The Agnes Irwin School - Summer 2026 by The Agnes Irwin School

Summer 2026

SALT OF THE EARTH

Members of the Student Ambassador Leadership Team, fondly known as SALT, always make a great first impression. When a prospective family or interviewing faculty member visits Agnes Irwin, these students lead campus tours while embodying the school’s core values. Tammara Gary, Associate Director of Middle School Admission, says, “Parents have told me countless times that they chose to enroll at AIS because they want their daughters to grow up to be as confident and well-spoken as our head tour guides.” (Top, L-R): Elizabeth Storrer ’26, Lila Barrett ’27, Zayda Davis ’26, Lane Howard ’26, Ava Lord ’26; (Bottom, L-R): Ashley Viola ’26, Isa Matuch ’27, Maggie Keidel ’27, Lucy Pierce ’26. Missing: Lizzie Shacklett ’26

From the Head of School

Coming Back Home One of the things that always strikes alumnae who visit us after a long time away is how the school has — and hasn’t — changed since they walked the halls. The traditional Agnes Irwin locations (the cozy Lower School building, the pink marble stairs) bring back so many memories, and the spaces that have been reimagined spark awe at the innovative ways in which we’ve updated the places our current students use every day. Schools are like that: We all have such strong memories of the time and place in our lives that we changed the most from year to year. After they’ve taken in the building, our alumnae usually have a second, and possibly more important, reaction — that the spirit, the feeling in the halls, the joy of the school, its Agnes Irwin-ness remains the same. They feel it just being back. As one alumna said at Reunion this year: “It’s been so long since I’ve been around all women, and it feels amazing!” And our community is amazing: Our girls continue to achieve new heights on our stages and fields, in our classrooms and hallways. Our theme for the year, chosen from our core values, Respect and Celebrate All, came to life in the biggest and smallest of ways. And our parents and faculty and staff support this year puts us in the rare position of having nearly 100% giving from both groups. We are so proud to have so many alumnae who have returned home as faculty and staff, teaching and leading the next generation of Agnes Irwin students. You’ll find their profiles in this summer issue, sharing their thoughts and feelings about being an Irwin’s girl — and having a hand in shaping the alumnae of the future. We also explore the creation of some of the most advanced and innovative classes we offer. Many of our college students share that their courses of study were shaped by the deep thinking on a particular topic they did in our halls. While I hope you are enjoying the season, we’re gearing up for the next year of teaching, innovating, and creating girls who go confidently into their next steps. Please let us know where that journey has taken you — and always know you are welcome back home.

Sally Keidel congratulates Janet Gilmore ’96 as she receives the M. Penney Moss Award at Reunion 2026

Warmly,

Sally Keidel Head of School

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STRIKING A CHORD Elsa Reese ’31 and Kate McGarrity ’31 rehearse a duet in seventh-grade piano class, taught by Elizabeth Weigle. As part of the instrumental music program, piano is introduced to all students in fifth and sixth grades and then is a required quarter-long course in seventh grade. Girls can elect to continue piano studies in eighth grade or pursue another offering, such as West African drumming, the Handbell Ensemble, ukulele, violin, or the Grace Notes choir

AGNES IRWIN MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2026

Summer 2026

Contents

FEATURES

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Abbe Wright ’03

A Legacy of Leadership

Assistant Director of Communications

Outgoing Board Chair Anne Ford P’30 and incoming Chair Aarti Bijlani P’28 ’30 reflect on Anne’s transformative leadership, their collaborative transition, and stewarding the school into the future

MANAGING EDITOR Lily Thompson CONTRIBUTORS Louise Barr

Director of Marketing and Communications

Scott Butterworth Erin Dentmon Brooke Norrett Corr ’95

Senior Director of Alumnae Relations

Rosie Kalis ’16

Alumnae Relations Associate

There’s No Place Like Home

Meghan Burnett ’99

Director of Donor Engagement

From the classroom to the athletic fields, 16 alumnae share what inspired them to return home to their alma mater to teach, coach, and work

Emily McAlpin Rauch

Associate Director of Development

Allison Cocozza P’31 ’33 Annual Giving Officer

Jen Earle P’32 ’34

Director of Parent Engagement

DESIGN Wedeking | Laun Design

PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Branscom Photo+Film Zamani Feelings Photography Matthew Lester Photography Douglas Benedict/Academic Images Active Image Media Ellie Spencer, Social Media Specialist José Sevillano Justin Gibson Mark Garvin for WHYY Donna Meyer P’04

Purpose + Passion

Choice-driven electives cultivate curiosity, passion, and self-reflection in students, putting them in the driver’s seat of their own learning

PRINTING Brilliant Graphics

THE AGNES IRWIN SCHOOL 275 S. Ithan Avenue Rosemont, PA 19010-1042 Agnesirwin.org • 610 801 1869 FRONT COVER In Full Bloom Eady Carroll ’39 (left) and Ariel Ngo ’35 walk in front of the Lower School during peak cherry blossom season BACK COVER The Sky’s the Limit The Class of 2026, along with Head of School Sally Keidel P’27 (left) and Director of Upper School Joy Prince P’25 ’27 (right), on Commencement day Cover Image: Ellie Spencer Back Cover Image: Douglas Benedict/Academic Images

Commencement

Celebrating the 77 graduates of the Class of 2026 as they officially join the alumnae community

IN THIS ISSUE 4 12 16 18 19 22

Big Picture

Spring Review

Faculty Focus

Visual & Studio Arts Performing Arts Athletics

46 48 52 60 69 70

The Social Set

College Connections Reunion

Alumnae Updates and Milestones

In Memoriam

From the Archives

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Big Picture SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Requiring teamwork and precision, members of the fourth grade Class of 2034 deftly wove their blue and gold ribbons under sunny blue skies during the jubilant Maypole dance at Mayfair. Heralding the start of spring, this beloved Agnes Irwin tradition dates back 76 years to 1950, when the Head of Lower School, Lucetta Sharp Alderfer, added it as part of the Mayfair festivities. Agnes Irwin’s Mayfair tradition originated in 1942 to raise funds for war orphans during World War II.

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Transform Your PA Taxes into a Future for AIS Girls

Through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, you have the powerful opportunity to redirect up to 90% of your state tax liability toward life-changing tuition assistance at The Agnes Irwin School. Your participation turns a mandatory tax payment into a meaningful investment in the next generation of leaders. Currently, 38% of AIS families rely on need-based tuition assistance. When you support these programs, you do more than provide a scholarship; you strengthen our entire community. By supporting tuition assistance through EITC/OSTC, you help the school deliver innovative programming and exceptional opportunities that benefit every student on campus.

To start the process, please visit agnesirwin.org/support-ais/eitc-ostc Ready to make an impact? Individuals interested in joining one of Agnes Irwin’s Special Purpose Entities for the 2026–2027 academic year are encouraged to contact Emily Rauch, Associate Director of Development, at erauch@agnesirwin.org or 610-801-1260. Together, we can ensure an Agnes Irwin education remains accessible while elevating the experience for every girl.

Learn more !

Summer 2026

On Campus

They’ve Got the Need to Read Could the Middle Schoolers possibly read 1,869 books between mid-December and the end of the school year? The answer: A resounding yes! Students, faculty, and staff chose the founding year of the school as their number, cracked open their books, and got going, dropping a slip for completed books into a bucket by Middle School Director Corey Willingham’s office and watching the count grow daily. A book bracket accompanied the count to determine which book was the most beloved in each grade as the challenge progressed. (The ultimate winners: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney for the fifth grade, The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han for both the sixth and seventh grades, and One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus for the eighth grade.) When asked about the challenge, our students said, “I love reading because it’s an escape to different worlds,” “I love reading because it helps me understand the world more,” and “The book (vs. the television show version) gives you every single detail and you can hear what everyone is thinking.” Mrs. Willingham worked with Middle School Librarian Linda Moreen and shared that one of the seventh graders “was waxing poetic about how amazing Ms. Moreen is because every time she gets a new historical fiction book into the library, she gives it to her first!” She continues, “I love how that anecdote highlights how teachers like Linda encourage a passion for reading in our students.”

Alison Monzo Director of Programs, Center for the Advancement of Girls

The Final Chapter in Leadership Learning This spring marked the debut of the Upper School Leadership Legacy program. Developed through two years of research by the Center for the Advancement of Girls, led by Director of Programs Alison Monzo, and built to complement the already-existing Lower School Leadership Toolkit and the Middle School Leadership Keys, the program aims to cultivate leadership skills for use by our Upper School students here at AIS and beyond. The Leadership Legacy program is the culmination of a throughline of leadership training that extends from PreK through twelfth grade and is designed to guide students in becoming active, engaged citizens by identifying their own leadership styles, and envisioning the legacy they would like to create. The Upper School program begins as a semester-long class during the second semester of ninth grade, beginning with the Class of 2030. The Leadership Legacy curriculum will explicitly teach leadership by having students reflect on their values, learn effective collaboration and communication strategies, develop systems thinking and project management skills, engage in a productive, generative feedback cycle, and champion their ideas and initiatives to ensure they leave a positive mark on the community.

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PHOTOS: MARK GARVIN FOR WHYY

ON CAMPUS

Malala Yousafzai Inspires AIS Upper Schoolers Four Upper Schoolers attended an interview with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai and NPR’s Terry Gross for her show Fresh Air. Here are their reflections on what was memorable, relatable, and even surprising about the experience. Paige Conwell ’26

Sophie Aliakseyenka ’27

Watching Malala Yousafzai’s WHYY interview with Terry Gross changed the way I think about empathy and forgiveness. She spoke compassionately about how, even after experiencing violence and hatred, she still chooses to focus on peace and helping others instead of staying angry. Malala talked about understanding that hate often comes from fear, ignorance, or the way people were raised and stressed the importance of empathy, even toward people who may never show it back. She reminded me that kindness towards others shouldn’t depend on whether they “deserve” it.

Malala Yousafzai is the first person who comes to my mind when I hear the phrase “be the change you want to see,” because she speaks up for what she believes in. At the beginning of the interview, Malala emphasized, “When I saw a microphone or camera, I stepped forward because I wanted to share my story.” Later in the interview, as they focused on how Malala survived her violent encounter with the Taliban, interviewer Terry Gross told Malala, “You won because you’re still here.” Malala, however, immediately responded, “I wish I could agree with you, but when I think about millions of Afghan women and girls who still have to live under the Taliban…it scares me. For me, a true win is when it doesn’t happen to any girl in the world.” Tabby Jenkins ’28

(L-R): Tabby Jenkins ’28, Ally Snider ’29, Paige Conwell ’26, and Sophie Aliakseyenka ’27

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At Agnes Irwin, we often learn about the hardships women have persisted through in various places, times, and conditions. The ongoing one of Malala Yousafzai has always astounded me. Often when we hear of great activists like Malala, it becomes hard to view them the same way we view ourselves, but this interview made me understand that she’s still a regular person. Furthermore, it’s assumed that, because Malala has achieved

so many accomplishments, she was a perfect student. She emphasized that, though it was not an easy path, she is “happy being okay.” I think this is a message that many AIS students should hear, because every day you hear students comparing test grades and stressing over imperfections. Malala emphasized the importance of social connection to her and that you don’t need to be the top student among your peers. Ally Snider ’29 What I found interesting about Malala’s interview was that, even though she survived a gunshot to the head and being targeted by Taliban, she was also affected by the pressures of wanting to fit in in high school. Malala reflected on being in Physics class on the day she received her Nobel Peace Prize. For the rest of the day, she received attention from her classmates and finally felt like one of the other girls at school, yet the next day, she was back to being “plain.” She spoke about not having many friends and not being popular. I found this interesting because with all of the trauma she went through, she still felt plagued by her school’s social tiers and “popular” girls. This especially stuck out to me because many girls have similar experiences of wanting friends in high school and seeking out peers to talk to.

LOWER SCHOOL

Learning the Ropes

Robotic Rides

While our Sonnenfeld Rowing Center is usually used for our crew team members to refine their technique, kindergartners took over to test their sailing boats. Students designed their crafts with the choppy waters of the tank in mind, adding bright and colorful designs in the process.

The fourth grade hosted its annual robotics competition, showcasing so much of what Agnes Irwin is known for — teamwork, learning in action, and support for one another even while engaged in friendly competition.

Under Her Own STEAM

Celebrating our 8th annual Women in STEAM Conference, we invited 17 inspiring women who work in STEAM fields to share their career experiences with our Lower School students. Students walked away amazed by all the ways their own STEAM learning has the possibility for real-world applications.

This year’s challenge tasked students with building a motorized fairground ride. In teams, they designed their project and assembled it within the time limit. They presented to parents and classmates and the judging panel, including representatives of the Upper School robotics team, Femme Tech Fatale 709.

Art Appreciation

First-grade students took a tour around The Barnes Foundation to see works of art up close in preparation for creating their own self-portraits, a long-held tradition. “We do a portrait-specific tour, and examine not just the paintings but their ornate frames and title plates. This helps the girls start thinking about how they want to portray themselves,” says art teacher Trish Siembora. “I ask them, ‘How do you see yourself? If you wanted to show someone who you are at this very moment, what does that look like?’” (See page 18 for the end result!)

I Spy...

Where do you learn to code? Spy School, of course! First-grade students worked on analog coding projects, including Morse code and ciphers, in preparation for learning digital code. They received fedora hats (for their incognito work) and certificates from STEAM specialist Mary Tyler Upshaw upon completion.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Beboppin’ With Aesop

The fifth graders breathed new life into Aesop’s Fables with their musical “Bebop With Aesop.” Pairing scenery they hand-painted with sage advice set to jazzy tunes, their depictions of frogs (look before you leap), grasshoppers (don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today) and, of course, the tortoise and the hare inspired participants and audience members alike.

An Inspiring Alumnae Visit

Tali Schley ’20 joined the Middle School to discuss her work in STEM. She earned her degree in astrophysics at the University of Colorado, where she did solar physics research and engineering for a sounding rocket mission. She is now a second-year PhD student at the University of New Mexico, studying optical science and engineering, specializing in semiconductor materials and physics for space applications.

Dancing Queens

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Advisory Parliaments took things up a notch from their usual gatherings to create themed musical performances that saw everything from the Barden Bellas to Beiberchella take the limelight in the gym for a morning of bonding and confidence-building.

Ancient Architects at Work

As part of their Cultures Connect history course, seventh graders learn about the profitable 9th- to 15th-century Indian Ocean trade routes, which relied upon gold from the kingdom of Great Zimbabwe. Inspired by the impressive stone structures in the ruins of that kingdom, which were built without mortar, teacher Ann Ramsey tasked her students to work in teams to design, build, iterate, and present small structures — using no modern adhesives. Her students gained a greater understanding of advanced architecture, the connection to other ancient cultures, engineering techniques, and how engineering and history relate. “We also had them reflect on their strengths and areas of growth as a member of a small group at the end!” she shares.

UPPER SCHOOL

With Honors

Lane Howard ’26 Named Jefferson Scholar Congratulations to Lane Howard ’26, who was selected as a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia. This honor is bestowed upon a high school senior who best exemplifies excellence in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.

The Agnes Irwin School Chapter of the Cum Laude Society inducted 16 members of the Class of 2026, pictured here with induction ceremony speaker Hayes Slate Bakken ’00. Selected for their scholastic achievement, these students represent the robust academic life at our school, and their dedication to the pursuit of knowledge serves as an inspiration to the student body.

