BUILDING THE FUTURE
from the HEAD OF SCHOOLS
Dear AWS Community,
When the 2024-2025 school year started this September, Annie Wright Schools celebrated 100 years on Tacoma Avenue. Surviving, let alone thriving, for 100 years is no small accomplishment, and it speaks to the dedication and perseverance of so many. As the Head of Annie Wright Schools, I acutely feel the responsibility of ensuring the school continues to find success. That success, I believe, is most likely accomplished through intentional, strategic decision-making that always, always, puts students at the center.
As you may know, this is the fourth and final year of our current strategic plan. This plan, constructed and adopted by the Board of Trustees in September of 2021, challenged the schools in many critical areas. It forced us to be a more committed and authentic member of Tacoma. It pressed us to create a diverse school where people feel a sense of belonging. It pushed us to expand our academic opportunities and support for all learners. It encouraged us to enrich the student experience through international opportunities. It challenged us to identify, and then achieve, our ideal enrollment (and the corresponding physical plant). The Board was ambitious when it approved this plan, and I knew at the time, just as I know now, that the reason for this ambition was simple: If AWS is going to thrive for the next 100 years, it can never be complacent.
Feeling as though the important work of the current strategic plan was either accomplished or well underway, the Board decided to develop a new strategic plan. To do this, it once again hired Greg Bamford from Leadership + Design. Working with Greg, we assembled a 17-person steering committee, consisting of Trustees, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and students. The committee’s work will be intense, and it will be community-focused. Over 100 employees, parents, and students will be interviewed to surface their stories and experiences of today’s Annie Wright. The committee will hear from prominent local leaders about the challenges and opportunities Tacoma faces in the decades to come. In April, all of AWS will be invited to “Community Day” and given the opportunity to inform the progress made by the steering committee. Simply put, the shaping of Annie Wright’s tomorrow will be largely informed by those who live it today.
If all goes as planned, the new strategic plan will be adopted by the Board in September. It will go into immediate effect and largely chart our work for the next three to five years. I share this with you for two reasons. The first is that I want you fully aware that Annie Wright operates, and will continue to operate, under an intentionally crafted, communityinformed strategic plan. The second is that we will continue to push, strive, reflect, and grow to ensure that the students attending AWS receive an education that prepares them for a tomorrow that none of us can imagine.
Jake Guadnola Head of Schools
“If AWS is going to thrive for the next 100 years, it can never be complacent.”
TACOMAAVE IN 2024, ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS CELEBRATED 100 YEARS ON TACOMA AVENUE A MILESTONE THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY WE’VE BEEN ON AS A COMMUNITY.
133 boarding students boarding students
SPACES BUILT TO LAST
As Annie Wright Schools continue to grow and evolve, our campus is transforming to reflect this progress. From enhancing academic spaces to creating state-of-the-art athletics and arts facilities, our commitment to improving our physical environment underscores our dedication to shaping the next 100 years.
Modern Spaces for Creativity and Connection
In the summer of 2022, we took the first steps toward modernization by removing the 1932 swimming pool and adjoining locker rooms in the basement of our century-old building. These unused and outdated spaces were cleared to pave the way for future art spaces, classrooms, and lounges tailored to our Middle School students.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our AWS community at the Crab Feed event in 2023, we raised $500,000 to support these ambitious projects. By the summer of 2023, the Middle School unification and Arts Hub initiatives were underway. The former swimming pool area was transformed into a state-of-theart recording studio, a textile lab, a dance studio, and a music and theatre rehearsal room. Additionally, the Little Gym was reimagined as a two-story space containing three classrooms, offices, and an updated lounge to accommodate all three Middle School grades, while the library hallway was extended to seamlessly connect the Middle School to the main building.
Completed and fully activated by January 2024, these enhancements have significantly benefited our Middle School students, uniting them in one cohesive space and fostering a stronger connection to the broader school community. The upgraded arts facilities have empowered our Gators to further explore and develop their creative minds!
BUILDING WELLNESS
Modernizing Kemper Gym for a Healthier Community
Our next priority was upgrading the Kemper Gym and creating a fitness center designed to serve not only our students but also our faculty and staff. Guided by our commitment to health and wellness, we recognized the importance of providing spaces that support both physical and mental fitness for everyone in our community.
