Strength | Winter 2020-Spring 2021

The Magazine of Annie Wright Schools | Winter 2020–Spring 2021

STRENGTH

Building a Community of Belonging OUR EFFORTS IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

CONTENTS | WINTER 2020–SPRING 2021 You

BELONG

6

You Belong Here

14

Striving for Belonging

Student Reflections

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Senior Leadership Team Jake Guadnola ’90MS, Head of Schools Susan Bauska, Associate Head of Schools & Director of Upper School for Boys Sandra Forero Bush, Assistant Head of Schools Eireann Corrigan, Director of Upper School for Girls Clare Wagstaff-Brown, Director of Middle School Ann Dicks, Director of Lower School Jeff Barber, Director of Residential Life Rex Bates, Director of International Advancement Grace Finch, Director of Development Mike Finch, Director of Athletics Jennifer Haley ’89, Director of Institutional Advancement Alicia Mathurin, Director of Community Engagement Jean Webber, Director of Finance and Operations

Board of Trustees Michele Cannon Bessler, Chair Jim Defebaugh, Vice Chair David Overton, Treasurer Lisa Hoffman, Secretary Percy Abram Sally (Peterson) Atherton ’66 Diane Bai Stephanie Cook ’88 Bob Crist Jeffrey Davis Laura Edman

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Tony Escobar Judith (Yengling) Forkner ’63 Janelle Guirguis-Blake Manuel La Rosa Martha Lantz Damani Leech ’90MS Marjorie Oda-Burns ’66 John Parrott Merritt (Klarsch) Pulliam ’92 Dawn Turnipseed Aliya (Merali) Virani ’96

THE MAGAZINE OF ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS

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12

Amplifying Arts + Social Justice

Virtual Gator Gala Recap

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Gators Impacting our Communities

1930 2020

3

Here

In Memoriam

Editor

Graphic Designer

Jen Willey

Barbie Pratt

Contributors

Photographers

Sandra Forero Bush Sebastian Bush ’23 Angela Ferguson Grace Finch Annie Katica Green Maddy Mancuso ’05MS Alicia Mathurin Sasha Zhang ’23 Yaxin “Doris” Zhu ’23

Oona Copperhill Clinton Ward

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.

827 North Tacoma Avenue Tacoma, Washington 98403 P: 253.272.2216 | aw.org

From the Head of Schools Dear Annie Wright Community, There is strength in self-awareness. By seeing ourselves clearly, decisions become intentional, strategic. We can leverage our skills and lean into our weaknesses. But, the process of becoming self-aware isn’t easy. Asking difficult questions and hearing honest answers requires vulnerability. Rare is the person who welcomes that which is uncomfortable. I certainly am not among them. And yet, we all recognize that such avoidance only holds us back.

Those who want to grow—they get uncomfortable.

“

Knowing our students as individuals helps shape a collective understanding of our institution.

”

The same is true for institutions, particularly schools.

Here at Annie Wright, we don’t sell widgets, we educate children. For a school that prides itself on nurturing, celebrating, challenging, and knowing students, what exactly does self-awareness look like? The answer is a synergistic one. Knowing our students as individuals helps shape a collective understanding of our institution. Each and every one of us is different. We come from different races and religions, learning profiles and languages, political parties and genders. For Annie Wright to know itself, we must start by seeing and honoring the individual identities of the 629 students and 176 faculty and staff who comprise this school, for we are them.

Yet seeing and honoring these differences can be uncomfortable. It can force us to evaluate our core beliefs and assumptions, to recognize where we celebrate

difference and where we silence it. If Annie Wright Schools truly know its students, then it must be a place where we honor individuality, where we celebrate difference, and where we lift all voices. The conservative voice deserves the same respect as the liberal voice. The transgender voice deserves the same respect as the cisgendered voice. Understanding and honoring these differences can be uncomfortable, yes, but the alternative is to create a culture where only certain voices are heard, valued.

That is unacceptable for a school that claims to know its students. And so we must lean into the uncomfortable.

We must strive for representation. We must teach without bias. The success of Annie Wright Schools hinges on our ability to truly cultivate “individual learners,” learners who not only speak but listen. I firmly believe we are up to this task. There is too much at stake for us not to be.

Sincerely,

Jake Guadnola ’90MS Head of Schools

turn tHE PAGE for parent survey results!