Grace Meyerle ’26: National Merit Scholarship Winner

Getting Down to Business

At the 8th annual Villanova School of Business Conference, 30 Upper School students attended multiple workshops, practiced networking, and enjoyed lunch with the professors. Course leader Jake Greenberg says, “This annual conference, now a staple of the Economics and Entrepreneurship class, provides students with a unique opportunity to see highly successful women as academic leaders in fields often dominated by men. Many students are curious about various career paths in business or economics, and this is a wonderful way for them to get a sense of what that looks like while they’re still in high school.” Sessions included “Marketing: Creating Value for Customers” and “Data Fuels Analytics & AI.” Thanks to Assistant Dean of External Relations and Event Planning at the Villanova School of Business Cathy Toner, who assists with organizing the event each year, and to professors Rishtee Batra, PhD, Narda Quigley, PhD, Sue Metzger, and Raisa Velthuis, PhD.

Congratulations to Grace Meyerle ’26 for earning a National Merit Scholarship. Selected from a pool of over 15,000 distinguished finalists, Grace was chosen based on her academic record, participation in school and community activities, and demonstrated leadership. We commend Grace on this fantastic achievement!

A Sense of Belonging

Several Upper School girls participated in the inaugural AIS Belonging Student Leadership Summit. This year’s studentdetermined theme of We Are One: Moving Forward Together provided students the opportunity to plan, lead, facilitate, and engage in conversations centered around politics, culture, and belonging. Marin Pryma ’26 and Lauriel Morrison ’26 also interviewed national reporter Abby Cruz during the keynote address.

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Spring Review

1. Second graders Aaliyah Abdurraheem, Isabelle Werner, and Bess Kirwan in a quiet moment of group work 2. Ariya Kuda ’27 and Laiken Hurst ’37 play on the Lower School playground during After Session 3. Lorelei Jones ’28 and Davis Bauman ’28 proudly show off their class rings at the annual Sophomore Ring Day 4. Maven Morgan ’38 and the rest of the kindergarten class created inventions that solved specific needs and then presented them at the annual Invention Convention 5. Bella Gallagher ’29 works on her project in Ceramics class 6. The incoming Senior Class of 2027 on Class Night 7. Kindergartners, including Ella Perler ’38, studied the process of hatching chickens, watching them go from eggs to adorable chicks 8. Fourth graders sprinkled their (biodegradable) wishes alongside the tree planted annually in honor of long-time teacher Mrs. Marion “Dolly” Gaul 9. Lower Schoolers like Xzy Fennell-Sharpe ’35 welcomed their grandparents and special friends into their classrooms

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10. Shaina Bijlani ’28 and Bailey Farrell ’28 experiment during an Upper School science lab 11. A lively discussion in Upper School English, facilitated by faculty member Lydia Traill 12. The Bel Cantos, with Ava Nast ’28 on the mic, rehearse for an upcoming performance in the Lenox Lobby 13. Maya Duckwitz ’30 and other members of the Middle School singing group, the Grace Notes, practice for their spring performance 14. Lucy Leo ’30, Aria Bijlani ’30, and Gwen Pizzica ’30 are feeling harmonious as they practice the handbells 15. Lyla James ’26 at Smoothiefest, the annual culmination of the Economics and Entrepreneurship elective, which pits student-led “brands” against each other to sell smoothies and battle for highest net profits 16. Lower School scientists explore Kirk’s Run, the creek that runs through campus, in their school-provided yellow boots, observing plant and animal life throughout the seasons 17. Lower School science teacher Julie Haines studies seedlings with Civil Godwin ’34 18. Gus contributed to the fun at Spring Sing! SUMMER 2026

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Spring Review 2

1. Elizabeth Weigle at the piano with her seventh-grade music class (L-R): Elsa Reese, Kate McGarrity, Claire Cook, Isabella Ismael, Hadley Plourde, Izzie Gilligan, and Riley Sirchio 2. Maddie Tattar ’34 enjoys Empty Bowls, an annual event to raise awareness and money for hunger in our community and beyond 3. Middle School Student Council inducts its new class officers for the 2026-27 school year 4. Head of School Sally Keidel enjoys story time with first graders Lottie Stewart, Gigi Gallagher, and Goldie Glassner 5. Our littlest singers raised their voices at our annual Spring Sing concert 6. Middle Schoolers (Bottom, L-R): Elie Korn ’33, Lucie Thumm ’33, Jane Rinnier ’33, Mia Johnson ’33, Kadidjah Millimono ’33, Isabella Ismael ’31, Avnie Varma ’31 (Top, L-R): Zoe Korn ’30, Aria Bijlani ’30, Sydney Blair Kitchens ’30, and Adelina Buella ’31 dressed up for Middle School Stars and Stripes Day 7. The Class of 2027 pose in their new blazers after the Junior Coating Ceremony 8. Fourth graders Oakley Lanphier and Hayes Hermance enjoy class in the sunshine

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9. Aliane Vanderver ’26 explains her Honors Capstone work to Trustee Nick Karalis P’27 10. Summer Campenella ’36, Libby Lawson ’36, and Caroline Wyatt ’36 enjoy recess on the playground 11. Seniors Lauren Ayers, Maya Greene, and Mia Greenly sign each other’s kilts on the last day of class 12. Fourth grader Georgia McEvoy on Lower School Moving Up Day 13. Art teacher Keri Farrow works on creating illuminated letters for Medieval Day with her students, including Molly Mundy ’32 14. Senior Emma Watson receives the White Blazer for Athletic Achievement on Class Night from Athletic Co-Directors Lauren Wray and Courtney Lubbe 15. Eighth graders Alex Burkholder and Katherine MacDonald process into the Middle School Closing Ceremony 16. Caitlyn Liang ’27 dancing at the Celebrating Our Joy and Genius community festival

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Faculty Focus

Q&A

with Jennifer White

Jennifer White appreciates when her Middle School students mess up. As a fifth-grade science teacher since 2012 and dean of the fifth and sixth grades, she encourages girls to “learn from their mistakes and understand why they happened.” Whether students are building a gravity-defying marble roller coaster, working out a tricky formula, or dealing with a challenging Middle School-specific situation, “there’s a lot of trial and error. I try to stress to my students that, in science, you try until you get it to work the way you want it, or you find a new way to make something happen. It’s a great life lesson.” Where did you grow up? I grew up in north-central Ohio. Have you always known you wanted to be a teacher? Yes! Growing up, I was always the teacher when playing school with friends or my younger siblings. I looked up to my teachers. They were very influential people, and teaching seemed like a rewarding job in different ways. And it is! What three personality traits should a teacher have? Flexibility, compassion, and a committed work ethic. What’s the best part of your job? The students, definitely, but also the faculty. We are a really great team, and we help each other out in many ways. We don’t teach in isolation here. What’s your favorite Agnes Irwin tradition? Any time we bring all three divisions together, especially on the first day of school, when the seniors walk into the gym hand-in-hand with the preK, kindergarten, and first-grade girls. In moments like those, the common denominator is the girls, and it feels like everybody has an appreciation for what each other brings to the school community. What impresses you about Agnes Irwin students? I admire all that they manage. Between athletics, the arts, and their academic load, I’m amazed by how much they can do.

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What is your morning routine? I usually go for a 3- to 4-mile run, which clears my head for the day or gets my mental to-do list going. Then my daughter, who is a sophomore, and I arrive at school, and we go our separate ways. In Middle School, we either start our mornings in Parliament, in an assembly, or in a class meeting, so my day always begins with community.

WHAT’S YOUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?

When it comes to education, having strong fundamentals — reading, writing, and math — is critical. Without those solid foundational skills, you don’t have anything to build on.

What’s something funny about Agnes Irwin students? Their wide interpretation of the shade of navy blue. What’s one piece of advice for every Middle School student? “It will be okay.” Whether you receive a grade you didn’t want, or there’s a friendship hiccup that happens, it will be okay. What’s your dream trip? I want to visit Belfast in Northern Ireland. My paternal grandmother was from there, so it would be fun to go and meet family. How has being a parent of an Agnes Irwin student changed the way you see the school? As an educator here, I was aware of how deeply my fellow faculty members knew their students – both as learners and as people. But I’ve developed an even greater appreciation for it as I watch the relationship my daughter has built with her teachers in her first year here. Their care and willingness to help her succeed is special to see.

“The support and consideration that my Middle School students have not only for their peers but also for their teachers is inspiring to witness.” JENNIFER WHITE

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Visual & Studio Arts

Ever Brown ’37

Elizabeth Mathisen ’37

August Suanlarm ’37

Self•Reflection

In their cross-curricular selfportrait unit, first-grade art students learn about the science of skin color and paint mixing, then use a mirror to study hair, eye color, and facial features, followed by sketching and painting their self-portraits. Art teacher Trish Siembora says, “First graders are at a sweet spot in their artistic development. They’re past the scribble stage and really paying attention to details, so they’re able to self-reflect and notice what makes them unique.”

Selene Sergott ’37

Charlotte Gaspari ’37

Skylar Howard ’37

Brynlee Moyer-Rosenberg ’37

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Jayci Evans-Montague ’37

Performing Arts

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

In February, Middle Schoolers took the audience into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss in Seussical Jr., a one-act musical that weaves together beloved characters into one cohesive and imaginative adventure — narrated by The Cat in the Hat, of course.

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Performing Arts

WIZ KIDS

Puffs (One Act for Young Wizards), this spring’s Upper School theater production, brought magic and mayhem to the West-Wike Theatre. Director Sarah DeNight says, “We wanted a comedy, and the girls were excited about this one. Because the show was a parody, it gave us the freedom to be silly in a way that other scripts would not have allowed.” The show, centered on the misadventures of some other students who are sorted into houses at a school for young wizards, became “a bit more of a heavy lift props-wise than we originally thought,” Sarah describes, citing the need for 24 wands, including one that lit up, as a challenge for the props, set, and costume team. “The girls were incredible and jumped in with both feet.” Sarah explains that the art of comedy “is all about opening and closing doors — remembering those cues while switching back and forth between characters added a level to this show. We were able to move ahead in our process because the girls kept up with everything they needed to be doing.” After all their hard work, Sarah notes her reaction to the live performances. “I love all the moments the girls are able to be together and the life they created in the background of the show. As a director, that is always my goal,” she says. “This was really an ensemble piece,” Sarah continues. “The girls got to inject their creativity in moments that were up for interpretation. I’m grateful for the whole team — cast, crew, and volunteers — who literally made magic happen.”

Upper School and Middle School dancers in Dance Motion 2026 transported the audience to A Night on Broadway, bringing classics from The Great White Way to life in the West-Wike Theatre.

DANCE MOTION 20

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Athletics

BASKETBALL

Head Coach Joseph McClain Overall Record 14-14 Captains Simone Harvey ’27, Audrey Comly ’27 Records/Accomplishments Inter-Ac 3rd Place IAAL 1st Team Simone Harvey ’27 IAAL 2nd Team Bailey Perkins ’29 JV Overall Record 8-5

LACROSSE

GOLF

Head Coach Marie Logue Overall Record 16-4; Inter-Ac 2nd Place Captains Makayla Stone ’26, Anna Rufo ’27 Records/Accomplishments 2nd place in the PAISAA Tournament 2nd place in the Inter-Ac individual standings (Anna Rufo ’27) Three-way tie for 3rd place in the Inter-Ac championship (Makayla Stone ’26, Anna Rufo ’27, Sydney Wellen ’28) IAAL 1st Team Makayla Stone ’26, Anna Rufo ’27, Sydney Wellen ’28 IAAL 2nd Team Audrey Comly ’27, Zoey Moua ’27

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Head Coach Lauren Wray Overall Record 13-7 Captains Margo Chisholm ’26, Ella Garner ’26, Logan Hinckle ’26, Kate McWilliams ’26, Chelsea Kim ’26 Records/Accomplishments US Lacrosse ranked #12 nationally; Inter-Ac 3rd Place USA Lacrosse All-Americans Kelsey Young ’27, Chelsea Kim ’26 USA Lacrosse All-Academic Margo Chisholm ’26, Maggie Dooley ’27 IAAL 1st Team Kelsey Young ’27, Chelsea Kim ’26, Avery Jansen ’27 IAAL 2nd Team Margo Chisholm ’26, Maggie Dooley ’27, Lucy Schardt ’29 PASLA All-Academic Ella Garner ’26, Logan Hinckle ’26, Kate McWilliams ’26, Ella DeLacy ’27, Piper Rodgers ’27 JV Overall Record 15-2-1

SOFTBALL

Head Coach Erin Grogan Overall Record 7-2 Captains Jayden Nelson ’26, Raelyn Zielke ’27 Records/Accomplishments Most Improved Player Award: Azalea Martinez ’29; Coaches Award: Maeve White ’28 (85 strikeouts in one season); MVP Award: Jayden Nelson ’26 (10 homeruns)

SQUASH

Head Coach Fabio Cechin Overall Record 18-1 Captains Gabrielle Glaser ’26, Lucy Pierce ’26 Records/Accomplishments 2025-2026 Inter-Ac Champions; 1st place at MASA; team finished #5 in the country; MVP: Lucy Pierce ’26 IAAL 1st Team Lucy Pierce ’26, Isa Matuch ’27, BB Bullitt ’27 IAAL 2nd Team Gabrielle Glaser ’26, Mia Greenly ’26, Emily Peltier ’26, Maya Soldatovich ’26 JV Overall Record 13-1

TRACK

SWIMMING & DIVING

Head Coach Henry Oestreich Overall Record 1-6 Captains Ava Pietrini ’26, Emma Watson ’26, Violet Clancy ’27, Finley Morrissey ’26, Grace Vauclain ’26 Records/Accomplishments School records broken in 400m (Lauriel Morrison ’26), 800m (Lauriel Morrison ’26), and 4x mile (Davis Bauman ’28, Sofia Casey ’26, Wynn Hastings ’27, Grace Vauclain ’26); Lauriel Morrison ’26 named First Team All-Delco.

Head Coach Neisha Alexander Overall Record 0-5; Inter-Ac: 5th overall; Eastern Interscholastic Swimming & Diving Championships: 13th overall Captains Anna Rufo ’27, Barrett Mullin ’27, Amanda Xin ’26 Records/Accomplishments Caroline Moore ’27 set new 50 freestyle record; MVP Award: Whitney Grimley ’29, Most Improved Swimmer: Davis Ashton ’29; Coaches Award: Grace Longstreth ’27

CREW

Head Coach John Hayburn Captains Ella Etherington ’26, Lane Howard ’26 Records/Accomplishments Varsity 4x (Ella Etherington ’26, Alexandra Pierce ’27, Masie McMahon ’28, Lane Howard ’26): silver medal at City Championships, bronze medal at Stotesbury Cup regatta, and silver medal at Scholastic Nationals; Freshman 4x (Lucy Etherington ’29, Abby Mema ’29, Nayelle Hands ’29, Bella Alvarez ’29): gold medal at City Championships, silver medal at Stotesbury Cup, and gold medal at Scholastic Nationals; Varsity 2x (Kaia Bjorhus ’28, Evie Bartholdson ’28): finalist at Scholastic Nationals and City Championships and a semifinalist at Stotesbury Cup; Freshman 1x (Sofia Calabrese ’29): finalist at City Championships

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Athletics News Squash Wins Inter-Ac for Third Year in a Row

Crew Team Wins Gold and Silver in Tennessee

Agnes Irwin rowers medaled at the 2026 Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) National Championship Regatta, which took place May 22-23, 2026, at Melton Lake in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The Freshman Quad (Lucy Etherington ’29, Abby Mema ’29, Nayelle Hands ’29, and Bella Alvarez ’29, pictured above) took home the gold medal, and the Varsity 4x (Masie McMahon ’28, Ella Etherington ’26, Lane Howard ’26, and Alexandra Pierce ’27, pictured below) earned silver.

Owls Fly Through 4x100 Meter Relay

Congratulations to the 4x100 Meter Relay team (Payton New ’28, Ava Pietrini ’26, Sophia Essandoh ’29, Lucy Jones ’28) for their second-place finish at the PA Independent School Athletic Association (PAISAA) Championship Outdoor track and field meet on May 16, 2026. The team finished the relay in an impressive 52.57 seconds.

