School News

Celebrating MLK, Jr.

Each year, our school community celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This year, Kindergarten students held their traditional peace march throughout the lower school building, with posters including messages like, "Be Cind to Ech Ofr" (Be Kind to Each Other), "Help the Urth" (Help the Earth), and "Lov Evrebody" (Love Everybody).

Middle school students learned more about the work of Dr. King during an interactive performance by Hip Hop Fundamentals, whose goal is to educate, engage, and empower through breakdance.

Upper school students watched a TED talk from Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and reflected on his talk during small groups in Meeting for Worship. The focus of the program, developed by WFS' Upper School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, was from the Equal Justice Initiative and centered around the importance of social justice in America.

Upper School Lunch and Learns

Upper school students joined Dr. Noble Thompson and teacher Don Morton '94 for a Lunch and Learn where Dr. Thompson shared his experiences as a physician and world traveler. Dr. Thompson practiced as a neuroradiolgoist and is the author of, "Never Give Up: My Struggle to Become a Doctor."

Upper school peace teacher Ryan Wood '16 hosted Corry Wright, Director of Youth and Diversion Services and Student Warriors Against Gangs & Guns at the Delaware Center for Justice for a Lunch and Learn. Mr. Wright talked about inequalities in schools, including underfunding, over-policing, and other factors that lead to lifelong consequences. He answered questions from attendees and asked the group to help brainstorm solutions.

Third Grade Detectives

Third graders enjoyed their mystery unit in reading, noting patterns that occur across mysteries, thinking like detectives, and paying attention to clues and potential suspects. They also visited with their classmate Caroline's dad, Detective Pixley, who shared about his job, how he solves crimes, and materials and equipment he uses.

Post-It Dragon

The middle school Chinese classroom came to life with a Post-It dragon made out of Chinese characters written by students!

WFS Flat Park Ranger Black Student Union Visits Lower School

As part of their study on National Parks, third grade students sent out "flat rangers" to the park they were studying. We heard from Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, who took third grader Felicity's flat ranger on quite an adventure! Ranger Ashley described the day's adventures, from going to the sheep lakes to the Junior Ranger Headquarter station up at Hidden Valley to a nice scenic drive through Moraine Park. Of Moraine she said, “Lately we have been seeing elk and moose, but we think they were playing hide-andseek with us today so we unfortunately got no photos with them." To wrap up their Black History Month activities, members of the upper school Black Student Union traveled to the lower school to read stories to students that highlighted Black history or protagonists. The lower school students love it when the “big kids” come to visit!

Lower School Mural

Lower schoolers displayed what they learned about Black History in a mural in the front lobby.

Middle School Freedom Quilt Squares

The WFS middle school affinity group Sisters of Color, along with seventh grade students, worked on making quilt squares in honor of Black History Month. Seventh graders attended a performance of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington. The quilt squares represent ones that were a part of Freedom Quilts used by those escaping enslavement to hide directions and information.

Peace Run

WFS was a stop on the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, which was founded in 1987 by peace visionary Sri Chinmoy. By passing the torch from hand to hand, from community to community, and from nation to nation, this global relay has traversed more than 160 nations and over 370,000 miles.

QUEST Trip to El Paso

Over spring break, 15 WFS upper school students traveled to El Paso, Texas, to take part in a QUEST service learning trip.

QUEST Term Service/Leadership trips engage students in an experiential learning model to increase their understanding of global issues as well as strategies to mitigate the impact of these challenges.

While in El Paso, students worked with and heard from immigrants about their experiences and the impacts immigration has had on them as refugees and their families. They witnessed immigration proceedings at Las Cruces courthouse, volunteered at a hospitality center for asylum seekers, and met with customs and border protection agents. They learned about the Tigua Native American Tribe and explored White Sands National Park.

