The Magazine of Annie Wright Schools | Fall / Winter 2026
FROM THE
Dear AWS Community,
At its September 2025 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a new strategic plan for Annie Wright Schools. This decision affirmed the incredible work done last year by the 17-member planning committee and outlined the schools’ direction for the next three to five years. Such actions are momentous, and I congratulate all involved on this accomplishment.
On a personal note, I find myself incredibly inspired by the boldness and intentionality of the new plan. I find elements of visionary reach and of practical improvement. I find it demands continued investment in academics, community, and physical plant. It centers on people, stories, technology, and adventure. As the Head, the strategic plan contains my marching orders, and I feel overwhelmingly fortunate to know my time in the coming years will be put toward achieving the plan’s 29 unique initiatives. Bold, intentional, and ambitious–this plan has something for everyone.
Foundational to the plan are its six core strands, which are as follows:
• Make Our Strong Academic Program Stronger
• Engage the Tacoma Community and Wider World
• Foster a Culture of Wellness
• Enhance a Culture of Belonging
• Ensure the Schools’ Thrivability
• Outdoor Education
For those who tracked the previous strategic plan, you’ll notice that five of these strands are identical. That is intentional. As the planning committee lifted stories and experiences from the AWS community, it became clear that these strands were as important as ever; changing them would have felt misdirected. At the same time, the committee heard again and again of the community’s desire for AWS to lean more vigorously and intentionally into one area: Outdoor Education, which you can read about on page 6. The community hoped that AWS would provide rich opportunities for students to disconnect from the virtual world and venture into the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. And so a sixth strand was added. Venture we will!
Six core strands. 29 unique initiatives. One impressive strategic plan. The Board of Trustees has once again demonstrated that AWS will not be complacent. I am inspired to work in such a community, and I believe this plan will absolutely move us from Strength to Strength. Dive deeper into the six core strands on the next page!
Sincerely,
Jake Guadnola Head of Schools
In January 2025, the Board of Trustees of Annie Wright Schools initiated a strategic planning process. Over a six month period, a 17-person team of students, alumni, faculty, administrators, parents and trustees worked toward the development of a new strategic plan. Their work has intentionally included hundreds of diverse voices from across our community. Read on for more about the six strands, and to learn more about the 29 initiatives, scan the QR code on the right.
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION
The newly formalized outdoor education program at Annie Wright will invite our community to leave behind the online world and venture into the wondrous Pacific Northwest. Within local forests, along distant shorelines, and under wide open skies, our students will discover not only the natural world but their own strength, curiosity, and courage. They will develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the wilderness, working together to travel farther than they imagined possible. Families will see their children return with increased confidence and a deeper sense of connection to nature, others, and themselves. For AWS employees, the outdoors will become a stage for inspired teaching and authentic relationships, creating an education that prepares students for lives of purpose, resilience, and stewardship.
FOSTER A CULTURE OF WELLNESS
Wellness is the foundation upon which learning best occurs, and strong communities are healthy communities. Recognizing these two truths, AWS develops in its students and employees the self-awareness to identify their mental, physical, and emotional needs and the confidence to find and utilize tools that address these needs. This occurs through intentionally designed wellness curricula, guidance, and support provided by highly-skilled professionals, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities. The end goal is a resilient community, one that values and embraces holistic health.
MAKE OUR STRONG ACADEMIC PROGRAM STRONGER
Annie Wright Schools' academic program has long proven effective at serving its students. Such strength is borne from an exceptional faculty, the International Baccalaureate program, and a deeply held institutional belief that all students are capable of achievement. To extend this excellence, the school will advance its commitment to best practices in teaching and learning, impactful adult-student relationships, strategic academic partnerships, and purposeful travel-based experiences.
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ENSURE THE SCHOOLS’ THRIVABILITY
In 142 years of operation, Annie Wright finds itself in a position of strength, a strength that cannot be taken for granted. The school must remain committed to those practices that generated this strength: delivering an excellent education to students, hiring and retaining an exceptional faculty and staff, managing the schools’ finances effectively and strategically, addressing physical plant and campus needs, reducing dependency on tuition dollars, and ensuring strong relationships with key constituencies, most particularly its alumni.
