In 2019, the Church Farm Curriculum Committee created the “Profile of a Church Farm School Graduate” to identify the enduring habits we are intentionally imparting to every student before they leave this campus.
Right page, left to right: Suni Blackwell, Margaret van Steenwyk, Tiffany Scott, Troy Baker, Jayme Karolyi, Christopher Kramaric, H. F. Scott
While our daily work is centered around these six characteristics, each year we celebrate a particular theme and lean into it. Committed to Global Responsibility is a natural fit for us in many ways.
A CFS Graduate recognizes his duty to others, embracing his role as a steward of natural and common resources, and as a leader of his community and the greater society.
To that end, this issue of the Maroon & Grey focuses on the ways in which our students become global citizens through their on campus experience, including service, as well as our experiential learning offerings around the country and the world. We’ve also taken this opportunity to shine a light on a few members of our global alumni community.
Before I even sat down at my desk at Church Farm for the first time, there was much in motion on the experiential learning front. Associate Head of School Tiffany Scott and Assistant Head of School Margaret van Steenwyk have collaborated for the past few years to expand partnerships that get our scholars off campus, whether for an entire term or a summer. Our collective goal is to ensure every CFS scholar has an “experience outside the ordinary” before they graduate.
Our newest initiative will go a long way toward achieving that goal. By the time of this writing, our inaugural group of scholars – capably chaperoned by Modern Language Chair Justin Peake and STEM Chair Jason Porter – will have recently returned from a purpose-driven, carefully curated Costa Rica Study Tour. In partnership with Yellow Backpack Global, we designed a trip that would immerse our Advanced Spanish students into the Costa Rican culture on a 7-day, 6-night tour that features mangrove expeditions, Spanish immersion, Afro-Caribbean culture exploration, beach conservation studies, and even cooking classes. We are hoping to make this a signature, sustainable, cross-curricular tradition at Church Farm.
Our focus on signature experiences is one of the many ways that Church Farm is actively competing for the best students. Coupled with our beautiful campus and facilities, innovative curriculum, caring community, and unique financial model, we strive for excellence in all that we do. Your partnership in this work – including spreading the word about us – is vital and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Committed to GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
A CFS Graduate recognizes his duty to others, embracing his role as a steward of natural and common resources, and as a leader of his community and the greater society.
There is something special that happens when we step outside of our world and immerse ourselves in something purposeful. With purpose in mind, Church Farm School has created partnerships with programs both locally, nationally, and internationally that help our scholars engage with something bigger than themselves and Church Farm School. This learning happens on campus, certainly, through in-class programming, organized celebrations of cultures, and simply living among such a diverse group of people with varied life perspectives.
In tandem, the school is working diligently to expose our young men to experiences that see the world in a global context, and to become “part of the change they wish to see in the world.” Dr. Baker’s letter in this magazine spoke of the spring break trip to Costa Rica that will hopefully become an enduring, competitive piece of our curriculum. Later in the Maroon & Grey, you’ll learn about how service is woven into the student experience.
Here, we highlight seniors who have had the good fortune to participate in experiential learning in places as near as Princeton and as far as Japan. A commonality that rings true in each of their reflections is the lifechanging impacts that occur – to a person’s confidence, character, and cultural appreciation.
OUR PARTNERS
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
YYGS is a two-week academic enrichment program for outstanding high school students from around the world. Held at Yale University, it offers interdisciplinary sessions in areas like science, technology, literature, philosophy, politics, law, and economics. The program aims to foster global connections and inspire young minds through collaborative learning and discussions.
University of PennsylvaniaSchool of Arts & Sciences
The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive liberal arts education across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It includes undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, along with various research centers and initiatives focused on global understanding and climate change.
The Experiment in International Living
This program provides high school students with immersive summer abroad experiences in countries like Spain, France, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. Participants engage in homestays, language learning, community service, and cultural exploration to develop cross-cultural competencies and global awareness.
Student Diplomacy Corps
The Student Diplomacy Corps offers place-based experiential education programs that connect students with the unique history, culture, and issues of various locations. Through projectbased learning, homestays, and fieldbased explorations, students develop deep cross-cultural competencies and lasting bonds.
The Island School
The Island School offers a 100-day semester program for high school sophomores and juniors in South Eleuthera, Bahamas. Students engage in interdisciplinary studies, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, learning through direct experience in local ecosystems.
High Mountain Institute
The High Mountain Institute provides a semester-long program for high school juniors and seniors in Colorado and Utah. Combining rigorous academics with wilderness expeditions, the program fosters leadership, intellectual growth, and a deep connection to nature.
JOSH KING ‘26 VIDIBIEFO
VICTOR LU ‘26
The Island School Eleuthera, Bahamas
What inspired your participation?
DAVID IBIEFO ‘26
The Experiment in International Living | Costa Rica
What inspired your participation?
I wanted to work on my Spanish and be in an environment to apply the leadership I had learned at CFS.
What surprised you?
