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QuakerMatters

Wilmington Friends School Summer 2026

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ALUMNI BOARD

Jennifer G. Brady, Clerk

Wyatt Thompson ‘15, Clerk

Robert W. Friz ‘86, Vice Clerk

Michael Dalton ‘05, Vice Clerk

Scott W. Gates ‘80, Treasurer

Stanita Clarke ‘06

Dorothy E. Rademaker, Secretary

Raven Harris Diacou ‘06

William Chapman

Emily David Hershman ‘09

Erin Brownlee Dell ‘89

Maddie Ireland ‘16

Meg Gehret Erskine ‘83

Matt Lang ‘08

Brian Fahey

Jonathan Layton ‘86

Darryl Ford

Christopher Lee ‘82

Jamie Jenney ‘94

Andy McEnroe ‘04

Susan Kelley

Adrienne Monley ‘02

Vinay Maheshwari

Raymond Osbun ‘71

Jacqueline Nix

Margeaux Pantano ‘16

Kelly Snyder O’Donnell ‘93

Thomas Scott ‘70

Akintola Odutola

James Simon ‘60

Hillary Patterson Debbie Pittenger Dwayne Redd David Tennent Larry Van Meter Oliver Yeh ‘86 Ex-Officio Members Kenneth E. Aldridge Head of School Mylea Aiken

Photography: Thanks to Chris Coletti, Elisa Morris, Julia Morse Forester ’00, Mary Woodward, the yearbook staff, and WFS Faculty & Staff for photo contributions. Staff photographers are Susan Morovati Finizio ‘87, Laura Kirk Kurz ’97, and Jake Myers. Cover photo by Chris Coletti.

Home and School Association Board

WFS Summer Camp 2026 was a blast!

Liaison Ray Osbun ‘71

Thank you to Rick Grier-Reynolds who is rotating off the Board

Alumni Association Board Liaison

of Trustees. Your time, dedication, wisdom, and creativity have made an

ADMINISTRATION

incredible impact on the WFS community, and you will be missed.

Head of School: Kenneth Aldridge

Welcome to our new trustee! Jamie Jenney ’94 is an Insurance Advisor and Agent with the Williams Agency, focusing primarily on commercial insurance, following earlier experience as the general manager of Sugarfoot Fine Foods and continued involvement in family real estate ventures, including commercial properties and investment developments. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Fairville Friends School since 2015, including roles as Clerk, Treasurer, and, most recently, Past Clerk, with nearly eight years spent on the Executive Committee. Jamie’s spouse, Kristin, works at Fairville Friends School and coaches lacrosse at WFS, and their children, Palmer ’30 and Jack ’32, are current students.

Assistant to the Head of School: Lauryn Satterfield Assistant Head for Academics: Eddie Gallagher Director of Finance and Operations: ShaQuan Buffaloe Head of Lower School: Chris Loeffler ’00 Head of Middle School: Jonathan Huxtable Head of Upper School: J. R. Neiswender Director of Admissions and Financial Aid: Melissa Brown Director of Advancement Strategy and Communications: Susan Morovati Finizio ’87 Interim Director of Development: Tina DiSabatino Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement: Erica Childs Please send any comments or corrections to info@wilmingtonfriends.org.

In This Issue Quaker Matters • Summer 2026

3 | Letter from Head of School Ken Aldridge 4 | Alumni News, Homecoming Schedule,

31 | School News

Alumni Awards

7 | Philanthropy Profile: Janet Yabroff ’64 8 | From the Archives: Coach Lee Bush

47 | Class Notes

19 | SPECIAL SECTION: WFS Strategic Plan 52 | From Internship to Impact 53 | In Memory BC | Nathan M. Clark Speaker 30 | Retirements & Departures 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.

What I enjoy most about our summer issue of Quaker Matters is that it invites us to pause, celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, and look ahead with a sense of wonder. Some incredible milestones marked the 2025-26 school year. For one, girls’ athletics earned two state championships—yes, two!—under the leadership of field hockey and soccer coach Scott Clothier. The excitement throughout our community at both championship games was palpable. The stands looked like a WFS Homecoming, filled with students and families, faculty and staff (both current and former), alumni and their parents, and trustees, all cheering together. Our reimagined lower school is simply magical. A two-story lobby filled with natural light, bright colors throughout the hallways, a cozy reading nook in the library, and play spaces that invite climbing, swinging, movement, and joy are just a few of the transformations that now reflect the creativity and energy of the program within. Watching our youngest students thrive in these spaces reminds me of the thought, care, and generosity that made this project possible. From the very beginning, the heart of this work has been our students. The handwritten letters I received from our fourth graders made that abundantly clear. In true Friends School fashion, they included not only heartfelt thanks, but also thoughtful comments, wonderful observations, and, of course, a few questions! We will celebrate this exciting new chapter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 26, when we will also unveil the Panda Donor Wall as a lasting expression of gratitude to everyone who helped bring this vision to life. I hope you’ll join us. If you can’t make the celebration, you’ll also have an opportunity to experience the new spaces during Homecoming on October 23 and 24. Our strategic plan is well underway (see page 19 for more). Most recently, faculty and staff gathered for a series of roundtable conversations centered on hands-on learning, learning support, school spirit, artificial intelligence, and Quaker identity. Given that it was the end of the school year, I wasn’t sure how much energy remained in the collective tank, but with the right questions, there was more than enough. The conversations were thoughtful, spirited, and hopeful. I left those sessions reminded that some of our best thinking happens when we gather with curiosity, listen deeply, and imagine together. Over the coming year, many of these ideas will begin taking shape, and I can’t wait to see them come to life. As meaningful as these milestones are, they are only part of the story. Wilmington Friends is shaped just as much by the everyday moments that rarely make headlines: reading a story with lower school students, watching middle schoolers encourage one another during the Spring Into Service 5K, or passing upper school students buzzing with equal parts nerves and confidence as they head into their final exams. These ordinary moments are, in many ways, the extraordinary ones. They remind me every day what a privilege it is to be part of this community. I hope you enjoy this edition of Quaker Matters and join me in celebrating all that makes Wilmington Friends School such a remarkable place. Please also join me in congratulating the Class of 2026, our newest members of the WFS Alumni Association. Thank you for your continued partnership and for being such an important part of the Wilmington Friends School community.

In friendship,

Ken

Ken Aldridge Head of School

Ken visited second graders to celebrate the joy of reading by sharing The Trouble with Giraffes and Strictly No Elephants. Both stories highlighted the importance of kindness, belonging, and inclusion, while reinforcing the value of strong reading habits. 3

ALUMNI NEWS

Check out more news in our Class Notes section, page 47.

WHAT IS THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION?

New Alumni Board Clerk Welcome Wyatt! Wyatt Thompson ’15 is stepping into the Alumni Board Clerk role after serving as Vice Clerk for two years. Of this new position, Wyatt said, “As WFS launches its new 5-year strategic plan, I look forward to witnessing the new opportunities and approaches to championing Quaker education. I eagerly await continued conversations with our current Alumni, and welcoming new Alumni as we grow connections and foster community.”

Thank you Andy! As his term as Alumni Board Clerk comes to a close, we are grateful to Andy McEnroe ‘04 for his leadership since 2024. Despite living in Arlington, Va, Andy remained dedicated and eager to find ways to engage more alumni, setting the path for new initiatives. We are pleased that Andy will continue serving on the Alumni Board and look forward to his continued involvement!

IT’S YOU! Did you know that all graduates of Wilmington Friends School, as well as all non-graduates who attended for at least one school year during grades seven through twelve, are automatically members of the WFS Alumni Association? Anyone else who attended Wilmington Friends School may also become members of the association upon application. What does this mean for you? As a member of the Alumni Association, you are invited to exclusive WFS events like Homecoming–– featuring our Alumni Reception, a delicious lunch buffet, athletics events, our alumni art show, and a special luncheon for those celebrating a 50+ year reunion. You can also register for a unique login for our website, where you can access the alumni directory, past yearbooks, recent issues of The Whittier, the online school store, and more! Additionally, you can contact our Alumni Engagement Coordinator at any time to help you connect with fellow alumni, either personally or professionally. We look forward to building even more resources throughout the coming year as part of our strategic plan.

Laura Kirk Kurz ’97 Alumni Engagement Coordinator lkurz@wilmingtonfriends.org 302.576.2980

AWARDS

Tam DeFer ’80 Shirley Padmore Mensah ’87

Jennifer Rosenberg Keim ’06

Recognizing Alumnae Who Let Their Lives Speak Shirley Padmore Mensah ’87 Distinguished Alumna of the Year Shirley Padmore Mensah ’87 is this year’s Distinguished Alumna of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership, distinguished legal career, and unwavering commitment to justice. After immigrating to the United States from Liberia at age 10, Shirley found at WFS a community that nurtured her intellectual curiosity, appreciation for diverse perspectives, and commitment to thoughtful leadership. She went on to earn degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Washington University School of Law before building a successful legal career and ultimately becoming Chief United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri. Throughout her career, Shirley has been recognized for her integrity, service, and dedication to the fair administration of justice, and has also served as a mentor, educator, and advocate for others. She credits Friends with helping shape the values that continue to guide her work today, including reflection, respect, and a belief in the power of justice to strengthen communities.

Tam DeFer ’80 Outstanding Service Award Tamara “Tam” DeFer ’80 is recognized with the Outstanding Service Award in recognition of her lifelong commitment to strengthening communities and improving

Join us Friday, October 23 Celebrate our Alumni Award winners, our 1980s field hockey teams, and 50 years of cross country!

the lives of children and families throughout Delaware. Most recently serving as Chief Leadership & Engagement Officer at Children & Families First, Tam has dedicated her career to advancing organizations that support vulnerable populations through compassionate leadership, organizational excellence, and innovative programming. Her work with Delaware Changing Lives and GIFT Global helped expand mindfulness and trauma-informed practices across the state, while her service with organizations including the Fund for Women and LYTE has created opportunities for countless young people and families. A devoted and loyal alumna, Tam has remained deeply connected to WFS as a class agent, reunion organizer, former Alumni Board member, volunteer, and donor.

Jennifer Rosenberg Keim ’06 Young Alumna of the Year Jennifer Rosenberg Keim ’06 is this year’s Young Alumna of the Year in recognition of her outstanding commitment to pediatric medicine, child advocacy, and community service. As a pediatrician and Medical Director of the ACTION (All Children Thrive In Our Neighborhood) Foster Care Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Jen provides specialized care for children in foster care while helping train future healthcare providers in trauma-informed practices. A graduate of Muhlenberg College and Drexel University College of Medicine, where she earned both her MD and a Master of Public Health, Jen has built a career focused on improving health outcomes for vulnerable children and families. Her passion for science, justice, and service began at WFS and continues today through her clinical leadership, teaching, and volunteer work with Rooted Kinections, a camp program for siblings impacted by foster care.

ALUMNI NEWS FRIDAY 10/23 11:30am | 50th+ Reunion and 1748 Society Luncheon (Invitation only) 5:00pm | Varsity Volleyball vs. William Penn HS West Gym 6:30pm | All Alumni & Friends Reunion, Alumni Awards Reception, Recognition of the 1980s Field Hockey Teams, and the 1976 Cross Country Team MS/US Library Learning Commons (enter at the “Arches”)

Front row: Student guides Lincoln Banks '33, Evan Seiff '33, Veera Patel '34, Nyomi Leutzinger '34, Mallory DiSabatino '34. Second row: Lisa Simon, Jim Simon '60, Kelly Snyder O'Donnell '93, Henry Van Druff '33, Sue Baker, Tom Baker '57. Third row: Laura Kirk Kurz '97, Katie Measley Van Druff '96, Meredith Jones '00, Michael Dalton '05, Marty Marston Guglielmetti '70, Meg Gehret Erskine '83, Sara Titone '02, Susie Tattersall Davis '84, Susan Morovati Finizio '87, Ken Aldridge. Back row: Chris Loeffler '00, Kristen Facciolo '96, Tom Scott '70, Kyle McKean '98, Greg Mand '87, Avery Martinenza '25, Alex Mellow '01, Katie Wolf Martinenza '99, Julia Morse Forester '00, Andy Atkins '76.

Lunch & LS Tour

We loved hosting lunch for our Alumni Board, Class Agents, and Alumni Parents in the newly renovated lower school and are grateful for everything they do to support our school and community. The highlight? Our 4th and 5th graders, who took guests on tours of the new spaces and were thrilled to show off their school!

All Day | Alumni Art Show Global Learning Center Hallway (near the library)

SATURDAY 10/24 All Day | Alumni Art Show Global Learning Center Hallway (near the library) 8:00am | Homecoming Service Collection for Ministry of Caring 8:30am | Smith McMillan 5K Run/ Walk & Recognition of 50 years of XC MS/US Main Entrance

10:00am | Meeting for Worship honoring faculty and staff with 15+ years at WFS, and remembering members of our community who have passed away LS Meeting Room (NEW LOCATION) 11:00am-12:30pm | Lower School Tours (Registration Required) 11:30am-2:00pm | Lunch Homecoming Tent 12:00pm | “WFS in the 60s” presentation with Terry Maguire Global Learning Center 12:30pm | Varsity Boys’ Soccer vs. St. Marks Mellor Turf 12:00-2:00pm | Theater Tours 12:00-2:00pm | Kids Corner Jones House 2:30pm | Varsity Football vs. Mt. Pleasant, Half-time show by LS and MS band Tattersall Field Evening | Reunions for Classes ending in 6 & 1 (Organized by Class Reps)

10:00am | Varsity Field Hockey vs. Archmere om sports.c quakers Mellor Turf se check ation. Plea t inform tic even for athle

Scan to Register

Alumni Connections at Final Assembly

Michael Dalton ’05 presented the Senior Scroll to the Class of 2026 and officially welcomed them to the WFS Alumni Association.