ENGAGE THE TACOMA COMMUNITY AND WIDER WORLD
The relationship between Annie Wright Schools and Tacoma began with the founding of the school in 1884. Over the last 142 years, our students have learned from, and alongside, the Tacoma community. It is our privilege and our responsibility to nurture community intersections and partnerships that serve our families, as well as those families with whom we share our city. Such connections serve to broaden horizons, develop appreciation for all communities, and help students see that addressing global challenges starts with taking local action. Whether venturing into the neighborhoods of Tacoma or the major cities of the world, the awareness gained at AWS equips students with empathy for the human experience and curiosity for the human story.
ENHANCE A CULTURE OF BELONGING
As the school works to build a culture of belonging, it looks to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission Statement. Part reality, part aspiration, this statement provides clarity around the culture Annie Wright wants to foster—a culture where members feel a sense of belonging, where their voices are heard, and where they feel valued for their individual and collective contributions. To accomplish this, the school actively works to identify those within the community who are (and are not) thriving, tailoring specific initiatives, policies, and actions to improve outcomes and experience for all students. The strength of AWS should be enjoyed by all who stand within our walls. Committing to a culture of belonging works to do just that.
Guided by the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Betta Hanson steps into a newly created role to enhance experiential learning from Preschool through Grade 12.
If you ever spot Betta Hanson dashing across campus, she’s probably on her way to the next adventure.
After six years at Annie Wright Schools, first as a dorm parent and later as a leader within the Great Outdoor Adventure Team (GOAT), Betta is stepping into a brand-new role for the 2025–26 school year: Outdoor Education Director.
For the past three years, Betta has worked closely with Head of Schools
Jake Guadnola and Carie Ward, Director of Student Experience and Global Initiatives, to grow the GOAT program, which brings students into the outdoors for hands-on, skill-building experiences. What began as targeted trips for boarding students has quickly evolved into a community-wide draw.
“The GOAT (s)Elective was brand new last year, and it started small with just six boys. This year, we’re full at 16 students. The word is spreading—people are excited and participating a lot more,” said Betta.
The momentum behind GOAT ties directly to the school’s future vision. And Betta’s passion for this work started
long before her time at Annie Wright. Growing up in Brazil, she found her footing in the natural world through Girl Scouts and a transformative school program in São Paulo called Classroom Without Walls.
“I think my formative experiences came from being a Girl Scout, but what was really the most formative for me was a program at my school in São Paulo called Classroom Without Walls, combining outdoor experiences with academic learning,” she said. “That approach really worked for me. We’d go out exploring mangroves, jungles, and parts of the Atlantic forest—it was such a fun and meaningful way to learn.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Betta spent a year in an Outdoor Leadership School program, earning extensive certifications and later her NOLS instructor credential—an experience she credits as a foundational step in developing her outdoor education and leadership skills.
Now, she’s channeling those decades of experience into a schoolwide system. Her daily work has shifted from dorm life to designing a comprehensive outdoor education program for students across divisions.
“The goal is designing meaningful outdoor experiences that are both challenging and achievable for all students. I build itineraries, craft learning objectives, teach backcountry hard skills, and design opportunities for students to step into discomfort in safe and intentional ways.”
Her behind-the-scenes work is extensive: writing curriculum, developing a leaders’ manual, forming a risk-assessment committee, partnering with outdoor organizations and guides, and collaborating with Washington Trails Association on a backcountry basecamping and trail-work experience.
“At AWS now, the GOAT Program, as well as the broader Outdoor Education branch, will work in tandem. The GOAT (s)Elective will continue to focus on those specific skill-building trips, while ‘Annie Wright Outdoors’ will encompass everything else for the broader community.”
While much of her work currently centers on the Upper School, Betta is already extending opportunities to younger students. This spring, Lower and Middle School students will join short outdoor experiences, with Middle School overnights planned for next year. She’s even brainstorming fun, skill-centered
activities like a backpacking-stove “gourmet cooking competition.”
Alongside these division-specific programs, she’s building a full Preschool–Grade 12 outdoor education curriculum, as well as a four-year GOAT progression for students seeking advanced skill development.