Students Learn About CRISPR, a Cutting Edge Therapy

WFS was part of the educational distribution of CRISPR technology (a method used to alter DNA) through a new summer intensive course for students entering their junior or senior year. Besides completing a full CRISPR lab protocol, students utilized newly-developed modeling activities, explored data analysis software, met with current researchers in the CRISPR field about ethics and practice of CRISPR therapies, and debated/reenacted cases of ethical interest. This classroom application was developed by Dr. Kmiec’s Gene Editing Institute at the Helen Graham Cancer Center of Christiana Care. Dr. Kmiec uses CRISPR in his clinical work with cancer patients.

Middle School Service

Sixth graders spent time off-campus for a morning of service activities in the local community. These trips ranged from reforestation of White Clay Creek State Park to gardening at our WFS Bellevue Community Garden, among a few others. The goal of these service activities was to provide students with an opportunity to follow up on ideas they generated during the International Day of Peace back in the fall of 2021, which focused on the question, "How can I make a positive change in the world?"

Seventh graders traveled to Material Resource Centers in Ephrata and Souderton, Pennsylvania, operated by the Mennonite Central Committee. Each of these locations focuses on providing hygiene kits, canned food, and other resources for refugees and displaced people across the world. Students helped prepare supplies for refugees including sorting care packages and helping assemble quilts.

March For Our Lives Walk Out

The upper school March For Our Lives Club held a walkout in May to recognize the lives lost in the recent Uvalde and Buffalo shootings.

Fourth Grade Electric Convention

Fourth graders participated in an electric convention - an opportunity for them to show their electric projects and games created during science class to lower school students and faculty. Using materials such as wires, bulbs, batteries, and motors, students explore circuits, conductors/insulators, and switches, and are then challenged to create an electrical invention that lights up or moves. This year's projects ranged from a math board to "cupball."

Spotlight on Mock Trial

For the second consecutive year (and fourth time in school history), Wilmington Friends School won the Delaware High School Mock Trial Competition!

Held over video teleconferencing on March 4 and 5, WFS squeaked by Archmere Academy in the fifth and final round to secure the win (and defeated 15 other schools in the process). For their outstanding performance, the team earned seven gavels throughout the competition, including a state-record four for Claire Manning ’22, two for Greer Marvel ’23, and one for Kaylyn Freeman ’22.

Organized by faculty advisors Rebecca Zug and Ryan Wood ’16, the Mock Trial team had been preparing for this moment since the fall. Every Wednesday and Saturday, this group gathered in preparation and with an eagerness to learn from their attorney coaches Ericka Johnson, Jodi Barillare, Judge Andrea L. Rocanelli, and Jodi Lessner ’16.

Manning, who has been a member of the mock trial team for four years and serves as the co-clerk with Kaylyn Freeman ’22, has learned so much from being a part of this group. She states, “Mock Trial has grown my affection for the law and the art of argument. There is mutual respect for differing perspectives and a true openmindedness that I seldom find elsewhere. It has taught me one of the most valuable lessons: respect is paramount in discussions.”

Continuing to reflect on her experience in the courtroom, Manning has found power in her words because, “I learned that I didn’t need to be the strongest in the room or even have the loudest voice. My argument always spoke for itself. I feel that mock trial was the perfect way to channel this skill set.”

Second-year IB Visual Arts students displayed their work throughout the middle/upper school, the culmination of their two-year in-depth study. They also held an opening where they could discuss their work with visitors.

Layli Katirai '26 participated in the Delaware All State Junior Chorus Concert. The group, conducted by Stephen Holmes of the Maryland State Boychoir, rehearsed for two days and then performed on February 5 at Seaford High School.

Four upper school students were selected for the Delaware All-State Senior Choirs. Juliana Melnik ‘22 and Esther Adebi '24 participated in the Delaware All-State Senior Mixed Choir, which was conducted by Dr. Brandon Williams from Rutgers University. Jemima Smith '24 and Gianna Martinelli ‘22 participated in the Delaware All-State Senior Treble Choir, conducted by Dr. B.E. Boykin from Georgia Tech. After a two-day rehearsal period, each choir presented their concert at Seaford High School on February 5. (Both groups pictured with teacher Margaret Anne Butterfield.)

