Strength | Spring/Summer 2023

Dear AWS Community,

On Sunday, May 21, the Green Tie Class of 2023 moved their graduation tassels from right to left and officially transitioned from students to alumni. These 72 graduates have now taken flight—literally and figuratively—pursuing futures that will earn degrees at colleges and universities across the country (and around the world). Each of these empowered young people is ready to leverage the knowledge and skills they learned at AWS to take courageous, independent action. That is the hallmark of an AWS education, and we cannot wait to see the impact this group will have on the world.

Our Lower School students regularly participate in field trips across the South Sound to advance their understanding of the central ideas borne from their PYP units of inquiry. These trips progress to local overnight experiences in Grade 4 (Camp Sealth) and Grade 5 (NatureBridge), and these experiences in turn prepare students for the more far-reaching Middle School Journeys to California (Grade 6), the Southwest (Grade 7), and Costa Rica (Grade 8). Once students hit the Upper School, the adventures span the country and globe. This year alone we had students travel to Japan, England, France, Mexico, and Argentina as well as New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Diego, and Washington DC. We have Annies heading everywhere!

The ability for Annie Wright students to confidently venture into the world and enact change is a characteristic we work hard to foster. I often share my favorite Mark Twain quotation: “Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.” This is exactly right. There is so much more to our education than our academic classes. Are the lessons learned on the soccer pitch any less valuable in life than those learned in the chemistry lab? Are the skills developed in organizing the BIPOC market any less important than those developed in IB Global Politics? And once we realize that those differences are at best— subjective, we realize that the biggest challenge we face is helping our students build context on their lives, their communities, and their countries. To help build this context, Annie Wright invests significant resources into intentional and progressive travel-based programs. It is critical that we get our students “beyond the hedge.”

The combination of a strong IB curriculum and an intentionally designed travel program is powerful. Our graduates not only have deep content knowledge and highly refined academic skills, they also have experiences that contextualize the city, country, and world in which they live. The end result is graduates who feel empowered to confidently navigate their lives in the direction of their choosing. And in so doing, they bring to life the AWS mission statement. This is just as it should be, and we will only continue to lean into this space. Thanks for all of the ways in which you support these efforts and this school. You are appreciated.

Sincerely,

Jake Guadnola Head of Schools

Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.

— Mark Twain

8 US STATES 7 COUNTRIES

1,348,398 TOTAL MILES TRAVELED

PEOPLE MET WITH: 938 BURGERS EATEN 177 MUSEUMS VISITED

21

2 OCEANS SWAM IN

STUDENTS WHO GOT OFF CAMPUS AND INTO THE WORLD: ALL OF THEM!

Lower School students venture off campus many times throughout the year on “inquiry visits,” which are each connected to a unit of inquiry within the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Usually, these also tie in with other signature projects at each grade level.

KINDERGARTEN

During their unit on living things, Kindergarten students visit Schilter Family Farm in the Nisqually Valley.

GRADE 1

Grade 1 visits the Pierce College Planetarium while they are learning about space.

GRADE 2

As a part of Grade 2 students’ Force in Motion unit, they visit the Museum of Flight. After getting inspired by real-life aircraft, they create and test their own airplanes and vessels for the Air Show & Egg Drop projects!

GRADE 3

Grade 3 travels to Northwest Trek as a part of their unit on animals and impact by humans.

GRADE 4

While learning about leadership and styles of government, Grade 4 heads to the Washington State Capitol building. They also tour the UW neuroscience center during their brain unit as a part of the “Who We Are” PYP theme.

GRADE 5

The Grade 5 overnight trip to NatureBridge is anchored in their unit on how actions impact the environment. In addition, they visit an exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle as part of their unit on how voice can invoke change.

In addition to a variety of local trips that happen throughout the year, perhaps the defining element of the AWS Middle School experience is the Journeys. Grade 6 students travel to California, Grade 7 to the Southwest, and Grade 8 to Costa Rica. These adventures begin in the classroom and culminate with exciting trips focused on exploration, independence, bonding, and curricular ties.

WHAT WAS THE BEST THING YOU ATE WHILE ON YOUR JOURNEY?

Brisket during thedinnercowboy

In-N-Out!