Meg Gehret Erskine ’83 joined Final Assembly to present the Amanda Spackman Gehret, Class of 1951, Memorial Mathematics Award to Cora Lohkamp ’26.

Did you know? Sixteen WFS alums were part of the faculty and staff in the 2025-26 school year? Pictured above are LS Performing Arts Teacher Katie Wolf Martinenza ’99, MS Spanish Teacher Laura Jersild Pardo ’90, Director of Advancement Strategy and Communications Susan Morovati Finizio ’87, LS Enrollment Counselor Julia Morse Forester ’00, PS Assistant Alice Minor Anthony ’84, Alumni Engagement Coordinator Laura Kirk Kurz ’97, Registrar/Administrative Assistant College Guidance Erica Brown ’12, Head of LS Chris Loeffler ’00, MS/US Science Teacher Sara Woodward ’12, PS Lead Teacher Julie Creamer Zarebicki ’96, Enrollment Associate Mariah Aldridge ’21, US History Teacher Don Morton ’94. Not pictured, Facilities Team Member Ian Brown ’22, Second Grade Teacher Alex Mellow ’01, Middle School Computer Science (Long-Term Substitute) Julee Melnik ’22, and Assistant Director of Finance Lesley Dennis Tryon ’71 (through September 2025).

Philanthropy Profile

One of the aspects she valued most was the close partnership between teachers and families. She encouraged parents to let their children fully experience school life while trusting educators to guide their growth and development. After leaving the classroom, Janet continued her work in education as a consultant for the Delaware Board of Education, helping schools implement more engaging and innovative curricula. Her family’s connection to Wilmington Friends spans generations. Two of her children, Mckenzie Jones ’97 and Amanda Jones ’02, also attended WFS. When asked what inspired her to send her daughters to the School, Janet’s answer was simple: “A lifetime of awesome education.” Over the decades, Janet has witnessed tremendous change at Wilmington Friends. She admires the beauty of today’s campus and recognizes how teachers and students have adapted to an ever-changing world. Yet she also sees remarkable continuity in the School’s spirit.

Janet Martin Yabroff ’64 For Janet Martin Yabroff ’64, Wilmington Friends School has never simply been a school she attended. It has been a lifelong community that helped shape her values, career, and commitment to service. As a student, Janet saw Wilmington Friends as an extension of home. Growing up across the street from the School, she remembers a close-knit community where kindness was the norm and where everyone looked out for one another. “Whatever happened at home happened at school,” Janet recalls. “People were so kind. No one was ever unkind.” Among her strongest memories are the School’s celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's birthday, when students gathered in the gym to sing We Shall Overcome. Those experiences reinforced the values of community, equality, and respect that continue to guide her. The 1964 Friends School yearbook described Janet as organized and artistic, with a love of children, a devotion to community, and an air of implacable calm. Those qualities would define much of her professional life. Inspired by her experiences at Wilmington Friends, she dedicated her career to education, serving as a teacher, administrator, consultant, and early childhood education specialist. Her connection to Wilmington Friends deepened when she returned to the School as a lower school faculty member. Janet taught at WFS for about 15 years, a period she remembers with great affection. “I loved every minute of teaching here,” she says. “What made it different was how we related to children as kind, caring human beings.”

“Some things haven’t changed,” she says. “The teachers still have that glow. The student body changes, the world changes, but the teachers continue to meet students where they are.” That enduring commitment to Quaker values has kept Janet connected to Wilmington Friends for more than six decades—as a student, parent, teacher, volunteer, donor, and advocate. “The School stands for things that are important to me,” she explains. “It stands for such high ideals. From the moment you walk in the door, people are on fire with Quaker ideals and personal achievement. Everyone is busy doing their absolute best, and it seems effortless.” Janet believes Wilmington Friends has a distinctive character that sets it apart even among other Quaker schools. “The basic drive to emulate Quaker principles is still there, and I love it,” she says. “When I’m there, I feel embraced by those wonderful qualities and practices.” Beyond Wilmington Friends, Janet has devoted herself to serving the broader community. She has been an active volunteer and supporter of numerous organizations, including Cab Calloway School of the Arts and St. Michael’s School. She is also a minister with a passion for helping people in need and for strengthening the communities around her. In recognition of her extraordinary service and dedication, Janet received the Wilmington Friends School Outstanding Service Award in 2019. Reflecting on her many roles at the School, she expressed deep gratitude for the foundation WFS provided, which enabled her to pursue her interests as an educator, musician, artist, pastor, and volunteer. Today, Janet remains a loyal supporter of Wilmington Friends, a True Blue donor, and a member of the 1748 Society. Her lifelong commitment reflects the lasting impact of a Friends education and the enduring power of a community grounded in kindness, service, and purpose.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Coach Lee Bush

Shaping Girls’ Athletics at Wilmington Friends School

See more photos here!

Field Hockey: Lee was a foundational fixture of this program. She served three seasons as head coach from 1966-1968, putting up a 14-10-2 record (including a 3-3-3 season in 1966, a 6-4 season in 1967, and a 5-3-2 season in 1968). Following her head coaching tenure, Lee contributed at least 14 seasons as an assistant coach alongside Ellen Millick and Anne Brooking during 1975, 1976, and 1985-1996. Combined, her lifetime record as a head and assistant field hockey coach stands at 130-70-33. In 1983, striking the winning shot of the historic state title game in field hockey was none other than Nari Bush Brickley ’85, whom Lee had held in her arms during her early days at the School. As an assistant coach, Lee followed up this historic achievement just a few years later by assisting the 1985 field hockey team to an undefeated 16-0-2 season and another coveted State Championship title. Remarkably she helped earn the team another state title in 1986.

Coach Lee Bush with daughter Kelly Bush Huxtable ’87.

When reflecting on the history of girls’ athletics at Wilmington Friends School, one name stands as a monumental pillar of leadership, transformation, and excellence: Natalie S. “Lee” Bush. Serving the school from 1966 to 1999 as the Director of Girls’ Physical Education, teacher, coach, and grade dean, Lee spent over three decades establishing a culture of empowerment that changed the trajectory for countless female student-athletes. At a time when women’s sports were evolving nationwide, Lee brought a definitive vision to Wilmington Friends. Her philosophy wasn’t rooted in top-down dominance, but in building internal drive. “I am very much a coach of fundamentals,” Lee reflected in a 1997 interview. “I enjoy teaching the basic skills and watching kids take those skills and use their internal drive to excel—not in a coach-driven way but player-driven.” Her coaching resume spans multiple sports, leaving behind a wealth of milestones and comprehensive statistics that highlight her contributions: Girls’ Lacrosse: Across 26 seasons (1966-1969; 1974-1996), Lee orchestrated an outstanding overall record of 190-103-13. Most remarkably, Lee led her teams through 10 undefeated seasons, going 95-0-3 in those years. Girls’ Basketball: Leading the program for seven seasons from 1978-79 to 1984-85, Lee captured an impressive 91-44 overall record, securing four distinct winning seasons, one 8-8 finish, and two 7-9 seasons.

Though her monumental focus remained on pioneering the girls’ athletic department, Lee’s versatile coaching talents extended to the boys’ athletic programs as well. While WFS records from that era are incomplete, it is a recorded part of school history that Lee served as an assistant coach alongside her husband, Bix Bush, supporting the boys’ programs across at least four distinct seasons including boys’ basketball in the 1976-77 and 1977-78 seasons and boys’ soccer in the 1978 and 1979 seasons. Beyond the wins, losses, and undefeated campaigns, Lee viewed sports as a masterclass for character development. She relished the opportunity to watch a seventh grader pick up a stick or racket for the first time and gradually mature into a confident leader. For Lee, the ultimate challenge—and the greatest reward—was “taking a bunch of kids and making them believe in themselves.... Giving them the skills so that they can do for themselves.” The success of her methodology was evident in how her players carried themselves long after graduation. Many of her athletes developed lifelong organizational skills and discipline, moving on to excel at the collegiate level. Years later, alumni frequently returned to express gratitude for the foundational principles Lee instilled in them. Even her retirement in June 1999 could not dim her enduring legacy. Decades later, at the 2022 Wilmington Friends Homecoming celebration marking the centennial of girls’ athletics, Lee was still surrounded by the women she had coached and inspired. Through her dedication, high standards, and unwavering belief in the power of student-athletes, Lee did not just coach sports at Wilmington Friends School—she shaped a legacy of confidence, capability, and community that continues to inspire generations.

Class of 2026

! s n o i t a l u t a Congr

Front row | (sitting) Bottom Row from Left to Right: Azani Milbourne, Sara Clothier, Lila Rubano, Leyla Medford, Izzy Winchell, Abigail Thurlow, Ani Seidl, Emma Lavelle, Erin Brobyn, Noa Fletcher, Ryan Weigand, Evelyn Bilek, Layli Katirai. Second row | Emily Rissolo, Lilah Pauley, Charlotte Kass, Yuanyi Zhao, Anna Weiner, Ava Kolodczak, Logan Jones, Sandra Iancic, Annabelle Huxtable, Nathan Bell, Guillermo Romero-Feito, Tyler Williams, MacKenzie Wilson, Gavin Jefferson, Joshua Fung, Sofia Gasta-Dominguez, Gianna Cottone, Avalise Miller, Molly Dolan, Cora Lohkamp, Aubrey Ashman. Third row | Sloan Makoujy, Laila-Toren Alleyne, Daniela Cristanetti-Walker, Alexander Wolfe, Avery Krasulja, Joseph Coppola. Fourth row | Theodore Lawrence, Colin Romano, Jordyn Moore, Ava Hay, Ella Fontanazza, Aariona Johnson, Arlo Nekoukar, Psalm Bortei-Doku, Lucas Buckley, Henry Winn, Stone Davis, Ethan Lukach, Rhys Butler, Pedro Pereira, Landis Hershey, Benjamin Osbourn, Pierce Burns, Rose Mulveny, Piper Roskovensky, Anna Friel, Matthew Fineman, Ian McQuillan. Fifth row | Henry Gaskell, Nico Froio, Mason Montejo, Aleksonder Shweiki, Skyler Paulsen, Cooper Strauss, Kellen Ryan, Zollie McClary, Jack Handling, Jack McKelvey.

Members of the class are listed below with service project/agency and senior exploration topics. Laila-Toren Alleyne Delaware College Scholars Film Montage

Noa Fletcher Center for the Creative Arts Arts Influence and Family Culture

Aubrey Ashman Cloverleaf Stables Veterinary Medicine

Ella Fontanazza Blood Cancer United Certified Pool and Spa Operator (CPO) License

Nathan Bell The Food Bank of Delaware Remote Camping Evelyn Bilek QUEST Service Trip to Acadia National Park Careers with Animals Psalm Bortei-Doku EXPGhana/BuzstopBoys Cooking Erin Brobyn Brandywine Zoo Federal Government Careers Lucas Buckley QUEST Service Trip to Acadia National Park Neurology Pierce Burns Roth’s CrossPoint Gymnastics Mountain Climbing Rhys Butler Delaware Lacrosse Foundation Music Studio Production Sara Clothier Special Olympics Learning ASL Joseph Coppola Sojourners’ Place Entrepreneurship Gianna Cottone Panama Service Trip Dinosaurs Daniela Cristanetti-Walker Panama Service Trip Teaching Lower School Science Stone Davis Delaware Lacrosse Foundation Physical Therapy Molly Dolan The Mary Campbell Center Interior Design Matthew Fineman DE Office of the Treasurer Mountain Climbing

Anna Friel St. Andrew Lutheran Church Motorcycle Riding Nico Froio Boys & Girls Club of DE Exploring Buffalo and Canada Joshua Fung West Chester County Hospital Ancient Technology: Crafting Stone Arrowheads Henry Gaskell Rodney Street Tennis Skills of Craftsmanship Sofía Gasta-Domínguez Step Up Tutoring Baking Jack Handling QUEST Service Trip to Acadia National Park Seeing New Borders Ava Hay YMCA Camp Tockwogh Psychology Landis Hershey Buccini Pollin Group Law Annabelle Huxtable Light House Working With Children Sandra Iancic Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Navigating Taxes Gavin Jefferson Panama Service Trip Golf Aariona Johnson Church Cooking and Baking Logan Jones Humane Animal Partners of Delaware Cooking and Baking

Charlotte Kass Calabrese Creative and Performing Arts Political Campaigns Layli Katirai Cloverleaf Stables Pilates Ava Kolodczak Global Leadership Adventures/ QUEST Service Trip to Dominican Republic Driving a Stick Shift Car Avery Krasulja QUEST Service Trip to El Paso Walking in George Washington’s Footsteps

Mason Montejo Hagley Museum and Library Golf

Abigail Thurlow Cloverleaf Stables Camping

Jordyn Moore Love For Our Elders Functions of the Government

Ryan Weigand Special Olympics Life Skills in Wyoming

Rose Mulveny Fundación Federico Ozanam Sourdough: Baking and Science

Anna Weiner 6 Points Sports Academy Exercise Physiology

Arlo Nekoukar Congregation Beth Emeth Pottery

Tyler Williams MOE 365 FTC Drawing

Benjamin Osbourn Safety Town Deep Sea/Offshore fishing

MacKenzie Wilson QUEST Service Trip to Dominican Republic/Church Sewing

Emma Lavelle The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Cancer Box Donations

Lilah Pauley Kentmere Veterinary Hospital Yoga

Theodore Lawrence QUEST Service Trip to Dominican Republic/QUESTService Trip to Acadia National Park Street Photography in Tokyo