—­­>

1

2021 Parent Survey Results Survey results calculated from 415 responses.

1. In what division is your student?

5. Do you feel comfortable reaching out to someone at AWS with questions or concerns?

UPPER SCHOOL FOR BOYS

12.3 % UPPER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

MIDDLE SCHOOL

17.1%

NO

3.9% 45.1 %

LOWER SCHOOL

96.1

YES

25.5 %

%

98.1 %

6. How satisfied are you with the effectiveness of AWS communications?

2. Does Annie Wright Schools know your student?

NO

300

1.9%

286 200

98.1 %

YES 100

2

0

3. Is AWS appropriately challenging your student academically?

NO, TOO MUCH

2.2% NO, TOO LITTLE

YES

9.2%

88.6 %

114

13

1 LOWEST

2

3

4 HIGHEST

7. How satisfied are you with your AWS experience?

300

302

200

100

92

17

4

0

1

2

3

4

LOWEST

4. Is the AWS program helping your student understand the world beyond their own perspective?

HIGHEST

8. How likely are you to recommend AWS to a friend?

300

NO

4.6% YES

95.4 %

262 200

100

0

1 LOWEST

2

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0

13

7

8

2

3

4

5

6

13 50 64 7

8

9

10 HIGHEST

46%

6%

of our student body identifies as Black/African American, Asian/Asian American, Indigenous/Native American, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern or two or more races.

You

8% BELONG of our student body identifies as Hispanic/Latinx.

4 #

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Here

Listening & Learning (L&L) Events in fall 2020 + more happening this spring, with two goals in mind:

Strengthen our collective muscle in navigating courageous conversations with openness and compassion so that we can continue to do and be better for all of our students.

#

2

6

Create safe, productive spaces for feedback by way of sharing about and learning from individual experiences within our AWS community.

7

of our faculty & staff team identifies as Hispanic/Latinx.*

We have a lot of work to do here!*

13%

of our faculty & staff team identifies as Black/African American, Asian/Asian American, Indigenous/Native American, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern or two or more races.* *Learn about efforts underway to recruit a more diverse team on page 7.

Affinity Groups launched in the Middle School + Upper Schools to launch soon!

What is an

affinity group?

Great question!

Affinity groups provide opportunities to connect with others who share similar aspects of their identity. Affinity groups can be a place for underrepresented people in a community to come together to feel less isolated and more connected. During affinity groups participants might share and talk about their experiences or focus on working towards a particular mission or goal.

DEI Subcommittees Represented by: • 6 Students •1 4 Faculty (+ ALL faculty serve on the curriculum subcommittee)

• 14 Staff • 4 Alumni • 6 Parents • 5 Trustees 3

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Striving for Belonging Now more than ever, Annie Wright Schools must reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). We recognize that language around DEI is constantly changing and adjusting. At AWS, DEI is an umbrella term for our efforts and values which include anti-racism, social and racial justice, and belonging. Our goal is to be a community in which everyone feels like they belong. In order for this to happen, we must put ourselves consistently and with conviction into the work itself, utilizing a system to evaluate, respond to and reflect on school culture and practice. We have work to do—and that work is ongoing. The following is a compilation of just some of our efforts underway in this critical space.

Curriculum Review The Curricular Examination Subcommittee, which includes faculty across all divisions and Upper School students, supports examining curriculum and pedagogy through a DEI lens.

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At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the subcommittee began to research and examine curricular tools such as The Pollyanna Curriculum in the Lower School and Learning for Justice's Social Justice Standards in the Middle school, as well as these and other subject-specific tools in the Upper Schools.

The group also began a collaboration with Kisha Palmer, a DEI consultant with The Institute for Inclusive Leadership in Seattle. Kisha is working with faculty to help achieve the DEI goals by laying groundwork toward anti-racist teaching and by encouraging all teachers to bring a DEI lens into their classroom. In late November, faculty completed a survey expressing DEI interests, needs, and reluctances.

Responses helped inform Kisha's work, and she designed workshops based on the school's demonstrated needs and interests. Workshops were launched on January 25 with courageous conversations surrounding race and DEI, leading into guided sessions throughout winter and spring during in-service days.

Recruiting & Hiring After reviewing current practices and available demographic data for the school and the region, the Recruitment and Hiring Subcommittee, comprised of faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees and students, developed a short list of achievable short-term projects relating to the hiring process at Annie Wright Schools.