Pineapple

Fried plantains! When I got home I made them a lot

Costa Rican empanadas and coconut ice cream

WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF THE TRIP FOR YOU?

Not one moment in particular, but little moments throughout the whole trip: whenever I would walk around and just take in where I was and the opportunity I had been given while surrounded by a totally different environment.

I thought that I connected with people and made stronger friendships because of the Journey.

Going to get ice cream and just hanging out with my friends while being surrounded by the beautiful nature of Zion.

Karaoke in the lodge with my best friends!

TELL US ONE THING YOU LEARNED OR TOOK AWAY FROM YOUR JOURNEY!

My current friends are very supportive, and new friends can be found in unexpected places.

I was most surprised by how different everything in Costa Rica was from the US. Every person that I interacted with there seemed to genuinely enjoy what they were doing

I learned a whole other way of living in the moment and enjoying what you’re doing.

That you should take in every moment and experience everything you can.

Upper Schools offer a broad range of opportunities for travel, including (s)Electives trips, international exchanges, grade-specific retreats, and dorm outings. In addition, we have recently announced the Grade 10 Expeditions! Beginning next year, Grade 10 students will choose between several international locations and embark on a weeklong adventure that will incorporate a combination of world history & environmental science curriculum with a variety of exciting excursions. The first round of trips will take place in Belize, Greece and Iceland.

GRADE 10 EXPEDITIONS—EXAMPLE ITINERARIES

College Destinations:

Amherst College

Arizona State University

Babson College

Barnard College

Boise State University

Carnegie Mellon University

Clark Atlanta University

Colby College

Connecticut College

Cornell University

Drew University

Georgetown University

International University in Geneva

Johns Hopkins University

Marion Military Institute

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Middlebury College

New York University

GREEN TIES 2023

Pacific Lutheran University

Pepperdine University

Pitzer College

Princeton University

Purdue University

Rhode Island School of Design

San Diego State University

San Jose State University

Santa Clara University

Seattle University

Smith College

Stanford University

Suffolk University

Swarthmore College

Syracuse University

Tacoma Community College

University College Dublin

University of California Berkeley

University of California Davis

University of California Irvine

University of California Riverside

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut Stamford

University of Rochester

University of South Florida

University of St Andrews

University of Toronto

University of Washington (Bothell Campus)

University of Washington (Seattle Campus)

Vassar College

Washington University in St. Louis

Wellesley College

Whitman College

Willamette University

Sebastián Bush

Destination: Syracuse University

I chose to attend Syracuse mainly because of the program I was accepted into, Sports Analytics. This program will allow me to pursue data science in the field of sports, as one of my main interests is soccer. What drew me to this program was mainly my experience as the team manager for the girls’ soccer team in the fall of this last year, where I was able to keep track of statistics and work with the team; after the season ended, I knew I had to delve deeper into this interest in college. I am also really interested in studying abroad, and Syracuse offered opportunities to do just that. Overall, it felt like the perfect fit!

Alec Beck

Destination: Washington University in St. Louis

From its location to its emphasis on 1-on-1 advising and strong pre-med culture, I felt it was a great choice for me. Also, St. Louis is essentially the chess capital of the world, which was a tremendous positive for me since I’ve been playing competitive chess for years.

I’m looking forward to being able to go out and see the world. I’ve lived in Tacoma my entire life, and while I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel across the US and to several other countries, I’ve never actually lived anywhere else.

During my time at AWS, I was able to grow and understand more about myself, from what I wanted to study to the type of person I wanted to be. Now, I’m looking forward to applying that knowledge as I transition into adulthood, and to me, heading to college signifies one of the greatest aspects of this change.

Nadine Gibson

Destination: Wellesley College

(after a gap year in Brazil studying Portuguese, martial arts, and volunteer teaching!)

I knew I wanted a small college with a close-knit community; I wanted to be challenged and grow intellectually. Also, having access to amazing, accomplished women all over the world is a huge benefit and motivator, and it was simple to defer admission for a year—which was conducive to taking a gap year. I recently started working in the archives at AWS which led me to discover that Wellesley has a museum on campus with a thriving archives department! I will definitely be reaching out.