Her long-term vision is bold and widereaching. “Looking ahead, my one-year and ten-year plans focus on offering a wide variety of outdoor experiences to reach as many students as possible. Not every outdoor education experience is camping—it’s so much broader than that.”
Ultimately, the Board and Strategic Planning Committee see a strong Outdoor Education program as essential to preparing our students for the future.
“The goal is for Annie Wright’s outdoor education program to give every student meaningful opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and connection— both with nature and with each other,” she said. “Being outside isn’t always comfortable. Anyone can do it, but it definitely builds grit and resilience.”
TENTATIVE OUTDOOR SCHEDULE FOR UPPER SCHOOL IN 2026–27
• Day Hike to the Ape Caves
• Backpacking Talapus and Olallie Lakes
• Backpacking Goat Lake
• Day Hike to the Skyline Trail at Mt. Rainier
• Horse Packing Trip at Lake Wenatchee State Park
• Rock Climbing at Wanapum State Park
• Environmental Stewardship at Tacoma Parks
• Snowshoe Overnight
THIS YEAR’S GATOR GALA INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY INVITES OUR COMMUNITY TO COME TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF SOMETHING TRULY TRANSFORMATIONAL—THE RED TIE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT, THIS YEAR’S FUND-A-NEED OPPORTUNITY.
In the coming years, Annie Wright will raise financial aid for each tie class, and this year, we’re proud to celebrate and support the Red Tie class.
The Red Tie Scholarship Endowment will provide lasting support for Red Tie students for whom financial need would otherwise be an obstacle to enrollment. These scholarships open the door for exceptional students of promise,
curiosity, and character to experience all that Annie Wright Schools offers.
When we remove financial barriers, our Admissions team can build classes that reflect the full vibrancy of Tacoma and beyond—students of diverse backgrounds, interests, and perspectives who make our classrooms livelier, our stage performances richer, and our community stronger.
Your generosity at the Gala will help grow an endowed fund that ensures this extraordinary effort continues for generations of Red Ties to come. Together, we can create access that endures—turning possibility into legacy, and making the Annie Wright experience truly extraordinary for every student.
2024–2025
As part of our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Annie Wright Schools is focused on long-term Thrivability—planning thoughtfully for 2030 and beyond. A key component of this work is growing our Heritage Society, a community of alumni and friends who choose to include Annie Wright in their estate plans.
MEET KATHRYN SCHIPPER ’79, AN ALUMNA OF ANNIE WRIGHT, WHO SHARED SOME FUN MEMORIES OF HER TIME AT AWS AND WHY SHE DECIDED TO LEAVE THE INSTITUTION IN HER WILL.
QHi Kathryn! Can you introduce yourself?
KS: My name is Kathryn Schipper. My maiden name when I was in school was Works. I attended Upper School only, starting in the fall of 1975 and graduating in 1979. I am a Green Tie.
QAre there any teachers or classmates who left a lasting impression on you?
KS: Yes! I’ve joked with Diane Soucey that she is responsible for unleashing another lawyer into the world. Her history classes were absolutely fascinating and stayed with me all my life. Also, the Ancient History teacher Beverley Brown ’41. I have traveled extensively, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve gone to a museum and thought, “I studied that in Ms. Brown’s class!” My Spanish teacher, Ms. Rossi, was not only a great teacher (I was fluent by the time I graduated and minored in Spanish in college) but also a good friend to my family. I lived in their home for a summer after graduating when my parents had moved out of town.
Q What is a memory from your school days that still makes you smile?
KS: In my day, parts of the building were empty. I was a “townie,” but I occasionally spent the night in one of the unoccupied dorm rooms if my parents were away.
One night in my sophomore year, one of my friends and I got bored, and we pried open the lock to the Tower stairs, just out of curiosity to see what was inside. Unfortunately, we were busted by the Headmistress. Luckily for us, we got off with just a stern talking-to. I didn’t think much about the incident after that until graduation. There were only 18 people in my graduating class, so the Headmistress spoke briefly about each of us. When she got to me, she said I was a great student except for “one towering misstep.”
