WFS Winter 2023 Magazine

QuakerMatters

Wilmington Friends School

SIMPLICITY PEACE INTEGRITY COMMUNITY EQUALITY STEWARDSHIP

This school year we are focusing on the Quaker testimony SIMPLICITY, a value that nurtures wellness and clarity. Please tell us what SIMPLICITY means to you by emailing us at alumni@wilmingtonfriends.org.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

David Tennent, Clerk

Jennifer Brady, Vice Clerk

Robert W. Friz ‘86, Treasurer

Dorothy E. Rademaker, Secretary

Karen-Lee Brofee

Christopher F. Buccini ‘90

William Chapman

Erin Brownlee Dell ’89

Lathie Gannon

Scott W. Gates ‘80

Richard D. Grier-Reynolds

Noreen Haubert

Susan Janes-Johnson

Susan Kelley

Christopher Lee ‘82

Jacqueline Greenidge Nix

Debbie Pittenger

Dwayne Redd

Laura Reilly

Aubree Wellons

Home and School Association

Board Liaison:

Amanda Singleton Hay ’95

Alumni Association Board Liaison:

Martha Poorman Tschantz ‘85

ALUMNI BOARD

Jonathan Layton ‘86, Clerk

Andy McEnroe ‘04, Vice Clerk

Erin Bushnell ‘96

Stanita Clarke ‘06

Drew Dalton ‘97

Emily David Hershman ‘09

Raven Harris Diacou ‘06

Alexandra Poorman Ergon ‘77

Matt Lang ‘08

Christopher Lee ‘82

Adrienne Monley ‘02

Katharine Lester Mowery ‘02

Raymond Osbun ‘71

Richie Rockwell ‘02

Thomas Scott ‘70

James Simon ‘60

Martha Poorman Tschantz ‘85

ADMINISTRATION

Head of School, Kenneth Aldridge

Assistant to the Head of School, Megan Walters

Associate Head for Finance and Operations, William Baczkowski

Assistant Head for Academics, Eddie Gallagher

Head of Lower School, Julie Rodowsky

Head of Middle School, Jonathan Huxtable

Head of Upper School, Rebecca Zug

Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Melissa Brown

Director of Communications and Strategic Marketing, Susan Morovati Finizio ’87

Director of Development, Chad O’Kane

Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement, Erica Childs

Tracey Quillen Carney ’80, Lee Bush (former faculty and coach), Kelly Bush Huxtable ’87, and Nina Porter Winfield ’79 attended the celebration of 100 Years of Girls’ Athletics at WFS at Homecoming. See page 14 for more information.

Professional photography by Elisa Komins Morris. Also thanks to Mary Woodward, Helen Liu ’23, and the Yearbook Staff for photo contributions. Cover photo by WFS parent Helen Weiss.

Wilmington Friends, a Quaker school with high standards for academic achievement, challenges students to seek truth, to value justice and peace, and to act as creative, independent thinkers with a conscious responsibility to the good of all.

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It’s not every Homecoming that I get to welcome an alumna back to campus for their 50th reunion from nearly 7,000 miles away. You can imagine the immense joy I felt when I saw Kazu Watanabe Imai ’72 from Japan reconnecting with and embracing classmates she had not seen in over 50 years! As we focus this year on the Quaker testimony of simplicity, this truly spoke to me on the simple, yet impactful, meaning of a Wilmington Friends School education and the friendships created here.

Homecoming 2022 was a true celebration. While Kazu joined us from Japan, others came from as far away as Hawaii, California, and Colorado. When we gathered for the Class of 1970s and 1972s 50th reunion luncheon, we recognized these trailblazing classes, who were both unafraid of asking tough questions and determined to change the world. One class held the School’s first Earth Day activities in 1970 and the other pointedly asked in the June 1972 issue of the Whittier, “What does graduation from Friends School signify? Is it merely a ceremony of words, an exchange of diplomas, a luncheon, and then a fading recollection of another pretty day? It is a chance to return to the school and the world and to trust people like parents some of the love that made us first try to dig through the middle in search of an openable door; a door where the sunshine of knowledge and a good life peep through the keyhole, inviting us to use the new keys in our hands and hearts.” It was humbling to hear how the members of these classes used the new keys in their hands and hearts. From doctors to teachers to entrepreneurs, they have each left their mark and are examples, across the world, of what Wilmington Friends School graduates are capable of.

Homecoming weekend continued, and we recognized our alumni award recipients which included a leader in public policy (Robert Hoopes ’85), a community service role model (Ben Osbun ’66), and a global affairs specialist (Hannah Beswick ’05). The weekend also held a monumental celebration of 100 years of girls’ athletics at WFS. One hundred years is longer than many schools in our area have been in existence! I have to think that the girls who led our 1922 field hockey and basketball teams would be so incredibly proud of the now eleven varsity sports girls at Wilmington Friends participate in. We also welcomed alumni, students, and parents of color to our first-ever WFS Then and Now event, led by alumnus Mike Coleman ’88 and Erica Childs, WFS Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement. This was a valuable opportunity for these members of our community to talk about experiences at WFS and future involvement with the School for those who are interested.

Homecoming was one component of an incredible fall on campus. From getting to spend time with our early years students during their Fall Festival (and entertaining them with a rousing rendition of Rainbow Fish) to watching our football team go undefeated and win the State championship under the lights at the University of Delaware, each day truly holds something unique and exciting. We have so much to look forward to as we near our 275th anniversary next year, and I’m so grateful to have you as part of our school community.

In friendship, Ken

Top: Ken addresses guests at the celebration of 100 years of girls’ athletics at WFS

Right: Ken reads a story to students at the early years fall festival.

THROUGH THE 60s

100 Years of Girls’ Athletics at WFS

| By Terence Maguire, WFS Archivist

In the first three decades of girls’ athletics at Wilmington Friends, the 1920s-1940s, dedicated athletes led field hockey and basketball teams to some seasons of great success. Participation and success varied considerably, and records were kept unevenly. Spring sports for girls sputtered for those first three decades: occasionally tennis was offered, sometimes softball, once lacrosse––for a year––and once modern dance. Despite the blessing of the fine new fields at the new Alapocas campus, it seems that relatively few girls tried out. In the next two decades, however, Friends experienced a golden age of girls’ athletics with large numbers involved in multiple teams and achieving remarkable success. This was especially true for the spring sport for girls–tennis.

The 1950 field hockey season, under the leadership of Coach Mary Ann Evans, began this period well, with a 6-3 record. From 1950 to 1969, the young women of Friends left the hockey fields as winners 109 times, with 48 losses and 21 ties. They had 14 straight winning seasons and only two losing and three .500 seasons. Few Friends athletic seasons were as successful as that of the 1954 field hockey squad, 11-0. They scored 53 goals and gave up only three. Mary Tyson was the coach and Evelyn Robbins Lang ’55 was the captain. She went on to play field hockey at Mt. Holyoke, rooming with Friends classmate Corny Geesey Gromadzki ’55, a much better athlete, according to her roommate. Robbins Lang and Friends teammate Anne Bailey Donaghy ’54 spoke about the cohesiveness of their hockey teams and the members’ mutual support. “Rivalries were confined to the playing field. My teammates were my friends,” remembers Bailey Donaghy.

Robbins Lang recalls the joy of being “outside and active,” of being urged by coaches to play their hardest to win, not just get exercise. “It was good for the body and good for the soul.” Though few of those interviewed for this article felt at the time any direct influence of Friends being a Quaker school, they all understood it’s imperative to win fairly and to share the satisfaction of winning throughout the team. There was much to share.

