Strength | Summer 2022 by Annie Wright Schools

The Magazine of Annie Wright Schools | Summer 2022

STRENGTH

Celebrating Community

CONTENTS | SUMMER 2022

2 8 18

Red Ties ’22

May Day

Alumni Weekend

4 10 19

Spring at AWS

Red Ties On Their Way In Memoriam

6 12 19

Tacoma Scholars

Awards

Building Improvements Coming to AWS

7 13 21

Welcome New Trustees Class Notes

Red Tie Endowment

from the

HEAD OF SCHOOLS Dear Annie Wright Community, Nearly 20 years ago, the Board of Trustees minted the mission statement that guides us to this day. There is much to celebrate in this statement, but what I’ve found most compelling is the sentence’s subject: “Annie Wright’s strong community…”. Our strong community is the actor. The Board believed then, as it does now, that without a strong community, our ability to “cultivate individual learners…” is limited. It is mission critical, then, that we ensure AWS has a strong community. How do we do this?

“

another. COVID-19 made this significantly more complicated. Limited building access understandably hindered parents’ ability to build rapport, particularly between Lower School teachers and parents. We believe that a fully open campus will return those relationships. We also believe that the new MS and US social opportunities launched this year will continue to provide parents the chance to get to know one another better—there is nothing quite like commiserating with fellow parents about the “joys” of raising adolescents.

…we recognize that parents are integral to our strong community and that their strength is borne from time together.

”

Simply put, we recognize that parents are integral to our strong community and that their strength is borne from time together. Alicia Mathurin, Director of Community Engagement, and the entire AWS team remain committed to ensuring these social opportunities abound across divisions. There is no doubt: We are stronger together. So let’s cheer

The first way is by ensuring we remain a student-centered

together at the next “Game of the Month.” Let’s raise a

institution, one where the adults unite around a singular

glass together at Alumni Weekend. Let’s celebrate together

focus: knowing our students. By knowing our students, we

at the next US Art Laureate showcase. Let’s laugh together

make sure each learner is challenged but not overwhelmed.

at the next MS Dance Parent Social. Let’s dance together at

We identify behaviors out-of-the-norm for that student;

the next Gator Gala. In each of these moments, we deepen

engage in authentic, honest dialogue; and work to provide

our relationships with each other and increase our collective

emotionally resonant support. We speak with knowledge

ability to enhance the experience of students. Parents,

to parents about their student’s areas of strength and

faculty, staff, Trustees, alumni, and students: together, we

growth, working together to ensure each student realizes

form the strong community that drives forward the School’s

their full potential. Of the 400 parents who completed the

mission statement. Together.

satisfaction survey in May, an incredible 97% reported that AWS knew their student. This percentage demonstrates that

Sincerely,

the strong community of AWS faculty and staff is achieving its primary goal. The second way is by ensuring parents feel fully a part of this community through their ability to develop meaningful relationships with teachers, administrators, and one

Jake Guadnola ’90MS Head of Schools 1

2022

Red Tie Grads

‘

Red Ties, I charge you to embrace the rhythm of your life to come. Keep following your hearts and caring for each other. May all you carry in yourselves continue to frolic. —EIREANN CORRIGAN, Director of Upper School for Girls

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‘

Do not give up in the face of one failure. Pick yourself up and renew for yourself what is possible and try again tomorrow. All you ever have in life is this one moment right now; nothing else is guaranteed. —JEREMY STUBBS, Director of Upper School for Boys

Spring at AWS

US students organized our first BIPOC Market, featuring Black, Indigenous & People of Colorowned businesses and vendors.

From fun festivities to academic milestones and accomplishments, the spring season at Annie Wright is always a busy one. This year, we were excited to bring back familiar traditions and celebrations—as well as introduce some new ones! 4

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After a two-year pause, MS students embarked once again on their spring Journeys to California, the Southwest and Florida.