QHow did your time at the school shape who you are today?
KS: I was terribly shy when I started, and like many teenagers, I did not know what I wanted to do in life. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and had not met many people from different parts of the United States or other countries. Annie Wright proved to be a supportive environment where I made friends from near and far, in addition to getting a rigorous education.
Q Where has your career taken you since your time at Annie Wright?
KS: I went to undergraduate school at Whitman College in Walla Walla. I graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science. While I was at Whitman,
I decided to go to law school, partly because my mother was then attending law school at Lewis and Clark in Portland for a mid-career change. She kept writing me letters about how great law school was! I was accepted into the University of Washington School of Law in the fall of 1983 and graduated in 1986.
While in law school, I clerked for barrister David Pannick in London’s Middle Temple as part of a summer program run by Syracuse University. I also clerked for Justice Warren Matthews of the Alaska Supreme Court in Anchorage. After I graduated, I moved to Salem, Oregon, and clerked for the Oregon Court of Appeals. After I passed the Washington bar, I moved back to Seattle to work as a law clerk for a King County Superior Court judge.
I decided I wanted a change from law, so in 1988, I went to work for Boeing as a technical writer. It was a fascinating job—I learned a lot of arcane facts about how airplanes are put together! I was the editor of several in-house corporate newsletters
Kathryn with Beverley Brown and Diane Soucey on May Day ’79
Whitman College graduation, ’83
and wrote some chapters of a book the company published for its 75th anniversary in 1991.
Unfortunately, many people were laid off at the end of 1992 due to an economic downturn. Thankfully, my old judge at King County Superior Court had an opening, so I returned to work there. I thought it was going to be temporary until I found a different job, but I wound up staying with the county for 30 years! After a few years with the judge, I decided to go into court administration. I held several management roles and was the court’s Director of Operations for four years. I retired in 2022.
Q What impact do you hope your gift will make for future generations of students?
KS: I’m especially interested in assisting other local Tacoma students like myself attend Annie Wright. I’ve seen what the school is doing to maintain and grow its connections to the city, and I want to help with that.
Q What do you think makes this school special—and worth investing in?
KS: Annie Wright has a unique history as an all-girls boarding school. The Upper School for Boys is a wonderful addition, but maintaining a space where girls (and boys) can thrive on their own is important. Annie Wright also has a special place in the Tacoma community and is one of the city’s great treasures. I want to do what I can to help continue that.
Q Was there a particular moment or experience that made you feel connected enough to support the school in this way?
KS: Yes. I started attending alumni events more regularly after I retired. The first time I heard Head of Schools Jake Guadnola speak, I was extremely impressed by his energy, vision, and commitment. As I learned more about the activities and opportunities the school is now offering, I realized how much of a difference a gift to the school could make for future students.
Q What inspired you to leave your legacy with Annie Wright?
KS: Reflecting on my career as I approached retirement, it was clear to me that all of the opportunities I have been fortunate to have, Annie Wright was the single institution that made the most difference in my life. I am immensely grateful for my time there, and it played a huge role in making me who I am. I wanted to give back in some way that might be meaningful.
Q When you think about the legacy you want to leave behind, what role does the school play in that vision?
KS: My late husband and I did not have children of our own, so I hope to do something to benefit young people. I know what a difference an Annie Wright education can make, and my wish is to help make that opportunity available to others.
Class of ’79
Kathryn with K. C. Ambur, 1977
Kathryn with her late husband, Steve Schipper
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*
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 Planned Giving & Alumni Relations Director at 253.284.8604 or jeremy_stubbs@aw.org.
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
Amy Condon ’94MS and Bret Maddox
Tad Ellis*
Mary (Turrill) Ellis* ’39
Anne Field*
Judith (Yengling) Forkner '63
Jane (Spencer) Foster* ’56
Will and Anne (Middleton) Foster ’70
Joan Gardner-Johnston*
Katherine (Parks) George ’61
Barbara Glasgow* ’36
Tamar Griggs* ’60
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
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
Barbara Lindberg*
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.