Skyler Paulsen Walnut Grove Co-op Computer Science

Cora Lohkamp Brandywine Creek State Park Chemistry Ethan Lukach Safety Town Boating License Sloan Makoujy Pass The Wisdom Self Defense Skills and MMA Fighting Zollie McClary QUEST Service Trip to Acadia National Park Golf Jack McKelvey Brandywine Creek State Park Video Editing Ian McQuillan Hagley Museum and Library Learning How to Swim Leyla Medford State of Delaware Department of Justice Law Azani Milbourne Kirkwood Sports Healthy Living Avalise Miller Delaware Teen Council of Planned Parenthood Physician Assistant

Pedro Pereira Habitat for Humanity ReStore 3-D Art and Creation Emily Rissolo Center for the Creative Arts Painting Colin Romano Safety Town/CROP Remote Camping

Izzy Winchell QUEST Service Trip to Dominican Republic/Panama Service Trip Life Skills in Wyoming Henry Winn QUEST Service Trip to El Paso Farming Alexander Wolfe QUEST Service Trip to El Paso American Road Trip Yuanyi Zhao Shanghai Zoo Drawing the Human Figure

Guillermo Romero-Feito CISV Philadelphia Remote Camping Piper Roskovensky WFS Summer Camp/ Ronald McDonald House Guitar Lila Rubano Delaware Nature Society Running a Half Marathon and 5K Kellan Ryan Community Shoe Recycling Gardening Ani Seidl Brandywine Zoo Helsinki, Finland through Art Aleksonder Shweiki Community Shoe Recycling Golf Cooper Strauss QUEST Service Trip to El Paso Remote Camping

Alvernia University • Art Center College of Design • Boston College (2) Bowdoin College • Case Western Reserve University • Clarkson University Clemson University • Colorado College • Davidson College Denison University • Drew University • Drexel University Emory University • Flagler College • Fordham University Franklin & Marshall College (2) • George Mason University George Washington University • Georgetown University Gettysburg College • Goucher College • Hawai’i Pacific University Haverford College • Hobart and William Smith Colleges • IE University Indiana University (Bloomington) (2) • Lehigh University Loyola University Maryland • Massachusetts Maritime Academy McMaster University • Middlebury College • Northeastern University Penn State University (Brandywine) • Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers University • Saint Joseph’s University • Saint Vincent College Smith College • Stevenson University • Syracuse University Temple University • The College of Wooster • The University of Tampa Tufts University • University of California San Diego University of Delaware (10) • University of Florida • University of Kentucky University of Michigan • University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania • University of Texas • University of Vermont University of Virginia (Main Campus) • Villanova University Wake Forest University (3) • Washington University in St. Louis 12

Welcoming Back Rebecca Zug Commencement Speaker and former WFS Head of Upper School

loss or a win. Parents, you are part of those roots as well. This community has shaped you too—through friendships, shared experiences, and car rides and Signup Genius requests. You have found meaning and connection here also.

It was wonderful welcoming Rebecca Zug, former WFS Head of Upper School and current education consultant, back to school. She delivered these meaningful and very relatable remarks to the seniors. My message this evening is about roots and wings. Roots are what ground us. They are often invisible, quietly doing their work beneath the surface. And yet, everything strong—everything enduring—depends on them. You leave here with deep roots. Roots in relationships—with teachers and coaches who saw more in you than you sometimes saw in yourselves. Who pushed you, who celebrated you, and who invited you into learning as a shared endeavor, a collective journey towards truth. Roots in curiosity. You’ve learned that truth is not singular, that perspective matters, that listening is active. Whether in English 10, Peace or Theory of Knowledge, you developed a capacity to appreciate complexity and nuance. Roots in reflection. In a fast-moving world, you have practiced stillness. Even when Meeting for Worship wasn’t your favorite, you learned that insight often comes when you pause long enough to truly hear the still voice within and from one another. Roots in care—for one another, and for the world beyond yourselves. From QUEST service learning trips to El Paso, Quaker Cares initiatives and Special Olympics partnerships, you’ve been taught not just to notice problems, but to imagine solutions. These roots are lived. I saw them in the way you showed up for each other—in small, everyday moments at your lockers, during class discussions or math table pods, on the hockey field, supporting teammates after a

And here’s the thing about roots: you don’t always realize how strong they are until you leave. I know that because I left, too. When I left Wilmington Friends in June 2024, I had carried this place with me. I missed the partnership of learning alongside students and colleagues. My advisory. Cheering and having conversations along the sidelines with parents, alums and teachers. The students avoiding Jenks’ study hall sitting on the bench by my office. Overhearing laughter and discussions from open classrooms as I cruised the hallways. Those weren’t just preferences—they were roots. So when I found myself in England for six months, I went looking for them. We were living in a village in the Cotswolds. It had five churches and four pubs and apparently a lovely village choir singing melodies about flowing rivers and flowers in bloom. I visited Quaker schools and IB schools where I could share a common language. I sought out familiar spaces. Encouraged by Jim, my husband and your former tennis coach, I decided to join the choir. I was told rehearsal was at 7pm in the Methodist church on Fisher’s Lane. I headed out one dark December evening, heard singing (I guess they had started early) and entered a church. They welcomed me in and joined their rehearsal. After about fifteen minutes, I realized: this was the wrong choir. I was on Fisher’s Lane but in the Catholic church preparing for an advent service. I had a moment: do I quietly slip out, or admit I’m in the wrong place? I told the truth. They laughed and invited me to stay and join their choir (which I did, gladly. There weren’t many sopranos). Later that evening I found the right group in the Methodist church, making a slightly more dramatic entrance than intended. And I joined that choir too. Here’s why that matters. Without the roots formed here—knowing the importance of community, having the confidence to walk into a new space, the

willingness to be honest, the openness to connection—I might have turned around at the door. Even if you walk into the wrong room, stay. You might find something meaningful there. That’s what Wilmington Friends gives you: not just preparation, but permission. And that brings us to wings. Because today is not only about what has grounded you. It is about what will carry you forward. Your wings will take you into a world that is complex and changing. You will meet people who see things differently. You will face questions without clear answers. You will be asked to lead before you feel ready. And in those moments, it will be your roots that guide your wings. You will listen when others rush to talk. You will reflect when others react. You will stay curious when others become certain. You will remain open when it is easier to close off. And you will continue to seek the great abstractions: peace, justice, reconciliation, restoration—even when it is hard. Not everyone you meet will understand what shaped you. They won’t know Meeting for Worship. They won’t know the Charcoal Pit or Rita’s or have animosity towards a nearby school with the colors of green and white. They won’t fully appreciate how much writing you’ve done for all those HL classes. But you will find people who value reflection, who believe in learning together, who ask, “Who else needs to be heard?” And when you do, you will feel your roots again. Today is a moment of pride—and of transition. Because as essential as roots are, they are not the whole story. Wings allow us to take what we’ve been given and carry it outward. They are about courage. About movement. About choosing to engage with a world that needs what you have to offer. Your wings are not about leaving this place behind. They are about extending it. Bringing these values into new communities. Creating spaces where others feel seen and heard. Leading not by having all the answers, but by asking better questions. You are ready. Not because you’ve mastered everything—but because you’ve learned how to learn, how to listen, and how to lead with purpose. So go forward with confidence in your wings—and trust in your roots.

Final Assembly 2026

At Final Assembly, we gathered to honor the Class of 2026, recognizing this year’s graduating Malone Scholars, Sofía GastaDomínguez, Ethan Lukach, Ava Miller, and Guillermo Romero-Feito as well as our 34 IB Diploma candidates. Academic and Community Awards as well as Distinctive Service recognitions were given. Molly Dolan ’26 and Arlo Nekoukar ’26 addressed the class, as chosen by their classmates. Seniors and Editors-in-Chief Azani Milbourne and Abbie Thurlow announced that the 2026 yearbook was dedicated to Noah Underwood, WFS Athletic Trainer. Alumni Board member Michael Dalton ’05 presented the class with their senior scroll, and we learned that Aubrey Ashman, Stone Davis, Cora Lohkamp, and Mason Montejo are our ’26 alumni class agents. The Chamber Singers performed and closed out the event with the Friends School Alma Mater! Congratulations to the following students who received awards at Final Assembly! The Charles W. Bush, Class of 1900, Award | Honors juniors who “most clearly demonstrate the School’s ideals of character, scholarship, and service” | Decker Reitemeyer ’27 and Abigail Terrell ’27 Howard W. Starkweather, Jr., Class of 1944, Award | Recognizing students who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service | Emma Lavelle ’26 and Guillermo Romero-Feito ’26 John Marshall Mendinhall II, Class of 1939, Memorial Award | Recognizing the graduating senior considered to have done the most for Friends School | Molly Dolan ’26 Amanda Spackman Gehret, Class of 1951, Memorial Mathematics Award | Cora Lohkamp ’26 Eden Wales ’99 English Award | Landis Hershey ’26 Jordan Wales ’97 History Award | Sara Clothier ’26, Molly Dolan ’26, and Mason Montejo ’26 Robert P. Hukill, Class of 1949, Science Award | Sylvia Green ’27 and Sky Hopkins ’27 Upper School World Language Award | Decker Reitemeyer ’27 Wyeth Brothers Performing Arts Award | Arlo Nekoukar ’26 and Piper Roskovensky ’26 Wyeth Brothers Visual Arts Award | Noa Fletcher ’26 and Ani Seidl ’26

Class of 2026

Alumni Families

Gage Monk, Harrison Monk, Linda Monk, Nathaniel Huxtable ’22, Annabelle Huxtable ’26, Nelleh Huxtable, Jonathan Huxtable, Kelley Huxtable, Kennedy Huxtable, David Huxtable, Natalie Bush ’22, Kelly Bush Huxtable ’87, and Kendall Bush.

Kim Massih Dolan ’89, Molly Dolan ’26, Kevin Dolan ’24, and Pat Dolan. Leyla Medford ’26, William Medford ’87, and William Medford ’22.

Andy Hay, Lucy Hay, Amanda Singleton Hay ’95, Ava Hay ’26, Allie Turick, Sarah Singleton Turick ’95, James Turick, and Mike Turick.

Tracey Mulveny, Leila Mulveny ’21, Carol Noronowicz, Tracy Mulveny, Dan Mulveny ’87, Rose Mulveny ’26, and Peri Mulveny ’23.

Brand New Lower School!

Families, faculty, staff and campers are thrilled about the beautiful, refreshed lower school campus! We invite you to check it out at our ribbon cutting on September 26, 2026 or at Homecoming on October 24, 2026!

Our Community’s Impact Spring Fundraising Event Sponsors

2025-26 Report on Philanthropy What an extraordinary year! Thanks to the generosity of the Wilmington Friends School community, we raised more than $1,000,000 for the Annual Fund and $29 million through the Empowering Generations Campaign, supporting the endowment, Annual Fund, and Lower School renovation since 2018. Thank you for all you made possible. Our digital reports will be available soon. In the reports we:

• Celebrate our donors––alumni,

families, faculty and staff, trustees, and friends

2026 Quaker Game Night

2026 Golf Outing

SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS The Aldridge Family The Okolo Family Delaware Orthopaedics Specialists Seiff Center for Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, PA Young Conaway

EAGLE SPONSORS Potter Anderson Wohlsen Construction Young Conaway

ROUND SPONSORS First State Orthopaedics Schultz & Williams WFS Board of Trustees Union Park Honda GAME SPONSORS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware Griswold Home Care for New Castle County The 86'ers (Class of 1986) Anne Scharp GEICO Wilmington Karen Legum (the Christopher Levy Group) CATERING SPONSOR Caffé Gelato

• Share stories of how donor

BEER SPONSORS Big Oyster Brewery NKS Distributors Inc.

• Mark the official conclusion of

WINE SPONSOR Kreston Wine & Spirits

support directly shapes academic excellence, student life, and financial aid the Empowering Generations campaign, which strengthened our endowment and supported lower school renovations

AWARD SPONSOR Crown Trophy

• Highlight our lower school

renovations and their impact on education at WFS

• Share how the support of our

Home and School Association and event sponsors are key to our community

Look for the full digital report in your inbox soon!

Thank You! 18

BEVERAGE SPONSORS Buccini Pollin Group Dalton Trial & Appellate Counsel Modern Controls Paint Doctor BIRDIE SPONSORS The Aldridge Family ARG Communications Bear Industries, Inc. B&M Partition, Inc. Delaware Orthopaedics Specialists DiSabatino Construction EPIC Insurance Brokers The Kelley Family Labware Lennar Homes PA/DE Miller Sports Construction New Castle County Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited Shepherd Financial WRT Architects GREEN SPONSORS Diamond State Masonry Inc. NFP An Aon Company Ciccarelli Law Offices FOAMfrat Studios The Tonelli Family TEE SPONSORS The Bonadio Group Broadwing Builders DCA Net Diamond State Masonry Inc. Anne Scharp GEICO Wilmington Merit Mechanical Co. The Okolo Family Schlosser & Associates, Mechanical Contractors, INC. Union Park Honda Wayman Fire Protection IN-KIND FOOD SPONSOR WAWA AFTER PARTY SPONSORS SEI Philadelphia Big Oyster Brewery NKS Distributors Standard Distributing Co.

WFS StrategicPlan Wilmington Friends School | 2026 - 2031

The Wilmington Friends School Vision This strategic plan honors the complexity of what it means to learn and grow as a child in today’s world. As students are increasingly drawn to the virtual, they also yearn for the tangible: hands-on learning, time in nature, and human connection. Human relationships remain essential to healthy development, and families are seeking schools that can translate that understanding into meaningful experiences, with the learning resources and attentive care each child needs to flourish. We see Friends as a catalyst for learning in dynamic spaces designed to foster curiosity, collaboration, and exploration and anchored by a vibrant community that is connected across generations. That sense of belonging, built over time and carried forward by those who came before, is one of our greatest strengths. Guided by Quaker values, a program that is rooted in experiential learning, deepened through authentic relationships, and extended beyond our walls through partnerships, service, and real-world experiences will prepare our students to apply their values in the wider world. Harnessing technology intentionally while cultivating a deep connection to the natural world will nurture learners who are grounded, curious, and guided by integrity, prepared to thrive as professionals, to live with purpose and compassion, and to contribute to a more just and hopeful future.

