WFS Summer 2020 Magazine

QuakerMatters

Wilmington Friends School Summer 2020

Quaker Matters • Summer 2020 CONTENTS

Photographer and WFS parent Elisa Morris takes photos of Commencement from the tower at Tattersall Field.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair, David Tennent Matthew Lang ’08 Vice Chair, Dorothy Rademaker Christopher W. Lee ’82 Treasurer, Christopher Buccini ’90 Deborah Murray-Sheppard Secretary, Russ Endo Debbie Pittenger Jennifer G. Brady Laura Reilly Karen-Lee Brofee Christopher Rowland ’95 William Chapman Aubree Wellons Brian Fahey Rob Friz ’86 Alumni Association Board Liaison, Lathie Gannon Martha Poorman Tschantz ’85 Scott W. Gates ’80 Richard Grier-Reynolds Home & School Association Board Noreen Haubert Liaison, Michelle Silberglied Susan Janes-Johnson

We would like to thank the following Trustees who are rolling off the Board for their commitment and dedication to WFS: Omar A. Khan ’90 and Susan Kelley (see page 4). We welcome our newest Board members: Former faculty member, coach of 29 years, and parent of alumni Brian Fahey is now Head of School at West Chester Friends and has served on the American Library Association’s 2016 Randolph Caldecott Medal award committee for most distinguished American picture book for children. Brian’s twins graduated this year, Luke from WFS and Anna from Phillips Exeter.

Aubree “Bree” Wellons is a current parent with two children, Josephine ’23 and Kemble ’27. Bree is a graduate of Syracuse with a degree in Cultural Anthropology and Journalism. She owns her own design business, and manages both residential and commercial design. She is very involved in the community and serves currently on trustee committees at Longwood Gardens; Christiana Care; Pilot School; First State Squash; and is also connected to the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware.

Rob Friz ’86 is a partner with Price Waterhouse Cooper - National Tax Practice. He is a graduate of Wharton School of Business, has a JD/ Masters in Taxation from Temple, and is a CPA. Rob serves on the Board of the Future Soccer Stars Foundation, and is past President of Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.

Professional photography by Elisa Komins Morris and Billy Michels ’89. Also thanks to Mary Woodward and the Yearbook Staff for photo contributions. Cover photo by Susan Morovati Finizio ’87.

Please send any comments or corrections to info@wilmingtonfriends.org.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

1 From the Head of School 2 From the Alumni Board Clerk 2 From the Archives 4 Farewell Susan! (But Not Goodbye) 6 Commencement and The Class of 2020 13 Being a Senior in the Time of COVID-19 14 Senior Day 16 Academic and Community Awards 17 A Focus on Equality 18 School News 34 Alumni Awards 36 Alumni in Healthcare 40 Class Notes 44 In Memory Inside Back Cover: In the Theater INSERT: Report on Philanthropy

ALUMNI BOARD 2020-2021 Matthew Lang ’08, Clerk Jonathan Layton ’86, Vice Clerk Erin Bushnell ’96 Stanita Clarke ’06 Drew Dalton ’97 Emily David ’09 Raven Harris Diacou ’06 Alexandra Poorman Ergon ’77 Matt Hendricks ’79 Erika Kurtz ’99

Chris Lee ’82 Adrienne Monley ’02 Katharine Lester Mowery ’02 Raymond Osbun ’71 Kristin Dugan Poppiti ’03 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, Ann Cole Associate Head for Finance and Operations, William Baczkowski Assistant Head for Academics, Michael Benner 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

MISSION 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.

From the Head of School Dear Friends, In my fall letter to you, I reflected on Homecoming 2019, writing about the value of coming home. If I had only known then how true those words would ring just a few months later when our collective country was told to do just that...come home, and stay there.

When we left for Spring Break, we were unsure of what the coming days and weeks would hold.

In a matter of days, our 86 teachers transitioned traditional, in-person instruction to virtual. Our administrative staff shifted to home offices. On March 26, for the first time in 272 years, Wilmington Friends School went live, online, as our country grappled with the coming pandemic. And on April 24, we found out we would not be returning to school for the remainder of the year.

While the classrooms were empty, the theaters and athletic fields quiet, our students showed remarkable resilience and flexibility, as did their parents, guardians, and teachers, many of whom were juggling not just their own work schedules, but now their children’s school schedules as well. We saw pets helping with school work and we held a virtual spring signing day for our future collegiate athletes. Third graders Zoomed with National Park Rangers, and there were Spirit Weeks at home. We held our informal spring concert and serenaded neighbors from our porches. Students met with playwrights and competed in a math league competition. Our baseball team raised money for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and our fourth graders built Mars Rovers with instructions from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The learning was undoubtedly different, but the way that we connected and rose to the challenge was nothing short of inspiring.

While some parts of virtual learning were joyous indeed, there was a deep sense of loss, particularly, and understandably, amongst our senior class. They mourned the spring of senior year they would never have, the traditions they would never experience. The prom they would never attend. The noise parade that would never occur in the WFS halls. The drama productions that would never get a final bow. The athletic contests that would never be won. Some of these traditions still happened, just in a different manner, like the noise parade that made its way through the streets of Alapocas, rather than through the halls of school. We celebrated the Class of 2020 with yard signs and Instagram posts, a Senior Day drive-through, and eventually, a commencement ceremony on Tattersall Field on July 18.

We are incredibly proud of the work that has been done, including the fact that not one faculty or staff member was furloughed as a result of the pandemic. Our Plan Ahead Committee worked on several different scenarios for the 2020-2021 school year as we awaited direction from the governor of Delaware. Our biggest challenge was determining what was right for an incredibly diverse group of students––from three-year-olds to eighteen-year-olds––as well as keeping in mind that we are in the unique position of having students commute to WFS from four different states. We remain mindful of the regulations and guidelines, which seem to change daily.

We are researching and formulating instructional strategies to engage students in both in-person and remote learning. We must also address the social and emotional needs of our students and faculty. As of writing this letter, our plan is to begin the year in a hybrid fashion, offering both inperson and remote learning. We do not know what is coming, but we know that school will not look like what it did when we left on March 12.

Amidst a global pandemic came a global awakening unlike any I have ever seen as our country struggled with the senseless deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, among others. The conversations I have had in the past month with alumni, faculty, students, and parents about race and equality in our country and school have been difficult and absolutely necessary.

It is fitting that the Quaker testimony we will focus on for the 2020-2021 school year is Equality. As you know, Quakers have a long history of speaking out against injustice, but it is now time to turn these conversations with parents, students, and alumni of color into actions. As a school, we will look at how we can address these injustices and systematic racism in our country and in our community. As Tess Beardel ’17 said in our June community Meeting for Worship, “We have to work harder to become a society that works together for each other.”

With all that has happened this year as a school and as a country, we must, of course, keep our eye continually on the future. The projected sale of the Lower School building to Incyte and subsequent move to one campus continues to move forward. We continue to prepare to celebrate the 275th year of Wilmington Friends School in 2023. There is so much to look forward to. I look forward to the sound of children’s laughter once again filling our hallways. I look forward to witnessing a student’s revelation as they solve a challenging problem. I look forward to sitting among friends as we take in one of the year’s musical performances. I look forward to sitting in the stands cheering on our teams. I look forward.

In Friendship,

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

1

From the Alumni Board Clerk Dear Friends, In the past, I’ve shared messages of congratulations and thanks to the WFS community in this letter. And while I thought I would need to change many things in this letter because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial tensions in our society, I realized those messages of gratitude are still relevant - maybe even more so now.

To the Class of 2020: I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to you. We know your final months on campus were not how you imagined and we share in your sadness. The grace you’ve shown during this challenging time is a true testament to your class’s strength and resilience; you are truly letting your lives speak. The Alumni Board wanted to acknowledge your accomplishments and enjoyed writing notes to each of you. I hope these messages communicated just how proud the WFS community is of you. I am honored to welcome you to the alumni community and I wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter after WFS. It was an unprecedented year at WFS and the community’s response to these challenges highlighted why I am so proud to be an alumnus. We were fortunate to again celebrate successful athletic seasons, academic achievements, and service commitments, but we also came together as a community to support each other, local organizations in need, and forge a new path in remote learning. Our Annual Fund raised $946,228, thanks to your support, and Friends will continue to offer strong programs in support of our Quaker values. Please check out the Annual Report, included in this edition, to read about all that we accomplished together.

The school year ahead will look different, but I am hopeful we can still find ways to connect in meaningful ways. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Homecoming (and all in-person school activities aside from academic classes) will not take place on campus. The Alumni Office, in conjunction with the Alumni Board, is brainstorming virtual events for Homecoming, scheduled for October 23-24, and we will keep you posted on our plans. While we will not be able to honor our 2020 Alumni Award recipients in person, I am excited to announce this year’s honorees, who are “letting their lives speak.”

Distinguished Alumna Award: Carol Quillen ’79 Outstanding Service Alumnus Award: Tom Scott ’70 Young Alumna Award: Eden Wales Freedman ’99 You can read more about their accomplishments on page 34.

Please stay tuned for more Homecoming information and visit our website at wilmingtonfriends.org/alumni/homecoming.

Thanks for reading. I hope you and your family are safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

From the Archives: The Wilmington Friends School Class of 2020 has had an experience this spring shared by none other in our long history: spending most of the spring semester of their senior year in quarantine. World Wars and the influenza plague of 1918-19 resulted in no long-term closings. However, a number of members of the WFS class of 1966 had some similar experiences in the spring of their senior year of college in 1970: student unrest before and especially after the Kent State Massacre, fifty years ago this May 4. Inspired by a story relayed by Dave Smith ’66 in talking with the Alumni/Development Office, I emailed his classmates for their stories and received these replies. ~ Terry Maguire, WFS archivist I attended Kenyon, graduating in 1970. While we were situated in the same state as Kent State, we, unlike Harvard, did have a traditional graduation ceremony. I don’t recall much of the drama of the time. However, I do recall the College was shut for a period of time (a few days I think), students picketed the local post office (which housed the Selective Service office), and the College President’s home (I don’t recall why). ~ Dick Glasebrook, Connecticut Although very different than our current crisis, in mid-April in 1970, a reported 100,000 people gathered on the Boston Commons to protest the Viet Nam war. As that rally broke up, 2,000 protestors made their way into Cambridge and joined with others to create a “free Bobby Seale contingent.” In Harvard Square the group clashed with Boston police and members of the National Guard. Because of the damage, looting, fires and overall tensions, most colleges in the Boston area closed and they encouraged all students to go home. Classes and exams were cancelled and as a senior in good standing I left Cambridge and started my job. A month later the college did hold graduation exercises but since I was already working I was unable to return. I finally experienced my first Harvard graduation as a Marshall at my 10th reunion celebration. ~ Dave Smith, New Jersey

Matt Lang ’08 2

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

The Class of 1966 Reminisces about School Closings in 1970 I attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. It’s not far from Parkersburg, West Virginia and is considered Appalachia. The late sixties were a turbulent time and the riots and the shooting at Kent State were the culmination. The shooting of the students at Kent State occurred on May 4, 1970 and within a week or two all the schools in Ohio were closed. There were many peaceful student demonstrations in Athens throughout April mostly in opposition to the Vietnam War. There were many large gatherings to voice student demands such as removing ROTC from campus. I can remember sitting in small groups on the campus Green and discussing issues with faculty. At the end of April, Nixon sent troops into neutral Cambodia and that really kicked up things.

The more radical students on campus began causing disturbances, throwing bricks and breaking windows. I looked back at my yearbook at the few pictures there were of this time and noted that most of the students were wearing masks much as we are today but of course for a different reason. I don’t remember whether the National Guard was on our campus before or after Kent State. It was very intimidating having them stationed about every ten feet throughout town with their guns in hand. Many of them were the same age as we were. My sorority house was about a block from the main campus and a block from the downtown so we were right in the thick of things. The nights were the worst for some reason. There was tear gas throughout the town and I remember lying on the floor to get under the gas so we could breath. We got word that the school was closing and we had twenty-four hours to gather our stuff and leave. My parents had to drive from Delaware to get me in that short time. We just had time to pack our things and leave. No time to really say goodbye to anyone. We finished our classes at home by correspondence and our diplomas were mailed to us. I have not been back to Athens since then but OU did offer us the opportunity to come back to graduation about twenty years ago.

During the last year of my time at Dartmouth there were various protests of the Vietnam War. In early May 1969, a group of students took over the college administration building. After Nixon's decision to invade Cambodia at the end of April 1970 and the shootings at Kent State in early May, campus protests caused the College to close all classes and send students home. As Dartmouth was on the trimester system, classes would have gone on until early June, with graduation the second week of June. Students were given the option of returning to campus for graduation or receive their diplomas by mail. I myself did not have the option of attending graduation, as on that day I was arriving at Quantico, Virginia to begin 10 weeks of Officer Candidate School. ~ Tom Kenworthy, Pennsylvania

I hope this is what you are looking for. I wish I could remember more. The university and the surrounding area were beautiful and I enjoyed my time there. It’s too bad it had to end that way. ~ Georgia Higgins Helthall, California In the spring of 1970 I was in Switzerland doing research–but I do recall possibly the year before some ‘marching’ which I participated in with students from Amherst, Mount Holyoke itself was quiet. I hope all are taking this pandemic seriously–– this virus from a scientist’s point of view, fascinating––we know very little about it––which makes it even more dangerous. Be Well Stay Safe. ~ Leonora Petty, Nevada

In 1970, I was a delayed junior at Middlebury College having taken my junior year off. After the Kent State event, terrible as it was, someone burned down the ROTC building on campus. I was one of the group of folks who camped at the buildings around the college and town to guard, by presence, that other buildings were not in danger. We shared empathy, sorrow, and concern that further harm would not become a greater part of that experience.

Thankfully, it did not. Footnote: Some of my college mates went to The March on Washington the previous November of 1969. We witnessed the following evening the Weather Underground wreak havoc nearby. I decided then that was not going to become me. It did not. Tough years during the war in Vietnam. ~ Stephen Autman, Pennsylvania

I was in my senior year at Earlham College in the spring of 1970. When Kent State happened a lot of colleges and universities chose to close. The student body at Earlham voted not to close. There were contacts in Washington to keep us updated on what was happening. We had lots of meetings and rallies and visitors... as well as classes. A lot of politically active students came from Kent State, Antioch, and other schools. There were sleeping bags in the hallways. It was an amazing, though tragic, time and I was glad that I was at a Quaker College that cared. ~ Jane Dunworth Baker, Massachusetts Williams College went “on strike” like so many other colleges and universities in the Spring of 1970 but I don’t think I’ll choose to share any thoughts about that. ~ Dick Cooch, Delaware Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

3

Wilmington Friends has been a huge part of our lives and a second home for more than 20 years, and for 15 of those years, I have served on the Board of Trustees.

Farewell Susan!

(But Not Goodbye) After 15 years on the WFS Board of Trustees, we are saying “goodbye” to Board Clerk Susan Kelley who will be rotating off. Susan was Vice Clerk for two years and Clerk for eight, and prior to that she was the Home & School Board Liaison.

We are thrilled to say that Susan will remain involved in several Board committees. Here, we talked to Susan about her time on the Board.

Please tell us about your background with WFS. What has the School meant to you?

My husband, Bernie, and I moved our children, Eric and Lauren, to WFS when they were starting 2nd grade and kindergarten, respectively, in 2000. Bernie first suggested looking at WFS; he had a number of coworkers who had children there.

I was very involved at our kids’ previous schools and we liked our neighborhood, so I was hesitant but agreed that if he would set up the appointment, I would visit, thinking he never would!

Well, he did make the appointment. We visited and fell in love with WFS. We found it warm, friendly, strong academically, more diverse than our previous school, and with an educational philosophy that matched ours.

I had served on the Board of Trustees at Fairville Friends School and had been a class rep at Unionville Elementary School, so I wanted to find a way to get involved in our new school. The first year, I focused on helping in the classrooms when they needed volunteers and making sure that both children transitioned well into their new school. After that year, I moved into various roles in Home & School and continued to volunteer–in the Library, co-chairing two after proms, coordinating concessions for sporting events, and co-clerking the sports banquet until both Eric and Lauren graduated. I also became an ardent sports fan of WFS as my children went through the School.

We met many parents during our time there that became good friends, who we now consider lifelong friends. In the past few years, we have had the opportunity to see so many of the children that we knew when our kids were at WFS grow up and graduate from college, medical school, law school, graduate school, get jobs, get married, have children, and some are even considering sending their future children to WFS. The years have flown by, but the School will always mean so much to me.

4

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Working with people like Bryan Garman, Bill Baczkowski, Ken Aldridge, Marilyn Maguire, Ann Cole, Darcy Rademaker, and all the other trustees, as well as the admin team has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. I will miss serving on the Board, and seeing, almost every day, the many people that have become so special to me. It is truly hard to imagine not being at school and being a part of the work of the Board.

I would stay forever, but it is time for others to take over. I am confident that the School will continue to thrive and adapt to the world in which we live. More importantly, I know that it will continue to serve our community and educate the future leaders of our world while honoring the Quaker testimonies. It is a special community that I feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of in this way for so long. I will treasure these years forever.

What interested you about joining the Board at WFS? I have always enjoyed schools and, like my mother, was always involved with the schools my children attended. However, being on the Board is different from being in school helping with events or assisting faculty in some way. It is about the future of the School and ensuring that it continues to provide educational opportunities consistent with its mission, as well as remaining financially viable.

I was on the Board at Fairville Friends School in 2004 and was clerk of that Board for several years ending in 2007, so I had some understanding of how Quaker Boards operated. In comparison to being on the Fairville Board, joining the WFS Board was like moving from a summer job to your first “career job.”

That was in 2004-2005. I have since held various positions on the Board, most recently serving four terms as Board Clerk.

