Dwight Today Fall 2025

DWIGHT TODAY A Magazine for the Global Dwight Community

FALL 2025

Reaching New Heights

Dwight Global Online Is Ranked #1 Online School! p. 28 Franklin School Is Named Most Innovative in the World! p. 26

Inside Cover: An updated design for Gus! Gus’s updated design is a proud product of Dwight’s global network.

Originally commissioned by Dwight Dubai, Gus came from London-based artist Darren Lebeuf. After Dwight Hanoi saw this new variation of our beloved mascot, they asked to have additional versions created for their new campus. Here in New York, we’re benefitting from all these new Gus poses, as we’ve repurposed them to enliven the halls of 94th Street. Read more about our newly refurbished 94th Street Campus on page 8.

Opposite: Our Varsity Girls Volleyball team were 4-peat League Champions in 2024-25!

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Dwight Bytes

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From the Dwight Global Network

30 Connecting With Culture Through Language 35 The Arts at Dwight 46 Alumni Updates Matthew D. Payne: Editorial Director Emily Chase: Design Director Allison Feldman: Global Director of Communications Photography: Oscar Brett, Dianna Bush, Allison Feldman, Da Ping Luo, Lauren Olshever, Taylor Pattie, Matt Payne, Stomping Ground, and Dwight Faculty & Staff Copyright © 2025: Dwight School

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Franklin School Wins T4 Education’s World’s Best School Prize for Innovation

Dwight Global Online Ranked #1 Best Private Online High School in America by Niche

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Fall 2025

Dear Dwight Community, I am delighted to share that The DwightFranklin Network has recently received two monumental honors.

First, Dwight Global Online School has been ranked the #1 online school in the United States, surpassing Stanford Online High School. This remarkable achievement reflects our commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Dwight Global’s extensive selection of cutting-edge courses continues to enrich our entire network, preparing students for the careers and challenges of the future.

Second, Franklin School, which my father proudly led for more than three decades, has experienced an inspiring rebirth in Jersey City, New Jersey, with the support of our school group. In only its fourth year of operation, Franklin has been named “The Most Innovative School in the World.” It is the first and only American school ever to receive this prestigious honor from T4 Education, an organization composed of leading global educators.

The Dwight-Franklin Network’s leadership in design thinking, start-up methodology, entrepreneurship, personalized college guidance, and programs built around each student’s Spark of Genius is now being sought by educational institutions and governments around the world. Our mission remains steadfast: to provide every student with the access, opportunities, and inspiration to become the leaders of tomorrow.

On a personal note, I continue to be guided by the Dalai Lama’s wisdom: “Do one good deed a day, and you will transform the whole world for the better.” I invite our entire Dwight community to join me in working tirelessly to democratize educational excellence, both at home and across the globe.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Stephen H. Spahn Chancellor

New York | London | Seoul | Shanghai | Dubai | Hanoi | Global Online | Jersey City

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Fall 2025

Curious Minds, Joyful Hearts Dwight’s Early Childhood Division is where learning begins with laughter.

Across our Riverside and 94th Street campuses, our youngest Lions explore, imagine, and connect with one another — discovering their world one joyful moment at a time through a curriculum fueled by the IB’s Primary Years Program.

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Mr. Tim

CONNECTING THROUGH CREATIVITY AND COMPASSION

At Dwight’s Early Childhood Division, there’s a name that elicits immediate smiles from students, parents, and teachers alike: Mr. Tim. Mr. Tim is a beloved fixture at 94th Street. His official role is Assistant Teacher and Specialist for the preschool classes, but those titles don’t begin to capture the magic he brings to the community. With a background in Theater and Art, he brings a dramatic flair to each situation, which allows him to connect with whomever he’s speaking on a deep level.

“It’s so powerful to have passionate, creative, artistic people around children. Because that gives them an idea: ‘Oh, this is how people can live a life.’” —Mr. Ti m

Children love Mr. Tim because, though he’s a 6’1” towering figure, he is always able to meet children on their level. His ability to connect doesn’t end there; he’s also adept at supporting teachers with their needs (he interrupted the interview for this article to help a busy teacher find her lunch!) and connecting with parents as well.

Before joining Dwight, Mr. Tim — Tim Elliott — tried his hand at becoming an actor. He also spent over a decade working at Trader Joe’s, where he led the educational tours for our preschoolers. It was there that he met Lyndsay Alden, a Dwight 3s Teacher on a trip with her class for their Communities unit.

“He just had this dynamic, personable energy that felt so connected,” she recalls. “The kids couldn’t stop laughing. I’d never seen such engagement, and he had never met these children before.” What struck Ms. Lyndsay even more was Mr. Tim’s ability to tailor his approach with care, quickly gauging his audience and approaching them in a way that would ensure the deepest connection. “His script wasn’t memorized. He was just living in the moment.”

Ms. Lyndsay encouraged Mr. Tim to apply to Dwight.

Now, over seven years later, Mr. Tim has worn nearly every hat imaginable: working with 2s, 3s, and pre-K; leading After-School and Early Morning programs; and facilitating Summer Camp specials such as art and movement.

His current role sees him in every 94th Street preschool classroom each week as Library Teacher (or “Storyteller,” as he calls it), and using his fine art skills as he visits classrooms as an Art Teacher. Outside of Dwight he has his own workshop for paper art.

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Mr. Tim says, “I think that one of the coolest things I’ve been able to do with the kids is create art with them and to model civility and kindness and compassion.”

Whether he’s crafting art or performing storytime with silly voices, his approach is immersive and alive. And he’s got the kiddos’ full attention: they lock into his storytelling time, which includes music and dance, and he leaves quite the impression. When Ms. Lyndsay asked her students what they thought of Mr. Tim, she barely had time to record their answers because they came out so fast! Just a few responses of note:

“I love story time with him.”

“I love when he puts on songs.”

“His stories make me feel good.”

“Dancing with Mr. Tim makes me happy.”

And on and on…

Whether he’s telling stories, visiting art classrooms, or sharing a warm hello with community members each morning, Mr. Tim shines in his ability to build relationships with students, colleagues, and parents alike. His knack for a personalized approach is key in helping little kids who are dealing with big emotions.

“It’s nice to be known as the go-to,” Mr. Tim says. “If a kid is upset, they’ll say, ‘Where’s Mr. Tim?’” And Mr. Tim is there to help.

From supporting students emotionally to diffusing tensions with humor, Mr. Tim “reads the room” better than most. “He’s able to come in as a fresh face in the moment to diffuse a situation,” says Ms. Lyndsay. “Sometimes the kids just need that.

And he’s able to come in and be like, ‘Hey, let’s change the scenery. Do you want to be my helper and come help me return these books to the library?’”