First - the amount of Spanish slang that they use. The Spanish is much harder to follow. Their economic situation is so different than ours, but they have adapted to it so well. It was good to experience that and realize how privileged I am.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned about being a leader, and a lot about climate change. It’s very green and rich there and that is because they don’t use fertilizer and employ many organic products. I’ve really started connecting my environmental science projects at CFS back to Costa Ricaseeing how efficient they are.
Winter of sophomore year – I started to get the itch for something different. Plus, I’m originally from LA and was starting to miss warmer climates. I’m a very hands-on, energetic student. The entire school is project-based, there is purpose to everything you do. When they came to visit, I immediately signed up for a semester in the Bahamas.
What surprised you?
Their focus on sustainable systems in everything they did - how can we enhance them? You are creating and seeing the changes in real-time, especially about using water as a resource. The Bahamians are a friendly culture. It throws you off. The US is not like that. Everyone was very authentic.
What did you learn about yourself?
Since it’s a coed program, I felt like I was able to build more emotional connections than at an all-boys school. I built relationships with people from so many different communities.
DENNIS SMITH ‘26
Experiment in International Living | Spain
What inspired your participation?
I wanted to start taking better advantage of my summer. On my own, I don’t have enough responsibility. It is better to be occupied. Ms. Scott worked very closely with me on my application. I chose Spain because I am taking Spanish. What surprised you?
What surprised me the most was the progressiveness of Spain. About gender and sexuality, the economy and about climate and conservation. They are very conscious of not being wasteful and refurbishment.
What did you learn about yourself?
I was surrounded by people I normally wouldn’t talk to – like a group of strangers put together on a reality show – but we always found commonalities. I also discovered that I love cultural exploration – particularly hiking and being outdoors – the feeling is undefeated. Plus, siestas are fantastic.
JOSH KING ‘26
W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Institute Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
What inspired your participation?
Dr. Rich pushed me to apply, and I was looking forward to getting away from New York City. I ended up enjoying it more than I thought.
What surprised you?
It was very rigorous. I did the pre-med track of the leadership program, and we were learning about the human body, molecular biology, microbiology, and anatomy. I want to become a nurse so this was very beneficial.
What did you learn about yourself?
I’m able to handle college-based work
DENNIS SMITH
KAI DAVIS ‘26
Student Diplomacy Corps
Japan – Drums for Peace
What inspired your participation?
It actually wasn’t part of my plans … Ms. Scott nominated me and I chose Japan because it always interested me: the people, the culture, the food.
What surprised you?
What surprised me the most was how modest the citizens are compared to Americans. They are the most respectful people I’ve ever met.
What did you learn about yourself?
KAIDAVIS
I need to appreciate life a little more. My world was so small before Japan. I want to get outside of my bubble more and live life to the fullest.
Global
STUDENTS
EDDIE ECHEVARRIA ‘26
Yale Young Global Scholars Yale University, New Haven, CT
OSCAR
LU ‘26
High Mountain Institute Leadville, Colorado
What inspired your participation?
I had two “big” brothers who participated in the High Mountain Institute and they were the first in the school to do so. I was already into hiking and backpacking and wanted to be in an environment of very diverse people who would challenge all my views.
What surprised you?
I was uncertain of my social abilities without my twin brother. It gave me a lot of confidence in my ability to be my own person. I also discovered that I love cooking.
What did you learn about yourself?
How important it is to be present. At CFS, you’re always thinking about college and looking forward, working to set yourself up for what’s next. Being outside in nature gave me time to think: What do I want out of THIS moment, not the next moment.
What inspired your participation?
I’m hoping to study biochemistry in college, so I was eager for the ability to participate in these STEM-driven sessions featuring diverse perspectives from 800 participants from all over the world. Our capstone group was able to work alongside the Head of Radiology to study melanoma and science innovation.
What surprised you?
Yale was more competitive because attendance was restricted to rising juniors and seniors who already had an idea of what they wanted to study in college. It was eye-opening to see my voice in a global context. My views had been narrow based on my bubble of living in the United States.
What did you learn about yourself?
These experiences really opened up my eyes and got me excited about college life … the independence, freedom, and balance with social life. I was able to lose my shell immediately - to become open and authentic. I made lifetime friends.
‘26
ADRIEL AMANKWAH ‘26
Student Diplomacy Corps | France
What inspired your participation?
Paris is a place on everyone’s bucket list. I wanted to go and explore. What surprised you?
I was lucky because my host parents spoke English but others in my group had to find alternative ways to communicate. But I did work hard to learn the language. And yes, the French are friendly.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned how to be a leader; we all took turns serving as tour guides through the city.
KOBI NWANGWU ‘26
Yale Young Global Scholars Yale University, New Haven, CT
What inspired your participation?
I started to notice that my world was only people from CFS and I wanted to branch out socially. This was an opportunity to be among people from all over the world brought together into a small program.
What surprised you?
I was surprised how social it was; I thought I would have a hard time meeting people. I learned so much about issues worldwide and how the Yale community was working to help provide solutions. The experience really broadened my outlook.