Finally, Isabelle Bohner '24, Juliana, and Gianna traveled to Boston as members of the ACDA Eastern Division High School Honor Choir. The choir of 180 students, representing schools from Maryland to Maine, rehearsed Wednesday through Friday, and performed on Saturday, February 12 under the direction of Dr. Paul Rardin of Temple University.

Music in the Parks Winners

Congratulations to our middle school band and choir who were both at the Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The 7th/8th Grade Band received a Superior Rating and first place in the small school category as well as the Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Band.

The 7th/8th Grade Choir received an Excellent Rating and first place in the small school category.

Performing at the Blue Rocks

The upper school Chamber Singers traveled to Frawley Stadium to perform the National Anthem to kick-off a Blue Rocks game in April.

Winter Sports Recap

2021-22

Boys’ Basketball: Competing in arguably the toughest conference in the State of Delaware, the boys’ basketball team battled their way to an overall record of 9-11 and fell just short of qualifying for the DIAA State Tournament this winter. Their biggest win of the season came in a home showdown against #12 Archmere Academy where the Quakers defeated the Auks by a final score of 35-27. In their nine victories, the Quakers outscored their opponents 523-356.

Post-Season Honors Robby Tattersall ’23: Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Conference Andrew McKenzie ’24: Honorable Mention All-Conference

Girls’ Basketball: The girls’ basketball team had an outstanding winter, winning double-digit contests for the third time in four years and qualifying for the DIAA State Tournament for the second consecutive year. Winners of six conference matchups, the Quakers' highlight of the season came in their first round upset victory over the #11 St. Georges Hawks. Down 15-14 at halftime, the Quakers refused to give in and outscored their opponents 25-15 in the second half en route to a 39-30 victory.

Post-Season Honors Margo Gramiak ’22: Blue-Gold All-Star Game participant, Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Conference Caelen Grubb ’22: 2nd Team All-Conference Reagan Brady ’23: Honorable Mention All-Conference Swimming: The boys’ swim team had a historic season as they won the DISC Conference Championship for the first time in school history, went undefeated in the regular season, and placed 3rd overall at the State Championship Meet. At the DIAA State Championship meet, Tyler Wilmore ’24 won a State Championship as he touched the wall first in the 500 free. Wilmore also earned a silver medal in the 200 free while Conner Verbanas ’25 earned bronze in the 500 free. Marcel Stewart ’22, Ameer Bashir ’22, Jalen Stewart ’24, and Wilmore continued to prove themselves as one of the top relay teams in the State of Delaware, finishing 2nd overall in the 400 free relay and 3rd in the 200 medley relay.

The girls’ swim team had another excellent season as well, going 6-4 in the regular season and placing 14th overall in the State Championship Meet. Kira Agne ’23 led the charge, winning the State Championship in the 200 IM. Agne also finished 4th overall in the 500 free.

Post-Season Honors Kira Agne ’23: 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Conference, State Champion in the 200 IM Tyler Wilmore ’24: 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Conference, State Champion in the 500 Ameer Bashir ’22: 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Conference Jalen Stewart ’24: 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Conference Conner Verbanas ’25: Honorable Mention All-State, 2nd Team All-Conference Marcel Stewart ’22: 2nd Team All-Conference Aubrey Ashman ’26: Honorable Mention All-Conference Robin Lebauer: DISC Coach of the Year

WFS Collegiate Athletes

Congratulations to our athletes who will continue their athletic careers in college!