LS & MS resumed in-person talent shows & field days. 5

Strategic Plan UPDATE Our work toward the new strategic plan took off this year, guided by a passionate team of AWS community members. Three working groups comprised of AWS faculty & staff were created to lay the groundwork, articulate a mission, gather data, and form subcommittees to address the needs revealed by that data.

First cohort of Tacoma Scholars, Class of 2025

Our first cohort of eight Tacoma Scholars completed their first year at AWS! Here’s what the Scholars and their families had to say about their experience and the value of this program: “I was able to bond with people who I never thought I would even talk to! I’ve made so many friends who relate to me and… just understand me as a person.”—STUDENT “My student's hunger and thirst for academic achievement has increased, as well as her work ethic. I can now see her beginning to dream the dreams that I have dreamed for her.” —PARENT “It’s a positive community with kids thriving and doing what they truly love and is a space to express themselves with others.” —STUDENT “I came to the United States so my kids can have the right to study and have a better future, and I thank you… for giving my daughter the opportunity to have a better future for herself.” —PARENT “People should invest in the next group of Tacoma Scholars because it gives them more opportunities, a chance to explore something new, with people and their education.” —STUDENT To learn more about the Tacoma Scholars program or to help fund future Scholars, visit aw.org/tacoma-scholars.

It is the goal of these subcommittees—which are open to faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and even students when appropriate—to ultimately deliver measurable outcomes. Watch for a share-out this fall revealing those results in addition to next year’s undertakings as we make progress toward our strategic goals. Learn more about our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan and see the latest updates at aw.org/strategic-plan.

STRATEGIC 5 INITIATIVES

3 WORKING GROUPS SCHOOL & CULTURE

DEI

WELLNESS

8 SUBCOMMITTEES Subcommittee Participation

Active Parents & Students

Faculty & Staff

Community Voices Contributing Across Constituencies

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Welcome New Trustees Medina Broadenax

Medina is a CPA with over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, and audit. After several years at Deloitte, Medina transitioned into the health-care industry and is the VP of Finance at Thriveworks, a behavioral health organization. She is passionate about inclusion and equity and has supported DEI work throughout her career from leading bias mitigation trainings to serving as a mentor for young professionals. Medina is an ardent supporter of Annie Wright’s mission of cultivating responsible global citizens and looks forward to serving on the Board’s Philanthropy and Community Engagement Committee. She has a daughter, Kaydee ’29, and credits Annie Wright with fostering an environment that inspires Kaydee to achieve her fullest potential.

Jason Griffiths

Jason joined the Annie Wright Schools Board of Trustees in 2022. He has worked exclusively in entrepreneurial educational organizations since 2006 and currently serves as an advisor to Great Minds, a rapidly growing organization that provides high quality instructional materials for K-8 schools. Jason's wife, Christy, is a proud graduate of Annie Wright. Having developed a strong affinity for Annie Wright since first stepping onto the campus over 20 years ago, Jason serves on the governance committee.

Thank You!

In deep gratitude, we honor our departing Trustees for their work and contribution to Annie Wright Schools!

William L. Driscoll William (Bill) is Chairman and CEO of Clearwater Management Company, managing partner of Lincoln Park Partners and president of Tacoma Venture Fund. He currently serves on the board of PotlatchDeltic (NASDAQ). A Marine Corps veteran, Bill also serves on the boards at Topia Technology, StratusCore and Gestalt Diagnostics, and is a member of the Investment Committee at Annie Wright Schools. Bill is an AWS parent of two current students: John Saul ’27 and Anna ’30. His wife, Lisa Hoffman, is a departing AWS Trustee who is currently a professor at the University of Washington Tacoma.