My length of time as clerk is a little longer than is typical, but I remained clerk when we had a transition in leadership when Bryan Garman left to become the Head of Sidwell Friends.

I served as clerk while Bill Baczkowski was Interim Head of School, and then remained clerk of the Board when Ken Aldridge became the new Head of School in 2015. I have really enjoyed working with all three Heads of School. I think what I am going to miss most is the amazing people that I have gotten to work with over the years.

What interested me most about joining the Board was the ability to be a part of ensuring the future of WFS. When I first

Susan along with parent of alumni Governor John Carney and Head of School Ken Aldridge.

came to WFS, the School had just celebrated its 250th anniversary. I wanted to be a part of that history and to assist in any way I could to make sure that the School is around for at least another 250 years. I am thrilled that we will be celebrating the 275th anniversary of the School in 2023. Having this opportunity to guide the School’s future has been incredible. I have learned so much and had the opportunity to work with so many smart, dedicated people, passionate about education and WFS. What were your favorite initiatives to work on as a Board member?

There are so many. I really enjoyed being a part of the $27.5 million Future of Friends campaign that enabled us to build the Theater, Atrium, Nook, and GLC in addition to renovating the MS/US Learning Commons, art facilities, third floor classrooms, and the Mellor Turf Field. I also am very proud of the decision to begin our one-to-one laptop program in 2012. It has served our students well and allowed us to smoothly transition to remote learning during our current global pandemic. One of the things I was personally focused on when I first joined the Board in 2004 was the need for non-tuition aid to cover all the extra and incidental costs that students and families incur. I am extremely happy to say that we now have a special endowment started by the Laffey-McHugh Foundation that supports exactly those needs.

Other highlights for me include the adoption and reaffirmation of our IB program; the addition of the Malone School Online Network program; our preschool Reggio Emelia-based program; and our outdoor classroom. The purchase of our 3D printers and the creation of our maker spaces, as well as our experiential Quest trips are just a few of the examples of the academic initiatives that the Board supported during my tenure that I have been excited about.

I would have to say that the move to build a new lower school on our upper/middle school campus is the most exciting project that I have been involved in most recently. The opportunity to unify our school as it once was, providing more opportunities for interdivisional collaboration while creating innovative new learning spaces and opportunities for our youngest students is very exciting. While there are challenges and concerns to be addressed, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. An opportunity that is ambitious, unprecedented, and life-changing.

What do you feel is the School’s greatest accomplishment during your time on the Board?

I personally was moved by our community’s generosity and support of our Annual Fund that allowed us to become the first day school in Delaware with an Annual Fund over $1 million.

It was a goal I had hoped that WFS would reach, and we were able to do that for several years since then. I also think getting our endowment over $30 million was an incredible accomplishment. I believe that our endowment growth is one of the most important ways to ensure that WFS continues to thrive and grow. Of course, I am very proud of the millions of dollars of deferred maintenance that we were able to complete during my time on the Board while also updating and adding to our physical plant as I mentioned previously.

As you leave the Board, what do you envision for the future of the School? Where do you see the School in ten years?

I think the School is going to continue to be at the forefront of education - providing an educational opportunity that would be wonderful if all children could experience it. I see WFS all together on one campus, increasing the opportunities for interdivisional collaboration at all levels.

Susan with former Board Clerk, parent of alumnae, and grandparent David Singleton.

I see WFS utilizing many forms of technology, providing innovative and skill-building experiences that incorporate our arts/ music programs, extracurricular programs, and sports programs. I see increased outreach programs that continue our service-based learning initiatives. I envision in-person and remote access to learning enabling greater opportunities for individualized learning. I imagine students having even more experiential opportunities for learning and travel. I see our endowment well over $75 million, allowing the School to provide educational opportunities for more students capable of excelling academically while pursuing their personal interests and talents. And, supporting all of the educational opportunities are the Quaker testimonies well-integrated into the life of all of our school.

I imagine our alumni continuing to serve as examples of the best of humanity. Our faculty will be well-paid, with many professional development opportunities, and a sense of deep satisfaction in the amazing work they do every day changing lives for the better with every student they interact with. Finally, in 2030, I see WFS celebrating its 283rd year while anticipating its 300th anniversary in 2048.

If you could give the incoming Board Clerk one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell David to remember that although there is no way to predict what challenges and opportunities he will face in the years ahead, as long as he, and the entire Board, continues to learn, seek the truth, and be open to all possibilities, the School will thrive. Stay true to the mission of the School and rely on the Quaker testimonies for guidance and direction. I wish him all the best and know that he will be a terrific Board Clerk.

He has a wonderful Board, dedicated faculty, thoughtful and perceptive administrators, and one of the best Heads of School in the world to support his efforts, and the foundation of 272 years to build upon.

Dream Big, Pursue Excellence, Embrace Uncertainty, “Do You!” New WFS Board Clerk David Tennent

David Tennent has been a member of the WFS Board since 2012 and most recently served as Clerk of the Property Committee. He is a member of the Kennett Meeting. He has three children, David ’03, Barbara (Unionville High School ’05), and Nina ’16, and a stepson, Max Kutsch, who attended sixth grade at Wilmington Friends before moving out of the area in 2009. David is a partner in a transportation consulting and government affairs firm in Washington, D.C. As an engineer, he has participated in railway transportation infrastructure projects all over the world. He enjoys mountain biking, motorcycling, and playing the violin.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

5

THE CLASS OF

2020

Front row: Rachael Miller, Eden Groum, Cameron Blair, Jordyn Harrison, Lilia Machado, Ajala Elmore, Kate Saber, Zoë Wishengrad, Ariel Shweiki, Hannah Blackwell, Olivia Ivins.

Second Row: Sully Williams, Ashley Chompre, Abby VandenBrul, Remy Stewart, Jimmy Butterfield, Annabel Teague, Harry Anderson, Sianna Risko, Luann Ji, Sydney Taormina, Olivia Billitto, Madison Hughes, Jacob Jaworski, Emi Arai, Ashlee Borst, Katrina Winfield, Emma Selekman, Sam Shipp, Oliver Gooderham, Matt Bell.

Third row: Eddie Micheletti , Courtney Thomson, Oryem Kilama, Ava Cottone, Luke Fahey, Jadyn Elliott, Will Davis, Wyatt Nelson, Kiera Patterson, Evan Arai, Joanna Clark, Ian Scott, Blue Koenig, Zoe Holden, Olivia Brick, Yunan Liu. Back row: Dylan Roskovensky, Grayson Sullivan, Connor Rosas, Mark McMillan, Miles McCoy, Cole Opderbeck, Nick Urick, Casey Tyler, Weldin Dunn, Sean Brady, Liam Hudgings, Nick Redd, Manny Adebi, Connor Satterfield, Tomas Vebeliunas, Alex Ropars, Denzel Dixon, Ryan McWalter, Jordan Ranji, Lucien McKean, Sam Gise, Craig Lyttleton, Ryan Evans, Jack Taylor.

A huge “Thank You” to WFS parents Jeff Hughes ’79 and Elisa Morris for making this photo possible. Using individual photos, the magic of Photoshop, and lots of planning, they were able to create this traditional composite photo for the Class of 2020!

6

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Joanna Clark New York University Delaware Art Museum

Madison Hughes College of Charleston Delaware Nature Society

Ava Cottone North Carolina State University Boys & Girls Club

Olivia Ivins University of Miami Boys & Girls Club

Chukwuemeka “Manny” Adebi Cornell University Global Leadership Adventures trip to Ghana

William Davis University of South Carolina Sixers Camp

Jacob Jaworski Colgate University QUEST El Paso Service Trip

Harry Anderson University of Delaware Dominican Republic Church Trip

Denzel Dixon Methodist University Boys & Girls Club

Luann Ji University of Delaware Chinese Sunday School

Emi Arai Lehigh University QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip

Weldin Dunn University of Delaware Habitat for Humanity

Evan Arai University of Richmond Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children

Jadyn Elliott Haverford College Eastside Charter

Oryem Kilama Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University QUEST Dominican Republic Trip

Matthew Bell Hofstra University Orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico

Ajala Elmore Moravian College Special Olympics of DE Basketball

Olivia Billitto Villanova University QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip

Ryan Evans University of Richmond Pass it Forward

Hannah Blackwell University of Vermont National Ski Patrol at Plattekill Mountain

Luke Fahey Syracuse University QUEST South Africa Service Trip

Cameron Blair Bryn Mawr College Ronald McDonald House

Samuel Gise University of Richmond Boys & Girls Club

Ashlee Borst The University of Alabama Faithful Friends

Sean Brady Wake Forest University Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children

Oliver Gooderham Ithaca College Education First Golf

Olivia Brick Franklin & Marshall College QUEST El Paso Service Trip

Jordyn Harrison University of Rhode Island QUEST El Paso Service Trip

James Butterfield The University of the Arts QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip

Zoe Holden University of Massachusetts Amherst Boys & Girls Club

Ashley Chompre Duke University Special Olympics of DE Swimming

Liam Hudgings Hamilton College Pass it Forward

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! Members of the class are listed below with college choice and service project/agency.

Eden Groum University of Delaware Eastside Charter tutoring

Blue Koenig Drexel University Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Yunan Tony Liu Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Boys & Girls Club Craig Lyttleton Susquehanna University Boys & Girls Club Lilia Machado Marist College Kranz Hill Farm Miles McCoy Seton Hall University QUEST South Africa Service Trip Lucien McKean Ursinus College QUEST Dominican Republic Trip Mark McMillan Drexel University Boy Scouts Camp Ryan McWalter Marist College Boy Scouts Camp Edward Micheletti The George Washington University All Star Baseball Project

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

7

Rachael Miller Immaculata University Ronald McDonald House

Ariel Shweiki Occidental College QUEST South Africa Service Trip

Wyatt Nelson University of Delaware Ranch Hope (Baseball)

Remy Stewart Elon University East Side Charter Summer Camp

Cole Opderbeck University of Delaware Boys & Girls Club

Grayson Sullivan Drexel University Boys & Girls Club

Kiera Patterson University of Michigan QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip

Sydney Taormina Davidson College Mary Campbell Center

Jordan Ranji Purdue University QUEST South Africa Service Trip

Jack Taylor Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Boys & Girls Club

Nicholas Redd University of Maryland College Park Delaware Lacrosse Foundation Sianna Risko University of Delaware Brandywine Volleyball Alex Ropars SUNY at Binghamton Boys & Girls Club Connor Rosas Drexel University Ronald McDonald House Dylan Roskovensky Arizona State University Boys & Girls Club Katherine Saber University of Southern California Best Buddies of DE Connor Satterfield Ursinus College Delaware Lacrosse Foundation Ian Scott University of South Carolina QUEST South Africa Service Trip Emma Selekman Pennsylvania State University Delaware Puppy Rescue Usually seniors hold their annual Noise Parade through the halls of the school building. Even with the school’s closing, the seniors got creative with a parade in their cars!

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Samantha Shipp The University of Alabama QUEST El Paso Service Trip

Annabel Teague University of Virginia QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip Courtney Thomson Stevenson University Ingleside Assisted Living Casey Tyler University of Delaware Delaware Nature Society Nicolas Urick Swarthmore College East Side Charter Tutoring Abigail VandenBrul Pennsylvania State University Darlington Arts Center Tomas Vebeliunas University of Delaware Camp Henson Sully Williams University of South Carolina QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip Katrina Winfield Trinity College QUEST Dominican Republic Church Trip Zoë Wishengrad University of Delaware QUEST El Paso Service Trip

THE CLASS OF

2020 Commencement

The Wilmington Friends School Class of 2020 commencement exercises will be remembered as one of the most unique (and hottest) in 272 years.

On the evening of Saturday, July 18, members of the Class of 2020 processed in, six feet apart, wearing masks, while their families and friends (limited to five guests per graduate) sat spread across Tattersall field. Across the globe, family members and friends tuned in to a live broadcast of the event.

Many things were different about the conclusion of the 2020 school year, including that Final Assembly, a right of passage for most senior classes, was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Because of that, two students who were chosen by their classmates to speak at Final Assembly instead addressed the crowd at graduation. Below are excerpts from their speeches, as well as from Head of School Ken Aldridge’s remarks.

An inquisitive student, a talented athlete and mentor, the first student speaker, Hannah Blackwell ’20, seeks out adventure.

Her determination will serve her well on her next adventure at the University of Vermont.

“Today, I want to talk about silver linings. Because, with the past few months, I think a lot of us could do with some optimism. To state the obvious, we did not have the senior spring any of us were expecting. But, when I really think about it, I don’t think that there’s a more Quaker way to end the year,” Blackwell said. “The Quakers of the 18th century endorsed and advocated for solitary self-confinement. They believed that

solitude can lead to true growth and self-realization. Through the next few centuries, the practice of solitary confinement has been misconstrued and perverted, but I have seen how solitude has led to growth in myself and my classmates within the period of a few months.

Three months ago, all we talked about was a Netflix series about exotic cats. It all seems quite trivial now. The energy in our generation has shifted.”

The next student speaker, Luke Fahey ’20, has been described as quirky, amusing, and authentic - much like the 1992 Dodge Ram van he drove to school every day. Intellectually curious, he can speak eloquently about Greek mythology, music, soccer, and literature. Genuine, engaged, kind, and affable, he connects with everyone he encounters, which we know will be the case when he joins Syracuse University next year.

“My classmates’ growth and maturity forced me to grow up, and that is something I can never repay,” Fahey said. “And that’s a common hallmark of this class; they make people want to be better. They improve what they find, whether purposefully or just by virtue of who they are. I for one can attest to that.

This is a group of people that are willing to work with flaws, which is why I owe all of these people so much.

“So I urge you, please don’t lose that drive to improve. I think that gift this collective group of people has, the way they raise up and try to improve others is especially important now. It’s no secret that this school seems to be enduring what may be its toughest year in a very long time. It’s had to lay groundwork Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

9

THE CLASS OF

2020 Commencement

and compromise for a future campus, it’s had to learn how to adapt in a post-pandemic world, and it seems now that the time has come for some far-overdue self-reflection about how we handle race and how we stand to try and correct what we’ve done. There’s been a lot of reckoning happening around us, which may be uncomfortable for some and cathartic for others.

Larger than life problems like these aren’t easy to take responsibility for, but that’s why I come back to what I find this group does so well. Improvement. Not perfect, not flawless, but this class is never regressive, and always better than yesterday.”

“Graduates, 128 days ago, you walked out of Friends for Spring Break,” Head of School Ken Aldridge said. “If you had known that would be the last time you slammed your locker, hugged a certain teacher or friend goodbye, the last time you ran down the stairs at the Arches, what would you have done differently?

Would you have said goodbye to a few more teachers? Hugged a friend a little harder? Made one last basket in the gym? 128 days ago you were looking forward to many things: Spring Break; your last varsity season; your last performance in the WFS theater; the noise parade; senior exploration; your final assembly; graduation.

“And while your senior year will end in one of the most unique fashions, your year before March 12 was also unique. Because of you. You are scholars, actors, athletes, and musicians. You are debaters and peace keepers and climate changers.

“In your senior year alone, you organized a climate strike, won every game on Homecoming Day, collected more than 400 books for pediatric hospital patients, and competed in the National History Bowl. You produced and performed, you paraded with your first grade buddies on Halloween. Oh, and let’s not forget that you survived a very close encounter with the Delabear.

“And then March came. We asked you to put your plans for your senior year on hold, for a few weeks. And then a few more weeks. And then, on April 24, we announced that we would not 10

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

be returning to school for the remainder of your senior year. Through it all, we challenged you to manage uncertainty in a way never asked before. And you did just that.

“These were truly unprecedented times. Amidst a global pandemic, you experienced the rise of social justice movements worldwide, including right here in Wilmington. As a Quaker school, part of our DNA is to speak out.

Against inequality. Against brutality. Against suppression.

“You have already lived through significant adversity and disruption. Parents, you are sending your children into a world that is very different from the world a year ago. What have you learned over the last 128 days to help you prepare for the future? It has taught you that even in the face of hardship, there is hope. It has taught you that we are better together. This class is unique in its unification, which is more important now than ever before.”

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

11

2020 Alumni Families THE CLASS OF

Weldin Dunn ’20 and Dagmar Krewson Dunn ’84

John McKean, Lucien McKean ’20, Harper McKean ’29, and Kyle McKean ’98

Melissa Fagan Billitto ’87, Olivia Billitto ’20, and Rocky Billitto

Dina Robinson Anderson ’84, Harry Anderson ’20, Lily Anderson ’22, Chris Anderson ’79, and Gail Porter Anderson ‘56

Jeff Hughes ’79, Madison Hughes ’20, Jason Hughes ’24, and Jill Hughes

Scott Davis ’15, Jeff Davis ’13, Bob Davis ’83, Will Davis ’20, Susie Tattersall Davis ’84, Matt Davis ’11

Kyle Opderbeck ’19, Erik Opderbeck ’87, Cole Opderbeck ’20, and Cindy Opderbeck Far Left: Remy Stewart ’20, daughter of Jocelyn Sutton Stewart ’82

Jamie Winfield, Nina Porter Winfield ’79, Brooke Winfield ’15, Jack Porter ’52, and Katrina Winfield ’20 12

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Left: Ryan Evans ’20, son of Dee Durham ’79

room environment with your peers that makes school what it is. Not seeing my peers, even if we weren’t close, was tough for me.

The “last day of school” was a letdown. Traditionally, a senior’s last day is celebrated with festivities and gatherings, but in this year’s case, I just logged out of Zoom and shut my laptop.

How did the quarantine effect your decisionmaking about college?

I had decided to attend Marist college’s FFE program before quarantine, so I was set on going to Florence for my freshman year. Just recently, Marist told me that the program has been moved to the spring semester, which is really upsetting. I wish colleges had a plan for their COVID response earlier, but I know that even the highest-ranking college officials are as informed about the pandemic as I am.