My teachers and peers at AWS pushed and supported me to reach personal and academic goals that allowed me to see myself at excellent institutions. I also learned where to blaze my own path, which has translated into developing my own gap year. One of the life-preparation sessions for seniors was self defense in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Since I liked it so much, I started training with the team that came to AWS. My curiosity led me to Brazil where I found nonprofits to volunteer with and communities in which to continue and expand my martial arts journey.

I am ecstatic about moving to Boston and going to college, but for me there is no rush; taking this year to focus on my physical well-being and learn how to build community where I know no one will serve me for my life. I am looking forward to constantly being reminded and shown how big the world is.

Emily Leise

Destination: University College Dublin

I chose University College Dublin for a lot of reasons, but the biggest one is that I really wanted to go to Ireland for college. After doing extensive research and taking part in a program at UCD over the summer, I knew that I had to go. It’s definitely a big change of pace from what I am used to, but that was part of the appeal for me. UCD had a lot of things to like about it, like the great opportunities for international students, the incredible programs, and the lovely location in the Dublin suburbs. I am very excited to be heading to UCD for college, and I know I have a unique and enriching college experience in store for me!

Shiyang (Angela) Wang

Destination: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Art is my abiding interest. As someone who has been drawing since Kindergarten, pursuing a degree in the arts or design has always been my goal, and I cannot imagine a better fit than RISD, which is a leading institution in these fields. I am grateful for my experiences at AWS, especially the artist laureate program, which played a significant role in my college application. This program gave me the opportunity to present my artwork and share my vision and process with others. It inspired me to create art with a broad reach to general audiences, instead of just being personal. I was also able to meet with local professional artists, including some who graduated from RISD, and this experience will undoubtedly benefit me in college and beyond.

Oh, what a night!

On March 11, the Annie Wright Schools community gathered to “crab” their paddles for an unforgettable event. We are so grateful to all who planned, attended, supported, and danced the night away with us during the biggest Gator Gala yet! Endless thanks to auction chair Brenda Sanders and our incredible auction committee, as well as all of our sponsors.

RAISED FOR

FUND -ANEED!

total raised (NOT INCLUDING FUND-A-NEED)

NEXT YEAR’S GATOR GALA CO-CHAIRS

SHELLY ABELLA DAVIS & ALANA ZAUTNER INVITE YOU TO PLEASE

PRESERVING THE PAST, SHAPING THE FUTURE

ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

One of the areas of focus determined by our DEI Working Group is to better understand our Schools’ history. The subcommittee charged with this work recommended that we hire an in-house archivist, and this fall, we welcomed current AWS parent and archivist Laura Edgar to spearhead the mission of preserving, honoring, and understanding our past. Over the past year, Laura bravely embarked on this monumental project, sifting through endless amounts of records, documents, photographs, and ephemera—and carefully unfolding the rich layers of our history that define who we are today. Shown here is one of Laura’s most recent findings, from the Fall 1957 issue of Alumnae News. It is about an archiving project that AWS undertook in preparation for our 75th Anniversary. The article mentions that “the accumulation of documents, programs, pictures, and data concerning the school and its history had become quite out of hand…” and they hired a former teacher to organize the materials. Sixty-six years later, we certainly need more than just one additional cabinet!

We are so grateful for the tireless efforts Laura has poured into meticulously researching, organizing, and preserving the artifacts that represent, in the words of the article, “all the things that put flesh on the skeleton of years.” Fortunately, she has agreed to extend her term with us for another year, and we eagerly anticipate the discoveries yet to come. As we venture further into the depths of our history, we forge a stronger connection between past and present, ensuring that Annie Wright Schools’ legacy remains cherished and celebrated as we move with strength into the future. The spread on the next page highlights a collection of archival findings from the past year; each item is listed below. If you have any materials to donate or can provide additional information about any of these items, please reach out to Laura Edgar at laura_edgar@aw.org.

1. Wooden dumbbell used by students in the gymnasium in the early 1900s.

2. Gold Team beanie, donated by the family of Elizabeth Joan Wilson, Class of 1953. The Blue and Gold intramural teams were established in 1925 and competed against each other throughout the year in sports such as basketball, archery, skiing, swimming, and volleyball. The competition culminated in the annual Field Day competition. The intramural teams were phased out in the mid-1980s in favor of interscholastic sports.

