Seedlings Spring 2024

BUCKINGHAM FRIENDS SCHOOL

SPRING 2024

Image by: (Ozzie)rvoiiiphoto.com

MISSION

Buckingham Friends School honors the Light within each person, inspires scholarship and spiritual community, and instills the value of caring for others and our world.

CORE VALUES

Rooted in the beliefs and traditions of Quakers, our values as a Friends school guide us to engage members of the school community in the shared responsibility of honoring the Light within each person and fostering the growth, individual talents, and passions of every student.

2023 2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Alexis Ridge-Simek, Clerk

Laura Kinnel, Assistant Clerk

George Yarnall, Secretary

Lisa Pretecrum, Treasurer

Drew Augenblick

Brad Bovee

Andrew Garrett ‘80

Michael Godshall

Daniel Holton-Roth ‘91

Chris Kerr

Lukas Makris

Annette Miller ‘73

Anne Porter

Tom Rogers

Julie Spears

ADMINISTRATION

Paul Lindenmaier Head of School

Rossana Zapf Associate Head of School

Melissa Clayton Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

Katelynn Connolly Director of Advancement

Sam Frenkel

Director of Finance and Operations

Karen Kemp

Director of Technology Innovation and Design

EDITOR

Katelynn Connolly

COPY EDITOR

Melissa Kiser

COVER PHOTO

Ozzie Oswald, rvoiiiphoto.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Katelynn Connolly, Paul Lindenmaier, Ozzie Oswald

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Colleen Baumgardner; Katelynn Connolly; Meghan Delaney; Paul Lindenmaier; Stephanie Thliveris

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

blazar design studio

From the Head of School

PAUL LINDENMAIER

As Buckingham Friends School’s 229th year draws to a close, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the vibrant, supportive, and openhearted community that we share. As spring returns to our 44-acre wooded campus, I delight in end-of-year events that bring students and families, faculty, staff, and administrators together. Class plays, the Art Show, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, Track and Field

Day, and Graduation provide opportunities to come together, to celebrate the collective accomplishments of students, teachers, and a broad array of community members during the past year.

This year, more than any other, as we consider all that is special about our school, one that is rooted firmly in its past and true to its core values and special culture,

it is exciting to realize all that has been done to responsibly adapt and change in preparation for the future. I am equally appreciative of the community-wide commitment to the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality/equity/justice, and stewardship that live throughout all that we do. It is noteworthy to remember that they served as guideposts as we transformed so much on our campus.

Throughout the past year, we have witnessed stewardship in action as the Main building classrooms and commons areas were completely transformed, a new Lower School playground and bus canopy were built, and new buildings (a gym, a community connector, AND a stand-alone science building) were constructed. After carefully considering what we truly needed, and in light of our vision for the program and our community, our renovations and new buildings will enable us to support our goals for teaching and learning while providing evidence of our responsible care for the children, our teachers, and the future of BFS. These buildings remain in harmony with the woods and the grounds that we cherish, and our attention to sustainability during the design process will benefit future generations and the world we care so dearly about while fostering a culture of collaboration and belonging where all are valued and respected.

As ever, pedagogy at BFS continues to be characterized by countless examples of students engaged in respectful dialogue, listening deeply to diverse perspectives, and seeking common ground. In our classrooms, common spaces, and across campus, each student feels encouraged to find and share their unique voice

and original ideas, always prepared to reach out to others as needed, offering a listening ear or a warm smile. We can all be grateful that such talented and dedicated educators grace our school, always looking for the Light in each child and one another, ever-present w ith the larger task of helping each child become the best version of themselves.

In this issue of Seedlings, the spirit of the Buckingham Friends School community is felt in several stories from the past year at BFS. A new social-emotional and wellness program,

RULER, developed at Yale University, is being piloted. Articles about the Second Grade “Jingle Run,” Eighth Grade Science, and former parent Marci Snyder’s “Little Hearts Project” are also included. We are excited to spotlight two wonderful BFS graduates, Sam Popkin ‘07 and current trustee Dan Holton-Roth ‘91, and information about the origins of Seedlings, Big Friends/Little Friends, the Big Hug Pancake Breakfast, and Frolics are also presented.