Sometimes it’s a change of scenery, and other times, it’s a word of encouragement or a silly face. Even when it’s not always fun and games, and he has to lay down boundaries, Mr. Tim does so with an emotional intuition and grounded kindness which have become his trademark.

For Colleen Brown, Associate Head of Early Childhood, this intuition is what sets him apart. “He develops really strong relationships with everyone in the community,” she says. “He knows everybody’s name, not only the students and faculty members, but the parents, the caregivers. He goes the extra mile in greeting everyone in the morning, literally asking who they are and who they’re with and what their role is there, and taking the time to get to know them.”

As Mr. Tim himself says, “It’s about creating the relationship and feeling like there’s a connection there that’s to be honored above just the simple, ‘This is a child at my school.’”

With his radiant energy, humor, and care, Mr. Tim creates a nurturing environment for our littlest learners. In any role and every classroom, he ignites joy, trust, and transformation — one story, one child, one conversation at a time.

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94th Street Welcomes Timothy House Home From their daily classroom life, to fun festivals and celebrations, our Lower School Lions spent the 2024-25 school year fully settling into their new home at our 94th Street Campus.

Initially opening in 2022 with our littlest preschool learners, kindergarten and grade 1 kicked off Timothy House’s move from our CPW Campus to 94th Street in 2022-23, with grades 2 through 4 joining them this past year. The light-filled buildings have become home to bright smiles, colorful artwork of Gus the Dwight Lion, and lots of learning!

A PLACE FOR EVERY SPARK

From its bright classrooms and full library, to its fully equipped makerspace, our 94th Street Campus is a beautiful place for young learners. Students started each day together, often eagerly showing up to school early to enjoy more time playing with friends in our spacious play yard, or cozying up in our library hub with friends and books.

Our makerspace, the Spark Lab, was a constant buzz of creating and tinkering.

Music and Drama shares came alive in our performing arts classroom.

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The important Dwight pillars of Global Vision and Community were lived out with gusto throughout 2024-25, as we paused and dedicated time to celebrating our community’s diversity in so many ways: celebrations for Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Three Kings Day, just to name a few.

The 94th Street Campus hosted our annual Spirit Day festivities for the first time last year — Lions of all ages shared in some autumn fun together with a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon animals, yummy treats, and more. The sunny courtyard of our campus was the perfect place for our community to enjoy activities together amidst the changing leaves.

A LION-HEARTED MASCOT

Outside, the sky above is the limit for our students. This summer saw the completion of a tennis court and three pickleball courts — literally the cherry on top of the refurbished 94th Street Campus. This new addition means Dwight now has one of the largest outdoor playspaces of any elementary school in New York City.

CELEBRATING TOGETHER

94th Street Campus’s sunny courtyard has become a popular gathering spot, offering a perfect backdrop for community events for our 94th Street students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Tying the whole space together is a delightful gallery of art and decals featuring an updated design of our mascot, Gus the Lion! (Read the story of how Gus came to be on the inside front cover!)

We can’t wait to see our community continue to shine at our newest campus location in New York.

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Innovation Shines AT SPARK TANK’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

In 2024-25, Dwight School celebrated 10 years of Spark Tank fostering invention and entrepreneurship, with an engaging student exhibition and student project presentations.

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team, created by William Dong ’30, Aidan Rizvi ’30, Aaryav Sinha ’30, Noah Levy ’31, and Andrew Slaughter ’31, shared their starter robots and obstacles. Saraya Dodhia ’28 from Franklin School, discussed her very own STEM Sprouts Academy, a program aiming to make STEM education accessible for young learners. Also presented was Cocoa To Go by Liam Kessler ’29, an innovative way to enjoy portable hot chocolate; Green Vision

by Jackson Shell ’26 and Zachary Lehr ’26, a computer-assisted waste management program; and 566 Records by Ofer Rubin ’26, Dwight School’s student record label and recording studio.

Founded in 2015 by The Dwight School Foundation, Spark Tank was fueled by the belief that young people should not have to wait to realize the dream of starting their own enterprise. Students have since embarked on exciting journeys to develop projects of their own imagination. Students continue to develop projects inspired by their own passions, or to solve real-world problems.

All learn how they can make an impact and build a better world through entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

In fact, in recent years, the program has increasingly become a space for charitable initiatives. Matt Moran, Spark Tank Program Director, explains that students have been driven by a desire to “have an impact,” and the program is therefore “a great model for students who want to gain leadership experience.” One such example is Mission Essentials, a project run last year by Danielle Reische ’25, Grace Capiraso ’25, and Maria Arutyunyan ’25 that provides hygiene products, clothing, school supplies, food, and more daily necessities to New Yorkers in need.

The charitable initiatives supported by Spark Tank and funded

by The Dwight School Foundation give students real-world experiences and skills that they would not normally be exposed to in traditional classrooms. Owing to the projects’ independent nature, students learn how to sort out logistics, fundraise, and manage campaigns. The projects also develop students’ resilience in the face of real-world challenges.

Spark Tank’s 10th Anniversary event highlighted our talented students and the many projects that have been inspired by our pioneering K-12 entrepreneurship incubator program. During the Anniversary celebration, students showcased their works at an exhibition, with projects ranging from a jewelry line, to robotic arms that assist workers in minimizing injury, and radio-wave absorbing cell phone cases, sold to benefit cancer charities.

Following the exhibition, a group of students introduced their projects to a packed house and to our Spark Tank Committee for feedback, mentorship, and innovation grants provided by The Dwight School Foundation. The Dwight Mighty Robotics

One project presented

by Mariam Diallo ’25 and Lux Winter ’25 at the 10th Anniversary event that had a large impact on an international level was Mariam’s Connecting West to West, an organization that provides school supplies to schools in West Africa and empowers students to take advantage of educational opportunities.

On November 7, 2024, Mariam traveled to Guinea, where she distributed 200 bags of supplies to students.

She emphasized the invaluable support that made this achievement possible, noting that Spark Tank was “extremely helpful, especially in mentoring.” She added, “I think the mentoring that I received and just the sheer exposure that I’ve received has been incredible on Spark Tank, and especially the Dwight faculty, like Mr. Moran, Mr. Hansen, my deans… overall, they’ve been very helpful in spreading the word, and helping me make it the best it can be.”

Projects like Mariam’s illustrate how Spark Tank encourages students to think globally, carrying Dwight’s spirit of innovation outside the classroom. Spark Tank’s 10th Anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate students who aim to think outside the box and turn their dreams into a reality.