3. News clipping showing first advertisement for the Annie Wright Seminary, 1884. The advertisement states, “This new and commodious building will be open for the Christmas term of school on Thursday, September 4, 1884.” The address is listed as New Tacoma, Washington Territory.

4. Annie Wright Seminary patch

5. Junior Promenade dance card, 1953

6. Athletic Association Banquet program, 1952

7. Two AWS logo pins and a napkin ring

8. AWS Class of 1938 patch

9. Christmas Card, 1986

10. Class of 1924 basketball team, Field Day, circa 1920

11. The Ladder. This metal ladder covered in ribbons was given by Dorothy McWatters in 1918. It was awarded during Field Day to the class who won the “ladder tournaments,” which took place throughout the year and included sports such as badminton, bowling, and tennis. The ribbons attached to the ladder date from 1918 to 1925.

12. Postcard showing the first school building at 611 Division Ave. The school was located here for 40 years, from 1884 to 1924, before moving to its present location.

13. Pamphlet advertising the school, undated. It emphasizes the rigorous academic program and the opportunities for sport and outdoor activities.

14. May Day program, 1990

15. Annie Wright School logo in blue ink on yellow paper, c. 1970

16. Red metal shovel, 1957. These small red shovels were given to faculty, staff, and students who used them during the groundbreaking celebration for the new Ruth Jenkins wing in 1957.

17. Seminary Athletic Council Banquet program, 1970

18. Regulations for Dress pamphlet, c. 1935. This pamphlet lists the clothing and other items that Upper School students were required to have, including the school uniform, gym clothes, “street” wear for weekend outings, and dresses for dinner.

19. Athletic Association banquet program, 1955

20. May Day invitation, 1963

21. Four pins including a gold wreath (perhaps given to complement the Wreath Award), a blue and gold pennant that says “Spirit,” a 125th Anniversary pin, and an AWS logo pin.

22. Masque Players program, “Our Town,” 1956. The Masque Players were an Upper School theater group. Their first performance was for the school’s 50th Anniversary in 1934. A theater group still exists in the Upper School, although it appears that the name Masque Players was dropped in 2015.

23. May Day program, 2013

24. Postcard showing current school building, undated

25. Junior Promenade dance card, 1932

26. “Happiness is being an Annie,” by the Class of 1967. This illustrated booklet contains things that made our Annies happy in the late 1960s, including “getting away with no nylons at dinner,” “a graham cracker at milk lunch,” “new ivy leaves in spring,” and “Friday at 3:05 PM.”

27. May Day, 1919. Margaret Grimes was crowned May Queen in this annual tradition dating back to 1912.

28. Hyak, December 1912. Hyak was the school’s first student publication. The issues in the archives date from 1902 to 1913. It was a literary magazine and student newspaper published several times a year by the junior class.

See key on previous page

Bishop Paddock Award

The Bishop Paddock Award honors members of the Annie Wright Schools community who have given time, service and support for the greater good of Annie Wright Schools through outstanding leadership and commitment to our mission.

Annie Wright Schools could not have been more honored to award the 2023 Bishop Paddock , surrounded by classmates, Trustees, fellow donors and friends. Sally has given generously of her time, expertise and resources. Among her extensive contributions to our school community, Sally has established The Sally Atherton, PhD ’66 Chair of Biological Sciences through her membership in Heritage Society and is entering her seventh year on the Board of Trustees as the Board Secretary. Making multiple cross-country trips annually from her home on St. Helena Island in South Carolina, Sally holds the undisputed title for hours given in service to the Board, and the school is stronger for it. Please join us in acknowledging Sally for all the many ways she has helped her alma mater

Christian G. Sullivan Strength in Leadership Award

The Christian G. Sullivan Strength in Leadership Award is given bi-annually to a member of the community whose leadership has actively enhanced the mission of the schools, and demonstrably advanced the institution from strength to strength. Key characteristics of the award recipient include vision, creativity, accountability, intellectual curiosity and decisiveness in matters familiar and challenging. This year, we are honored to present two recipients with this award.