As we look forward, I am confident that our values as a Friends school will

continue to be the foundation of our school community and at the center of all that we care about and do. We will continue to strive to create a space where all are welcome, regardless of their race, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, and other identities. We will continue to encourage our students to think critically, to act compassionately, and to work together to build a more just and equitable world. •

To keep up to date on all things BFS, be sure to like us on Facebook; follow Paul on Instagram at buckinghamfriendsschool or check out his blog at: https://paullindenmaierheadofschoolblog.bfssb.org/)

Image by: (Ozzie)rvoiiiphoto.com

Running for Health—and Learning

BY COLLEEN BAUMGARDNER

Howdoes a teacher redirect challenging behaviors while motivating students to focus on the task at hand? This fall, during PE, the second graders and I learned—together—the unexpected benefits of a simple activity.

My energetic second graders were repeatedly having a difficult time quieting down to listen to instructions so we could get started with PE class. On this particular Monday, I asked them to run two laps around the Upper Field. It was hot and sticky which resulted in lots of sweaty second graders! Inside, after everyone got a drink, we blasted our signature tunes and ended PE on a high note with a great game. The same thing happened the next few times the second graders came to class, so out they went for two laps with the same grumbling about not really wanting to run. Once inside, though, the fidgeting stopped, they focused on the instructions, and then played the PE game. It was remarkable.

The quick two laps seemed to be what they needed. One class period as we headed out for laps, someone said, “I’m going to run four laps today,” and others piped up, “Me, too!” Quickly, four laps turned into eight and beyond. The kids were spending more time running than playing the PE games, and they were enjoying it! I started to see students pairing up to run, inviting other kids to join their group, shouting encouragement, and even moving back to join a straggler.

This transformation was wild! They believed in themselves and set difficult goals that they achieved while learning a powerful selfregulation tool—when in doubt, run it out!

To celebrate all this hard work and dedication, we planned the inaugural Second Grade “Jingle Run”! On that day, decked out in their best holiday festive workout gear, each child received a jingle bracelet; we blasted holiday music, and they did their thing. The whole school came out to cheer them on—the runners were beaming with pride (me, too).

What began as a strategy to help my students get settled, evolved into seeing them succeed in ways I could not have imagined, and with joy and fellowship that I had not anticipated. The running endorphins, fresh air, teamwork, and newfound camaraderie allowed them to be more relaxed, better able to focus during class, and a little kinder to one another. Overall, it was a giant success!. •

BFS Lights in Action: Marci Koko Snyder P ’21

BY KATELYNN CONNOLLY

Alumni parent Marci Koko Snyder is spreading the love one tile at a time. The artist behind Kokoru Ceramics, Marci found her love of clay at the early age of four. “I didn’t make a single piece of artwork during those years. Instead, I would spend the entire time with my arms deeply immersed in the huge slop buckets of clay. I had found my bliss.”

Heart Project,” where all others are invited to join in the making of these tiny hearts, and they are welcome to take one to keep or pass along. This project is Marci’s way of spreading love and connection while encouraging others to do the same. There is no limit, and it is 100% free. Marci says, “I am sure I’m not alone in feeling urgency that the world needs more love right now. Everyone says to start small,

In 2001, Marci made her first pottery stamp of a tiny heart. Although this tool has been used on countless pieces of pottery, the most meaningful to Marci are the little porcelain heart tiles, which she has made by the hundreds. “What I’ve come to realize is that as tiny as they are, they are a way to express love, care, and connection with another person; a simple but sweet reminder that we are not alone, we are part of something much bigger, and we are all meant to feel loved and cared for.”

In the summer of 2023, Marci came up with the idea for the “Tiny

so let’s do it!” You can find Marci and the “Tiny Heart Project” at the Doylestown Farmers Market—for her schedule and upcoming events, follow @kokoruceramics and to learn more about Kokoru Ceramics, visit www.kokoruceramics.com. •

If you know a BFS Lights in Action story about someone dedicated to building a better community, please submit their story to kconnolly@ bfs.org. We would love to share it!

Prioritizing Emotional Intelligence as a Community

BY MEGHAN DELANEY

Fostering social and emotional intelligence in our students has long been a core element in the BFS curriculum and experience. Believing in the importance and benefits of a systematic approach to presenting this essential learning, the BFS faculty have committed to implementing the RULER program as a school community.

RULER (Recognize, Understand, Label, Express, and Regulate) was created by Dr. Marc Brackett, Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Brackett emphasizes the power of emotional intelligence within the educational setting because emotions are powerful tools. They drive our ability to learn, make decisions, develop relationships, and succeed in all areas of our lives.