Being a WFS Senior in the Time of COVID-19 Lilia Machado ’20 talks about what it was like to spend the spring of senior year in quarantine. Lilia is a WFS lifer who will be attending Marist and plans to spend her first semester in Florence, Italy.

my senior friends experience these traditions and reveling in the joy that came with them. I knew how much my senior friends valued these traditions, and to not be a part of them was definitely upsetting to me.

How did you feel when you first heard the news that we would be going remote for two weeks? For the rest of the year?

At first I joked about it. The concept of ‘going remote’ was only something mentioned once in class then later forgotten about. I was so excited to finally stay home and relax, but I didn’t realize how long online learning was going to last. I don’t recall the exact time I learned that remote learning would continue for the rest of the school year, but an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty was always present whenever I tried to plan ahead for my upcoming freshman year of college.

As a senior, what did you miss most? What surprised you that you didn’t miss?

I missed the traditions the most. I was upset that the noise parade, senior spirit week, and final assembly would be missed. When I was an underclassman, I looked forward to watching

I mostly missed having a schedule to my day. I could wake up some days at 7:30 and I could wake up other days at 11, which did not help me when I tried to set a healthy routine for each day. During a normal school day, I would run down to the track at 3:20 and have practice until about 5 every day. Running with my team allowed me to stick to a routine of exercising every day; during quarantine, I worked out less and less.

I most definitely did not miss waking up early to get to school on time, and I appreciated that I could have only three classes a day and spend time doing things with my family.

What was challenging about ending your high school career with remote learning?

Not having face-to-face interactions was challenging. There’s something valuable about interacting with people and being in a class-

What inspired you during quarantine? What was draining?

Finding inspiration and motivation was very hard during quarantine. Not seeing friends, competing in sports, and walking from class to class threw me off of my daily rhythm that I had been used to for 13 years at Friends.

The lack of motivation came suddenly due to Friends trusting that students would continue learning though a computer screen for the rest of the year. Knowing that I was going to be stuck behind a screen for the rest of the year dampened my mood and motivation.

I did have more time to explore the outdoors on my bike, which I had neglected for so long due to hours spent at school running outdoor track and completing homework. Being outside more than normal allowed me to connect with the world around me; it helped me to slow down and realize that there is so much that the outdoors offers you that a classrooms does not.

What advice do you have for underclassmen related to any new perspectives you may have as a result of the quarantine?

Take time for you. Even though we have been stuck inside for what seems like years on end, make sure that among your school work and class time you take a break. It can be as simple as taking a 10 minute walk, cooking something new, or calling a friend; just take a break from school-related activities.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters 13

Senior Day: May 30, 2020 With commencement originally scheduled for May 30, it was important to have some sort of celebration of our seniors who worked so hard and sacrificed a lot. At the time, the State was still in the full stayat-home phase, so the School arranged a drive-through event. Driving in their decorated cars, students pulled up to the Arches entrance and went into the lobby to receive a pen, sign the senior scroll, and grab a bag of WFS gear. They then drove up to the Jones House circle where they contributed a small item to a Class of 2020 time capsule and turned in their laptops.

14

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Seniors missed out on a lot of celebration and recognition this spring. To add a little bright spot to quarantine, the WFS Alumni/ Development Office surprised each senior with a yard sign.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

15

Academic and Community Awards Unable to be in-person for Final Assembly this year, we decided to create a publication for the event which can be found on our website.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients.

Sander Katz ’21 received the 2020 Robert P. Hukill, Class of 1949, Science Award.

The Upper School World Language Award recipients were Kalise Dyton ’21 and Olivia Delgado ’21.

Weldin Dunn ’20 received the Eden Wales Freedman ’99 English Award.

The Wyeth Brothers Performing Arts Award recipients were Abby VandenBrul ’20 and Jimmy Butterfield ’20 .

Sean Brady ’20, Ashley Chompre ’20, and Kiera Patterson ’20 were recipients of the John Marshall Mendinhall II, Class of 1939, Memorial Award, recognizing the graduating senior considered to have done the most for Friends School.

Kiera Patterson ’20 was also the recipient of the Amanda Spackman Gehret, Class of 1951, Memorial Mathematics Award.

The Charles W. Bush, Class of 1900, Award honors juniors who “most clearly demonstrate the School’s ideals of character, scholarship, and service.” The 2020 recipients were Elise Johnson ’21, Patrick McKenzie ’21, Luke Munch ’21, and Lucy Taylor ’21.

The Wyeth Brothers Visual Arts Award recipients were Joanna Clark ’20, Blue Koenig ’20, and Rachael Miller ’20.

Annabel Teague ’20 and Nick Urick ’20 were recipients of the Jordan Wales ’97 History Award.

16

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Ava Cottone ’20 and Zoë Wishengrad ’20 received the Howard W. Starkweather, Jr., Class of 1944, Award, recognizing students who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service.

A Focus on Equality Each school year we focus on one of the core Quaker testimonies, or SPICES, and in 202021, we are holding up Equality. Over the summer, we began our discussions analyzing our diversity, equity, and inclusion intiatives and how to expand those efforts.

This work couldn’t feel more timely as calls for social justice in society have grown louder in the wake of the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, as well as worldwide protests against systemic racism. Closer to home, a social media account was created for students of Delaware independent schools to anonymously share about their experiences in a safe space. Many of the posts were difficult to read, but they all supported a theme that there is much work for us to do as a school. And though we are focusing on Equality for the year, these efforts should and will be part of the fabric of our school, and will be ongoing.

Here are some of our initial efforts, with the understanding that these will lead to more action items and new processes: Engaging Brown-Gary Associates (BGA) to conduct an Immersive Climate Assessment of our school. As stated on their website: “We are a resource to schools, corporations, and non-profit organizations that are committed to building inclusive learning and work environments. We conduct immersive climate assessments, professional development workshops and consulting services that promote cross-cultural understanding, strengthen communication and build a trusting community.”

BGA will do an immersive culture assessment of our community and stakeholders, as well as review feedback already provided to the School. Topics in the Assessment will include: Philosophic commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) • Leadership for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Board and Administrative Leadership); including new roles at the school • Faculty climate for inclusion, mindful of ongoing and future professional development opportunities • Recruiting and retaining faculty diversity; administrative

• • • • • • •

and facilities staff Diversity and inclusion of the student body Student affinity Socio-economic class and privilege Gender and identity Cognitive and physical ability Community service and service learning Parent education

We expect that the assessment will identify and prioritize both short-term and long-term needs for the School and the students we serve. Additionally, BGA will lead our faculty and staff in a workshop on implicit bias awareness.

Conducting Zoom sessions with students, parents, and alumni.

Though they will have a chance to talk about their experiences in immersive climate assessments, we wanted the opportunity for our community to talk right away. The sessions were conducted by outside facilitators Anita Foeman PhD and Nate Terrell LCSW (parents of Chelsea Terrell ’12) to ensure a safe space for candid discussion. The conversations yielded several themes and ideas, and participants appreciated the opportunity to come together virtually.

Instituting an Incidents of Bias Report to report incidents that take place at Wilmington Friends School or that involve the WFS community, with the goal of consistency in how we address these incidents as an institution. Incidents of bias include acts related to an individual’s or groups’ identity. That identity includes, but is not limited to ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc. Incidents can be both intentional and unintentional.

Engaging our Black alumni. Another initiative over the summer was to gain feedback from our Black community members regarding their experiences at school. WFS staff met with our Black Alumni Advisory Committee to talk about the best way to gain this insight and developed a survey. The group also suggested other ways to learn from and engage our Black community members. Their input has been beyond valuable, and we are grateful for the direction the group provided.

We will be back in touch with developments as the year progresses and welcome any feedback.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters 17

SCHOOL NEWS

While we were 8 in the buildings...

1

It’s hard to remember pre-COVID-19 life, but a lot happened at school at the beginning of second semester. Here is just a taste.

1. Upper school students engaged in a student-led Martin Luther King, Jr celebration. After morning classes, the activities began in the Theater with a talk by Aaron Bass––the CEO and principal of Eastside Charter School––who led the successful Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) school efforts in Philadelphia and is a frequent lecturer and instructional coach for UPenn, the

2

Eagles, the World Bank, and the U.S. Department of Education. Following his presentation were service workshops run by student club leaders. The students ended the afternoon with the Chamber Singers and Meeting

for Worship. 2. In PE class, sixth graders competed in a 3-on-3, 16-team, double elimination basketball tournament, complete with winners and a closing ceremony.

3. Siba Sharaf, 11th grade AFS student from Palestine, gave a presentation to the seventh grade to correspond with their Middle East unit. Siba spoke about Palestinian landmarks, culture, and food, and about her life in her home city of Nablus on the West Bank. Siba also shared information about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and about how it has affected her and other Palestinian

teenagers. 4. Fifth graders and their Kindergarten buddies had fun getting together to create Spanish-language Valentines. 5. Middle and upper school Chinese class

students celebrated the Chinese New Year (The Year of the Rat). The teachers and students practiced Dragon Dance and played Chinese YoYo and Jianzi (Shuttlecock).

3

The teachers also distributed red envelopes to students

according to tradition. 6. After a group of third graders wrote to Head of LS Julie Rodowsky asking that a therapy dog visit them at school, Muddy Puddles came to Teacher Jaime’s third grade classroom. (To add to the fun, it was also Pajama Day!)

18

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

7. Sixth grade math

4

5

6

students visited the AP Calculus classroom to critique the older students’ roller coaster project posters based on the creative, practical, and fun elements of their work. The

7

AP students had worked in groups to design smooth and continuous roller coasters using mathematical functions and calculus techniques. The collaboration helped the upper school math students evaluate their effectiveness in presentation while inspiring middle schoolers that math can be rigorous yet fun. 8. Ninth grade Global Peace

and Social Justice students created “Non-Violent Direct Action Posters for Change in Wilmington.” They put in hours of research to discover major issues our city faces, came up with possible solutions for them, and presented them to the class. The posters were then displayed in

8

the Global Learning Center hallway. 9. Twelve middle school French students traveled with two teachers to Martinique, an Overseas Department of France. Students were astounded by how immersive the environment was and quickly settled into the natural need to use French to communicate everywhere. In addition to linguistic immersion, students experienced history and culture through

9

a variety of lenses: culinary, dance, song, percussion, commerce, environment, plants, and more. They grappled with the evolution of the martiniquais identity, a mix of many cultures and heritages, through times of slavery and then post-abolition. They also saw firsthand the many connections to France, such as the school children who were out of school as a result of strikes in response to proposed changes to retirement policies in all of France.

This experience not only provided a window into the real world application of students’ French language skills, but also a deeper understanding of the impact of colonialism in the Americas and the Caribbean.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters 19

Black History Month

Celebration!

We began our celebration of Black History Month with a collection featuring students, faculty, and guests Sistah Mafalda and the Kuumba Performers. The contributions of individuals from the African Diaspora to American history was acknowledged, and students shared facts about Black Americans who are not often recognized.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

20

A SPRING LIKE

NO OTHER When the community returned to school after Winter Break in January 2020, we had no idea there was a disruptor looming in the shadows, waiting to change all that we knew of daily life in school. On February 10, we included our first note to our community about “Coronavirus” in our weekly Monday Message with a reminder about hand-washing and sneeze-covering essentials to help stay healthy. The notion of this mysterious virus set off a quiet alarm in the minds of many people, but there was still very little information or widespread understanding.

During the last week of February, several WFS administrators attended the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) conference in Philadelphia and the special session about Coronavirus and School Preparedness and Communication. Johns Hopkins released its Coronavirus tracking map of the world with the infamous red dots that grew in size depending on cases in a certain region. Nothing was anywhere near Delaware at this point, and only 15 cases in the U.S. However, the CDC could not trace the source of one of those cases, confirming community spread.

On March 2, the WFS Administrative Team met to document plans for remote learning in the

21

event of a school closing, feeling well-poised for the transition because of our 1:1 laptop program and web capabilities. The discussion included synchronous and asynchronous learning, with the decision that Zoom was the best platform for teachers to conduct classes real-time via video conferencing. That Saturday, the School held what was to be the last in-person event of the year, Quaker Quiz Night.

Going into the second week of March, the WFS IT department installed Zoom on all student and staff computers, and held workshops about using Zoom and remote learning techniques. They also assembled a remote learning resources FAQ. Divi-

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

sion heads spoke with middle and upper school students about the remote-learning plan, as did 5th grade teachers with their students. Lower school teachers sent home packets for parents in their students’ backpacks. With the threat of the now-named COVID-19 becoming more and more prevalent, on Tuesday, March 10––three days before Spring Break––students were asked to bring all of their items home in the event of a sudden school closure.

With many families planning to travel for the break, and changes in restrictions happening daily, the School sent out an alert that families needed to quarantine for 14 days if traveling to CDC-designated level 2 or 3 countries (only 4 countries at that point), or if they came into contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. A few hours later, the Governor announced that schools would close for two weeks, beginning March 16, and the CDC designated all countries as Level 2.

The next day, WFS announced that learning would happen remotely the week after break, beginning Thursday, March 26. Americans were told to practice social distancing, standing no closer than 10 feet apart and not congregating in groups larger than 10. Restaurants were limited to take-out and delivery only, and many people began ordering groceries online and cleaning them with disinfectant wipes.

In the spring, fourth graders read about the rover named Perseverance sent to Mars this summer, and did a number of rover-related activities, including using instructions designed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories to build their own rover with simple materials like straws, rubber bands, and cardboard.

As part of their study of US National Parks, third graders Zoomed with Rangers from the Grand Canyon during the live event, “Ask A Ranger Virtual Tour.” Prior to this event, the students were asked to submit questions to the rangers, and during the event, five WFS students’ questions were asked and answered. Students were very excited to hear their names and questions read aloud!

Just one week later, the Governor announced a statewide Stay-at-Home directive and that all nonessential businesses and organizations, including schools, must close until May 15. And there was still so much uncertainty about the virus. New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle declared states of emergency, with limited supplies and hospital beds. Testing was still extremely limited, but more and more positive cases were recorded.

On March 23, the last day of break, the Administrative Team held its first meeting via Zoom. The next two days were treated like snow days for the students, and prep days for faculty to get ready to teach online. Amidst this new environment, we opted to keep sending the Monday Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Sixth graders read and discussed “Antigone” in their unit on Greek Theater. They made homemade Greek masks that would have been worn in an ancient Greek production to portray the personality of one of the characters.

Message to families, and many commented that they appreciated the feeling of normalcy that it evoked.

Fourth and fifth graders participated in the annual Math League competition, which was held virtually for the first time ever. It was also the first time WFS lower school students participated.

The competition included four rounds, the last one being a team competition, as well as a lightning round where certain students from the contestants were chosen to participate.

We asked families to send photos of their students’ “first day of school” ––and several did! We built web pages to provide information and a “virtual community.” Zoom fatigue had already become a thing. Our parents’ and guardians’ gratitude for the teachers’ ability to jump right into remote learning was energizing.

By the end of the week, the overall COVID-19 situation was getting worse. There were many hotspots in the U.S., and the cases kept growing. Medical supplies and facilities were in great need, and hospitals in some states were at capacity. Many people were feeling a strange juxtaposition between the isolation and quiet some were experiencing at home and the chaos the virus was causing for others.

Middle and upper school advisors tried out some new approaches to Meeting for Worship. Some played meditative music, while others asked students to share positive stories.

One advisory created posters reflecting things for which they were thankful.

As we entered April and settled into the routine of remote learning, we sent a survey to families, faculty and staff, and students to see how things were going. For the most part, people were happy that the transition was smooth.

But we learned that remote learning was more difficult for some of our youngest learners with a high need of parent involvement and even more difficult for families who were working during the hours when their children were learning.

By the end of the week, April 3, the CDC asked everyone to wear a face-covering, and there was more evidence of asymptomatic carriers. Cloth mask how-to videos popped up on social media, and many people in the community began making masks to donate and for their friends.

Third graders were asked to find ten items in their house, to label them in Spanish, and to send a photo to their teacher. Some got the whole family involved!

Just three days later, the CDC announced that it was going to be a very bad week regarding Coronavirus cases and deaths, and they stressed that people should stay home. Remote learning was moving along, as teachers and students got creative. Seniors were beginning to feel more of a loss as it was clear that most of their traditions wouldn’t be happening. As a pick-me-up, the Alumni/ Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Development office created yard signs for the Class of 2020 and put them in each senior’s lawn (see page 15).

On their last day of classes, seniors organized their traditional Noise Parade as an outdoor event in their cars around campus. They were able to see each other, even if from afar, as they headed into Senior Explorations–– another senior tradition that was greatly altered as most students originally planned activities “out in the world.”

QUAKER DAY WFS Quaker Day provided an opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh. Students had the simple gift of time to take a break from the screen and have a chance to connect with loved ones, enjoy the outdoors, or catch up on a hobby. They could also do an optional activity to focus on one of the Quaker SPICES.

By mid-May students and teachers alike were feeling that too much time was spent in front of screens, and there was the sense of loss of even more traditions for the year––the Middle School Fair, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, the Middle School Service 5K, concerts. So Friday, May 15, was deemed “Quaker Day” for a chance to rejuvenate and refresh, and have some free time to connect with loved ones, enjoy the outdoors, or catch up on a hobby. Students were given the optional activity to focus on one of the Quaker SPICES (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship) through art, photography, writing––whatever way they chose.

News came of the state beginning to re-open on June 1, but schools were to stay closed for the remainder of the school year. This meant that Commencement could not take place on the original date planned. Instead, we organized Senior Day, a drive-through celebration (see page 14). It was determined that we would not give traditional finals for the upper schoolers and assessments would take the form of projects and presentations.

Throughout the spring, albeit in their homes, our artists still flourished and our musicians still shined. Athletes kept up with their skills, and clubs connected over Zoom.