Connie Roberts Amend ’61 reflects that, while she and her teammates did not think of their participation as any aspect of the feminist movement soon emerging in American life, they felt pride that they as girls had such success. Roberts Amend recalls that, among her many public school friends, few had the chances for athletics that she did, and during these two decades, the WFS girls’ teams often had more success than those of the Friends’ boys.

Part 2 of 2

One of the stars of the early 1950s, Nesta Warfield Chevrier ’52, became a coach at Friends just three years later, and she was remembered fondly by many of those interviewed. Warfield Chevrier was a very successful field hockey coach in her four seasons (22-7-8), but even more successful coaching girls’ basketball (32-12). Moreover, from 1958-1965, under the leadership of Coach Evans, Coach Tyson, Coach Gertie Dunn, and Coach Lee Bush, girls’ basketball teams won 130 games and lost just 40; they won 90% of the time.

Gretchen Vosters Spruance ’65 wrote, “Nesta (Warfield Chevrier) and Gertie Dunn were stand-out coaches. Mrs. High was very kind and nurturing, and Miss Dunn was tough and practiced what she preached–two very different approaches!”

They had excellent coaching, yes, but also extraordinary athletes, in particular several sets of sisters: Nina Vosters Moyer ’61 and Vosters Spruance and the Krieger sorority: Karen Krieger Lindley ’59, Jane Krieger Bahr ’63, Sandy Krieger Hobbs ’67, and Beth ’70. Added to these star players were Beverley Holmes Strodtz ’61, captain of the 12-0 1960-61 team; highly skilled Patty Marshall ’65, captain two years in row, during which the teams went 19-1; athletic Susie Stephenson Gates ’65; and Sara Miller ’63, who played at U. Penn and wrote, “My Friends team of the early 60s would have beaten them easily.”

Roberts Amend remembers that the girls had to take 25 foul shots each day at lunch. She also recalls spending weekend overnights at the home of classmate Holmes Strodtz. After waking up, they had to take 25 foul shots before they got to eat breakfast! No wonder they were good.

While the girls’ basketball teams’ success diminished in the late 1960s, the 1969-70 team finished 10-1 under the leadership of B. Krieger and Captain Lis Taylor Holmgren ’70, and with Coach Bush. Lis recently wrote of Bush, “She developed our skills with smart drills, stamina with sprints, etc... She meant business and we were thrilled. She coached us to great

seasons; we had the highest respect and admiration for her. We also enjoyed her.” Taylor’s fondness and respect for Bush were echoed by Carol Mumford Osbun ’66 and Josephine Martin Bayard ’67 in a recent interview.

Despite the superb quality of the field hockey and basketball teams, the girls’ tennis teams must be considered the greatest achievers of those decades. From the late 1950s to 1967, the team rarely lost to any other school, and for eight years in row, they won the Delaware Girls’ Interscholastic Tennis Championship. Year after year, B. Krieger, Krieger Hobbs, Krieger Lindley, Martin Bayard, Miller, Stephenson Gates, Vosters Moyer, Vosters Spruance, Barbara Beuermann Millar ’61, Vicki Milliken Buccino ’64–– and many others––dominated opponents in regular season matches and state tournaments. Vosters Spruance went on to become almost certainly the finest female tennis––and squash!––player in Delaware history. After graduating in 1961 as a multiple state champion, her sister Nina became the girls’ coach and guided the team to even greater heights. In 1967, under the guidance of Coach Vosters Moyer, Kreiger Hobbs was 1st singles state champion while her sister B. Krieger, a freshman, was 2nd singles state champion.

Why such dominance in tennis––or in all three sports, for that matter? Only in tennis did Friends female athletes have more than daily seasonal practice. Some of the tennis greats of those decades had outside coaches, but not until the late ’60s were there summer programs for field hockey or girls’ basketball. Almost all those interviewed felt the competition was strong, especially from Tower Hill and Sanford. Players felt that they were being well coached and inspired to do their best and win.

Perhaps Mumford Osbun and Bayard Martin, echoing sentiments expressed by others, summed it up best last December: that the girls’ teams’ successes owed much to the strong emphasis on cooperation, unselfish teamwork, mutual respect, and the “Quaker ethos,” rather than star power and “big egos.” However talented and successful some were, clearly all the players cared for each other.

Alumni News

Dear Friends,

As you may have noticed, we celebrated Homecoming slightly earlier in October this year and it was fantastic! The weather was 70 degrees and sunny, and so many alumni, friends, students, and families from all over the world joined us on campus. It was wonderful to return to our pre-pandemic Homecoming traditions.

The weekend’s events kicked off on Friday with a luncheon at the DuPont Country Club honoring the 50th+ reunion classes as well as the 1748 Planned Giving Society members. John O’Brien ’72 represented the 50th reunion class and spoke about his experience at WFS. Later that same evening, the True Blue and All Alumni Reunion/Awards reception was convened in the library where we honored the 2022 Alumni Award recipients as well as the School’s most loyal donors. Hannah Beswick ’05 received the Young Alumna Award, Ben Osbun ’66 received the Outstanding Service Award, and Robert Hoopes ’85 received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award. Each recipient spoke fondly about their time at WFS and how these experiences have impacted their career paths.

Saturday’s celebration kicked off with the Smith McMillan 5K and was followed by a special event honoring the anniversary of 100 years of girls’ athletics at WFS. Alumnae athletes from 1948-2022, along with coaches, families and friends, gathered to celebrate this important milestone before cheering on the field hockey team to a convincing victory over St. Andrews. The day continued with Meeting for Worship; “WFS Then and Now,” a gathering for alumni and families of color to connect; athletic contests; and a luncheon in the Homecoming tent. It was great to see the smiling faces of classmates catching up, exploring campus, and uniting to watch some Quaker athletics, just like old times! I was pleased to be able to help welcome you all home!

In closing, I would like to thank all the alumni who helped make Homecoming and the Reunion Weekend a complete success.

Thank you for all you do in support of WFS,

Sincerely,

Coming Soon!

We will celebrate Wilmington Friends School’s 275th Anniversary during the 2023-24 school year, including community celebrations, speakers, special podcast episodes, commemorative merchandise, and more!

Look for details in the spring and in the next issue of Quaker Matters.

Did You Know...

that Debbie Layton, Jon’s mother, is a regular volunteer in the Alumni/Development Office?

Each week, Debbie helps with mailings, event preparation, alumni records, and more! Debbie used to be an administrative assistant--including assistant to the headmaster--at WFS in the 70s and 80s, and we are so fortunate to have her back on campus!

Jon Layton ’86

A “Thank You” from Coach Bob Tattersall

"WFS Homecoming is always special, however, this year's was especially notable as football players from past years (1968-2021) were invited back for a group picture. Every decade was represented. I would like to personally thank all the former players who made the effort to attend as well as those who sent their regrets via email, text and phone calls. The bond of current and past players was notable in the postgame locker room celebration. A special thank you to Elisa Morris who conceived the idea, and then made it happen, taking group pictures on Friday and Saturday."

For inquiries about the photo, please contact Elisa Morris at elisa@elisamorrisphotography.com.

Homecoming 2022

50th + Reunion and 1748 Planned Giving Society Luncheon

Honoring the 50th Reunion Classes of 1970 and 1972, and the Classes of 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967

Homecoming kicked off at the DuPont Country Club with our Annual 50th+ Reunion and 1748 Planned Giving Society Luncheon. Alumni and friends had a wonderful time reconnecting with each other. John O’Brien ’72 spoke on behalf of the 50th reunion class and Kazu Watanabe Imai ’72 also thanked her classmates for the positive experience she had as an AFS student. She traveled all the way from Japan to relay the message!

Alumni Soccer Game

Front Row: John Appleton ’67, Lindsay Rademaker Reinhold ’94, Liam O’Donnell, Brady Nemeth ’94, Mark Keiper ’82, Chris Lee ’82, Mindy Kittle Keane ’02, and AP Rossi ’22.