In the summer of 2023, a core group

of Buckingham Friends School faculty attended RULER training and have been leading faculty workshops throughout the school year. The program’s emphasis on empathy, emotional awareness and

understanding, and community values strongly aligns with Buckingham Friends Schools’ philosophy in guiding the development of the whole child. The RULER approach further complements our school value of seeing the Light within each individual by offering a framework that nurtures the development of emotional intelligence, allowing students to better understand the experiences and qualities of not only themselves, but others.

Among the benefits of implementing RULER throughout our mindfulness program is its positive impact on the overall learning environment. By equipping our students with the skills to better recognize and regulate their emotions, a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning and collaboration is easier to achieve. When students feel emotionally supported, they are more likely to engage in class discussions, seek help when it is needed, and develop stronger relationships with their peers. As the faculty engage in regular meetings to learn and share ways to integrate RULER

into the curriculum and daily practices at BFS, it is evident that these benefits extend beyond the classroom to the larger school community, strengthening our culture of empathy, respect, and inclusivity.

With the RULER approach, our goal is improved leader and teacher effectiveness, increased student engagement, better quality relationships, enhanced decision making, and—maybe most important—less stress and anxiety, creating greater health and well-being. Emotions matter and have a real impact on one’s ability to learn and relate to others. As we all take these steps to improve our individual emotional intelligence, we are also supporting our community as a whole for today and tomorrow.

•

FIRST GRADERS WERE INSPIRED BY THE POEMS OF SHIRLEY HUGHS DURING NATIONAL POETRY MONTH.

“

The value of alumni is not that they have left a school, but that they have returned. It is this devotion to a place which continues the collective memory; and, after all, what value has a place other than the fabric of shared experience that it holds?”

—Richard Eldridge, Seedlings; Winter 1987

8TH GRADE ACADEMICS

The Science of Being Human

STEPHANIE

THLIVERIS

Eighthgrade science at Buckingham Friends School serves as a cumulative experience for BFS students. The unique yearlong program is based on a framework of social issues and human rights and gives students the opportunity not only to learn fundamental science concepts and skills, but also to delve deeply into why the sciences matter to the human experience.

To frame the course information through the broader lens of human rights and Quaker testimonies, BFS students read and discuss the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Sustainability Goals, among other key writings and documents. We also use periodicals, such as High Country News, for research and opinion. For example,

Each week, students participate in two lab-based science classes. The first class, called “Topics in Chemistry,” introduces practices in the field of chemistry. The second class, called “Sustainability Workshop,” addresses issues in the sustainability sciences, such as energy use and associated trade-offs, food production, and population dynamics.

when learning about chemicals through the lens of hazardous waste, students might explore the impact of nuclear energy, the challenge to store its radioactive waste, and decisions surrounding the proposed Yucca Mountain repository. Questions such as environmental impact and community effects are brought to light and discussed.

In addition to written analyses following a lab, and to assist students’ science-writing practices, each month students select an article from High Country News to unpack the science content and render opinions about the issue at hand. For example, in an article titled “Rooted and Rising,” (HCN, v.55, no.9), a student wrote, “I chose the article, … because I wanted to learn more about a topic I was not so familiar with, such as food insecurity.” That was a topic addressed in the Sustainability Workshop when students learned about food production.

Another student chose to write about the importance of public awareness in the sciences. They researched the effects of industrial development resulting from

open-pit copper-mining practices along with evaporative fertilizer ponds, and how a changing climate impacts the decreasing levels of the Great Salt Lake in Utah, its water quality, and atmospheric dust concerns (HCN, v.55, no.12). This student wrote, “This article can inform others about climate change and social issues that we are faced with today by bringing awareness about the shrinking lake levels due to climate change and industrial pollution….”

Currently, in Sustainability Workshop, BFS students are engaged in a long-term project studying the five stages of the linear system of a material economy. During the project, students unpack the stages from extraction to disposal, and explore topics such as the socioeconomic effects, labor challenges, and environmental impacts of a linear system.

We teach our students that before one engages with a cause, one must learn about it. BFS students learn that the sciences are fields of study that contribute to the human cause by informing policy and practice for the betterment of the human condition through service, and the Quaker principles of peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. •

Did You Know…

In 1972, the first edition of Seedlings was published under the direction of then Principal George Rowe as a newsletter for outreach to the larger school family. The name was suggested by faculty member (and George’s wife) Margie Rowe and the logo was designed by Jamie Carter ’74. Today, we hope that this magazine will keep you connected to today’s school community and the wonderful work that our students and teachers are doing together.