The situation was surely not ideal, and there is room to improve if and when we are remote once again, but our community wholly supported this new normal in a way for which we will be forever grateful.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

24

EARTH DAY

2020

The student-led Fridays For Future club at Wilmington Friends invited community to take part in the Campus EcoChallenge, a competition in which WFS students and families could earn points by completing planet-friendly “challenges” through the EcoChallenge website. WFS also competed at the Upper School level with six other high schools. The challenge involved completing “green” activities (while following social distancing guidelines) by Earth Day. For those families who planned their activities to take place on Earth Day, the Upper School Stewardship committee, along with some science teachers from other divisions, put together a list of activities to try such as cooking from scratch, repurposing an item, planting a garden, and taking a nature walk.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

25

MORE NEWS

Stephanie Sullivan, Moving On Stephanie Sullivan joined the middle school faculty in 1999, and she as been an asset ever since as an English teacher, advisor, and grade dean. In the School’s end-of-year Zoom meeting, fellow teacher John Hanson recognized Stephanie. “Whether playing the role of Alex Trebeck during review days, where she delivered the questions with a slight nasally Cleveland accent as the positive energy and laughter filled the room, singing “Oh Danny Boy” to Dan Carbone during morning break, or coaching lacrosse in a white trench coat, Stephanie is a middle school educator. She is a thinker, creator, and a doer. She is someone who listens to the ideas of others and sets a course forward that benefits the whole community.”

Head of Middle School Jon Huxtable said, “I have had the great joy of knowing Stephanie personally and professionally for more than twenty years. In that time, she has never wavered as a woman of great integrity, ideals, empathy, an unyielding belief in her own and others’ capacities for growth, and as someone who effortlessly finds ways to bring people together in pursuit of some seemingly impossible task.

Quite simply, Stephanie is a remarkable human being and it is hard for me to imagine our middle school without her.”

Stephanie Sullivan has been teaching at Wilmington Friends since 1999.

Stephanie has two kids, Lucy Knudsen ’19 and Lyle Knudsen ’21. She is moving on to further her own education, and we will all truly miss her.

Gratitude for and from Home and School

1:1 Program Expanded Our 1:1 laptop program for students in grades 5 through 12 was an invaluable asset to our sudden switch to WFS Remote Learning. While the extended use of devices was not as critical for our youngest learners, they still relied on technology for much of their learning.

As we head into the coming school year, we are pleased to announce the expansion of the program to include all of our students. Fourth graders will receive school-issued MacBooks, and students in preschool through third grade will receive iPads.

Even though the WFS Home and School (H&S) Association’s spring calendar of events was interrupted by the COVID-19 lockdown, the group continued its work in supporting our community.

H&S was still able to hold their spring Scholastic Book Fair, but they switched to a virtual format. They continued their monthly work with the Emmanuel Dining Room (EDR) by delivering hot dogs and buns, as requested by EDR, instead of the usually prepared meal items. This change was implemented by EDR in order to continue to serve its guests by providing to-go food items.

26

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Kendra Okolo and Melissa Bilek send a virtual thank you to the Home and School Volunteers.

As a thank you gift from our WFS families, H&S sent gift cards from local restaurants to our faculty and staff. In place of their traditional volunteer appreciation breakfast, H&S used the budget from the event to make a monetary donation to EDR to honor their volunteers.

The group also teamed up with Ken Aldridge to create a video to show their appreciation for all of their volunteers who helped to make this a successful year for Home and School.

Head of Lower School Julie Rodowsky said in a letter to families, “Based on feedback we received from teachers, parents and students throughout the period of remote learning, we learned that each family’s experience varied, based on many factors including the availability of devices in the home and how certain applications and programs functioned differently depending on whether they were accessed on a phone, a tablet, or a computer.

“By providing each student with their own device, we are able to pre-load applications and websites that are best-suited to the technology, offer training and support related to their use, and enable flexibility in teaching and learning whether we are on-campus or off. Though we aren’t able to predict the future, we are excited to take this step to ensure that all of our students are able to engage in our program as fully as possible.”

The Plan and the Pivot

Middle School Teacher John Hanson Talks About His Spring Sabbatical First, I feel quite grateful that the school provided me the opportunity to pursue a sabbatical during the spring of 2020. As we all know, the world changed drastically in the early months of 2020, and this impacted essentially all aspects of our collective lives. Secondly, I feel truly grateful to be a faculty member at Wilmington Friends and to have observed the creativity, flexibility and hard work that I witnessed (via Zoom) that teachers and students displayed throughout the second semester.

My original plan was to spend time studying the culture and history of Vietnam; visit the historical sites in the Angkor area of Cambodia, including the most famous temple, Angkor Wat; travel to Rwanda in order to spend time working with a new independent school called Iwacu Academy; visit various independent schools within the United States in order to learn more about history and International Baccalaureate offerings; and lastly, take time to visit parts of the Great Plains with my father, and specifically western Kansas, where he is from originally.

Overall, I was able to accomplish about 25% of my intended plan before the corona virus hit the United States so severely.

Southeast Asia

My wife Shannon traveled with me to Vietnam and the overall experience was quite eye-opening. We specifically went during the Tet holiday (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in order to get a better sense of the most significant festival in Vietnam, a time when people relax and gather with as many family members as possible, spend time away from work, and overall, try to enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout the country. One of the highlights of Vietnam was doing a short homestay in the southern part of the country in an area called the Mekong Delta. We spent one afternoon riding bikes, visiting various religious shrines and taking in the beauty of the countryside. As we rode by different homes, people would shout out to us “Welcome!” and “Happy New Year!” in Vietnamese. Further, with the help of our guide, we also stopped at a very small, rural restaurant for a true Anthony Bourdain eating experience. With a lot of pointing, head nodding, and smiles, we ended up with piping hot and delicious bowls of PHO (Vietnamese noodle soup).

The trip to Vietnam was also one of mixed emotion and sadness as we spent a day visiting the Cu Chi tunnels (an underground set of tunnels that were used as hiding spots, supply routes, and places to store weapons for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War), and the War Remnants Museum which contains various exhibits related to the Vietnam War. Our guide at CuChi was a man named Jackie and he had served in the South Vietnamese army and worked closely with the American army. After the war, Jackie spent three years in a labor camp as punishment for serving with the Americans. Talking and listening to Jackie was fascinating and the distant gaze in his eyes told more about his life than the compelling stories he shared. More than anything, there was a sense of a positive outlook from the people in Vietnam as the country has been at peace for nearly 45 years after a long history of war with China, France, Japan, and the United States. Vietnam is looking ideally towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.

Cambodia was also an exciting place to visit––although with less overall vibrancy than Vietnam––and had many stunning temples. The Killing Fields or the Cambodian genocide (1.5 to 2 million people killed) did not end until 1979, and Cambodia has slowly been rebuilding as a country since the late 1970’s.

Much like Vietnam, the people are looking forward to a more positive, healthy, peaceful and productive time for their country. Seeing the sun slowly rise over Angkor Wat was an amazing sight. In addition, visiting close to twenty-five other temples that were built primarily in the the 12th and 13th centuries was also an incredible opportunity. We did continue a bit of our food exploration as we sampled fish that was smoked over an open grate on the roadside as well as a

combination of a rice/bean dish that was cooked over a flame in a bamboo stalk.

Seeing the incredibly large and detailed monuments within the context of the recent civil war and collective pain of Cambodia was an extraordinary and indelible experience.

USA

Upon returning to the United States, I took advantage of an opportunity to visit the The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration as well as the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. The trip was particularly profound because it consisted of a group of Presbyterian ministers.

After visiting each of these locations, our group had a powerful evening of sharing thoughts, ideas, perspectives, personal pain and hopes for the future.

I also had a chance to visit two independent schools; the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky; the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia; and the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina, that celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins.

Lastly, I had a chance to visit Shiloh National Military Park, site of a Civil War battle that took place on April 6-7, 1862. I was particularly interested in this location because my great-great-great-grandfather fought in and survived this battle. It was highly poignant to stand on a cloudy, gray, late winter day in the exact location where my ancestor stood as a young 20-year-old Union soldier over 150 years earlier.

Pivot

It early March, it became apparent that my plans would likely not go as expected.

As the weeks developed, it was certainly disappointing to not have an opportunity to return to the country of Rwanda. Part of my efforts over the past few months were spent reading various historical books, doing my best to support colleagues in Zoom classes, and helping my family as best as possible with additional cleaning and cooking duties (note: I am not a good cook). In addition, a group of teachers from around the country met each Tuesday evening on a Zoom call to discuss technology challenges, hopes, fears, and how best to serve students in this chaotic time period. My family became involved in an effort through the Sunday Breakfast Mission to serve people who were hungry and in need of food. We played a very small role by making 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches each Saturday morning that were combined with other items such as fruit and chips, and then delivered to the Sunday Breakfast Mission.

Overall, my sabbatical got off to a fantastic start but then it was necessary to pivot in early March. Yes, it was disappointing to see my various plans cancelled.

However, I have a great family, plenty to eat, a warm home in which to live, and I am part of a tremendous community at WFS! Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters 27

Student Artwork

Below: Third grade art work replications.

Above: Upper School IB works.

Below: Upper School cell phone holders.

Below: Fifth grade art ~ Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing? Can you guess?

Above: Middle School designs of public spaces.

28

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Music News Band Students Make Music Videos In lieu of concerts this spring, middle and upper school students made music videos. They had to select a song, record themselves playing it, and have at least two tracks. Visually they had to include themselves playing, something from outside, and some form of artwork.

All-State Chorus Eight WFS students took part in the Delaware Music Educators Association All-State Chorus, with the culminating concert at Dover High School. The Junior Chorus included Isabelle Bohner ’24, Maxwell Brown ’24, Drew Clothier ’24, and Aiden Gonzalez ’24. Upper schoolers Isaiah Gaines ’21, Gianna Martinelli ’22, Juliana Melnik ’22, and Brandon Williams ’21 were members of the Mixed Choir. The students were accompanied by Margaret Anne Butterfield and Sara Gaines, who served as co-chairs of the Junior and Senior Choruses.

ACDA Honor Choir Gianna Martinelli ’22 and Isaiah Gaines ’21 participated in the ACDA High School Honor Choir at the Eastern Division conference in Rochester, NY. The choir, which was selected by audition, included 200 students from states in the northeast and Washington, D.C. The culminating concert was held in the Kodak Theatre at the Eastman School of Music. Misha Barker Williams ’08, who is a music teacher in New Jersey, also attended the conference.

WFS Cellist Plays with Newark Symphony Maxine Chou ’21 was selected to be a youth soloist at a Newark Symphony Orchestra performance in March. Maxine performed Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor.

Virtual Choir project Middle and upper school choir students recorded themsleves individually singing the WFS unofficial song, “How Can I Keep From Singing.” With approximately 120 full student files plus 6 solos, the project took an incredible amount of time to process but was beautful to watch and hear.

The Delaware Youth Ensemble’s Spring Concert Goes On! Jimmy Butterfield ’20 (tenor saxophone), Teddy DeVoll ’21 (clarinet), and Alex Ropars ’20 (percussion), members of the Delaware Youth Wind Ensemble at the University of Delaware, performed in the group’s virtual concert this spring.

Informal Concert Each spring, we hold an informal concert where musicians of all ages in the WFS community share their talents. They never disappoint. This year, while we couldn’t come together in the Lower School Meeting Room, student musicians recorded their performances. Once again, they did not disappoint.

Daily Music Tributes Throughout the spring and summer, faculty member Sarah O’Brien, along with Teddy DeVoll ’21 and Weldin Dunn ’20, played daily musical tributes to health care workers. One evening, faculty member Margaret Anne Butterfield and members of her IB Music Class joined in.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

29

WINTER SPORTS 2019-20 It was a great Winter Season for our Quakers! Friends athletes played (and ran and swam and wrestled) hard, hit milestones, earned personal records, won awards, and were selected to All-Conference and All-State teams. Congratulations to all of our student athletes, coaches, parents and guardians, and fans! GO, BLUE!

Swimming

Wrestling

Quaker Wrestling had a strong performance at DISCs, with eight wrestlers finishing in the top three, and the team topped off its season by sending three wrestlers and two alternates to the State Meet.

DISC Meet Results 1st place: Sam Munch ’23 (120) Max Leffler ’22 (126) Donnie Morton ’22 (132) 2nd place: Aristotle Makoujy ’21 (145) Phil Crock ’23 (160) 3rd place: Thomas Ellis ’23 (113) Max Grimes ’21 (152) Xavier McElderry ‘22 (182) 30

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

DIAA Independent Qualifier Aristotle Makoujy, Donnie Morton, and Sam Munch gained automatic qualification, and Phil Crock and Max Leffler qualified to be alternates.

Donnie Morton ’22, 2nd place (132) Aristotle Makoujy ’21, 3rd place (145) Sam Munch ’23, 4th place (120) Phil Crock ’23, 5th place (160) Max Leffler ’22, 6th place (126)

The Boys’ Swimming team showed lots of growth this season, with five team members qualifying for States. The Girls’ Swimming season was terrific, culminating in a very strong postseason showing.

The team took 6th at States, and senior Ashley Chompre was named Delaware Swimmer of the Year for the second year in a row. Ashley swam All-American times at States in both the 100 Fly and the 200 IM. All-DISC First Team: Kira Agne ’23 Ashley Chompre ’20 Leila Mulveney ’21 Second Team: Ameer Bashir ’22 Marcel Stewart ’22 Honorable Mention: Jalen Stewart ’24 DISC Coach of the Year: Robin Lebauer

State Qualifiers Boys Ameer Bashir ’22 Zaire Nicholson ’22 Jalen Stewart ’24 Marcel Stewart ’22 Henry Wieman ’21 Girls Kira Agne ’23 Leah Agne ’21 Ashley Chompre ’20 Leila Mulveny ’21 Peri Mulveny ’23 Lily Rashkind ’23 Zarina Stone ’22 Lucy Taylor ’21 All-State First Team: Kira Agne ’23 Ashley Chompre ’20 Honorable Mention: Leila Mulveny ’21

GO BLUE! Indoor Track With their characteristic team spirit and tremendous heart, our Indoor Track team had a season full of great times, personal records, and growth.

As Coach Paul Nemeth remarked, this supportive, close-knit team represents what Quaker athletics is all about!

Tower Hill Last Chance Invite 55 Meter Olivia Delgado ’21, 2nd Nick Redd ’20, 3rd

200 Meter Eden Groum ’20, 14th Nick Redd ’20, 1st 800 Meter Ellie Criscimagna ’23, 7th Luke Munch ’21, 10th 1600 Meter Luke Munch ’21, 1st State Meet: Luke Munch ’21 finished 9th in the 3200M and Nick Redd ’20 got 12th place in the 200M.

Girls Basketball Our Girls’ Basketball team had a strong season, highlighted by a 39-32 upset against the then-undefeated Tower Hill team! The Quakers would go on to beat the Hillers again, this time at home, 37-29. Sophomore Margot Gramiak was the high scorer in both games.

All-DISC First Team: Ajala Elmore ’20 Second Team: Margo Gramiak ’22 Madison McCoy ’21 Honorable Mention: Caelen Grubb ’22

Boys’ Basketball A highlight of the Boys’ Basketball season was an exciting win at home at the Senior Recognition game against Tower Hill, 37-33!

Senior Miles McCoy was the top scorer with 11 points, including three three-pointers.

All-DISC Second Team: Will Davis ’20 Honorable Mention: Manny Adebi ’20

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters 31

SPRING SPORTS 2020 Spring teams had two weeks of practice before the seasons abruptly stopped. Having not lost a senior from the prior spring season, the Girls’ Soccer team looked to advance their position in the conference while continuing to gain valuable experience. Girls’ Lacrosse also had high hopes for the season, and when it came to a halt, they joined together as a team virtually for conversation and workouts. During the time away from school, most of the Golf team went out each day to play at their individual courses since golf courses stayed open in the State. This summer, some Golf team members competed in the local and regional junior golf tournaments as well as taking lessons from their local pros. With 14 promising freshmen, the Boys’ Lacrosse coaches were excited to make big strides this year. The squad looked competitive in its first scrimmage against Appoquinimink and Kent Island, MD and enthusiasm was clearly running high. While there was a lot missing from the Track and Field season this spring, the team displayed deep resilience in the ways that they continued to create the strong, supportive culture that defines the WFS program. In daily Zoom meetings, student-athletes checked in on each other’s “tanks,” the team’s language for how a student-athlete is feeling emotionally and physically. In the Baseball Team’s only interscholastic competition of the year, they tied Dover High School on March 11. Quaker Baseball retired jersey #20 in honor of the class of 2020, a team comprised of 12 seniors returning from a team that lost in the quarterfinals of the 2019 state tournament and whose 2020 season promised to be a strong one.

Tennis got off to a great start, and athletes could be outside on the courts in the first week, which is practically unheard of for spring tennis. Right before the stay-at-home order, they were in the tail end process of challenge matches and finalizing the lineups. Despite the team being practically the same, the lineup was going to be quite different from last year as some JV players made some significant progress in their games. Seniors were recognized throughout the State on April 24 when WFS joined all Delaware high schools in honoring their Class of 2020 spring sport student athletes, illuminating the sky with lights and scoreboards reading 2020.

State Rankings and a Number One! Congratulations to the following athletes for their rankings in Delaware high school sports: Nick Redd ’20, was ranked the #1 in Delaware high school boys’ lacrosse. Nick will be playing lacrosse at University of Maryland, College Park next year.

Ranked in the top 38 players in Delaware high school baseball: Eddie Micheletti ’20 #10, Wyatt Nelson ’20, #11, and Will Davis ’20, #37. Eddie will be playing baseball next year at The George Washington University. Eddie and Wyatt were also both recognized as Gatorade Player of the Year nominees.

Lacrosse player Ajala Elmore ’20 was ranked 24th in the State.