Through ongoing conversation and reflection, the Board affirmed its belief that artificial intelligence has—or soon will—become ubiquitous across nearly all facets of life, work, and education. This reality has direct implications for Annie Wright Schools. Therefore, the Annie Wright AI Task Force was born.
AI TASKFORCE: EDUCATING FOR THE FUTURE
19 MEMBERS
What are the considerations that should guide our academic policies around the effective, appropriate, and ethical use of AI?
4 TRUSTEES
15 FACULTY MEMBERS
At what developmental and/or grade level should we introduce direct instruction on AI?
Recognizing that AI is impacting all industries and areas, to what degree should each academic department integrate AI into its coursework?
The AI task force members are compiling research on answers to these questions, connecting with regional peer schools, and working with educational associations like NAIS and IB. They are talking with education-focused AI consultants, AI developers, and our own faculty and staff. They are delving into the emerging research around AI’s role
Within each department, to what degree should each individual teacher be held accountable for teaching students to use AI effectively, appropriately, and ethically?
in education. Their goal is to gain a holistic understanding of how AI is impacting, and how it will impact, education in the future. This understanding will be shaped into a recommendation made to the Board of Trustees in March. At that point, the Board will create the walls of the AI sandbox in which the schools’ academic teams will play.
ANNIE WRIGHT COMMUNITY WEIGHS IN
Cassandra Kopriva, Assistant College Counselor
I like to use the AI tools built into our college counseling services to broaden and tailor each search to each student. It helps us see a wider scope and variety of what options are out there, which can be fun for our Upper School students, allowing them to explore every avenue before deciding where to apply.
Kyle Price, Middle School English Teacher
AI has the potential to be a great learning tool. However, that depends on where you are in life and how you use it. Kids can sometimes use it in place of their own work, and that’s cheating— it’s cheating on the assignment, and it’s cheating their learning.
AI is only great as a generative tool once you have domain knowledge and can judge the work that AI produces. Middle schoolers don’t really have domain knowledge in anything yet, but in my Grade 7 Toolbox class, we play with Copilot.
One thing AI can do is tutor. If you don’t understand how to solve a math problem, AI can show you how to do it and explain each step. If you don’t understand the steps, AI can explain it at the level of a Grade 3 student. AI can tutor writing as well. AI is always available, and some kids are nervous about asking questions. AI won’t judge.
So AI can be great; the trick is knowing how to use the tool to support learning and discovery.
Glen Behrand, Current Annie Wright Parent
Glen has 13 years of experience in engineering, product development, and building education products at Study.com. For the last three years, he has been heavily focused on incorporating AI into this platform and launching his own AI education startup, Lexible, which helps make decoding books possible for students with surface dyslexia.
One of the things that has impressed me about AWS is the diversity of program offerings—every student graduates with their own unique experience, leaning into all of the incredible resources the school offers. AI excites me because it can bring a similar level of personalization and adaptability to education technology, providing students the right challenge at the right time.
Navigating responsible AI use in the classroom presents significant challenges. AI can offer students unprecedented shortcuts that undermine the purpose and educational value of assignments, and hallucinations and biases in large language models pose additional risks. One of the biggest challenges is building a curriculum around technology that evolves at such a rapid pace.
That said, I believe we need to foster an environment where students are using these tools, having conversations about them, and learning alongside their instructors. Tracing sources, fact-checking, and making educated assessments of online information is more important than ever.
The challenge is how we can leverage this incredible technology to make students better educated, more creative, and able to have a bigger impact on our global society.
This past September, we were thrilled to welcome alumni of all ages back to campus for another unforgettable Alumni Weekend. It was a joy to reconnect, share stories, and explore both new and familiar spaces—from reminiscing in the archive room to enjoying cocktails and laughter together. We were especially honored to welcome a very special guest this year: Nancy (Hull) Hagans ’47 (pictured on the right). Nancy first set foot on Annie Wright’s campus 90 years ago and joined us for Saturday’s Alumni Weekend brunch—an inspiring reminder of the enduring legacy and lifelong connections that define our alumni community. Thank you to everyone who joined us; we’re already looking forward to making more memories at Alumni Weekend 2026!