WFS Strategic Initiatives Our collective work has yielded eleven key initiatives that will focus our energy over the next five years, described on the following pages. To ensure maximum efficiency, we have formed dedicated task forces to launch some initiatives, while rolling several into our existing operational teams. This plan is firmly anchored in research, modern realities, and our enduring values. As our teams began their work, several foundational concepts guided our thinking: Science Supports Experiential and Outdoor Learning: Brain research confirms that hands-on learning ignites curiosity, creativity, and student agency—capacities that prepare children for a lifetime of learning. Furthermore, regular contact with the outdoors is vital for cognitive functioning, mental health, attention restoration, and environmental stewardship. Navigating a Changed World: Today’s students are digital natives, effortlessly navigating online communities. But do they have the same rich experiences in the physical world? As the needs of families and the landscapes of classrooms shift, our program must proactively provide a future-forward environment. Deep Roots, Innovative Mindsets: Backed by curriculum grants and professional development, our innovative faculty continues to evolve their classrooms. We match this internal talent with the rich resources of our alumni and families, who stand ready to open doors for real-world mentorship. Quaker Values as a Compass: In a complex digital age, Quaker education is more critical than ever. Rigorous academics, critical thinking, and ethical digital citizenship are rooted deeply in our Quaker values, providing a steady moral compass for navigating modern landscapes. A Commitment to Sustainability: To ensure these innovations endure for generations to come, financial sustainability remains a key pillar of every effort we undertake.

WFS STRATEGIC PLAN | 2026 - 2031

Real-World Experiential Learning and Engagement A cohesive progression of experiential learning opportunities across the PS-12 program will culminate in meaningful capstone experiences. Through reciprocal relationships with organizations across Wilmington, students will connect academic inquiry and service learning with real community needs while developing empathy, responsibility, and civic leadership. A career and life readiness initiative will coordinate existing and integrate new financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and professional skill development into the student experience. Through simulations, project-based learning, and mentorship opportunities, students will develop the practical skills, confidence, and ethical decision-making needed to navigate college, career, and life beyond Wilmington Friends School. The Community Learning Hub––an internal coordinating structure that manages partnerships, logistics, and opportunities for experiential and service learning as well as developing practical life skills––will help connect students, faculty, alumni, and community organizations while ensuring that projects are manageable, missionaligned, and sustainable across divisions.

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The Community Learning Hub Registry: A robust database connecting the school with local nonprofits, businesses, and alumni partners.

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The “Beyond the Classroom” Roadmap: Curricular map showing families the real-world experiences, off-campus trips, and service opportunities built into each grade level.

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Signature Capstone Projects: Defined, hands-on milestone projects completed by all students in the 5th, 8th, and 12th grades.

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Real-World Skills Workshops: Practical, studentcentered learning experiences covering financial literacy, public speaking, and mock interviews.

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Annual Real-World Projects: A standard element of

the middle and upper school experience ensuring every student engages with a community need or professional field each year. Digital portfolios or student reflections collected annually documenting learning and community impact. Annual survey showing growth in students’ sense of purpose, ethical awareness, and understanding of community impact.

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Life Skills & Financial Literacy Sequence: A foundational, multi-grade financial curriculum focusing on personal finance, budgeting, and ethical entrepreneurship. Professional Mentor & Internship Network: A structured placement system connecting upper school students with local organizations and professional mentors. Formal Internship and Capstone Placement Program: A formal placement program for upper school students securing 10-12 off-campus opportunities annually.

Project Abundance We will strengthen Wilmington Friends School’s commitment to hands-on learning connected to food systems, cultivation, and environmental stewardship by integrating school gardens, hydroponics systems, and outdoor learning into the academic program across both campuses. While the program may take different forms in each division, students will engage in meaningful, place-based experiences that deepen their understanding of how food is grown, cared for, and shared within communities. By embedding these opportunities within the schedule and supporting collaboration among faculty, WFS will ensure that garden and cultivation learning becomes a consistent and sustainable part of the WFS experience. Productive Campus & Learning Facilities: Fully operational, hands-on growing spaces, ecological stations, an outdoor tool library with age-appropriate safety

guidelines, edible/productive landscapes, and a stateof-the-art greenhouse running on solar irrigation and hydroponics across both campuses. Integrated Stewardship Curriculum & Workshops: Scheduled, regular outdoor green-space learning for all grade levels, guided by a documented PS–12 environmental continuum and extended through student-led public workshops sharing agricultural and sustainability skills. “Grow-to-Give” Community Partnership: An active outreach program donating student-harvested produce directly to local communities facing food insecurity. Environmental Stewardship: Re-commitment to enforcing school-wide sustainability standards to minimize cafeteria food waste.

Innovation and Modern Literacies We will strengthen a lower through upper school framework that prepares students to navigate and shape a rapidly evolving digital world by integrating AI literacy, digital fluency, information literacy, and applied innovation across the curriculum. Through collaboration between faculty and technology specialists, students will learn to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with emerging technologies while developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for future learning and work. Key areas of focus will include establishing a responsible AI policy, evaluating the evolving role of technology in academic settings, and strengthening the school’s cybersecurity awareness and readiness.

• Responsible AI Policy: The School’s position on and guidelines for safe, ethical, and thoughtful use of AI on campus are articulated, with annual review and updating in place to reflect evolving tools and community experience.

WFS STRATEGIC PLAN | 2026 - 2031

• Cybersecurity Program: Age-appropriate, practical digital-safety instruction integrated into existing instruction and staff protocols documented and in use.

• A Connected PS-12 Digital Journey: A complete roadmap tracing how technology skills and ethical citizenship grow from preschool through graduation.

• AI and Information Literacy and Citizenship: As the digital landscape evolves, regular enhancements of existing core instruction that teaches students how to research intelligently, analyze digital information critically, and use AI and other tools effectively and ethically. Continued emphasis on being a good digital citizen.

• Regular Evaluation of Device Guidelines: 1:1 device evaluation framework established with first annual review complete; age-appropriate norms updated and communicated to students and families with rationale statement of device use.

• The Creative Lab Continuum: A unified plan connecting our lower school design spaces, middle school Design Lab, and upper school Design & Robotics Lab.

Learning Support and Student Success At Wilmington Friends School, we will continually enhance and strengthen our student success framework to ensure our learning support meets the evolving needs of our students. In lower school, this means our learning support will remain embedded inside their own classrooms alongside dedicated specialists who also provide targeted one-on-one support and small group instruction. We will also explicitly teach everyday “superpowers” like organization, sticking with tough tasks, and managing time. This will build upon the exact habits and confidence young kids need to become independent, happy learners as they grow.

As students move into middle and upper school (grades 6 through 12), the workload naturally gets more complex. To help them stay on top of it all, we will shift our focus to personalized academic guidance and hands-on coaching for time management and study skills. Learning specialists, teachers, and advisors will work closely behind the scenes to keep accommodations consistent and, most importantly, teach students how to confidently advocate for themselves. Our ultimate goal will be to give them the enhanced real-world strategies and self-assurance they need to thrive in high school, college, and life beyond Wilmington Friends.

• Documented PS-12 Learning Support Model: Clear progression of learning resources articulated and embedded in teacher practice across all divisions— who delivers what, to whom, and how students and families access it.

• A Clear Support Guide for Families: A comprehensive blueprint detailing how personalized learning support is customized and accessed at every division level.

• Expanded Specialized Faculty: An additional learning specialist uniquely dedicated to our middle and upper school students.

• Dedicated Learning Resource Center: Welcoming, physical space on the middle/upper school campus designed for quiet focus, coaching, and student collaboration.

• Integrated Executive Function Coaching: A structured support network designed into daily school life to help older students master time management and organization.

• Self-Advocacy Skill-Building: Specialized guidance within the upper school experience that teaches students how to confidently voice their learning needs.

• Consistent Academic Accommodations: A unified campus standard ensuring that learning accommodations are delivered smoothly and seamlessly across all classrooms.

Evolution of the Plan Early 2024: Foundation & Inquiry Strategic Planning Team & Steering Committee formed with Shu Shu Costa (Leadership + Design). Grounding in school culture via internal interviews and team building, followed by extensive stakeholder interviews and think tanks with parents, faculty, and staff. Mid 2024: Research & Design Briefs Deep-dive inquiry into peer benchmarks, emerging educational practices, and WFS strengths. Creation of foundational “Design Briefs” framing actionable, innovative strategies. Fall 2024: Community Design & Draft Framework School-wide Community Design Day with faculty, staff, families, and alumni. Synthesis of community ideas into a draft framework with detailed goals and initiatives. Late 2024: Plan Iteration & Board Approval Steering Committee review and iteration of draft framework based on feedback. Presentation to Board of Trustees and formal approval. June 2025: Implementation Launch Official kickoff and Compass Teams established. Summer 2025: Research & Prototyping Compass Team leaders aligned on shared operational goals. Deep-dive research and early-stage prototyping for priority initiatives. Fall 2025: Priority Setting & Alignment Implementation Team priority alignment, culminating in a full-day November design day to share preliminary initiatives and gather cross-functional feedback. Winter 2026: Initiative Refinement Strategic initiatives refined and finalized by Compass Teams, locking in concrete action steps and measurable endpoints. Spring 2026: Board Approval & Task Forces Formal Board approval of final initiatives, followed by assignments to dedicated task forces/operational teams and identification of team leaders. June 2026: Faculty & Staff Roundtables Faculty and staff roundtables hosted to collaborate on implementation strategies and officially launch task forces into active campus work.

WFS STRATEGIC PLAN | 2026 - 2031

Family Education and Partnership An established, structured parent/guardian learning and engagement framework will deepen understanding of today’s childhood, real-world learning, and diverse learning needs while strengthening partnership between families and the School in support of every student’s growth. Through a range of accessible formats—including talks, small-group conversations, coffees, visual communications, newsletters, and other outreach—Wilmington Friends School will create meaningful opportunities for families to engage with the ideas, practices, and experiences that shape student learning.

• Annual Family Education Calendar: A year-round series of workshops, coffees, and guest speakers exploring modern childhood and education.

• A Collaborative Topic Forum: A direct channel for parents/guardians and students to suggest future topics and shape the discussion.

• On-Demand Video Library: A curated digital archive of recorded sessions, giving families flexible access to helpful resources.

• Classroom-to-Home Workshops: Interactive sessions featuring division heads and teachers, designed to mirror what students are experiencing in the classroom.

PS-12 Vertical Community and Mentorship Launch a PS-12 vertical community and mentorship program that strengthens relationships across grade levels, fosters a deep sense of belonging, and supports students as they navigate key transitions throughout their school experience. By creating intentional opportunities for mentorship and leadership,

Wilmington Friends School will cultivate a culture of connection, care, and shared responsibility across the community.

• Lower School Buddy Classrooms: A classic, highvalue program pairing younger and older grades for collaborative projects and reading time.

• Divisional Peer Mentorship: Opportunities for older students within a division to receive training and mentor younger peers entering transition years.

• A Prominent WFS School Store: A central, welcoming campus storefront featuring updated inventory and expanded community hours.

• “Blue & White” Club: A dynamic family organization focused on cultivating school spirit and hosting events across athletics and the arts.

• Annual Alumni Game & Arts Traditions: Homecoming style athletic games and signature gallery nights celebrating current and past students.

• Cross-Divisional “Family Groups”: Multi-age student cohorts that stay together across grade levels, meeting for whole-school events and Meeting for Worship.

School Spirit and Community We will strengthen school spirit and community engagement by establishing a structured and equitable framework for family participation across athletics and the arts. By creating clear volunteer pathways, strengthening shared traditions, and enhancing opportunities for alumni and community involvement, Wilmington Friends School will foster a vibrant culture of connection, pride, and participation. Key areas of focus include expanding support and visibility for the WFS School Store, reinforcing the SPICES values within athletics and the arts, creating meaningful opportunities for alumni engagement through games and arts events, and evaluating elements of school identity as they relate to athletics, such as logo, mascot, and branding to ensure they reflect the spirit and traditions of the WFS community.

• A Refreshed and Consistent Athletics Visual Identity: A vibrant, unified athletics identity and mascot designed through an inclusive community process, along with consistent, high-quality visual style across all communication, gear, spirit wear, and uniforms.

Alumni Engagement and Lifelong Connection Activating the Wilmington Friends School alumni community as a structured and vibrant network will strengthen lifelong connections to the school while supporting mentorship, career exploration, and community engagement for current students. By expanding leadership opportunities and enriching alumni programming, we will cultivate meaningful relationships across generations of Friends.

• A Modernized Global Alumni Network: A connected community will function as a genuine network, utilizing a dedicated digital networking hub such as LinkedIn.

• Quaker Connections: A program that will bring together students, alumni, parents, parents of alumni, and friends of the school to explore careers, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships across generations. Students will benefit from mentorships and career advice, internship opportunities, and participating in formal student career networking events.

• Active Alumni Structures: Passionate alumni representatives will ignite involvement through the Alumni Board, Alumni Class Agents, and a new Alumni of Color Network. An event calendar will include a yearly slate of targeted reunions, networking breakfasts, and regional gatherings.

WFSSTRATEGIC STRATEGICPLAN PLAN ||2026 2026--2031 2031 WFS

Quaker Education and Identity We will clarify and highlight the role of Quaker values in the life of Wilmington Friends School by making them more visible and understandable across campus and in school communications in a manner that resonates with our community. Through intentional efforts—such as storytelling, public recognition, and community gatherings—the school can help ensure that Quaker values remain a visible and meaningful part of everyday school life.