AIS Varsity Squash captured the 2026 Inter-Ac Girls’ Squash Championship, successfully defending their back-toback titles with an undefeated conference record of 4-0 and an overall 15-1 season. In December, the team won the MASA (Mid-Atlantic Squash Association) Team Championships, defeating Lawrenceville in the finals and Episcopal in the semifinals. The Owls also placed fifth in the nation at the 2026 U.S. High School Squash Championships. Head coach Fabio Cechin, Director of Squash since 2020, says, “I’m very proud of these girls. This success doesn’t happen over just one or two years — they’ve been working hard and playing for a long, long time.” The varsity team was led by a strong senior class — Lucy Pierce (Cornell), Gabrielle Glaser (Williams), Mia Greenly (Hamilton), Emily Peltier (Middlebury), and Maya Soldatovich (Middlebury) — all of whom will play squash at the collegiate level. “Our senior leadership was especially important to the team’s success this year,” says Co-Athletic Director Courtney Lubbe. “The Class of 2026 has been a part of the AIS Squash program since Middle School, and to see them come full circle to be the leaders of this team and have such incredible competitive success is really gratifying.” But the seniors will leave behind something even better than an Inter-Ac threepeat: “Their legacy will be building a solid team in a sport that’s really oriented to individuals,” Lubbe says. “They have fostered great chemistry and culture, and most importantly, demonstrated what it means to support your teammates.”

SAVE THE DATE AIS/EA DAY

NOVEMBER 13, 2026

It’s an away game! Bring your AIS school spirit to Episcopal Academy to cheer on the Owls. More details to come!

Meet Strength and Conditioning Coach Lauren Beckley

Lauren Beckley has Agnes Irwin athletes’ backs. And their ankles. And knees. As a strength and conditioning coach, Lauren works in the weight room with teams who are in-season with the goal of preventing injuries. “I try to keep them resilient enough to limit the effects of year-round play,” she says. Young women are especially susceptible to lower body and overuse injuries, so Beckley teaches girls how to maintain a strong core and sustain strength throughout the year to prevent any weaknesses from developing into serious issues. Beckley, a former high school and collegiate athlete who played professional basketball overseas, is passionate about making the weight room a less intimidating place for some girls. “I want to give them the confidence to train effectively for their sport,” she says. “There are a lot of misconceptions about working out. It’s about balance and understanding your body, knowing that pulling back is just as important as going full speed.” Her one workout must-have? “Music. The girls pick what they want to listen to and we blast it super loud. When it’s fun, you get more out of it.”

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Batter Up: Softball is Back! After a hiatus due to low numbers, the Agnes Irwin softball team has been reinstated. In her first year as head coach, Erin Grogan had a roster of 12 players with a wide range of talent: “We had some girls who needed to work on their fundamentals and one senior, Jayden Nelson, who is headed to play D1 Softball at Ole Miss!” The first practice started with the basics — ground balls, pop-ups, the mechanics of throwing — and getting a sense of where everyone was comfortable playing in the field. Though skill levels were mixed, the enthusiasm amongst the studentathletes was high. “The girls came to practice with excitement every single day,” Grogan says. “They all wanted to have fun and learn.” “Erin’s been a great leader and coach in developing the girls in their first season,” says Co-Athletic Director Courtney Lubbe.

Ace Golfer Anna Rufo Places Second in Inter-Ac

Anna Rufo ’27 finished second in the InterAc league overall for the regular season. “Anna is a great golfer. She came to Agnes Irwin as a freshman and she’s gotten better and better each year,” says Head Coach Marie Logue. Rufo was cocaptain with Makayla Stone ’26, and the two team leaders motivated each other on the course throughout the season. “On Senior Night, Anna credited Makayla, who is headed to play golf at Gettysburg, saying, ‘Playing with you has made me a better golfer,’” recalls Logue.

The team played a JV schedule and came away with a record of 7-2, losing the first two games, then winning seven straight in a row. “I think a lot of our success came from the way we responded to challenges and how quickly we grew as a team,” says Nelson ’26. “After a tough start to the season, we learned and improved instead of getting discouraged. Since we were a new team, everyone was committed to working hard, supporting each other, and figuring things out together. We trusted one another, celebrated each other, and stayed motivated, which helped us finish the season strong.” Katie Wenger ’14, who played varsity softball at Agnes Irwin, joined the coaching staff as a pitching coach alongside Head Coach Grogan and Assistant Coach and Middle School Science Teacher Katie Cooper. Wenger also credits Meghan Halberstadt, who leads the Middle School softball program, for planting the seeds that grew into this team. “Her work developing both interest and skill in our Middle School athletes has directly fueled a full roster for our high school program this year,” says Wenger. Pitcher Maeve White, who started at AIS this past year as a sophomore, says, “It was a truly rewarding experience playing for Agnes Irwin, especially as a new student. It feels great knowing we established a strong foundation for future seasons.”

The two captains were also deeply invested in promoting team camaraderie; “I’m proud of our squad’s culture,” says Logue. “Captains Anna and Makayla were both excellent at nurturing that.” The team’s great mojo went on to pay dividends. At the 2026 Inter-Ac Individual Girls Golf Championship, Anna, Makayla, and Sydney Wellen ’28 tied for third place, each scoring 43 and sharing the honor of third place overall. “It’s incredible that Agnes Irwin has three golfers in the top five of the Inter-Ac,” says Co-Athletic Director Courtney Lubbe. All three players were also named to the Inter-Ac All-League First Team. At the culmination of the season, the team finished second behind Episcopal Academy at the PAISAA Championship at Radley Run Country Club on May 11, 2026.

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Athletics News AIS Basketball Takes a Big Leap When Joseph McClain, coach of the basketball team since 2024, arrived on Agnes Irwin’s campus, he started thinking about redecorating the gym. He wasn’t looking at paint swatches, though. “At my first practice, we set a goal as a team to add a championship banner for basketball. The gym is a basketball space, and we’ve got all these banners up here for lacrosse, squash, field hockey, crew…but there is no banner for basketball. We want to change that,” he says. Over the past three seasons, the team’s record has gradually improved, while the caliber of the competition has increased dramatically. Agnes Irwin is now being recognized as true contenders in the league, even beating powerhouse Germantown Academy this year. “We have earned respect in the conference,” says Janine Arteglier, assistant basketball coach since 2014. “The other teams can’t just look past us.” McClain credits a few things with the girls’ success: “We started with a young core group of players who bought in early and believed in me and what we were doing. It showed on the court immediately,” he says. He’s also placed a huge emphasis on the team’s “sisterhood,” stressing that the team should act as a family. “When somebody falls down, we all sprint to pick them up,” he says. Shooting guard Margo Abboud ’28 agrees that this mindset has helped their performance: “We know our sisters all have our back when we play, and we always win or lose as a team. That level of trust benefits us on the court.” Without any seniors on the team this season, vocal players of all ages have contributed. “The success of our team chemistry is largely due to our student leaders’ immense dedication,” says forward Bailey Perkins ’29. Point guard Simone Harvey ’27 adds, “The team leaders help guide the younger and newer

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players, hosting team bonding activities or reviewing plays so everyone is ready come game time. Over the years, we’ve become more tight-knit and wellrounded. Having a team that meshes well is very important for a successful season.” The Agnes Irwin community is here for it. When Coach McClain first arrived, basketball games only had “a couple of parents and a handful of students as spectators.” He’s made a big push to attract a crowd, adding spectacles like a WhiteOut game and audience half-court shots at halftime, and tradition — singing the Alma Mater after home games. “The whole atmosphere on campus has changed,” says Arteglier. “Basketball games are an event, and the players love having their friends supporting them in the stands.” Coach McClain, who played high school and college ball and spent four years playing professionally in Lithuania, Bosnia, and Romania, is modest about his influence on the team, but his players have felt his impact over the past three years. “Coach McClain’s coaching style is incredibly high-energy and passionate. He motivates us to play with that same intensity on the court, pushing us because he truly believes in our potential,” says Perkins. “Coach McClain puts a lot of time and effort into the growth and development of each player on the team. The way he runs practice helps instill discipline into our play, but also teaches us that the team is bigger than any single player,” Abboud says. Co-Athletic Director Courtney Lubbe adds, “Coach McClain’s improvement of the basketball program has been a multi-year effort. He has invested in the players and their skill and leadership development with a contagious enthusiasm. As a result, the girls are tough, they don’t give up, and they have the confidence to get on the floor and compete with any team we might play.”

There’s No Place Like

Home

Proving you can go home again, 16 Agnes Irwin alumnae currently coach, teach, and work at the place they first called home as students. Here they share with us why the calling to return to their alma mater feels almost sweeter the second time around. SUMMER 2026

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Sarah Schoettle ’99

MI D D LE S CH OOL MATH TE ACHE R; MI D D LE S CH OOL VARSITY SOCCER COA CH Started in Kindergarten in 1986 Has worked at AIS since 2023 What are you proudest of during your time as a student at Agnes Irwin? What about as a teacher? As a student, I learned how to work hard and advocate for myself. As a teacher, I’m proud to be someone students feel they can come to when they have a problem. What is special about this school that makes it a great place to work? The people! I love my colleagues, the students that I teach, and the partnership I have with parents to help support their daughters. What does Irwin’s mean to you today? I am proud to work at AIS. It’s an amazing school that really knows, understands, and cares for its students. It pushes students to be their best selves in all aspects of life, while also being supportive. It is creative, fun, and girl-centered.

Meghan Burnett ’99

D I R E C TO R O F D O N O R E N G AG E ME N T Started in Ninth Grade in 1995 Has worked at AIS since 2024 What is your favorite Irwin’s tradition? The Holiday Assembly, hands down! The gym is filled with the whole school singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and the pre-vacation silliness and excitement is palpable. I love it especially because there are seldom few times as an adult you get that lastday-of-school feeling, that sense of accomplishment and anticipation as you await the start of winter break. Plus, the Bel Cantos singing “O Holy Night” makes me cry every time. It’s the best day. What did you do for SSP? I went to France with Monsieur Ross my sophomore year, which was filled with time in Paris and a homestay in Nimes, complete with visits to Arles and Avignon and a remarkably memorable trip to the Perrier factory. During my junior year, I volunteered sorting donations at Mercy Hospice, a women’s and children’s shelter in downtown Philadelphia, which was also a really meaningful experience. When you got to college, were there things — skills or behaviors — that you possessed that other students didn’t have? What were they? My writing skills were incredibly well-honed at Agnes Irwin. I knew how to critically read a text and synthesize the information for an essay. I was armed with exceptional research skills, and my writing had a clear voice and point of view that allowed me to communicate a compelling and concise argument. It’s something I’m so grateful for.

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Noelle Harmon ’04 SECOND -GR A D E TE ACH E R

Started in Kindergarten in 1991 Has worked at AIS since 2020

Chrissy Duffy Milliken ’13 FI R S T-G R AD E TE AC H E R

Started in Ninth Grade in 2009 Has worked at AIS since 2020

What makes you so passionate about all-girls education?

What was your experience like as a student at AIS?

Agnes Irwin empowers girls and shapes them into women who are capable and confident enough to create influential change in the world. The world needs women who are bold enough to take up space and attain powerful positions.

I had been struggling academically at my previous school. When I joined Agnes Irwin, the learning support team helped me identify a comprehension disorder and put systems in place to help me excel as a student. Irwin’s put me in the driver’s seat of my own education, and it felt like things finally clicked for me. I went on to get multiple higher education degrees because the school instilled in me this confidence in my own abilities that I’d been missing.

What brought you back to teach at AIS? I started working at Agnes Irwin during the pandemic. Private schools, at that time, were offering something that public schools weren’t — the opportunity to teach in person. Being physically present with students was very important to me. What feels different about the school now than when you were a student? There is a much more diverse student body. I remember being the only Black student in my class for many years, which felt very isolating. When I started teaching at Agnes Irwin, I instantly noticed there were more girls and families of color, which is a huge, positive change.

What research from the Center for the Advancement of Girls (CAG) have you implemented in your classroom? Giving girls “voice” and “choice.” In the Lower School, our curriculum is inquiry-based. There’s never only one way to get to the right answer. You can choose the way that makes sense to you. Beyond just making the choice, we encourage students to reflect on the choices they made — whether that’s emotionally, behaviorally, or academically — which can help them refine their choices in the future. What was your senior assembly topic? I spoke about sexual assault on college campuses. It was in the wake of videos on social media glorifying frat parties and binge drinking and the start of the tipping point in the way the U.S. addressed college sexual assault. As a young woman headed into that world, I wanted to educate my peers and younger classes about the potential risks and ways to stay safe.

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Courtney Malloy ’00

A FT ERNO ON/E VE NING RE CE PTIONIST Started in Kindergarten in 1987 Has worked at AIS since 2026 What songs do you most vividly remember singing with Mr. Savar? I loved “What should we do with a drunken sailor?” I can picture Mr. Savar at the piano in the music room — now the Lower School Library — singing “Shave his belly with a rusty razor!” as we all laughed hysterically. What was something that Irwin’s gave you that you didn’t really appreciate until later? My confidence. I didn’t think twice about raising my hand in my first big lecture class during my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania. There was never any hesitation or fear of looking stupid if my answer was wrong because I knew I would learn the right answer from the professor or a classmate. What are some things that you see in school now that feel different than when you were a student here, and what are some things that feel exactly the same? Some things that are different are the types of classes that are available to students now, which is great because that means that the school is growing and staying ahead of the curve when it comes to providing young women with a wellrounded education. The thing that feels the same is how much fun the girls have just being with their friends. When I see a group of girls giggling together, I get flashbacks of spending a free period in the senior lounge or the Pepsi Pit and laughing non-stop with my friends. The ability to truly enjoy being together, that hasn’t changed at all.

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Natalie Jones Brennan ’05

D I R E C TO R O F U P P E R S C H O O L AD MI S S I O N & P K- 12 TU I TI O N AS S I S TAN C E ; MI D D LE S C H O O L LE AR N TO R O W C OAC H Started in Sixth Grade in 1998 Has worked at AIS since 2018 What are you most proud of during your time as a staff member? I love having the opportunity to get to know the girls and families who are applying to the school. I am in a unique position where I hear from parents who are deeply invested in their daughters’ futures and who are sharing, often vulnerably, what matters most to them: their daughter. I firmly believe that an Agnes Irwin education can change the trajectory of a student’s life, and witnessing those outcomes is one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of my role. Was there a person or a moment at Irwin’s that really shaped you and who you became? Dr. Barnett’s Japanese History course during my senior year had a particularly lasting impact on me. His class taught me how to take effective notes, study thoughtfully for exams, and write with a more analytical and critical eye. More importantly, he taught me that high school is not about making excuses for a late assignment or turning in work that does not reflect your best effort. Instead, it is about challenging yourself, taking ownership of your learning, and striving to do your very best. Those lessons stayed with me long after I graduated and continue to influence who I am today. Your daughter is starting kindergarten in the fall of 2026. What are you hoping Irwin’s will teach her? I am excited for what AIS will offer her and the ways the school will educate her whole self. I am confident she will experience a learning environment where she is consistently encouraged to speak up, take up space, and trust her ideas without hesitation.

Celeste Tarbox Hall ’06 S E C O N D -G R AD E TE AC H E R

Started in Kindergarten in 1993 Has worked at AIS since 2023 In what ways did Agnes Irwin teach you to be a leader?

Maddie Aguirre ’19

VARSITY SWIMMING ASSISTANT COACH Started in First Grade in 2007 Has worked at AIS since 2024 When you started your journey as an AIS student, who were you when you first arrived here and who were you by the time you left? I started as a kindergartener who didn’t brush her hair and never sat still. My parents always said I was eager to learn everything I could and create as much chaos as possible while doing it. When I graduated from Irwin’s, I was not much better at sitting still, nor at containing the chaos, but I did finally learn to brush my hair. I credit my Agnes Irwin teachers for fostering my love of learning. What was something that Irwin’s gave you that you didn’t really appreciate until later? I didn’t appreciate the opportunities for public speaking until much later. Throughout my years at AIS, I performed in plays, talked in class and assemblies, culminating with my Senior Assembly. It was not until well into college that I realized what an advantage I’d been given. At work, I am able to fearlessly contribute in meetings and give presentations to high-level executives without batting an eye.