Front row: Margo Gramiak ‘22, Basketball at Vassar College; Reena Robinson ‘22, Volleyball at Ursinus College; Rhys Rademaker ‘22, Soccer at Immaculata University; Donnie Morton ‘22, Wrestling at Williams College

Back row: Nathaniel Huxtable ‘22, Baseball at The College of Wooster; Osi Chukwuocha ‘22, Football at Case Western Reserve University; Marcel Stewart ‘22, Track at Marist College; Max Leffler ‘22, Cross Country and Track at Lehigh University

Indoor Track: The indoor track and field team had another successful winter campaign, competing against some of the top schools across the state of Delaware each and every week. At the DIAA State Championship meet, Madeline Rowland ’23 set two school records in the 55 and 200 meter dashes. In both events, Rowland finished in 11th place. Max Leffler ‘22 continued his fantastic indoor season as well at the State Meet, setting two season bests in the 800 and 1600. In both events, Leffler finished 6th overall. Wrestling: It was an incredible year for WFS wrestling as five wrestlers represented WFS in the DIAA Individual State Championships at Cape Henlopen High School. Donnie Morton ’22, who earned his 100th career win earlier at the DISC Championships, earned 6th place in the 138 lb weight class. In one of the most exciting matches of the tournament, Morton upset the #2 seed in overtime! Phil Crock ’23 battled all weekend as well, securing his place on the podium with an 8th place finish in the 220 lb weight class. Liam Sullivan ’24 (106), Sloan Makoujy ’26 (120), and Kaeden Fleming ’24 (126) each competed in two matches at the State Championship meet.

DIAA Individual Championship Results Donnie Morton ’22: 6th place Phil Crock ’23: 8th place Liam Sullivan ’24: participant Sloan Makoujy ’26: participant Kaeden Fleming ’24: participant

DISC Champions Sloan Makoujy ’26 (120) Kaeden Fleming ’24 (126) Donnie Morton ’22 (138) Cole Morris ’22 (160) Phil Crock ’23 (220)

Spring Sports Recap2022

Boys’ Tennis: The boys’ tennis team had an incredible year this spring, capturing their first winning season since 2014 with an overall record of 9-4. The highlight of the season was defeating perennial power and #5 ranked St. Andrew’s School for the first time since 2015! Congrats to the following members of the boys' tennis team who made it to the Quarterfinals in their respective DIAA State Tournament brackets: Silas Montana ’25, 1st Singles Collier Zug ’24/Rasheed Bashir ’24, 1st Doubles Tauson Biggs ’24/Devin Wallace ’24, 2nd Doubles

Girls’ Tennis: For the first time in school history, the girls’ tennis team won the DIAA Team State Championship with 19 total points! Aubrey Nisbet ’23 and Alexis Montana ’22 led the way for WFS as they each won Individual State Championships at 1st and 2nd singles! In a total team effort, the Doubles teams' of Macy Volp ’22/Sarah Levenson ’24 (1st) and Tess Wolf ’24/Jamie Feldman ’24 (2nd) earned two key points apiece in the DIAA State Tournament, advancing to the Quarterfinals in their respective brackets. At 3rd Singles, Ava Rubano ’24 won multiple matches and made her way to the Semifinals. In addition to winning the State Championship, the girls' went undefeated against all conference opponents en route to securing the DISC championship.

Golf: The golf team, competing against all of the best teams that Delaware has to offer, went 3-11-2 this spring. Jake Bryson ’23, Josephine Wellons ’23, and Zac Antao ’24 all qualified for the DIAA State Tournament. Wellons, who shot a two-day total of 166, finished 7th overall in the Girls’ Individual Championship. Antao finished 20th overall in the Boys’ Individual Championship with a two-day total of 165. Girls’ Soccer: The girls’ soccer team finished their 2022 campaign with a regular season record of 10-4-1, going 8-2 in the challenging Delaware Independent Schools Conference. The Quakers, who earned the #7 seed in the DIAA Division 2 State Tournament, were well-balanced throughout the year as they outscored their opponents 54-28 and posted seven shutouts.