The Big Friend/Little Friend program began in 1984 as a solution to build stronger relationships among the grades. As more BFS students started using the district busing system, some of the younger students were unsure about riding the bus with the older students. To help the younger students feel more comfortable, and to empower the older students as caring community members, the Big Friend/Little Friend program was born!

The Frolics remain an important part of the life of the School and offer opportunities for parents, teachers and students to come together as stewards of our campus. They were first organized by School Committee member James Iden Smith back in the 1930s who coined the term “Frolic” as it was a euphemism for work done joyously. The grounds have always been important to the BFS experience because the environment means so much to teaching and learning here.

The song that ends the School’s weekly Meeting for Worship before we shake hands was introduced by Ele Denoon P’58 when she was the School’s reading teacher. “It is a tradition that puts into words a feeling that is in our hearts.” -Peter Pearson (from Buckingham Friends School A History: 1794-1994, pg.139)

Now a wonderful 12-year tradition and kickoff to the BFS annual Track and Field Day, the BFS Big Hug Pancake Breakfast began in 2012 and was created by Liz Rizor P’13 and Lisa Pretecrum P’09, ‘06, current trustee, as a way for the School to thank the parents and families for all their fundraising efforts throughout the school year. In those days, BFS parents completely and voluntarily organized and ran a clothing sale in the fall, the auction in the spring and weekly soup/pizza/hot dog days. This “Big Hug” of thanks served as a way to show appreciation for all the hard work and hours spent by these volunteers.

References: Buckingham Friends School A History: 1794-1994; Linc Merwin P’90, ‘93, Former Faculty; Liz Rizor P’13

A Way Forward for BFS

In the spring of 2023 demolition of the old gym was completed to clear the way for the new Community Connector, the Steve Bernardini Gymnasium, the Science building and a series of new gardens, play areas, and site improvements. Renovations and enhancements were made to the Upper School and Middle School classrooms and common spaces; and a new playground structure

was built for Lower School. Throughout this school year, we watched as our campus took on its new shape—including the addition of a bus canopy! As we move forward with new spaces and innovations in teaching and learning, the familiar “friendly” spirit of BFS remains as the oaks stand tall and seedlings grow.

Continued from previous page

Daniel Holton-Roth ’91

Q: What was the highlight of your BFS experience?

A:

CAREER TITLE: PRODUCER AND ATTORNEY

MAJOR IN COLLEGE: ANTHROPOLOGY (HAVERFORD COLLEGE) AND ART HISTORY (BRYN MAWR COLLEGE)

RESIDENCE: BROOKLYN, NY

There were so many magical moments of my childhood at BFS. I remember with joy playing basketball for Mr. B, hockey with Peter Barry, and many pickup games during lunch and recess. The lasagna dinners were always special, too, and even the simplicity of the Meetings for Worship we attended.

Q: Why did you decide to join the School Board at this time?

A: I felt that my experience on the Brooklyn Friends School Board of Trustees gave me the skills and knowledge to contribute more meaningfully to the school which means so much to me. When Chris Kerr called with the opportunity, I gladly accepted.

Q: Why do you continue to support BFS?

A: BFS will always hold a special place in my heart, and the mission and vision of the school are important not just to the local community but also in creating conscientious global citizens.

Q: Can you share some lessons learned that have stuck with you?

A : At BFS I learned the value of seeing the Light in each and every student. This allowed me to respect where my classmates were coming from, even when I disagreed with their opinion. I also learned to broaden my perspectives with my first trip abroad to Ecuador in fifth grade.

Q: What are the most exciting BFS advancements for you?

A: I can’t wait to see the new facilities, particularly the gym and science center, lead to inspired performance and creativity at BFS. Credit is due to the entire BFS community for that achievement, but especially to the leadership of Paul Lindenmaier.

Q: What will your next challenge in life be?

A: I am in the first season as a producer of a kids podcast called “Wild Interest,” which is a huge challenge and also a joy. I am a practitioner of the martial art Jiu Jitsu and am currently training for my purple belt. I also have two daughters about to leave home, which will present the challenge of what to do with a surplus of free time.

