain dissection in AP Biology. 3. CAG student leaders teach a lesson on “Celebrating Community” for Lower School Girl Scouts. 4. Middle School Stars and Stripes/ Bonnie White Day 5. Fourth Grade Moving Up Day 6. Senior Art Student Showcase 7. 8th Grade Graduation
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8TH GRADE GRADUATION: ANDREW FLAHERTY, GERALD LAWRENCE
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1. Middle School Science Symposium 2. We celebrated a number of athletic victories this spring: Varsity lacrosse — PA Independent School Athletic Association champions; Kaitlyn Lees — 2017 Golf Inter-Ac champion; crew’s Lightweight 4x — gold medalists at City Championships. 3. Juniors receive their senior blazers. 4. Sixth graders hang Dream Flags with second grade buddies.
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LACROSSE: SHARON CHERNITSKY CREW: ANNAMARIA JASKOT
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1. AIS formed its first Girls on the Run team with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders this spring. 2. PreK presents The Gingerbread Man. 3. Sophomores receive their class rings on Sophomore Day. 4. Grandmas, grandpas and special friends join us for Grandfriends’ Day in the Lower School. 5. 6th Grade Medieval Night 6. 4th Grade Robotics Competition 7. Lower School Dolly Gaul Day 8. 5th Grade Opera
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Upper Schoolers spent two weeks in May exploring a career path, culture, language, passion project or new skill through Special Studies Programs and Senior Seminars. 1. SSP9 Botanical Illustration students share handmade books featuring campus flora with Lower Schoolers 2. In Historical Gaming, seniors take on The Queue, a board game that explores everyday life in Poland at the end of the communist era 3. Students help build a traditional Navajo home and visit Coal Mine Canyon during the Navajo Nation SSP 4. Art students sketch at Cow House Studios in Ireland 5. In the Design and Build SSP, students worked with “clients” to create useable end products — including a standing desk for Ms. Fiorini. 6. Careers in Medicine SSP 7. Seniors explore PAFA during their French Culture seminar. 8. Ninth graders present to a panel of “sharks” from Villanova Business School during SSP9 Shark Tank.
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