Left to right: Michele Cannon Bessler (7 years), Lisa Hoffman (6 years), Aliya Merali Virani (6 years), not pictured: Laura Edman (7 years)

May Day

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Boston University

St. Olaf College

California Institute of the Arts

Suffolk University

Carnegie Mellon University

Syracuse University

College of Charleston

Trinity College

Cornish College of the Arts

University of Alabama

Drexel University

University of Arizona

Georgia Institute of Technology (Main Campus)

University of British Columbia

Johns Hopkins University Loyola Marymount University

University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign

Loyola University Chicago

University of Iowa

Medaille College

University of Puget Sound

New York University

University of Rochester

Pacific Lutheran University

University of San Francisco

Pitzer College

University of Southern California

Pomona College

University of Washington (Bothell Campus)

Rice University RMIT University (Australia) Rochester Institute of Technology San Diego State University Scripps College Seattle University

University of California (Los Angeles)

Annie Wrigh Red Ties British Columbia 2022 WA

University of Washington (Seattle Campus) Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis Western Washington University

applications per student, on average

National Merit Finalist

students (34 USG & 16 USB students)

submitted

569

MERIT SCHOLAR

acceptances to

different arts schools 10

acceptances to

different women’s universities

THE MAGAZINE OF ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS

recruited Division 1 athlete

individual applications to

199

different colleges and universities

recruited Division 3 athlete

acceptances to

different international universities

ht Schools s 2

On Their Way! Across the U.S. and Beyond MN

MA CT

PA IL MO

Australia 11

AWARDS

Honoring Leadership & Excellence

BISHOP PADDOCK AWARD Lynne &John Parrott

Trustees and donors gathered in the Great Hall on Thursday, May 19 to celebrate philanthropy and leadership and to recognize Bishop Paddock Award recipients Lynne and John Parrott. 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. In over fifteen years as Annie Wright parents, Lynne and John have given of their time, talent and treasure in countless ways. From John’s three terms as a Trustee to Lynne’s leadership of AWSPA, the Gator Gala Planning Committee and From Strength to Strength Campaign Steering Committee—not to mention their personal generosity, Lynne and John have created a tremendous legacy and join a distinguished list of past Bishop Paddock Award recipients.

Bishop Paddock Award recipients Lynne and John Parrott.

L.T. MURRAY FAMILY CHAIR FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD PAULA COUMOU

The L.T. Murray Family Chair for Excellence is awarded to a faculty or staff member who has provided distinguished service to AWS, involved themselves beyond the school in ways that promote the goals and philosophy of AWS, and demonstrated excellence in academics that encourage global understanding. With COVID-19 leaving so many uncertain and anxious, the AWS community needed strength, confidence, and above all, care. They found this in Nurse Paula. Her compassionate tending of the AWS flock was unrivaled, and we owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude.

BEVERLEY BROWN EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD JAMIE PARROTT

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. Within an incredibly strong faculty, Jamie Parrott stood out for her unwavering commitment to know and lift each of her Grade 5 students. She challenged them to not only reach their full potential but to understand who they are and who they want to be.

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ALUMNI NEWS

notes

and notes on classmates with whom they have maintained contact and were glad to hear updates on the current strength of their alma mater.

Delinda (McCormick) Mix ’50 Head of Schools Jake Guadnola exchanged updates with Delinda over lunch in May. Delinda continues to lead a full and busy life with family and friends in Beaufort, SC and shared history and stories from her family's time in Tacoma.

Betty Lou (Ervin) Broderick ’57 Betty Lou, always up for an adventure, took a trip up the gondola at the Alyeska resort with Director of Development Grace Finch. The two enjoyed the view and fresh air from the top of the mountain before returning to Anchorage.