Back Row: Michael Dalton ’05, Brett Fallon ’11 , Stephen Malone ’84, Alan Hoff ‘82, Brent Feldmann, Rob Brand ’89, Shiloh Connor

Clockwise from top right: Biddy Jenkins ’51 and her daughter Tyrie Jenkins ’73; Fred Pardee ’52, Darcy Rademaker, and Evelyn Brownlee; John O’Brien ’72 speaking on behalf of the 50th reunion class; Kazu Watanabe Imai ’72, who traveled from Japan for her reunion.

’22, and Lucien McKean ’20.

True Blue/All Alumni Reunion and Awards Reception

On Friday evening, we honored True Blue donors (who have given to the school for 10 or more consecutive years or are on a recurring donation cycle), alumni celebrating reunions, and the 2022 alumni award recipients. Guests enjoyed music by the Jazz Band led by teacher Chris Verry, and Head of School Ken Aldridge formally acknowledged this year’s alumni award recipients: Robert Hoopes ’85, Distinguished Alumnus of the Year; Ben Osbun ’66, Outstanding Service Award recipient; and Hannah Beswick ’05, Young Alumna of the Year. Upon accepting their awards, each spoke positively about their WFS experience and how it influenced their lives. Robert, Ben, and Hannah, thank you for letting your lives speak!

Brian Pearce, Hannah Beswick ’05, Alisha Wolf Emerson ’05, and Katie Wolf Martinenza ’99.

Class of 1985: Martha Poorman Tschantz, Gretchen Lindley Frascella, Kathy Stevens, Mary Catherine Biondi Moran, Lisa Rolle Bradburn, Carolyn Appleby Bruce, Christine Norling Jones, and Stephanie White Kropac.

Amanda Friz, Rob Friz ’86, and Susan Kelley.

Carol Mumford Osbun ’66, Ben Osbun ’66, Katherine Osbun Maki '92, Alyse, Logan, and Kelly Osbun Rubincan '97.

Hilary Hoopes, Robert Hoopes ‘85, Ken Aldridge, Stephanie Hoopes ‘82, and John Jenkins.

Class Reunions

Front row: Bill Lang, Trish Chappelle, Mark Ball, and Fred Pardee. Back row: Bill Robinson, Walter Stapleton, and Jack Porter.

Class of 1957

Front row: Ann Harper Heaton, Alice McGovern Doering, Jacquie Bostick Coyle and Caroline Schwartz Sutton. Back row: Abbie Greene Fassnacht and Tom Baker.

Class of 1962

Front row: Ned Davis, Walter Smith, Rosanne Cox, John Lindley, Skip Allen and John Kurtz. Back row: John Cox, Sheila Brown Arbury, Patty Sauter Ruemmler, Ginny Lee Butters, and Jeannette Smith.

Class of 1967

Front row: Christine Strahan duPont, Laura Geesey Payne, Tim Snyder, Ona Murdoch Hamilton, and John Appleton. Back row: Richard Stat, Rob Dewees, Sandra Krieger Hobbs, Doug Freeman, Josephine Martin Bayard, Margie Hirschland Robinson, and Tom Nolen. Also joining via Zoom during the pre-dinner social hour, Jay Resnick, Don Weist, Su Gant Harris, along with Yosh Ono from Japan!

50thReunion

Class of 1970

Front row: Ken Haven, Marty Marston Guglielmetti, Brenda Savage, Lena Jacobs Elzufon, and Tom Scott. Back row: Louise Hoffman, Harrison Bispham, and Heather Whitney Price.

Class of 1977

Front row: Jan DeRiemer Cauffman, Ann Moodey Ashe, Lisa Townsend Raber, Sylvia Whiteside Reid. Middle row: Laura Isken Doyle, Russ Perry, Meg Dempsey Frey, Kathy Takacs Taylor, Marianne Cordrey Cotsell, Jake Gehret, Gary Peiffer, Alex Poorman Ergon, Jeff Linton, Pete Hollingsworth. Back row: Scott Sanders and John Harper.

Class of 1952

Class of 1972

First row: Loren Finesmith, Barbara Breitman, Piper Wentz Rothschild, Debbie Bendett Hill, Kazu Watanabe Imai, Valerie Biden Owens (former teacher), Susan Hatch Colvin, Jeremy Gelb. Middle row: Monica Logsdon Rockefeller, Sandra Arthur, Kirk McKusick, Pete Wilbur, Alex Lehr-Maunder, Liz Haven, Jonathan Finger, and Michael Schwartz. Back row: Per Lundgaard, John O’Brien, Christobel Shedd Selecky, Larry Kurth, Bob Russell, Dana Patterson, Jon Taylor, and Mike Vincent.

Class of 1982

Front Row: Mark Keiper, Ann Cardinal Kent, Karen Anderson, Susan Prince, and Lisa Woolley Anderson. Back Row: Jed Hatfield, Ted Berg, Rob Thomas, Alan Hoff, Jack Coleman, Mark Pearce, and Chris Lee.

Class of 1987

Front row: Erik Opderbeck, Kelly Bush Huxtable, Karen Tarbell Greeley, Melissa Fagan Billitto, Amy Hartzell Pszczolkowski, Tracey Porter Aleman, Yvonne Houseman Studer, and Dave Chalmers. Back row: Peter Baker, Heather Vinton Robitzer, William Medford, Christy Searl, Alan McDonald, John McClelland, Greg Mand, Susan Morovati Finizio, Linda Mack, Bret Snyder, and Ken Aldridge. (Missing from photo: Dan Mulveny)

Class of 1992

Rebecca Brand, Bill Shipp and Rob Donaghy; Alli Meyer, Rob Donaghy, and Rebecca Brand.

Class of 1997

Front Row: Kelly Osbun Rubincan, Olivia Kurtz, Sara Weiss, Mike Smith. Back row: Drew Dalton, Jason Sears, Jordan Wales, Will Holloway, and Seth Rosenberg.

Class of 2007

Patrick DeGraff, Laura Wolf, Anna Haslinsky Miller, Elisha Cashman Dalton, and David Walter.

Class of 2002

From left: Adrienne Monley, Beth Hopkins Denenberg, Anthony Clarke, Elana Caplan, Sara Titone, Kate Lester Mowery, Steve Hlywak, John Gorondy, Jon Huxtable, Beth Morse Auguste, Mindy Kittle Keane, Chris Scott, Kate Goemaat Brown, Lauren Mraz, Jenny Kittle Trainor, and Lauren Fritschel.

Class of 2012

Front row: Sara Woodward, Eric Comeger, Leah Handwerk, Courtney Lang, Katy Barrett. Second row: Chris Whitney, Lauren Kelly McDermott, Jennie Lowe, Sarah Newbold Culver, Maddy Moberg, Taylor Warrington-Purcell. Back row: Nick Culver, Matt Alexander, Nick Napoletano, Worth Hamilton, Caroline Connolly, Virginia DeWees, Caroline McDonough, Matt Lankewitz, and Graham Grochowski.

Class of 2017

Front row: Alicia Thompson, Elena Kirifides, Hannah Kushner, Piara Biggs; Second row: Drew Mangan, Henry Gise, Kalyn Nix, Sadie PileggiProud, Simone Veale, Margaret Sullivan, Jenny Keilhorn, Allie Fulginiti, Katie Bodycot, Katrina Skibicki, Sarah Balick, Paisley Dianastasis, Sarah Shaw, Lindsay Weber, Drew Pittenger (‘16), guest; Back row: Owen Sheppard, Will Gatti, Zach Cutler, Jake Nolen, Ryan Kirkpatrick, Will Bodycot, Matt Tornek, Blair Atkins, guest, Greg Smith, Jordan Perkins, guest, Jayna Jones, guest, Andrew Slomski, guest, Ted Ganter, guest.