Post-Season Honors Reagan Brady ’23: 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Conference Giuliana DiPrinzio ’25: 1st Team All-Conference Ryan Weigand ’26: 1st Team All-Conference Peri Mulveny ’23: 1st Team All-Conference Ellie Criscimagna ’23: 2nd Team All-Conference Gianna Cottone ’25: 2nd Team All-Conference Simran Dattani ’24: 2nd Team All-Conference Ellie Driscoll ’25: 2nd Team All-Conference Emma Slease ’23: 2nd Team All-Conference Maddie Osbourn ’22: Blue-White Senior Game participant

Outdoor Track & Field: The Quaker track & field team had a strong showing at the 2022 DIAA State Championship meet. Margo Gramiak ’22 finished 2nd in the 300 meter hurdles, 6th in the long jump, 7th in the 100 meter hurdles, and 10th in the 200. Max Leffler ’22 capped off his excellent career with three strong performances as he placed 3rd in the 800, 3rd in the 1600, and 4th in the 3200. Shiloh Connor ’22 placed 5th in the long jump and Zae Turman ’24 finished 7th in the triple jump. Marcel Stewart ’22 placed 10th in the 400 and 11th in the 800 to round out the WFS individual performances. The following relay teams also recorded season bests at the State Championship Meet as well:

Post-Season Honors Josephine Wellons ’23: 2nd Team All-State

Baseball: The baseball team battled through one of the toughest schedules in the State, finishing with an overall record of 8-10. The Quakers went 6-2 in the Delaware Independent Schools Conference, beating Sanford, St. Andrew's, and Tatnall two times apiece. Moreover, WFS defeated two teams that qualified for the DIAA State Tournament. Boys’ 4x800: Matt Renzulli ’22, Liam Sullivan ’24, Jalen Stewart ’24, M. Stewart Boys’ 4x200: Alex Brennan ’23, Mitchell Brenner ’24, J. Stewart, Turman Boys’ 4x100: Brenner, Turman, Brennan, J. Stewart Girls’ 4x100: Brina Abere ’25, Mimi Terranova ’22, Greta Munch ’25, Payton Williams ’24

Post-Season Honors Max Leffler ’22: All-County Margo Gramiak ’22: All-County

Post-Season Honors Corey Silberglied ’22: Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Conference Nathaniel Huxtable ’22: 1st Team All-Conference, Blue-Gold All-Star Game participant, selected to the Delaware North Carpenter Cup team Adin Shweiki ’22: 1st Team All-Conference Jason Hughes ’24: 2nd Team All-Conference Avery Gaines ’24: Honorable Mention All-Conference Braeden Pantano ’25: Honorable Mention All-Conference Girls’ Lacrosse: The girls’ lacrosse team continued to prove themselves as one of the top programs in the State of Delaware this season, advancing to the DIAA State Tournament for the second year in a row. After their 9-6 regular season campaign, the Quakers earned the #10 seed and a matchup with Ursuline Academy in the First Round. In an exciting contest, the girls’ avenged an early season loss to Ursuline and defeated the Raiders 10-9!

Post-Season Honors Alexa Donahue ’22: 1st Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State Kaely Tornek ’22: 1st Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State Lucy Wood ’22: 1st Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State Madeline Rowland ’23: 1st Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State Allie Saber ’22: 2nd Team All-Conference Grace Terrell ’24: 2nd Team All-Conference Lilly Hebert ’25: 2nd Team All-Conference Molly Dolan ’26: Honorable Mention All-Conference

Boys’ Lacrosse: The boys’ lacrosse team had another terrific year this spring, advancing to the DIAA State Tournament for the second consecutive season. After going 9-6 in the regular season and outscoring their opponents 167109, the boys’ earned the #9 seed and faced off against Tower Hill in the First Round. In their matchup against the Hillers, the Quakers led throughout and defeated them 16-9; their second win against Tower Hill this season and their first win in the DIAA State Tournament since 2018!

Post-Season Honors Jackson Redd ’23: 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Conference Kevin Dolan ’24: 1st Team All-Conference Nick Winchell ’24: 1st Team All-Conference Cole Morris ’22: 2nd Team All-Conference, Blue-White Senior Game participant Andrew McKenzie ’24: 2nd Team All-Conference Donnie Morton ’22: Blue-White Senior Game participant A.P. Rossi ’22: Blue-White Senior Game participant R.J. Toogood ’22: Blue-White Senior Game participant