• Unified Story-Telling: High-quality visual displays across both campuses will bring the Quaker testimonies to life for students and visitors. A unifying theme will tie together stories highlighting community members living out the testimonies. A signature campus showcase event will highlight student-led stewardship and social justice projects.

Campus Flow and Wayfinding Arrival spaces, parking, and signage are often the first impression for visitors, students, and parents. Wilmington Friends will create a more welcoming environment that enhances navigation, strengthens our visual identity, and improves the overall visitor experience.

• A Welcoming Campus Directional System: An attractive, integrated, clear network of directional signs guiding visitors seamlessly through both campuses.

• Redesigned Reception Lobbies: Modernized, warm, and professional entrance hubs to greet prospective families and guests.

• Middle/Upper School Parking and Traffic Flow: Renovations to the main lot and additional parking will greatly improve the experience for the WFS community and visitors.

• Flagship Community Partnerships: Long-term, foundational relationships with local service organizations explicitly rooted in Quaker values in partnership with our new Community Learning Hub will enhance service learning. A comprehensive map of all non-profit and volunteer operations supported by WFS will show our community impact.

• A Restored QUEST Center: A revitalized physical campus hub dedicated entirely to service learning, spiritual reflection, and community action.

Thank you

to everyone who made our strategic plan possible. We couldn’t do it without the dedication and time of our faculty, staff, administrators, families, alumni and friends!

Campus As a Living Expression of Mission Guided by the School’s previous planning and overseen by the Board Property Committee, this initiative focuses on a phased, long-term reimagining of the physical environment to ensure the Wilmington Friends School campuses directly reflect institutional values. Future efforts will center on creating flexible outdoor learning spaces, addressing athletic facility updates with an eye toward equity, and enhancing communal gathering areas such as the middle school spaces and cafeteria. By prioritizing projects like the restoration of the QUEST center and improving the accessibility of the Meeting Room entrance, we aim to make our Quaker identity a highly visible, physical anchor at the heart of campus. Ultimately, these physical enhancements will transform the campus into a living lab—seamlessly weaving together learning spaces, productive landscapes, and gathering areas.

Happening Now! Planning, research, and discussion are key to a successful roadmaps, but it’s just as important to take the first steps! Here are highlights of work that is already underway.

Faculty sabbatical studying peer school best practices in experiential learning New community asset map for future learning hub resources Deepfake task force drafting proactive AI and digital safety guidelines

Renovated lower school informing entry and campuswide signage at middle/upper school

Middle school design lab phase 1 update underway

Updated middle school girls’ locker room Middle school pilot of scheduled academic support periods

Alumni database audit complete; alumni games have kicked off and will continue.

Themed parent coffees in middle school, modeling future rollout for lower school and upper school

Retirements & Departures

Kathleen Martin and Katy Kenney

Katy Kenney has been an outstanding colleague, teacher, advisor, and mentor as Upper School English Teacher over the past 27 years. The students who have had the opportunity to work with Katy in her English classes or in her advisory group (or both!) over the years have been led through deep reading of text, analytical writing, meaningful conversations, and so much more. Her love of literature and all the various modes of studying English is surpassed only by her love of her students and her support of their growth and development on a daily basis. Through her role as Wilmington Friends’ Director of College Guidance, Kathleen Martin has set the direction of the office for over 20 years. During her time here, she has proven to be an important leader in the upper school, sharing her talent, her care for those in our community, and her ability to engage positively with a wide variety of constituents, both inside and outside the College Office. Whether acting as a crucial thoughtpartner, sharing the college perspective on academic issues, or serving the community as a club leader and mentor for students across a broad range of students

Kate McCarron

in the WFS community, Kathleen has always put others first and has worked tirelessly to ensure that all students and families received the support they needed to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. She has been a leader in the field of college counseling nationally, where she continues to demonstrate her skill and care for others, presenting on a variety of topics that consistently focus on access and equity for all in college admissions. Not only has Kate McCarron maintained a beautiful, student-centered library for 16 years that has helped so many of our children find a love for reading, but she has also led incredible growth in our technology program. She has merged the library world with the classroom, integrating research and technology to grow skills and enhance students’ demonstrations of learning. Kate has helped grow so many learning opportunities at the lower school, from kindergarten animals of winter research to the second grade wax museum to introducing 3-D printing to the lower school. She also launched the Big Bang of Books and guided multiple technology clubs, such as Girls Who Code.

Thank you! 30

School News 4th Grade TED Talks

Fourth graders presented their TED Talks, each selecting a topic of interest, conducting research, and delivering a presentation designed to inform and inspire change among their classmates and friends. Presentations explored realworld issues such as the dangers of plastic in our oceans, protecting endangered species, habitat loss, and the importance of responsible pet adoption—alongside compelling arguments on topics like adding a school pool and reducing flopping in the NBA. Each talk reflected curiosity, empathy, and growing confidence in using their voices to make an impact.

2nd Grade Wax Museum

The second-grade Wax Museum featured athletes, astronauts, musicians, scientists, and many other influential figures from history. For this beloved lower school tradition, students researched a historical figure, wrote a speech, and practiced an oral presentation, which they delivered in character to friends and family. Middle School Negotiations

Middle school students participated in the Workable Peace curriculum from the Consensus Building Institute, developing skills to navigate conflict with empathy, respect, and confidence. Through interactive scenarios, students worked to resolve one-on-one and multi-party conflicts using the PEACE framework, learning to approach challenges thoughtfully, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a more supportive community. Once students demonstrated these skills, they had the opportunity to serve as “coaches” and help classmates navigate similar situations.

Nylon Rope Experiment

Upper school chemistry students brought science to life through the “nylon rope trick,” exploring how one of the world’s first fully synthetic fibers is made. By carefully combining two solutions, students watched nylon form instantly at the interface and then pulled it into a continuous thread before their eyes. The experiment highlighted the chemistry behind polymerization while demonstrating the strength, flexibility, and real-world applications of materials used every day.

Peace Class Creator Returns

Biology and The Simpsons

Family Heritage Project

Rick Grier-Reynolds, who created the Global Peace & Justice course at WFS, returned to campus with Brian Winward, a returned citizen and longtime AVP facilitator, and parent of alumnus Tim Terranova, to discuss the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) and lead a workshop with ninthgrade students. Through activities and discussion, students explored themes of transformation, change, and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully while learning practical tools for navigating challenging situations without resorting to violence.

Upper school biology students brought the concept of homeostasis to life through the “Homer-o-stasis” lab, working in teams to keep “Homer” alive by carefully regulating temperature, fluid levels, and electrolyte concentration. As conditions changed, students collaborated and made real-time adjustments, gaining a visual and interactive understanding of one of the most important characteristics of living things: the body’s ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Fourth graders explored their personal histories through a Family Heritage Project, interviewing relatives and gathering stories to better understand where they come from. Students learned about family traditions, hometowns, favorite foods, and meaningful connections within their histories before sharing their discoveries through presentations. Many also brought in foods connected to their family traditions.

Black History Month Identity Fest Spanish Pen Pals

Fifth graders met their Spanish pen pals from Claymont Elementary School after months of exchanging letters, sharing lunch, playing games, and practicing their Spanish together.

During Identity Fest, members of the Middle School Alliance and Affinity groups led a variety of student-created activities designed to celebrate identity, belonging, and community. Seven different groups shared experiences and perspectives with their peers through engaging and interactive programming. Year of the Horse Celebration

The WFS campus came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Year of the Horse celebration. The cafeteria featured a festive holiday menu while middle and upper school Chinese classes decorated the space with student-created artwork. The celebration continued with lively dragon parades led by upper school and sixth-grade students.

As part of Black History Month, members of the Sisters of Color affinity group created and led an interactive bulletin board experience for middle school students. Through guided discussion and reflection, students explored important themes in Black history and considered their relevance in the world today. Middle and upper school students welcomed Delaware’s Twin Poets Laureate, Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha and Al Mills. Through poetry and conversation, they encouraged students to embrace their unique voices, discover purpose, and recognize the power of storytelling to inspire change and strengthen communities. Lower schoolers created beautiful notecards featuring original artwork created by each class honoring an historical figure connected to their curriculum.

Nora Abd El Kader ’27, Nya Parker ’27, Teacher Nick Ordway, Scarlett Murphy ’27, and Charlie Kurz ’27 at the Delaware Department of Transportation Bridge Competition.

Learning About Ramadan

Lower school students gathered for Culture Quest, a journey of learning about traditions and celebrations from around the world. They explored the meaning of Ramadan, discovering how many Muslims observe the holy month through fasting, reflection, gratitude, and community. Through stories and discussion, students deepened their understanding of cultural practices while building empathy, curiosity, and respect for others––and they made their own Ramadan lanterns.

Challenges & Competitions Putting their skills into practice on larger stages, WFS students engaged in competitions across academics, advocacy, and the arts this year. The Mock Trial team excelled at the Delaware High School Mock Trial Competition, with the WFS “A” Team taking third overall and the “B” Team finishing in the top ten, highlighted by individual “Best Lawyer” Gavels for Mason Montejo ’26, Decker Reitemeyer ’27, Wyeth Garey ’28, and Sebastian Pellathy ’28, as well as “Best Witness” Gavels for Daniela Cristanetti-Walker ’26, Nico Froio ’26, Charlotte Kass ’26, Abbie Thurlow ’26, Gabby Hamilton ’27, and Vincent Jackson ’27. In Model UN, WFS delegations debated international diplomacy at regional conferences— including Tower Hill and Garnet Valley—where Jacob Reitemeyer ’29 earned Best Delegate honors for his work within the United Nations Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee. In creative fields, WFS earned broad recognition in the Delaware Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Isla White ’29 received a regional Gold Key for her essay “A Face Remembered Twice” (advancing to win a national Silver Medal), Katalina Montejo ’30 won a Gold Key (and was named an American Voices

Books & Breakfast

Lower school students enjoyed a special “Books & Breakfast” experience, bringing together students across divisions for a morning of storytelling and connection. Members of the upper school STEMinist Club visited classrooms to read inspiring books such as Ladybug Launch—the story of Luna, a ladybug who dreams of becoming an astronaut— and How the Cookie Crumbled, which explores the mystery behind the invention of the chocolate chip cookie. Through stories of curiosity and discovery, our youngest learners were introduced to big ideas in science and innovation while building meaningful connections with upper school mentors.

Nominee, a top-five state honor) alongside an Honorable Mention in poetry, Josiah Fung ’29 earned two Gold Keys in photography, Akshainie Kathula ’30, Elvira Madiman ’30, and Francesca Cericola ’30 earned Silver Keys across flash fiction and poetry, and Scarlett Murphy ’27 and Izzy Register ’30 earned Honorable Mentions. Beyond these accolades, student groups collaborated in hands-on STEM and debate challenges—including a WFS team that built a balsa wood bridge bearing 21 pounds in the DelDOT Bridge Competition, the Ethics Bowl team engaging in principled debate at Villanova, students representing WFS at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference, and middle school teams designing and programming robots for the FIRST LEGO League.

National Merit Scholar

Landis Hershey ’26 earned a prestigious National Merit Scholarship, becoming the first Wilmington Friends School student to receive this distinction. Selected from among more than one million entrants nationwide, Landis’s achievement reflected exceptional academic excellence and dedication.

Senior Lunches with Ken

Familiar Friends Visit LS Spanish

Each spring, Head of School Ken Aldridge sits down with 12thgrade advisory groups for pizza and conversation—an opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate the senior class during their final weeks on campus.

Two WFS staff members shared their cultures with lower schoolers. Maintenance Technician JR Rosado visited second graders to discuss La Isla del Encanto, also known as Puerto Rico. After a year-long study of the island, students enjoyed hearing about it firsthand and had many questions about what life there was like while he was growing up. Lower School Custodian Javier Rodriguez stopped by first grade Spanish class where he taught them a traditional Mexican song and explained the origin and history of the piñata. After this, students had a blast taking turns swinging at the piñata.

He notes, “What continues to amaze and inspire me is the clarity with which they speak about their time here—with honesty, with gratitude, and with a deep sense of connection to the people who shaped their journey.

Reaching Milestones

Moving from lower to middle school, and middle to upper school, marks a pivotal time for our students. As we welcome our 5th and 8th graders into their next chapters at WFS, we take time to honor the memories, growth, and experiences that brought them here.

1st Grade Circus and Service

First graders wowed the WFS community with their coordination and confidence during the beloved 1st Grade Circus, showcasing their skills in hulahooping, juggling, balance beam walking, and plate-spinning. Students also led a service effort in support of Delco Helping Hands, collecting essential items to benefit individuals and families throughout the Delaware County community.

Middle school students wrapped up the school year by sharing appreciations, performing at the annual talent show, watching the 8th grade celebration video, and spending time with friends. Meanwhile, fifth grade students enjoyed celebrating their special “5th Grade Day.” The day included a friendly kickball game with faculty members, ice cream treats, and time together in Meeting for Worship as they reflected on their year and celebrated their fifth grade experience.