What did you learn about yourself?
I am more capable than I thought academically and socially. Being the rap video hype man at the Talent Show was so fun.
IMMERSION IN COSTA RICA Spring Break
In partnership with Yellow Backpack Travel, nine lucky students traveled with Modern Language Chair Justin Peake and STEM Chair Jason Porter to Costa Rica over spring break for an exploration of “language, land, and legacy” in what we hope will become an inaugural tradition at the school.
Below are some of the highlights of their trip.
ARRIVAL DAY
CONNECTING WITH THE INDIGENOUS BRI BRI COMMUNITY DAY 1 DAY 3 DAY 2 DAY 4
into their beautiful eco-lodge in the mountain region.
POÁS VOLCANO AND WATERFALLS
Despite cloud cover, the group enjoyed seeing many interesting features of the Poás volcano ecosystems, including waterfalls. The day ended with dinner and conversation with Tanisha Campbell, whose mother was the first woman of African descent to be vice president in Costa Rica/Latin America.
TOURING CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK IN PUERTO VIEJO
The group left the central valley for the East Coast and toured Cahuita National Park, viewing sloths, iguanas, basilisk lizards, eyelash viper, and capuchin monkey. They finished by visiting the future site of the Door of Reunification and Reconciliation, which commemorates the shipwreck of a Danish slave ship.
Pura Vida! Our group settles
PUNTA UVA TRASH COLLECTION, KAYAKING, AND MANZANILLO NATIONAL PARK
The group collected trash at a beach in Punta Uva – quickly learning of the sometimes negative impacts that humans can have on the environment. Of course, it was almost immediately turned into a competition to see who could collect the most trash.
When trash collection ended, the group kayaked along the river, spotting turtles and monkeys. At Manzanillo National Park, the group viewed the beautiful water from the mirador (lookout) and was wowed by the abundance of sloths.
What is the difference between a tourist and a traveler? Connection.
Our students are making connections with the land and the community in ways I could only dream possible.
JUSTIN PEAKE, MODERN LANGUAGE CHAIR
DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7+8
The group was welcomed into the Bri Bri community, the largest indigenous population of Costa Rica, and learned how they process their cacao beans to make chocolate. During a tour of the town, the group met with the local chamán (shaman) who shared a lesson in Bri Bri phrases and medicinal plants. The students engaged in a friendly soccer match with local youth. The afternoon included a hike to a local waterfall, and the group split to dine at a local Jamaican restaurant or enjoy a cooking lesson in local Caribbean cuisine.
COMMUNITY EXPLORATION AND NIGHT HIKE
This relaxed day featured some souvenir shopping, great meals, and beach time.
During the evening, the group took a night hike in Manzanillo National Park, spotting caiman, bats, insects, tarantulas and a scorpion that glows under black light.
BACK TO THE CLOUD FOREST AND DEPARTURE
The four-hour bus ride was extended to eight due to a flat tire, but the group made the most of it, exploring a roadside store and convening with peacocks during a leisurely lunch stop. The group’s last dinner in Costa Rica included share-outs about how the trip stretched their minds and forced them to consider their place in the much larger world.
ORCHESTRATING A CAREER IN MUSIC Andrew Kim
Growing up in South Korea, Andrew Jihong Kim says most children followed one of two paths: musical prodigy or academic. Combining those passions, Andrew says, can lead to success as a musical conductor. He should know. Andrew currently directs the Berkshire Symphony at Williams College and the New York Youth Symphony, trains young composers for the Robert L. Poster Apprentice Conducting Program, and is on faculty at The Conducting Institute and Williams College. Andrew’s affinity for music came late. In fact, he laughingly recalls sobbing through an unsuccessful recorder performance as a child. That all changed when he came to the United States with his parents at the age of 11. What was supposed to be a one-year tenure in North Carolina turned into two decades for Andrew, who decided – with the blessing of his parents – to stay behind to pursue his education. “I liked it here more than Korea. Especially school,” he says.
After learning about Church Farm School from family friends, Andrew matriculated as a seventh-grade boarding student. Like many international students whose parents were thousands of miles away, Church Farm School’s caring faculty and staff became more than “in loco parentis,” – they became lifelong mentors. “Because I grew up away from my parents, it felt like I really identified a few teachers who had a formative influence on me. I really loved their pride, how they carried themselves, and how they valued excellence.”
One such mentor was Andrew’s choir director, Gary Gress. “He was the first person to teach me the value of discipline and hard work – the ways you have to put in the work to succeed.” Andrew left Church Farm after his 9th grade
year but never lost touch with the school, taking piano lessons from Mr. Gress while pursuing his B.A. from Swarthmore and returning for alumni choir reunions.
Andrew’s musical “a ha” moment came as a junior in high school. “I knew it was too late to pursue a career as an instrumentalist – that’s something you really need to start at a young age.” He thought deeply about his personal strengths – working collaboratively and academics – and realized conducting relies on both skillsets. “There is a lot of time studying and putting together compositions.”