The group has been hard at work, intentionally adjusting job postings to reflect the importance of cultural humility and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the school community. They are also developing and recommending a set of questions every applicant to the school will need to answer relating to DEI issues.

Annie Wright Schools have joined the Pipeline Collaborative, a network of schools and practitioners of color dedicated to informing, mentoring and growing the next generation of teachers and staff at independent schools.

Assistant Head of Schools Sandra Forero Bush and Director of Lower School Ann Dicks represented Annie Wright Schools

at the Independent School Diversity Career Fair in February.

This year’s virtual format allowed for more attendees than ever before—with several states and countries represented.

While the pandemic has caused many challenges, these virtual formats have allowed for new and more connections.

Tacoma Scholars Annie Wright Schools are committed to dismantling systemic racism by leveraging our core competencies: education and mentorship. We launched Tacoma Scholars to provide an AWS education to Tacoma students who come from historically disadvantaged communities. We recognize, however, that lasting change will only be realized through professional opportunities and economic advancement.

For this reason, the arc of Tacoma Scholars extends from enrollment in Grade 9 through the Scholar’s first postcollege job. By providing a world-class education, support and mentorship throughout college, and access to AWS’ vast professional network, we will create opportunity and effect change. The time for such work is long overdue.

Tacoma Scholars will launch in the fall of 2021. The inaugural class of Scholars includes four Tacoma students— two boys and two girls—with four additional students enrolling every year, ultimately reaching a cohort of 16 Scholars. Each student receives a full scholarship (including laptop and books) and support to engage our robust travel program. Learn more about the Tacoma Scholars program, and how you can invest in students and Tacoma at aw.org/tacoma-scholars.

TACOMA SCHOLARS

LEARN MORE about Annie Wright Schools’

commitment and ongoing efforts related to DEI at aw.org/dei.

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Amplifying Arts Social Justice

“

Every artist has a message, just as every work of art communicates a message. It seems quite natural, then, that the arts and social justice go hand in hand. What a beautiful intersection of two pillars of an Annie Wright Schools education.

Meet Annie Katica Green. Come July 1, 2021, she will serve as Director of Arts at AWS. This newly developed role, which sits on the Senior Leadership Team, includes a social justice leadership component, serving on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group.

As an IB World School, Annie Wright Schools believe strongly that the arts are a critical instrument of inquiry, curiosity and understanding of different cultural contexts and personal perspectives. Based on its strong belief in the

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I applaud Annie Wright Schools’ capacity to collectively prioritize the arts and social justice with focused direction and resources.

—ANNIE GREEN

”

importance of student voice and authentic self-expression, Annie Wright also understands that the arts provide an important vehicle for further exploring issues of social justice. The arts program at Annie Wright Schools, therefore, is central to the development of students who not only understand and recognize the structural inequities in our Annie, pre-pandemic, with a group of Upper School for Girls students

society, but are equipped and supported in their efforts to find their voices, engage their communities, and advocate for real change.

“The arts at Annie Wright Schools are strong,” shared Jake Guadnola. “Under Annie’s direction I believe the arts will only become stronger, both during and outside of school hours. In addition, Annie’s critical work in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Annie Wright Schools paves the way for further individual, institutional, and civic transformation to happen on our campus.”

Project, National Comedy Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego; and Seattle’s Intiman Theatre. Since 2014, she has volunteered locally on Tacoma Little Theatre’s Board of Directors, serving as president since 2018.

“I applaud Annie Wright Schools’ capacity to collectively prioritize the arts and social justice with focused direction and resources,” said Annie. “I am honored to serve in this capacity, and I am thrilled to begin the important work necessary to elevate both of these integral components of the AWS experience.”

Annie joined AWS in 2009 as the Upper School theatre instructor. She was later promoted as Dean of Students in the Upper School for Girls (USG) and, in July 2020, was appointed Assistant Director of the USG. A Tacoma native, she left the region to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Southern California.

In her post-grad years, Annie served in various capacities including teaching artist, administrator, director and performer at several West Coast theatre institutions, including Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles; Playwrights

“

The arts at Annie Wright Schools are strong.