Read about another student going above and beyond in giving back to the community, not just through Spark Tank, but through his own projects, in our next piece…

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One Thousand Notecards and One Dream

AIDAN RIZVI’S PEACE PANDA PROJECT Aidan Rizvi ’30 not only excels academically at Dwight, but has developed a variety of interests, from LEGOs and robotics, to origami and squash. Gathering his creativity, talent, and ambitions for the greater good, he has started his very own charity in order to effect meaningful change.

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One very special project that Aidan started because he felt an urge to help those in need is his very own “Peace Panda,” a charitable initiative through which he donates 100% of the earnings to charity. Using his origami skills on thousands of notecards, Aidan carefully folds each small piece into a panda, which is then auctioned off to benefit various charities.

The idea for “Peace Panda” initially came while Aidan watched the news at an airport lounge and felt saddened that many children his own age are missing basic resources.

“That really struck a nerve and that started to make me tear up,” said Aidan. “I wanted to do something good for them, and to support them.”

He soon found a way. While scrolling through videos online, Aidan came across an origami tutorial that showed him how to craft tiny figurines from folded paper boxes. He worked hard to produce similar figurines, channeling his desire for change into action.

Aidan now uses any free time he can find to fold and fold, determined to turn paper into impact. What keeps him motivated to tackle such meticulous work? Aidan said, “The reason why I started this charity business is to help others in need. Our motto is ‘spreading kindness one fold at a time.’” With his origami pandas, Aidan raised nearly $14,000 through a single event for the charity Children in Conflict.

But his days are packed — in addition to academics, squash, and Peace Panda, Aidan’s love of LEGOs fostered another project important to him: he co-founded “The Mighty Robotics” with William Dong ’30, Noah Levy ’31, Aaryav Sinha ’30, and Andrew Slaughter ’31. This team, with support from Spark Tank, creates starter robots and obstacles to inspire and engage our youngest learners at the 94th Street Campus.

Last year, Aidan and his team (and their robot, TacoBot!) competed at the NYC Horace Mann Qualifier of the First LEGO League, where they won the 1st place innovation award and a silver ticket to the semi finals at Leonardo DaVinci School in Queens.

Lesa Wang, Head of Design and Director of Global Spark Programs, described Aidan as incredibly determined, motivated, and most importantly “humble.”

put forth ideas that he believes will promote a deeper understanding of what we are studying as a class. His willingness to stoke the dialogic flames – that are needed to enliven literary studies – helps illuminate deeper ideas and questions amongst his peers.”

Jennifer Boyce, MYP Mathematics Teacher, who teaches Aidan advanced math, noted that even in the classroom, Aidan is “civically minded.”

“He helps other people, checks in during partner work, and makes sure his group is on topic and focused,” Ms. Boyce said.

“For someone who’s done so much for other people, he doesn’t brag about it,” Ms. Wang said.

She also recalled a simple but illuminating gesture from Aidan, saying, “Every day, he comes in and says hello even when he doesn’t have math.”

At Dwight, where he has been since kindergarten, Aidan shines not only as a student but as a community member. In every subject, from Math to English, Aidan is curious, and creates a positive learning environment.

It is, in fact, Aidan’s goodwill that has left the greatest impression on the Dwight community.

MYP English Teacher Barry Kimpel said, “One of Aidan’s primary strengths is his willingness to ask questions and

That goodwill continued into 2025-26 with another Peace Panda fundraiser, this time for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

We wish him great success!

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News from the Dwight Global Network

One network. Eight Schools. A multitude of sparks. Every year, faculty and staff around the globe work with students to bring their unique talents to life through the IB curriculum — and together with parents, form a community of learning unique to each location, and yet consistent with Dwight’s three pillars.

We’ve asked our Dwight communities from around the globe to send us a recap of 2024-25, highlighting what they think would be the most interesting news of the past school year and/or highlighting things unique to their School.

From Franklin School’s winning the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation, to Dwight Seoul’s BJEDI Day celebrating a year-long journey of learning, reflection, and action, to students’ sparks of genius at each campus manifesting in a myriad of ways, these achievements span the globe while bringing our network closer.

Turn the page and enjoy your journey through the Dwight network…

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F RO M T H E NET WORK: LOND ON

Another Year of Outstanding Achievements 16

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Our students have continued to flourish both in and out of the classroom.

From inspiring class assemblies to exciting school-wide events, we have loved welcoming parents into school to celebrate the learning journey with their children. These moments of connection and collaboration — including wellness mornings, concerts, celebratory assemblies, and open classrooms — truly enrich the IB experience for our whole community.

Academics remain central to our school’s mission, providing every student with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking they need to thrive in a changing world. 80% of our Junior School students are working above their year-level expectations in math (nationally, only 24% are meeting this higher standard). In reading, over 80% are working above their age-level expectations (nationally, it is 28%).

However, the extracurricular provision is just as important for developing well-rounded and happy students. Our after-school clubs across the school have gone from strength to strength, offering students a wide variety of opportunities to explore their passions — be it sports, the arts, STEM, entrepreneurship, coding, debating, sustainability, or the opportunity to be a risk-taker and try something new.

Our Class of 2025 graduates are a testament to the advantages of an education at Dwight, gaining places at Penn State, the University of Edinburgh, University College London, King’s College London, the University of Durham, and the University of Madrid, with students choosing to study a broad range of academic disciplines from Law to Biomedical Science to Graphic Design.

Many students have stepped into leadership roles through the Student Council, Model United Nations, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and mentoring initiatives, demonstrating maturity, initiative, and servicemindedness. Our lunchtime clubs, developed with the Student Council and led by students, have proven very popular and have fostered interconnection between older and younger students.

The 2024-25 school year was a year of many successes and special moments.

The experiences our community shared together made it truly memorable. To name just a few of the year’s outstanding achievements…

Sporting achievements were also an inspiring highlight of 2024-25.

All students have been part of House Competitions in tag rugby, cricket, and basketball, as well as art and languages, which have made lunchtimes an exciting activity for the entire school. Participating in over 30 events, from local Independent Schools Association football league competitions to inter-school tournaments to national events, our students have demonstrated determination, team spirit, and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the year. Congratulations to all of our athletes!

Music was another joyful part of our school year, with new offerings continuing to evolve. 2024-25 saw the launch of our new Junior School choir, which has already delighted audiences as they have dipped their toes into the world of performing. Students visited New York for the Global Concert and hosted ChoirFest, which were both resounding successes. Our students displayed remarkable solidarity, dedication, and enthusiasm throughout these unforgettable experiences.

All of these lasting memories from 2024-25 are thanks to our vibrant, inclusive learning environment that continues to nurture the qualities of the IB Learner Profile and prepares our students to be curious, compassionate, and capable global citizens.

We very much look forward to the successes and special moments that will be shared in 2025-26.