Having already achieved extraordinary success, Andrew says he doesn’t have a master plan for his future, instead enjoying living in the moment. “I don’t look ahead too much. I try and give my best to the community I’m in at the time. That all started at CFS. It has continued in New York and now in the Berkshires. I thank Church Farm for giving me the values that I hold to this day.”
Learn more at andrewkimconductor.com.
SERVING THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY Axel Addy ’94
Axel Addy’s 1994 senior yearbook page portrays a young man who stood out academically, athletically, and socially. Addy, chatting from his home in Maryland where he is currently the principal and founder of the ECOCAP Investment Group, recalls that his peers all voted him most likely to get a job in public service. They weren’t that far off. His post-CFS life includes serving as the Former Minister of Commerce and Industry of Liberia. As Chief Trade Negotiator to the World Trade Organization, he led Liberia’s historic accession.
Liberia is Addy’s home country. When the Liberian Civil War started, he relocated to the United States as a young teenager to live with his mother in Philadelphia. Church Farm School was recommended by another Liberian family, and Addy sat for the entrance exam, which he remembers failing spectacularly. But Church Farm School has always looked beyond test results toward character, and when then guidance counselor Rich Lunardi asked Addy, “Why should we give you a chance?” - the incoming freshman – enamored with the school’s mission of faith, family, and communitypledged to work hard.
Church Farm School was becoming a very international community under Terry Shreiner’s headship; Addy recalls
students from Liberia, South Africa, Asia, and Latin America living and learning alongside him. He thrived. Mr. Ray Greenblatt encouraged his creative writing. The Sandersons modeled community and creativity. Librarian Miss Ruth DeRafelo fostered his love of reading and was every student’s cheerleader. Coaches Ray Fernandez and Art Smith instilled discipline, work ethic, and camaraderie. These traits and skillsets are all woven into his professional and personal life. “CFS created a structure that I still live by to this day.” Church Farm School also fostered his passion for cultural celebration; he led the school’s first Black History Month, a tradition that continues.
After Church Farm, Addy initially planned to become a civil rights lawyer. He spent two years at St. Joseph’s University before starting to miss the climate of Liberia. Visiting his brother in California, he realized if he went to school there, he could wear flipflops year-round. He transferred to California State University and majored in political science with a concentration in public law. He was preparing to sit for the LSAT when he became enamored with African politics and decided to pivot to African Studies at UCLA, where he was offered a full scholarship. “I changed my focus to economic development and saving the world in a different way.”
After graduation, he went to work at Population Services International (PSI) in Washington, DC. But he missed his country, and when he traveled there for his grandmother’s funeral, with signs of war all around him, he knew he was restless to return full-time to make an impact. He worked there locally consulting local NGOs through recovery and reconstruction, and then again with PSI based in Monrovia. Within a short time, the first female President of Liberia took notice of his great work and appointed him Deputy Minister for Administration. “She was looking for young people with new ideas.” Before long, he was appointed the Minister of Commerce and Industry and leading Liberia’s accession to the WTO. His Church Farm School peers and mentors were clearly onto something when they envisioned Addy’s future life of service.
“Last time I visited Church Farm, the students asked me the value I received from my education. I told them it comes down to four themes: God, Family, Community, and Service.”
Service Above Self
Giving back is part of Church Farm School’s DNA. Supporters still remember the days of ham, scrapple, turkeys, and flowers from the Farm – often handdelivered by adult and student community members. Service remains integral to the Church Farm experience; it is quite often peer-to-peer in our academic support and leadership programs. It is built into our alumni motto – Look Back, Come Back, Give Back.
Here are just a few initiatives that have allowed our adult, student, and alumni communities to find something bigger than themselves to support.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR TOWNSHIP
Our partnership with West Whiteland Township is longstanding; they carefully steward much of our former farmland and have designated much of it to spaces where residents can gather and play. Our students eagerly participated in their annual Make a Difference Day event in September – planting native trees and plants, beautifying landscapes, and, as kids still do, taking some time to enjoy the varied facilities on offer.
RECOGNIZING FOOD INSECURITY
The news of cuts to food banks worldwide did not escape the attention of the Church Farm School community, and the residential life team sprang into action. A monthlong fundraiser and food drive enabled the school to deliver 300 pounds of food to local partner The Chester County Food Bank.
VETERAN ALUMNI COMMUNITY SPONSORS VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS FOR CFS GOLF CLASSIC
The Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) was founded to empower the nation’s wounded war veterans through golf. When Church Farm learned of SMGA’s mission to provide rehabilitative golf programs and experiences for post 9/11 war-wounded veterans, the school’s veteran alumni community immediately responded to the call to sponsor SMGA participants for our September Golf Classic. Through their generosity, a team of veterans from SMGA, as well as a team of first responders from West Whiteland Township, were able to enjoy a fantastic day of golf alongside CFS students, alumni, and friends.
