Looking Back at Spring 2020

Upper school ceremony

At the end of the spring, the BFS community came together to celebrate our Class of 2020 in a myriad of ways, from featuring and profiling their achievements and accolades on social media, joining them in their jubilation as they learned of their respective college acceptances, to highlighting their transformative years at Brooklyn Friends leading up to their Commencement Ceremony. For our graduating seniors, many of whom started Brooklyn Friends in preschool, the Commencement Ceremony was bittersweet. The Class of 2020 is our largest graduating class of “Lifetime Friends” where their connections and friendships have helped shape who they are today. Each commencement speaker spoke from the heart, detailing what the BFS community has meant to them in their transformative years. Speakers Nicole Adriano, Otto Moran, and Anique Edwards were joined by a special performance from Francisco Verastegui on the flute.

Middle school ceremony

The Middle School Moving Up Ceremony kicked off with displays of student artwork from ceramics, wood, and paintings to stained glass art pieces. Showcasing the wide breadth of talent, the slideshow ended with artwork centered around civic engagement and social justice. In a powerful reading, Kallie W. shared her poem, “My People are Dying” alongside student speakers, Isaiah S., Talia K.L, Eli G, and Eden B. A common thread of social justice was highlighted throughout the speeches with the Class of 2024 imploring everyone to take action against injustices in our world. We were treated to a performance of “For Good” from the musical Wicked by BFS colleagues Janet Villas and Stephen Buck, and students Pearl W., Austin P, Anne A., and George A. Commencement MC and MS Dean of Students, Kathleen Clinchy, spotlighted three Merit Scholarship recipients, Isaiah S., George A., and Simone H.. Merit Scholarships are awarded every year to recipients who demonstrate strength and consistency in service, scholarship,

and behavior. Student Astrid M. led a Quaker applause to recognize BFS colleagues, which was followed by the official presentation of certificates from our colleague body.

Lower school Moving Up ceremony

In a touching LS Moving Up Ceremony, students prepared a beautiful performance of “Empire State of Mind” for families and friends. Coordinated by Piper Macleod and to honor retiring Head of Lower School, Jackie Condie, colleagues similarly prepared and performed, “Friendship Medley” with students, which was shown during the celebration. With joy and jubilation, Lower School families viewed slideshows and interviews In Their Own Words... Isaiah S., Class of 2024 “BFS has prepared us well with lessons in civil engagement and social justice, and most importantly, helping each individual student find their voice. Especially for me, as an African American male living in America, whose voice often goes unheard, so I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.

Now with our voices, we will become doers.” Talia K.L, Class of 2024 “We are dedicated to pursuing social change and justice. We feel that it is essential that in a ceremony focused on us, we mention issues that we

by their students giving advice to incoming 4th graders and sharing what they loved most about their Lower School years.

Preschool closing celebration

Maura Eden and Crissy Cáceres opened the celebration with a welcome to preschool families and students. Our Preschool 3s and 4s celebrated the close of the year in true preschool fashion full of song and joy. To spread joy, preschool students wore their classroom colors. Songs included, “This Little Light of Mine”, “I Will be Your Friend”, “I’m Glad I’m Me”, “Give Light”, and so much more. Sticking with tradition, Tony

Soll and Nancy Tanney led our sing-along with light and love.

have cared about since the beginning of our middle school journey. We will go into High School ready to take action and respond to the inequalities we see in the world.”

Eli G., Class of 2024 “Although this is far from the graduation we planned for us, I’m still so grateful to have spent the last 4 years of my life with all of you, being able to create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Eden B., Class of 2024 “BFS has successfully cultivated creativity, a desire for action, intelligence, opinions, identity, empathy, and friendship. BFS has fostered in us a commitment to find and nourish the light in every person regardless of and precisely because of their unique identity.”