GUIDED BY HIS INNER

Alumni Spotlight on Sam Popkin ‘07

BY KATELYNN CONNOLLY

Sam Popkin ’07 credits BFS with providing him with a Quaker education where the values of the five spices— Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship—were instilled in him and shaped who he is today. “Meeting for Worship has been a part of my life since Kindergarten, and its silent self-reflection was a precursor to my love of meditating,” Sam says. “Quakerism is inextricably linked to my identity, family, and life. My grandmother Shelley and my parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings all attended Quaker schools. My parents met at George School in 1980 and have been together ever since.”

After graduating from BFS, Sam continued his Quaker education at George School, where he found religious studies, including learning about Eastern philosophy and the Abrahamic faiths, especially meaningful. He also became interested in photography, becoming comfortable in both film and digital media, and winning the Elizabeth Shuman Humanitarian Award at the Phillips Mill Art Show in 2010.

It was photography that led Sam to attend Bennington College in Vermont, but he quickly realized that another great passion, music, would direct his path forward. Always able to learn songs by ear, he had

played guitar since age 11. After taking a music production class his freshman year, learning how to record and produce his own music under the tutelage of industry legends Julie Last and Scott Lehrer, he found himself wanting to learn more. This experience would lead eventually to his career as a sound engineer.

During Sam’s winter Field Work Terms at Bennington, when students are encouraged to intern off campus, he worked in his newfound field. In successive years, he worked at Lehrer’s recording studio in Manhattan, 2nd Story Sound, and producer/owner Paul Antonelli’s Rhinebeck, NY, studio, The

Clubhouse. Sam’s final fieldwork term took him to Kessler Media Studios in Katonah, NY, where he works to this day, with daily opportunities to work with authors, actors, narrators, and poets.

Sam began practicing Transcendental Meditation after losing his sister, Maggie ‘16, to brain cancer in 2019. Introspection helped him realize that his time on this earth is short, and he says that the love of his family and then-fiancée, Lily, helped him through that difficult time.

Today, Sam and Lily are married and starting a family together. Walking in the woods, being around animals and nature, meditating

“Quakerism is inextricably linked to my identity, family, and life. My grandmother Shelley and my parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings all attended Quaker schools. My parents met at George School in 1980 and have been together ever since.

every day, enjoying good music, and keeping up with world events help him keep grounded and focused on what’s yet to come. He would like to be a session guitarist at recording studios or for different musical artists, and he is making connections in the music and audio world toward more professional opportunities related to audio production, music, and audiobooks. We can’t wait to see Sam Popkin’s next chapter! •

You can find Sam on his YouTube channel, where he recreates Beatles songs note-fornote; on his new podcast, Gear, There and Everywhere; or playing lead guitar with the band Andrew Weiss and Friends.

COME VISIT AND KEEP IN TOUCH!

We’d love to hear from you…. Let us know what is going on in your lives, please see page 20 for details on updating and sending us your news and information.

FORMER FACULTY MEMBERS RECENT VISIT TO CAMPUS

2023 YOUNG ALUMNI GATHERING

Alumni News

1950s

Prudence Ingerman ‘54 went on to George School after graduating BFS and was accepted for the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to Bolivia. After returning and starting a family, Prudence lived on a farm in southern Ontario for 22 years. She joined the Peace Corps again after her divorce and this time went to Ecuador. She eventually became a Peace Corps trainer while living there. Returning once again, Prudence taught ESL students at Juniata College in central PA for 16 years. Today, she is happily reinventing her life. Prudence has written and illustrated 32 books and done a lot of knitting service projects (knitting4peace.org).

“So, you see how the impact of service and making the world a better place which started at BFS has been present throughout my life. Ever onwards in this ever-changing world.”

1960s

Roxana Robinson ‘60

Hello, BFS! My news is that I have just published my 11th book, a novel called “Leaving.” It is my seventh novel and was published by Norton. My husband Tony and I are living in northwestern Connecticut and have been here since covid took over. We have a lovely standard poodle named Katie, after my grandmother. I am involved with the local library, but spend most of my time writing, or walking the fields with Katie.

*A review from The Washington Post of Roxana’s new book can be found online.

Kathy Rowe ’65 is living in Foxboro MA, working in Boston, and visiting Bucks County regularly.