In the summer of 2024, after initial delays due to the permitting process, work on these enhancements began. Originally built in 1985, the Kemper Gym was ready for modernization. Planned upgrades include a triple-sized athletic training room, renovated locker rooms, a cutting-edge weight room, and a wellness center featuring three distinct spaces: a multipurpose studio, a student fitness room, and a dedicated faculty fitness room. The project also includes two external bathrooms for James Field to enhance convenience for outdoor activities.
As of November 2024, the foundation has been poured, and framing is underway. We’re eagerly anticipating the project’s completion by March 2025, marking a significant step forward in supporting the overall well-being of our Annie Wright community.
Join the AWS Heritage Society
The Heritage Society honors alumni, parents, and friends who have made a planned or deferred gift to Annie Wright Schools. Through planned giving, you can ensure that future generations of students thrive thanks to your thoughtful investment.
By becoming a member of the Heritage Society, you play a vital role in shaping your legacy while providing lasting strength and stability to the school.
If you’ve already included Annie Wright Schools in your estate plans or would like to explore simple ways to do so, please reach out to Director of Development Grace Finch at 253.284.8604 or grace_finch@aw.org.
“I have Annie Wright Schools in my will because the school has been an important part of my life and this will be one last chance to give back and help it continue in its mission.”
Kate Dorr ’96 with children Gwen ’30 (right) and Lee ’27 (left)
HERITAGE SOCIETY MEMBERS
Jae-Chan Ahn and Young-Sun Nam
Shirley Anderson* ’52
Sally (Peterson) Atherton ’66
Grace (Brynolson) Atkinson* ’33
Elaine (Tubbs) Austin* ’36
Martine Baker-Anderson* ’57
Anne (Murray) Barbey* ’38
Ruth (Nunan) Bartells* ’26
Sue (Spiegle) Batema ’61
Rex J. Bates*
Barry and Susan Bauska
Mildred Anne (Campbell) Bechtel* ’45
Florence Behnke*
Catherine (McPherson) Bernhard* ’30
Suzanne (Baker) Bethke* ’55
Kay Bishop* ’60
Ruth Bishop* ’63
Ann Bogrette*
Dzidra Briedis*
Betty Lou (Ervin) Broderick ’53
Beverley Brown* ’41
Samuel Brown*
Alma (Corry) Campbell Fleet ’64
Laura and Mark Carlson
Patricia (Sutherland) Carver ’45
Michael Churng and Kate Dorr ’96
Tad Ellis*
Mary (Turrill) Ellis* ’39
Anne Field*
Judith (Yengling) Forkner ’63
Jane (Spencer) Foster* ’56
Will and Anne (Middleton) Foster ’70
Katherine (Parks) George ’61
Barbara Glasgow* ’36
Stacey and Jake Guadnola ’90MS
Dorothea (Cragin) Hanich ’63
Pamela Hanson ’70
E. Harvey Headland*
Greta (Shaw) Heide* ’24
Allan and Melissa* (Sallee Sheldon) Hess ’63
Henry and Barbara Hewitt*
William and Anne (Fisher) Hofius* ’55
Susanne (Fisher) Hubbach* ’37
William and Elizabeth (Doud) Hyde* ’38
Mildred (Russell) Jensen* ’50
Joan Gardner-Johnston*
Barbara (Roberts) Kenney* ’38
Helen (Edwards) Kenney* ’46
Rebecca Kirkpatrick ’97
Susan Kirkpatrick
Janet (Ferris) Koltun-Titus ’53
James Mack Koon Jr
Elizabeth (Allen) Koons* ’36
Sally Briggs Leighton
Phyllis Lewis
Sharon Levy
John and Sara Long
Rose Magrini*
Susan* and David Manger
Patricia (Gibson) McAvity* ’60
Amy (Schanno) McCarthy* ’54
John and Burdette (Craig) McClelland* ’36
Edward and Adele (Houx) Miller* ’49
Kathryn Monroe*
Derry Ann Moritz* ’53
Allen and Elizabeth (Ayrault) Moses* ’48
Kimberley Munson ’82
Lynne (Rubush) Nickel* ’60
Marjorie Oda-Burns ’66
Yu Chin Pan*
J. Bruce and Laura (Gonyea) Partridge ’70
Cordelia (Hartwell) Puttkammer ’57
Linda (Waldherr) Riggio ’67
Marlene (Westfall) Robbins ’73
Peggy Lou (Stebbins) Roberts* ’35
Jean (Harriett) Roskos*
Frances (Young) Rushton* ’38
Ruth (McFarland) Rystogi* ’31
Robert and Eleanor Sanders*
Veronica Sauer ’86
Rand and Lynn (Beaty) Sealey ’61