Left to right: Gay (Thomson) Fruehling ’61, Christina “Nina” (Engl) Carroll ’60 & Margund (Primus) Haskell ’61

Marie (Dodge) Eaton ’64 During these past two years, I have been exploring the world of poetry as a creative outlet to keep me sane during COVID isolation. I have published three small volumes and am excited to share them. More information about how to purchase these books at www.motherlodemusic.com. FOLLOWING THE LINE Grace Finch & Betty Lou Broderick ’57

Susan (Rooney) Baldwin ’59 Our class has been meeting monthly by Zoom ever since September of 2020 during the height of COVID. Robin Ripley ’59 is our Zoom master and is savvy about such things. It's lots of fun, and many of us have come to look forward to it, sharing our ongoing current lives and adventures monthly with one another! Susan (Johnson) Scherer ’59 joins us from her home in Bali. We are all spread out. We never know who will surprise us and appear.

Gay (Thomson) Fruehling ’61, Christina “Nina” (Engl) Carroll ’60 & Margund (Primus) Haskell ’61 Gay, Nina and Gundl gathered for lunch at the Sun Valley Club with Director of Development Grace Finch to share stories and memories from their time at Annie Wright Schools. From train rides from Ketchum to Tacoma to the format and menu for meals in the dining hall, there was so much to reminisce about that lunch lasted three hours. They exchanged stories of thriving children and grandchildren

The poems in this volume were written between March 2020 and March 2022 as the brutal reality of the coronavirus pandemic became evident, and lockdown, masks, and that terribly ironic phrase ‘social distancing’ began to be markers of seclusion and isolation. Some of these poems address the emotional terrain of the pandemic, but others wandered down other paths, including family, politics, and the natural world. Each poem was sparked by a line offered as a prompt in an early morning writing collective. Although the borrowed line inspired each poem, both the direction traveled as the writer followed the inspiration of their line and the form of the poem were often radically different from the original author’s intent. WHAT FALLS AWAY IS ALWAYS

This collection of poems charts the journey through a year of loss and grief after my beloved brother’s tragic accident and subsequent death. Although the poems recount a deeply personal story, they also resonate with themes of the meaning of loss, love of family, and the paradox of what falls away and what survives after the death of a loved one. 13

LIQUID MOON

These poems were written for the Phoenix Chapbook Challenge over a 10 day period in January 2022 using the prompts: open door/new challenges, closed doors, empty cart, full cart, finding light, pruning the tree/letting go, tempering steel, endings/new beginnings, rising from the ashes.

she has any business going! She is enjoying time with family after being encouraged into retirement by her sons, one of whom has taken over operations of Thunder Paws, her downtown Ketchum business.

Nancy Schwabe-Wolf ’70 & Karen (Smith) DeBolt ’92 Nancy and Karen joined Head of Schools Jake Guadnola for dinner in Chicago, where they snapped this photo outside Wrigley Field.

Left to right: Carole Fuller ’66, Susan (Backus) Stoller ’66, Elizabeth Robertson ’66, & Melissa Haumerson ’66

Susan (Backus) Stoller ’66, Melissa Haumerson ’66, Elizabeth Robertson ’66 & Carole Fuller ’66 Members of the class of 1966 joined us for our Seattle Cocktail Party on May 24 to catch up and hear updates from Head of Schools Jake Guadnola. After a few years away from this annual event, it was wonderful to gather with these alumnae and others in celebration and support of their alma mater.

Left to right: Jake Guadnola, Nancy Schwabe-Wolf ’70 & Karen (Smith) DeBolt ’92

Janet Blair ’75 Pam Rubin ’79 and I caught up at WildFin in Ruston recently and had great connection, as if no time at all had passed. I encourage everyone—just make the date! Get together with your people! Make plans!

Sally (Peterson) Atherton ’66 Sally and her husband Bob hosted Head of Schools Jake Guadnola at their South Carolina home for a lovely spring visit.