Bethany Barry ‘66

I live in Cornwall, Vermont, with my husband, Andrew, who’s still working, with a business in Brandon, VT. I am an artist, who works in fabric and stitchery, writer, gardener, hospice volunteer, as well as singing in Wellspring, a hospice choir, and the Middlebury Community Chorus. My father helped instill my love of music, at home and BFS.

I’ve helped start the Pollinator Pathway of Addison County, which helps our fragile pollinators, by planting native plants, rewilding and lessening our lawns, no pesticides, and removing invasives. Here’s a link to it –Addison County (pollinator-pathway.org)

Thanks so much, and of course, if any BFS alumni come through Middlebury, VT or nearby, I’d love to see them!

1970s

Bill Gribbell ‘74

It’s been 50 years since graduation so figured it was time to chime in. I’ve lived in the Boston area since 1982 and am currently the CEO of a commercial real estate investment firm. I have 4 terrific kids - one who is married (no grandkids yet). I am getting remarried in June and will be taking my new bride and our combined brood (10 of us in all) to France for a couple weeks. Desperately hoping that some of Mrs. Plough’s French is still there in case we get stuck!! I’m in touch with Alden Bentley ‘74 and Stewart Saltonstall ‘74 and see them occasionally. Stew’s youngest daughter is my goddaughter and we happily watched her get married in Sonoma in the Spring of ‘22. I hope all is well with my classmates and send everyone my best wishes.

1980s

Sarah Crofts ’87 and Kirk Gosweiler were married at Yardley Friends Meeting in Yardley, PA, on a gorgeous spring day on May 28, 2023. They were thrilled to have so many friends and family gather to celebrate with them. Present were a bunch of BFS community members: Chris Kerr P’96, ‘00, Katherine Camp ’97, Cori (Ginsberg) Seraydarian

’87, Anita Crofts ’84, Lexi (Lowe) Logan ’87, Christopher Camp ’99, Jacob Quill ’17, Sam Quill ‘15, Dan Quill ‘85. BFS classmates and lifelong friends shared their gifts. During the ceremony, Cori Seraydarian ’87 sang a duet (Chris Kerr accompanied on the piano) and Lexi Logan ’87 was the official photographer.

2000s

Nicole Russeck ‘06

I attended New Hope Solebury after BFS. I proceeded to go to massage therapy school. I have been a licensed massage therapist for 10 years and I specialize in oncology massage. I am also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and work with oncology clients.

2010s

Sam Oswald ‘12

Sam is living with his partner Tyler in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. In May, he graduated from Columbia University, School of International & Public Affairs, with a concentration in Energy & Environment. Sam hopes to move back to Washington, DC, where he leads an Out in Energy – a national community for openly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) professionals working across the energy and climate fields in the United States.

Sara Oswald ‘15

While officially completing her studies and final season of play in December Sara will be graduating from Lafayette in just a few weeks. Sara wrapped up her Division One soccer career this past fall with more than 4000 minutes played during her 3.5 seasons on the field. During that time she was a two time captain, two time All Patriot League selection, an Academic All American for the District in the Fall of 23. She graduates from Lafayette with honors and a BA in Psychology & a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is currently coaching and training younger aspiring college players through private sessions at PowerHouse Soccer in Souderton. Sara will be attending the University of Denver in August and will be pursuing her Master’s in Sports and Performance Psychology.

Kate Lunny ’16

Hi everyone! Right now, I am a Senior at the University of Delaware majoring in Early Childhood Education. I just finished student teaching in the fall with two- and three-year old’s, and I just found out that I am going to be student teaching in a special education classroom with first graders in the spring! Being a teacher for little ones has helped me to see how BFS gave me a wonderful foundation, and I hope I can be that for my children too! I will graduate in May 2024 and I am hoping to become a preschool or Kindergarten teacher!

Katsutoshi Amagasu ‘18

I’ve been working at the family business while taking classes at a local college revolving around woodworking and business management. Just livin’

2020s

Zoe Goykhman ‘20

Is now number two in the country in her powerlifting weight class and division. Zoe recently broke 4 state records, squatting 314, benching 176, and deadlifting 429, with a total of 920 lbs.

Ben Gibson ’21

I am currently in my junior year at The Pennington School. My favorite class is physics. I’ve been playing the electric guitar for a while now with hopes of performing in front of an audience soon. I have started to look at colleges that offer a mechanical engineering degree.