Ajala will be playing softball at Moravian College.

32

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

MS/US Girls’ Lax Attended UD Game The WFS middle school and upper school Varsity/JV Girls’ Lacrosse teams had a shared team field trip to cheer on UD Women’s Lacrosse in a double overtime win over Elon College 12-11. Together, the teams reviewed rules, positioning, strategy, and team dynamics. It was a wonderful experience, and, for some of the younger players, the first time watching live lacrosse.

Baseball Quarantine Tournament, Fundraiser, and Visit from a Pro The Quarantine Tournament pitted Class of 2020 against Classes of 2021-23 in daily fitness and sport-specific competitions. Underclassmen won. Osi Chukwuocha ’22 and Alex Ropars ’20 were each team’s respective MVPs. Later in the season, Quaker baseball teamed up with members of the Concord Raiders baseball program to support their 13-year tradition of raising awareness and funds for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). This year, both teams were scheduled to play a game at Frawley Stadium which would have served as a way to raise both awareness and funds, with all proceeds benefiting DBCC for research efforts. Despite not being able to play the game, together, the two teams created a fundraiser to benefit a great cause and also demonstrate the power of unity during this difficult time. The teams created an informational video as well as a direct link to donate in support of their efforts.

Teams Making Use of Zoom Track and Field frequently met via Zoom and had themed days and debates, spoke with professional runners, and played games. They also all had their own weekly training plans that mimicked closely what we would have done at school, but student-athletes had to do it on their own from home. They made use of their streets, yards, basements and got creative with ways to continue training.

Even without competition, many runners ran personal bests in solo time trials.

The upper and middle school Boys’ Lacrosse teams met, via Zoom, with Penn State's Grant Ament. Ament was the preseason favorite to win the Tewaarton Trophy, given each year to college lacrosse's MVP. The players asked a number of thought-provoking questions and learned first-hand from this outstanding ambassador of the game.

Finally, Minnesota Twins General Manager Thad Levine conferenced via Zoom with the team for an hour and fifteen minutes on May 5. Levine and Coach Huxtable were collegiate teammates at Haverford College.

Spring Signing Day On April 8th, 60 members of our community came together via Zoom to honor our student athletes signing letters of intent for their chosen colleges. Thank you to all who worked to make this event meaningful, to all who attended, and to our gifted and hardworking student athletes.

Jadyn Elliott Haverford College Volleyball

Manny Adebi Cornell University Football

Ariel Shweiki Occidental College Lacrosse

Denzel Dixon Methodist University Football

Ajala Elmore Moravian College Softball

Katrina Winfield Trinity College Field Hockey Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters 33

Alumni Awards

Congratulations to the 2020 award recipients!

Carol Quillen ’79 Distinguished Alumna of the Year Dr. Carol Quillen is the current and first woman to serve as president of Davidson College. She has increased recruitment of students from all backgrounds and led a $425 million capital campaign. 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.” Before becoming the President of Davidson College, Carol taught History and was Vice President and Vice Provost, as well as the director of the Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University. 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.” Carol and her family have been strong advocates for WFS. Her father, Judge Bill Quillen ’52 served as a dedicated class agent, her mother Marcia Stirling Quillen ’56 was the former Director of Development of WFS, and her sister, Tracey Quillen Carney ’80 is the former Director of Communications and parent of two alumni. Carol’s strong family ties to WFS and her dedication to “seeing that there is that of God in everyone,” keep her connected to the School. We are thrilled to honor her with the Distinguished Alumna of the Year award.

Eden Wales Freedman ’99 Young Alumna of the Year Dr. Eden Wales Freedman ’99 is an accomplished professor, scholar, and author, who recently became the Vice Provost of Faculties and Academic Affairs at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Before joining St. Mary’s, Eden was an associate professor of English, director of diversity studies, and department chair of communication, literature, and arts, as well as the Dr. Thomas R. Feld Chair for Teaching Excellence, and deputy Title IX coordinator at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Eden published her first book in February 2020. Reading Testimony Witnessing Trauma: Confronting Race, Gender, and Violence in American Literature explores how readers can engage literary representations of race, gender, and trauma both critically and empathically. Eden’s work focuses on empathy and social justice. She credits WFS with instilling in her the values she holds today and inspiring her work in education. She affirms: “Friends’ mission, to challenge 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, continues to inform me.”

Eden’s achievements illustrate that she truly “lets her life speak.” We are proud to call her a WFS alumna and to honor her with the Young Alumna of the Year award.

Tom Scott ’70 Outstanding Service Award Tom Scott ’70 has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Wilmington community. From a young age, Tom’s parents, Robert and Margaret (Muff) Scott, taught him the importance of giving back, and he has continued to carry on their legacy by supporting numerous non-profit organizations in the area, including Christ Church, Wilmington Garden Day, Friendship House, Lutheran Community Services, Urban Promise, and DE Humane Association, to name a few. He has also been an avid supporter of WFS, and has served as a class agent and member of the Alumni Board for many years, as well as a former Trustee. He and his wife Betsy Lord Scott ’70 are also parents of alumni, Clay Scott ’15 and Lex Scott ’16. In addition to Tom’s volunteer work, he is the founder and owner of Incite Solutions, a software development and information management company helping organizations find technology-based solutions. Incite Solutions, along with its partner company 82 North, has helped numerous non-profit organizations host successful events and reach their fundraising goals. WFS is honored to recognize Tom with this year’s Outstanding Service Award. His involvement with both WFS and the broader Wilmington community, all while being both humble and impactful, is impressive and appreciated.

34

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Nominate an Alum for a WFS award!

The Wilmington Friends School Alumni Association recognizes alumni annually for their outstanding achievements and service to the school and community. These individuals exemplify the best qualities of a Friends School graduate, including honesty, integrity, fairness, a commitment to serve others, and a commitment to equality and social justice. For more information or to submit a nomination, please contact Tina DiSabatino, Director of Alumni Programs and Giving, at tdisabatino@wilmingtonfriends.org or 302.576.2981.

Jones House Intern-Thank You! The Jones House was grateful to have the help of upper school senior Olivia Ivins ’20 this school year.

Olivia gained real-world experience through developing skills in writing, social media, fundraising, event planning, and more. Her efforts as an intern made an impact on the greater WFS community in supporting the School’s mission to help students let their lives speak. Thank you, Olivia!

“Zooming” to a town near you!

The WFS Alumni/Development Office hosted several virtual regional reunion happy hours via Zoom in the spring. While we would have enjoyed catching up with alumni and friends in person as we’ve done in the past, the COVID-19 pandemic gave us the opportunity to engage with our community in a different way. Head of School Ken Aldridge enjoyed catching up with those who were able to join us and he shared information about the School’s transition to remote learning, planning ahead for the summer and fall, and progress on the lower school project. Thank you to everyone who attended. We were happy to see alumni and friends from around the world. (Herbert Rasinger ’66 joined us from Austria!)

Virtual gatherings were hosted in Atlanta, New York City, Washington, DC, Southern CA, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Boston. Thank you to our hosts: Brian Mand ’90 (Atlanta); Ned Davis ’62 (New York City); Carolyn Appleby Bruce ’85 and Rob Hoopes ’85 (Washington, DC); Crystal Nix Hines ’81 and Chris Shedd Selecky ’72 (Southern CA); Ron Pownall ’65 (Boston); Faye Paul ’03 and Ethan Cooperson ’87 (Chicago).

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

35

Alumni in Healthcare

How COVID-19 Has Changed Things We applaud our healthcare and essential workers who are taking risks, saving lives, and helping our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, WFS alumni share their experiences as healthcare professionals in this challenging time.

Christobel Shedd Selecky ’72

Board Chair, Board Member Satellite Healthcare, SCAN Health Plan, Verity Health System, Teleperformance How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your experience at work? At home?

I have had a 40-year career in healthcare and this pandemic is a real education in how people pull together and adjust to fight a common, if unseen, enemy. All of the companies on whose boards of directors I serve have focused on the needs of our employees (protecting their health as well as making sure that they are OK financially) and our patients and members (expanding capacity to provide usual and COVID-19 care in a safe and sanitized environment). Perhaps the most significant change I am seeing has been the speed of the shift to work at home for employees and telemedicine for patients who are under stay at home orders. Using remote communication for the provision of healthcare is an initiative which has been years in the making but slow to be adopted until now. I have been impressed with the ability of our technology infrastructure to accommodate such a surge in demand (after a few initial glitches). I believe that the silver lining is how our capacity to innovate and adapt is leading to our work and healthcare worlds being permanently changed (and, ultimately improved) as a result of this pandemic.

36

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

How did your WFS education prepare you for your work at the moment?

My time at Wilmington Friends infused me with a sense of mission for making the world a better place. I have found healthcare to be a field which shares this mission. During this time of crisis, it is heartening to see so many people pulling together and making sacrifices for the greater good.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the WFS Community?

Stay safe and well! We will get through this!

Alexa Pierce-Matlack ’11 Medical Laboratory Scientist Christiana Care Health System

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your experience at work? At home?

Hugely affected.

I work in the Microbiology Lab at Christiana Care. Dramatic decrease in routine cultures, since all elective procedures and most out-patient offices are closed, but huge increases in molecular testing. Also massive changes in work flow and taking calls from the ED, floors, and Physicians.

Are there any stories you would like to share?

Initially we were doing flu testing on every specimen before ordering and packaging them to be sent to the state or outside reference labs. We applied to get reagents for three in-house platforms for COVID testing and received reagents for 2 out of the 3 platforms. Within 24

hours of receiving the reagents for one platform, we had everything validated and created a procedure for the in-house testing with a turnaround time of around an hour for our most critical patients.

Within a few days of that, we were able to bring the second platform live, with a much higher volume. Now Christiana is only doing in-house testing for all patients, whether they’re in the ED, inpatients, healthcare worker screening, or any provider referrals. We completely changed the process of reporting and resulting many times since Coronavirus has hit the US, and consistently have successfully moved forward and provide the best care for all patients.

How did your WFS education prepare you for your work at the moment?

I was able to effectively handle all the changes and roll with them fluidly. I also had the confidence to be able to talk to and explain the whole process to those more senior to me.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the WFS Community?

Medical Laboratory professionals are the people actually performing the testing, not the doctors and nurses. We’re working tirelessly to provide these critically important results!

Laura Hershorin ’82 Lead Physician Teladoc Health

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your experience at work? At home?

Work has been intense and very busy. As the pandemic blew up, our

volume sky rocketed, yet we needed to take much more time with each telemedicine visit. People were scared. Predictably, this combination created a huge wait for each consult, and the entire system was taxed. Therefore, in addition to clinical practice, the leadership was meeting daily to meet the challenges.

In addition to logistics and support, we were challenged clinically, significantly adding to the experience. Diagnosing and treating over the phone, with only a minimal physical exam, is possible because approximately 80% of diagnoses can be made by careful listening.

However, COVID-19 is brand new, and we had very little idea of how to recognize it. Without available testing, we likened our job to flying a plane while simultaneously building it. Yet, it is our job to appropriately assess patients, keep people home if at all possible, and be sure only those who genuinely need hospital evaluation present to one.

It is a privilege to do the work, but also daunting with the opportunity to impact a nation in a dramatic and essential way. Exciting and exhausting.

How did your WFS education prepare you for your work at the moment?

Daniel L. Johnson, “DJ,” my biology teacher at WFS, was my mentor and inspiration. He taught me to love science, to wonder with awe at our natural world, how to think, and to believe in myself. I am, and will always, be grateful for him.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the WFS Community?

THANK YOU!

Josette Graves ’12

Medical Assistant ENT & Allergy of Delaware How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your experience at work? At home?

As a healthcare worker, I must adapt to an

ever-changing environment. In-office patient visits are reserved for limited instances, while virtual appointments are the new norm. At home, I am preparing for my medical school applications and my upcoming medical school admissions test (MCAT). I continue to prepare despite the uncertainty of my scheduled test date (May 2020).

How did your WFS education prepare you for your work at the moment?

My education at WFS prepared me for a call to action. I am very grateful for working in a field where I can impact many lives. Chronic and non-viral conditions still exist during this pandemic and no person in need of medical attention should be left behind.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the WFS Community?

Please consider donating any excess PPE (personal protective equipment), especially masks, to healthcare workers. The only way doctors, nurses, and medical staff can continue to treat patients is if they have the proper protective equipment.

Gabriela Mejia ’10

Registered Nurse Thomas Jefferson University Hospital - Methodist Hospital Division How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your experience at work? At home?

At work it has become almost traumatic to walk through the front doors of the hospital. We are asked if we’ve had a fever or cough and handed a surgical mask we have to wear for our entire 12.5 hour shift. We get to the unit and have to put on a hair cover as the virus is believed to stick to hair and we gather our bag with our N95 mask that we have to keep for 7 days (they are meant for one time use) our PAPR (positive airway pressure respirator) hood and our goggles and face shield. The goggles and face shield are for the entire length of this pandemic.

We can barely breathe in these masks all day, we sweat because we are breathing

in our own hot air for almost 13 straight hours. At home my work shoes live in a plastic container on my front steps so they never go in the house, I have to strip at the front door and immediately go wash all my clothes in the hottest water with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, extra detergent, and dry them on the hottest setting. Immediately shower in the hottest water I can tolerate and then I can finally try to relax and eat for the first time all day.

Are there any stories you would like to share?

I work in one of the two critical care units in my hospital and we’ve had an influx of COVID-19 patients. These aren’t our typical chronic illness people with an acute issue - these are people young and old who may or may not have had any prior medical problems.

They come up from the ER absolutely terrified because they know what this virus could mean for them. They struggle to breathe and grab at you out of fear, ripping at your plastic gown that already exposes your back and legs because they need human contact.

Every day we get multiple emails about policy changes regarding protective measures for staff and sometimes we disregard them despite the consequences because we need to feel we are still protecting ourselves. I’ve been a nurse for five years, and I’ve seen many people die, but watching the patients die of this virus has really started to affect me and I can only imagine how this will mess with my head for years to come. Visitors have not been allowed in the hospital for weeks, but as these patients get sicker and are placed in a glass door room that must remain closed at all times, their families are allowed nowhere near them.

So we have to FaceTime for them to say their final goodbyes. That is what gives me so much pain, knowing that I am the only human contact this dying person has and they can’t even see or touch their family members, after death their belongings will be placed between two body bags and not immediately able to be given to their families for some comfort. Some of the nurses I work with are around my age, some younger than I am. I never thought at 27 years old I would be dealing with a pandemic, and I would have to emotionally equip myself for an unknown amount of time living in trauma every day. I live alone with

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

37

my dog, and can’t see my own family or friends for fear I’ve been exposed and could pass the virus to them.

How did your WFS education prepare you for your work at the moment?

I think learning introspection at WFS is what’s holding onto my last little bit of sanity and hope in this situation. We are all so overwhelmed. We get home completely defeated but the selflessness we are taught and loving and supporting our friends has been invaluable in the long days I’m with my coworkers.

We are the only human contact any of us has had in weeks; we try to just have moments of quiet to relax but we hold moments of silence for those who have passed outside their room before we have to disturb their final peace one last time. It is how we try to honor them.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the WFS Community?

Please, I beg all of you as one of the people whose gloved hands are the ones holding the feverish hands of those dying while I sweat dressed in plastic for hours just to provide some love to those who will die either alone or with only me in the room, stay home! Wash your hands in soap and water, wear a fabric mask while outside your home and please consider donating hospital grade masks to the healthcare workers around you. We only have the supplies we’ve got--many of our supplies come from China, Italy, and Germany so with the virus affecting those areas we are forced to break typical safety protocols and were terrified of what happens when we completely run out. Hold us in the light, we are people too who are risking our own lives to try to save others the best we can.

Thank You to All of the Healthcare and Essential Workers in Our Community!

Dr. Mary Laine Khine ’86

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology Atlantic Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Morristown Medical Center There is a calm in the Labor & Delivery (L&D) unit as I write this... a minute to reflect on what I’ve experienced over the past month. I work for a large hospital system in north central New Jersey — a 30-minute drive to the epicenter of a COVID-19 war.

In the beginning, there was chaos. Our days were marked by endless Skype meetings and relentless emails. Add to this hours of rescheduling patients, rearranging staffing only to have yet another policy change. Those few days felt like weeks because of the rapidity in which things changed but also because of the rapidity in which everyone mobilized.

Preparations and shifts in paradigms were accomplished in days that would have normally taken weeks! The maternity floors were reconfigured in a mere three days to accommodate two separate wings for COVID-19 patients and pregnant or immediate postpartum patients. All hands were on deck and decisions were hastily made and remade. Only time will tell us which decisions were correct and which were not. Remember, no one has done this before.

We’ve all been working long hours.

Days seem like weeks, weeks seems like months. I’m not sure what “business as usual” feels like anymore. Clinical work for me in maternal fetal medicine (highrisk obstetrics) has always been intense but nothing like it has been for my Emergency Department (ED) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) colleagues. In my area, we’ve had several COVID-19 patients — fortunately only one sick enough to intubate while pregnant (she recovered, still pregnant). I have to continue to remember the small wins and avoid driving past the refrigerated, long, white truck in the parking lot.

As more and more people became sick, and the cautionary tales became personal

38

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

ones, anxiety and fear multiplied and hearts were broken. My best friend’s aunt was one of our losses. She was a widow, enjoying retirement from nursing, and hadn’t wanted anyone to worry about her. She refused to have anyone in her home while she self-quarantined. No one had any idea how ill she was until friends could not reach her on the phone.

The rescue squad had to break down her door.

Those of us with better ability to quell our inner demons helped those of us who were unable to keep composure.

Fear existed on both sides of the fence and people’s true colors were revealed.

There were some who could’ve helped but sought medical leave or disappeared entirely from the work landscape.

But there is balance in the universe.