Two years ago we set about licensing our Early Childhood program, and we needed someone who was organized and flexible, direct and empathetic, and who, above all, had a deep knowledge of Preschool students. Fortunately for us, that unicorn was on our team. From the get go, Adrienne Peterson never wavered, never balked, never did anything other than figure out how to make it happen. The work was immense and stressful and confusing and flawlessly executed.

As we worked to best support our students’ mental health in the wake of COVID-19, we realized it was incredibly difficult for students to receive ongoing counseling, as such appointments often took months to book. And so under the leadership of Matina Hawkins, we got creative. Matina identified a local counseling group and worked to negotiate a partnership that ensured our students could have access to counseling support both on an immediate and ongoing basis. With a rare blend of strategic thinking, business acumen, and bottomless empathy, Matina has made this partnership a resounding success.

Beverley Brown Excellence in Teaching Award

Named for iconic art teacher Beverley Brown, the Beverley Brown Excellence in Teaching Award is given to the faculty member who most successfully challenges, motivates, and supports students.

For the last 18 years, a gentle force of nature has existed within our Upper School math department, one that has pushed and challenged students to reach mathematical heights they never dreamed possible. That force is Troy Droubay, who has helped countless students— particularly young women—believe that they can be successful in STEM-related majors and careers. His care and conviction for students is without limits, as is his ability to form meaningful and lasting relationships. For all of the ways that he has helped guide, mentor, and teach our students, we were proud to present him with the Beverley Brown Excellence in Teaching Award.

Alana Zautner

Alana is a program manager with the Federal Aviation Administration. A prior U.S. Air Force Air Traffic Controller, she received her BA from the University of Washington, her MSc. from the University of Oxford, and MSc. from EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University. She and her husband, Jared Zautner, currently have three children at Annie Wright and are passionate about building and engaging communities. An avid soccer player, rower and sailor, you’ll find Alana and family enjoying the beautiful outdoors & Puget Sound most days.

Thomas Baker

Thomas Baker, Ph.D. mathematician, was the Operations Research Coordinator for Exxon before starting Chesapeake Decision Sciences, a successful software/consulting company in the supply chain arena. Upon the sale of Chesapeake, Tom established a charitable foundation focused on providing funding and counseling for inner city students wishing to enter college-track programs. An avid sailor, Tom has logged 60,000 miles. Tom’s daughter, Josephine, is a rising Grade 9 student at Annie Wright.

C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser

CC began her career in the tech sector, later transitioning to non-profit work to better fulfill her purpose and passion. CC moved from working in nonprofits to the funding side to increase her impact and is now entrenched in the philanthropic sector. CC was the first Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives at Satterberg Foundation, whose mission focuses on promoting a just society and sustainable environment. In 2021, CC left Satterberg Foundation and started Black Ivy Collective, which provides consulting services in the philanthropic sector and provides healing spaces for Black scholars, artists, and social justice advocates in the community. CC has always enjoyed showing up at school and embarrassing her kids, while serving and contributing to the school community in the process. She has served on the boards of Giddens School and The Bush School. Seeing our children thrive in schools ignites a passion in CC to serve. She's seen that first hand at Annie Wright with her daughter, Christian. CC's other board service includes Andrus Family Fund, Charlotte Martin Foundation, EPIP (Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy), and Grist. As the parent of a boarder, CC looks forward to getting more involved and spending more time on campus!

THANK YOU!

We are grateful for the service and dedication of our departing Trustees.

John Parrot, former Board Chair, served for 11 years. Stephanie Cook ’88 served for 7 years.

Dr. H. Patricia “Patty” Feddersen ’44

Hi, I am writing this note on behalf of my 96 year old mother! Patty has been living at North Hill (an independent living facility) in Needham, Massachusetts for the last ten years and is enjoying it very much. Her activities include teaching others there to read, write and enjoy poetry. Prior to Needham, Patty was living in Brookline, Massachusetts for 50 years while she enjoyed a teaching career at the Arlington School in Belmont, Massachusetts. Patty says: “Massachusetts seems far away from Annie Wright, but I think of it often. I have many happy memories of life at Annie Wright. I want to wish you all well for the coming year!”

We are sorry to share that Patty has since passed, and we are grateful to know that she lived such a full and joyful life into her 97th year.