”

—JAKE GUADNOLA, HEAD OF SCHOOLS

ARTS AND ATHLETIC CAMPS IN SUMMER ’21

aw.org/summer

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Gators IMPACTING our

At Annie Wright Schools—and beyond—these Gators are

Alicia Mathurin

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Lifetime Service Award Recipient On January 18, 2021, via a virtual celebration, Annie Wright’s Director of Community Engagement Alicia Mathurin was bestowed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Lifetime Service Award by the City of Tacoma.

The selection committee shared that Alicia received this prestigious award by “honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy in two ways: Creating a space for people of color—specifically women—to gather and talk about racial issues and social justice; and also by being a co-founder of the Tacoma Community Market where vendors of color are showcased and can be celebrated. Those two contributions, as well as her leadership role at Annie Wright, means that she is a pillar of our community as well as a catalyst for new ways of teaching students about diversity.”

A pillar, indeed. Here at Annie Wright, Alicia’s office is often packed with students chatting, hanging out, laughing and smiling. She has a knack for making all feel welcome and safe in her office and her presence. As the Director of Community Engagement, Alicia spends her day fulfilling two of her passions—Tacoma and Annie Wright Schools.

She partners with the Development and Admissions teams to bring more of Annie Wright to Tacoma and vice versa.

She’s been integral in the launching of Annie Wright’s new Tacoma Scholars program, and is steadfast in making the AWS community a more diverse, equitable and inclusive place for all.

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Kyra Mungia ’09

Forbes 30 Under 30: Education 2021 Annie Wright Schools “lifer” (attended from Preschool to Grade 12) Kyra Mungia ’09 landed a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30—Education list for 2021. As the deputy director of education, working in the office of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Kyra helped spearhead the #OaklandUndivided campaign to connect public school students in the community with laptops, tech support and reliable wifi in their homes during the pandemic. So far, her team has successfully reached 97% of the youth in the Oakland community, thanks to $13 million in funding raised, including $10 million donated from Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter.

Another initiative Kyra is currently focused on, Teachers Rooted in Oakland, aims to increase the recruitment and retention of teachers of color in the community. Through training programs, subsidized housing and stipends, the program has more than doubled its residency and increased teachers of color by 360% in the first year.

Kyra reflects on her AWS education with appreciation.

She’s deeply grateful for teachers like Mr. Guadnola and Mr. Droubay, who saw potential in her, encouraged her to keep asking questions, and both inspired and pushed her to be better. She also acknowledges that she struggled at times, being one of very few students of color at AWS at the time. From this and her love for education, she’s developed a true passion for systems change work, eliminating racial disparities and creating spaces where everyone can thrive—regardless of other factors.

COMMUNITIES

helping to create communities of belonging

Sonia Rodriguez True ’92 Yakima County Superior Court Commissioner

MaryAlice Parks ’04

White House Correspondent for ABC News ABC News made history 47 years ago when it assigned the first woman, Ann Compton, to cover the White House for a TV network. This year ABC made history again when the news division named an all-female line up of White House correspondents, including Annie Wright’s MaryAlice Parks ’04. The move showcased a commitment across the company to elevate new voices and shake the status quo.

“I am proud of ways I have fought for greater gender parity and diversity of all forms in my newsroom—through mentorship, hiring and advocacy,” MaryAlice shares. “It has not always been easy. News and television are still today industries largely led by men. But I am grateful to work alongside powerful and brilliant colleagues who support one another and constantly look for ways to improve our story-telling and advance our journalism.

When the network announced my new role, I thanked all of the women (and a lot of men) at ABC who have become like family to me and for years told me to pull up a chair, speak up, and make my opinions heard. Sound familiar?

I give credit and thanksgiving daily to the all-girls education I received at Annie Wright. My years at Annie Wright helped make me the fighter that I am; helped me learn to love myself and my neighbors in a way that anchors me; and helped me develop my voice and find the best way to use it.”

In January 2021, Sonia Rodriguez True ’92 was appointed to Yakima County Superior Court Commissioner—the first Latino to serve in the position. Her 20 years of experience as an attorney has certainly paved the way for this monumental moment, but Sonia first credits her strong faith, in addition to her tremendous support system.

Sonia came to Annie Wright in Grade 4, soon after moving to Washington with her mom and younger sister to escape a life of gangs, violence and poverty in East Los Angeles.