I’ve seen colleagues, who I know have serious underlying medical problems themselves, risk exposure and roll up their sleeves to trudge into L&D. I’ve seen people readily signing up for “medical draft” and redeployment to other areas of the hospital. I’ve seen people giving up their own rationed PPE to colleagues who were treating infected patients. People who were capable (as well as a handful of people who had every valid personal reason to sit this one out) stepped up by putting in long hours either administratively or clinically, volunteering for extra duty, or redeploying to other areas of the hospital.

While we in healthcare were determining the best ways to deal with the logistics of healthcare delivery, learning and relearning best ways to treat respiratory failure, and figuring out how to limit exposures in order to maintain the healthcare workforce, the greater community was (unbeknownst to us) arranging meal trains and care packages for the hospital staff, putting up thank you signs throughout the entrances to our hospital and organizing delivery for as many PPE as they could make or purchase.

I’m grateful for the patients who quietly sit in their car (with Fear in the passenger seat), comply with the rules of our new reality to intuitively understand the need for shorter and less frequent ultrasounds. (We were able to cut down

our daily patient load by 75%.) I hear the desperation in every request for service from “NYC refugees,” even in the face of our administrative decision that we don’t have the resources to provide ultrasound services to pregnant patients not already in our system.

As the feverish blur of urgent activity, bad and good, continues to pass by my eyes, I often stop and worry about my staff — we all know that when this is over, when a vaccine is discovered and distributed, and when life returns to a new normal, there will be layoffs.

The other day, I walked into a local pizzeria to pick up dinner for my family on my way home from the hospital. A gentleman saw me in my scrubs and, despite my objection, insisted on treating me and my family to pizza. “Thank you for your service,” he said. His eyes crinkled behind his mask. I felt sheepish as I accepted his thanks as graciously as possible. I am no hero. There are so many of us. I am just doing what I’ve wanted to always do which is to help people. And even though I am an obstetrician, away from the very front line like my fellow ED and ICU colleagues, I pondered why this man’s thoughtfulness and generosity made me uncomfortable.

I have always made it a point to thank our military personnel in uniform for their service. My thanks to them made me feel good because I wanted to show support for those doing work I could not. It didn’t matter to me if the soldier in front of me was to be sent to Iran or if she was going to remain stateside sharpening pencils. I suppose in parallel, I should accept thanks from my benefactor as well. We do what we can for each other no matter the size of the task.

My time at Friends School taught me to be flexible. Preparedness is important.

I learned that Life is not always linear and accepting of well-intentioned plans.

As time goes on, we adapt, we become accustomed to the gear and masks that seemed so confining at first. We learn to read people’s eyes instead of relying on facial expressions to gauge reactions.

The pick-up of resanitized masks and face shields every 8 hours has become routine. We wipe down every surface in our work station before and after use. We review the daily list of active

COVID-19 patients without a second thought. We see that only together can we get through this, and and only together can we draw inspiration from fellow coworkers who rise to the occasion.

Thanks to everyone’s efforts, my community appears to have flattened the curve for now. Admission of COVID-19 patients has leveled off over the past three days. We still have months to go before I think we’ll have any idea if we have this under control. However, I feel more confident than ever that, even though we still need to bear the uncomfortable changes to our usual lives, with diligence, kindness, and care we will pull together. We will be okay.

I want to draw your attention to a viral image of a man holding up a huge thank you poster at my hospital. I don’t think there’s any better way to illustrate the compassion we can give each other. The outpouring of love and support we’ve seen in our community has been phenomenal. Simple tasks such as picking up pizza has taken on new meaning. The drive into the hospital garage and walkway into the hospital is littered with homemade signs thanking healthcare workers. Never before have I been so proud yet so humbled to be a doctor.

Timothy E. Gibbs ’76

Executive Director Delaware Academy of Medicine / Delaware Public Health Association How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your experience at work? At home?

Needless to say, we rapidly pivoted our activities to work from home and online. All public-facing events were postponed until our board, who are all medical and public health experts, concur that it is safe to resume “business as usual.”

At home, maintaining a strong boundary between work time and home time has been essential, as has keeping connected with colleagues via phone, zoom, email, and even an occasional face to face meeting with appropriate precautions in place.

I’ve been personally involved at the national level through the American Public Health Association with shifting national programs to focus on COVID19. Most recently that has been with National Public Health Week and the All of Us NIH Research Project.

Are there any stories you would like to share?

I am heartened to see how most of our community came together to respond, appropriately, to this invisible threat.

Moving from a competing mindset to a caring mindset has been awesome to see.

Never has it been more important to share genuine gratitude for everyone (and I do mean everyone) who works in healthcare and all of those other essential jobs that make our lives what we have come to take for granted.

How did your WFS education prepare you for your work at the moment?

The value of patience, of science, and of consensus in decision-making have never been clearer to me.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the WFS Community?

Three things: First, In order to best support those around you, first you must take care of yourself.

Second, these are challenging times.

Lean into the discomfort, process feelings, and remember that we each have a “side of the road” that is uniquely ours to take care of.

Third, everyone’s feelings are valid even if we don’t happen to agree with them. More than ever, this is a time to accept and respect differing points of view - we all face a common threat, and it is time to set differences aside and come together.

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters 39

Class Notes

CLASS OF 1962 Bob Lessey has spent his time during the COVID-19 lockdown keeping in contact with medical colleagues via videoconferencing, which saves him traveling to Baltimore; taking an online acting class at the Academy of Fine Arts; and tutoring his 5-year-old grandson on reading and vocabulary via Zoom.

CLASS OF 1970 Tom Scott shared this update from the ongoing service project that he is involved in with Christ Church, “Last summer while on their mission trip to the Dominican Republic, our youth began to build the water treatment facility on the campus of the Episcopal Academy for Little Kiddies. This facility will provide clean water for the school and will be sold to the community to raise funds for the school. This week, the facility is 90% completed and should be up and running next week. It is very exciting to see a project we started near its completion! A grant from our Outreach Committee has helped fund this project. The Episcopal Academy of Little Kiddies is in its third year of operation and has 90+ children registered, providing a preschool experience for the children of Jalonga and neighboring villages. The solar energy project is providing consistent electricity for the school and the water treatment facility.

“This summer marks the 17th year for our Youth Mission Trip to the DR, and we’ll build a playground area for the school and install several raised beds to plant fresh fruits and vegetables for the community. It is such an honor and joy for our youth and mission team to serve and partner with our dear friends in Jalonga, Dominican Republic. It has been a life-changing experience for all.

WFS alumni attended the Class Agents, the Alumni Board, and Alumni lunch in the WFS Library Learning Commons in February 2020.

Many, many WFS students have been on these trips.

The Solar project was initiated by Roth Johnson ’14 and his dad, Scott secured the panels and participation of an installation group and Katrina Winfield ’20 was the youth trip leader the past 2 years.

Last year we started a water project to use solar power to provide fresh water to the village, which provides people with better access to fresh water at a lower cost, and the price then covers the maintenance of the solar and water systems.

And it survived a hurricane!”

40 40 Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Amy Davis ’72 and nephew Eddie at Emerald Bay Overlook, Lake Tahoe, California CLASS OF 1972 Amy Davis shared this news with us, “I retired from PNC Wealth Management in 2018 after a 32-year career as a trust officer in Wilmington, Delaware. In my free time I have been studying Latin at the University of Delaware Academy of Life Long Learning. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, interior decorating, travel, and spending as much time as possible with my family.”

CLASS OF 1978 Michael Pardee sent this update, “After more than 40 years of exile since my WFS graduation, I’m finally moving back toward ‘greater Wilmington,’ Philadelphia, to be exact. I will begin in July an exciting new role as a Master Educator at Revolution School in Philly. It is an innovative, place-based, project-based, civically-engaged school that is just getting started. Most of my career since HS and college has been in various educational realms. But I haven’t made it back to any WFS events since our graduation and my parents’ move away from Delaware. I look forward to breaking that string and reconnecting with some ’78 classmates soon.”

CLASS OF 1979 Carol Quillen was quoted in a March 10, USA Today article, “How do we rebuild trust? A year after the admissions scandal, presidents say college must change.

Six leaders of elite colleges tell USA TODAY the Varsity Blues scandal caused them to question the fairness of college admissions.”

Carol, president of Davidson College stated, “It seems to me that the postsecondary education sector is being asked to educate many, many more people much more quickly at a much lower cost for an uncertain economic future. And so how do we participate in doing that? It’s our job to make sure that it’s available to everyone. Not everybody is going to

want the same kind of education. So differentiation is good. We should support each other as we differentiate and offer different things to different groups of learners.”

CLASS OF 1980 Mark Raphaelson was featured on April 3, 2020, Delaware Online/The News Journal article as a reader-nominated local hero. An excerpt: Mark Raphaelson’s goal right now is to keep his business, Johnnie’s Dog House and Chicken Shack in Talleyville, afloat during this coronavirus pandemic.

Despite his efforts, business at his Concord Pike location is about 40% of what it normally would be.

Even with the decreased profits, Raphaelson still donated time and food for New Castle County paramedics last week. He brought fried chicken, green beans, mac and cheese, rice, and dessert to the men and women who are helping sick and injured people throughout the pandemic.

“I grew up here, and you know I try to be involved in with the community as much as possible,” Raphaelson said.

“Those guys are on the front line.”

Raphaelson is just one of the many Delawareans stepping up to help others during the coronavirus pandemic. Dozens of readers have recognized their neighbors, like Raphaelson, as local heroes during a stressful time.

tive stress response systems, even if they often don’t have the words to express their needs. Consistency and reliability are their main buffers against the longterm effects of trauma.” Tracey partners with Kind to Kids Foundation and First Chance Delaware to support these efforts.

Tracey also thanked essential school employees in the Colonial School District as they distributed 18,000 meals to local students during the COVID-19 lockdown.

CLASS OF 1987 Ethan Cooperson, Research Analyst, was interviewed by Joe Castellano on the Sports Virus, April 17, 2020, about his stats career. The interview can be found on YouTube.

CLASS OF 1999 Avigail Dadone shared this news, “My husband and I were thrilled to welcome our first child on Feb 3, 2020. A boy, Arden Nissim Altfest. We live in Brooklyn, NY.” Eden Wales Freedman released Reading Testimony, Witnessing Trauma: Confronting Race, Gender, and Violence in American Literature (March 2020). It is an extraordinary engagement with trauma and its witness across American literature.

“Every day you know they’re putting their health at risk when they go and do their job,” he said of the paramedics.

Keith Byerman, author of “Remembering the Past in Contemporary African American Fiction,” writes of Eden’s book, “Eden Wales Freedman provides a significant analysis of the complexities of witnessing traumatic experience on the part of narrators, characters, authors, and readers. She instructs readers on the many ways we can fail as witnesses and the resulting damage if survivors are not believed, and what we need to consider to be more effective at it.”

Tracey Quillen Carney’s focus as Delaware’s First Lady is to support efforts that, in a foundational way, help give children a chance to succeed.

CLASS OF 2004 Andrew Chepurny is living in Valhalla NY, married to Christa Chepurny, and working for Sirius Computer Solutions.

On May 30, 2020, Tracey Quillen Carney and Caroline Jones wrote a Special Op-Ed to the USA TODAY NETWORK, Let’s remember some of Delaware’s most vulnerable — kids in foster care.

Justin Hugelen-Padin and his wife Laurel welcomed a second son, Javier, June 20, 2019. Big brother Henry was born on June 2, 2017.

His food, often deemed “comfort food,” brings joy to people, he said. He wants to continue to bring that joy during this crazy time.

They wrote, “Routines and regular contact with friends and trusted adults are important for all of our children. For foster children, the stability of schedules and relationships, and the comfort of human connection, are absolutely essential. These children have hypersensi-

Mark Raphaelson ’80 has owned Johnnie’s Dog House and Chicken Shack in Talleyville since 2008 (Photo: KYLE GRANTHAM/THE NEWS JOURNAL)

Tracey Quillen Carney ’80

Eden Wales Freedman ’99 released “Reading Testimony, Witnessing Trauma: Confronting Race, Gender, and Violence in American Literature”

CLASS OF 2005 Kaci Loeffler Pike provided this update, “I am living in Burlington, NC, and married to J.R. Pike. We have a daughter, McKenna, turning 3 this month. I am now a yoga instructor and personal trainer with a Master’s Degree in Sport & Exercise psychology.

Javi and Henry Hugelen-Padin Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

41

CLASS OF 2008 Phoenix Mellow was featured in a May 6, 2020, Popular Mechanics article titled, “How Citizens Are Helping Healthcare Workers Fight the Coronavirus” written

by Jenna Schoenefeld.

Phoenix Mellow ’08 Photo by Jenna Schoenefeld

Jakob Katzen ’16, McDaniel College, Senior, GK

Schoenefeld wrote, “Phoenix Mellow is a costume designer who most recently worked on the NBC show A.P. Bio until production was halted due to the coronavirus. Now, she’s making masks with her sewing machine in her apartment using fabrics she had in storage boxes.

Mellow researched mask patterns online, including old patterns from the 1918 flu pandemic, before designing her own pattern. She’s made about 60 masks so far, sending some to friends and family, and donating others to senior-citizen facilities.”

“We have to fight this together because you can’t just think you’re on your own,” said Phoenix.

Before the COVID-19 lockdown, Phoenix was busy with other projects. She was featured in an April 1, 2020 article on diginmag.com written by Cindy Maram, titled “Costume Designer Phoenix Mellow on Designing for Films.”

Eleanor Napoli ’16 and Simone Veale ’17

CLASS OF 2019 Ali Miller ’19 spent her first semester in UD’s World Scholars program.

She studied at The University of Aukland in New Zealand from July to November 2019. She’s looking forward to a more traditional on-campus experience sophomore year, and another semester abroad her junior year. Ali (right) is pictured in marketing materials from The University of Aukland.

42

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

This is an excerpt from the article: “Costume Designer Phoenix Mellow has designed ornate, fashion-forward costumes drawing praise and recognition for her standout designs for stars such as Katie Perry, movies like ‘Black Panther,’ and most recently for her work with ‘Sylvie’s Love’ and Tessa Thompson in the Sundance Film Festival 2020 love story set in the late 1950s and early 1960s cool jazz era. The film by writer/ director Eugene Ashe also stars Nnamdi Asomugha and Eva Longoria. We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the exceptionally talented designer during and following the festival regarding her broad design background, and her process working with celebrities on motion pictures, TV series, music videos, and web series.

Dig IN: How was your experience at the Sundance Film Festival 2020? Any fond memories or highlights in particular?

PM: I was ecstatic to attend the Sundance Film Festival this year for ‘Sylvie’s Love.’ As a filmmaker, it’s inspiring to see so many movie buffs in one place.

Everyone there has an incredible passion for filmmaking. I flew in and out for the premiere and I was lucky enough to catch snow driving through the mountains

into Park City, which is so refreshing coming from Los Angeles. Some of my favorite moments included displaying the costumes and my sketches at the Acura Lounge after-party. Everyone had just seen the film and were so excited to discuss the costumes!

Dig IN: So, you’ve been a costume designer for television series, feature films, commercials, web series, and music videos, what would you say has been the most rewarding for you?

PM: I love working on a variety of projects. I think having a diverse background in design gives a fun edge to my work.

Each project has its own challenges, but I love putting it together like a puzzle— working out the different budgets, time frames, designs, and characters. Working with all types of creatives has been really rewarding for me. I feel that I am almost a chameleon designer. I change my style based on research. I don’t like to always stick to one style or story. I like showing a change in the character throughout the project. I think each project has really allowed me to reflect on my purpose as a costume designer and how I can help tell this story or help this actor or musician become this character.

Amy Tryon is a Juris Doctor Candidate, 2021, at American University Washington College of Law and is a member of the Administrative Law Review’s Executive Board.

CLASS OF 2009 Sammi Shay was a lecturer in the Loyola Women’s Studies and Gender Studies Program’s 2020 Feminist Lecture Series on February 20, 2020. Her talk was titled “Addiction is a Feminist Issue: Temperance, Twelve-Step, and Challenges Today.” From the University’s marketing for the series, “Sammi is a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work, specializing in Heath. She completed a Certificate of Advanced Brief Interventions for Substance Abuse Among Minority Communities in April 2019, and was recently accepted into Loyola’s Opioid Workforce Expansion Training Program. She holds a BA in Dance and American Studies from Connecticut College. Sammi is proudly three years into recovery, which informs and inspires her present and future work.”

CLASS OF 2010 Samuel Finkelman has been named a 2020 Stephen F. Cohen-Robert C. Tucker Dissertation Fellowship recipient. The

Cohen–Tucker Dissertation Fellowship (CTDF) Program for Russian Historical Studies supports the next generation of US scholars to conduct their doctoral dissertation research in Russia. Sam is a Ph.D. candidate in History at the University of Pennsylvania.

NCAA Division III and the Centennial Conference. The Centennial All-Sportsmanship Teams recognize student-athletes who exemplify the fundamental values of respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility both on and off the field or playing surface.

According to The Association for Slavic, East European, & Eurasian Studies website, Sam’s dissertation “Ghetto, Gulag, Geulah: Jewish Nationalism, Inter-ethnic Encounters, and Collective Memory of Catastrophe in the Post-Stalin Soviet Union, 1953-1982”, explores the encounter between Jewish and Russian nationalist intellectuals and activists in the post-Stalin Soviet Union, focusing on their mutual efforts to construct collective memories of national catastrophe. The protagonists are Soviet Jews who endeavored to revitalize Jewish national consciousness throughout the Soviet Union in the decades following “the black years” of postwar Stalinism and their Russian interlocutors.

These student-athletes were selected by the head coaches from their respective teams.”

David Jiminez is living in Orlando, Florida, and sent this update, “I work as a direct support professional for the department of children and families, in addition to the screenwriting and videography I have been doing for the past 3 years.”

CLASS OF 2011 Samuel Davis is living in Fort Collins, Colorado, and wrapping up his Ph.D. in counseling psychology at Colorado State University.