Nancy (Hull) Hagans ’47, Jake Guadnola ’90MS
18 THE MAGAZINE OF ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS
Kathleen (Yaeger) Rein-Weston ’70, Nancy Schwabe-Wolf ’70, Pamm Hanson ’70
Kathryn (Works) Schipper ’79, Ellen (King) Stephens ’90, Linda King (former Faculty)
Deirdre (Allen) Timmons ’84
Kathleen (Yaeger) Rein-Weston ’70
Sally (Fogg) Jones ’70
Maria (Willard) Andrews ’70
Jane (Gay) Blume ’70
Pamm Hanson ’70
Diane (Lile) DeAutremont ’70
Laura (Gonyea) Partridge ’70
Mary Lou (Talbott) Macala ’70
Nancy Schwabe-Wolf ’70
Nancy Read ’65, Betsy (Burden) Haines ’65, Mollie Hagen ’65
Diane (Glasscock) Pfeifle ’75, Janet Blair ’75, Sandra (Carlock) Germond ’75, Sherill (Dang) Jerman ’75, Elizabeth “Beth” Jensen Chew ’75
Erin Gann (Faculty), Sandy Pell (former Faculty), Jeff Orr (Faculty), Patty Nielsen (former Faculty)
Gracie Orr ’15, Sara Pelster ’15
Shannon Bailey ’15
Michael Stern Kay (Mattson)Stern ’61 (former Faculty) Pamm Hanson ’70, Laura (Gonyea) Partridge ’70, Maria (Willard) Andrews ’70
Holly (Bamford) Hunt ’89
Laura Bales ’85
Helen Townsend ’84
The holiday season at Annie Wright Schools is full of meaningful traditions, and one favorite is our annual College Comeback Social. In December 2025, we welcomed college-aged alumni back to campus for an afternoon of reconnecting with classmates, faculty, staff, and current students. From sharing college experiences to reminiscing about their time at Annie Wright, the celebration was a joyful reminder of the lasting bonds within our Gator community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year!
Lauryn Seton ’25
Miles Defebaugh ’25
Elise Hedges ’25
Emma Adams ’25
Haylee Park ’25
Gabriel McBee ’23
Catalina Bush ’23
Wilson Dicks ’25
Richard Hohn ’25
Miles Defebaugh ’25
Sophie Nguyen ’24 Khanh Nguyen ’25
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A special thank you to two ’66 Red Ties who offered to match all class donations before their 60th reunion.
11 Gifts $20,968 Raised x2 for a total of $41,936
Jeremy Stubbs (Staff) Evan Pham ’25
Alexandra “Alex” Middleton ’25 Beatrice “Bea” Estrada ’25
Zhongkai “Felix” Yi ’24 Seth Dugan ’23
Jarrod Larse (Staff), Jaein Han ’25
Emma Adams ’25
Phoebe Heacock ’25
Nancy (Hull) Hagans ’47
Nancy joined us for Alumni Weekend this year and loved the chance to reminisce and share stories from her days at Annie Wright. She is living in Gig Harbor and enjoys staying connected with her church community. Although she has a little trouble getting around, her spirit and sense of humor remain as sharp as ever.
Phyllis (Ridge) Gill ’49
I live at the Franke Tobey Jones retirement home in Tacoma, and I went to the front desk to pick up my mail, which happened to have the AW newsletter. The young woman who works here, Lauren Keltgen, noticed this and said she is also an AW alum, Class of 2017. We are both Yellow Tie graduates. Imagine our surprise! We have since become good friends.
Mary (Carson) Cozens ’55
A proud Green Tie, Mary is living in a lovely senior community in Renton, where things slow down a bit during the winter months. She keeps her spirits high by planning summer adventures and hopes to travel to Alaska with her son and grandson to visit small fishing villages. Mary would love to reconnect with classmates from the Class of 1955 and sends warm greetings to all.
Sally Atherton ’66
Sally and Marjorie celebrated with former faculty, Joan and Richard Tumilty, on the Tumitlys’ 59th wedding anniversary. Notice how Marjorie Oda-Burns and Sally are wearing red in honor of the Red Ties of ’66.