Téa Vukosavljević ‘21 received a 2024 YoungArts Award in WRITING NONFICTION. Téa has been recognized for her caliber of achievement and joins nearly 700 of the most accomplished young visual, literary, and performing artists from across the country, heralding the next generation of artists to watch.

Charlotte McMackin ‘22 shares there is not much new, just focusing on school and is a sophomore at George School.

Former Faculty News

Steve Bernardini

Newly retired, Steve and Nancy welcomed their second grandchild, a girl named Lenyx, last summer.

Dianne Marston Cathie

Key West is a glorious place to live. I am fortunate to spend six months a year here on a safe, peaceful and vibrant 2 x 4 mile island. The other six months I still live in Doylestown near my dear friends and family. I am enjoying my yoga studio classes and the ability to bike and swim most days of the year. As a former 30-year faculty member, I still am focused on wellness and try to live by example. If you find yourself in Key West, please connect with me.

Walter Lincoln Merwin III

Julie and I celebrated our 50th anniversary on June 29th with a trip to Rapid City in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where we were married in 1973. An hour after we were married we had our picture taken at nearby Mt. Rushmore. On June 29, 2023, we had our picture taken again at the same spot at Mt. Rushmore.

Continued on next page

Toby Mochel

I am now living in North Carolina, near Greensboro. Our younger daughter, Carolyn, with her husband and three children, live nearby. We go to all of their games, awards events, and, in general, enjoy seeing them grow up. We also get to visit with our older daughter, Amy, who currently lives in New York state. She has two children who are young adults and in college .

Mimi Mauro Owensby

After I left BFS in June, 1997, I spent the summer traveling, spending a month in Israel digging at an archeological site in the Golan Heights, then went to Scotland and spent a month exploring the country. In Fall of 1997 I returned to seminary full time and graduated with an MA in Theology in 2000. Moved to MD and met my husband and been happily married for 20 yrs. We retired to Taos, NM in 2011 and love it here where I’m very involved with the Unitarian Church and volunteer for the local food pantry.

IN MEMORIUM

We honor the memory of the following Buckingham Friends School community members Bernice Farlee Snyder ‘40

Margie (Margaret) Huber Rowe,

Former Faculty and Alumni Parent Peter Hunt ‘72

Margie (Margaret) Huber Rowe passed away peacefully in her home on October 14, 2023.

a guest house for the Quakers on Oahu. For two years we provided a warm bed and a “cold” breakfast to travelers from across the globe. During our tenure in Hawai’i we traveled to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu. Shortly after our return to the Mainland, we moved into a Quaker retirement community in Lumberton, NJ and for the next two years we traveled throughout the Northwest U.S., to Costa Rica, and to Scotland. In 2015 I began teaching and volunteering at Camden Forward School which is part of Urban Promise International. And I became involved in restorative justice and trained to be a facilitator with Alternatives to Violence Project. That calling took me inside three prisons over the next four

Margie was born November 29, 1926, in the backseat of her grandfather’s taxi atop Lady Bend Hill, between Barnesville, OH and the hospital in Wheeling, WV. She lived in Barnesville, later moving to Pittsburgh, PA, and Mamaroneck, NY. In 1948 she received her degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania where she met her future husband. In 1950 she married George Rowe and they settled in the Bucks County area: first in Carversville, then as caretakers of the Wrightstown Friends Meeting, eventually building a home in Wycombe. Throughout their 70-year marriage George & Margie’s lives centered on their Quaker values with Wrightstown Friends Meeting and through their work as educators in Friends schools. Camping, hiking and birdwatching were her favorite activities.

She taught 2nd grade at Buckingham Friends School for over 40 years where her basement classroom extended to the woods just outside the windows allowing her love of nature to become a part of her students’ education.

years to train inmates in non-violent conflict resolution. Before the Pandemic we flew to Tanzania for a safari in the Serengeti. Later we traveled to Minnesota, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, and to Alaska last summer. Currently I voluntarily teach science to 3rd and 4th grade students in Camden and mentor Urban Promise International fellows.

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Contact Katelynn Connolly Director of Advancement at 215-794-7491 ext. 121 Email: kconnolly@bfs.org Via USPS: Buckingham Friends School, The Office of Advancement, PO Box 159, Lahaska, PA 18931

“I AM NOT SURPRISED AT THE NEW LABEL OF BEST SCHOOL IN THE REGION.