Betty Lou (Ervin) Broderick ’53

Betty Lou shared a couple of meals and lots of laughter with Director of Development Grace Finch in Anchorage this spring. The visit was just a couple of weeks after the Coronation of Prince Charles III, providing a fun opportunity to share memories of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which took place while Betty Lou was a boarding student. She recalls all the boarding students gathering around a radio in the Great Hall with Head of School Ruth Jenkins to listen to the historic event.

Pictured with Grace Finch, Director of Development.

Patricia (Pierce) Layden ’57

Old Annies on Zoom! Pictured: Ellen Pearson Redfield ’57, Patricia Pierce Layden ’57, Cordie Hartwell Putkammer ’57 and Marylin Carlsmith ’57.

Karen (Warren) Wickstrand ’60

Dear Classmates, Pete and I moved to a lovely retirement home named Parkshore last May 9.

Our 1st year anniversary is coming right up. We are very pleased with our apartment and others in the building—several who are old friends.

We are off to California this weekend for about a month to visit our sons and their wives and watch our grandchildren play volleyball and lacrosse and ride horses! Love to hear from you.

Margund (Primus) Haskell ’61

Gundl shared that she is looking forward to a beautiful Sun Valley summer that includes lots of golf and patio dining. She reminisced about her days at Annie Wright over lunch with Director of Development Grace Finch. Like so many, Gundl recalled the many ways that “Ms. Jenkins” shaped her experience as she lovingly held students to an incredibly high standard.

Dr. Marie (Dodge) Eaton ’64

Recently I published an article in Newsweek and participated in an NPR podcast about my family’s experience with NonOrganic Reduction (also known as “Human Composting”).

Hurlaine (Johnson) Hamilton ’69

Hurley brought some surprises to dinner with Director of Development Grace Finch in Ketchum this May. Over a delicious Peruvian meal, Hurley showed off the small red shovel she had used to help break ground on the Annie Wright library in the 1950s. She was one of many Lower School students who had the honor of helping kick off the construction project. She also shared a beautiful map of Tacoma, W.T. (Washington Territory) as it existed in 1884 when AWS was founded. In addition to other key landmarks, the original school building is included. Hurley and Grace were joined by Hurley’s sister Julie, who also attended Annie Wright briefly. Pictured left to right: Hurlaine (Johnson) Hamilton ’69, Grace Finch, Director of Development, and Julie Johnson.

Laurie (Sass) Rossman ’73, Louisa “Lisa” Bean ’73, Laurie (Bennett) Soderholm ’73

Laurie (Sass) Rossman ’73 called recently to share that her classmate, Louisa “Lisa” Bean ’73 passed away on March 12 in Canby, OR.

She also shared that she recently received a card in the mail from Laurie (Bennett) Soderholm ’73, who had seen her name somewhere and looked her up. They had not been in contact since they were 21 years old but have been back and forth by email multiple times since that initial contact. She is also curious about other classmates from 1973, and hopes to hear from them!

Leslie (Smalling) Fenrick ’83

After moving back to the Pacific Northwest from Nevada, Leslie made her first trip back to campus in many years. Grandmothers on both sides of her family attended Annie Wright—Helen K. Williams ’28 and Dorothy (Havens) Smalling ’30— so her history with the school runs deep.

Regan (Armstrong) Lamb ’92

Regan added a trip to Annie Wright Schools onto the end of a family vacation on the Oregon Coast to share the place that has such a critical place in her story. In addition to the pivotal years Regan spent as an Annie Wright student, our beautiful campus was also the location where Regan’s husband proposed marriage!

'My Brother Didn't Want a Burial. He Just Wanted to Put His Body to Good Use.'

Newsweek

Rameswaram, S., & King, N. (Hosts). (2023, Jan 17). Compost Yourself. In Today, Explained. Vox Media, Inc.

Shawna (Krantz) Poliquin ’93 & Ramona “Mona” (Dunbar) Smart ’93

Shawna and Ramona spent a few hours reminiscing about their days at Annie Wright over dinner with Director of Development Grace Finch in Los Angeles this April. In addition to describing “Yellow Meal” and building a mental picture of the campus they remember, they shared that their families had recently celebrated Easter together with a huge egg hunt planned and executed by Ramona. The evening included lots of laughter and a beautiful view of the city they now call home.