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F RO M T H E NET WORK: D U BA I

A Year of Achievement, Innovation, and Community!

The 2024-25 academic year at Dwight School Dubai was a vibrant celebration of achievement, innovation, and community.

From the launch of our IB Career-related Program (CP) with BTEC certification to the roaring in-person debut of Gus the Lion, our students have embraced every challenge, opportunity, and stage — locally and globally.

ACADEMIC GROWTH AND INNOVATION

Last year, we proudly announced the launch of our IB Career-related Program (CP) with the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) International Level 3 Business Diploma, set to be offered from the 2025-26 academic year. This exciting addition will combine IB academic rigor with career-focused learning, opening new pathways for our senior students.

Across the curriculum, inquiry and creativity thrived: German students designed culturally inspired book covers, the Arabic Reading Challenge finalists read an impressive 50 Arabic books each, and

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Chancellor Blake Spahn fostered critical thinking, connection, and dialogue.

the 5th Annual Mathematics Exhibition showcased real-life applications of math, linking concepts to sustainability, innovation, and Emirati culture.

The Theory of Knowledge Exhibition encouraged students in grade 11 to connect abstract questions to real-world objects, while grade 5 students’ inspiring PYP Exhibition tackled global issues from mental health to animal welfare, proving the power of voice, action, and reflection.

CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS

The year was one of remarkable individual achievement. Aanvi ’26 published Seasons of Being, her debut poetry collection exploring identity and self-discovery. Ameera ’26, a talented pianist and violinist, earned third place at the Steinway Piano Competition GCC 2025. And, our Sparkathon 2025 team, We Are Here to Win, took first place with their innovative nutrition and food solutions.

In the arts, students shone across divisions: Upper School in The Wizard of Oz, grade 3 students in Peter Pan, and many more in monthly recitals and end-of-year concerts.

Book Week brought mystery to campus with a Sherlock Holmes “Whodunit” challenge, while the KG1 Fashion Show linked creativity, communication, and sustainability through recycled designs.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AND LEADERSHIP

Service and sustainability were at the heart of our community efforts. Our Upper School students took part in a desert clean-up, collecting 13kg of waste to help protect the local environment. The clean-up was studentled, and videos of their efforts were later submitted to CNN’s #CallToEarth initiative, where their work was showcased as part

TRADITIONS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

of the global campaign. Grade 2 students explored environmental challenges such as deforestation, pollution, and overpopulation in their Unit of Inquiry. They researched how these issues disrupt ecosystems and through collaboration and creative thinking, designed their own model ecosystems. Students then analyzed the impact of these challenges on their creations and proposed sustainable solutions. Their work was presented through models and displays, showcasing both their learning and their commitment to caring for the planet.

From UAE National Day celebrations to International Day, Dwight embraced cultural unity. The Senior Walk brought the whole campus together to honor the Class of 2025 before their graduation, a moment filled with pride, joy, and hopeful anticipation.

And of course, the in-person arrival of our very own mascot, Gus the Lion, sparked a lot of excitement, and today he proudly stands as a beloved permanent member of the Dwight family, symbolizing our school spirit and pride.

Diplomacy and leadership also took center stage. We hosted our inaugural Dwight Model United Nations (MUN), welcoming delegates from across the UAE and overseas, and saw success at the NLCS Dubai MUN, where our students won two Best Position Paper and Best Delegate awards.

Our Arabic and Islamic Leadership Exchange Program brought together 45 schools to share best practices, while the Arabic Poetry Competition celebrated language, identity, and cultural pride, with both native and nonnative speakers performing.

EXPLORATION AND ENRICHMENT

Our students took learning beyond the classroom with unforgettable experiences.

The Dwight Schools Global Concert in New York and ChoirFest in London united students in music, culture, and collaboration on the world stage. Visits to Columbia University, London landmarks, and professional sports tours in Qatar deepened connections between learning and real-life application.

Workshops such as First Aid & Basic Survival Skills built resilience and teamwork, preparing students to act in moments that matter. The DASSA Chess Tournament and visits from global educators like Vice

LOOKING AHEAD

2024-25 was a testament to the Dwight ethos: nurturing principled, creative, globally minded learners ready to lead, innovate, and serve. As we look back, we celebrate the academic milestones, artistic triumphs, environmental action, and global connections that define our community. The stage is set for another year of excellence, and we’re ready to roar even louder.

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F RO M T H E NET WORK: HA NOI

Building Community

A FIRST YEAR IN REVIEW AT DWIGHT SCHOOL HANOI Our first year was about more than opening a school — it was about building a strong, connected community. Through celebrations, creativity, athletics, and global experiences, we’ve built a foundation rooted in relationships, purpose, and pride.

CONNECTING WITH HANOI

In our founding year, building relationships with the local and international community in Hanoi was a top priority. From the British Chamber of Commerce Fun Run and Korea-Vietnam Friendship Festival to the JW Marriott Christmas Fair, Children’s Day at The Garden Mall, and the Hang Mai Summer Festival, Dwight School Hanoi made its presence known. These events gave students and families meaningful opportunities to engage with the community and introduced Hanoi to the spirit that defines our school.

STRENGTHENING SCHOOL SPIRIT

On campus, we created moments that brought the Dwight community together. A School Pool Party kicked off the year with energy and connection, while the Tet Festival gave us the chance to celebrate Vietnamese culture as a whole school.

The Dwight Carnival quickly became a community favorite, uniting families, students, and staff in a joyful day of celebration.

We also marked academic milestones. Moving-Up Ceremonies for kindergarten, grade 5, and grade 8 recognized key transitions, while the Grade 5 PYP

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Exhibition, Grade 10 Personal Project Showcase, and celebration of our first DP cohort moving into grade 11 highlighted student growth and achievement.

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY

The arts played a key role in bringing our community together. Families were welcomed to events such as the Echoes of the Universe, the Grade 2 & 3 Music and Movement Performance, the Lower School Spring Music Celebration, and capping off the year with The Greatest Showman.

These performances and exhibitions showcased student creativity and helped strengthen the connection between home and school.

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH SPORT

Athletics brought students, families, and schools across Hanoi together through competition and shared school spirit. This year marked the launch of the Manchester City Football School at Dwight Hanoi — the only one of its kind in Vietnam. Students trained with our Manchester City-certified coach, and our school teams proudly represented Dwight in matches against other international schools. The year culminated in a

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: students traveled to Manchester, with peers from our New York campus, to train at the Etihad Stadium. We also hosted several major athletic events, including mini-tournaments, the Western Hanoi Sports League Basketball Tournament, and the first Dwight Invitational Swim Meet. These events created opportunities for sportsmanship, teamwork, and school pride.

