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 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.

NANCY KEIM COMELY ‘83 PARENT OF REBEKAH ’14 AND NATHANIEL ‘23

What was your favorite class?

Mr. Barry’s religion class; I was already interested in history but his class made George Fox and Quakerism so alive and immediate for me.

Why did you choose BFS for your children?

I came to BFS in 6th grade. It was really the first time I felt I had the intellectual freedom to question in class, while being encouraged to delve deeper into subjects that interested me. Not necessarily for good marks, but just because the subject was interesting. I wanted my children to grow up with that freedom, coupled with the academic rigor that BFS provides.

SABRINA LOY LIDDELL ‘94 PARENT OF HENRY ’22 AND CHARLOTTE ‘25

Your major take aways from your time at BFS?

The strength in relationships and the importance of caring for those relationships. The foundation of a Quaker education in such a loving and supportive environment has given me the confidence to do anything – rise to any challenge.

Why do your children attend BFS?

Because there is no other school I would ever send them to. We actually moved back to Bucks County for this reason. All the values that we teach, and honor, at home are not undone when I send them to school.

MELISSA MOOK ZUCCARINI ‘96 PARENT OF CECILIA ‘27

What is your favorite BFS tradition?

My favorite BFS tradition is the pairing of Big Friends and Little Friends. I can still remember being on the upper field the fall of my 6th grade year and the excitement of meeting the new Kindergartners (through the fence!) at Recess. My classmates and I couldn’t wait to become “Big Friends” to help guide the new BFS students and create that bond we had with our big friends. Many times, it’s a friendship that doesn’t end when the students leave BFS. In my case, nearly 30 years later, my “Big Friend” and I see each other regularly in a Book Club.

Why BFS for your family?

Why BFS is a question I get fairly regularly. Some people have a hard time understanding why my husband and I choose to send our daughter to a private school when we live in a very strong, highly rated school district. However, for us, we choose BFS because of the emphasis placed on teaching and nurturing the whole child and how the staff see and enrich each individual child’s inner light. A few other reasons include, the community that is the heart of the school, the emphasis placed on empathy, the variety of arts that is still strong in each students daily schedule and the time spent outside, surrounded by nature, every day. As an alum, I can attest to the experience of attending BFS is like nothing else. However, this is something my husband concluded after meeting my former schoolmates and visiting the campus. We are grateful our daughter also gets to experience all that BFS has to offer.

IAN KENNEDY-KELLY ‘88 PARENT OF LILA ‘28

Why did BFS stand out as the choice for your daughter?

BFS was the best option for us because the school allows children to grow in their own unique ways. It’s a great place, one that fosters creativity, independence and strength. My BFS classmates are well-adjusted, kind-hearted, and successful adults. I also want Lila to have the opportunity to live the rich history of Quakerism at BFS.

What is your favorite memory from when you attended BFS?

That’s a tough one, so many come to mind… Mr. Barry was the History of Art teacher when I was here. He would take us on trips – it was very interesting, the effect he had on the School. He was a rich character. I was fortunate to have the opportunity of crossing paths with him.

LLOYD MOYER ‘92 PARENT OF PENNY ‘26

Who was your favorite teacher?

Karen Seaton 100%. Steve Bernardini and Peter Pearson tied for a close second!

Why BFS now?

BFS was the most influential experience of my life. I always knew that, if I had the opportunity and great luck to be able to send my children to BFS, I would if it was truly the same kind of place it was when I attended. It is. So I did!