Homecoming 2022

26th Annual Smith McMillan Run/Walk

The Smith McMillan Run/Walk kicked off Homecoming Weekend for the 26th consecutive year on October 15, 2022. There were over 150 racers, including WFS alumni, students, faculty and staff, families, and friends that joined together in Alapocas to raise money for the Smith McMillan Financial Aid Endowment Fund at Friends. And we are pleased to report that this year’s event raised over $6,000! Thank you to our committee clerk Katy Connolly for her commitment and support, to the SM5K Committee members listed below, and to our sponsors listed on the next page.

Cassandra Aldridge

Melissa Bilek

Denise Chapman

John Clifton ’80 (race director)

Heather Derp

Magan Forman

Stacy Gatti

Jane Hollingsworth

Susan Kelley

Leslie Knight

Karen Legum

Amanda Singleton Hay ’95

Sarah Singleton Turick ’95

Lisa Townsend-Raber ’77

WINNERS

Female Overall: Leah-Kate Atkinson

Male Overall: Harrison Burns ’24

Top Female Alum: Jennie Lowe ’12

Top Male Alum: Mike Connolly ’84

Top Female Staff: Leah-Kate Atkinson

Top Male Staff: Greg Jarnutowski

Female Age Group Winners

8 & Under: Nell Patterson ’34

9-10: Maya Niculache ’30

11-12: Abigail Haynes ’29

13-14: Aubrey Ashman ’26

15-16: Ellie Driscoll ’25

17-19: Ellie Criscimagna ’23

20-29: Emily Hansell

30-39: Lauren Groundland

40-49: Melissa Bilek

50-59: Maria Estrella Vergara Shaikh ’89

60-69: Ann Moodey Ashe ’77

70-79: Sally Rogers

80+: None

Male Age Group Winners

8 & Under: Taj Amobi ’32

9-10: N/A

11-12: Cooper Miller ’28

13-14: Travis Hagan

15-16: Jack McKelvey ’26

17-19: Frank Murphy ’24

20-29: Greg Jarnutowski

30-39: Doug Adams

40-49: Berton Ashman

50-59: Frank McKelvey

60-69: Andrew Ashe

70-79: Peter Wenigmann

80+: Terry Derk

Caroline Connolly ’12, Lauren Kelley ’12, Cassandra Aldridge, Susan Kelley, Denise Chapman, Katy Connolly, Elizabeth Connolly ’09, Julie Rodowsky.

100th Anniversary of Girls’ Athletics at WFS

Alumnae athletes from 1948-2022, families, coaches, current players, and friends came together to celebrate 100 Years of Girls Athletics at WFS. Carolyn Gates Connors ’81, alumna athlete and former WFS girls’ varsity basketball coach, spoke about the impact Quaker values have on athletics, helping instill the importance of teamwork and community into each player. In addition to Carolyn’s remarks, Tracey Quillen Carney ’80 and Emily David Hershman ’09 presented an official tribute from Governor Carney to recognize this important milestone!

Thank you to WFS Archivist Terry Maguire who initially marked the anniversary, has done an incredible amount of research, and created displays with WFS girls’ athletics highlights.

Back row: Karen Horikawa, Jess Franklin, Natalie Wenigmann ’13, Mandy Bartoshesky ’93, Kelly Snyder O’Donnell ’93, Laura Kirk Kurz ’97, Tess Wolf '24, Kira Agne '23, Ellie Criscimagna '23, Izzy Winchell '26, Ellie Dealy '24, Susan Morovati Finizio ’87, Jeff Ransom (Athletic Director), and Ken Aldridge (Head of School).

Middle row: Hannah Beswick ’05, Alisha Wolf Emerson ’05, Sarah Schenck Maheshwari ’91, Kim Massih Dolan ’89, Blair Atkins ’17, Jenny Kittle Trainor ’02, Mindy Kittle Keane ’02, Megan Hegenbarth, Tam DeFer ’80, Tracey Quillen Carney ’80, Kelly Bush Huxtable ’87, Nina Porter Winfield ’79, Kathy Gehret Welsh ’75, Meg Gehret Erskine ’83, Ann Gehret McKinney ’83, and Dick Kittle.

Front row: Tara Agne, Lynne Nathan, Sara Hodge Geuder ’55, Caroline Simon Humphrey ’55, Alice Mearns Ivy ’48, Lee Bush, Carolyn Gates Connors ’81, Sue Kampert, Jean Bohner, Diane Bohner; Official tribute from the Office of the Governor.

WFS Then and Now

Alumni and families of color and allies were invited to join Erica Childs, Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement, Ken Aldridge, Head of School, and Mike Coleman ’88, for a discussion about the School’s diversity and inclusion priorities. Erica started in her role this year and has begun to implement a plan to address the topics highlighted in the Immersive Climate Assessment, which was conducted in 2021. Those in attendance had the chance to meet other families of color, hear from the WFS Black Student Union clerks, and discuss the student experience at Friends.

If you are interested in attending future events like this one, please save the dates for the following (open to all):

Friday, March 31, 2023 | Parents for Multiculturalism Movie Night

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 | All-community READ Journal Club discussion session (READ stands for “Read and Educate ourselves on Anti-Racism and Diversity”)

Clockwise from top left: Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement Erica Childs, Head of School Ken Aldridge, and Michael Coleman ’88; Michael Gichura and Charity Wamae-Wanyoike; Kyra Stewart and Jalen Stewart ’24; Maddie Miller ’24, Hannah Carter ’22, and Laila Broussard ’23.

SCHOOL NEWS

Sixth Grade Pie Bake

A beloved holiday tradition at WFS is our sixth grade pie bake for Wilmington's Sunday Breakfast Mission. Students lovingly peel, slice, prepare, box, and finally deliver more than 30 apple pies for those in our greater community.

Quaker Cares

In November, the Quaker Cares Committee celebrated gratitude by having students, faculty, and staff fill out a turkey feather with what they were most grateful for. They also handed out sensory stickers for students' computers to share their own gratitude!

Chemis-Tree

Students in upper school chemistry class decorated their very own "chemis-tree" with handmade copper-plated ornaments made in class. They used hydrochloride acid to remove the zinc coating from galvanized metal and then dipped their ornaments into a copper solution. Designs featured college logos, favorite pets, and more!

IB Music and Visual Arts Students Visit

IB music and visual art students spent a beautiful day in New York City, with a morning dedicated to artistic and musical research at the Met Museum.

Students then walked through Central Park where they engaged in some creative work including sketching and sound recordings. In the park, they experienced the real NYC, including numerous street performers. In fact, one was singing a piece the IB music class studied the previous week. Students arrived at the theater to discover their tickets had been upgraded to orchestra seats for Into the Woods! It was a spectacular performance, and an extra-special treat for those students in our group who were also in the WFS production of Into the Woods this fall.

Second Grade Field Trip to Hagley

WFS second graders visited Hagley Museum where they saw what they are studying in their inventions unit come to life in a new exhibit called “Nation of Inventors.” They then participated in a program called Trashformation, which let them see how heat causes reversible and irreversible changes by fusing together plastic grocery bags to create a new material.

Student Diversity Leadership Conference

Isaiah Turman ’24, Maddie Miller ’24, and Temilola Lufadeju ’25 traveled to San Antonio to attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools.

While there, they participated in activities focused on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community. They are now collaborating with Erica Childs (Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement at WFS) and Don Morton (Upper School Diversity Committee Clerk and history faculty) to share what they've learned and experienced with our upper school students through grade-level and advisory activities.

Día de los Muertos

After first graders spent several days learning about the holiday Día de los Muertos in Spanish class, they decorated traditional sugar skulls.