Irwin’s taught me that you can be a quiet and calm leader, and lead by example. I tell my students that there’s a leader in all of them, it just might come out in different ways. You may not be the loudest, but your leadership can impact others just the same. When you started your journey as an AIS student, who were you when you first arrived here and who were you by the time you left? When I arrived, I was a quiet, shy third child, wearing hand-medown uniforms, and I left after 13 years incredibly confident and ready to take on the world. I got to college and quickly realized Dr. Barnett’s history classes were way harder than any freshman seminar, and I had the experience of being the only girl raising her hand in class. I think the biggest thing I took away from Irwin’s was my confidence. Was there a teacher at Irwin’s who inspired you to become a teacher or influenced the way that you teach? Coming back to work for [Lower School Director] Melanie Slezak has been a full-circle moment for me. She was early in her career at AIS when I started in kindergarten, and she helped me with reading support. Now I get to work alongside her every day. She is someone I deeply respect and I’m aligned with her values and her ethos — it’s so meaningful.

What is so fun about coaching AIS students? I love coaching the current students because they have the same love for sports as I do and are dedicated to both their studies and being an athlete. I like to think I can relate to the girls and offer some real-world perspective on how their classes will help them in college and beyond.

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Brooke Norrett Corr ’95

S E N I O R D I R E C TO R O F ALU MN AE R ELAT I O N S

Abbe Wright ’03

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Started in First Grade in 1991 Has worked at AIS since 2026 What songs do you most vividly remember singing with Mr. Savar? Mr. Savar was hugely influential in the way he taught me — and all of us — to love music. I always enjoyed belting out “Corner of the Sky,” especially that evocative lyric about the way dreams have of sticking to the soul. But the song that reminds me most of him is ABBA’s “Thank You for the Music.” “Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing…Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing…!” It feels like the embodiment of who Mr. Savar was and the musical way he moved through the world. How did your time at Agnes Irwin prepare you for the role you have now? Working in the Marketing and Communications department, I get to tell the story of Agnes Irwin every day — on social media, in newsletters and the magazine, to prospective families, current families, and alumnae. Having attended the school for 12 years, I am well-versed in what makes AIS so special. I feel so lucky to get to shout about this school from the rooftops. What was your senior assembly topic? I spoke about how women’s fashion illustrated their place in society, examining corsets in the Victorian era, the rise of hemlines in the 1920s, and the emergence of pants during World War II. I paired the speech with visuals that demonstrated my thesis. However, I procrastinated finishing the slides so much that one faculty grader wrote, “Your final product was impressive, even if your process for producing it was hectic.” Sounds about right!

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Started in Fourth Grade in 1986 Has worked at AIS since 2011 Was there a person or a moment at Irwin’s that really shaped you and who you became? I remember in fourth grade, the love for reading came to me, almost as if a switch had been flipped. We did a reading challenge in Mrs. Hill’s classroom where, for every book you read, you got to add a square to the body of a caterpillar that circled the whole ceiling. I came in second place! I read so many books that year, and I haven’t stopped since. What is special about this school that makes it a great place to work? In my role, I get to meet so many alumnae of all different ages. I can have a conversation with somebody that graduated 60 years ago or 10 years ago, and we immediately find common ground, just based on our shared experiences and traditions of having attended this school. Are you still in touch with friends you made at AIS? How have those friendships shaped you as you all have grown up? Yes, I still am in touch with women from my class. It’s wild, I think I’ve known some of them for almost 40 years. Sometimes it’s hard to not look at them like they’re 9. I’ve also made some really great friends with other women from different classes through my role as Director of Alumnae Relations.

Allison Hough ’01

D I R E C TO R O F D E V E LO P ME N T

Caitlin Sweeney ’99 FOU RT H-GRAD E TE ACH E R

Started in Kindergarten in 1986 Has worked at AIS since 2019 What research from the CAG have you implemented in your classroom for your students? I’ve incorporated positive messaging at the beginning of things that feel “high stakes” to the girls, like noting their amazing progress right before the start of a math test. It’s my hope that it has an impact on how they perceive their work and learning. Was there a class at Irwin’s that really impacted you? In Upper School, I had the freedom to explore my passions further. I took an elective called Media Arts, which I loved because it felt so different from my other classes — it was really fun! I liked any opportunity to shine outside the traditional coursework because it reassured me that all kinds of talents were important. In what ways do you feel like Agnes Irwin taught you to be a leader? Because of the small class sizes, your teachers really knew you, which meant that, as a student, you felt seen and like you mattered. If I know that I matter, then I feel confident to put myself out there and lead.

Started in Fourth Grade in 1992 Has worked at AIS since 2021 How did Agnes Irwin help you become the person you are today? At Agnes Irwin, I never questioned my abilities. I never put a cap on what I could achieve. You are surrounded by girls in every leadership position at school. Everything that needs to be done by students is done by girls. To this day, I never question whether something is more of a man’s role. I don’t even think about it. I am not sure if I would view things that way had I not attended a girls’ school. What excites you most as you think about the future of the school? I love that the school has a dedicated curriculum around building leaders. Included in that are age-appropriate ways of working with others, of the importance of collaboration, and restorative practices for conflict resolution. Girls are given the tools to have hard, honest conversations with each other. Those skills produce even stronger leaders — women who are successful and confident, but who can also give voice to what is going well and what isn’t going well and find ways to move forward. You interact with lots of different alumnae in your role. Is there a common thread that every former Irwin’s girl possesses? The alumnae that I meet are very proud of their connection to Agnes Irwin, and they all reference that in slightly different ways. Some say it made them great writers, or wonderful leaders, or the only woman in their field. Everyone’s path is distinct, but the common denominator is that they spent their formative years in a supportive, encouraging, challenging environment, and they credit the school as the foundation from which they went on to do amazing things in their careers and lives.

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Lauren Mayer Sweetser ’08

MI D D LE SCH OOL H ISTORY & E NGLISH TE AC H E R Started in Kindergarten in 1995 Has worked at AIS since 2019 What was your experience like as a student at AIS? My experience at AIS was both nurturing and academically challenging. I felt encouraged to develop my own voice and interests while also being pushed outside my comfort zone academically. Did Agnes Irwin imbue you with a joy of learning that you’re passing on to your students? Yes! I can think of teachers in every division who made learning feel exciting and meaningful. Some inspired me through subjects I already loved, while others helped me appreciate the value of persistence in subjects that were harder for me. What is special about this place that makes it a great place to teach? One thing that makes AIS a great place to teach is that students genuinely want to learn. They ask thoughtful questions, care about ideas, and are willing to engage deeply with material. The faculty culture is also incredibly collaborative and supportive.

Rosie Kalis ’16

ALU MN AE R E LATI O N S AS S O C I ATE ; AS S I S TAN T V AR S I TY FI E LD H O C KE Y C O AC H Started in Ninth Grade in 2012 Has worked at AIS since 2021 What is your favorite Irwin’s tradition? My favorite tradition is AIS/EA Day. Everyone loves it because the school spirit is on overdrive and the hype leading up to the games is so exciting. The last time we won, I was a sophomore on the field hockey team and I know what it feels like to win as a player. Now, as a coach, I look forward to it every single year because I want the girls to experience that awesome feeling of victory. What was your senior assembly topic? Title IX, the law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program that receives federal funding. I spoke about the ways it transformed women’s sports, offering athletes like Serena Williams, who was in the first generation of women who benefitted from the increased investment in women’s athletics, more access to competitive training, and sports scholarships. What’s something that Irwin’s gave you that you didn’t really appreciate until later? Attending Agnes Irwin was the first time I was in a girl-centered environment, and I didn’t appreciate how important that was to me until after I left. The female friendships I made at Agnes Irwin shaped my entire girlhood. When I was surrounded by my field hockey teammates in college, which somewhat replicated the experience of being at AIS, I knew enough to know that what I’d had at Irwin’s was incredibly special and very rare.

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Katie Wenger ’14

VARSITY SOFTBALL PITCHING COACH Started in Sixth Grade in 2007 Has worked at AIS since 2020 What was your experience like as a student at Agnes Irwin? AIS challenged me academically in all the right ways. It pushed me to think deeper, ask better questions, and never settle for surface‑level answers. Those habits shaped my college experience and continue to guide me today. How did Agnes Irwin help you become the person you are today? Agnes Irwin teaches you to advocate for your own success. When I was struggling in algebra class, my teacher, Joy Connelly, continuously told me that help was available but I had to be the one to seek it. When I worked up the courage to ask for help, she took time outside of class to teach and support me. This taught me to lean on support systems, advocate for my own needs, and ultimately succeed in the classroom.

Emily Readinger Zachary ’08 KI N D E R G AR TE N TE AC H E R

Started in Ninth Grade in 2004 Has worked at AIS since 2019 What research from the CAG have you implemented in your classroom for your students? Risk-taking in a comfortable setting. I provide the environment to safely take risks so that the girls can more easily tackle challenges outside the class setting. When kindergarteners speak in front of a big group at our Invention Convention, those skills have been cultivated in the classroom. Your daughter just finished PreK. What are you seeing that she’s being given in the classroom? As a teacher, we say ‘every child is working on something.’ In my daughter’s case, she needed to work on resiliency. Thanks to the Leadership Toolkit in the Lower School, she’s being taught what it means to bounce back after a disappointment. What was something that Irwin’s gave you that you didn’t really appreciate until later? Agnes Irwin gave me the skills to grow into an independent person. I love the life I’ve built today. I think that’s a testament to Agnes Irwin, because the school gave me the space to be my own person and to like who I became. That’s what I want to give my students.

What did being a student-athlete at AIS teach you? I learned what it means to be a representative of your school. When you had the AIS jersey on, you didn’t just represent yourself, you represented the entire community. Good sportsmanship and respect were paramount. This type of mentality certainly helped me when playing in college and after graduation as I consider my own personal brand and reputation.

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Board of Trustees Transitions

A Legacy of Leadership As they prepare for a governance transition, Trustees Anne Ford P’30 and Aarti Bijlani P’28 ’30 talk about their forward-looking vision for Agnes Irwin, their mutual love for the school, and their commitment to its success and longevity

Our gratitude to outgoing Board of Trustees chair Anne Ford P’30

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After four years as Chair of the Board of Trustees, Anne Ford P’30 is passing the torch to incoming Board Chair Aarti Bijlani P’28 ’30. “I am so thankful for Anne’s strategic leadership and dedication over the past eight years, both as a board member and then chair of the board, and I have every confidence in the transition from her to Aarti this summer,” says Head of School Sally Keidel. “The depth of knowledge and wisdom that Anne and Aarti have shared with one another will create a seamless transfer that ensures the continued strength of the school.”

year strategic plan, aligning the community with the same long-term objectives for the school. “I’ve seen concrete changes in the curriculum and witnessed the throughline in the education girls receive from PreK through twelfth grade develop and mature,” Anne says. “We activated the Core Values, moving them from static words like ‘excellence’ to action verbs, as in ‘strive for excellence.’” That seemingly small change left a huge impact on students and faculty alike — “they’re the foundation upon which everything else is built,” says Anne.

Under Anne’s leadership, Agnes Irwin has seen increased enrollment and implemented “A Boundless Vision of Success,” Agnes Irwin’s five-

A central highlight of Anne’s tenure has been her stewardship of a long-range fundraising plan, which includes investments in the campus, like

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the school’s new turf fields, and a strengthened endowment in order to fulfill the goals of the strategic plan. She also takes great satisfaction in her collaborative relationship with Sally, whom she helped onboard in 2020, supporting her as she navigated the challenges of the pandemic. “I’ve watched Sally grow and thrive as an excellent Head of School and I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to do together,” Anne says. Reflecting on Anne’s chairship, Aarti notes that the entire board appreciates Anne’s strategic sense and her “unique ability to make everyone feel included,” which has fostered deep institutional trust. As Aarti steps into the role of Board Chair, she brings seven years of dedicated service as an Agnes Irwin trustee alongside her extensive corporate acumen as a pharmaceutical marketing executive. She is well-positioned to further accelerate the momentum established under Anne’s leadership. “Aarti has a natural ability to bring people together, and she’s an extremely thoughtful and smart leader,” says Anne. “I’m excited to see her continue the work of helping the board think strategically about the school’s future.” Aarti views her upcoming position through an optimistic lens she calls “the art of the possible.” “I’ve seen the dynamic ways the school has grown and changed — it’s been pretty spectacular,” Aarti explains. “But it makes me wonder, what else is possible? The Board has a strategic and fiduciary responsibility to make sure Agnes Irwin is robust and secure so it will be around for the next 150 years. What else can we do to further drive the success of this school?” Some of Aarti’s key priorities as Board Chair will be to foster the school’s continued innovation, including evolving the curriculum, so that Irwin’s graduates remain uniquely prepared for an everchanging world. “It’s a challenge to think about preparing students for a rapidly changing technological landscape shaped by AI — both PreK students who will graduate in 13 years, and the college-bound Class of 2026, who will likely join the workforce in four years.”

Meet New Board of Trustees Chair Aarti Bijlani P’28 ’30 Incoming Board Chair Aarti Bijlani is a pharmaceutical commercial executive and healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience. As Managing Director at AB Healthcare, she consults on commercial strategy for neuroscience and rare disease clients. Previously, as VP of Sleep Marketing at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Aarti led a $2 billion portfolio and launched SUNOSI, an innovative new treatment in the sleep space. Her extensive career includes marketing leadership roles at Pfizer and Auxilium, and strategy consulting at Deloitte. Recognized with MM+M’s 2024 “Women of Distinction” Award, Aarti holds an MBA from Emory University and a BA from Barnard College, Columbia University. She serves on multiple boards, including the Lankenau Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, and has been a member of the Agnes Irwin School Board of Trustees since 2019, serving as a vice-chair for the past year. Aarti and her husband, Jai, have two daughters, Shaina ’28 and Aria ’30.

As they think about stewarding the school into the future, both Anne and Aarti agree that innovation shouldn’t eclipse the beloved shared history of the school. Reflecting on what her own daughter values most, Anne counsels: “We can’t lose the traditions. These long-standing institutional milestones — from Mayfair to senior assemblies — are what anchor the girls to a larger community and connect them to generations of alumnae that came before them.”

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Purpose + Passion

Electives allow girls to choose their own adventure By Erin Dentmon Did you ever wonder how the brain works? Agnes Irwin offers an elective class that turns such mysteries into knowledge.

myths continue to captivate audiences — through TV shows like Ancient Aliens or YouTube channels dedicated to topics like Bigfoot sightings.

Curious about how 9/11 marked a turning point in the modern world? There’s an elective on that. What would it be like to search for fossils? There’s one about that, too.

“We do a deep dive and ask: What are these graphics on the screen showing you? What are the presenters claiming? What expertise, if any, do they have with the actual subject matter?” says Classics Department Chair, Dr. Patrick Beasom, who first taught the course as a freshman seminar at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

Agnes Irwin’s vast range of electives allow girls to explore the subjects and topics that spark their curiosity. “In the Center for the Advancement of Girls, one of our principles of girl-centered learning is ‘choice.’ Another is ‘voice,’” says Assistant Head of School Dr. Elizabeth Rossini. “Electives give students freedom of choice in their course offerings. Additionally, electives ask students to apply content and skills previously learned to effectively demonstrate their understanding in new ways.”