Even after the move, things were not always easy, but Sonia’s mom was very much a proponent of education, helping to nurture and solidify Sonia’s strong foundation for learning. She recalls that it was the opportunity for education that Annie Wright offered that helped overcome so many barriers she faced. After graduating from Annie Wright, Sonia attended University of Washington as an undergraduate. Sonia graduated with degrees in philosophy and ethnic studies, and then went on to attend UW Law, graduating in 2000 and passing the bar exam that same year.

Iconic Headmaster Bob Klarsch was a father figure to Sonia, providing persistent encouragement as well or an after school snack while she hung out with his daughter and her close friend Merritt. Mrs. Bauska not only taught Sonia, but also helped her apply to and prepare for college. Now, Sonia aims to offer this same type of support system to youth in the Yakima community. She has served in various volunteer capacities including as United Way of Central Washington's board president, and started a nonprofit organization to curb local gang involvement. In the last five years, she and her husband have opened their home to more than 20 children—providing them the same warmth, guidance and solid foundation she received.

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Student

Reflections

In December 2020, five Upper School students attended the virtual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), the student arm of the National Association of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conference. The following excerpts are reflections about the event from student attendees.

ANNIE WRIGHT UPPER SCHOOL SDLC ATTENDEES:

Sebastian Bush ’23 Nico Cefalu ’23 Issy Iregui ’23 Simren Khan ’22 Doris Zhu ’23

by Doris Zhu ’23 One of my teachers described the Student Diversity and Leadership Conference as life-changing to me. I didn’t quite believe her before going to the conference; but as I look back to that experience after three months, I am now fully convinced that it is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I am so grateful for how supportive and diverse my family and affinity groups were in terms of gender, race, sexual orientation, and more. I relate and resonate with so many of them, whether we are all invested in current events and have similar opinions, or we have had similar experiences of living at the intersection of identities and cultures.

Those sessions at the conference, especially the affinity group meetings, that I attended were a place to reflect, to celebrate who we are, to hear the voices that are often marginalized, neglected, or are considered too loud by the dominant culture, and to uplift these powerful voices.

Therefore, I sincerely hope that the AWS community perhaps adopts some similar programs such as affinity groups, and consistently implements native and minority education as a whole into the yearly curriculum, not only historical voices but also modern voices relevant to the curriculum and themes studied. I have full faith that it will benefit our community.

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by Sebastian Bush ’23 To put it simply, SDLC was one of the most engaging, informative, and fun experiences in my life. I had the opportunity to meet new people my age, and talk to them about my life experiences as well as theirs. Being in these affinity groups with like minded people was amazing, so when we were asked what we wanted to bring back to Annie Wright, my mind instantly went to affinity spaces.

Affinity spaces are groups of people who share something in common with each other. For example, the group in which I spent the most time at SDLC was the multiracial affinity group. However there were different options for different people, such as the LGBTQ+ affinity group, an Asian and Pacific Islanders affinity group, and a Native American and Indigenous affinity group. All of these offered spaces for students to come and engage with other individuals thousands of miles away.

I personally made some amazing friends and connections in those groups, so I loved the idea of introducing them at Annie Wright. The plan would be to expand from advisories

and focus on groups where you could talk freely with like students. We would create multiple groups around the school for students to join and talk about anything from large scale issues, to life experiences. I think this could be an amazing step forward for Annie Wright in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I greatly look forward to seeing these affinity spaces implemented.

Six more Upper School students are participating in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion subcommittees.

Their work ranges from exploring our history to helping shape affinity groups. New groups are launching this spring.

STUDENTS ON DEI SUBCOMMITTEES

Katherine Christensen ’21 Shea Davison ’23 Seth Dugan ’23 Katherine Maas ’23 Pauline Ngom ’22 Sasha Zhang ’23

How Can Gender Fluidity Exist in a Single Gender Education?

by Sasha Zhang ’23 As Annie Wright reevaluates diversity, equity, and inclusion within our school, a complex question arises: How can a spectrum of gender identities exist within a single gender education institution?

Through examining western history, we can see that single sex education, rooted in the idea of a gender binary has largely been the norm. Until relatively recently, formal schooling was strictly meant for boys. Girls who received an education were taught at home. The first instances of all girls schools appeared in the late 17th century, and it wasn’t until the late 1800s where coeducation became more popularized. More recently, institutions have also demonstrated that single gender schools can thrive by emphasizing empowerment and making space for students to break through traditional gender roles. Gendered schooling can be seen as a reflection of our evolving views on gender, and approaches to single gender education should continue to adapt alongside public opinion.