Shannon Grant ’96MS
Shannon, an entrepreneur with a big heart and thirst for adventure, passed away on January 31, 2025. Her energy sparkled, lighting up every conversation and inspiring (and instigating) countless games, activities, and ideas. Not only an alumna of Annie Wright, Shannon also served as Director of Alumni and Events from 2011 to 2014 and as Chair of the Alumni Board from 2014 to 2016.
Sarah (Gann) Squiers ’07
Sarah is loving life in sunny Phoenix, AZ, where she’s started a new adventure as an Occupational Therapist. She and her husband, Galen—her partner of 11 wonderful years—spend their weekends cheering on their daughters, Devynn (9) and Reagan (6), at soccer games, art lessons, and horseback riding lessons. Go Green Kiwis!
Shannon Grant ’96MS
Lauren Keltgen ’17 & Phyllis (Ridge) Gill ’49)
Left to right: Richard, Tumilty, Joan Tumilty, Marjorie Oda Burns ’66, and Sally (Peterson) Atherton ’66
Stephanie (Gann) Moll ’10
Stephanie (Gann) Moll is celebrating four years of marriage with her husband, Kellan. They have a one-and-a-half-year-old firecracker, Aidan, who keeps them on their toes and feeling their age. They recently moved to Newcastle, WA, and are loving the new suburban life! Go Red Peppers!
Paris Cal ’14
I’ve started my own Activewear Company. Peach Active launched in January 2025 with the goal of making activewear that moves with you. Because nothing’s worse than being distracted by leggings that slip or pinch while you’re trying to focus on your workout. Our pieces stay put so you can look good, feel good, and move with confidence. Peach Active is all about helping women feel strong, supported, and the best version of themselves.
Emmanuelle Beaurpere ’17
Airborne all the way! Loved getting paid to jump out of perfectly good airplanes and make some amazing friends. So proud to continue the legacy as a second generation paratrooper and have my dad pin his original wings on me from 1992.
Genevieve Grant ’17
Genevieve married Alfonso Aguilar Jimenez in the Bamford Commons on July 26, 2025, and said, “We had the time of our lives getting married at such a meaningful (and beautiful) institution for my family and me. Alfonso and I met in New York City in 2020 and live there with our Golden Retriever, Shakira. I work on the investor relations and strategy side of a clean energy startup called Amogy, and Alfonso is an attorney for a productivity technology startup called Notion. This spring, we are making a long-desired move back to the West Coast—to San Francisco! I can’t wait to be closer to Tacoma and Annie Wright and look forward to connecting with AWS alumni in the Bay Area!
Molly Bryant ’18
Molly got married in September, and she was joined by many of her Red Tie friends to celebrate.
Emily Müehlenkamp ’21
This summer, I volunteered on a cetacean research cruise in Italy’s Pelagos Marine Sanctuary, studying sperm whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and other marine life. I gained hands-on experience in photo identification, fecal sampling, and acoustic monitoring—skills I’ll carry into my next adventure. I’m thrilled to have been selected as a France Excellence Europa Scholar and will be pursuing the MSc MARRES program at Université Côte d’Azur, focusing on collaborative marine conservation in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Hampton Scribner ’22
Hampton is living in Bellevue and keeping very busy. Alongside finishing his studies, he is working as an engineer and serving as CEO of his own general contracting company. He recently returned to campus to speak with students about his professional journey and share what he has learned about entrepreneurship, leadership, and building a career at a young age.
Sofia Salgado Melo ’24, Ariel Lai ’24, Nadia Hoffmann ’23, Bridget Crampton ’24
Not everyone can make it home for Thanksgiving, so these alumni gathered in the Northeast to share good food and even better company. When home is far away, friends who feel like family make all the difference.
Molly Bryant ’18
(Left to right: Sofia Salgado Melo ’24, Ariel Lai ’24, Nadia Hoffmann ’23, Bridget Crampton ’24)
Top row: Raquel Berman ’18, friend, Sophia Rockne ’18, Molly Bryant ’18, Kelsey Reunanen ’18, Ashley Nelson ’18, Zyaire Cheatham ’18.