Rebecca “Becky” Kirkpatrick ’97

After almost a lifetime in the PNW, my wife, Cara, and our son, William (b. August 2022), will be moving to the Midwest. I am taking a new position as the Associate Rector for Children and Families at Trinity Episcopal Church and School Chaplain at Saint Richard’s Episcopal School in Indianapolis. We would love to hear from fellow Annies in the area.

Philomena Bradford ’09

My husband and I are moving to the East Bay area in May for work. I’d be happy to reconnect with other alumni living there. Pictured: Philomena's recent ceramic artwork.

Leslie Bauska ’13 and Taylor Murrey ’09MS

Former classmates Leslie and Taylor are excited to share that as of this past February, they are engaged! Both homeowners in their own right, they currently reside with their two cats in Tacoma, WA, within just a stone’s throw of several of their fellow Yellow Ties. Leslie is working as an executive graphic designer, and Taylor recently became a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. The pair plan to be married in August 2023. Congratulations to this match made in AWS heaven!

Molly Bryant ’18

Molly is thrilled to announce that she has accepted a new role as a Content Producer with the Puyallup Tribal Communications Department. She shared that she is excited to be a part of their team creating content for the Tribal News. Molly will also begin graduate school at the University of Washington.

Nina Ye ’20 & Allison Fitz ’19

Allison and Nina spent a morning sharing updates and touring the Pomona campus with Director of Development Grace Finch this April. Nina took the lead when it came to highlighting the athletic facilities and spaces where she spends extended hours as a member of the Pomona-Pitzer tennis team. Allison introduced Nina and Grace to hidden gems on campus, including the organic farm. Both Annie Wright alumnae were excited to share about their experience and confidently reported that they definitely ended up in the right place for college. They invite other alumni to visit them and apply to the 5 Cs!

Nina Doody ’20 & Terah Gruber ’21

Nina and Terah met up with students on this year’s Yearbook (s)Elective trip in San Diego for fried chicken and updates this April. They had lots of questions about faculty, friends and their alma mater. Both Nina and Terah are thriving in college. Pictured with AWS yearbook (s)Elective.

YoonSurp “Sean” Lee ’22, Jessy Li ’20 & Hannah Song ’21

Sean, Jessy and Hannah met up with Director of Development Grace Finch at UCLA in April. They were all smiles in the California sunshine as they shared updates. All three are thriving in college and credited teachers like Mr. Droubay with their success and smooth transitions. Pictured left to right: Hannah Song ’21, Jessy Li ’20 & YoonSurp "Sean" Lee ’22.

Anna Parrott ’22

Anna is thriving at Pomona College and enjoying opportunities to hike and explore through student programs. She loves the scale of her college campus and the way she has quickly developed connections and friendships in her first year.

To submit a Class Note of your own, please email Lindsey Joyce at lindsey_joyce@aw.org.

We cannot wait to welcome you home for Alumni Weekend 2023. Join us for tours of your alma mater, class-specific activities, and social gatherings that will allow you to reconnect with your former classmates and make new memories. While we welcome all alumni, we particularly encourage the 10th reunion Class of ’13, the 25th reunion Class of ’98, the 50th reunion Class of ’73, and the 60th reunion Class of ’63 to join us.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

2:00 pm Registration Opens

2:45 pm Professional Panels

4:30 pm Alumni Cocktail Party

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

10:00 am Alumni Chapel

11:00 am Alumni Champagne Brunch

12:00 pm Tours & Class Photos

We love welcoming alumni back to campus for all of our community-wide events! Sing with us at Lessons & Carols, celebrate with us at May Day, raise a paddle at Gala, or come spectate at one of our countless arts showcases and athletics events. Upcoming events are listed at aw.org/alumni-events. See you soon!

Not able to make it to Tacoma? Email Lindsey Joyce at lindsey_joyce@aw.org for help contacting classmates or planning a class reunion in your area!

EXPERIENCE

my Annie Wright

CTONIA FONT

IN MEMORIAM

With strength in our hearts, we remember those we have lost from the Annie Wright Schools community.