As the complexities of gender are recognized in the 21st century, Annie Wright’s Upper Schools and gendered schools around the world face one inflection point of many.

The question of how to properly address gender identity in the Annie Wright Upper Schools is an intricate and nuanced issue, yet it also presents an opportunity for growth in a topic that has not been substantially addressed by other single gender institutions. Here presents an opportunity for our school to not only better serve its students, but also break new ground and spearhead a new iteration of what gendered schools may look like in the future.

Gender distinction is a powerful and important tool, and when individuals use it within a spectrum rather than a binary it can be empowering rather than limiting. Annie Wright’s gendered Upper Schools provide an inherent emphasis on the specific needs of different genders, and we can further fortify this strength by creating more nuance in our approach. A change in how schools approach gender is no small feat, but it can start with dialogue. Now, the question is no longer can gender fluidity exist in a single gender education at Annie Wright, but how?

References Cable, Kelly E, and Terry E Spradlin. “Single-Sex Education in the 21st Century.” Center for Evaluation and Education Policy: Education Policy Brief, vol. 6, no. 9, 2008, doi:https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED503856.pdf.

Gao, Michelle I. “Single Gender in the 21st Century: Opinion: The Harvard Crimson.” Opinion | The Harvard Crimson, The Harvard Crimson, 29 Jan. 2019, www.thecrimson.com/article/2019/1/29/gao-single-gender-21st-century/.

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Virtually theBest Night Ever!

On February 27, our Gator community came together, despite being apart, at the first ever virtual Gator Gala Auction. From sold out viewing packages to silent and live auction items, our amazing Gator Gala committee, led by co-chairs Alana and Jared Zautner, planned a fabulous evening.

180+ DONORS RAISED

200,000

$

229

1,266

ITEMS TO BID ON

BIDS PLACED

ALUMNI REPRESENTING CLASSES BACK TO THE

1960s 439

REGISTERED GUESTS

53,500

$

IN SPONSORSHIP

THE GUEST WHO JOINED FROM THE FURTHEST LOCATION WAS IN

west sussex, U.K.

If you were unable to attend this year’s Gator Gala and wish to Invest in the Strength of AWS, visit aw.org/auction 18

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(AND GROWING!)

FOR RAISE THE PADDLE: benefiting the health, wellness and support for our students, faculty and staff

Raise the Paddle

In Memoriam ELODIE KING VANDEVERT

Former Faculty & Interim Headmistress August 29, 1930–December 18, 2020

Elodie King Vandevert, 90, a former longtime resident of Tacoma, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Edgewater, New Jersey, on December 18, 2020. She had suffered from ever worsening dementia in her later years. Mrs. Vandevert is survived by four grandchildren and her three children, Paul (Carrie) of Dearborn,

VICKY DRAHAM

Friend, Associate 1940s

BARBARA (BENSON) KIMBROUGH ’60 JASON SNOW

Father to Griffin Snow ’27

MI; John of Tacoma and Margaret King of Hackensack, NJ. In her more than 50 years living in Tacoma, Elodie was an activist and leader on issues of social justice and cultural affairs in the city. She was part of the effort that succeeded in recalling a mayor and several members of Tacoma's City Council, and she was instrumental in the opening of McCarver Elementary School as a racially balanced magnet school in the 1960s. She also worked to increase voter registration in the Hilltop community.

One of Elodie's great passions was the arts. She was a longtime supporter and volunteer at the Tacoma Art Museum, the Tacoma Symphony and the Grand Cinema. She served as Chair of the Pierce County Arts Commission for several years. One of her proudest accomplishments was the founding of the Tacoma Actors Guild, or "TAG" as it came to be known. She served as TAG's first board chair and saw it progress from renting the Temple Theatre for its first production, "Guys and Dolls", to its first home in the old St. Leo's School to a new building space of its own in what is now known as Tacoma's Theatre District.

For many, Elodie was an empathic teacher. She saw her students and her colleagues as people and drew out the stories of their lives. She obtained a teaching certificate and taught English at Annie Wright for many years, and served twice as interim Headmistress.

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SAVE THE DATE

Alumni Weekend 2021 September 23–25, 2021 my history my experience

my Annie Wright