EXPANDING HORIZONS: DWIGHT DESTINATIONS

Through Dwight Destinations, our students connected with the global Dwight network. In Dwight London, they performed at ChoirFest; in Dwight Dubai, they joined students from around the world to debate global issues and build leadership skills through Model United Nations (MUN).

At the start of 2024-25, students traveled to Dwight New York for the Dwight Schools Global Concert and to Qibao Dwight in Shanghai for a Business and University Exploration Trip. These experiences deepened their cultural understanding and strengthened their sense of global citizenship.

COMMUNITY THROUGH LEARNING: SUMMER AT DWIGHT

Our first year was capped off with a Summer Program that brought together Dwight and non-Dwight students from ECD to grade 11 for two weeks of hands-on, inquiry-driven learning. With a focus on projectbased learning, the program offered a mix of academic challenge and creative enrichment — ranging from math, science, and writing to musical theater, visual arts, swimming, and fitness.

Students built friendships, collaborated across grade levels, and stayed engaged during the summer months. The program also gave new families a chance to experience what it means to be part of the Dwight community.

In 2025-26, along with both newly engaged and returning families, we’re excited to grow stronger, expand our impact, and continue creating a school where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.

We’re just getting started.

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F RO M T H E NET WORK: S HA NGHA I

Qibao Dwight’s Commitment to Excellence

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Fall 2025

With the 2024-25 academic year now behind us, we reflect with pride on a year marked by resilience, creativity, and meaningful global engagement. The students, faculty, and families of Shanghai Qibao Dwight have once again demonstrated our community’s enduring commitment to excellence and our shared mission of “igniting the spark of genius in every child.” Last year, we saw our international partnerships flourish, celebrated dynamic student-led initiatives, and proudly sent our graduates into the world with confidence and purpose.

One of the standout accomplishments of last year was the successful relaunch of our Dwight Global Exchange Programs. After a pause during the pandemic years, we were thrilled to once again send students abroad as part of our mission to develop globally minded citizens. Eight of our high school students participated in immersive cultural and academic exchanges with our sister campuses in New York and London. Students experienced firsthand the distinct cultures, teaching styles, and community life at other Dwight Schools, and returned to Shanghai with a deeper sense of global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding. These exchanges continue to be an essential part of our identity as a member of the global network of Dwight Schools, and we are proud to see our students representing our School with such enthusiasm and integrity abroad.

Equally inspiring was the success of Sparkathon 2025, the Dwight Schools’ signature student-led innovation and entrepreneurship event. Embarking on its third year in 2024-25, Sparkathon has become a cornerstone of our commitment to experiential learning and student leadership. With over 100 student participants and mentors from various industries, including tech, design, and sustainability, Sparkathon challenged students to ideate and prototype solutions to real-world challenges. This year’s themes focused on mental health, green cities, and the future of education.

Teams impressed judges and peers alike with their ingenuity, collaboration, and forward-thinking vision. Sparkathon not only highlighted our students’ academic capabilities, but also their capacity to lead with empathy and purpose.

Another point of pride in 2024-25 was the remarkable university admissions results for the Class of 2025. Our graduates applied to institutions across the world and were met with incredible success.

67% of students received offers from Top 30 universities globally, including offers from institutions such as the University of Toronto, King’s College London, UCLA, NYU, and the University of Sydney.

Our College Counseling team, working in tandem with faculty and parents, supported each student in charting a course that aligned with their goals, passions, and future aspirations. We are confident that these graduates will go on to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields and communities.

Looking ahead, we are already excited for what 2025-26 will bring.

One of the most anticipated events on the horizon is the 2026 Dwight Schools Global Concert, which Shanghai Qibao Dwight is proud to host. Welcoming students and faculty from Dwight campuses around the world — including New York, London, Dubai, Seoul, Hanoi, Online, and Franklin School — the festival will be a celebration of music, unity, and the spirit of collaboration that defines our global family. Planning is underway, and we look forward to showcasing the talents of our students and the vibrancy of Shanghai’s cultural scene to an international audience.

We extend our sincere thanks to our faculty and staff for their tireless dedication, to our students for their passion and perseverance, and to our families for their unwavering support. Everyone played a role in creating an enlightening and memorable 2024-25. Together, we will continue to build a school that prepares young people not only for university, but for life. We look forward to another inspiring year ahead.

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F RO M T H E NET WORK: S EO U L

Setting a Benchmark for Inclusive, Student‑Driven Education 24

Fall 2025

Celebrated for its unwavering commitment to inclusion, social responsibility, and student empowerment, Dwight School Seoul is redefining international education in South Korea.

As the 2025 winner of the Responsible Business of the Year Award at the British Business Awards from the BCCK (British Chamber of Commerce Korea), the school views this honor not as a milestone, but as a springboard for deeper, sustained impact.

The accolade affirms Dwight’s mission: to deliver ethical, student-centered learning rooted in inquiry, collective responsibility, and global citizenship.

Chamber of Commerce recognition as “a truly whole-school effort,” highlighting the synergy between student initiative and institutional vision. Student Life Coordinator Wilbert Kwakkel echoed this, noting the award reflects a lasting message: “Their voices matter, their actions have power.” It’s a sentiment that continues to fuel pride, empathy, and confidence throughout the community.

Central to this mission is the school’s flagship initiative, Living BJEDI Out Loud, grounded in the principles of Belonging, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (BJEDI). More than a standalone program, BJEDI is embedded in every aspect of school life, from curriculum and culture to policy and community outreach.

Dwight Seoul’s BJEDI philosophy informs our policies. Transparent, equitable frameworks ensure that every member of the school community, regardless of background or identity, is respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Students are encouraged to lead, reflect, and collaborate across age groups, fostering meaningful partnerships that strengthen both individual growth and community cohesion.

The school year culminates in BJEDI Day, a student-led celebration that showcases the year-long journey of learning, reflection, and action. Far from a one-off event, it represents the collective efforts of the entire community. Remarkably, every single student participates, and the school reports measurable improvements in students’ sense of belonging and inclusion across all grade levels. Students not only take part, but lead a wide array of sessions centered on BJEDI themes. Activities have included mural painting, cross-cultural dance, body positivity workshops, drum circles, restorative yoga, and sessions on harnessing inner strength, each offering a space for creative expression and meaningful dialogue.

The day begins with an inspiring keynote, last year delivered by Jamilla Benson of Anxiety and Kimbap, who shared powerful reflections on self-discovery, resilience, and confidence through creativity and the celebration of difference. Following her talk, students across divisions engaged in diverse workshops led by experts, teachers, and peers, all exploring BJEDI themes in thoughtful and innovative ways.