Middle School Youth in Government Club Travels to Dover

Members of the middle school Youth in Government Club recently traveled to Dover to participate in the Youth in Government Junior Model Legislature with students from across the state.

Prior to the conference, WFS students researched and wrote mock bills on topics including gun safety regulations to prevent youth firearms use; mandatory pre-K education in Delaware public schools; and a later start to the school day to allow adolescents to get more rest.

While at the conference, which was held in the General Assembly House and Senate chambers, students gave advocacy speeches in support of their bills and debated the merits and challenges of bills introduced by other students. All of the bills authored by WFS students were approved by their fellow students in one or both legislative chambers and two were signed by the Youth Governor! WFS delegates Paige Dealy '27, Margot Hebert '27, and Kemble Wellons '27 won a legislative excellence award for their bill requiring a later school start time.

SIMPLICITY

An excerpt from a letter from Head of Upper School Rebecca Zug

Our theme this year is one of the six Quaker testimonies, “simplicity.” Simplicity is challenging for all of us to measure. With so many forms of technology, with so many choices, it seems like a tall order to prioritize living simply. We have seemingly limitless information at our fingertips. I’ve read that there are so many movies and shows available on Netflix that it would take over 4 years of continuous binge watching (assuming no new titles added) to watch everything. The Peloton platform has more kinds of classes than one could ever complete. There are cooking blogs for every gourmet. Youtube videos, memes. More ways to connect globally–so much of this is positive and powerful. How do we discern what is a distraction versus what helps us grow? The testimony of simplicity calls us to regularly consider this dilemma. We need to assess what are distractions that prevent us from being present and open in the moment.

This is why Quakers worship in silence, and together, because the quiet helps each person listen internally while being open to the messages others have to share from the stillness. I read a story to the students on the first day of school–a parable by Leo Tolstoy–to help them reflect on how simplicity leads to knowledge. You may have heard of it. “The Three Questions.” When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? A boy, with the help of his wise friends, discovers that truth is about living in the now and being fully available for those who need help. Avoidance and letting the minutiae occupy our minds prevents attentiveness. Worrying about the past or the future distracts us from getting the most out of the present moment together.

Of course, teenagers could complain that school is the very distraction that keeps them from their priorities. Simplicity, some of them might say, would mean there would be no required classes or expectations for homework. I get it. The thing is, a Wilmington Friends education, with all the offerings, opportunities and experiences, helps our students figure out their answers to those essential questions. This program leads them to be curious about the world and to seek experiences in the present for nurturing their growth. Through the challenges and support that we provide, they develop not just their minds, but their hearts. When I walk the halls and see students helping each other study, laughing with one another or greeting their teachers cheerfully, I know they are living this testimony. The wise sage in the story helps the boy realize: “Remember then that there is only one important time, and that time is now. The most important one is always the one you are with. And the most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your side.” I’m not suggesting our kids will stop watching Netflix or sometimes get distracted by their longing for the future. But we will engage them continually in this exercise of connecting what they’ve learned, to channel, focus and simplify in the pursuit of being responsible, kind and educated citizens of the world.

Lower School Reflection Project Exploring Simplicity

In lower school, students thought about Simplicity through what they do best: play. After reading Not a Box by Antoinette Portis, students chose a box and used their imaginations to transform it into something new!

Hands-On Food Education

This fall, sixth graders were hard at work harvesting the fall crop in the outside garden beds, as well as helping put the final touches on the new WFS greenhouse that was installed late in the summer. These students have been growing snap peas from seeds in science class which they are watching grow in the greenhouse in the colder months.

Preschoolers and first graders visited the greenhouse and planted garlic. These young students learned about why we grow food at WFS (to support local food pantries and to teach our students about healthy eating) and got to sample some of the fall's cantaloupe harvest!

In addition, faculty members Carlos Charriez and Sia Willie were recently highlighted at the annual Pilot Light Feed Your Mind event in Chicago for their work in food education.

Fifth Grade Global Read Aloud

WFS fifth graders recently read the Global Read Aloud book, Thirst by Varsha Bajaj, a book about a girl from Mumbai who has limited access to water. Students then worked together to solve a series of puzzles to unlock including sequencing events, locating the call number of an Indian recipe book, decoding a rebus clue, and even using a special UV light to uncover invisible ink.

Sixth Grade Experiments

Sixth grade sciences classes visited the lower school to participate in experiments with the fifth graders––something the students look forward to from the start of their middle school journey.

Hypotheses tested include, "How does encouragement/discouragement affect accuracy? How well can you avoid obstacles while being blindfolded? How well does vision affect your accuracy while throwing?" Sixth graders conduct the experiments and examine the data to determine their results.

Seventh Graders Visit D.C.

Seventh graders and faculty members traveled to Washington, D.C. where they had a busy day visiting the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism, the United States Holocaust Museum, the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. These visits helped show the seventh grade curriculum in real life––in both seventh grade English and social science, students spend time examining the causes and implications of genocide with a specific focus upon the Holocaust. Students read The Diary of Anne Frank as well as a second Holocaust book, and examined the context of the Holocaust within history/World War II in social science. Students also examine JapaneseAmerican internment and the causes and results of sending innocent American citizens to confined camps during a time of crisis––World War II.

On the field trip, in addition to seeing how key historical figures are recognized for their achievements and accomplishments, students saw a greater context of discrimination, hatred, and racism, and learned how to work to help others who are facing potential or real persecution.

Preschoolers recently painted diyas in celebration of Diwali!

Quakerism & Thee Students Visit Meeting Houses

Students in the upper school Quakerism & Thee course took a field trip to local Quaker meetinghouses. At Wilmington Monthly Meeting at 4th & West, they were welcomed by member and WFS trustee Darcy Rademaker who gave them some history and information. The students then visited and toured Centre Meeting.

In Quakerism & Thee course, students explore the Quaker Testimonies and consider how they might apply to their own lives. Original writings by Quakers and the student’s own explorations of the Quaker philosophy form the core of this course. Early Quaker history is also studied, providing students with an understanding of the religion’s roots. Each student will complete their own “Quaker Quest,” doing something that will have a positive effect on the community involving at least one of the Quaker Testimonies (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Stewardship).

Early Years Fall Fast

Early years students participated in a fall festival, which included an obstacle course, the Quaker Bakery and Friends Farm Stand, fall-themed songs, leaf painting, oatmeal tasting, and a special story time with Head of School Ken Aldridge! Besides having a lot of fun, our youngest learners had a chance to interact with friends and teachers from other classrooms.

Middle school Chinese students created beautiful character bookmarks out of fall leaves!

The WFS Home and School Association (H&S), clerked by Jodi Bettler and Fola Adebi, continues striving to maintain its goal of community connection and support.

Community

During the first semester of the 2022-23 school year, WFS families and students enjoyed kicking off the school year with an all-school picnic. H&S thanked faculty and staff by providing holiday cheer and lunch in December. Thanks to Lower School Events Specialists Susanne Handling and Kristin Jenney, and Middle School Class Representatives Moriamo Johnson, Joanne Govatos, Marga retta Hershey, Julie Bierlein ’87, and Kelly Snyder O’Donnell ’93 for orga nizing the faculty and staff appreciation.

H&S is also continuing its ongoing support of the Emmanuel Dining Room (EDR) with monthly food deliveries from our dedicated volunteers. The Emmanuel Dining Room Project, led by David and Kristine Tuttleman, provides meals to 150-200 people in need each month.

Fundraisers

H&S held several school-wide fundraisers this fall including the Mum Sale clerked by Sarah Singleton Turick ’95 and Karen Legum, the Gifts and Greens Sale clerked by Vera Russo, and the Swigg Wine and Cheese Tasting hosted by owner Joanne Govatos.