NHS SUPPORTS YOUNG ADULTS AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE
Last year, the National Honor Society was looking for a smaller local nonprofit to support. Hearing about Delaware County-based Well Rooted’s mission of supporting young adults aging out of foster care seemed like a perfect fit. Last year’s food drive bloomed into a Christmas stocking drive this year, with NHS scholars raising nearly $1,000 to stuff stockings, and then hosting some of Well Rooted’s team and young adults for lunch and conversation.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
HONORING THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
The school spent two days in partnership and service commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. First, Head of School Troy Baker, the CFS Choir, and Chaplain Dawrell Rich participated in the annual MLK Sunday Service at The Historic African American Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas.
Senior Eddie Echevarria of Media started in service as a Boy Scout, and ramped up his participation once he matriculated to Church Farm School. He began by getting more involved with his church - St. Stephen’s Church – helping to make blessing bags and tracking inventory. He quickly learned some critical lessons about humanity. “It’s so important to understand the dynamics of families in need - they are self-conscious … don’t ask them questions. Just make them feel at home.”
This experience garnered him the school’s Community Service Award, but clearly
STUDENT PROFILE: EDDIE ECHEVARRIA ’26
Eddie’s dedication is humble and honest. “It really opened up my eyes to how good it feels to see a smile on someone’s face.”
So he delved deeper. As a volunteer for Engineering Without Borders, Eddie uses his
On MLK Jr., Day, scholars were able to get off campus for service projects and activities at The Paul Robeson House at Princeton University, the Upper Main Line and Lionville YMCAs, St. Michael’s Church in Yeadon, Riverbend Environmental Center, Mother Bethel AME, and Greater Exodus Baptist Church.
STEM savvy to help the nonprofit solve basic human needs through engineering solutions. His current area of focus is Kenya – securing grants that will provide solar panels and well systems. He also maintains a busy schedule of support for the Media Christ Church Food Bank, and the Food for Philly program.
“It all comprises what it means to serve my community and give back to people who have helped build me up. My mantra is: Don’t find the time, make the time. Keep your life in balance.”
New Faces, New Initiatives
In a stirring speech before a crowd of hundreds watching in the Chapel of the Atonement and via simulcast on Saturday, October 18, Dr. Troy M. Baker, Church Farm’s fifth Head of School, spoke to his leadership - a commitment to Church Farm's foundational promise.
“Every Church Farm man is a man who has an ember of confidence inside him that needs fanning. And the only thing standing between their beginnings and the life they deserve is opportunity and access. That is Church Farm’s gift to all of us.”
The Installation ceremony was presided over by The Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw, Rector, The Historic African Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas, and included prayers, blessings, readings, and a presentation of gifts on behalf of the school’s faculty and staff, Board of Directors, and student body. More than 400 guests – including Dr. Baker’s family, friends, and mentors – along with Church Farm faculty, staff, Board members, parents, and alumni –helped celebrate the occasion. The installation was paired with Family Visiting Day and Alumni Soccer so that the celebration was especially robust and inclusive of all of the wonderful constituents who make up our community.
We welcomed some other new faces to Church Farm School leadership this fall. Jayme Karolyi joined the senior leadership team in September as the Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Jayme is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day financial and operations management of the school and oversees multiple departments and functions, including finance, investments, facilities, risk management, student services, business, and campus operations. Jayme has 25 years of experience as an accounting professional at independent schools. Most recently, she served as CFO for Holy Ghost Preparatory School, an all-boys day high school in Bensalem. Prior to Holy Ghost Prep, she spent 23 years at The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr in financial and business operations leadership roles.
One of Jayme’s first appointments was Robert Meals, who joined the community in December as Director of Safety and Risk Management. Bob has worked in community safety his entire career as a volunteer firefighter, police officer, and security officer; notably, he has worked in independent schools for more than 30 years. He is working closely with senior leadership, faculty, residential life staff, and the wellness and facilities teams to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and proactive risk awareness.
Finally, in October, Herbert “Herb” F. Scott became the new Director of Enrollment Management. With over 20 years of educational leadership experience, Herb brings deep expertise in enrollment strategy and institutional advancement. Most recently serving as Director of Upper School Admissions and Associate Director of Financial Aid at McDonogh School in Maryland since 2019, he previously spent six years leading enrollment management at the Bishop Walker School in Washington, DC, an Episcopal K-5 school for boys. This combination of experience uniquely positions him to build a robust enrollment foundation that will sustain Church Farm's mission of developing young men of character for generations to come.
CURRICULUM CORNER
Church Farm Pilots J-Term
We are excited to be launching our first-ever J-Term in winter 2027! J-Term, so named for the month in which it falls – January - is a two-week experience for students that will offer learning and exploration designed to broaden perspectives, deepen engagement, and help our students discover new interests and ways of thinking.
J-Term runs January 18-29 and is organized by grade level.
FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORES
Hands-on experiential learning opportunities creating tangible items and taking part in interdisciplinary coursework.
JUNIORS
In addition to a college tour, juniors will kick off the college process.