CLASS OF 2012 Julian DeOliveira is currently living in New York City, working in Financial Product Sales at Bloomberg LP. CLASS OF 2013 Chris DiMaria, reporter for KJRH Channel 2, in Tulsa, OK, is taking on a new role as weekend sports/anchor reporter for Channel 2.

Cavender Salvadori joined the Temple University XC/Track team as a graduate coach.

CLASS OF 2016 Jakob Katzen has been named to the Centennial Conference’s 2020 Men’s Lacrosse All-Sportsmanship Team. According to the Official Website of the Centennial Conference, “The 2020 Men’s Lacrosse All-Sportsmanship Team features one student-athlete from each institution that sponsors the sport.

Sportsmanship is one of the pillars of

Eleanor Napoli and Simone Veale ’17 ran a marathon in celebration of Simone’s 21st birthday. The marathon was run on 6/3/20 as a way to stay active during the COVID-19 lockdown and the money raised from their run was donated to the Delaware Center for Racial Justice.

The pair was featured in a June 4, 2020 article in Delaware Online.

“At first, it was a way to get out and stay active and then we realized the pandemic was going to continue for a while,” Napoli said. “So we wanted to stay in shape and keep doing it and we were having fun and talking along the way and the miles just kept getting piled on. So then Simone had this idea to run a marathon on her birthday. Let’s go!”

Feeling what they were able to do Wednesday was a privilege, the pair also made their endeavor more than just about themselves.

Citing the attention devoted to racial unfairness sweeping the nation, they aimed to raise money and awareness about the Delaware Center for Racial Justice, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. They agreed with the center’s approach, Napoli said, that change begins by listening to those who are impacted.

“Typically for marathons you donate to a charity,” Veale said of the fund-raising nature of most running events, “so we had talked about wanting to do something for a charity. Especially given the current situation with all the protests, we were really inspired to do something that would make a difference.”

CLASS OF 2017 Hannah Kushner wrote, “I’m finishing my junior year at Lehigh and am planning to graduate a semester early. My major is in IDEAS (integrated degree in engineering arts and sciences) with concentrations in civil/environmental engineering and urban policy (really a mix

CLASS OF 2017 AND ’18 Alicia Thompson ’17 and Donovan Aldridge ’18 were in the same program in Buenos Aires, Argentina for UD’s winter session.

of political science, sustainable development, and urban studies). I am on track to earn Lehigh’s Presidential Scholarship upon graduation, which awards a free fifth year of tuition to students graduating with a 3.75 GPA or above and plan to use this to earn a MA in environmental policy. Outside of the classroom I am involved with the College Democrats and Lehigh Dancin’, and have also done some engineering mentoring and environmental activism.

“I started this semester studying abroad in Copenhagen and was having an excellent time exploring the city and learning about urban planning through the climate-change-oriented Scandinavian lens.

I particularly enjoyed experiencing bicycle urbanism and hygge (loosely translated to ‘coziness’). The Coronavirus was slow to make a presence in Denmark, but the Danes were quick to take precautions once it became a serious threat. Because of that, I had a very abrupt exit, having to leave my host family and return home with about a day’s notice. Like you, I am now completing the semester on Zoom.

“If the public health situation improves this summer, I have an internship lined up in the resilient and sustainable engineering design unit at the Port Authority of NY & NJ. This will be my third professional experience, following a civil engineering internship at the design firm Sasaki and a planning internship at DelDOT. I’m not quite sure where I want to end up, but I’m definitely gravitating towards resilient transportation planning, which I think really started with my extended essay.”

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

43

In Memory PAST FACULTY AND PARENT OF ALUMNI Nancy Snowberger Pleasants passed away on November 25, 2019, with her children, Dru and Tim, at her bedside in Ocean View. Nancy married E. Rogers Pleasants Jr. in 1971. Their marriage was strong, happy and full of love. With the marriage, Rogers’ children, Estee, Bruddy and John, joined Dru and Tim in Nancy’s heart.

Nancy was a lifelong Delawarean. She was born the youngest of six on June 19, 1926, to Louis and Elsie Snowberger. She graduated from A.I. Dupont High School in 1944. Although only 5 feet, 5 inches tall, she was the captain of the women’s basketball team. Nancy went on to earn her nursing diploma from The School of Nursing at Beebe Hospital in Lewes. A talented artist and seamstress extraordinaire, Nancy’s homes and wardrobe reflected her exquisite taste and style.

Nancy was active in the Junior League of Wilmington for many years, making friendships that lasted a lifetime. She also worked as a preschool teacher, and later as the school nurse for Wilmington Friends School (1967-79). Nancy acted with kindness and grace throughout her life.

Nancy lived in Wawaset Park for 60 years. She and Rogers also had a home in Bethany Beach. They were wonderful and gracious hosts, making every occasion an elegant affair. Nancy is survived by children Tim Reed ’73 (Barbara), Dru Reed Mogge ’76, Estee Pleasants Lynch ’72 (John), and John (Jen) Pleasants, as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, E. Rogers Jr., and his son E. Rogers (Bruddy) III; her sisters, Jane Chain, Ann Snowberger, Betsy Snowberger and Oakley Sargisson; and her brother, Robert Snowberger.

On February 16, 2020 Edythe Rapkin, born May 9, 1918, to Samuel & Reba Levick died of natural causes. With her husband of 44 years Lewis W. Rapkin, they raised three boys, Leslie ’60 and his wife Enid of Wimauma, FL, Fredrick ’65 and his wife Alice of Needham, MA, and Gordon ’72 and his wife Barbara of Wilton, CT. She had 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Edie was born, raised, and educated in Philadelphia.

After attending the University of Pennsylvania, she attended business school, and used this education for 15 years in the business office at Wilmington Friends 44

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

School. She always believed in education and enjoyed travel, swimming and needle work. She was most proud of her extended family and their many accomplishments.

1939 December 4, 2018, Sarah Eliason Englehart, 97, beloved wife of the late William Englehart, M.D.; devoted mother of William P. Englehart, Jr. (Pat), Susan E. Folckemmer (Steve), and James E. Englehart (Debbie); cherished grandmother of Christopher and Sarah Folckemmer, and Will, J.D., Andrew, Emilie, and Rebecca Englehart; also survived by three greatgrandchildren.

1942 Bette Louise Johnson Good, 96 years old, of Glen Mills, PA, formerly of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on April 17, 2020, surrounded by the love of her family and her devoted caregivers. Bette was a nursing graduate of the old Wilmington Memorial Hospital. After her marriage to her husband Al in 1945, she worked at the Doylestown Hospital and later became a visiting nurse throughout Bucks County. Upon their return to Wilmington, Al began a long career at Hercules and Bette focused on raising their young family. Bette and Al were active in Aldersgate United Methodist Church, helping it grow from its original storefront location.

Bette carried on after the 1981 passing of Al, the love of her life. She moved to the Maris Grove retirement community in 2006, where she lived happily and made many new friends. She is survived by her children Jan Mariconda of Doylestown, PA, Cathy Sanger of Glen Allen, VA and David Good (Lori) of Collierville, TN; her five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Stella “Sis” Ward Sterner was born June 21, 1924, in Wilmington, DE, to Herbert H. Ward, Jr and Juliette Rice Ward. She died peacefully, surrounded by family, at her home in Jennersville, PA on March 31, 2020, at the age of 95. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, James F. Sterner; her brother John Ward ’49 of Chesapeake City, MD; her five daughters, Patricia Johnson (Glenn), Juliette Sterner, A. Tamasin Sterner, Ginger Hunter, and Amy Gould (Curtis); five grandchildren, Ward Johnson, Erika Hunter Hake, Evan Hunter, Benjamin Gould, and Lucas Gould; and five great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Herbert Ward III ’39.

Sis was a graduate of the Wilmington Friends School, Class of 1942, and of

the University of Delaware, Class of 1945. Sis and Jim began married life in Troy, NY, where he completed his education. His career with the DuPont Company took them to Waynesboro, VA, East Greenwich, RI, Madison, NJ, and Kennett Square, PA. They retired near Chesapeake City, MD. While living in Kennett Square, Sis enjoyed volunteering her time and talents with Bloodmobile, The Tick Tock Early Learning Center, Red Cross, and the Girl Scouts.While living near Chesapeake City, she volunteered at the Union Hospital Auxiliary and gift shop. She especially enjoyed her years volunteering at the Heron’s Nest Gift Shop at Jenner’s Pond.

Sis loved her family, sitting by a river or the ocean, cats, travel, a good steak, gardening, playing cards and bingo. She usually had a jigsaw puzzle on the table, and she was a whiz at crossword puzzles.

1947 Local artist and long-time Boothbay Harbor summer resident Patricia Ryan Zolper, 90, died March 30, 2020 at the Country House retirement community in Greenville, DE. Pat’s passions included her family, art, early childhood development, her Catholic faith, reading and crossword puzzles.

She was part of a generation of women who pioneered balancing career and family. Her achievements included raising five sons, serving in management positions in a pre-school and a hospital, and heading up multiple non-profit efforts through the years. She was a landscape painter who exhibited in Delaware and Maine and an ardent supporter of the arts. However, Pat always considered her greatest joy and accomplishment was raising her children.

She also was beloved and admired by a wide circle of people, from the staff where she kenneled her dog, to a young artist she mentored, to her 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was smart, strong, and social. She once knocked on the door of a stranger, a widow, to introduce herself; Pat had read about the woman and thought they could be good friends.

Born in Wilmington in 1929, Pat was graduated from Wilmington Friends School and Vassar College (1951). She started the Childhood Development Club at Vassar, which continues to this day.

After graduation, she began working at DuPont, and met William Benjamin Zolper of Wilmington. They were married in 1953.

While managing a large family and household in Glen Rock, NJ, Pat received her master’s degree in learning disabilities from William Paterson College of NJ in 1978, and also earned a certificate to teach art K-12. Once her children were in school, she rejoined the workforce as the director of Friends Preschool in Ridgewood, NJ, and then as director of volunteer services at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton, New Jersey. She also served in numerous volunteer positions, including board president of Family Counseling of Ridgewood, and director of art division for the Junior League of Bergen County. Pat also started an extracurricular arts program in the Glen Rock school system.

After she and Ben retired, they moved back to Wilmington in 1989. Pat became a docent at the Delaware Arts Museum and also began painting with the Studio Group. She continued these activities nearly all her life. Ben died in 2014.

Pat is survived by her five sons: Ben (Sharon, three children, four grandchildren), of Beverly, Massachusetts, Tom (one child and partner Alexandra) of Baltimore, Maryland, Peter (Johanna, three children), of Fairfax Station, Virginia; John (Betsy, three children) of Vienna, Virginia; and Andy (Linda, five children) of St. Petersburg, Florida. John Abramo, Pat’s companion of four years at Country House, helped care for Pat when she became critically ill. John will miss her dearly, as will her whole family.

1948 Richard Paulett “Dixie” Sanger, age 89, passed away on April 20, 2020. Born in 1930, in Norwalk, CT. Sanger attended the old Alfred I. du Pont School in Talleyville and graduated from Wilmington Friends School with the class of 1948. At Friends, he edited the Whittier Miscellany literary magazine, and jumped center for the school’s state championship-winning basketball team. In 1952, he graduated with honors from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, where he edited The Cardinal, a literary magazine, and was president of his fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi. On the hockey field at Friends, he met Maggie Marvel, Tatnall School’s formidable goalie. The romance blossomed, continued through college days, and in 1953, Margaret Marvel and Richard Sanger were married at Trinity Church in Wilmington. In time, the marriage produced three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Sanger went to work as a reporter for Wilmington’s old Journal-Every Evening in the summer of 1952 and, with one interruption while he worked in Wash-

ington as a Congressional aide, spent the next 24 years with the Wilmington newspapers in various editorial assignments. In 1970, he was elected president of the News-Journal Corporation and editor-in-chief of the two newspapers it then published. He left the company in 1975 after a public disagreement with its owner, a du Pont family holding company, over the future of the newspaper business in Wilmington.

In 1976, Sanger founded TRIAD, the Trinity Alcohol and Drug program, as a ministry of Trinity Church. Still located at Trinity but now an independent agency, that program has become TRIAD Addiction Recovery Services, an important outpost in the community’s struggle to come to grips with the major public health crisis of our time. In recovery himself since 1975, Sanger was widely known around Alcoholics Anonymous as “Dixie,” a nickname coined when he pitched for Friends School’s baseball team.

Maggie Sanger had been selling residential real estate since the 1960’s, and after several years as TRIAD’s executive director, Dixie joined her in what became one of the first husband-and-wife real estate teams in Delaware. They worked for B. Gary Scott Realtors and successor organizations, including Prudential Preferred Properties and Prudential Fox & Roach. They spent the last years of their real-estate careers with Brandywine Fine Properties Sotheby’s International Realty in Centreville.

Sanger has been a trustee of Wilmington University since 1971, and was a former alumni trustee of Wesleyan. He was a long-time chairman of Wilmington University’s Student and Alumni Affairs Committee. An incorporator of the old Greater Wilmington Development Council, he chaired that organization’s education committee for several years and was instrumental in assuring that Delaware Technical and Community College would have an urban campus as well as a suburban one.

Sanger was a former vestryman and senior warden of Trinity Church. He was a former chair of the Diocese of Delaware’s communications department, and first editor of Communion, the Diocesan news publication. For years, he was a member of the Diocesan department of ministries. In the 1980’s, Maggie and Dixie transferred their membership to Christ Church Christiana Hundred, where Dixie was a long-standing member of the Thursday morning Bible study group.

In addition to Maggie, he is survived by three children: Christopher Dick Sanger ’74 (Jane Biggs Sanger ’79), Peter Marvel Sanger (Mary Jane Macintire), and Molly (Margaret) Sanger Carpenter (S. Preston Carpenter); seven grandchildren: Anne, Mary, Lucinda, Jackson and Andrew Sanger, Benjamin ’03 (Victoria Molnar), and Margaret Carpenter (Lamar Shafer); four great-granddaughters: Adella and Eloise Carpenter, and Coralis and Eliza Shafer. Dixie’s siblings, Capt. Frank M. Sanger, Jr. (USN), and Elisabeth Paulett Sanger (Mrs. William G. Moeckel), died some years ago.

Howard G. Seebach passed away from heart failure in this home at Heritage Estates, Livermore, CA, on January 23.

He was 89 years old.

He was born in Germantown, PA, to Louis and Mildred Godfrey Seebach, the older brother of George Louis Seebach.

Howard graduated from Wilmington Friends School, the University of Delaware and then Cornell University with a M.B.A. in 1960.

He served in the Army for six years and was honorably discharged as Captain and Commanding Officer of a Basic Training Unit in Fort Hood, TX. While in Germany, he served as 2nd Lieutenant, Company Commander, 510th Tank Battalion, 5th Corp. It was in Germany that he married his first wife and mother of his four children, Alma Stevens Seebach, who was an American teacher on the base.

Howard later married Emilie Green in 1988 and enjoyed 24 years of marriage, until her death in 2012. Howard worked with the DuPont Company for over 30 years in sales and marketing leadership roles and, after he retired, produced Sales Meetings with his wife Emilie, as Seebach & Seebach. After retirement, Howard served as Pleasanton, CA Parks & Recreation Commissioner and later Civic Arts Commissioner. He was very active at Livermore Presbyterian Church, serving on Pastor nominating committees and in the Session.

Howard loved a stage, an audience, a good story and a good joke. He loved his family and his friends from all parts of his life. He loved an adventure. One of his favorite quotations was “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well-preserved body, but rather to skid-in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, proclaiming, wow what a ride!”

Howard is predeceased by his brother George Louis Seebach, his second wife Emilie and her two daughters, Lisa Hector and Lori Tittle. He is survived by Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

45

his children Steven Seebach (Mary Jane), Cathy Seebach Rigl (Ted), Jayne Seebach vanDusen (Tad) and David Seebach ’83, and stepson Ron Green (Donna), his 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, as well as his first wife Alma Stevens Seebach Bergmann, 93, and, lastly, his rescue dog Gomer.

1949 Elizabeth (Liz) Fonda Wiltshire, 88, of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away on April 4, 2020. Born on September 29, 1931, in Buffalo, NY, to the late John F. Fonda and Marion (Getman) Fonda. She was a graduate of Wilmington Friends School and Glassboro State College, recently attending her 70th class reunion at Wilmington Friends. She taught at Moorestown Friends School and later retired from the Public Ledger Building in Philadelphia.

Liz enjoyed crafts and was known for her beautiful handcrafted greeting cards and Christmas ornaments. She was an active alumnus of the Alpha Phi sorority and had served as a District Governor.

She was the widow of the late Donald M. Wiltshire and Malcolm P. Parkhurst.

Mother of Nancy Mathewson (Charles) of Plymouth, MA, Stephanie Laidig (Kent) of Elverson, PA, John Parkhurst of Mt. Holly, NJ, and Katharine Parkhurst of Bay Head, NJ. Stepmother of Brad Wiltshire (Lucy) of Willow Creek, CA, Sharon Logan (Jim) of Somers Point, NJ, Monica Lupinetti (Martin) of Haddonfield, NJ, and Anthony Wiltshire. Grandmother of Benjamin, Hannah, Andrew, Eli, Kristen, Christopher, Kristi, Ashley, Mya, Matteo, Allison, Zannah and Felicia. Great-grandmother of Harrison, Jonathan, Henry and Jacob.

46

be deeply missed by her family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Donnilea Ann Smith Marshall of West Barnstable, MA passed away at her home on February 22, 2017. She was 84 years old. Mrs. Marshall was predeceased in 2005 by her husband of 50 years, Richard Maynard Marshall III. She was born October 30, 1932 in Wilmington, DE, the only child of Dr. Donald and Mrs. Olivia Smith. Her childhood was spent in the Wilmington area where her father was a research scientist with the DuPont Company. At age twelve her family moved to Richland, WA due to her father’s wartime work with the Manhattan Project. She often spoke of the exciting experiences during the year spent out West, in particular traveling across country back to Wilmington by car decades before there were interstate highways with her mom and dad along with two dogs and a cat aboard.