There is pride and joy in their voices. There is also insight: thoughtful, constructive, and grounded in genuine care for the school, regardless of when they first arrived at Friends. Moments like these remind me that an important measure of a school is not only what students achieve, but also how they experience their time here—and how they carry that forward. If we’re listening well, our students will tell us what matters most. I’m grateful for the time with them, and for the trust they place in sharing their perspectives. Thank you, seniors, for your reflections, your laughter, your candor, and your support of Friends.”

the

Beyond

Classroom 11

1. Students participating in the Delaware Youth Environmental Summit (YES) 2. Fifth graders enjoying an unforgettable overnight field trip filled with outdoor exploration and hands-on learning. 3. Seventh graders visiting the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library to study its renowned collection of 18th- and 19th-century Chinese export art. 4. Fourth graders visiting the American Swedish Historical Museum to enrich their Norse studies unit and deepen their understanding of the Viking Age. 5. Kindergarten students exploring the wonders of Longwood Gardens through a day of hands-on discovery. 6 . Tenth grade Quakerism students visiting Wilmington Monthly Meeting and Centre Friends Meeting to explore the history and traditions of Quaker faith. 7. Middle school students engaged in service-learning experiences to support both local and global communities. 8. Ninth graders watching a live performance of “Romeo and Juliet” at the Arden Theatre Company. 9 . Tenth grade students visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. 10. Fifth grade students attending “Black History Hall of Fame,” a performance by the BrightStar Touring Theatre at The Grand Opera House. 11. Kindergarten students explored the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science.

Student

TRAVEL

Tuscany

Students traveled on a WFS QUEST Service Trip to Tuscany, where they combined hands-on archaeological work with cultural exploration. Each day, students worked alongside archaeologists at an ancient coastal dig site, helping uncover layers of history that spanned from a Roman military fortress to a farm, villa, and early church. Their tasks included clearing debris, cleaning and preserving artifacts like pottery, and preparing excavation areas for further study. Beyond the dig, students deepened their understanding of Etruscan history through visits to museums, castles, and ancient burial sites, including exploring tombs dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries BCE. They also experienced Italian culture through local food, language, and daily interactions.

China

The student trip to China was rich in history, culture, and traditions. Their journey began in Beijing, where they visited iconic landmarks including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, and the Great Wall of China. Along the way, students learned about Chinese history and architecture while immersing themselves in local culture through Tai Chi lessons, a traditional opera performance, a tea ceremony, and a visit to a jade workshop. They were especially inspired by the scale and significance of the Great Wall, marveling at the engineering achievement of its construction. The adventure continued with an overnight train ride to Xi’an, home of the Terracotta Warriors, before the group traveled to Shanghai. There, students explored the city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, visiting a classical Chinese garden, the French Concession district, and riding Shanghai’s famous high-speed train. In true Friends fashion, they began their final day together with a Meeting for Worship, taking time to reflect on the experiences, friendships, and memories they made throughout this remarkable journey.

Spain

Students traveled on a WFS Language Trip to Spain, exploring the country’s culture, and regional diversity through experiences in Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla, and the small town of Dílar. In Madrid, students visited major

cultural and historical sites, learned about the city’s past and present through guided tours, and experienced daily life in Spain’s capital. In Andalucía, they explored landmarks such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, and the historic neighborhoods and monuments of Sevilla, gaining a deeper understanding of Spain’s complex cultural heritage. The heart of the trip, however, was the time spent in Dílar, a small mountain town outside Granada where students built meaningful relationships with members of the local community. They taught English lessons at the public elementary school, participated in a weaving workshop alongside women involved in a community program supporting survivors of domestic violence, joined local residents in watching the FIFA World Cup, and connected with local youth through a soccer match and a hike in the surrounding mountains.

Canada

Over Mid-Winter Break, French students in grades seven through nine traveled to Québec, immersing themselves in the language, history, and traditions of the region. Highlights included experiencing Carnaval de Québec, snowshoeing, learning about maple syrup production, visiting museums and historic sites, exploring Québec City, and embracing the culture through food, music, and outdoor adventure. The trip offered a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

Hobart Exchange

Alper Cebe ’29, Bayan Katirai ’29, and Will Van Druff ’29 all participated in the Quaker School Student Exchange Program this summer. The goal of the Quaker School Student Exchange Program is for WFS students and the students from The Friends’ School, Hobart, to experience another culture and region of the world within the familiar setting of a Quaker school. It is hoped that students will see the commonalities among Quaker schools along with the unique qualities that each school has to offer. Bayan spent time cooking dinner for his host family and even hosted a Fourth of July barbecue for all of the Quaker Exchange students, a direct result of his 8th grade Growth Challenge. He also had an amazing time hiking the Three Capes Track for four days. Alper particularly enjoyed exploring Sydney and loved meeting and making so many new friends throughout the trip. Will counted swimming in Wineglass Bay, the famous crescent-shaped beach on Tasmania’s east coast, as one of the highlights of his experience.

Faculty News

Professional Development Award

Welcome Back, Cynthia!

Former WFS art teacher and parent of alum Cynthia Mellow returned to campus this spring, stepping in as a substitute for Teacher Teal and working with students in grades 1-5. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “I was teaching many students whose parents I taught in the US during my tenure. This was wonderful!”

Senior Exploration Mentors

Daniela Cristanetti-Walker ’26 and Annabelle Huxtable ’26 spent their Senior Explorations learning from and observing two WFS faculty members.

Middle school Chinese teacher Jianglin Shi attended the Chinese Language Teachers Association Conference at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. During the conference, Jianglin presented and led a discussion on the topic, “Effective Cultural Integration in Maximizing Chinese Language Learning.” She also received the Beijing Language and Culture University Press (BLCUP) Award for K-12 Professional Development, along with a grant, for her paper and presentation.

Daniela shadowed lower school science teacher Tim Dalby. She noted, “During my time shadowing Teacher Tim in the lower school sciences, I learned a lot about patience and that different kids sometimes need different explanations. The thing I enjoyed the most was helping the kids with projects I remember doing myself at their age, as it brought back lots of memories!” Annabelle spent time with lower school counselor Ginnie Jones. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “During my time in the lower school with Teacher Ginnie, I got to see what it is like as a lower school counselor. Between meetings and helping other younger-year teachers, I learned that every student is different, and they have an entire support team helping them and figuring out next steps! I loved being back in the lower school and having the opportunity to work with an amazing mentor for a job I could possibly see myself having in the future!”

Author Award

1st grade teacher Sia Willie won the Black Author Award from the Black Authors Association (BAA) for her children’s book, Liberian Rice Bread and was featured in Times Square later this summer.

Into the Delaware Basketball Hall of Fame

Former WFS coach Brian Fahey was inducted into the Delaware Basketball Hallof Fame for his leadership of DIBCA and tournament committees. Brian was the WFS head boys’ basketball coach at WFS for 20 seasons. During his tenure, the Quakers won ten or more games eight times and advanced to the DIAA State Quarterfinals twice. He also served as President of the Delaware Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association for 12 years, as Chairman of the DIAA Boys Basketball Tournament Committee for 25 years, and as co-director of the Blue-Gold All-Star Game for 15 years. Brian is also a former faculty member and a current trustee.

Music News

Four School Choir Collaboration

The WFS Chamber Singers joined choirs from Tower Hill, Sanford, and Tatnall for the annual Four School Choir collaboration, a day dedicated to music-making, rehearsal, and shared artistry. Guided by guest clinician Dr. Nicole Aldrich, students worked together on selections including Be Like the Bird, The Road Not Taken, and When I Reach My Home. The evening concluded with a concert featuring performances by each school before all four choirs united on stage for a moving combined finale.

Music in the Parks The WFS middle school band and choir delivered outstanding performances at the Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The 7th/8th Grade Band earned an Excellent Rating and finished second in its category, while the 7th/8th Grade Choir also received an Excellent Rating and placed third in its category. Mia Jefferson ’30 was recognized with the Vocal Soloist of the Day Award for her exceptional performance.

IB Music Recital The International Baccalaureate (IB) Music Recital showcased the talents of IB Music HL2 and SL students through an evening of vocal and instrumental performances. Soprano Piper Roskovensky ’26 and cellist Josh Fung ’26 presented a diverse program spanning classical masterworks, jazz, and traditional repertoire, accompanied on piano by middle school Performing Arts Teacher Sara Gaines. The recital served as partial fulfillment of the students’ IB portfolio requirement to present music as performers and reflected the comprehensive nature of the WFS IB Music program.

Junior All-State Chorus Alana Mand ’30 and Charley Soutar ’30 earned selection to the Junior All-State Chorus, joining talented student musicians from across Delaware for a collaborative festival of learning and performance. Their participation celebrated musical excellence, dedication, and the joy of making music together.

Delaware ACDA Choral Festival Wilmington Friends School hosted the Delaware ACDA Choral Festival, welcoming talented student musicians from across the state. The WFS Chamber Singers delivered a standout performance featuring Hands Are Knockin’ by Kyle Pederson, I Sing Because I’m Happy by Rollo Dilworth, and Hope Lingers On by Lissa Schneckenberger, arranged by Andrea Ramsey. In recognition of their artistry and musical excellence, the Chamber Singers earned a Superior rating—the highest distinction awarded at the festival—for the sixth consecutive year.

IB Visual Arts students welcomed professional photographer and WFS parent Angie Gray to their classes for a hands-on critique experience. As part of their lesson from Angie, students explored the concept of “sense of place”—using a range of photographic techniques to capture not just what a place looks like, but what it feels like and what it means. Students were challenged to shoot with intention, vary perspective, and ultimately present a series of images that tell a cohesive story.

IB Art and Visual Arts Major students hosted friends and family to their annual exhibition, showcasing the portfolios they developed over the course of two years of study. Designed

for highly motivated students with a passion for the visual arts, these courses combine studio practice with the exploration of art history, visual aesthetics, and comparative analysis. Through visual inquiry, experimentation, and reflection, students create and curate a cohesive body of work that expresses their individual artistic voices across a variety of analog and digital media. The exhibition celebrated the creativity, dedication, and growth of the members of the Class of 2026 whose artwork was featured.

Fifth graders designed and built ceramic slab containers in art class, applying many math skills

learned in their home base classrooms. They measured geometric shapes with a ruler and organic shapes with a string and ruler. Since they were given size restrictions, they also had to use their division and fraction skills. Each student made a unique design, for instance, a triangular form becoming a slice of pie with the lid handle resembling a dollop of whipped cream or a rectangular form becoming a deck of cards or a cell phone.

Upper school Power and Performance English classes, IB Higher Level Visual Arts students, and Visual Art Majors traveled to Washington, D.C., for a research field trip. Students attended a performance at the Folger Shakespeare Library and Theater of "As You Like It," envisioned by Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels and directed by Timothy Douglas, before exploring contempo-

rary works at the Hirshhorn Museum and the National Gallery of Art on the National Mall. Through theater, visual

art, and research, students deepened their understanding of performance, creativity, and artistic expression in one of the country’s most vibrant cultural hubs.

A Tower for Wilmington––on display in the school gallery–– was an eighth grade project

Ar De t & sig n

exploring tower design as part of the Innovative Architecture unit. Students learned about the history of towers, structural awareness, sustainable use of resources, and community oriented design.

Performing Arts

Many productions showcased the talents of our student performers last winter and spring! 1 | 5th grade musical––Wizard of Oz 2 | 8th Grade Musical––Oklahoma! 3 | Upper School Play––Clue 4 | Student Run Production––Hugs & Other Post-Quarantine Tutorials

4 41

Sports Recaps

WINTER & SPRING

Winter 2025-26 Boys’ Basketball | The WFS boys’ basketball team wrapped up the 2025-26 season with a strong 12-8 record. Facing one of the toughest schedules in the state—including six opponents that qualified for the DIAA Tournament—the Quakers showed resilience all winter. Highlighting their season, WFS earned a decisive 26-point victory over #18 Archmere in February, and swept Tower Hill and St. Andrew’s in critical conference matchups. Honors: 1st Team All-DISC, Bryce Jackson ’27 and Conner Brennan ’28; 2nd Team All-DISC, Henry Winn ’26; Honorable Mention All-DISC, Ethan Lukach ’26 and Colton Loeffler ’29. Girls’ Basketball | Building on the winter of strong performances, the WFS girls’ basketball team endured one of the State’s most challenging schedules and concluded the season with a 13-8 overall record after falling to Ursuline Academy in the first round of the DIAA State Tournament. Honors: Honorable Mention All-State and 1st Team All-DISC, Gianna Cottone ’26; 2nd Team All-DISC, Ryan Weigand ’26 and Izzy Winchell ’26; Honorable Mention All-DISC, Molly Dolan ’26 and Ellie McQuillan ’28. NEW! DISC Ice Hockey | WFS joined Sanford, Tower Hill, and Tatnall to form a unified DISC squad in the Delaware High School Hockey League (DHSHL). The team made an impressive debut, posting a strong record and a positive goal differential. Charlie Kurz ’27 was a key contributor on the blue line and he earned selection to the 2025-26 DHSHL All-Star Game. Swimming | The WFS girls’ swimming team delivered an outstanding 2025-26 season, highlighted by a DISC Championship with 338 points and a fourth-place finish at the DIAA State Championships. The boys’ team continued its excellent season with a third-place finish at the DISC Championships. Girls’ honors: All-State and 1st Team AllDISC, Kylie Poole ’28 (1st Team), Ellie Romano ’28 (2nd Team), and Aubrey Ashman ’26 (Honorable Mention); 2nd Team All-State, Evelyn Bilek ’26 (Diving); 2nd Team All-DISC, Rose Mulveny ’26, Olivia Agne ’27, and Pamela Moore ’27;