Shirley (Robbins) Baskin Familian ’38

Dr. H. Patricia "Patty" Feddersen ’44

Helen (Murrow) Best ’48

Rosalie (Rankin) Fonda ’48

Elizabeth (Ayrault) Moses ’48

Grace (Rexroth) Seaman ’48

Janice Merrill Kelley Winemiller, Alumni Associate, 1950s

Sheahan (Glaspie) McGavin ’58

Louisa Baldwin Bean ’73

Pamela Allen ’78

Ellen Morford Fisher, former faculty

Chandler O’Leary, parent, faculty spouse, Annie Wright Artist Fellow

Senior Leadership Team

Jake Guadnola ’90MS, Head of Schools

Sandra Forero Bush, Assistant Head of Schools

Jeff Barber, Director of Residential Life

Rex Bates, Director of International Advancement

Eireann Corrigan, Director of Upper School for Girls

Ann Dicks, Director of Lower School

Grace Finch, Director of Development

Mike Finch, Director of Athletics

Annie Green, Director of Arts

Alicia Mathurin, Director of Community Engagement

Jeremy Stubbs, Director of Upper School for Boys

Clare Wagstaff-Brown, Director of Middle School

Jean Webber, Director of Finance and Operations

Board of Trustees

David Overton, Chair

Janelle Guirguis-Blake, Vice Chair

Sally (Peterson) Atherton ’66, Secretary

Kevin Sanders, Treasurer

Jim Defebaugh, Past Chair

Diane Bai

Thomas Baker

Medina Broadenax

Tenley Cederstrand

Jeffrey Davis

Bill Driscoll

C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser

Jason Griffiths

Manuel La Rosa

Martha Lantz

Damani Leech ‘90MS

Marjorie Oda-Burns ‘66

Brian Prior

Merritt (Klarsch) Pulliam ’92

Editor

Quinci Adams ’09MS

Graphic Designer

Lillian Austin

Photographer

Lisa Blackmore

Submissions

Contributors

Alec Beck ’23

Sabastian Bush ’23

Sandra Forero Bush

Adia Carei ’23

Laura Edgar

Grace Finch

Erin Gann

Nadine Gibson ’23

Jake Guadnola ’90MS

Scottie Hill

Dubois Hines

Monica Huggins

Lindsey Joyce

Emily Leise ’23

Shelli Strate

Shiyang (Angela) Wang ’23

Strength is published by Annie Wright Schools’ marketing and communications office. Story suggestions, articles and photos are always welcome by submitting to communications@aw.org. Alumni may submit class notes and photos at aw.org/connect or alumni@aw.org.

Alana Zautner 827 North Tacoma Avenue Tacoma, Washington 98403

Monica Torrez-Pfister

P: 253.272.2216 | aw.org

Artwork by Chandler O'Leary

By Adia Carei ’23

Yesterday

Yesterday we could count to ten

We were convinced that colored sticky notes had their own flavors

We ran around in untied shoes that were perpetually filled with wood chips

Our pants always had at least two holes in the knees and at least one of our socks was either lacking or mismatched

Yesterday we learned our primary colors

We painted a picture with them, one that might still even be on the fridge

We lost our first tooth and placed it carefully under our pillow

Yesterday is both close and far away

Today

Well today we can definitely still count to ten, even past that

Today we take our first steps out of Annie Wright and watch our newest class take their first steps in

Some of us are just being given our house color while some of us are just giving it back to those same tiny hands and untied shoes, to those same little smiles and dimpled cheeks

We are both taking our first steps just in different directions

Where some of us once stood, having those ribbons tied around our necks, we take them off and this time, we do the tying

Today is neither far nor near, today we are finally here

Tomorrow

Well that’s… that’s somethin’, isn’t it

Tomorrow there’s another sunrise and sunset, nothing out of the ordinary, or perhaps it’s extraordinary

To simply be alive for tomorrow is a miracle beyond description.

Tomorrow and the many, many tomorrows after, we will become more and more of ourselves

We will raise our pencils and pens that may very well write our own tomorrows, our voices that can bellow like the howling wind or whisper like a gentle breeze, our fists to the sky that serve as a reminder of how much stronger we are united than we are divided, and our hopes so that the same fire that burns in us, can kindle in those who need a spark