Throughout the event, students are front and center, spearheading advocacy campaigns, leading service projects, and shaping conversations, while faculty and staff serve as mentors and allies. This kind of collaboration, driving students and teachers towards a common purpose, happens well beyond BJEDI Day. Head of School Tom Ferguson described the British

Importantly, student leadership extends far beyond BJEDI Day. In May 2024, the school’s Eco Council hosted a networkwide Climate Conference, bringing together student leaders from Dwight Schools worldwide. Initiatives ranged from food waste reduction and hydroponics to energy efficiency, demonstrating how environmental and social responsibility intersect through the lens of BJEDI. Looking ahead, Dwight is launching a yearlong professional development program focused on inclusive practices, combining expert-led instruction with ongoing reflection to deepen staff capacity.

Planned curriculum enhancements will further integrate BJEDI principles, expand student leadership opportunities, and scale teacher training. In addition, the school is investing in sustainability and well-being initiatives, while strengthening partnerships with local schools and organizations through collaborative events and outreach.

At its core, Dwight School Seoul is not simply educating students. The school empowers them to lead the next chapter in responsible, inclusive international education in Korea.

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F RO M T H E NET WORK: F RA NKLI N

Franklin School Named World’s Most Innovative School Franklin School is honored to announce our most recent accolade, being named “World’s Best School for Innovation” by T4 Education. The prize is part of T4’s prestigious World’s Best School Prizes, which honor institutions across the world that are transforming education and changing lives beyond the classroom.

This is a well-earned achievement for a deeply engaged community of innovators, from faculty and staff to parents and, of course, students. “Being named the World’s Most Innovative School is more than just an award, it’s proof of what happens when visionary educators and fearless students co-create learning, harness breakthrough tools, and reimagine education itself,” said Founding Head of School William Campbell. “Together, we are not just preparing students for the future, we are shaping it.”

Here are just some of the many examples of how innovation came to life through our students at Franklin in 2024-25…

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While all classes incorporate innovation to some degree, Franklin Student Ventures is a program specifically dedicated to inspire innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service. FSV empowers students to become innovators and socially responsible global leaders by transforming their ideas into real-world impact. Using the prompt of trying to improve an issue they see in the Jersey City neighborhood, students came up with a number of innovative ideas. One student, Ella ’28, worked on an invention that could be used to improve crosswalks throughout Jersey City to accommodate those without sight. She created an audio that sounds to alert pedestrians whether or not to cross. Another, Saraya ’28, created a curriculum, “STEM Sprouts Academy,” geared towards elementary school students, to ensure that even the youngest students are exposed to STEM. Saraya went on to present her project at Dwight New York during the 10th Anniversary Spark Tank Celebration. (See page 10 for more on the Spark Tank event.)

From a young age, Ruhie ’26 set her sights on becoming a doctor, but the ideas developed in Franklin’s “Problems to Opportunities” course helped her to widen her view on where her career may take her. “In grade 10, my perspective completely changed,” Ruhie reflects. “[Science Teacher] Ms. Loh explained that careers are not just something inevitable; she helped me realize that careers are fundamentally about solving problems and making an impact.” Franklin courses on systems thinking, mapping, and archetypes, which equipped her with frameworks for addressing complex challenges at scale rather than individually, are ultimately leading her toward a career focused on creating broader systemic change.

Ruhie’s Capstone Project exemplifies her commitment to systems thinking, as she evaluates the Navy’s adaptation strategies to climate change using systems mapping as a form of data collection. This kind of thinking is what led Ruhie to be invited to the Villars Symposium in Switzerland last summer. The Villars Institute is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy, restoring planetary health, and fostering systemic change through intergenerational collaboration, and attending the symposium was an extraordinary opportunity where Ruhie became part of a global network of young changemakers.

Emre ’26 found his passion in the Fab Lab at Franklin, spending countless hours with Director of Innovation Jaymes Dec on crystallizing remarkable ideas. He spent the school year working on Lyra, a robotic dog that can be controlled from anywhere in the world. Lyra debuted at the 2024-25 annual Franklin Showcase, where Emre recorded live footage from Lyra’s camera view using his laptop throughout the school.

Of the “super cool” project, Emre says, “It teaches me tons of stuff about networking and motor control, but more for me, it’s a project which is teaching me how to address problems that I don’t immediately know the answer to.” Emre continued innovating into the summer, when he joined MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute. He was the only student selected from the institute to join the prestigious Draper Labs internship program.

These are just a few examples of how our Tigers live innovation at Franklin every day — we are so excited to see what this next year will bring as our community continues with the innovative vision for which it was recognized.

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F RO M T H E NET WORK: GLOBA L ONLI NE

Beyond the Cloud: Reaching New Heights The last year at Dwight Global Online School was nothing short of extraordinary!

And it ended with a milestone achievement: Dwight Global has been ranked by prominent school review site, Niche, as the #1 private online high school in the U.S. Dwight Global was awarded the number one spot for its outstanding faculty, comprehensive academics, and experienced college preparation and counseling.

From groundbreaking educational initiatives to stellar student achievements, our Lions truly embraced every opportunity at our, literally, top-notch school to ignite their sparks of genius. Here are just a few highlights of how that came to life “beyond the cloud” in 2024-25…

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Fall 2025

KICKING OFF THE YEAR IN THE BIG APPLE

Orientation Weekend was a blast! Our Lions ventured outside the cloud to our sister campus in New York City for our annual orientation, where they met classmates, teachers, and counselors face-to-face for the first time. The weekend was packed with college tours, Dwight Global’s very own game show (“Battle of the Houses”), a visit to the iconic MoMA, and introductions to current clubs and activities. What a successful way to kick off the new year and build community connections.

ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE ON DISPLAY

Throughout the year, our studentathletes showcased remarkable talent at competitions and tournaments nationwide, drawing attention from collegiate scouts. This culminated in our inaugural Signing Day celebration at Dwight New York on April 4, where 18 recruited seniors and their families gathered to honor their commitment to play college sports after graduation.

As tennis recruit Kendall Smith ’25, who will play for Wesleyan University, shared, “I’m so grateful to Dwight Global for bringing us together to celebrate Signing Day. For studentathletes, a college commitment is the result of years of hard work — both on the court and in the classroom. It was inspiring to hear everyone’s speeches, connect with my peers, and reflect on how far we’ve come.”

These remarkable athletes will be playing at prestigious institutions including Duke University, Stanford University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, University of Chicago, and many more elite colleges and universities.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN ACTION

Our DG delegates, hailing from Italy, Mexico, and the US, absolutely rocked the Model UN conference at UCLA Bruin!

From crafting solutions in the General Assembly to bargaining in the WTO, they brought their A-game. And when not debating global issues, they explored iconic Los Angeles spots like the Santa Monica Pier.