Bottom row: Chanel Crawford ’18, Caitlyn Bell ’18, Mariella Beaurpere ’18
Emmanuelle Beaurpere ’17
Genevieve Grant ’17 and Alfonso Aguilar Jimenez
SUBMISSIONS
Strength is published by Annie Wright Schools’ Marketing and Communications team. 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.
Fanya “Lilian” Yuan ’22, Terence Chiu ’23, Wilson Dicks ’25, Evan Pham ’25, Ahni Fiske ’25, Claire Mitchell ’25, Andrew Pham ’25
Linxi (Poplar) Yang ’18, Pin-Yu (Nerissa) Lien ’18, Gino Gu ’23, Jackson “Jack” Ingels ’23, Samila (Sadri) Ardalan ’78
Director of Development, Grace Finch, and Alyssa Sanders ’24
Amethyst Ketrell ’18
Amber Fang ’23, Nadine Gibson ’23, Carole Koza ’92, Bridget Crampton ’24, Amy Zhou ’25
September 18–19
We cannot wait to welcome you home for Alumni Weekend 2026. Join us for tours of your alma mater, classspecific activities, and social gatherings that will allow you to reconnect with your former classmates and make new memories. While we welcome all alumni, we particularly encourage the 10th reunion Class of ’16, the 25th reunion Class of ’01, and the 50th reunion Class of ’76, to join us.
— SCHEDULE —
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER18
4:00 pm Campus tours, archive access, and more opportunities to connect and explore.
6:00 pm Alumni Cocktail Party
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
10:00 am Alumni Chapel 11:00 am Alumni Champagne Brunch
Stay tuned for schedule updates class events, and community engagement opportunities.
May Day, 1976 Class of 2001 with the Spade May Day, 2016
Not able to make it to Tacoma for Alumni Weekend? Email Jeremy Stubbs at jeremy_stubbs@aw.org for help contacting classmates, organizing alternative reunion dates for your class, or to learn more about alumni events in a city near you.
We love welcoming alumni back to campus for all of our community-wide events! Sing with us at Lessons & Carols, celebrate with us at May Day, raise a paddle at Gator Gala, or come spectate at one of our countless arts showcases and athletics events. Upcoming events are listed at aw.org/alumni-events. See you soon!
Class of 1966
Graduation, 1966
With strength in our hearts, we remember those we have lost from the Annie Wright Schools community.
Jean (Smith) Higgins ’44—Alumni
Suzanne (Jeppesen) Fisker-Andersen ’58—Alumni
Elizabeth Morgan Heath ’58—Alumni, Faculty/Staff
BJ (Curtis) Ducat ’60—Alumni
Carlye (Hawkins) Teel ’60—Alumni
Alison Rose ’62—Alumni
Robin (Ross) Congdon—Associate
John Long—Former Trustee
Larry Levy—Former Trustee
Nancy (Robbins) Ewell—Associate
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 Schools
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
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
Alana Zautner—Secretary
Kevin Sanders—Treasurer
Jim Defebaugh—Prior Chair
Sally Atherton ’66
Diane Bai
Thomas Baker
Troy T. Bailey
Medina Broadenax
Tenley Cederstrand
Bill Driscoll
Amber English
C’Ardiss Gardner Gleser
Editor
Gena Wynkoop
Graphic Designer
Lillian Austin
Photographer
Sy Bean
Lisa Blackmore
Oona Copperhill
Gena Wynkoop
Jason Griffiths
Kalyan Kanneganti
Manuel La Rosa
Martha Lantz
Damani Leech ’90MS
Dianne Matthaei
Suzanne Messinger
Kyra Mungia ’09
Marjorie Oda-Burns ’66
Monica Torrez-Pfister
Jennifer Vertetis
David Bishop (ex-officio)
Jake Guadnola (ex-officio) ’90MS
Contributors
Glen Behrand
Sandra Forero Bush
Angela Ferguson
Grace Finch
Jake Guadnola ’90MS
Betta Hanson
Lindsey Joyce
Cassandra Kopriva
Kyle Price
Kathryn Schipper ’79
Donald Sidman
Shelli Strate
Jeremy Stubbs
ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS
