From the Alumni Board Clerk

Dear Friends,

Similar to how the school year ended, it had an unconventional start. Students returned to WFS learning in a hybrid format, which combined in-person and virtual instruction, wearing masks, and toting camp chairs so they could eat lunch and learn outside. Alumni events also took a different format this year, with all gatherings hosted virtually.

In the winter edition of the magazine, I usually reminisce about a successful Homecoming and reflect on the strong connections that are palpable on campus when alumni return to WFS. While we were not able to cheer on the WFS sports teams in person or gather together on campus, there was still a strong sense of camaraderie during our virtual Homecoming events which took place on Saturday, October 24, 2020.

The day began with Head of School Ken Aldridge participating in the virtual Smith McMillan 5K Run/Walk and thanking our generous sponsors on Facebook Live. The starting line looked different this year, but alumni from all over North America participated and sent us their photos. It was great to see Quakers in Washington, DC, VA, CA, and Canada, running or walking in memory of Jonathan Bacon Smith ’83 and Wendy Smith McMillan ’77. Later that day, we gathered for a virtual community meeting for worship honoring faculty/staff with 15+ years of service to WFS and hosted a panel discussion with Ken Aldridge and WFS faculty working on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the School. Faculty from all three divisions spoke about integrating DEI initiatives into their curriculum, and I was grateful, again, to hear how committed WFS teachers are to providing their students with all the information needed to be well-rounded, empathetic citizens.

That evening during the Homecoming and Reunion celebration, we honored the 2020 Alumni Awardees, as well as Alumni essential workers during the pandemic. Eden Wales Freedman ’99 received the Young Alumna Award, Tom Scott ’70 received the Outstanding Service Award, and Carol Quillen ’79 received the Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award. All three are truly inspirational and spoke eloquently about the impact of their WFS experiences. This virtual reception was not a replacement for the in-person celebration that usually occurs, and I encourage you to join me at Homecoming 2021 to honor these individuals in person.

In closing, I would like to thank all the alumni who helped make our first virtual Homecoming and Reunion a success. We appreciate your continued support as we find different ways to connect our community. It was great to see the smiling faces of alumni, faculty/staff, and friends on the screen!

Thank you for all you do in support of WFS,

Matt Lang ’08

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