SENIORS
Off-campus internships, community service projects, or job-shadowing.
Support our J-Term
We are actively seeking organizations in New York City, northern New Jersey and local to Exton who can host seniors for internships and jobshadowing during J-Term. Want to help? Scan here!
Come Back to The Farm
This has been a year of tremendous growth at Church Farm School as we have welcomed our fifth Head of School, Dr. Troy Baker, launched a new Public Programs & Events series and are shaping big plans for the future. While growth is inevitable, some things stay constant: sunsets by the silos, the smell of the gym (for good or bad), the raucous noise of young men exiting Greystock on a sunny Friday afternoon. We hope you can join us to:
• Connect with peers, faculty and staff, and today’s students
• Revisit your favorite haunts and discover some new ones
• Celebrate our adult and student honorees
• Learn about where we are and where we are heading
Agenda At-A-Glance
FRIDAY, MAY 8
1:30 PM Check-in Opens
2:00 PM Career Conversations
3:30 PM Campus Tours
3:30 PM Open House Cookout at Head of School Residence 7:00 PM Reunion Dinners on Your Own
SATURDAY, MAY 9 Scan here to RSVP Today!
THE 2025-2026 NEWT DISNEY AWARD FOR SERVICE
Thomas Johnstone ’09
As a six-year soldier (attending Church Farm School from 7th-12th grade), Tom Johnstone was a standout student and was recognized as such; he received the school’s History Award, Spanish Award, James Tate Award for Excellence in Ambassadorship, Earl B. Wilkins Memorial Award for Service, and Dr. Guy Marriner Memorial Award for Honor and Selflessness.
After graduating from Church Farm School in 2009, Tom majored in history at Elizabethtown College. After studying abroad in The Gambia in West Africa, Tom’s decision to return to his alma mater was solidified. “While living there and trying to immerse myself in the Gambian culture, I started to realize the importance of giving back and the power that relationships have to shape communities. Both things took me back to my days as a Griffin, and when I heard the school had an opening, I knew coming back was something that I wanted to do.”
Tom returned to Church Farm School in September 2013 as a history teacher and residential life faculty member. Within a few short years, his responsibilities grew to include Assistant Athletic Director, Assistant Wrestling Coach, JVB Head Soccer Coach, and Admission Committee member. He also served on the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan Committee: Unlocking Potential.
In 2024, he was named Associate Director of Athletics and, following the departure of his longtime mentor, Art Smith, last year, Head Wrestling Coach. He also serves as the lead organizer of the school’s well-respected Wrestling Invitational, an enormous endeavor in which more than a dozen wrestling programs from the tri-state area spend a full day competing in the Founder’s Pavilion.
Says his peer Abraham Calvin ’09, “At his core, Tom is a mentor. He sees in the boys he serves what others once saw in him: potential waiting to be developed, guided, and believed in. His work is not transactional; it is transformational. He leads not through recognition or praise, but through daily, steady presence - showing up, investing in others, and modeling what it means to live with purpose and humility.”
Tom always goes above and beyond to ensure that the students’ and the school’s needs are met. He also finds time to serve as his class agent, encouraging others to “look back, come back, give back.” Tom’s service to the Church Farm School community hasn’t missed a beat.
GREG THOMPSON Church Farm School Director of Athletics, 2007 – 2021
THE
Greg Thompson joined the Church Farm School community in 1998, starting his tenure as a residential faculty member (where he met his wife, Alex). In 2001, he became a full-time member of the teaching faculty while coaching baseball and golf. In 2007, he succeeded John Kistler as the Director of Athletics.
During Greg’s tenure, he achieved numerous accomplishments that helped bring the Church Farm School athletic program into the modern era. Greg oversaw the transition of CFS athletics to the PIAA, establishing the standards necessary to compete against other Pennsylvania schools and qualify for district and state playoffs. He also guided the school through its transition to the Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL), positioning teams to compete against a strong mix of private and public schools in the tri-county area. Greg led the refurbishment of the gym, including new flooring, paint, branding, bathroom remodels, and lighting.
Greg expanded athletic opportunities for students by introducing new sports to CFS, including lacrosse and bowling. He was the school’s first golf coach (four seasons), and, as varsity baseball coach for 14 seasons, he led the team to BAL and Tri-County league championships; to this day, Greg is our most successful baseball coach. Beyond his many programmatic accomplishments, Greg was deeply committed to mentoring young coaches and modeling leadership and sportsmanship.
Amid all these accomplishments, Greg remained a fierce advocate for our students - especially multi-sport athletes. He consistently held athletes and coaches to a high standard while serving as a positive force for growth across the entire athletic program. As Athletic Director, he ensured coaches had the resources, supplies and equipment necessary to run successful programs, and worked tirelessly to create meaningful opportunities for every boy.
“I'm incredibly grateful to have led and coached at such an amazing school. I was blessed to start my career surrounded by caring and thoughtful colleagues and mentors, including dozens of passionate and skilled coaches, facilities crew, athletic trainers, amazing support staff, and assistant ADs Dan Dratch and Tom Johnstone ‘09.”