The Lower School Fall Scholastic Book Fair raised a record amount this year thanks to clerk Kameron McConnell and other parent volunteers. Every classroom in the Lower School as well as the LS library received a donation of books from funds raised through the Book Fair.

The Quaker Closet consignment store continues to be the biggest H&S fundraiser thanks to generous donors/ consignors, shoppers, and a dedicated core of weekly volunteers. The Quaker Closet is clerked by Kendra Okolo and Lisa Pisano.

Faculty & Staff News

Kathleen Martin - NACAC Rising Star!

Congratulations to Kathleen Martin, WFS Director of College Guidance, who recently received the Rising Star Award from the National Association for College Admissions Counseling.

Kathleen serves as co-chair of the Potomac and Chesapeake Association of College Admission Counseling's LGBTQ+ special interest group committee, which provides LGBTQ+ related education, insight, and social opportunities to all interested professionals who support and work with high school and college students. While in Houston at the annual NACAC conference, Kathleen had the opportunity to see Matt Banschbach '21 and get a personal tour of Rice University!

WFS Faculty Present at NAIS People of Color Conference

WFS history teachers Don Morton '94 and John Hanson recently attended the NAIS People of Color Conference and presented "Teaching Race, Gender, and other 'Tough Material' - Strategies for Presenting Uncomfortable Aspects of American History."

Don and John, who have both been teaching at WFS for more than 20 years, sought to share their experiences as classroom teachers with other educators who may be worried and considering abandoning "tried and true" lessons, texts, and other materials because of racism, discrimination, violence, abusive language, or other reasons. Their recommendations include always giving students a sense of agency or control, being proactive in acknowledging what might be triggering, and looking at scholarship compared to the realities and challenges. The session was incredibly wellreceived and led to great discussion among educators and administrators in attendance.

Jianglin Shi to Attend STARTALK Program

Congratulations to middle school Chinese teacher Jianglin Shi who was recently accepted to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s STARTALK Chinese Teacher Program for the summer of 2023!

The program is designed to train secondary school Chinese language teachers to integrate community resources in curriculum design and pedagogical practice to support the development of students’ intercultural communicative competence.

Scenes from our Winter Concerts

Fall Sports Recap 2022

Cross Country | The cross country team had another terrific season, competing against some of the top competition across the State each and every week. At the Division II DIAA State Championships, the girls’ placed 8th overall (out of 30 teams) while the boys’ placed 10th (out of 29 teams). For the second consecutive year, Ellie Criscimagna ’23 earned All-Conference honors for her 8th place finish at the DISC Championships. Criscimagna and Harrison Burns ’24 were named Team MVP’s as well.

Field Hockey | The varsity field hockey team advanced all the way to the Division II Semifinals this season, finishing their 2022 season with an overall record of 14-4. Madeline Rowland ’23 (1st Team), Peri Mulveny ’23 (2nd Team), and Sawyer Rowland ’25 (2nd Team) all earned All-State honors and 1st Team All-DISC honors. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Sophia Brennan ’23 (1st Team), Emma Slease ’23 (2nd Team), Giuliana DiPrinzio ’25 (2nd Team), Molly Dolan ’26 (2nd Team), and Joey Mayer ’24 (Honorable Mention).

Boys’ Soccer | The boys’ soccer team advanced to the Division II Quarterfinals for the second consecutive season, finishing the 2022 campaign with an overall record of 12-4. Alessio Cristanetti-Walker ’23 (1st Team), Chaz Manolakos ’23 (1st Team), and Kato Connor ’25 (2nd Team) all earned All-State honors and 1st Team All-DISC honors for their work on the pitch this season. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Kevin Dolan ’24 (1st Team), Carter Ross ’23 (2nd Team), Rohan Mandayam ’23 (2nd Team), Quinn Green ’24 (2nd Team), and Robbie Lohkamp ’24 (Honorable Mention).

Football | The Quaker football team went undefeated this season, compiling a perfect 13-0 record and winning the Class 2A State Championship over Caravel Academy. Robby Tattersall ’23 (Offensive Player of the Year), Alessio Cristanetti-Walker ’23 (1st Team), Phil Crock ’23 (1st Team), Ish Dobson ’23 (1st Team), Hudson Zawadzkas ’23 (1st Team), Jaden Willie ’23 (1st Team), and Paul Beardell ’23 (2nd Team) all earned All-State honors and 1st Team AllDistrict honors. The following members of the team also earned All-District honors: Jackson Baynes ’23 (2nd Team), Colin Harron ’23 (2nd Team), Jack Hebert ’23 (2nd Team), Myles Johnson ’24 (2nd Team), Tyler Maheshwari ’24 (2nd Team), Andrew McKenzie ’24 (2nd Team), Ryan Tattersall ’25 (2nd Team), and Jason Hughes ’24 (3rd Team). Head Coach Rob Tattersall ’91 was named the Class 2A Coach of the Year and the team was named the 2022 Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association (DSBA) Team of the Year.

Volleyball | The volleyball team, competing against some of the toughest teams that the State has to offer, went 6-9 this season. Jocelyn Nathan ’23 continued to prove herself as one of the top players in Delaware as she earned AVCA All-American honors (3rd Team), AVCA All-Region honors, All-State honors (1st Team), and 1st Team All-DISC honors. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Ellie Dealy ’24 (1st Team), Violet Perloff ’24 (2nd Team), Scarlett Burleigh ’25 (Honorable Mention), and Elizabeth Pisano ’25 (Honorable Mention).

State Champs!

The Quaker football team, with their 10-7 win over #1 Caravel Academy, won their first State Championship since 1984! Head Coach Rob Tattersall ‘91, with his father and Associate Head Coach Bob Tattersall by his side, led the team through a 13-0 season. Making this a real family affair, Rob’s sons, Robby ‘23 and Ryan ‘25 were key players on the team. Other alumni coaches include Michael Coleman ’88, Bill Harman ’69, and Kyle Opderbeck ’19. Several alumni and members of the 1984 State Championship team were at the game to support the 2022 team and celebrate the second state title!

The

for the 2022 Girls’ Tennis State Championship team is now hanging in the West Gym and members of the team received their tournament jackets!

Fall Signing Day

Congratulations to Kira Agne ’23, Aubrey Nisbet ’23, and Jocelyn Nathan ’23 who signed their National Letters of Intent. Kira will swim at Georgetown University; Aubrey will play tennis at Wake Forest University; and Jocelyn will play volleyball at Penn State. We will recognize all WFS student athletes that plan to compete in the Ivy League and at the Division II and Division III levels in April.

Left: ’80s alumni cheering on the 2022 Quaker football team. Front Row: Nari Bush Brickley ’85 (holding Sam’s 1984 State Champ jacket), Erik Opderbeck ’87, Sam Brickley ’85, Oliver Yeh ’86, Carl Opderbeck ’85; Middle Row: Chris Benfer ’85; Steve Quimby ’86, Rob Friz ’86. Back Row: Tom Raiber ’86, Rob Buccini ’86, Chris Aronhalt ’85; Head Coach Rob Tattersall ’91.

Above: Quaker football seniors celebrate with their State Championship trophy. Front Row: Jaden Willie. Back Row: Jackson Baynes, Phil Crock, Alessio Cristanetti-Walker, Paul Beardell, Ishmael Dobson, Matthew Malone, Hudson Zawadzkas, Colin Harron, Robby Tattersall, and Jack Hebert.

Associate Head Coach Bob Tattersall with grandson Ryan Tattersall ’25.

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Front row: Anya Agarwal ’25, Ava Rubano ’24, Aubrey Nisbet ’23, Kendall Law ’24, and Jamie Feldman ’24. Back Row: Sarah Levenson ’24, Emma Larsen ’25, Coach Gabbie Feldman, Zarina Stone ’22, and Tess Wolf ’24.