Joan Porter Wideman,88, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, passed away on May 7, 2020.

Joan was born November 9, 1931 to the late John F. Porter, Jr and Eloise Berlinger Porter in Wilmington, DE. She graduated from Wilmington Friends School and Briarcliff Manor College. Joan is survived by her husband of 68 years, Ronald Wideman. They have two sons: Ron Wideman, Jr. (Valerie) and Bruce Wideman (Florence); grandsons, Ron III, Ryan (Dora) and Brian (Stephanie); and two great-grandchildren. Her siblings are John F. Porter III ’52 and Gail P. Anderson ’56.

She attended the Wilmington Friends School and then Syracuse University where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Cum Laude in 1952. She married Lieutenant R. Maynard Marshall, USN, in 1955 in Wilmington. Following her husband joining the Raytheon Company, the family moved to Massachusetts in 1959, which would be her home for the rest of her life. In the 1970s Mrs. Marshall became a professional interior designer, ultimately starting her own successful business. She received her American Society of Interior Designers certification and was active in that association.

She enjoyed playing tennis and was an avid bridge player. In the 1980s she and her husband traveled widely in Europe.

Retiring in 1994, they moved from their long-time home in Sudbury to West Barnstable on Cape Cod. With a second home in Scottsdale, Arizona, they spent many happy years driving with their dogs back and forth across country visiting places and friends along the way. They were active in their local neighborhood association and both served as president at various times. While at Syracuse, Mrs. Marshall had become a member of Kappa Kappa Gama and was active in the sorority all her life, including serving as president of her local chapter for several terms. Donnilea is survived by her daughter Susan of West Barnstable and son Peter of Phoenix, AZ.

Joan spent her early life traveling the world with her husband Ron. She also had a tremendous love for all animals.

Upon moving to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1963, she helped with the protection of sea turtle nests on the beaches. She was always ready to rescue any animals in need. Joan’s kind and generous spirit will

Marcia Staats Lusardi, beloved mother, “Nana” and friend, entered into her eternal life Sunday, April 27, 2014 at her home after succumbing to end stage COPD. Marcy defied all odds with her illness for 8 great years and continued to amaze medical staff with her strength and resilience. Born July 21, 1931 in Wilm-

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

ington, DE, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Ethel (Lynch) Staats. Marcy grew up in Wilmington, DE and attended Wilmington Friends School, Lasell Junior College, MA and Thompson’s Private Business School, Wilmington. In 1953, Marcy married James P. Lusardi. The majority of the next forty years were committed to her husband and his career as a professor of English Literature. In 1967 they moved permanently to Easton and Lafayette College. Marcy’s executive secretary training served her well over the years working as a secretary, and volunteering for various organizations. An advocate for women’s rights, she became involved with Planned Parenthood of Easton in 1970. In 1972 she became the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood of Northampton County and held the position until she retired in 1983.

She was active in the League of Women Voters not only of Easton but for the state and country as well. She remained active until her illness caused her to resign. Marcy had a great love of animals. She was an advocate and supporter for numerous animal protection organizations including ASPCA, Humane Society, World Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club, and Tiger Creek. Her favorite pastime was watching the birds and squirrels out her back door.

Marcy was a gifted pianist. Although instructed at an early age, she blossomed on her own mastering critical classical pieces and popular tunes by ear. Music gave her the most pleasure aside from her kitties, garden and house. Survivors: Her two daughters: C. Lynn Williams (Park) and Jill Marie Hahn (Jeffrey); grandchildren: Sarah, Tyler (Karissa), Carly and Kate; two great-grandchildren: Idalynn and Marcus; brother-in-law: Henry Truax; nephew: Michael Truax and his son Aiden and her cousin: Jimmy Lewis.

She was predeceased by her husband Jimmy and her sister Carol Staats Truax ’52.

1950 Donald D. Haut passed away on March 2, 2020. He was loved and cherished by many people including: his wife Marlis Haut; his children, Donald Haut, Jr. (Tricia), Phillip Haut of Los Angeles, CA, Sarah Haut of Alexandria, VA and Gregory C. Fletcher (Susan); his grandchildren, Ian, Ainsley Haut of Concord, MA, Grace and Clara Fletcher of Seattle, WA.; his parents, Henry Nathaniel and Frances Sheridan Haut; and and also Karin Fletcher (Doug Miller) of Port Orchard, WA. Robert Lovejoy Pratt of Porters Neck, died peacefully on February 26, 2020 in Wilmington, NC, at New Hanover

Regional Medical Center. He was born on May 5, 1931 in Des Moines, IA, the son of Margaret Lovejoy Pratt and Stuart W. Pratt. Bob was married to Joanne Owen Pratt on July 18, 1955 who predeceased him in 2001. Additionally, he was predeceased by a son, Steven W. Pratt.

Bob graduated from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He began his career with DuPont in Wilmington, DE, followed by a transfer to North Carolina in 1975.

In retirement Bob loved photography, writing, and Big Band music from the 30’s & 40’s. He hosted a popular radio show in the 1980s “Big Bands Saturday Night” on WHQR in Wilmington. He was active in The Music of Yesteryear group at the Senior Center and wrote the monthly newsletter from 1996 until 2010. Bob is survived by one daughter, Amy Pratt Stilley (Warren), of Danville, VA; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ferguson (Matt), grandson, Jake Stilley, and greatgranddaughter, Cora Joy Ferguson.

1952 Henry Harper Silliman, Jr., born in June of 1934, died peacefully at home on April 17, 2020. He was the son of Mariana du Pont Silliman and Henry Harper Silliman, oldest brother of Doris (Silliman) Stockly ’53 (Holmes,) Eleanor (Silliman) Maroney ’58 (Ronald,) Mariana (Silliman) Richards ’59, (Robert,) John E. Silliman (Valerie,) and predeceased by his brother, Robert M. Silliman (Ann.) He attended the Wilmington Friends School, graduated from St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, Class of 1952, Yale College Class of 1956. In August of 1955, he married Katrina Wells Winfield.

Their five sons are Henry (Troy) Harper Silliman, III (Greer), Dr. Christopher C. Silliman (Lori), David du Pont Silliman (Ann,) Mark Winfield Silliman (Anna), Dunning Brewster Silliman (Susan). In time there were 14 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

In February of 1976, he married Marion Taggart Shipley and welcomed stepdaughter Mary Dupuy Shipley, William (Woody) Strawbridge Shipley, and later four more granddaughters.

Henry worked at the du Pont Co. for 37 years, first in Kinston, NC and Nashville, TN, in textile fiber plants, and lastly in Wilmington. He was a Trustee of the Tower Hill School, St. Andrew’s School, Middletown, DE, member of the Longwood Foundation, Community Housing, served several terms on the Christ Church Christiana Hundred Vestry. His favorite activity was his dedication to the Westover Wildcats, firstly as a team manager,

often as the treasurer, lastly as a respected ump. He was thanked with a plaque reading: Henry Harper Silliman, Jr. our sincerest thanks for many years of service always saying “I’ll do it”, making it fun for all creatures great and small, and especially for caring enough to give more then we can every repay.

The Westover Wildcats 1953 William Stephen Abrams passed away on August 19, 2019. Funeral Home Services for William [were] provided by FullerSheffield Funeral of Austin, TX. Ada “Dusty” Heimbach Logan of Norwood, MA, formerly of New London, NH died peacefully on April 1, 2019 surrounded by her children. A lifelong artist and textile conservation expert, Dusty found many ways to share her enthusiasm and talents including docent work at the Winterthur Museum; teaching Textile Arts at Pine Manor College; and serving as Acting Conservator of Textiles at the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum where she spent 15 yrs. of her professional life. In “retirement” Dusty developed and taught courses in textile design and conservation at Colby Sawyer College and the Institute for Life Long Learning at Dartmouth College, where she also served in volunteer leadership.

Additionally, she crafted and taught others to craft Nantucket baskets and tufted Turkish rugs. In the community Dusty was active in book groups and knitting circles, garden clubs and fundraisers. Dusty is survived by 3 children, 5 grandchildren and will be missed by all who have known her.

1957 Dr. Kenneth Michael Laughlin, who served the Rock Hill community as an ophthalmologist for more than 30 years, died Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House after a threeplus year-long battle with a chronic lung illness. Born May 15, 1939, he attended the Wilmington Friends School in Wilmington, DE, and was a 1957 graduate of the Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ. He graduated from Davidson College in 1961, where he excelled in soccer as center forward and was chosen for the All-South Team. He attended Tulane University Medical School from 1961-1965. After a one-year rotating internship at Philadelphia General Hospital, Dr. Laughlin returned to Tulane University Medical School and completed his three-year residency in ophthalmology from 1966 through the spring of 1969.

In June, 1969, Dr. Laughlin entered the United States Navy as a Lieutenant

Commander and was assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam until he moved to Rock Hill in 1971, where he continued to practice ophthalmology until his retirement in August 2001.

Dr. Laughlin was a member of the American Medical Society, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and the South Carolina Society of Addiction Medicine.

In addition, he served on committees for the Physician Advocacy and Assistance Program and the Recovering Professionals Program. He also served the Keystone Substance Abuse Center in Rock Hill as an examiner and board member, and on the Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse Prevention. Dr. Laughlin is most noted for his work in founding and leading FAVOR South Carolina. FAVOR (Faces and Voices of Recovery) is a national organization dedicated to helping individuals recovering from substance abuse and working to remove the stigma of addiction. As a result of his efforts, Dr. Laughlin was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in June, 2012, by Governor Nikki Haley. The Order of the Palmetto, given for extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or statewide significance, is the highest civilian honor awarded to citizens of South Carolina. The Order of the Palmetto is a once in a lifetime achievement.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Muller Laughlin; his son, Scott Laughlin (Amy); daughter, Shelley Crocker (Clint); grandson, Daniel Crocker and granddaughter, Samantha Crocker; his sister, Jo Alice Kelly and a niece, Ashley Vitale.

1959 Elisabeth “Elisa” Stroud Poole, 78, daughter of Eleanor B. Stroud and Dr. Henry H. Stroud of Wilmington, DE, died March 28, 2020, in Greenville. Elisa was a 1959 graduate of Wilmington Friends School and received a B.A. in political science in 1963 from Wellesley College in Massachusetts. During high school, Elisa spent a summer in Japan with the first class of American Field Service students to travel to the country after World War II. She maintained contact with her Japanese family for almost 50 years.

Throughout her life, Elisa donated her time and considerable talents to her family, friends, and community, making an indelible mark on the state of Delaware and the people who knew her. Elisa was instrumental in creating Leadership Delaware, Read Aloud Delaware, and the Fund for Women at the Delaware Community Foundation. A gifted and dedicated leader, Elisa served as a 20-year director and board secretary of WHYY; Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

47

first chair of the Delaware Community Foundation; first female chair of the board of United Way of Delaware; board president of Planned Parenthood of Delaware and later a member of its Public Affairs Committee; president of the Visiting Nurses Association; and first female chair of the board of the Greenville Country Club. While President of the Junior League of Wilmington, Elisa successfully advocated for the establishment of Delaware’s Foster Care Review Board. Elisa’s service and accomplishments were celebrated with numerous awards, including the ACLU of Delaware’s Kandler Award, its highest honor.

Elisa was honored for volunteerism by the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, and for her leadership in interfaith initiatives with the Community Builder Award from the Delaware Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

Elisa served as the executive director of the Salvation Army’s Wee Care Day Care Center. A lifelong art lover and collector, Elisa and her husband, Richard E. Poole ’58, opened Aerie Art Gallery,first in Wilmington and then in Rehoboth Beach, in 2000. Elisa is survived by her children, Tina Poole Johnson (Nick), Kirsten Poole (Scott), and Edward Poole; eight beloved grandchildren, Hunter, Emmy, Eleanor, Zoe, Max, Jenny, Henry, and Rose; and her sister, Eileen Clark (Martin). Elisa’s high-school sweetheart and husband of 51 years, Richard, predeceased her in 2015.

1975 Carl Spalding “Chip” Gates Written by Aunt Valerie (Carl’s sister-inlaw):

1963 On SaturdayApril 11th, Charles William Jackson, a longtime resident of West Nyack, NY, passed away at home at the age of 74 from pneumonia. Charles was born in New Orleans and grew up in Wilmington, DE. He graduated from NYU with a degree in Nuclear Engineering. He worked as a nuclear engineer for over 30 years at Con Edison and Entergy until retiring. He met his wife Terese (Terri) of 41 years, while working at Con Edison.

I know that many of you knew him as well and I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope that your memories of him will inspire the kind of compassion, hospitality and the sense of fun that was [the] essence of his all too short life. Au revoir, mon beau frère. Je t’aimais bien.”

Charles was a loving husband and father of three children. In his time off he enjoyed spending time with his family, two grandchildren and watching any ball game that was on television. He was predeceased by his parents Ann and Bill and a nephew Billy. He is survived by his wife Terese (Terri), three children Charles, Grace Ann (Alan), and Sean, as well as his grandchildren Evan and Logan. He is also survived by two sisters Elizabeth and Suzanne and many nieces and nephews.

48

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

“It is with great heartache and deep sorrow that I pass along to friends and family the news that my much-loved brother-in-law, Chip (Carl) Gates Jr. has lost his short, fierce battle with pancreatic cancer.

I don’t remember not knowing Chip; he and my little sister, Gretchen (Helmbreck) Gates ’75, began dating as classmates at Friends School and were married three weeks before Al and I wed more than 40 years ago. (I do remember the VW Beetle he disassembled and then reassembled as a teenager, perplexed by the leftover parts that lay scattered on the garage floor.)

Chip was one of the kindest, funniest, smartest and most joyful of men.

An engineer, attorney and investment whiz, an enthusiastic golfer and gracious host, an adventurous traveler, he leaves behind a legacy of great love for his wife who was also his best friend, and his three charming and sweet sons, his kind parents and his fine cadre of brothers and his adorable sister. He also leaves a spirit of joy and optimism that infused every relationship in his life and a generosity of spirit that made the world a better place because he was in it. Myself, I will miss him forever.

1983 San Antonio-based artist Katie Pell died December 23, 2019, of complications from cancer. Katie was born to Anthony and Elizabeth Pell in Wilmington, DE. She received her BFA degree in painting from Rhode Island School Design and later earned an MFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Raised in Wilmington, DE Katie had resided in San Antonio since 1995, where she was a major voice in the local art community. Pell, a fiercely original artist, was described by fellow artist Kathie Armstrong as “a force to be reckoned with. She lived life the way she wanted to live, and she created artwork and she created dialogue. She wasn’t shy to say anything.” Her work appears in the permanent collections of the New Museum (NY), the San Antonio Museum of Art (TX), and the Linda Pace Foundation

(TX), as well as public art commissions throughout San Antonio; in 2018, her work was exhibited at the Columbia Museum of Art, SC, in an exhibition titled Something’s Happening: The Big Art of Katie Pell. Predeceased by her husband, Peter Zubiate, in 2017, she is survived by her daughter, Bygoe Zubiate, her parents, and her siblings Charlie Pell and Nicola.

1987 Scott Wallace Pearson (Note sent from Scott’s parents Kathy and Mark) “Kathy and I write in great sadness to inform you of the sudden unexpected death on Jan. 25th of our much-loved son, Scott Wallace Pearson. Scott died peacefully in his sleep after playing video games with his sons David (15) and Adam (13) at his home in Alameda, CA. Scott leaves his boys, his sister Willow Pearson ’88, his former wife, Kim Cusato MD and his parents Mark and Kathy.

The cause of his death may have been related to his hypertension as he had no other known indications at the time of his passing.

Kathy and I adopted Scott in 1969 when he was 1 month old and several months later moved from Menlo Park, CA to our hometown of Toronto, Canada. Scott was a sweet happy boy growing up and knew the complete love of his extensive Canadian family, especially his grandparents Gram and Gramp Pearson and Grampa Brown and Granny Q. After acquiring our first cat, Smokey, we all moved to Maryland and then Delaware where Scott graduated from from high school at Wilmington Friends in 1987.

He attended Stanford University and graduated in Political Science in1991. He worked as a Project Manager in several computer game startup companies before meeting Kim who he married in 2002.

Scott devoted himself to their two boys both before and after his divorce in 2013, sharing custody of the boys and enjoying a full spectrum of sports with them - golf, skiing, baseball and soccer. Scott, David and Adam particularly loved games.

Kathy and I moved from Scottsdale, AZ to Walnut Creek, CA this past April to be closer to Scott, his boys, and Willow. We are fortunate to have many happy family occasions in recent months including a wonderful Christmas dinner at Scott’s house and a recent nifty tour of a WWII submarine in San Francisco Bay. We will miss Scott terribly but are nevertheless grateful for the wonderful 50 years we had with him before his untimely passing.”

In the Theater...

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL ART SHOW

Upper School Student-Run Production Almost, Maine

5th Grade Musical Musicville

8th Grade Musical The Music Man

This year’s upper school student-run production was “Almost, Maine.” In the spring, the cast, along with other performing arts students and members of the English and performing arts faculty, had the exciting opportunity to speak with the playwright, Mr. Cariani, via Zoom and to ask him questions. It was a lovely coda to a terrific production!

Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters

Non-Profit Org.

101 School Road Wilmington, DE 19803 www.wilmingtonfriends.org

U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1249 Wilmington, DE

Join Us. Facebook Twitter

LinkedIn Instagram

A super school in the light of a supermoon! (Photo Credit, Elisa Morris)

Homecoming • October 23-24, 2020 • Activities and Format TBA Summer 2020 • QuakerMatters