The
Whittier Miscellany
SEPTEMBER 2018 • WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER • WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
wfs students immersed in foreign cultures This past summer, ninth through twelfth graders at Wilmington Friends School were encouraged to participate in one of three trips: El Paso, France and Panama. The El Paso trip was a QUEST service trip where students had the opportunity to meet and empathize with both documented and undocumented immigrants, asylum-seekers, border patrol people, non-profit organizers, and religious leaders. Betsy Cepparulo, upper school Global Peace and Justice teacher and chaperone on this trip commented, “We went to the border wall and held hands with Mexican women running a school while we prayed, had meeting for worship on top of a mountain overlooking El Paso and Juarez, and made lasting relationships. We even joined an impromptu family protest against the separation of families.” Cepparulo was especially happy about joining the protest noting that it was her students’ first use of non-violent direct action, a concept taught in her class and used notably by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. Cepparulo described that the students “did service through Cristo Rey church, helping to run a summer camp for low-income immigrant and citizen children. They were incredible, open, and so sweet.” Cepparulo concluded that, “The day at the border was unbelievable. I’ve never even seen a picture of it, much less stood next to the 18 foot tall metal beams, that also go 9 feet down. It was ominous and sent a clear message.” The Panama trip was another adventure that was led by upper school Spanish teacher Chamby Zepeda. Students earned 35 hours of service working with a soup kitchen, where the students
helped pack food, assist with the distribution of clothes, and wrote messages of encouragement to an impoverished area around Panama City. Students also visited a few native island schools and painted classrooms, moved furniture, and helped improve school property. Finally, they visited an elementary school near Chitre, where WFS students taught local students about our culture in the United States. Zepeda commented, “I very
mit crabs crawl around the beautiful white sand beaches and light blue waters, and enjoyed the incredible sunsets. Overall, something that was very rewarding after helping out many communities.” The France trip was exciting, not only because it occurred during the World Cup, but also because it covered so much ground, from Paris, to Toulouse, to Carcassone. Bradey Bulk, upper school French teacher and foreign language department chair said, “It is a delight to see my students use the French they have been practicing for years... an excellent affirmation that they can do more than just get their needs met. They can question, debate, discuss, share stories.” The students conducted service work by restoring the ancient paths of the Route Saint-Jacques, also known as the St. James Way or the Camino de Santiago. For two days, the students cleared paths in a vineyard and helped restore an ancient bridge. As the other chaperone, Margaret-Anne Butterfield, head of the music department described, “Seeing the Eiffel Tower in person literally took my breath away...I really loved our time in the south of France, especially the rich color palette of the seaside town of Collioure, the expansive fields of lavender and rosemary at Les Baux de Provence, the charm and history of Avignon, the rooster that awakened me each morning in Carcassonne, the stunning views of the Pyrenees.” All of the students enjoyed the pain-au-chocolat, the cheeses, and the bread. Allez les Bleus! These summer trips are ideal for giving students the opportunity to participate in meaningful service projects, exploring a new culture, and having an adventure outside of the classroom. Thank you to Friends School for organizing these wonderful opportunities for our community!
Photo contributed by Betsy Cepparulo
CONNOR MILLER ’19 EDITOR IN CHIEF
WFS students form a circle connecting children across the United States-Mexico border.
much enjoyed my time in Panama this summer. I was privileged enough to lead a group of 9 phenomenal WFS students to Panama for a service & language immersion experience. Not only were the students using Spanish amongst the locals, but they were also involved in helping out a number of communities that appreciated our help.” A relaxing part of the trip included time at the SandBlast Islands on the Northeast coast of Panama. Zepeda stated, “We soaked in the sunshine, snorkeled, enjoyed island food, watched the her-