Building a Legacy FROM BFS STUDENT TO BFS PARENT There are many ways BFS Alumni contribute to the life of the School – whether by volunteering, attending and participating in the many BFS traditions, or supporting the Annual Fund. Some alumni give the strongest of affirmations by choosing BFS for their own children! Here are interviews with eight alumni who are also, happily, BFS parents.
ANDREW GARRETT ‘80 PARENT OF OLIVIA ’19 AND ANDREW ‘20
What motivated you to choose BFS for your family? Bonnie and I live in Flemington, NJ, about five miles north of Ringoes, where we both grew up. For me, BFS was really the only choice. At the end of the day, it came down to transportation – my mom carted the four of us (Philip ‘68, Ashley ‘72 and Alison ‘75) back and forth for 19 years. Bonnie made the same commitment, which is going on 10 years. How many kids have the chance to go to school with a 44-acre playground and are allowed to get dirty? Both Olivia and Andrew have been able to experience many of the same things that I experienced, such as class plays, ghost walk, track and field day, and trips down to the Chincoteague Bay Field Station (Wallop’s in my day), etc. The School truly helps kids to become the best version of themselves.
Why do you serve on the BFS Board of Trustees? I was asked to do so by PTAC a few years ago. I felt that, because of the turnover with Heads and Interim Heads of School (there had been four, by that time), it was important to step up and help the School and the Meeting move forward and select a new HOS. My mom Barbara had served on the school committee for a number of years and I felt there was a legacy to carry on. As a School Board member, I was asked to be on the search committee. We were fortunate to have a number of experienced and highly qualified applicants. I want the School to thrive because of what it gave me as a student and parent, and what it’s given to Olivia and Andrew. TRACEY HANOVER WILLIAMS ‘89 PARENT OF EMMA ‘20
Why is it important to you to be actively involved at BFS? BFS needs each and every one of us. The community enriches the School and makes it a warm place to be. Every time I set foot on campus I feel lighter on my feet, relaxed 8
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SEEDLINGS
and comfortable. This is, and will always be, my home. Our daughter is about to graduate in the spring. It pulls deeply on my heartstrings to know I will not find her on campus. However, that will not stop me from coming back and continuing to care for this special place.
Why was BFS your choice for Emma? As a graduate of BFS, I always knew Emma would attend the school. Her experience there is one of the greatest gifts in life that I could give her. This school shapes you as a human being. When you leave BFS, the values and ideals remain with you for the rest of your life. I know when Emma embarks out into the world she will be prepared to face the challenges of life, because she will always have BFS in her heart. LEXI LOWE LOGAN ‘87 PARENT OF ROMAN ‘22
What are you most thankful for at BFS? I am most thankful that my son is able to express his artistic side in the BFS community. Having two parents who are artists, he feels free to be himself at home. But that’s never a guarantee that a child will be comfortable during school hours to be his or her true self. We have found the perfect school for Roman, and this makes us so incredibly grateful. Since his spirit is free, he has been able to excel in his academic studies, and show his loving Light to the world. We are eternally grateful!
Was there a moment that confirmed this is the right school for Roman? When your child asks to get to school early every morning, you know things have fallen in place! The smile on his face is the accumulation of hundreds of “right moments” confirming our son is in the right place.