STEAM EDUCATION MEETS REAL-WORLD IMPACT

Engineering meets empathy! During our STEAM Weekend in NYC, students tackled the incredible Canstruction challenge, turning canned goods into architectural wonders. For three days, our students put their STEAM skills to work, designing and building impressive structures that merged innovation with impact. They explored the fascinating science of food through hands-on experiments in bagel and pizza making, and so much more. The best part? Every single can from their architectural creations supported families through New York Common Pantry!

SHINING BRIGHT AT LINCOLN CENTER

Our talented musicians took center stage during the 25th Global Concert at NYC’s prestigious Jazz @ Lincoln Center, showcasing the artistic excellence that flourishes within our creative community.

Performing in one of the world’s most renowned venues, our students demonstrated that Dwight Global nurtures talent across all disciplines.

PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

What truly set this year apart was our faculty’s presentation of groundbreaking virtual reality education initiatives.

These cutting-edge programs position Dwight Global at the forefront of educational innovation, demonstrating our commitment to preparing students for an increasingly digital future while maintaining the personal connections that define our learning community.

CELEBRATING MILESTONES IN STYLE

Our Grade 8 students celebrated their graduation with a special activity day in New York City, marking their transition to Upper School with unforgettable experiences. Meanwhile, the Class of 2025 enjoyed an amazing Senior Week that perfectly captured their Dwight Global journey. From pickleball and yearbook signing with classmates at Brooklyn Bridge Park, to an elegant prom celebration and culminating graduation at the historic Riverside Church, these seniors experienced a farewell worthy of their incredible achievements.

As Head of School Louisa Childs said, “Our students exemplify Dwight Global’s ‘spark of genius’ ethos.” This sentiment rings true for all our remarkable students across every discipline and endeavor.

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L A N G U A G E X C U LT U R E

Two Languages, DWIGHT’S One Global BILINGUAL DIPLOMA Vision PROGRAM Dwight’s approach to the International Baccalaureate’s Bilingual Diploma Program is unique, and sets Dwight apart from other schools as being truly international, giving students from around the world the opportunity to become fully enmeshed in their home language — and deeply enriching their sense of culture.

“I’m really interested in going back to Germany for university. And with the Bilingual Diploma Program, I’m able to surpass the requirement for the language examination. I think the program is great. It’s one of the primary reasons my parents and I chose Dwight, just because it was important to them for me to do work in my mother tongue. I recommend it to people.”

— Mi a van Ei ckels ’2 5 30

Fall 2024

The IB Bilingual Diploma is a distinction awarded through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) to students who show fluency in two languages. To earn this recognition, students at Dwight can either earn a 3 or higher in a Science or Individuals and Societies course that is in a different language than their literature (Language A) course or take two Language A courses in two different languages. This is all in addition to fulfilling the standard IB DP criteria.

The Bilingual Diploma Program is offered at IB schools around the globe, but a few of the things that make the program unique at Dwight are the number of languages offered, and the typically large number of candidates who participate in the program (see sidebar for a list of 2025 recipients). Bilingual diplomas are offered in a remarkable range of languages at Dwight, from the core languages of Spanish, French, and Mandarin offered at other schools, to German, Hebrew, Russian, Italian, and Japanese. The program allows students to study these second languages at such a level that they interpret challenging texts, write, read, and speak as a fluent person would. By the end of grade 12, these students take not only the IB English Literature exam but also an equivalent exam in the other language.

Dwight’s Head of World Languages, Nathalie Mattheiem, shared an anecdote about how, in the bilingual program, the World Language class is just as thorough as the English Literature course. There was one particular student who had English her first period, and French during her last period. One day, during her French class, she noticed that she had been taught the same exact lesson, but in English. Ms. Mattheiem explained to her student that this was unsurprising because she could learn French at the same level as English. “Analyzing poetry is fundamentally the same thing… a metaphor is a metaphor.” Regardless of the language, the lesson is universal.

This aspect makes the program particularly rigorous, especially in an environment where students spend the majority of the day working and thinking in English.

As Mandarin Teacher Jialu Du says, the program is challenging even to native speakers. “It’s hard work. Often people take it for granted, ‘oh this is your native language…’ But, it’s more work compared to living in the native speaking countries.”

But this rigor allows for a deeper understanding of both the language, and the culture that surrounds it. French bilingual candidate Matteo Ruiz ’25 said, “It helps me become more of a global citizen and understand different views.”

French bilingual candidate Albane Baniol ’25 similarly noted, “I better understand how life works in other countries.” They both agreed that diving more deeply into the French language is a way to explore different viewpoints, different cultures, and different things in the world outside their own.

This enriching approach certainly isn’t limited to the Bilingual Diploma Program at Dwight, of course. From a young age, Dwight World Language students are introduced to creative assignments in their language classes, and experience cultures through language events and trips. Think of the Bilingual Diploma Program as the pinnacle of what happens throughout an engaging, enriching World Languages Department: students learning about new culture through language, and then sharing that culture. This can be seen through the numerous achievements in the School and beyond.

THIRTEEN MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2025 RECEIVED IB BILINGUAL DIPLOMAS Spanish Alex Chenillo Juan Pablo Gomez Benjamin Lopez-Brown Mariana Moreira Rodrigo Sanchez Yuste French Albane Baniol Matteo Marcel German Mia van Eickels Lux Winter Italian Margherita Capra Christian Pepori

As part of a unit on storytelling through graphic novels, grades 6 and 7 Spanish Language and Literature students created original comic strips, which were then proudly displayed in the school’s library.

Grade 8 French Language and Literature

Mandarin Ruoshui Sun Cici Zhu

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L A N G U A G E X C U LT U R E students made a remarkable debut at the “Première Scène” French theater festival in New York. An original play, Le Testament, written by the students, collectively earned them the “Coup de Cœur Comédie” for their performance and the Writing Award. (Read more about their win online.)

Mandarin students won multiple awards for their exceptional talent and creativity in Chinese writing.

Entering the CLASS National Essay Contest, which received more than 1,000 submissions from students across the United States, John He ’28 won the Silver Award, Jamie Knox ’25 won the Silver Award, and Adrian Fang ’25 won the Bronze Award.

In the German program, Jonas Broening-Chai ’27 achieved second place in the Immanuel Kant “Sapere Aude” Essay Competition held by the Goethe Institut Washington in honor of the philosopher’s 300th birthday. His sister, Naila Broening-Chai ’26, had an article published in Der Tagesspiegel based on a one-year International Baccalaureate program research project.

Hebrew student Alexa Prashker ’27 was invited to the finals of an international Hebrew competition organized by Tel Aviv University: The Hebrew Language Olympics.