Grace (Rexroth) Seaman* ’48
Kathryn (Works) Schipper ’79
Lance and Marion (Williamson) Shipley ’89
Jay and Peachy Smalling
Pamela Hyde Smith ’63
Suzanne P. Smith* ’82
Ann (Terteling) Sparks* ’53
Barbara (Brooks) Spaulding* ’34
Mary Jane Stamm* ’42
Susan (Backus) Stoller ’66
Waldo and Norma (Gjertsen) Stone*
Herman Tenzler*
Eleanor (Walker) Threlkel ’55
Camilla Titcomb*
Mary Trodden ’69
Bob and Emily (McFadon) Vincent ’49
Kristen Wallerich ’75
Marilyn (Muckey) Walter* ’44
Barbara Jean White Eckles
Peter and Karen (Warren) Wickstrand ’60
Holly (Hewitt) Wight ’61
Wilbur Woodhams*
Virginia (Baker) Woolf* ’36
*Heritage Society members noted with an asterisk have already left their legacy at Annie Wright Schools.
The Dorr-Churng Family
“Maybe there will be a baseball team and a covered area to play baseball. I think the uniform will look like work clothes.” – Andres Esparza ’38
“Either we’re going to be super cyber tech, like you can press a button and teleport to class, or we will have completely destroyed the world. One or the other.“
– Sophie Grondin ’29
“I think Annie Wright will look newer-ish. The tech will be more advanced, and we would use laptops and goggles that look
“I think that the desks and iPads will be meshed together and it’ll be super cool.”
– ARay Ghambari ’32
“I think it’s going to look like a city, like a modern building and there will be desks that drive themselves.”
– Bo Green ’32
“In 100 years I think we’ll have more developed technology, but I think the community will stay the same. There’s such a great community here.”
–Max Farber ’29
“Annie Wright is going to be a leading institution.Just as Annie Wright is now, we will be leaders in the future. My advice to students 100 years from now would be to look back. We are one of the best institutions in western Washington. We can’t deviate from what makes us amazing.”
– Arun Tiwari ‘25
Arun Tiwari ’25
“I think the desks will be levitating. I think everything will be more electronic.“ –Cora Nunnally ’32
“My advice would be don’t give up when finals come around and stay away from tech distractions. ”
– Aiden Brewster ’28
Annie Wright Students Imagine
THE NEXT 100 YEARS
Annie Wright Schools have come a long way in our 100 years on Tacoma Avenue. As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we can’t help but wonder—what will the next 100 years bring? To spark our imaginations, we hit the halls of AWS and asked our students:
“What do you think the future holds for our school? What kinds of technology might we see? How might the uniforms change?”
HERE’S WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY!
“Annie Wright will look like a school from a science fiction book. There’ll be robots and blocks everywhere. My advice to students in 2125 would be to play outside and make time to read books even though there’s a bunch of new technology to play with.”
–
Skuya
Elkins ’33
“I think AWS will be floating in the sky on a fantastical spaceship with flying cars, genetically modified unicorns, and happy kids. I think the uniform in 2125 will be personalized, diverse, and unique.” – Ju-ah Paik ‘25
Victoria Bell ’33
Rex Bates
CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF DEDICATION AND IMPACT AT AWS
BY JAKE GUADNOLA
zWhen learning the histories of schools, one inevitably finds the well-known founders and benefactors, iconic teachers, and successful alumni.
These individuals are, undoubtedly, important to the story of the school. However, in almost all instances, the histories overlook critically important people who never sought the spotlight. These silent supporters donate time, resources, and talent to the betterment of a school without seeking anything in return. Their quiet dedication can be easily overlooked. We won’t let that happen with Rex Bates.