From Our Blog

You Can Do It! How to Get Back Into Community Service

Many of us are interested in volunteering, but with the demands on our time and attention these days, community service and engagement can easily be placed on the back burner. Now more than ever there is a whole range of needs out there, and it’s never been easier to get involved. It just takes a little bit of planning to make that first step, and here are a few tips that may help:

Think about your passions and interests.

It’s important to feel good about what you are doing and look forward to giving your time. Volunteer with a community, individual, or cause that you are passionate about, and decide what you are interested in doing. If you are looking for direct involvement, there are numerous organizations with opportunities available, such as mentoring students, packing food, ushering with a performing arts program, delivering meals to seniors, helping build homes, or working on a campaign for someone running for elected office. Or, you may feel ready for a leadership role on a board or board committee. Think about what will give you the motivation and energy to donate your time.

Do your research.

Do a quick Google search to find organizations in your area that may have current needs. In addition to nonprofits, most state and local governments provide volunteer opportunity listings online. You can also connect with organizations of interest and their leaders on LinkedIn or follow their other social media accounts to stay in the know. Ask family, friends, classmates, and coworkers if they are involved in community service and how they got started. See if they have connections to organizations that interest you. Many organizations will give you a tour of their facilities and welcome a chance to interact with potential volunteers. You could also schedule an appointment with the Executive Director or Board Chair of the organization to learn more about their programs, projects, and plans for the future.

Assess your bandwidth.

Sometimes volunteering doesn’t work out because we try to do too much too soon. Be honest with yourself about the other demands in your life––work, school, exercise, socializing, resting––and decide if and where volunteering can fit in. Maybe you have a couple of hours once a month when you can do something hands-on, or maybe you can perform some tasks remotely on a regular basis. Knowing your bandwidth before you jump in can help ensure the right match. After finding a potential match, be sure to get a full understanding of what will be expected of you as a volunteer. Take special note of the hours or number of meetings you are agreeing to and make sure you are comfortable that you have the time to serve and fill the responsibilities you are committing to.

Appreciate the big picture.

Besides helping others, the opportunity to serve and get involved is a benefit to you. One of the great joys in life is knowing you have been able to do something to serve others and have played a role in helping to make your community a better place to live and work for everyone.

Just do it!

After you have found a match, fill out that form, send that email, or show up to that event to give it a try. Giving your time is a gift no matter how little or how much, and once you start, it will get easier to keep it going!

Thanks to WFS alum Fred Sears ’60, one of the most prolific volunteers in Delaware, for his contributions to this article! Fred has been a community leader throughout the First State for the past six decades. To read about Fred’s accomplishments, please scan the QR code.

Class Notes

Class of 1945

The Donaghy family gathered outside the Global Learning Center to dedicate a bench in memory of Robert Donaghy, Jr. The bench is located next to Robert’s classmate, Rodman B. Teeple, Jr. The following Donaghy family members were in attendance: Alice Donaghy, Rob Donaghy III ’92, Charlie Donaghy ’95, Kaylea Donaghy ’35, and Sara Sprowls.

Class of 1957

Ann Harper Heaton, Robert Heaton, Abbie Green Fassnacht, Jacquie Bostick Coyle, Pete Shields, and Chris Shields gathered at Tom and Sue Baker’s house on the Saturday of Reunion weekend for what Abbie described as “another family lunch.” Abbie continues, “We shared memories of those lost, of friends matured, and an appreciation of Friends values.”

Class of 1962

Bob Lessey attended WFS for six years along with his sister, Gerry Lessey Pas ’65 and his brother, Bruce Lessey ’68 Immersed in football and theatrical performances during his time at WFS, Bob went on to study at Yale, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins, preparing him for a career in medicine. Interested in the developmental stages of childhood, especially studying adolescents, Bob became the Director of Mental Health at the United States Naval Academy while also serving as a medical officer. After his time at the Naval Academy, Bob served as chief of Psychiatry at the Baltimore Public Health Service Hospital, and continued as a consultant for residential treatment facilities, in Baltimore, for adolescents, until retirement seven years ago. Upon retirement, Bob moved to North Potomac to be close to his daughters and four grandchildren. Whenever he is not involved in their wide-ranging interests, or helping them get to their sporting events or music lessons, Bob spends his time watercolor painting and raising monarch butterflies in the summer.

Class of 1964

Janet Yabroff, reflecting on her time as a student at Friends, writes, “I am so grateful for all of you, for your passion every single day. Know your difference changes lives forever.” Janet, who walked to school each day in Alapocas, taught at numerous Friends Schools across the eastern seaboard and also did some consulting work at Friends Council. After this, she taught at Wilmington College, consulted at Delaware Head Start, and even taught Kindergarten at Wilmington Friends. Janet notes, “My work was character-changing and allowed me to grow. The memories still inspire me today.”

Class of 1970

David Graybeal, after ten years of posthigh school education and 40 years as a lawyer in San Francisco and New York City, has now retired. In retirement, he went back to school, becoming an EMT and now, a paramedic. He now volunteers over 36 hours each week at two community ambulances corps located in Westchester County, New York.

Siblings Marguerite Marston Guglielmetti and Thom Marston ’75 had a wonderful time catching up with their classmates at the 50th + Reunion and 1748 Society Luncheon at DuPont Country Club during Reunion weekend.

Alice W. Donaghy, Rob Donaghy III ‘92, Charlie Donaghy ‘95, and Sara Sprowls look on as Kaylea Donaghy ‘35 cuts the ribbon for her grandfather’s bench.

Friends from the Class of 1957.

Front row: Ann Heaton, Jacquie Coyle; Back Row: Pete Shields, Abbie Fassnacht, Tom Baker.

Marguerite Marston Guglielmetti ’70 and Thom Marston ’75.

Class of 1975

Thom Marston (see 1970).

Congratulations to Dr. Peter Townsend who received the Delaware Athletic Trainer’s Association’s AT Ally award! Dr. Townsend played under Coach Tattersall as a student and has been the WFS football team’s doctor for more than 30 years.

Class of 1996

Meg Ting Ryan, Cat Wiedwald Stenta, and Eliza Wolcott ’99 competed in the Lake Placid Summit Lacrosse Tournament this past summer. Their team, Kennett bOld Lax, played in the women’s 35+ division.

Class of 1998

Kyla Rafert was recently announced as one of ten finalists for The Bennett Prize; this artistic prize awards $50,000 to a woman artist to create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings, which then travels the country.

Class of 2002

Daniel Joseph, who serves as the Special Effects and Illusions Development Principal at Walt Disney Imagineering, was recently recognized for his excellent work by the US Patent Office as a “Top Inventor in the Arts” at Invention-Con 2022.

Class of 2003

Lindsay Moyer Parker and her husband, Stacy, welcomed their first child into the world on August 24, 2022. Madison Drew Parker weighed 6lbs 13oz and was 19 inches long. She writes, “We are so in love!”

Class of 2007

Anne Kelsey Foster and her husband, Dane, welcomed their son Warren Michael Foster on October 26.

Jane Monari Lovely was recently featured on Al-Jazeera’s “The Stream” as a part of a discussion on anti-Asian racism

Eliza Wolcott ‘99, Cat Wiedwald Stenta ‘96, and Meg Ting Ryan ‘96 competed in the Lake Placid Summit Lacrosse Tournament this past summer.

Daniel Joseph ’02.

WFS Athletic Trainer Devon Adams and Dr. Peter Townsend ’75.

Madison Drew Parker; Warren Michael Foster; Molly Lee Greene

Jane Monari Lovely ’07 plays Filippyevna in Opera Holland Park’s “Eugene Onegin.”