Interpreting the World One way students demonstrate that understanding is by collecting and analyzing information that has wandered outside the lines of a traditional academic subject. History of Pseudoarchaeology & Conspiracy Theories, offered through the Classics department, builds on misinformation. Students take a critical look at how false histories spread and why buzzy

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This elective, offered to any AIS Upper Schooler in 2025-26, builds on the media literacy course required for all freshmen. While students learn the particulars of some famous conspiracy theories, they learn even more about applying and trusting their own logic processes. “You don’t have to have a PhD in Egyptology. You just have to listen carefully and watch attentively. That’s one of the best lessons the students take away,” Beasom says. In International Relations, an eleventh- and twelfth-grade history elective taught by Sean McCormick, students learn some of the most popular theories of international relations, then apply those theories as they discuss current and historical events. “This past year, we spent a lot of time discussing the United States’ relationships with Cuba,

Ashley Powers and seventh-grade students Haven Holuba, Lilly Thumm, and Lily Duddy, in her Making a Difference: 3D Design and Engineering for Change class, put the finishing touches on their signage for the Middle School carpool line

Venezuela, and Iran, all of which have been in the news,” explains Paige Conwell ’26. “Any of the many questions we had were never shied away from, which gave us a great opportunity to gain knowledge about these current events.” In addition to robust discussions, students run simulations, analyze films, and design role-playing games that illustrate potential paths for conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine War or tensions in the South China Sea.

elective for the fourth credit. Writing the Self, a new course being offered for 2026-27, aims to teach students to create powerful, first-person stories. Teacher Dr. Nimisha Ladva started her personal journey of memoir writing by entering oral-storytelling events through The Moth and First Person Arts. After seeing her stories resonate and win a few competitive events, she branched into playwriting, often inspired by her life experiences.

Students are curious about their inner lives, too.

“A story is the shortest distance between two people. Storytelling is a great way to have self-reflection and can be the basis of bridge-building in the classroom,” she says.

Agnes Irwin students are required to take four English credits; as seniors, they must choose an

Writing the Self students will participate in their own Moth-style oral-storytelling event, write

Knowing the Self

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personal essays, and experiment through free writing. Throughout, they’ll work on unearthing and revisiting significant moments in their lives, making connections through distilling and sharing the emotions that surface.

Dr. Patrick Beasom dialogues with students from his History of Pseudoarchaeology & Conspiracy Theories class, including Quinn Rudenstein ’29

Looking to the Future Many electives offered to juniors and seniors let students peer into future possibilities — career paths they might take and ways they could contribute to the world. Research in Microbiology is a year-long elective that exposes students to professional research practices as they take part in a real research initiative. Students learn advanced laboratory techniques and work with an organization called Tiny Earth that crowdsources the discovery of new antibiotics from soil microorganisms. Most students who choose the course have an interest in science or healthcare careers. “What excited me about the course was working to find a new antibiotic and to make a difference, while also learning several different laboratory skills that I have now used in college,” says Caitlyn Monestere ’25, who took the course her senior year. “I discovered that I really love working in the lab and plan to have a career in microbiology or molecular biology.” Like many Agnes Irwin faculty, teacher Cheryl Ellis draws on her outside expertise in leading the course. After 20 years as a clinical microbiologist, one of her first forays into education was creating a continuing-education course on bacteriology for nurses.

Something New: Middle School Electives So much of Middle School at Agnes Irwin is about discovering one’s self. Based on the success of the Upper School program, Middle School electives launched in 2024, further helping girls along the journey of self-discovery. “In Middle School, the students are at a developmental stage where they are figuring out who they are and what matters to them,” Rossini says. “The electives students select in seventh and eighth grade give them the opportunity to explore something that interests them and might even turn into a real passion in high school or beyond.” One popular offering for seventh graders has been physical education, perfect for students who want to grow as athletes or crave daily movement when PE is no longer required. “We took a field trip to a driving range, and once we got outside, hitting actual golf balls, some of the girls became way more excited about golf,” says Middle School PE teacher and Coach Meghan Halberstadt. “We also had pretty high interest in flag football, which has been gaining popularity.”

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Jihan Ghani ’31 delivers her TED Talk to an audience of her peers

Next year, she plans to introduce adaptive sports, similar to what might be seen in the Paralympics. For the elective TED Talks Comes to AIS, designed and taught by Sarah Schoettle ’99, students gave three speeches to their peers throughout the semester. Not only was the class aimed at improving students’ public speaking skills and their ability to communicate their ideas, it also served as a project management tool, teaching girls how to break down a large task into smaller pieces, plus schedule their time effectively, organize materials, and research topics and ideas. While speeches needed to adhere to a topic (a woman in history, a country they’d like to visit, and an invention that has made a large impact on their lives), girls could exercise choice, helping to foster individual passions and a love of learning through their own interests. The seventh-grade elective Making a Difference: 3D Design and Engineering for Change combines fabrication techniques with research and service.

Emma Vanderver ’23 and Cheryl Ellis examine culture growth on a blood agar plate in Research in Microbiology

“Project-based learning allows student creativity, resilience, and ingenuity to shine, drawing out talents that traditional classes do not assess,” says teacher Ashley Powers. Those talents shone as students designed new backpacks for classmates and 3D-printed memorials to honor women innovators. The students also used their new skills to identify problems and design solutions across campus, like helping the admissions staff add more welcoming touches to prospective students’ visits.

Nimisha Ladva listens to Nina Lee ’28 share her thoughts in class

Lily Duddy ’31 and her group worked with Middle School Director Corey Willingham to create signage that would improve the carpool line. “We chose specific designs, colors, and materials that would stand out so Middle School parents would know to pull up to the front of the car line every morning,” she explains. “We had to try several materials so the sign would stay up and be durable.”

Uniquely Agnes Irwin Girls learn better when the subject is relevant to their lives, another of the six principles of the Center for the Advancement of Girls. Because girls have the freedom to choose electives that feel relevant, they are energized by the classes, ready to tackle challenging material, and ultimately learn more about themselves while applying critical and creative thinking skills. With eager students, enthusiastic expert teachers, and a commitment to voice, choice, and relevance, electives are a reflection of the school’s belief that girls learn best when they are encouraged to explore, question, create, and lead.

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Commencement JUNE 4, 2026 | Class of 2026 1

1. Commencement Speaker Susan Hirtle McEvoy ’00 P’31 ’34 addresses the graduates 2. Lauren Ayers receives her diploma from Head of School Sally Keidel 3. The bouquets, green, in honor of the Class of 2026’s class color 4. Class Speaker Gabrielle Glaser 5. Faculty members process through the graduates 6. The Class of 2026! 7. Lane Howard receives The Alumnae Association English Prize from Dr. Colbert Root 8. Head of School Sally Keidel gives her remarks to the graduating class 9. Kelsey Meyerle accepts The Phyllis Belisle Mathematics Prize from Tricia Colclaser, Chair of the Upper School Mathematics Department 10. Grace Meyerle and Sage McCoy recess following the ceremony 11. Isabella Lowther and Gwen Schnyder enjoying their commencement 12. Saira Kang accepts her diploma 13. A jubilant moment of celebration from the brand-new alumnae

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“Being known isn’t a small thing. I would argue it is the whole thing.” SUSAN HIRTLE MCE VO Y ’ 00 P’ 31 ’ 34

n June 4, a picture-perfect day that felt practically custom-ordered for commencement, the Class of 2026 accepted their diplomas, threw their bouquets high, and officially became Agnes Irwin alumnae. These 77 “Owls for Life” joined their families, Agnes Irwin faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees for the celebration, which included the awarding of prizes and diplomas, as well as addresses by class-elected speaker Gabrielle Glaser ’26 and commencement speaker Susan Hirtle McEvoy ’00 P’31 ’34. To the faculty, Glaser said, “I want to offer a huge thank you to all of the people who have supported our class along the way. You helped us discover our passions and nurtured them. You taught us to be firm in our beliefs, confident in ourselves, and to never let anyone tell us who we are. Your classrooms were a safe space to explore and create the dreams that we will carry with us in the years ahead.” And to her classmates, her fond farewell: “You are all extraordinary in so many ways. Please continue to be your aspiring, spirited, hardworking, determined, feisty, and authentic selves. I am so glad that I got to grow up with all 77 of you as my friends and my family. These relationships will last us a lifetime, hold onto each other, hold onto the foundation that we have built here. And now it is time to embark on our new journeys. I am so excited to see where this next chapter takes you all.”

McEvoy started by sharing that, in recent weeks, everyone kept asking her “Are you ready?” to give the commencement address. She, in turn, asked the soon-to-be graduates, “Are you ready?” She went on to say, “You may not feel completely ready for all the new experiences before you…but we know you are prepared. This is one of life’s great paradoxes: being prepared but not quite ready. What I want you to remember is there is powerful energy inside a paradox.” She explained: “The people who shaped my life, my family, my teachers, my coaches, my friends, the people who make up our Agnes Irwin community didn’t tell me who I was to become. They paid attention to me. They saw me. They helped me discover it for myself. Agnes Irwin has been preparing you to live inside the tension of paradox your whole time here. This school holds tradition and innovation in the same breath. It asks you to stand alone at a podium and to sit in community in the audience.” She asked the seniors to close their eyes and imagine the moment at Agnes Irwin when they felt most like themselves and reminded them: “Being known isn’t a small thing. I would argue it is the whole thing.” She concluded by sending them off with the encouragement that they are, indeed ready. “Class of 2026, the class that bleeds green, are you ready? We see you. We are proud of you, and we will always be here for you. You may not always feel ready. Most of us don’t. But you are. Ready to learn. Ready to grow. Ready to become. You are ready.”

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Academic Departmental Awards

Phi Beta Kappa winner Ysabel Staton with Head of School Sally Keidel

Phi Beta Kappa Association of the Delaware Valley Ysabel Staton 4

The Agnes Irwin School History Prize Elizabeth Shacklett The Alumnae Association English Prize Lane Howard The Agnes Irwin School Modern Language Prize Isabella Percec, French Zandi Gardiner, Mandarin Gabrielle Glaser, Spanish The Edith C. Gall Science Prize Aliane Vanderver The Bertha Laws Classics Prize Grace Meyerle

The Phyllis Belisle Mathematics Prize Kelsey Meyerle

The Agnes Irwin School Visual and Performing Arts Prize Amelia Marshall

10 11

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1. Mia Bisson, Adelaide Dehne, Emma Watson, and Ella Goggin capture some final photos together 2. Head of School Sally Keidel and Board of Trustees Chair Anne Ford P’30 3. Isabella Lowther, Anna Cooley, Sofia Casey, Kate McWilliams, Mason Hippler, and Logan Hinckle embrace before processing into commencement 4. Maya Greene celebrates with her parents, Rita JohnsonGreene and Bernard Greene 5. Lucy Pierce and her mother Lindsey Marshall Pierce ’89 6. Mimi Flanagan Greenly ’86 and daughter Mia Greenly 7. Three generations of Irwin’s alumnae: Julie Ernst Geer ’61, Mason Hippler, Emily Geer Hippler ’96, and Jacqueline Geer Murphy ’86 8. The James family — Tex, John, Anne, and Macy James ’24 — with their graduate Lyla James 9. History Prize winner Elizabeth Shacklett with her parents Jennifer and Jamie Shacklett IV 10. Finley Morrissey is congratulated by her family 11. Wishing the Class of 2026 all the best!

CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2026 CLASS OF 2026 | Commencement

362 offers of admission

20%

are recruited athletes who will play in college

students were admitted to “very selective” schools, whose admit rates are 25% and below, according to College Kickstart

Our 77 seniors will continue their education at 49 institutions in 24 states, Washington, D.C., Scotland, and Spain Boston College

Georgetown University

Spelman College

University of Notre Dame (2)

Boston University (3)

Gettysburg College (2)

Stanford University

University of Pennsylvania (2)

Bucknell University (4)

Hamilton College

Syracuse University (2)

University of Richmond

Clemson University

Hofstra University

Texas Christian University

University of South Carolina

Colby College

Lehigh University (3)

Temple University

University of St Andrews

College of William & Mary

Louisiana State University

Trinity College

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Columbia University

Middlebury College (2)

Tufts University

University of Virginia (2)

Cornell University (5)

New York University (2)

Tulane University (4)

University of Wisconsin

Drexel University

Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Wake Forest University

Duke University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

University of California, Berkeley

Washington & Lee University

Elon University

Pennsylvania State University (3)

University of Delaware (2)

Williams College

Fairfield University (3)

Pepperdine University (2)

University of Maryland

Fordham University

Princeton University (2)

University of Mississippi

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The Social Set Throughout the winter and spring, Agnes Irwin alumnae up and down the East Coast gathered together for fun, fellowship, and fitness!

vero beach

1. (Front row, L-R): Langie Manley Mannion ’57 P’81 GP’21, Susan Sheaffer Werner ’68 GP’36, Anne Ford P’30, Karen Drury GP’30 (Second row, L-R): Melinda Justi P’10, Lorraine Jones P’05, Molly Schnaars Otto ’71, Judy Barnes Luke ’55, Jeannie Bradway Spillane ’71, Renee Whitehead P’10 ’14, Head of School Sally Keidel P’27, Nancy Day Sharp ’61 P’88 ’89 GP’20, Suzy Dorrance P’03 ’07, Lee McIlvaine Manonian ’66 (Third row, L-R): Margaret Welsh P’04 ’07, Theodora Landgren GP’30 ’34 ’36, Allison Hough ’01, Eve Bullitt Pierce ’72 P’04 ’06 ’09, Chrisy Masters Jones ’78 2. Molly Schnaars Otto ’71 receives her Laurel Society pin from Head of School Sally Keidel P’27

ALUMNAE EVENT CALENDAR 2026–2027 PHILADELPHIA YOUNG ALUMNAE HAPPY HOUR

Thursday, October 22, 2026 NEW YORK CITY ALUMNAE GATHERING 4

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 ALUMNAE HOLIDAY COFFEE & ASSEMBLY

Friday, December 18, 2026 SAN FRANCISCO ALUMNAE GATHERING Sunday, January 31, 2027

WASHINGTON, D.C. ALUMNAE GATHERING Sunday, March 7, 2027

3. Alumnae gather at 672 Conestoga for a morning of mah-jongg 4. Lexy Pierce ’06, Janet Bartholdson Fry ’06, and Suzie Welsh Devine ’07 catch up over a game 5. Catherine Flint Chen ’04, Chloe Johnston ’04, and Nevin Murkley Torres ’04 6. Charlotte Baker Koberg ’64, Daille Reeve Sharpless ’64, Laura Wheeler Golding ’64, and Winkie Wheeler ’68 P’99 ’02 GP’29 are instructed by Suzett Hamilton P’39 (standing)

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REUNION WEEKEND 2027

Friday, April 30–Sunday, May 2, 2027

washington, d.c.

Alumnae luncheon at District Winery in Washington, D.C. 1. (Front row, L-R): Brooke Norrett Corr ’95, Gage Parr ’87, Meghan Comey Thomas ’99, Brandy Dempsey Reaves ’98, Stasha Gibbs ’99, Tina Schwab Anderson ’69, Mary Anne Powers Nyanzi ’93, Sarah Ballarini ’16, Hads Ogden Holmgren ’98, Stephanie Hedges Acerra ’92, Anna Cayley ’19, Laurel Lundstrom ’98, Laura Mackay ’04 (Back row, L-R): Rosie Kalis ’16, Head of School Sally Keidel P’27, Allison Hough ’01, Iman Martin ’99, Paige Davis ’14, Anna Kramer ’16, Kate Farrell ’93, Devon Williams ’92 2. Sarah Ballarini ’16, Paige Davis ’14, Anna Kramer ’16 3. Hads Ogden Holmgren ’98, Laurel Lundstrom ’98, Brandy Dempsey Reaves ’98 4. Iman Martin ’99, Gage Parr ’87, Stasha Gibbs ’99 5. Kate Farrell ’93, Stephanie Hedges Acerra ’92, Devon Williams ’92, Tina Schwab Anderson ’69

Agnes Irwin alumnae and friends of the school get their sweat on during a spin class at FitMix Studios in Malvern (Front row, L-R): Hadley Harper Witcher ’82, Anne Oakley (friend of AIS), Brooke Norrett Corr ’95, Allison Hough ’01, Tyler Kane Kennedy ’01. (Back row, L-R): Hadley Smith Struckell ’13, Kathleen Laflin (friend of AIS), Allison Cocozza P’31 ’33, Tori Bowa ’01 SUMMER 2026

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Connections COLLEGE

Recent graduates share what they are up to in college — and what they carried with them from Agnes Irwin.