26 years ago, Rex and his wife Angela enrolled their eldest daughter in Pre-K. It didn’t take long for school leadership to recognize what it had in Rex. Not only was Rex a brilliant thinker and a grounded “school person,” but he and his family were immediately (and generously) supportive of the school’s desire to improve facilities, enhance student scholarships, and raise faculty salaries. It came as no surprise, then, that Rex was brought onto the Board of Trustees, and equally no surprise that he was named Board Chair. His steady hand and student-centeredness guided the School through several difficult leadership transitions, allowing us to eventually hire Christian Sullivan. It was through
Rex’s relationship with Christian that Rex came to work at Annie Wright, initially as the Development Director and then ultimately as the Director of International Advancement.
While few families, if any, have been more financially generous to Annie Wright than Rex’s, and while Rex’s leadership at the Board and Senior Leadership levels have been pronounced, it feels unequivocally true that the greatest gift he gave AWS was was his unwavering dedication, support, and care of students, specifically the international students. At his core, Rex is an educator. He embraced the chance to work with students during some of their most formative years. Sometimes a counselor, a motivator, a teacher, and a coach, Rex always felt students’ joy and their pain, and he spent countless years helping them identify, and then achieve, success as they defined it. Because of this, Rex is adored by students, alumni, and parents the world over.
As Rex stands more firmly in retirement, we hope he sees the impact he has had on Annie Wright Schools. It is not an overstatement to say that Rex has been as important to this institution as anyone in its illustrious history. Rex, you have done what we all strive to do with our lives...
...you have made a difference!
Thank You, Rex!
MY HISTORY • MY EXPERIENCE • my Annie Wright
This past September, we were thrilled to welcome alumni of all ages back to campus for another amazing Alumni Weekend. It was such a joy to catch up, share stories, and explore both the new and familiar spaces around campus. From reminiscing in old favorite spots to enjoying cocktails together, the weekend was filled with laughter and connection. A huge thank you to everyone who came out—we’re already looking forward to making more memories at Alumni Weekend 2025!
Taylor Boss ’MS08
Helen Townsend ’84, Deirdre (Allen) Timmons ’84
Britany Wu ’19, Tsai-Shan “Ariel” Chiang ’18, Ayaha Itokawa ’19, Jaskiran Pental ’19
Annie Green, Haley Parks-Pavolka ’13, Emily Weston, Leslie (Bauska) Boss ’13
Holly (Bamford) Hunt ’89, Ross Syford-Hoyle ’63, Kate Dorr ’96
Back row, left to right: Elizabeth “Lisa” Weyerhaeuser ’74, Nancy Champagne ’74, Joanie (Schwabe) Bayhack ’74
Front Row: Martha “Marti” (Anderson) Mason ’74, Anita (Dowsley) Hyatt ’74, Chimie Yuthok ’74
Jasmine Kennedy ’17, Maria Peterson ’17, Britnie Casillas ’17, Abby Turner ’17, Annika Cederstrand ’17, Lexy Sullivan ’17
Sara Pelster ’15, Gracie Orr ’15
Maria Peterson ’17, Jan Buennagel, Annika Cederstrand ’17
Amanda Martson ’14, Tessa Thurman ’14, Clare Jeong 19, Samantha Gabales ’14, Christina Olivieri ’19, Luna LaBelle 19, Aquene (Kimmel) Payne ’14, Alexa Brenner ’19, Allie Kuritani ’19, Preeti Pental ’14
Joanie Bayhack ’74, Elizabeth “Lisa” Weyerhaeuser ’74, Chimie Yuthok ’74, Martha “Marty” (Anderson) Mason ’74, Anita (Dowsley) Hyatt ’74
Brittini Peterson ’04, Lucy Gregory ’04, Shira Goldstein ’04, Adrienne (Ottum) Peterson ’04, Genajuade (Tade) Stevenson ’04, Devin (Arnold) Scherk ’04
Marion Shipley ’89, Kristin (Credgington) Vogt ’89, Jodi Erickson ’89, Samantha (Jarrett) Dale, Erricka (Turner) Davis ’89, Tricia (Noel) Taylor ’89, Camille (Cooper) McCauley ’89