Honorable Mention All-DISC, Annabelle Huxtable ’26 and Kate Weigand ’29. Boys’ honors: Honorable Mention All-State and 1st Team All-DISC, Cael McDonnell ’28; 2nd Team AllDISC, Gavin Jefferson ’26 and Theo Lawrence ’26. Track & Field | The WFS team had another outstanding winter season, as numerous personal bests and school records were set. Eight members of the team qualified for and participated in the Penn Relays Winter Showcase. At the 2026 State Championships, Chuma Chukwuocha ’27 delivered a careerbest showing in the triple jump, earning a second-place finish with a personal-record leap of 47-5.75. Zoë Mooney-Doyle ’27 continued her record-breaking season by lowering her own school record in the 1600 with a time of 5:24.72, placing tenth. Honors: 1st Team All-DISC, Chuma Chukwuocha ’27 and Zoë Mooney-Doyle ’27; Honorable Mention All-DISC, LT Alleyne ’26 and Matteo Powell ’28. Wrestling | The wrestling program delivered another championship performance this postseason, capturing its second consecutive DISC Tournament title with 163 team points and finishing well ahead of second-place Tower Hill. At the DIAA Individual State Wrestling Tournament, Sloan Makoujy ’26, Pierce Burns ’26, Kyler Fleming ’27, Brayden McLaughlin ’28, and Cooper Miller ’28 each represented WFS among Delaware’s top 16 wrestlers in their respective weight classes, and Makoujy finished as State Runner-Up after a hard-fought 1-0 decision in the State Championship Finals. On the girls’ side, Anna Friel ’26 and Nya Parker ’27 both earned All-State honors at the DIAA Girls State Wrestling Championships. Nya finished third, the highest placement in the Girls’ State Tournament by a WFS wrestler, and Anna placed fifth. Boys’ honors: 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-DISC, Sloan Makoujy ’26; 1st Team All-DISC, Pierce Burns ’26, Brayden McLaughlin ’28, Cooper Miller ’28, Levi Sawdon ’28, and Jordan Dalby ’29; 2nd Team All-DISC, Matt Fineman ’26, Kyler Fleming ’27, Nya Parker ’27, and Asher Twilley ’28; Honorable Mention All-DISC, Mike Fineman ’28 and Bennett Martinenza ’29. Girls' All-State Team: Anna Friel ’26 and Nya Parker ’27

Spring 2026 Baseball | The WFS baseball team had an excellent 2026 campaign, winning 11 games and capturing a share of the DISC Championship and qualifying for the DIAA State Tournament for the second time in three seasons. Honors: 1st Team All-DISC, Ronny Berry ’27, Dylan Legum ’28, Nate Collins ’29; 2nd Team All-DISC, Legum; Honorable Mention All-DISC, Joseph Coppola ’26, Alek Shweiki ’26, Dylan MacBride ’27, Maison Adkins ’29, Basher McCall ’29. Golf | The WFS golf team captured the DISC Championship and enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in recent memory as six members of the team qualified for the DIAA State Tournament. Honors, 1st Team All-State; Quinn Marshall ’27; 2nd Team All-State, Owen Newmark ’28; 1st Team All-DISC, Marshall, Newmark; 2nd Team All-DISC, Jack Handling ’26, Thomas Weiler ’27. Honorable Mention AllDISC, Brooks McCall ’28, Luke Lohkamp ’29. Boys’ Lacrosse | The WFS boys’ lacrosse team enjoyed another outstanding season, advancing to the Quarterfinals of the DIAA State Tournament. The Quakers captured a share of their fourth consecutive DISC Championship as well. Honors: 1st Team All-State, Jack Lukach ’28; 2nd Team All-State, Rhys Butler ’26, Stone Davis ’26, Ethan Lukach ’26; Honorable Mention All-State, Jake Maheshwari ’27, Nash Maheshwari ’27; 1st Team All-DISC, Butler, Davis, E. Lukach, J. Maheshwari, N. Maheshwari, J. Lukach; 2nd Team All-DISC, Nate Bell ’26, Ben Osbourn ’26, Evan Van Sickle ’28; Honorable Mention All-DISC: Owen Strauss ’27, Kyle Sullivan ’28. Girls’ Lacrosse | The WFS girls’ lacrosse team won double-digit contests for the third straight season, and advancing to the State Tournament Quarterfinals for the third consecutive season. Honors: 2nd Team All-State, Molly Dolan ’26; Honorable Mention All-State: Cora Lohkamp ’26, Lila Rubano ’26; 1st Team All-DISC, Dolan, Rubano, Palmer Jenney ’30; 2nd Team All-DISC, Ella Fontanazza ’26, Lohkamp, Sky Hopkins ’27.

Girls’ Soccer | The WFS girls’ soccer team made school history during the 2026 season, capturing the DIAA Division II State Championship for the first time with a 4-1 victory over St. Mark’s! The Quakers also won the DISC Championship for the second consecutive season (see more on next page). Honors: 1st Team All-State, Ryan Weigand ’26, Sofia Dattani ’27; 2nd Team All-State, Kate Weigand ’29; 1st Team All-DISC, R. Weigand, Sara Clothier ’26, Dattani, K. Weigand; 2nd Team All-DISC, Anna Weiner ’26, Lucy White ’27, Noura Boland ’29; Honorable Mention All-DISC, Ellie McQuillan ’28, Clara Kurz ’29. Boys’ Tennis | The WFS boys’ tennis team competed well throughout the 2026 season, improving with each match and saving their best play for the DIAA State Tournament. Josh Fung ’26 (2nd singles) and Jeremiah Fung ’29 (3rd singles) both advanced to the second round in singles play, while Henrik Maansson ’27 and Nolan Breeding ’29 (1st doubles) reached the Quarterfinals after upsetting a higher-seeded opponent. Honors: Honorable Mention All-DISC, Josh Fung ’26 (Second Singles), Jeremiah Fung ’29 (Third Singles). Girls’ Tennis | The WFS girls’ tennis team enjoyed a strong season, including defeating perennial power St. Andrew’s School. The team also had several impressive performances in the DIAA State Tournament. Ishani Agarwal ’30 (1st singles), Anna Gao ’30 (2nd singles), Amrita Ark ’27 (3rd singles), and the 1st doubles team of Piper Roskovensky ’26 and Gabby Hamilton ’27 all advanced to the second round, showcasing the program’s strong depth. Honors: 2nd Team All-DISC, Anna Gao ’30 (Second Singles); Honorable Mention All-DISC, Layli Katirai ’26, Gabby Hamilton ’27 (First Doubles). Track & Field | The WFS track and field team continued to make strides during the spring season, highlighted by several strong performances at the DIAA Division II State Championships. Chuma Chukwuocha ’27 placed third in the triple jump and ninth in the high jump after capturing the New Castle County Championship in the triple jump earlier in the season. The 4x800 relay team of Jack McKelvey ’26, Matthew McKenzie ’27, Edwin Hess ’28, and Cooper Miller ’28 posted a seasonbest time of 9:12.39, improving their seed time by more than 37 seconds. Honors: 1st Team All-DISC, Chuma Chukwuocha ’27; 2nd Team All-DISC, LT Alleyne ’26, Jack McKelvey ’26, and Matteo Powell ’28

Congratulations to our senior athletes who will continue their athletic careers! Pictured left to right: • Sara Clothier ’26: Field Hockey at Bowdoin College • Rhys Butler ’26: Lacrosse at Denison University • Ethan Lukach ’26: Lacrosse at Gettysburg College • Aubrey Ashman ’26: Swimming at Middlebury College • Layli Katirai ’26: Cross Country at Franklin & Marshall College • LT Alleyne ’26: Track & Field at Colorado College • Pierce Burns ’26: Wrestling at St. Vincent College • Theo Lawrence ’26: Swimming at The College of Wooster

SPRING SIGNING DAY

• Annabelle Huxtable ’26: Swimming at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Soccer State Champs!

The WFS girls’ soccer team (pictured above) made school history during the 2026 season, capturing the DIAA Division II State Championship for the first time with a 4-1 victory over St. Mark’s! The Quakers finished with a program-record 16-2-1 mark, scored a state-leading 102 goals, and produced the longest winning streak in school history at 13 matches. The Quakers also won the DISC Championship for the second consecutive season, going 7-0-1 in conference play and outscoring their opponents 53-4.

One Coach, Two State Titles in 25/26! This is the second state tournament win in the 2025-26 school year for Head Coach Scott Clothier. He also led the field hockey team (pictured left) to victory in the fall. On the latest episode of the Quaker Matters podcast, Coach Clothier discusses his coaching philosophy; the similarities and differences between the two programs; what it meant to share both championship moments with his daughter, Sara Clothier ’26 a key player on each team; and why each team was able to accomplish the ultimate goal (hint: it’s always the players). Scan to listen or visit www. wilmingtonfriends.org/ community/quaker-matterspodcast

Springing into Service The annual Middle School 5K once again brought the WFS community together, this year in support of Faithful Friends Animal Society. Here is a message Head of Middle School Jon Huxtable sent to families after this year’s race. “Each spring, something remarkable happens in our middle school. What began in the 2012-2013 school year as a bold proposal by two faculty members––a 5K race on campus, in late May, for 5th through 9th grade students, faculty, and staff––has grown into one of the most anticipated and cherished traditions in our community. That it exists at all is a testament to the people who make it happen, and chief among them is John Hanson [along with former faculty member Carlos Charriez]. Anyone who has spent time in a school in late May understands the weight of that season. Curricula to complete, assessments to administer and grade, material requests to submit, and the particular mix of excitement and anxiety that students carry as the structure of the school year begins to give way. It is not an easy time to take on anything bold. And yet, as is the case with most things John Hanson and his middle school colleagues commit to doing, not only does the job get done, but it gets done so well that the initiative becomes an expected part of the institutional lifeblood. Through the 5K, students discover their own capacity to make a difference. As race workers, they serve. As donors, they give. As volunteers, planning committee members, and especially as runners they learn to persevere and push through discomfort. And as spectators lining the course, their cheers and energy lift every runner around them. Each year, in the midst of one of the most demanding stretches of the school calendar, students and teachers alike dig deep to contribute to something joyous and worthy, a celebration of community and caring for others. This year’s event, organized by John Hanson and Logan Goodwin, was another wonderful chapter in that ongoing tradition. Under the motto “Spring into Service,” students rallied to support Faithful Friends, one in a long line of meaningful recipients that have included Lutheran Community Services among many others over the years. What remains constant, regardless of the beneficiary, is the gift at the heart of the event: a community that first rallied around a vision and now enthusiastically anticipates it each year. It is proof of what becomes possible when people come together, one foot in front of another, in service to something greater than themselves.”

NEWS

Home & School Association: Strengthening Community Through Service

As we look back on the 2025–2026 school year, Wilmington Friends School extends our deepest gratitude to our incredible parents, volunteers, and the Home & School Association (H&S). Your active partnership continuously enriches our community and provides an invaluable model of stewardship for our students. On top of your steadfast support, we are thankful for the H&S’s generous endof-year gift to key capital improvements across the school (details provided in the digital Report on Philanthropy). Our community’s vibrant spirit was on full display this year thanks to our dedicated volunteer leaders. Parents and guardians spearheaded essential efforts across lower, middle, and upper school—leading Engagement, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) initiatives, running the Quaker Closet, coordinating fundraising, serving as Parent Ambassadors, providing a parent speaker and online webinar educational series, and managing sales for dine out nights, mums, Thanksgiving pies, Gifts and Greens, Scholastic Books, and the Used Books Sale. Volunteers also organized community outreach for the Emmanuel Dining Room, hosted teacher appreciation events, served as board and school liaisons. Special thanks to Co-Clerks Kendra Okolo and Luba Pajerowski, alongside all of our division coordinators, class representatives, committee leads, and liaisons. Looking ahead to 2026-2027, we warmly invite every family—new or returning—to get involved through the H&S resource page on the school website. We look forward to welcoming everyone back this fall, starting with our Back to School Picnic!

Class Notes Have news you would like to share? Send your update to alumni@wilmingtonfriends.org or fill out our online form!

Class of 1960 Fred Sears was named to the Delaware Business Times list of the 222 Most Impactful Delaware Leaders for 2025, marking the third consecutive year he has received the honor since the publication began recognizing leaders. In addition, Fred was one of only three Delawareans selected to serve on the 14-member Board of Directors for the Biden Presidential Library.

Class of 1962 Ben Larrabee is pleased to announce the publication of his first photography book, Trudie: A Portrait by Ben Larrabee, a limited-edition coffee table book featuring portraits of his wife, Trudie, created over a 20-year period. The collection showcases both black-andwhite and color images that capture their enduring partnership and creative collaboration. In additional news, Ben Larrabee Photography was recently named the Darien Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Business of the Year, in recognition of Ben’s more than 25 years of artistic contributions to the community and his distinctive approach to portrait photography. Class of 1968 Peter Bente shared that his wife, Lucille “Jean” Hillyer, passed away on December 31, 2025. Jean will be remembered for her lifelong devotion to faith, her service to others, and her active role in both church and community life.

This winter, two WFS community members connected through service at the St. Stephen’s Food Pantry in Wilmington. Carol Bancroft Morley, a dedicated volunteer and retired Assistant Dean of Instruction at Delaware Technical Community College, was joined by Maxine Chou ’21, who spent part of the winter months supporting the pantry. Maxine is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, where she earned summa cum laude honors in chemistry in cooperation with the Cleveland Institute of Music. She now serves as a Research Technician at Weill Cornell Medicine. Thank you, Carol and Maxine, for your continued commitment to serving others and strengthening our community. Pictured above, Maxine, St. Stephen’s Office Administrator Kanchalee Reeves, and Carol.

Class of 1981 George “Auggie” Bancroft recently graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in finance, becoming the seventh member of the Bancroft family to earn a Lehigh degree. His father, Ned Bancroft, shared the news and added that he is looking forward to celebrating his 45th WFS reunion this fall. Class of 1984 Anna Biggs, see 1987. 47 47

teaches upper school history at Durham Academy. Josh was at the airport with his wife, Kelly, and his parents, Dan and Mary, making the surprise reunion even more special.

Class of 1987 Bret Snyder, CEO and President of W.L. Gore & Associates, took the GRIT Talks stage as a featured speaker at the quarterly community event highlighting local leaders and their stories of resilience. In his talk, Bret shared how curiosity, perseverance, and humility can shape a life of impact. At GRIT Talks, speakers answer seven thoughtfully designed questions in fifteen minutes, weaving together reflections on failure, growth, and the life lessons that lead to meaningful success. Bret shared candid insights from his personal and professional journey, from lessons learned through setbacks to the habits and values that guide his leadership today. Bret is pictured with fellow alumni who attended his talk, Anna Biggs ’84, Susan Morovati Finizio, Laurie Holton, Anna Quisel, and Greg Mand.