Kimberly Tyson ’22

Loretta Bigelow ’22

Dickinson College

University of Connecticut

History

Animal Science

Kimberly Tyson ’22 just graduated from Dickinson College, earning a bachelor’s degree in history with a double minor in creative writing and classical studies. She is quick to point to her time at Agnes Irwin as directly impacting her choices: “The foundation came from Agnes Irwin — in Middle School, my history and Latin teachers inspired my love for both subjects.”

Loretta Bigelow ’22 values a hands-on learning experience. She’s been riding horses and working with livestock since her time in 4-H as a kid, and she knew as an Agnes Irwin upperclassman that she wanted to attend a college with a great animal science and pre-veterinary program.

“My close relationships with my AIS teachers influenced how I built my relationships with professors in college.”

Kimberly served as the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, The Dickinsonian, where she was part of the staff for four years. She’s grateful for the opportunity to report on events and subjects impactful to her college community. “This also goes back to my time at Agnes Irwin,” she says. “I was Editor-in-Chief of The Wick for two years, so journalism has always been a passion of mine.” Her experience at Agnes Irwin paid other dividends at coed Dickinson, as well: Breaking the ice with a professor by mentioning that she came from an all-girls school, the teacher replied, “I can tell because of the way you speak up in class and the way you conduct yourself.” Having served as an acquisitions editorial intern at Yale University Press over the past two summers, Kimberly is looking to continue her work in academic publishing. “Being able to participate in the continuation of scholarship in that way feels really meaningful,” she shares. “I hope my work contributes to the people and communities around me.”

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She landed at the University of Connecticut, which boasts on-site farms and over a thousand animals used in teaching and research. “In my classes, we work hands-on with dairy and beef cows, horses, sheep, and pigs. For my animal nutrition lab, we spent time in the fields, analyzing grasses and hay,” she explains. So far, Loretta’s had firsthand experience in a pre-vet fellowship in Milan, Italy, and has spent two summers at Penn’s New Bolton Center as an equine vet assistant. She prefers working with livestock animals because she’s interested in solving problems like herd health, helping farmers meet maximum production. Equine medicine has another parallel to one of Loretta’s passions; “There’s a sports medicine component to working with horses,” she shared, “because so many people ride in competitions, you’re helping them achieve peak performance.” At Irwin’s, she was an athlete, first on the squash team and then on the cross country and track teams. “I had never run before, but I wanted to be a part of EA Day,” she said. Running has remained a big part of Loretta’s life. She’s currently in the running club at UConn, where she competes against other schools and serves in a leadership role on the executive board. “Running also keeps me in shape in order to work with large animals!” she says. As Loretta prepares to join the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine in the fall, she reflects on how Agnes Irwin helped pave her path: “I’m able to balance everything because of the time management, planning, and organizational skills I gained as an Irwin’s student.”

“Agnes Irwin taught me the confidence to try new things.”

Classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025... we want to hear from you. Let us know how college is going! Contact Brooke Norrett Corr ’95, Senior Director of Alumnae Relations, with updates at bcorr@agnesirwin.org

Annalee Stuardi-Drumm ’23 “The Agnes Irwin faculty and staff have impacted and facilitated my growth into becoming a resilient and capable young woman.”

Anahla Thomas ’23 University of Southern California Health and Human Sciences

Though Anahla Thomas ’23 was initially on the pre-med track, “during my sophomore year (when USC’s Athletics department was in the spotlight during their move from the Pac-12 Conference into the Big Ten Conference), a class called Sports, Communication, and Culture caused me to think critically about the social and cultural implications that stem from the interrelationship of sports, media, and society.” It also gave her insight into the work of representing athletes and the value of these relationships. Nahla shares: “Exploring sports in an academic setting never felt like an arduous task that I needed to complete, but rather a deeper evaluation of how a lifelong passion of mine could provide me with a greater sense of purpose.” She added a minor in Sports Business and Management and now works in the recruiting department for the USC football team, collaborating closely with prospective studentathletes and committed athletes, a role that includes learning the NCAA’s recruiting rules and regulations. After she graduates, Nahla hopes to continue working in football recruiting and is contemplating graduate school for sports management, and possibly law and business degrees to complement her work. “I have so many things that I hope to do!” she says, but her dream job is as a sports agent in the NBA, NFL, or WNBA. Her time at Agnes Irwin gave Nahla the confidence that she can handle her packed schedule: “I often think about when I was balancing being a successful student in my academics, participating in my AIS activities, attending club volleyball practice from 7-10 p.m. several times a week, and getting my assignments completed,” Nahla reflects. “Knowing that I’m capable of juggling a multitude of commitments shows me that I’m adept at balancing a lot, it’s just a matter of applying it to new phases of my life!”

Davidson College Educational Studies and Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Annalee Stuardi-Drumm ’23 picked her double major before arriving on campus. “When I was applying to schools, based on research I’d done at Agnes Irwin, I knew I wanted to go into public policy,” she says. “It’s important to study all three disciplines, to be able to tackle larger geopolitical and social issues, and I chose Davidson partly because of its program.” Outside of class, Annalee is part of C2i, the College Crisis Initiative, a student-run research collective tackling major issues facing higher education, such as how schools responded to Hurricane Helene. “I was inspired to do this based on both my Senior Assembly and my With Honors project, when I researched Zip Code destiny with Mr. McCormick and social sciences with Mr. Greenberg,” she recalls. “I was able to continue that research at the collegiate level.” Annalee will also serve as the lead senior admissions fellow next year, in charge of a cohort helping prospective Davidson students.

“Agnes Irwin taught me how to advocate for myself.”

Annalee is spending the summer in Washington, D.C., working on a collaboration between the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institute on how artificial intelligence affects rural social mobility. “We’ll look at the environmental effect of AI on those communities and the influence on their upward trajectory,” she says. “This is a passion I might not have identified had I not been given the opportunity to study the subject at Agnes Irwin.” After graduation, she hopes to join a think tank to continue digging into the questions of our time. While she misses her relationships with her teachers from Agnes Irwin, Davidson’s small size allows her to build similar ties to faculty. Annalee admits, though: “It’s different from a place that has known you for 12 years! I stay engaged with the Agnes Irwin community in big and small and silly ways – I’ve even started needlepointing.”

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Connections COLLEGE Lindsay Reidenbach ’25 United States Military Academy English and Law

Lindsay Reidenbach ’25 is finishing her first year at the West Point prep school (USMAPS) and will be a plebe next year (Class of 2030). She plans to study English and law with the goal of becoming a military lawyer or a JAG officer. “I will owe five years of service after graduation, so I’ll be serving as a military lawyer,” she says. “I’ll go to law school before or after my service, depending on class rank.”

“There is such a strong sense of community at Agnes Irwin. I truly miss being surrounded by it.”

Lilit Estepanians ’23 University of Pittsburgh Pharmaceutical Sciences

“It all goes by very quickly, so make the most of it!,” says Lilit Estepanians ’23 about her time at Agnes Irwin. Lilit just completed her junior year at the University of Pittsburgh, which was also her first year of professional pharmacy school. “I’m in a 2+4 program, two years of undergraduate study followed by four years of graduate school. So technically, I’m both a junior and a first-year graduate student.” She will graduate in 2027 with a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and a minor in chemistry and will complete her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in 2029. She started toward her current course of study while a student at AIS. “I knew I was interested in biology and chemistry, thanks to Ms. Bilson and Ms. Westmeyer,” she says. “I didn’t initially connect those interests to pharmacy until a conversation with Ms. Westmeyer, who introduced me to the field.” After completing her degree, she will pursue a residency with the goal of specializing in emergency medicine. Lilit is involved in several organizations at Pitt, including APhA-ASP (American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists), SSHP (Student Society of Health System Pharmacists), and LKS (Lambda Kappa Sigma, a professional pharmacy fraternity). “Being part of these groups has helped me connect with peers who share similar goals and has strengthened my passion for the profession,” she says. Looking back to AIS, “I really miss the all-school assemblies where everyone, from every grade, came together,” she reflects. “I’m so grateful for the lifelong friendships I made at Agnes Irwin, as well as the relationships I built with my teachers. Those connections have had a lasting impact on me, and they’re something I’ll always carry forward.”

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Her interest in English and the law began at Agnes Irwin in Dr. Root’s class. “He inspired my passion for writing and creative thinking,” Lindsay shares. “He was passionate about what he was teaching and it spoke to us as students.” Her participation in Model UN and debate also helped influence her career aspirations. The transition from Agnes Irwin to academics at the collegiate level wasn’t a huge leap for Lindsay. “The content and the assignments feel comparable to what I was doing in high school. And, at Agnes Irwin, there was a mix of being taught and individual study, split between homework and class time. It was a good balance that’s serving me well at West Point.”

“My high school experience really shaped what I want to do in the future.”

At West Point, Lindsay plans to participate in team sports — just like she did as part of the Agnes Irwin soccer and track teams. “My favorite thing about Agnes Irwin was the connections I made with classmates and underclassmen. I still talk to them almost every day,” she says. “Agnes Irwin really fosters friendship across all grades. At other schools you can’t get as close to girls in other grades, and I cherished that experience. Those girls are like little sisters to me.” Lindsay is bringing her AIS confidence to a maledominated environment — just 15% of the West Point student body is female. She credits attending an all-girls school with her ability to ask questions and participate in class. “I’m not afraid to speak my mind and to stand up for myself,” she says.

Parent Relations Bingo

Agnes Irwin parents donned neon threads and fanny packs for Totally Rad rAISe, an ’80s-themed night of music, dancing, and fundraising at Ardmore Music Hall. 1

Co-hosted with the Haverford School Parents Association, the first-ever Bingo event was a hit among middle schoolers Chair: Noelle Burg P’36

AISPA Book Fair

Kindergartners (L-R): Flynn Hamilton ’38, Trudy Madziyire ’38, and Chloe Govberg ’38 show off their selections at the annual Lower School book fair Chair: Sara Rusin P’30 ’35

Mayfair

Mayfair co-chairs Ali Cook Jackson ’06 P’34 and Connie Hermance P’34 ’36 celebrate a wonderful event

1. Lauren and Dave Danish P’37 2. Kate and Kyle Mallach P’29 with Ali and Sam Glickman P’28 ’29 3. Co-Chair Lainey McMahon P’28 ’31 tears up the dance floor with Parents Association President Ann Thorkelson P’32 4. Anthony Bucci P’30 takes the stage with his band Have Fun Don’t Die, backed by the Bel Cantos and daughter Mila Bucci ’30 5. Co-Chair Lainey McMahon P’28 ’31 with Head of School Sally Keidel P’27 and Co-Chair Jaci Groenen P’32 ’36 6. Art Jenkins P’28 and Allison Cocozza P’31 ’33 7. Julie and Ron Stark P’34 8. Joe and Tracey Berman P’33 9. Corey Prince and Director of Upper School Joy Prince P’25 ’27 10. Tracy Viola ’95 P’26 ’30, Amanda Neczypor P’28 ’31, Jaci Groenen P’32 ’36, and Lainey McMahon P’28 ’31 11. Jai Bijlani P’28 ’30 with Tara and Anthony Bucci P’30

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MAY 1-3, 2026 | Reunion

7. Beth Odiorne Gallagher ’86, Sally Lemmon Nouri ’86, Christine Naegle Hadfield ’86, Wendy deMarco Masse ’86, Mimi Flanagan Greenly ’86, Meighan O’Mara McGovern ’86, Katie Phillips Orange ’86, and Margaret Sellers McGowan ’86 reconnect 8. The Class of 1971 reconvening during its 55th reunion 9. Members of the Class of 2021 reuniting for their 5th Reunion 10. 2001 classmates gather for their 25th Reunion 11. Head of School Sally Keidel P’27 and Director of Upper School Joy Prince P’25 ’27 attend the cocktail party 12. Leslie Rea Pye ’76 and Sheryl Taylor Bailey ’76 13. Anika Jagasia ’16 and Natalie James ’16 reflect on their senior portraits in the yearbook 14. Al Moser ’06 and Kate Beers ’06 15. Friends from the Class of 2001 at the All-Class Alumnae Cocktail Party 16. Petrina Burnham Branch ’81 and her daughter, Armani

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Reunion

May 1-3, 2026

eunion weekend welcomed hundreds of alumnae back to campus. The fiftieth reunion Class of 1976 were the guests of honor at the Head of School’s Luncheon, which celebrated the classes of 1945-1975 as well. There was spirited competition for the two giving awards. The Class of 1976 won the Sophy Dallas Irwin Award for the highest dollar amount raised and the Class of 1966 won the Loving Cup for the highest percentage of giving participation.

1. Rosie Kalis ’16, Kendall Henderson ’16, faculty member Cheryl Ellis, Connie Thompson ’16, and Sarah Platt ’16 at the All-Class Alumnae Cocktail Party 2. The Class of 1976 celebrates winning the Sophy Dallas Irwin Award 3. 2021 alumnae chat with Wigs Frank. (L-R): Enshalla Dunlop, Alyssa Hardin, Raquel Coren, Hanna Askarpour, Ayanna Dunlop, Wigs Frank, Liza Richardson, Caroline Vauclain, Cami Micheletti, and Kelly Cooper 4. Julie Dill Williams ’54, Margo Tryon Bennett ’54, and Susy Brandt ’54 at the Head of School’s Luncheon on Friday, May 1 5. Sonnia Brown ’06 and Kristen Coleman ’06 before the Head of School’s State of the School speech 6. Members of the Class of 2006 are all smiles during their 20th Reunion

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MAY 1-3, 2026 | Reunion

1. The Class of 1981 in the Hamilton Family Courtyard 2. Alison Legge Martin ’76 and Nancy Shea Larkin ’76 3. 2016 Classmates Anika Jagasia, Anna Kramer, Alex Pinsk, Kate White, and Claire Micheletti 4. Connie Thompson ’16 and sisters Samantha Lucas ’11 and Andi Lucas Schmerin ’07 5. Stephanie McConnell Moleski ’91, Shannon McBride Zeller ’91, staff member Donna Meyer P’04, and Petrina Burnham Branch ’81 6. The Class of 2016 on the occasion of its 10th Reunion 7. Kathleen Lamperez ’96, Cordie Seeley ’96, Kimberly Carville von der Lieth ’96, Blair Sieff Kimmel ’96, Brooke Laverell Gilbert ’96, and Emily Geer Hippler ’96 catch up at the cocktail party

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MAY 1-3, 2026 | Reunion

8. The Class of 1996 congratulating classmate Janet Gilmore on being the M. Penney Moss Award recipient 9. (L-R): Lisa Mays ’06, Kristin Nottebohm ’06, and Ashley Stewardson McGuinness ’06 listen to Head of School Sally Keidel’s remarks at the cocktail party while Suzie Welsh Devine ’07 and Lauren Karl ’01 look on 10. Joan Wheeler Mackie ’61 represents her class 11. Betsy Moran Legnini ’76 and Allison Hough ’01 on campus 12. 1966 Classmates enjoy the Head of School’s Luncheon. (L-R): Lee McIlvaine Manonian, Edie Lamb Hollister, Lindsay McCown DuBarry, Margot Bright Walker, Wendy Hilles Gaunt (Back, L-R): Dale Power and Pansy Ward Jones 13. Raquel Coren ’21, Ayanna Dunlop ’21, Hanna Askarpour ’21, and Enshalla Dunlop ’21 on the patio at 672 Conestoga 14. 1986 alumnae outside the Reunion Luncheon

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MAY 1-3, 2026 | Reunion

Alumnae Awards Every year, Agnes Irwin recognizes alumnae who have made exceptional contributions to their communities.