Back row, left to right: Jodi Erickson ’89, Marion Shipley ’89
Middle row: Samantha (Jarrett) Dale ’89, Holly Bamford ’89, Camille (Cooper) McCauley ’89, Kristin (Credgington) Vogt ’89, Sarah Bolland ’89
Front row: Erricka (Turner) Davis ’89, Tricia (Noel) Taylor ’89
Christina Olivieri ’14 , Samantha Gabales ’14, Luna LaBelle ’14
Emma McCarthy ’23, Seth Dugan ’23
Amelia Herrmann-Scholbe ’24, Yuri Underwood ’24, Sophie Nguyen ’24, Alyssa Sanders ’24
Sofia La Rosa ’23, Adia Carei ’23
The holidays at Annie Wright Schools are filled with cherished traditions, and one of the highlights is the annual College Comeback Social. In December 2024, we welcomed our college-aged alumni back to campus for an afternoon of reconnection and celebration. Alumni had the opportunity to reunite with classmates, faculty, staff, and current students, sharing college experiences and reflecting on their journeys. It was a wonderful time to reminisce and celebrate the successes of our Gator alumni. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
On the Road with AWS Alumni
Sebastian Bush ’23, Monica Huggins
Andrea Edman ’06MS, Lauren Arnold ’23
Annika “Katherine” Christensen ’21, Cady Hale ’21
Amber Fang ’23, Grace Finch, Nadine Gibson ’23, Caitlyn Bell ’18, Amethyst Kettrell ’18
Grace Finch, Carole (Koza) Varghese ’92
Kayla Mathurin ’20, Genevieve Grant ’17, Beatrice Timken ’19, Abby Givens ’20, Lauren Arnold ’23
Zhongkai “Felix” Yi ’24, Anna Goncharova ’24
Arun Tiwari ’25, Ye-Hyun “Joshua” Paik ’22
CLASS NOTES
Cordelia (Cordie) Hartwell Puttkammer ’57
On October 17, 2024, Cordie Hartwell Puttkammer ’57 was presented with an outstanding service award at the Howard University’s Occupational Therapy Department’s 50th Anniversary. Having been on faculty at the founding of the department in 1974, she served 25 years and has continued communication with former students and colleagues.
Patricia (Pierce) Layden ’57
A few of my classmates and I have a regular Zoom meeting once a month: myself, Cordie Hartwell Puttkammer, Diane Hibbard Vadnais, Marianne Hyslop McClure, Ellen Pearson Redfield, and occasionally Marilyn Carlsmith. We meet on the first Monday of the month at 12:30 pm PST in case anyone else would be interested in joining us. (If you are interested in joining, contact Grace Finch, grace_finch@aw.org.)
Joanie Bayhack ’74
When I think of my time at Annie Wright, I reflect on my fellow classmates, who comprised perhaps the smallest class in history. I reflect on the power and influence of a caring teacher like Miss Brown. I remember righteously carrying that heavy gold cross down the chapel aisle. After a 45-year career in entertainment media, public television, and non-profit management, I retired and launched a career teaching dance. I teach people of all ages and abilities at eight locations on Chicago’s Northshore. I recently earned a second degree in criminal justice and am teaching “Dance for a Second Chance” to female inmates. I have three beautiful daughters and two grandchildren. I recently adopted a puppy, Elly, and recently bought us a tiny house. Life feels balanced and good.
Amy Anderson ’08
I got engaged in August in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Paris Summer Olympics. Wedding planning is fully underway for August 2025. I am the last one out of my AWS friend group to get married. Even back in high school, I had a hunch I would be the last one to marry. Turns out I was right. I own a home in the Federal Way area where my dad, mom, and I renovated the bathroom and kitchen. Now with the fiancé, we built raised garden beds and a chicken coop for six chickens. I reap the benefits of his hard work and look forward to a life of fresh eggs and homegrown fruits and vegetables.