A native of New Jersey, Greg attended Hopewell Valley Central High School and the University of Delaware. In his free time, Greg enjoys baseball, golf, and spending time with his wife, Alexandra, and their children, Maisie, Charles, and Jillian.
FRANKY MILLS ’12
Franky Mills ‘12 is widely regarded as one of the finest cross-country and track athletes in Church Farm School’s history, leaving a lasting legacy on the program. As the school’s first qualifier for the PIAA Cross Country State Championships, Franky put the Griffins on the statewide map. That same year, he qualified for the PIAA State Outdoor Track Championships in the 3,200-meter, where he earned an impressive 14th-place finish.
Competing in the highly competitive BAL and District 1 region known for producing elite distance runners, Franky consistently stood out through grit, discipline, and determination. While he earned numerous accolades and awards for his performances, Franky's greatest achievement may be how deeply he embraced the values instilled by the school — values that shaped him as a young boy and empowered him as a man. Franky earned his degree in Business Administration from LeMoyne-Owens College in Memphis, Tennessee. As a college student, he continually and consciously gave back to the community in gratitude for all he has received. Chapter President of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and Brother of the Year, he was also Vice President of his Student Government Association.
Since college, Franky has worked in contributor relations for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, for the Shelby County Government, at the world headquarters of FedEx, and, since 2021, for SEPTA. He is also an Advisory Board Member for the national Faith Leaders of Color Coalition, a multifaith national organization dedicated to advocating for justice, equity, and interrogation into the American Capital Punishment system.
WILLIAM E. MORTON ’56
William E. Morton has held Church Farm School’s javelin record of 191’4” since 1956, the year he graduated at the age of 17. Bill joined the Church Farm School community at 14, halfway through the 1952-1953 school year, having previously attended West Philadelphia High School. After bouncing around as a child between 10-15 different homes, he says Church Farm gave him the structure and stability he desperately needed. “It was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. It changed my entire direction in life.” He participated in the only three sports offered at the time: track and field, cross-country and basketball. Class sizes were very small at the time, and the track and field team only had seven or eight members. Bill recalls competing in almost every event except sprints under Coach Earl Wilkins ‘26. During his sophomore and junior years, Bill practiced with a metal javelin, with a record of 159’. In lieu of basketball his senior year, he dedicated all his time to practicing javelin. “I really wanted the record.”
Coach Wilkins purchased a wooden javelin aerodynamically designed to go farther in March of 1956. He hit 191’ on his first try. Bill then set the school’s javelin record of 191’4”, which has yet to be broken. “I was happy with it. I didn’t go for a second or third try; I just participated in all my other events that day.” After Church Farm School, Bill had a 34-year career with Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania and AT&T before retiring in the 1990s. He has spent the last few decades traveling the world with his wife, Diane; scuba diving from his boat in New Jersey and in various international locales; and enjoying time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
While he wasn’t able to play at the Golf Classic, RICHIE JONES ’20, who is a PGA Golf Pro in New York, spent time with our Griffin golfers during pre-season. Richie's younger brother RICARDO ’29, joined the community as a freshman this year.
We welcomed three alumni to our team this year (at left), including JON SWIDER ’14, NKOSI PILE ’15, and JASON LAVOE ’21! Nkosi also lent his talents to our JVB soccer team with NATE VENTURA ’15.
ALEJANDRO ZULETA ‘17 AND JEREMY SHIELDS ’16 IN BOSTON
On
DR. BAKER
the road with CHRISTOPHER KRAMARIC
PEGGY AND CECIL HENGEVELD ’64, JOHN HASWELL ’64 AND BYRON HUTCHINSON ’85 IN ST. AUGUSTINE
Convocation kicked off the school year, and we were thrilled that UKASHAH SHABAZZ ’15 shared his journey from CFS to The College of New Jersey to UPenn to his current work at Salisbury School as Director of Integrity & Belonging and Form Dean.
HAROLD “SANDY” JENSEN ’63 AND BILL HUGHES ’79 IN MASSACHUSETTS
Dr. Baker and Chief Advancement Officer Christopher Kramaric hit the road this fall and winter to gather alumni and Church Farm Friends for brunches, lunches, dinners and tours in Maryland, Virginia, DC, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida!
ERIKA WALLINGTON (MIKE ‘60*) AND HER LONGTIME PARTNER HERB JESCHKE IN RHODE ISLAND
ELIJAH HERNANDEZ ’15 AND JETHRO ISRAEL ’12 IN VERO BEACH
Over spring break, the dynamic duo is spending time in California. Stay tuned for more travel tales!