Kyla Rafert ’98.

in opera. Her letter, titled “Time’s up for Yellowface,” was also featured in Opera Magazine.

Lauren Schmittle Greene and her husband, Michael, welcomed their daughter Molly Lee Greene on November 23.

Class of 2008

Kelly McGeehan married Mark Heagy on August 27, 2022 in Lancaster, PA. Fellow WFS alum Morgan Dorsey served as her maid of honor, brother Ryan McGeehan ’10 was a groomsman, and Amy Tryon delivered a reading. Other members of the WFS community in attendance included Will Mangan ’10 and Lesley Dennis Tryon ’71.

Class of 2009

Sammi Shay married Quinn Menchetti on September 17, 2022 in Chicago at the Cook County Forest Preserves amongst family and friends. They were thrilled to have a number of WFS alums in attendance: sister Kerry Shay ’15, Cara D’Amico, Emily David Hershman, Mary Sophia Williams Schlauch, Ellie Kelsey, and Perrin Downing

Class of 2011

Joseph Geoghegan married Olivia Cheng in Audubon, Pennsylvania on August 13, 2022. During their ceremony, they had a 15-minute moment of reflection which was heavily inspired by Quaker Meeting for Worship at Friends. The following members of the WFS community were in attendance: siblings James Geoghegan ’05, Sara Geoghegan ’08, and his parents, David Geoghegan ’75 and Susan Geoghegan (faculty).

Olivia Veale married James Colligan on October 1, 2022 in Washington, D.C. at the District Winery, a venue in the same neighborhood that she and her husband have lived in for years. The following WFS alums were in Olivia’s bridal party: sisters Elena Veale ’14 and Simone Veale ’17, and Julianna Ly.

Ryan McGeehan ’10 (3rd from left), Kelly McGeehan ’08 (bride), and Megan Dorsey ’08 (to the right of Kelly); Amy Tryon ’08 delivers a reading during Kelly McGeehan’s ’08 wedding.

Perrin Downing ’09, Mary Williams Schlauch ’09, Sammi Shay ’09, Ellie Kelsey ’09, Emily David Hershman ’09, and Cara D’Amico ’09; Kerry Shay ’15 (left) served as the maid of honor for her sister, Sammi Shay ’09.

James Geoghegan ’05, Sara Geoghegan ’08, Joseph Geoghegan ’11, Olivia Cheng, Susan Geoghegan, and David Geoghegan ’75.

Miriam Zimmerman was recently promoted to Senior Software Engineer at Google.

Class of 2012

Jennie Lowe recently became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), allowing her to advocate for children in the foster care system. Currently, she serves as the Site Director for LifeStance Health, Inc. where she supervises a licensed clinical team, manages sitespecific operations, and responds to escalated patient needs. Jennie is currently in the process of applying to nursing schools in hopes of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner where she can continue to use her therapy skills and blend in pharmacology.

Daniel Potter married April Birnie on October 29, 2022 at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey. Jamie Irwin served as the best man while Richard Monari was a groomsman. Several other WFS alums attended the wedding: Ben Horstmann, Nicholas Culver, Sarah Newbold Culver, Christopher Getty, and Lauren Tamar. Professionally, Daniel continues to serve as the Educational Technology Coordinator and teaches music and math at Princeton Friends School. Moreover, he was recently accepted into the 2022-2024 cohort of the Friends Council’s Institute for Engaging Leadership in Friends Schools.

Richard Monari recently married David Lin and the couple moved out to the Bay Area where Richard works as a Speech Therapist.

Josh Schwartz and Laurel Brown got engaged on September 4, 2022 in New Milford, Connecticut.

Class of 2014

William Beardell received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering, and defended his thesis “Spatial-Spectral Imaging with

Olivia Veale ’11 and Julianna Ly ’11.

Miriam Zimmerman ’11 was recently promoted to Senior Software Engineer at Google.

Jennie Lowe ’12 became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) which allows her to advocate for children in the foster care system.

Daniel Potter ’12 with his wife April Birnie.

Richard Monari ’12 (left) with his husband David Lin.

Josh Schwartz ’12 and Laurel Brown ’12 celebrate their engagement.

Microwave Photonic Arrays” in August 2022. He accepted a position with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory beginning last fall.

Greg Szumel married Elizabeth Salisbury on September 22, 2022 in Cashiers, North Carolina. Natalie Szumel ’16 served as a bridesmaid while Roth Johnson ’14 and Kevin Roux ’14 were groomsmen.

Class of 2015

Kerry Shay was promoted to Recreation Manager at Disney World where she oversees the Recreation Department for the Disney Resort Hotels. Kerry oversees four resorts; Disney’s Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resorts.

Class of 2016

Ciara Graves, Marketing Director for Thrive Music, received a Gold Record for her exceptional work on ACRAZE’s track, “Do It To It.” The global hit amassed over 12.2 billion global streams

across all streaming platforms since its release in August 2021.

Class of 2017

Theresa Beardell accepted a position with the Ross Montessori Charter School in Colorado as a garden manager/teacher and interventionist beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. She uses the school garden as an outdoor classroom to teach students in grades 1-6 about sustainable food systems, as well as supporting students in math and reading, including those who are native Spanish speakers.

Class of 2018

Nick Sotiropoulos was selected to represent the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences as the student marshal for Penn State’s summer commencement on August 13, 2022 in the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus. Nick graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering.

Roth Johnson ’14, Greg Szumel ’14, and Kevin Roux ’14.

Kerry Shay ’15 was promoted to Recreation Manager at Disney World where she oversees the Recreation Department for the Disney Resort Hotels.

Ciara Graves ’16 posing with her Gold Record for her work on the track, “Do It To It.”

Nick Sotiropolous represented the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences as the student marshal for Penn State’s summer commencement.

In Memory

Any time a member of the Wilmington Friends School community passes away, we feel great sadness by the loss. But reflecting on their lives and contributions to the greater good helps us cope and remember the many good things about them.

Please visit our website at wilmingtonfriends.org/alumni/in-memory or use the QR code below to read about these wonderful members of the WFS community. We are now sharing full obituaries online instead of the printed magazine so we can be sure to include all of the information.

If you would like to let us know a friend or family member in our community has passed away, please email Lynne Nathan at lnathan@wilmingtonfriends.org.

Class of 1940: William “Bill” Berl Patterson

Class of 1943: Henry Drexel Patterson II

Class of 1943: Marion Betts “Bettsy” Shaw Smith

Class of 1945: Joyce Elise [Silver] Koch

Class of 1946: Eleanor [Woodward] Lilley Borders

Class of 1947: Marie “T” [Berl] (Ridings) Ferguson

Class of 1948: J. Mark Attix

Class of 1948: Robert “Bob” Barr Flinn, M.D.

Class of 1948: Clare [Gammons] McMullan

Class of 1948: Frederick “Fred” Chorlton Mitchell, Jr.

Class of 1949: E. Ennalls Berl II

Class of 1950: Anne Margaret [Allen] Pflugfelder

Class of 1950: Sara “Sally” Corbit [Reese] Pryor

Class of 1951: Peter G. Bailey

Class of 1957: William “Bill” Kemble duPont II

Class of 1957: Rev. Jerome “Jerry” A. Poole

Class of 1957: Carl F. Shrawder

Class of 1962: Anne [Marshall] Brinsfield

Class of 1966: William “Bill” Robert Ellis

Class of 1967: Gail D. Wollerton

Class of 1968: Mildred ‘Lark’ Clarkson Worth

Class of 1975: Karen [Wilderman] Kowal Keegan

Class of 2016: Jack Robert Bulk

In Closing: Scenes from the Upper School Musical

Into the Woods