Antonia Juarez ’08
Antonia Juarez has lived in Los Angeles since she graduated from AWS in 2008 (Go Blue Ties!). She thought she wanted a career in fashion, but ended up in the entertainment industry. She is Chief of Staff to Jerry Bruckheimer of Jerry Bruckheimer Films (Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Bad Boys, etc). She has found her true passion in film and is currently working on the new F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. She is also a part of the National MS Society’s Emerging Leaders Board, as she was diagnosed with MS in 2017. She tries to help newly diagnosed people find light in their new situation. In her free time, she spends it with her friends and family, and her Pomeranian Benito.
Sara Pelster ’15
Sara is currently a manager at the Josh Bersin Company where she specializes in consulting on complex Human Capital projects for the Fortune 500. She is passionate about improving the workplace experience and bringing a peoplefirst approach to HR. A lifelong learner, Sara is also currently pursuing an MBA at USC’s Marshall School of Business. When sheʼs not working or studying, you can find her exploring the aisles of Barnes & Noble, experimenting with new recipes, or planning her next travel adventure.
Annika Cederstrand ’17
I am a second-year graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder, getting my MBA and a Master of the Environment. Currently, I am the Vice President of Sustainability for the MBA Association, working with the Center of Ethics and Social Responsibility and the Environmental Center on a largescale project to establish the Leeds School of Business as a leader in sustainability. Additionally, I am on the Executive team for the Leeds Sustainability Case Competition (LSCC) where I serve as the President of Judge and External Relations. LSCC is an international, graduate-level case competition focused on integrating economic and environmental solutions to solving real-world business challenges. I am honored to be in charge of bringing in over 40 industry experts and business leaders as judges to put on a stellar competition for students. I still enjoy my old hobbies, like working out, skiing, and cracking jokes. I’ve even thrown a javelin here and there! Boulder, Colorado is an incredible place to be. I am constantly getting outside with friends and my beagle, Bodhi, for fun and adventure. I still see
CLASS NOTES, CONTINUED
all the lessons and habits I learned from AWS applying to my life today, and every time it makes me miss my Gator family—I even wear my old AWS crew neck, only now I don’t get dressuniformed when I do!
Virginia Miller ’17
I recently began a new role at Rent the Runway as Deputy Chief of Staff to Cofounder and CEO, Jennifer Hyman. It’s been wonderful to leverage my generalist skill set from Consulting toward a complex (and fun) business. After doing a project on fast fashion in college, I challenged myself to buy no new clothes for a year. I only purchase new-to-me/pre-loved styles. That’s been true for three years now! Other than my interest in rethinking consumption models, a major motivating factor for taking this role was the opportunity to work closely with a female CEO. Jenn was the 30th woman ever to take her company public, and the only woman ever to IPO with an all-female C-suite. Empowering women is so fundamentally core to Rent the Runway that it translates into every aspect of working there. I’ve found the change incredibly energizing. Beyond the work itself, change has come in the form of moving to Manhattan, which has been absolutely phenomenal. Please keep in touch if you’re in the area!
Molly Bryant ’18
Molly has found a fulfilling career working for her Tribe, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, as an HR Specialist focusing on recruiting. In addition, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Communication Leadership at the University of Washington and expects to graduate this spring.
Yiran “Zoe” Zheng ’18
I spent my summer in San Francisco at an internship with Adobe as an Experience Designer. I had an absolutely great time there—had a lot of good food, met many great people, and enjoyed my work. I will return to SF and Adobe next year after graduation. (Photo 1: Yiran “Zoe” Zheng ’18, Photo 2: Tsai-Shan “Ariel” Chiang ’18, Sze Wing “Christine” Leung ’17, and Yiran “Zoe” Zheng ’18,)
Annika “Katherine” Christensen ’21
Katherine is currently a senior at the UWT studying International Political Economy. In November, she completed a 10-week internship with the Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian & Pacific Affairs, rounding out her third government internship while in college. After graduating in March, she
plans to move back to Washington D.C. and continue working in international policy.
Zimeng “Angelina” Zhang ’21
Angelina is a senior at New York University. After winning an award at the 2023 Hospitality Asset Manager Association (HAMA) Student Case Study Competition, she continues to deepen her interests in hospitality and real estate asset management. She is also looking forward to meeting her friends from AWS during the upcoming winter break!
