True Blue/All Alumni Reunion and Awards Reception We had originally planned to host the True Blue and All Alumni Reunion/Awards reception outdoors, in a beautifully lit and heated tent, but the weather had different plans! Gusting winds, heavy rain, and cold temperatures moved the event indoors to the Library Learning Commons. If the past 20 months have taught us anything, it’s how to be flexible. With an efficient and hard-working facilities crew, we were able to change the event’s location in just two hours. Thank you to all those who attended and were patient with us as we navigated this! Once the location change was set, the reception felt similar to past years. About 60 guests attended the event, which featured entertainment by the WFS Jazz Band, led by Chris Verry. This annual event honors our True Blue donors (who have given to the school for 10 or more consecutive years) and our reunioning alumni. A major highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Alumni Awards. In opening the awards program, Head of School Ken Aldridge acknowledged and thanked the many True Blue donors and alumni in attendance. He expressed gratitude for Friends alumni representing Quaker values in their everyday lives, wherever they may be. Before introducing each alumni award recipient, he mentioned that the award recipients emulate the distinctive qualities of a Friends School graduate–– integrity, a commitment to excellence with responsibility to the common good, and an active valuing of peace and social justice––in everything they do.
Carol Quillen ’79 Distinguished Alumna Award
Although unable to join us at the reception, Carol, the current and first female president of Davidson College, was recognized for her many accomplishments. Under her leadership, Davidson grew more diverse socioeconomically and racially. Applications reached record numbers, and Carol led a $555 million capital campaign that helped push the college’s endowment above $1 billion. Davidson reached top-tier status in undergraduate research and tied for second in the nation for the NCAA’s graduation success rate of athletes. The president of The Aspen Institute describes her as “a transformational leader with a brilliant mind, a devotion to students, and the courage of her convictions. Davidson College has become an even more remarkable institution because of her vision, will and skill.” Carol continues to appreciate the Quaker values that served as the foundation for a WFS education and says it helped her realize, “learning is liberating.” We were thrilled to honor her with the Distinguished Alumna of the Year award.
Jon Layton ’86.
Tom Scott ’70 Outstanding Service Award
Tom Scott has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Wilmington community. Upon moving back to Delaware, he was introduced to several non-profit organizations through his parents and children. In addition to volunteering and supporting Wilmington Friends School, he has worked with numerous non-profit organizations in the area, including Christ Church, Wilmington Garden Day, Friendship House, St. Michael’s School, Limen House, Lutheran Community Services, Urban Promise, and DE Humane Association, to name a few. Upon accepting his award, Tom spoke about being saddened by the lack of progress in Wilmington and beyond, despite money and efforts to address challenging situations. While this is disheartening, he has seen the positive impact of individuals willing to learn more and to help their community. Tom shared a few stories of working with youth, and how exposing them 8
Tom Scott ’70 and Betsy Lord Scott.