Left to right: Jake Guadnola, Sally (Peterson) Atherton ’66 and Bob Atherton

Hurlaine "Hurley" (Johnson) Hamilton ’69 Hurley reports skiing 140 of 144 possible days this ski season! She is teaching her four year old grandson to navigate the mountains and, in her words, skiing much faster than Grace Finch & Hurley (Johnson) Hamilton ’69

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Left to right: Janet Blair ’75 and Pam Rubin ’79

Pam Rubin ’79 I recently visited the school, and I had a full tour with the very kind Grace Finch. I really appreciated being able to do that. For those interested in keeping up with my news, I have lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the last 37 years. I am a

feminist trauma therapist in private practice. After years of being a lawyer who evaluated justice programming from victims’ and women’s perspectives, I went back to school in my late 40s to become a therapist specifically for sexual violence survivors to get them direct support. I am also a feminist activist participating in things like Nova Scotia's Mass Casualty Commission addressing femicides and in the anti-prostitution equality movement challenging male entitlement to buy women and girls for sex. My longtime partner and I recently signed the lease on a small apartment in San Francisco so that we can spend more time with our daughter who lives there and works for the Natural Resources Defense Council. We plan on spending a few months a year there and hopefully I will be getting up to Tacoma more often! Jim Timson and Diane Soucey were good enough to meet up with me for breakfast one morning of my recent visit (at The Harvester!) and it was wonderful to see them.

Amy (Nyce) Wildt ’84 My middle daughter is going to be a freshman at Seattle University in the fall. I am so excited for her. My dad lives in a high rise within a short walk to the campus. I will be able to stay with him when I visit, so I hope to make more frequent trips to the area and more visits to Annie Wright!

Alisha Walker ’92 Miss all my blue tie family.

Adrienne (Ottum) Peterson ’04 3 kids 3 Supportive husband 3 Full-time job 3 Pandemic 3 Degree earned 3 University of Washington Tacoma M.Ed hooding ceremony!

Left to right: Rowan, Adrienne, Preston, Aubrey and Dan Peterson

Amy Anderson ’08 Amy, an AWS Lifer, recently bought her first house in Federal Way. She is tackling landscaping, painting and remodeling and is happy to no longer be living in small apartments. Amy worked for several years to save enough for a home with a large yard in an increasingly expensive King County housing market. She earned a degree in Environmental Engineering at Northern Arizona University in 2013, worked for the City of Tacoma Environmental Services Department and passed a national exam in 2018 to be a licensed Professional Civil Engineer. Amy is now working for a general contractor on a $12 million trail and utility enhancement construction project right next to Lake Sammamish.

Claire (Fransen) Cochran ’10 In Dallas, Texas, Claire Fransen ’10 married Alexander Cochran on June 18th, 2021. After her 2014 UPS graduation, Claire earned a Master’s Degree in Education with Honors and Certification in Academic Therapy from Southern Methodist University. In addition to being a Certified Academic Therapist, she is also a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist. Claire and her husband currently live in Houston and enjoy hosting dinner parties and running and cycling along the Bayou. She has completed several triathlons and half marathons. Claire operates her own business, Achievement Zone, LLC, where she provides therapy to children with learning disabilities and specializes in reading and writing. Her AWS foundation gave her strength. As Mr. Gardner said, “Once she found the road to learning, she learned how to learn!” Claire wants to thank Mr. Gardner and Mr. Hunt for guiding her on the road to learning. She can now help many other students like herself find the road to success. 15

Cassandra “Cassie” (Nagel) Chapa ’12

Virginia Miller ’17

Cassie is working as a surgical nurse and recently bought her first house.

Won the Pac-12 javelin championships this past May. Other notable accomplishments from her Stanford career: • All-American •6 th place at Olympic Trials • 4th best javelin throw in Stanford history

Jamie Farrow ’12 I bought my house here in Los Alamos, New Mexico where I work at Los Alamos National Laboratory doing Program Management for Plutonium Weapons Production. I have two dogs: Luna, a Blue Heeler who is 4 years old and Oppenheimer, a Border Collie Mix who just turned one!

Maria Peterson ’17 Jamie Farrow ’12, Oppenheimer and Luna

Elle Hansen '17 & Rachel Wasyluka, Alumni Associate Rex Bates, Director of International Advancement, had a chance meeting in Paris with Elle Hansen ’17 and Rachel Wasyluka, who attended AWS from 2011-2016.