(R) Petrina Burnham Branch ’81

(R) Janet Gilmore ’96

(R) Nicole Marchetto ’06

Rachel Wahl ’11

(L) Gail Evans Guthridge ’71

(R) Pam Brewer Smyth ’71

Petrina Burnham Branch ’81 received The Margaretta Anspach Willing Award, given to an alumna who has made outstanding contributions in leadership and civic responsibility or the arts and sciences. A varsity field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse player at Agnes Irwin, Petrina attended Harvard for both her undergraduate and juris doctor degrees. With her foundation as an attorney, Petrina has built a distinguished career in public service. A former senior advisor to San Diego City Council, Petrina was appointed as Chair to the Human Relations Commission in Chula Vista in 2022. As a board member of Amikas, Petrina helped build Meridian Amikas Village, a community of “tiny homes” that provide temporary shelter for women and children facing homelessness. Petrina has been equally active in African-American community organizations as the president of the San Diego branch of the NAACP. A 2023 inductee to Agnes Irwin’s Athletic Hall of Fame, Petrina also serves as a member of Agnes Irwin’s Leadership Advisory Council. Janet Gilmore ’96 is this year’s recipient of the M. Penney Moss Award for dedication in education. After Agnes Irwin, Janet attended the University of Virginia, where she joined the historic Kappa Rho chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and graduated with a B.A. in English. In 2004, she completed an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Arcadia University. A 25-year educator with the Philadelphia School District, Janet joined Clara Barton School 13 years ago, where she now teaches first grade. Janet’s colleagues call her “dedicated,” “generous,” “committed,” and “tireless.” While at Agnes Irwin, Janet was a distinguished member of the Bel Cantos and a member of the Black Student Union. She served on the Alumnae Board from 2021-24. Nicole Marchetto ’06 is one of this year’s Heather B. Theirmann Young Alumnae Award winners for her outstanding contribution through her community interests and professional pursuits. Nicole received a Bachelor’s in Biology and Studio Art from Bucknell University in 2010, then earned both her medical degree and Master of Public Health at Drexel University College of Medicine. She completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai Morningside in New York City, then continued her training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School to complete her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility. Now in private practice at Shady Grove Fertility in Chesterbrook, PA, Nicole is an accomplished researcher, and has contributed to numerous publications exploring topics such as preimplantation genetic testing, racial and ethnic disparities in fertility care, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Rachel Wahl ’11 is the second recipient of the Heather B. Theirmann Young Alumnae Award. An Irwin’s lifer, Rachel showed an early commitment to community service. The former head of Student Outreach Services, Rachel co-chaired the 2011 Empty Bowls fundraiser with Haverford School, raising over $10,000 for local food banks. Rachel graduated from Bucknell University in 2015 with a B.S. in Business Administration and Management. At Bucknell, Rachel was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and served as President and Philanthropy Chairperson of the school’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Rachel joined L’Oreal in July 2015, where she now holds the position of regional sales director, L’Oreal Travel Retail Americas. Gail Evans Guthridge ’71 received the Alumnae Award for her volunteer service to the school. An exceptional athlete at Irwin’s, Gail received both the White Blazer and Athletic Department Awards in 1971 and was inducted into Agnes Irwin’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. Gail graduated from Marietta College in 1975, after which she eventually made her way back to Agnes Irwin, serving as a Varsity Basketball, Field Hockey, and Lacrosse coach in the late ’70s and ’80s. Gail is a loyal and enthusiastic volunteer, serving at various points as a Class Representative, on the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, and, since 2020, on the Alumnae Board, of which she has been vice president since 2024. Pam Brewer Smyth ’71 is the second recipient of this year’s Alumnae Award. After graduating from Dartmouth College, Pam moved to New York City and began a 32-year career on Wall Street, working her way to director at Barclay’s Capital. After retiring, Pam moved back to Pennsylvania and threw herself into volunteer work with multiple organizations, including Agnes Irwin. As Student Body President her senior year, Pam was known as an exemplary leader, and she has continued to lead in her post-AIS journey. Pam has served as a Class Representative, is often seen at school phonathons, and has served on the Alumnae Board from 2019-2026, acting as treasurer for her final four years.

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Laurel Society Laurel Society members gathered for a festive brunch at 672 Conestoga during Reunion Weekend. After opening remarks from Laurel Society Co-Chair Laura Wheeler Golding ’64 and Head of School Sally Keidel P’27, new members received their Laurel Society pins. The Laurel Society honors anyone who has established a planned giving arrangement with The Agnes Irwin School. Since its inception in 1998, the Laurel Society has raised more than $13 million in contributions and given donors the opportunity to inspire future generations of Agnes Irwin girls. As part of the strategic plan, Head of School Sally Keidel P’27 outlined an exciting goal for the Laurel Society — by 2029, Agnes Irwin plans to add 75 new members to the Laurel ranks, with a target of $10 million in documented bequests. Currently, 35 new members have been added and $9.31 million documented bequests have been made. If you’d like to find out more about joining the Laurel Society, please contact Senior Development Advisor Margaret Welsh at mwelsh@agnesirwin.org.

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Gifting Through Your Retirement Fund Account Making Agnes Irwin a beneficiary of your retirement plan, such as an IRA, 401K, 403B, or SEP, is the easiest way to leave a legacy to the school — easier than leaving a bequest provision in your will. It only takes a few minutes, and it costs absolutely nothing. Just fill out a Change of Beneficiary Form, usually available online in fillable format from your plan provider, and designate Agnes Irwin as a beneficiary of your plan assets. Continue to take your Required Minimum Distributions during your lifetime, and any designated balance remaining in your plan will go tax-free to Agnes Irwin at the end of your life. HERE’S HOW •L ocate the Change of Beneficiary Form on your provider’s website. •G o to the Primary Beneficiary section and specify the percentage of your plan assets you want Agnes Irwin to receive.

•F ill in information requested: The Agnes Irwin School 275 S. Ithan Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010 EIN #23-1352650 Date of formation: 1917 • I f you have a spouse, he or she may have to sign the Spousal Waiver of Benefits form (usually provided) to indicate spousal consent to direct benefits to the school. •S end us a copy of the form and a current investment statement from your plan so we can ensure your legacy gift is used exactly as you wish and so that we can welcome you into the Laurel Society.

1. Campaign Assistant Char Pomeroy receives her Laurel Society pin 2. New Laurel Society inductees (Front row, L-R): Christy Kirsch ’76, Margie Clark Stevens ’65 GP’39, Janine Stewart Baggett ’73, Board of Trustees Chair Anne Ford P’30, Char Pomeroy (Back row, L-R): Rosie Kalis ’16, Ann Cauffman Snyder ’72 3. Laurel Society members Neveen Mahmoud ’07 and Currie Smith ’76 4. Former Board of Trustees Chair Ginny Sharp Williams ’88 P’20 and incoming Board of Trustees Chair Aarti Bijlani P’28 ’30 5. Margot Bright Walker ’66 and Margie Clark Stevens ’65 GP’39 6. Laura Wheeler Golding ’64, Head of School Sally Keidel P’27, and Anne Ford P’30 catch up over brunch 7. Mother-daughter duo Eve Bullitt Pierce ’72 P’04 ’06 ’09 and Lexy Pierce ’06

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Supporting AIS Surpassing the Standard The Agnes Irwin community has once again outperformed national giving benchmarks, demonstrating the collective commitment that current families, alumnae, grandparents, faculty, staff, parents of alumnae, friends, and trustees share in advancing the mission of our beloved school.

FACULTY 100%

PARENTS 95%

ALUMNAE 19.3%

Faculty participation: 100% (vs. the national average for faculty and staff annual fund participation at private, independent K-12 day schools — including all-girls schools — which typically ranges between 60% and 80%); Parent participation: 95% (vs. the national average participation rate for a PreK-12 all-girls independent school of 60%70%); Alumnae participation: 19.3% (on par with the national average participation rate for a PreK-12 all-girls independent school of 18%-25%).

OWLS FOR LIFE Alumnae Day of Giving Another highly successful Alumnae Day of Giving brought together generations of Agnes Irwin alumnae in celebration of connection, leadership, and lifelong bonds. 358 alumnae across 30 states rallied on March 4, 2026 to support the next generation of Agnes Irwin students, demonstrating the enduring impact of an Agnes Irwin education long after graduation. The event surpassed the goal of 300 donors and raised a total of $110,000! Congratulations to the Class of 2006, who had the highest rate of participation, and to the Class of 2001, who raised the most money during Alumnae Day of Giving.

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All in for Irwin’s SPIRIT WEEK OF GIVING

This year’s Spirit Week of Giving (November 3-7, 2025) brought together families from across all three divisions as well as alumnae, parents of alumnae, grandparents, and friends in support of The Agnes Irwin Fund, helping to achieve remarkable participation milestones across the school. During this fundraising push, the Lower School achieved an outstanding 100% participation rate, with Middle School families not far behind at 99% participation. In the Upper School, our ninth-grade families also achieved 100% participation. The total average Upper School participation rate was 87%. Overall, Spirit Week of Giving saw a total of $408,530 raised from 904 gifts, and current parent giving reached a new record of 95%, reaffirming a shared belief in the power of an Agnes Irwin education. In an environment where tuition already represents a significant investment, this level of generosity from our community reflects the pride, trust, and commitment our families place in Agnes Irwin. This support strengthens opportunities for every student and reinforces the vibrant culture that defines Agnes Irwin. The spirit of philanthropy did not stop with our current parents — it extended to every area of our school’s vast network. Agnes Irwin was able to once again celebrate 100% participation from faculty, as well as 100% participation from the Board of Trustees.

No matter how many summers have passed since your graduation, or how many miles lie between you and Agnes Irwin, our network is always within reach.

! e r e H e r e W Wish You Irwin’s Connect is your direct portal to

stay linked, supported, and involved with the community that helped shape you. WHY LOG I N THI S SUMMER? Stay in the Loop: Reconnect with classmates, share your milestones, and catch up on the latest school news and upcoming alumnae events. Support Fellow Alumnae: Explore our Alumnae-Owned Business Directory to find a consultant, a creative, or a local shop. Advance Your Career: Access the exclusive Job Board to find new career opportunities or give back by posting openings at your own company.

To start exploring, visit irwinsconnect.agnesirwin.org

Alumnae

Summer 2026 UPDATES

MILESTONES

1960-69 Elizabeth Stewart ’61 was sad to miss Reunion Weekend. “I am pretty healthy at 83 and am still singing and playing guitar in public. Ms. Z would be amazed!” Peyton Ziesing Stein ’61 wrote, “Ames Crawford Cushing ’61 and I visited Cara Smith Walker ’61 together before she died, and we had a great time reminiscing and laughing over a glass of wine. Cara was wonderful right ’til the end, insisting that the hospital bed be placed on the back porch of her daughter’s house. There, she was comfortable with lots of quilts, a dog, fresh air, the sky and most of all, she loved the birds. We miss her, as we miss all our deceased classmates. I live in Belvedere, California with my husband of 56 years, Jeffery. He has not been well for a couple of years so our life has slowed down, which is not a bad thing — just unexpected (and the reason I cannot join you at Reunion in person). We have three grown children: Taylor and Todd live near us and Holly resides in St. John, USVI. We don’t see her very often. And best of all, we have two grandchildren, Ezra and Charlotte, who are 4 and 7. While your grandchildren may be heading to college and beyond, we celebrate preschool and first-grade activities! We love being with them, of course. They all come over on Monday nights for ‘Burger Night.’ In my other life, I volunteer in my community, busy planning four summer concerts in our little park and serving as a longtime board member of our local Foundation, where my job is to award grants...it is rewarding to give away money and make a difference. In 2016, I was honored as Citizen of the Year in Belvedere. It is a small town so I sometimes think they ran out of candidates! Jeffery and I built several tech companies during our working lives, starting with a mainframe (now known as the Cloud) company prior to the Internet and ending with an online learning platform. It was fun. Some technology rubbed off on me but to this day, I still can’t make anything work! He is my IT guy. I have also worked as a recruiter for technology start-ups and enjoyed those early hires.”

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1. Members from the Class of 1961 gather at Gulph Mills Golf Club to celebrate their 65th Reunion in May. (L-R): Julie Ernst Geer, Joan Wheeler Mackie, Nancy Day Sharp, Rika Street Cornwell, Julia Wilhelm McWilliams (deceased), and Bonnie Bartholomew Van Alen 2. Mel Lewis Bonder ’67 (Top Left), co-founder of ECHOES Around the World, a Devonbased nonprofit, was honored at the Gala at the Farmhouse at People’s Light, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the organization. Joining her were friends (Top, L-R): Deborah Aikens Laverell ’67, Hannah Stringer ’67, (Bottom, L-R): Lois Bateman Grieshober ’67, and Winkie Wheeler ’68. ECHOES supports education and health initiatives in Uganda and has raised more than $2 million over the past 20 years, helping to build schools, a medical clinic, and a hospital. Funds were raised for building a nursing and midwifery school at the Gala fundraiser 3. Sherri Luff Wingo ’71 celebrates Christmas 2025 with her family

UPDATES | Alumnae

4. Alumnae from classes 1960-1975 joined Head of School Sally Keidel P’27 for a luncheon on the terrace at 672 Conestoga in June 5. Alumnae celebrate in Maine at the wedding of the son of Ellen Van Pelt Jordan ’77. (L-R): Lea Tenney Miller ’77, Polly Warren Coxe ’77, Lylee Van Pelt ’75, Nancy Nicholas Hatfield ’56, Alida Nicholas Lovell ’53 (deceased), Ellen Van Pelt Jordan ’77, India Dixon ’18, Sydney Cruice ’77, Lizzie Dixon ’20 6. Stewart Watson ’86 volunteers at a bird of prey center. Here she is with Whisper, the slightly rude barn owl 7. The Class of 1981 celebrates its reunion at the home of classmate Dina Van Alen Gibson 8. 1983 classmates gather together. (L-R): Heather Cornwell Gray, Brooke Howard McIlvaine, Robin Scullin

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UPDATES | Alumnae

Lee McIlvaine Manonian ’66 shares that her daughter Stirling Churchman got married during Covid via Zoom. She was also granted tenure at Harvard, where she oversees The Churchman Lab at the Harvard Medical Center. Her son, Leidy Churchman, lives and paints in Tremont, Maine. He will have his next show in September 2026 in NYC at Matthew Mark Gallery. Lee lives in Wayne with her husband, Simon, and will be moving soon to Waverly Heights in Gladwyne, PA. They still spend the winter in Vero Beach and try to get to Maine every summer. Simon has a son living in Paoli and a son in Melbourne, Australia. Their motto is “Have a blast while you last.”