Anya Couglin ’22
Anya is a current junior at Washington University in St. Louis studying Environmental Analysis. She was recently selected as an Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar for Public Service and she got to travel to Chicago to meet President Obama. Her passion for sustainability has taken her to Madagascar to research sustainable agriculture and to Denmark to study sustainability in Northern Europe.
Jackson “Jack” Ingels ’22 & Gino Gu ’22
Jack and Gino had lunch with Director of Development Grace Finch at UC Irvine where they are both in their sophomore year. The second-year roommates had exciting updates to share. Gino is taking a heavy course load as he is pursuing a double major in Chemical Engineering and Business Administration. Jack has become a master of scheduling to ensure long weekend trips back to the PNW but is also planning to double major in Chemistry and Psychology. Gino is also involved in multiple clubs and both are happy to have landed at UC Irvine.
Nadia Hoffman ’23
I recently attended Google’ s Genesis 2 Genesis Conference, an event designed to provide insights into Google’s innovative culture and career opportunities. During the conference, I explored how Google leverages AI, particularly in fields like finance, and participated in hands-on workshops. I am currently pursuing a major in Cognitive Science with a focus on linguistics and AI at NYU. I am passionate about understanding how language and technology intersect.
Submissions
Strength is published by Annie Wright Schools’ marketing and communications office. Story suggestions, articles and photos are always welcome by submitting to communications@aw.org. Alumni may submit class notes and photos at aw.org/connect or alumni@aw.org.
Olive (Bell) Reid ’45—Alumni
Karen (Helliesen) Kershaw ’57—Alumni
Wendy (Wilson) Beckett ’64—Alumni
Rebecca (Brocard) Yao ’81—Alumni
Tamar Griggs—US Associate 1948–1957
William V. King—Teacher
Gertrud Robinson—Former Staff
Senior Leadership Team
Jake Guadnola ’90MS, Head of Schools
Sandra Forero Bush, Assistant Head of Schools
Jeff Barber, Director of Residential Life
Eireann Corrigan, Director of Upper School for Girls
Ann Dicks, Director of Lower School
Grace Finch, Director of Development
Mike Finch, Director of Athletics
Annie Green, Director of Arts
Alicia Grover Pugh, Director of Community Engagement
Jeremy Stubbs, Director of Upper School for Boys
Clare Wagstaff-Brown, Director of Middle School
Jean Webber, Director of Finance and Operations
Board of Trustees
David Overton, Chair
Janelle Guirguis-Blake, Vice Chair
Sally (Peterson) Atherton ’66, Secretary
Kevin Sanders, Treasurer
Jim Defebaugh, Prior Chair
Diane Bai
Troy Bailey
Thomas Baker
Medina Broadenax
Tenley Cederstrand
Bill Driscoll
C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser
Jason Griffiths
Jake Guadnola, Ex-Officio, ’90MS
Manuel La Rosa
Martha Lantz
Damani Leech ’90MS
Kyra Mungia ’09
Marjorie Oda-Burns ’66
Brian Prior, Ex-Officio
Monica Torrez-Pfister
Jennifer Vertetis
Alana Zautner
ADMISSIONS EVENTS
The best way to ensure great families join our community is for great families like yours to share the word! Invite your contacts to join us at an upcoming admissions event.
Scholar Search
February 7
Ticket to Thrive and PS-K Group Play
February 8
For more information on both events, visit: www.
Editor
Gena Wynkoop
Graphic Designer
Lillian Austin
Photographer
Lisa Blackmore
Oona Copperhill
Contributors
Quinci Adams ’09MS
Victoria Bell ’33
Aiden Brewster ’28
Sandra Forero Bush Skuya Elkins ’33
Andreas Esparza ’38
Max Farber ’29
Grace Finch
Angela Ferguson Aray Ghambari ’32
Bo Green ’32
Sophie Grondin ’29
Jake Guadnola ’90MS
Eli Kuo ’31
Cora Nunnally ’32
Ju-ah Paik ’25
Donald Sidman
Shelli Strate Arun Tiwari ’25
“IN THIS BRIGHT FUTURE, YOU CAN’T FORGET YOUR PAST.”
–Bob Marley