Class of 1999 Matt Titone recently celebrated the publication of his third Surf Shacks book with Gestalten. The series showcases creative surfers and their homes from around the world, with Matt serving as photographer, writer, and designer for all three volumes. A passion project outside of his design studio, ITAL/C, the Surf Shacks books are available through Gestalten, Amazon, and other online booksellers.

Class of 2011 Congratulations to Dan Carbone and his wife, Karen, on the birth of their daughter, Ella Mae.

Class of 1998 Over spring break, Erin Facciolo Wehler and Josh Klein ran into each other at the Raleigh airport, a reminder of how far the WFS community reaches! Today, Erin teaches at Wilmington Montessori School (and is a current WFS parent!), and Josh 48

In a recent alumni profile, Leah Rizzo reflected on how her WFS Senior Exploration helped launch her career in broadcasting. Today, Leah is the host of CoastLife, a lifestyle and entertainment show on CoastTV, an NBC affiliate in Delaware, where she highlights local businesses, events, and community stories. Leah credits her time at Friends with helping her develop the communication, writing, and critical-

thinking skills she uses every day, and she encourages current seniors to make the most of their own Senior Exploration experiences. Class of 2013 Malcolm Delpeche recently joined Gameplan Financial, beginning a new career in financial services while continuing to play professional basketball. Malcolm shared that the role is part of his commitment to helping athletes better protect themselves and develop financial resilience. He looks forward to using his experience and knowledge to provide financial guidance and support to others navigating their everyday lives as well as those in their sport.

Class of 2016 Congratulations to Maddie Ireland who was married in January! The celebration included a strong Wilmington Friends School presence, with classmates Eleanor Napoli, Katie Zucca, Miles Katzen, Nate Dorn, Tommy Manley, Patrick Haubert, Jakob Katzen, Margeaux Pantano, and Maya Johnson all joining in the festivities. Class of 2017 Kalyn Nix recently earned her M.D. from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and will begin a General Surgery residency at NewYorkPresbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. She is excited to continue her medical training and serve patients in the years ahead. (Photo next page, top left.)

actively involved in research and presentations, and previously spent a summer conducting research at the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis. He recently had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Larry Chou, father of classmate Lawrence Chou ’18, gaining valuable clinical experience and mentorship as he continues his journey toward a career in medicine.

Carter Gramiak had a milestone year in 2025, graduating magna cum laude from Northeastern University with both a B.A. and an accelerated M.A. in Political Science. He recently returned to Wilmington and is serving as Campaign Manager for Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings’s 2026 reelection campaign. Congratulations to Bennett Ross, who recently joined the Baltimore Orioles as a Domestic Scouting Analyst Fellow.

Sadie Proud will begin her legal studies this fall at Fordham University School of Law. Until then, she continues her work with the Michael B. Kim Institute for Ethical Inquiry and Leadership at Haverford College, supporting programs that promote ethical inquiry, scholarship, and civic engagement across disciplines. Class of 2018 Emma Davis recently joined Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) as a Client Advocate. In her new role, she supports Boston residents by connecting individuals and families with resources and services that promote stability and well-being.

Max Okolo is currently a medical student at Temple University, where he is exploring interests in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Interventional Pain Management. During medical school, Max has been

Jake Morris and Cole Morris ’22 recently caught up with Lynn PuritzFine, former Upper School Dean for Students, while on a trip to Portugal! Class of 2019 Connor Miller recently became Campaign Manager for Congresswoman Sarah McBride’s first re-election campaign. Connor shared his gratitude for the opportunity to help lead the campaign and build on the progress made for Delaware.

Class of 2020 While visiting Paris, Jimmy Butterfield and Liam Hudgings enjoyed a reunion at Fête de la Musique, the global free music festival held each June 21 to celebrate the summer solstice. Class of 2021 Maxine Chou, see 1968.

Class of 2022 Corey Silberglied recently received two of the University of Miami’s highest academic honors: the School of Education and Human Development Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship, presented to the student with the highest cumulative GPA, and the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Award for Scholarship, the department’s top academic award for a graduating senior.

Osi Chukwuocha and Nat Bush joined Nathaniel Huxtable on his Senior Day at the College of Wooster. Nathaniel, a Political Science major, captained the baseball team and helped lead the Fighting Scots to an overall record of 23-15. During the fall of 2025, Nathaniel joined Osi at his Senior Day on the gridiron for Case Western Reserve University. 49

Antarctica Adventure Photos by Ned Pennock ’79

In June 2025, Margaret Pennock (’78) and her husband Dave Wood booked a cruise on the National Geographic Resolution, a state-of the art Polar Class 5 vessel built for polar navigation. It would be a three-week journey that would take them to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Margaret knew that her brother, Ned (’79), would love to make the trip with them, but there were no more rooms available on the ship. However, Margaret had a plan – put Ned on a wait list, just in case there was a lastminute cancellation. Oh, and she did so without telling Ned! The cruise was set to sail out of Ushuaia, Argentina on October 29, 2025, with passengers meeting in Santiago, Chile 1-2 days before. As luck would have it, on October 13th Margaret got a message that there was a cancellation. Knowing that Ned was getting ready for a three- to four-week RV trip, she immediately called him with the news. Long story short, Ned and his wife, Carol, cancelled their RV trip so Ned could join Margaret and Dave on this epic journey to the bottom of the world. Because this was a National Geographic cruise, they were able to learn from expert naturalists and photographers along the way. In total, they saw: • Seven species of penguins (Magellanic, Southern Rockhopper, King, Gentoo, Macaroni, Adelie, and Chinstrap) • Ten species of whales and dolphins (Finback, Sei, Humpback, Southern Minke, Orca (killer), Pilot, and the rarely seen Arnoux’s Beaked Whale, plus Peale’s, Hourglass, and Dusky Dolphins) • Six species of seals (Southern Elephant Seal, Antarctic Fur Seal, Leopard Seal, Crabeater Seal, Weddell Seal, and Southern Sea Lion) • More than 59 species of birds, including six species of albatross • The world’s largest Black-browed Albatross colony with an estimated ¼ million pairs of birds; the world’s three largest King Penguin colonies with a half-million individuals in total; 125,000 pairs of Chinstrap penguins in the South Orkney Islands. • Glaciers, icebergs, fast ice, and pack-ice. Along the way they also: • Explored the rusted ruins of historical whaling stations • Hiked a portion of the extraordinary journey of Ernest Shackleton • Completed the Polar Plunge into -0.2 °C water • Traversed the Drake Passage, the notoriously turbulent 500-mile (800 km) wide waterway between South America’s Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula. The cruise was extraordinary in every way imaginable; the wildlife and landscapes were breathtaking; and the opportunity to share the experience with family who have the same sense of adventure and love of the natural world was the icing on top of the cake! As career environmental educators, Margaret and Dave were totally in their element. As a professional geologist and photographer, Ned was like a kid in a candy store!! By the end of the trip, Ned had taken more than 15,000 photographs. If you are interested, you can see more of Ned’s photos of their epic journey or contact Ned through his website: nedpennockphotography.com.

Congratulations to Osi Chukwuocha on being named a First Team Academic All-American as a member of the Case Western Reserve University football team! A standout defensive back and mechanical and aerospace engineering major, Osi has excelled both on the field and in the classroom. This season, he started all ten games at cornerback, recording 50 tackles, four tackles for loss, an interception, five pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries. Over his career, he totaled 152 tackles and four interceptions — earning All-PAC First Team honors and multiple Academic distinctions along the way. Cole Morris, see 2018. Class of 2023

Class of 2024 Congratulations to Grace Terrell on receiving the Kathryn George Tyree Innovation Fellow Award, recognizing an outstanding second-year student who demonstrates innovation, creativity, problem-solving, and forward-thinking entrepreneurship.

Jake has had plenty of WFS support on hand this season, as Robby Tattersall and Ryan Tattersall ’25 have been in attendance to cheer him on!

Class of 2025

A second-year member of the Tyree Innovation Fellowship, Grace collaborated weekly with a student innovation team to tackle real-world challenges, conducted market and financial analyses, and led the design and development of a physical prototype. The award celebrates students who transform ideas into reality and drive meaningful, positive change—an impact Grace is already making. Isaiah Turman recently had the opportunity to cover NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 in Los Angeles as part of a team of student journalists. During the event, he covered the HBCU Game, AllStar Saturday Night, and the NBA AllStar Game, gaining valuable experience in both photojournalism and video journalism. Isaiah expressed gratitude to his mentors, Professor Ron Thomas

Jake Bryson (pictured with his parents and Hudson Zawadzkas) and the Washington College men’s lacrosse team had an outstanding spring season! The rising senior Business Administration major helped lead the Shoremen to a 12-6 record, including a 6-2 mark in Centennial Conference play. In fact, their strong start propelled them into the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division III National Top 20 for the first time in 11 years.

and Emani Rashad, for the opportunity to learn from and work alongside professionals at one of basketball’s premier events.

Congratulations to Evie Rademaker and the Wilmington University women’s lacrosse team on winning the 2026 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Championship for the first time in school history on Saturday! Evie (left) is pictured with Wilmington University assistant coach and WFS parent, Kari-lei Berry.

1,000 Points!

On January 24, Gianna Cottone ’26 (far right) became the 9th WFS basketball player to eclipse the 1,000-point mark, and the girls’ basketball program won its 800th contest against St. Mark’s. Pictured with Gianna are fans Mike Anderson ’08, the great-grandson of Frances Hullihen ’28, the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,350 career points; Kristi Kerrigan ’08, one of just five 1,000-point scorers in girls’ program history; and Carolyn Connors ’81, the all-time winningest coach in program history with 113 career wins.

From Internship to Impact Caring for Rescued Exotic Animals

After graduating from WFS, Isaiah Gaines ’21 attended Indiana University, where he earned his B.S. in animal behavior in 2025. During the summer after his junior year, Isaiah took on an internship at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC) in Center Point, Indiana, a role that quickly turned into something more. “I ended up meshing so well that after graduation, I was offered a full-time position as an animal keeper,” he shared. Founded in the early 1990s, the EFRC serves as a rescue center and forever home for exotic felines that have been abused, unwanted, or neglected. What began with just three animals has grown into a 300acre sanctuary caring for over 200 animals across more than a dozen species. In his current role, no two days look exactly the same. “Every day is a bit different, but for the most part, each day we clean enclosures, prepare and feed animal diets, and administer medication to animals who need it.” In addition to animal care, Isaiah serves as a tour guide when needed and supports fundraising efforts at the facility. The center is home to a wide variety of animals, from lions and tigers to wolves and bears. While Isaiah originally planned to pursue a more traditional path as a zookeeper, his experience at the rescue center shifted his perspective. “That’s still possibly in my future. That being said, I found a passion in helping to care for these specific animals, many of whom were kept in circuses, magic shows, and unfit private care facilities.” What motivates him most is the impact of this work. “Most of these animals would realistically not be put into a zoo, so I derive a lot of joy from knowing we’re providing them with a happy and safe environment to live out the rest of their lives.” Looking ahead, Isaiah hopes to continue expanding his experience. “In the near future, I plan on moving to New Zealand, where I’ll hopefully be able to continue working with different animals in a hands-on capacity, and also possibly pursue a career in academia afterward.”

In Memory Any time a member of the Wilmington Friends School community passes away, we feel great sadness by the loss. But reflecting on their lives and contributions to the greater good helps us cope and remember the many good things about them. Please visit our website at www.wilmingtonfriends.org/alumni/in-memory or use the QR code provided to read about these wonderful members of the WFS community. If you would like to inform us about the passing of a friend or family member in our community, please email Lynne Nathan at lnathan@wilmingtonfriends.org.

Faculty: Michael "Mike" Buchanan Past Trustee: Alice D. Reilly Creator of Hukill Science Award: Jane Ellet Hukill Class of 1943: Christine [Dorsey] Abram Class of 1948: Anne [Vincent-Daviss] Marsh Class of 1948: Alice [Mearns] Ivy Class 0f 1949: Jeanne [Morris] Smith Class of 1950: Robert "Bob" Brubaker Class of 1950: Peter R. duPont Class of 1950: Harlow R. Fluevog Class of 1951: Grace [Vane] Saunders Class of 1955: Donald Menzies Reid, Jr. Class of 1957: Thomas "Tom" H. Baker Class of 1958: Michael J. Cairns Class of 1959: Elizabeth "Betsy" [Brubaker] Jacobs Class of 1961: William 'Bill' K. Ryan Class of 1970: William S. Davis Class of 1970: Carol Joy Shames Class of 1970: Roy Henry Wilkinson Class of 1971: Mary [Peterson] Calhoun Class of 1973: Phillip M. Cohen Class of 1978: Jeff Durham Class of 1978: Graham McKnight Kinahan Class of 1988: Catherine "Cathy" [Harper] Wilson

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Nathan M. Clark Speaker Series Wilmington Friends School was honored to welcome acclaimed author Cristina Henríquez to campus as part of the Nathan M. Clark Speaker Series for an evening presentation for the community as well as a daytime collection for upper school students. During her visit, Henríquez joined WFS students for a conversation about her novel The Book of Unknown Americans. Student panels at both events helped guide the discussion, asking questions about what inspired the story, the role of multiple narrators, and how literature can help readers better understand the immigrant experience. Henríquez shared that her father’s journey—and the negative narratives she often heard about immigrants— inspired her to write a story that serves as a counterbalance to those perceptions. Stay tuned for this year’s speaker news!