MILES BERNHARD ’14 AND HENRY PREMPEH ’99 IN DC
ALBERT HALEY ‘04, CHRIS CORTWRIGHT ‘77, SEAN MARTIN ‘92, LUIS TRIVENO ‘23, BRETT FORTUNE ‘86, TOM NEFF ‘60 IN BALTIMORE
ANNE MARIE AND JOHN LENTZ ’83 IN ORLANDO
Nate Antwi ’18 recently stopped by the school – he works nearby at Lockheed Martin King of Prussia – to see how he can lend his talents. After connecting with Asa Sams ’17 – current Humanities and Residential Life faculty at CFS – he spent time with STEM Chair Jason Porter.
Once again, we were grateful to alumni who joined us to golf for a great cause at our Golf Classic! Alumni players included THOMAS KNEZEVICH ’18, RYAN DUNBAR ’02 (PICTURED WITH BOARD VICE CHAIR AND FORMER COACH MARC TURNER), DON BURT ’77, AND DAVE CARROLL ’62, who
helped lead the charge to sponsor military veteran players at the Classic this year (see story on page 12).
Bill Seymour ’78 returned numerous times to campus this year to mentor our DECA Team as they prepared for state competition in February.
Our 100th Christmas Pageant and Fireside Chat at the Head of School residence brought many alumni and former faculty faces back to the Farm, including David Zimmerman ’88, Kyle Fok ’17, and Bill Smead ’84 (with partner Kristin). At our traveling performance at the Church of Saint Asaph in Bala Cynwyd, Alemayehu Addis ’97 and the lovely women in his life received the Sweet Young Girl’s flowers.
Members of our Alumni Association, including Eric Weller ’74, Bill Smead ’84, Todd Elliott ’80, and Association President Steve Choc ’02, joined with our student ambassadors to build care packages for our alumni in college.
Dr. John Grunwell ’60 recently recognized for his 60 years of service to the American Chemistry Society; John was mentored by Earl Wilkins '26, a Church Farm alum and former science teacher. John received the Alumni Achievement Award from
We paired Dr. Troy Baker’s Installation
Ceremony with Alumni Soccer this year,
Alumni attending Skidmore
– Michael Baabu ‘23, Muse Kabiso-Johnson ’25 and Che Darden ’22 – caught up on campus. Griffin brotherhood!
TURN TAXES INTO Are you SCHOLARSHIPS! 73 or Older?
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows individuals who are 73 years old or older to donate to one or more charities directly from a taxable IRA instead of taking their required minimum distributions (RMDs). Avoid being pushed into a higher tax bracket, and support Church Farm boys now.
A QCD provides several potential benefits, especially if you:
• Are required to take a minimum distribution from an IRA, but don’t need the funds and would face increased taxes if you took them.
• Would like to reduce your IRA balance to lower future RMDs.
• Would like to make a larger gift than you could if you simply donated cash or other assets.
An individual donor can contribute up to $111,000 per year in QCDs, as long you are 73 years old or older. For married couples, each spouse can make QCDs up to the $111,000 limit for a potential total of $222,000.
questions on supporting Church Farm through
IN MEMORIAM
Our thoughts our with the families and friends of these Church Farm alumni that have passed away. They will be recognized with plaques in our Chapel of the Atonement during our Alumni Weekend Memorial Service. If you know of an alumnus who has passed away and is not listed, kindly reach out.
STEVE ABRAMS, JR. ‘89
JAMES ADAMS ‘82
DOOLAN ANYAM ‘12
JOHN FOWLER ’65
GEORGE GOVETTE ’58
ERIC LOHMANN ‘61
DANIEL MOLLOIE ‘88
LYLE SCHWEITZER ’49
ERIK SMITH ‘91
GEOFFREY UMPLEBY ‘75
WILLIAM WALKER ’75
Church Farm School’s Public Programs and Events Series brings authors, artists, musicians, politicians, business leaders, historians, educators, and intellectuals to Chester County to catalyze conversation and community. It creates opportunities for dialogue between our students and neighbors and shapes the world into which we will send this next generation of leaders.
Our first event in the Series, which is generously sponsored by Wellington Square Bookshop, was an Author Talk and Q&A with esteemed National Book and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Percival Everett.
With thanks to our event sponsors, Equivolve and Franny and Franny Abbott, it was a glorious evening with Mr. Everett sharing the inspiration and process for his works, including the 2024 Pulitzer winner for fiction, James, The Trees and Erasure (adapted in 2023 as the Academy Award-winning film American Fiction).
UP NEXT
Join us in the fall as we host two exhibitions by printmaker Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. –Citizen Printer and Sista Said.
A self-described “humble negro printer,” Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., is internationally recognized for his type-driven messages of social justice. The Citizen Printer exhibition includes a wide variety of printed artifacts such as broadsides, maps, church fans, handbills and oversized posters produced throughout Kennedy’s career. Along with his signature prints, the show features a few lesserknown artist books that showcase Kennedy’s early start with letterpress printing and bookbinding. Together, these works demonstrate the rich cultural traditions of Black printing and the importance of Black authorship.
Sign up to be the first to hear about the Citizen Printer Opening Party, artist visits and demonstrations, and other upcoming events. Gallery also available for rental. cfs1918.com/citizen-printer