1970-79 Ellen Funk ’73 attended the Thomas Jefferson University investiture of Dr. Geoffrey Mills as the first Elmer H. Funk Jr. Professor of Family and Community Medicine. Also in attendance was the president of the University, Susan C. Aldridge, PhD. Ellen is standing next to the portrait of her grandfather, Dr. Elmer Funk Sr., that is hanging at the medical school. Ellen and her partner, Ann O’Keefe, Esq., both spoke, relaying stories of Ellen’s father and their work to push this sponsorship to fruition. Edie Woodward ’73 and Emilie Woodward ’82 share the sad news of the death of their mother, Barbara Woodward. Barbara devoted 20 years of her career as the Director of College Guidance at AIS (1968-88). She died peacefully in her home in Greensboro, VT, on December 9, 2025. She was 96 years old. Barbara’s career began in her twenties as a salesclerk at Scribner Book Store in New York City. During her husband Tom’s graduate studies, she worked at Planned Parenthood in Cambridge, MA, and also as a secretary in the Education and English departments at Harvard University. Barbara taught students with disabilities at the Devereux School in Devon, PA, and was a preschool and fourth-grade teacher for several years. While working at AIS, Barbara published numerous papers and articles on education for young women. Barbara will be remembered for her cheery, outgoing nature, and her kindness, strength, and resilience. She relished sitting by the fire, immersing herself in a good book, and watching the sun set over the lake with Tom.

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1. Ellen Funk ’73 at the Thomas Jefferson University investiture of Dr. Geoffrey Mills 2. Barbara Woodward, mother of Edie Woodward ’73 and Emilie Woodward ’82, is pictured in her office at Agnes Irwin, where she was the Director of College Guidance for 20 years (1968-88) 3. Members of the Class of 1996 reconnect during Reunion Weekend 4. Alumnae from the Class of 2006 gather together to celebrate their reunion

UPDATES | Alumnae

5. Mary McClements ’89 celebrates daughter Eula’s graduation from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design 6. Alumnae gathered together for the baby shower of Lauren Patterson Pearson ’98. (L-R): Jessica Krick Stanton ’98, Kim Coulson ’89, Liz Coulson Libré ’98, Lauren Patterson Pearson ’98, Catherine Haldy Jarman ’98, and Katie Bradley ’98 7. The Class of 1991 celebrates its 35th Reunion at Roache & O’Brien in Haverford 8. The Class of 2021 celebrates its first Reunion at the home of Caroline Vauclain ’21

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UPDATES | Alumnae

1980-89 Stewart Watson ’86 moved from Baltimore City with her son, husband, and Great Dane to the UK for what was meant to be a two-year adventure but has turned into seven years as an expat. One of the most life-altering events was Covid, she reports. It set things in motion that she never could have expected. Some things were painful and traumatic, others brought on a sense of connection with the universe and an opportunity to ask herself some big questions. Since they couldn’t return to the U.S. for a couple of years, they settled near London and have made a little home for themselves. They’re forever grateful to Freecycle and charity shops for the majority of their furniture. One of the most gratifying things they’ve done is volunteering at a bird of prey centre. Stewart cared for owls, falcons, and hawks. Stewart also worked in local libraries, historic houses, palaces, and ancient sites, and continues to take classes, make art, and learn new things. Currently, she works at Historic Royal Palaces on the communities and public engagement team. Her son is in Y12 (11th grade US) at a local school, studying literature, history, and drama. He plans to attend university in the UK.

Elizabeth Odiorne Gallagher ’86 feels very fortunate to have all four of her children close by! One of her daughters got married last June, and her son is getting married in October. He also recently completed his master’s degree in finance, and two of Elizabeth’s daughters are in medical school. Her youngest is still in college and is playing field hockey, so their weekends in the fall are spent cheering on the sideline! Mary McClements ’89 moved back to Boulder, CO three years ago, and is deeply grateful. Her incredibly talented daughter, Eula, graduated from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in May and was accepted into a prestigious weaving residency in Canada. Her son, Mason, continues to “grow” as an organic farmer in Vermont, where he also raises sheep. A few years ago, Mary began teaching for The Hoffman Institute Foundation, an intensive, in-person psychoeducational program focused on emotional healing and personal growth. She feels as though every chapter of her life — the challenges, the work, and the learning — has led her to this role. She’s deeply honored to support others in such meaningful and transformative work. “Love to all my ’89 Wonder Women,” she says.

AGNES IRWIN MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2026

1. Alumnae at the William White squash tournament at Merion Cricket Club in January 2026. (L-R): Caitlin Russell Weisskopf ’03, Lexy Pierce ’06, Julia Pierce ’09, Kellen Vengels (former AIS squash coach), Liza Stokes Dickey ’06, Becky Porter ’08 2. Parlor Doughnuts, owned by Janet Bartholdson Fry ’06, opened June 13 in Berwyn, PA 3. The Class of 2016 at The Great American Pub in Wayne to celebrate their 10th Reunion

UPDATES | Alumnae

Alumnae Return To Campus

1. Hadley Smith Struckell ’13, vice president of sales at Arsenal New York, a comprehensive creative visual company specializing in multi-dimensional strategic marketing programs, spoke at a Middle School Leadership Keys assembly about agency and conscious decisionmaking 2. Blaire Stoveld Osberg, DMD ’04 spoke to Lower Schoolers at the Women in STEAM Conference about her career as a pediatric dentist 3. Brittany Curtis ’08, a senior user experience designer at JPMorgan Chase & Co., spoke to Middle Schoolers at a Leadership Keys assembly about the power of empathy — our “secret superpower” 4. Samantha Yoh ’09 spoke to Girls Grantmaking about her work as vice president of the Juliet Viola Kniffen Foundation, including how the Foundation sets funding priorities and allocates grants, similar work to what the Girls Grantmaking club does (Sam was a member while at AIS!)

4. Julian Toby, son of Brad and Laura Bornstein McFarland ’02, was born on May 5, 2026 and joins big brother Jonathan Peter 5. Bernadette Berger Silver ’11 and Max Silver (Haverford ’10) welcomed their second child, Sloane Marjorie, in early April. Big sister Savannah is thrilled! 6. Abbe Wright ’03 and Nick Devlin welcomed daughter Louisa Wright Devlin in December 2025

SUMMER 2026

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Alumnae | UPDATES / MILESTONES

BIRTHS 1998 To Duncan and Lauren Patterson Pearson, a boy, James Davies May 27, 2026 2002 To Bradley and Laura Bornstein McFarland, a boy, Julian Toby May 5, 2026 2004 To Jeffrey and Kate Pierce Bender, a girl, Callie Pierce May 29, 2026 2005 To Alexander Richards and Kate Archer, a girl, Helen Trebbi December 22, 2025

Rosie Kalis ‘16 gets engaged to Andrew Walsh at Longwood Gardens on May 31

To Jeffrey and Elizabeth Kovich Bilsky, a girl, Helen Embree Purdom June 1, 2026 2006 To Jorge Quevedo and Sarah Jenkins, a boy, George Henry April 9, 2026

2000-09 Courtney Housam ’01 lives in Evergreen, CO with her husband, Campbell, and three boys: Wilder (7), Lawless (5), and Hawkins (3). Courtney and Campbell recently launched their own public relations and marketing agency called Campstories (campstories.com). They work with travel, tourism, and mission-driven organizations to deliver layered storytelling through earned media. Abbe Wright ’03 has returned ‘home’ to Agnes Irwin as the new assistant director of communications. “It feels so surreal to be back on campus, but it’s incredibly fulfilling to get to tell the story of what makes Agnes Irwin so special every day,” she says. Janet Bartholdson Fry ’06 and her husband opened Parlor Doughnuts in Berwyn on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. They love living on the Main Line and wanted to bring a craft doughnut and coffee shop to Berwyn.

2009 To Matthew and Melanie Lucas DeStefano, a girl, Madison Quinn January 1, 2026 To Gregory and Caroline Keating Gilroy, a girl, Louisa “Lola” Lane January 30, 2026 To Alex and Laura Wagoner Manion, a girl, Ruby Mae March 9, 2026 To Jim and Lexi Tocci Shannon, a boy, Rory John November 16, 2025 To Max and Bernadette Berger Silver, a girl, Sloane Marjorie April 13, 2026 2010 To Jonathan and Caroline Kraeutler Katz, a boy, Alden James April 15, 2026 To Joshua and Katherine Hollander Padwa, a girl, Beatrice Florence June 1, 2026 2012 To Marc and Kate Tocci Hostovsky, a boy, Weston Alexander November 6, 2025 2013 To Jonathon and Marielle Berkman Bell, a boy, Davin Wyatt April 9th, 2026

Joanna Kovalski ’06 and her husband packed up in San Francisco, CA in January 2026, and relocated to Chapel Hill, NC. Joanna is now an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and a Member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. After moving back to the East Coast, she is looking forward to being able to join in more Irwin’s events.

To Michael and Chrissy Duffy Milliken, a girl, Grace Kathleen December 14, 2025

2021-26

2017 To Harrison Shipko and Caroline Buck, a boy, Charles Woods May 8, 2026

Ayanna Dunlop ’21 graduated from Boston University with a major in Philosophy & Political Science.

AGNES IRWIN MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2026

To Sean and Elizabeth Hollander Owusu, a boy, Caleb Nathaniel December 30, 2025 To David and Ashley Ferguson Zhu, a boy, James Yaoyang April 28, 2026 2014 To Andrew Trousdale and Anna Yass, a boy, James Francis April 5, 2026

Alumnae | UPDATES / MILESTONES

IN MEMORIAM 1948

Barbara Byers Littlefield March 18, 2026

1950

Joan Kellett Harvey April 15, 2026

1951

Joan Berguido Staples March 23, 2026

1952

Nancy Hunter Wessells October 28, 2025

1953

Alida Nicholas Lovell December 13, 2025

1954

Myrna Fielding Hamel February 19, 2026 Elizabeth Worrell Gallagher April 15, 2026

1957

Barbara Salembier Sperling March 14, 2026

1958

Judith McNeely Mitchell December 15, 2025

1959

Louise Twining O’Malley December 20, 2025

1960

Gail Keebler Ryan June 22, 2026

1961

Julia Wilhelm McWilliams May 21, 2026

1962

Alice Dayton December 11, 2025

1964

Molly Butler Swanton January 6, 2026

1970

Rebecca English Kennedy June 11, 2026

1973

Margaret Roth January 27, 2026

1983

Claire Forsyth Chamberlin February 17, 2026

Joan Kellett Harvey ’50, a lifelong member of the Agnes Irwin community, died on April 15, 2026. Beginning at Agnes Irwin as a first grader in 1938, Joan spent the next 12 years growing academically, forming friendships, and developing a deep bond with the school. In 1972, Anne Lenox hired her as the Lower School Secretary, a job she remembered fondly as being filled with hugs from kindergarteners. During her time in the Lower School, Joan saw a young Murray Savar come to Agnes Irwin to teach music and witnessed the enthusiasm, joy, and skill he brought with him. Joan served in this role for 11 years until she retired in 1983, though she continued to volunteer for the school in other ways. Joan was a Class Representative for the Class of 1950, a member of the 125th anniversary committee, and an Alumnae Board President and trustee. She was fittingly awarded with an Alumnae Award in 1992. She is the mother of Lydia Fitler Kimball ’80 and aunt of Whitney Kellett Cahill ’84.

(From top): Joan Kellett Harvey ’50 welcomes seniors to their 100th Night dinner; Joan’s senior yearbook portrait in 1950; Joan Harvey and daughter Lydia Fitler Kimball ’80 at Reunion 2015; Joan and the Class of 1950 at Reunion in 1990

SUMMER 2026

AGNESIRWIN.ORG

Retirees

Roseann Guinan Celebrating 20 Years of Service

he legacy of a school rests on the professional and personal accomplishments of its graduates. Collected and organized over time with passion, diligence, and

care, this information makes up the beautiful mosaic that helps illustrate the school’s meaning and contributions. For nearly two decades, Roseann Guinan has been a watchful gatherer of such stories for Agnes Irwin. Her role as Database Manager in the Development Office connected her with all types of information about the adult lives of the women who attended AIS.

Information curated by Roseann helped drive alumnae gatherings, volunteer outreach, parent programming, and

Director of Development Allison Hough ’01 described

capital campaigns. These pointed the way, in turn, to new

Roseann’s work as “the definition of essential,” citing the

academic and extracurricular programs, improvements to

importance of knowing each graduate’s journey. And, she

buildings and playing fields, and deeper affinity among AIS

adds, “in a world of complex data, she kept us organized.”

alumnae. Roseann joined Agnes Irwin in 2006 as the Development Office updated its database system, and she quickly became indispensable to the department. “Over time, our reliance on ‘clean data’ only grew more crucial to our decision-making,” said Senior Development Advisor Margaret Welsh. “And Roseann focused constantly on that. When she said something was true, we could trust it.” Roseann also stood out for her dedication. “She was always the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night,” Margaret said. “And she knew our constituency as well as anyone in Development. She could recall the nickname that an alum once shared with us 15 years ago.” We will miss Roseann’s meticulous and calm presence and her profound dedication to advancing the Agnes Irwin

Roseann Guinan and June Stolnis, former Development Data Analyst, at Reunion in 2019

AGNES IRWIN MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2026

mission.

In Memoriam R E M E MB E R IN G

Bruce Dutton

Bruce Dutton in 1987 and at commencement in 2003

Robert “Bruce” Dutton, who died July 10, 2025, at age 87, taught French for 30 years at Agnes Irwin, where he also directed the audio-visual department. His sharp wit, sartorial elegance, and quiet joie de vivre made him a favorite among students, while parents and faculty thronged to summer tours he led to France. Bruce graduated from British Columbia’s University of Victoria in 1969 with an Honors BA in French Language and Literature and then completed his graduate studies in French Literature at Bryn Mawr College prior to joining the faculty at Agnes Irwin. Upon retiring from AIS in 2005, Bruce, a skilled pianist, returned to his native Canada, where he devoted himself to music; he was a governor of the Victoria Conservatory of Music for seven years.

REMEMBERING

Byrle Walters Byrle Walters, who died Oct. 5, 2025, at age 83, was a beloved teacher of Agnes Irwin’s second grade for nearly 20 years. Girls knew Mrs. Walters for her creative and joyful spirit throughout the school day. Byrle was also the mother of an AIS alumna, Suzanne Walters Cilli ’95, one of her three children, along with Greg and Lindsey. Before joining Agnes Irwin, Byrle graduated from The Baldwin School and taught at Episcopal Academy, and she earned degrees from Villanova University, Boston University, and Colby-Sawyer College. She also studied painting at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) and was an award-winning photographer. Byrle Walters in 1987 and 1997

SUMMER 2026

AGNESIRWIN.ORG

From the Archives

Spirit of ’76 As the Class of 1976 approached its Agnes Irwin commencement, anticipation of the country’s bicentennial was sweeping the nation. Fittingly, the class titled their senior yearbook, “The Spirit of ’76.” “It was very much a theme for our class (pictured above during their sophomore year) and the year we graduated,” Betsy Moran Legnini ’76 recalls. At their 25th Reunion in 2001, the class created a fund to endow support for the Special Studies Program, aptly named The Spirit of 1976 Fund. “Everybody agreed on what an incredible experience SSP was,” says Legnini ’76. “We wanted to be able to give that to future generations of girls.” This year, in honor of its 50th Reunion, the Class of 1976 raised more than $290,000 for its endowed fund and the Agnes Irwin Fund. “Currie Smith ’76, Betsy Whitman Winder ’76, and I are so competitive,” Susan Cauffman Butterworth ’76 said at Reunion after the class won the Sophy Dallas Irwin Award for raising more than any other. “We received gifts from some classmates who have never given before, which feels amazing.” The spirit of the Class of 1976 is alive and well!

A doodle by Betsey Gaul ’76 from the inside cover of the 1976 yearbook.

AGNES IRWIN MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2026

DISCOVER AGNES IRWIN

2026–27 ADMISSION EVENTS Fall All-School Open House October 21, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

Athletics Open House

November 5, 2026, 7:00 p.m.

Spring All-School Open House (Grades 5-12) April 9, 2027, 8:30 a.m.

Touring Tuesdays

October 6, October 27, November 3, November 17, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 2, April 20, May 11 Visit agnesirwin.org/admissions

SAVE THE DATE!

April 30–May 2, 2027

Celebrating graduating classes ending in 2 and 7 Visit agnesirwin.org/alumnae

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The Class of 2026