Left to right: Rex Bates, Rachel Wasyluka & Elle Hansen

At College Possible, I work as a high school coach helping seniors from low income families through the college application process. I’ve worked closely with 40 students this year being able to guide them through the process, mentor them and give perspective on what college might be like for them. I’ve also through College Possible been able to provide exclusive scholarship opportunities. It’s been amazing to see my students advocate for themselves, make tough decisions and even make their dream decisions because of the support of College Possible. I chose this position because I wanted to do something to give back after I graduated from college and I’m very passionate about the equity gap in education.

Blair Li ’18 Blair has been accepted to a neurobiology PhD program at Northwestern.

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Nina Ye ’20

Alexandra Bessler ’20 I am a rising junior at Colby College, studying neuroscience and government. I am thrilled to announce I will be working outside San Francisco this summer at the County of Santa Clara Public Defender's Office. I will be working for clients affected by mental illness by preparing documents, conducting legal research, and preparing cases. I find that this opportunity intersects all of my deep interests including criminal justice, mental health awareness, neuroscience, rehabilitation efforts, and prison reform. Very excited to get started!

Nina Ye has been playing tennis at Pomona College since her freshman year. Over the past school year, she and her teammates have been keeping busy competing with different schools both nearby and up and down the West Coast. Most recently, Pomona College defeated their neighboring rivals Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Scripps College to become regular season SCIAC champions. Nina is excited to continue playing tennis and participating in matches with her fellow teammates over the rest of her college career.

Kayla Mathurin ’20 I am beyond excited to share that I am a recipient of the 2022 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and have been selected as a Rangel Scholar for the 2022 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program by the U.S. Department of State. Over this summer, I will have the opportunity to continue to improve my Mandarin language proficiency virtually at the Dalian University of Technology. Additionally, for six weeks over the summer, I will be taking courses on the History of U.S. Foreign Relations and Global Economics at Howard University in Washington D.C. while exploring career pathways in diplomacy and international affairs.

CHOOSE THE DESIGN &

Make it Yours!

To purchase visit https://bit.ly/3P0WQZT 17

Alumni Weekend 2022 September 23–24

my history my experience

my Annie Wright We are excited to welcome alumni from around the country and world to Alumni Weekend 2022. There will be opportunities to see firsthand your alma mater’s exciting changes, visit classrooms, join (s)Electives, attend athletics and arts events, and most importantly, connect with classmates and schoolmates from your Annie Wright days. While we welcome all alumni, we particularly encourage the 10th reunion Class of 2012, the 25th reunion Class of 1997, the 50th reunion Class of 1972 and all classes ending in 2 and 7 to join us.

Schedule Friday, September 23 1:00 pm 2:00 pm

4:30 pm

Young Alumni Care Packages & Note Writing Registration Opens (s)Electives/Clubs Athletics Campus Tours Cocktail Party on the Bamford Commons

Saturday, September 24 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:30 pm 1:00 pm

Alumni Chapel Champagne Brunch Class Photos Campus Tours

Hotel Options

Due to the impact the pandemic has had on the hospitality industry, there are currently no group rates available. We will communicate via email if one is secured. 1 Courtyard by Marriott Downtown 253.591.9100 | www.marriott.com/seatd Hotel Murano 2 253.238.8000 | hotelmuranotacoma.com 3 McMenamins Elks Temple 253.300.8777 | www.mcmenamins.com/elks-temple 4 Marriott Tacoma Downtown 253.294.9200 | www.marriott.com/seaom 5 Silver Cloud Inn—Tacoma Waterfront 253.272.1300 | www.silvercloud.com/tacoma ilver Cloud Hotel—Tacoma Point Ruston Waterfront 6 S 253.319.8600 | www.silvercloud.com/pointruston

int

De fia

Visit aw.org/alumni-weekend for schedule updates, class events and community engagement opportunities.

ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS

The More the Merrier!

Email Lindsey Joyce at lindsey_joyce@aw.org for help contacting classmates or planning a class reunion.

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2 1 4 16 5

THE MAGAZINE OF ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS

In Memoriam With strength in our hearts, we remember those we have lost from the Annie Wright Schools community. Marjorie (Fisher) Dugan ’45 Sally (Moffitt) Kennedy ’49 Jacqueline C Blaney ’62 Elizabeth “Betty” Byrne Hancock, Alumni Associate, 1989—1991

Building Improvements Coming to AWS This summer, we will begin work on a project that seeks to both unify the Middle School and continue to lift up our arts program. Demolition will begin on the original AWS pool—built in 1932 and decommissioned several years ago—and its adjoining locker rooms. In the summer of 2023, the library hallway will be extended to the Middle School, converting the Little Gym into additional classrooms, offices and an enhanced Middle School lounge. The old pool and locker rooms will then transform into a dance studio, textile lab, recording studio, music room, and rehearsal theatre space. This project is a vital step in our fifth strand of the Strategic Plan: “Ensure the Thrivability of Annie Wright Schools,” which calls for AWS’ physical plant to meet the needs of its students. Be on the lookout for project updates when school resumes in the fall!

Senior Leadership Team

Editor

Graphic Designer

Jeff Barber, Director of Residential Life Rex Bates, Director of International Advancement Sandra Forero Bush, Assistant Head of Schools 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 Katica Green, Director of Arts Jake Guadnola ’90MS, Head of Schools 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 & Operations

Quinci Adams ’09MS

Barbie Pratt

Contributors

Photographers

Sandra Forero Bush Angela Ferguson Grace Finch Erin Gann Annie Green Jake Guadnola ’90MS Lindsey Joyce Mia Kao ’20 Alicia Mathurin Shelli Strate Kaitlin Tan ’20

Lisa Blackmore Oona Copperhill

Board of Trustees Jim Defebaugh, Chair David Overton, Vice Chair John Parrott, Treasurer Janelle Guirguis-Blake, Secretary Sally Atherton ‘66 Diane Bai Medina Broadenax Tenley Cederstrand Stephanie Cook ‘88 Jeff Davis Bill Driscoll

Misa Furumoto ‘92 Jason Griffiths Manny La Rosa Martha Lantz Damani Leech MS’90 Merritt Pulliam ‘92 Marjorie Oda-Burns ‘66 Kevin Sanders Monica Torrez-Pfister Alana Zautner (ex-officio) Bishop Brian Prior (ex-officio)

Submissions 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.

827 North Tacoma Avenue Tacoma, Washington 98403 P: 253.272.2216 | aw.org

From Red Ti

THE MAGAZINE OF ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS

ie to Red Tie GIFTING OF THE TIES

Graduating seniors pave the way for our newest cohort of Red Ties. The house color tradition serves to connect older and younger members of our community throughout their journey at AWS. The gifting of the ties honors our Kindergarten class as they officially enter the house color of the graduating senior class.

Welcome, Red Tie class of 2034! RED TIE ENDOWMENT

Within the Class of 2022, 60% of students received some form of financial assistance, totalling more than $337,000. The generosity of those who came before allowed AWS to assemble this remarkable group of Red Ties. In this spirit, we are proud to launch the Red Tie Scholarship. By crowdsourcing this scholarship every four years, we hope to eventually build an endowment exceeding $1,000,000. Your generosity allows us to ensure that future Red Ties the world over have the chance to experience the full Annie Wright Schools experience.

www.aw.org/give

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID TACOMA WA PERMIT #22

827 North Tacoma Avenue Tacoma, Washington 98403

SAVE THE DATE

Alumni Weekend 2022 September 23–24, 2022 my history my experience

my Annie Wright