Ultimately, throughout Dwight’s World Languages Program, but especially its Bilingual Diploma Program, vast skills are built.

But more importantly, connections to culture are made. This is important to students who see the bilingual program as a way to stay connected to their family history and heritage. Ms. Mattheiem explained, “As an IB school, one of our missions is really to support native speakers in their own native language and culture… because for a lot of families, it’s really important — it’s part of their identity.”

Ofer Rubin ’26 said, “Why is learning Hebrew important to me?

I’ve left Israel and I’m not there anymore. So I’ve kind of lost connection with the language and the culture. And most of my family is still in Israel.

So it’s important to me to maintain my abilities in the language so I can communicate with them and still stay connected to that.”

Cici Zhu ’25, felt a similar way, saying, “Mandarin’s my first language, so I feel it’s really important for me to still learn my mother tongue while I’m learning English here. I am definitely not going to be using Mandarin as much... so I feel like learning my mother tongue [is] really important.”

Dwight’s Bilingual Diploma Program ensures that students who have two or more identities can pursue the languages and cultural contexts academically in an equally advanced way. Whether it’s preparing for university abroad, staying connected to family, or deepening cultural understanding, language learning at Dwight is not only about fluency, but about giving students the tools to grow as global leaders.

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Luz Giraldo: 37 Years of Adventure During her time at Dwight, Spanish Teacher Luz Giraldo infused cultural elements into her exciting lessons, taking students on enriching trips and bringing language to life through her passion for education.

Luz Giraldo, DP Spanish Teacher, who retired last year, was at Dwight for more than half of her life. Hundreds of students’ lives have been deeply impacted by her unique and thorough mentorship, and dozens of teachers have experienced her wisdom, encouragement, and devotion to the craft of teaching.

Dominique Mas, former head of the World Languages Department, spoke about Ms. Giraldo’s profound presence in the community: “Luz was the heart of the department. Not only as a Spanish teacher, but as a mentor to all the new teachers. She was a generous team member, sharing ideas, resources and teaching strategies openly. Luz is truly a master teacher, whom I was so lucky to learn from.”

It all began when Ms. Giraldo joined the department in 1988.

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L A N G U A G E X C U LT U R E Back when Dwight was on the East Side, Ms. Giraldo taught in a traditional way, lecturing on Spanish grammar rules, and having students read short stories, translate, and conjugate verbs. This conventional method started to shift when new technology played a bigger role in educational environments, and Ms. Giraldo and other Dwight teachers received the first few professional development lessons about using the latest technology — a computer. Soon after this, in 1993, Dwight merged with the Anglo-American School on the West Side, and the International Baccalaureate was introduced into the curriculum, which intrigued Giraldo and further affected her techniques. She said, “The richness of the program was like magic to me. It opened my mind in a way I had never imagined.”

observatory on the Andes mountains.

After this, she hosted a Peru trip in which students attended classes in an IB school in Lima. They also participated in community service, building houses for the underprivileged, living with Peruvian families from the school.

Ms. Giraldo continued to provide her students with incredible opportunities in addition to regular class time. She took a group of her IB students on a vacation to enjoy the winter in Chile, going to classes at the University of La Serena to study Spanish at a higher level. During this trip, students were exposed to special opportunities, such as visiting an exclusive astronomers’ 34

Fall 2025

Part of what makes Ms. Giraldo’s teaching extraordinary is her caring nature that both the Dwight teachers and students appreciate. During her tenure, she made great friendships and bonds with all the Dwight teachers, administrators, and staff whose positive influence shaped her journey in invaluable ways.

Jada Morgan ’18, currently an External Relations Professional at IBM, formed some of her most cherished Dwight memories in Ms. Giraldo’s Spanish class.

To this day, she has a playlist full of reggaeton (Spanish-language songs) titled “NC6,” the name of Ms Giraldo’s classroom, which felt like a second home to the students taking her class. Jada said, “Señora Giraldo had a way of making us feel like we were her family. Our class was so close-knit, and she had a way of helping us foster that closeness to make learning Spanish fun and comfortable. ”

Once the IB started, Ms. Giraldo was inspired to stray from the ordinary classroom structure, proposing projects that would expose them to real-world, Spanish-speaking environments.

Becoming a DP Spanish Teacher and having the curriculum change ignited a new spark in Ms. Giraldo’s creativity. She realized that teaching the students about what it means to not only speak Spanish, but to be fully immersed in the culture, such as the music, the food, the art, and more, would help create a global citizen, a person comfortable speaking the language, and existing in the place itself.

So, as a young teacher, and at a time when no one was doing it, Ms. Giraldo approached Chancellor Stephen Spahn with an out-of-the-box idea: taking students to Colombia for a whole month, and having them sit in on lectures at a school in the city of Manizales. He agreed, and it was the first of her many memorable language trips.

circumstances. It is most rewarding when they come back to visit from college and say they are taking Spanish and planning to study abroad.”

Now, after 37 years of exceptional teaching, she is moving on to her next adventure.

These trips have been a great influence on the students, leaving a meaningful mark on their lives. Many of her students chose career paths with international companies for which they travel to Latin American countries, feeling confident that they can speak Spanish comfortably and understand the culture on a deeper level.

Ms. Giraldo explained how fulfilling it was to notice that her Spanish class had a ripple effect. “Nothing makes a language teacher happier than seeing how students improve their ability to speak and understand the language in various

The students who took Spanish last year were honored to be in her last class.

Eli Schoenfeld ’25 said, “Ms. Giraldo encouraged me to continue learning the complexities of the Spanish language, which motivated me to push myself and grow as a speaker. Being in her last class ever feels incredibly meaningful. I feel lucky to be part of the final chapter of her teaching journey.”

Ms. Giraldo’s kindness and warmth will be remembered fondly. The Dwight community is forever grateful, and we wish her well on her next adventure!

All Dwight’s a Stage

From our Winter Concert to Spring Conservatory Recitals, and from a first-ever Lower School Dance Recital to the hilariously spooky Upper School adaptation of Addams Family: The Musical, 2024-25 was a banner year for Performing Arts.

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T H E ARTS AT DWIGH T

Grade 4 students put on a Capstone Drama Performance, while grades 5 and 6 students took on The Wizard of Oz. Grades 7 and 8 students adapted a Shakespeare classic into As We Like It, and the fall Upper School offering, Alphabetical Order, tickled the funny bone.

Our seasoned filmmakers presented their works to an eager audience during one of the most anticipated events of the year.

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Fall 2024

Three landmark events — our Fall, Winter, and Spring Art Exhibitions — offered a range of stunning works in multiple media. In addition, our Winter Art Exhibition saw the inaugural induction of Dwight students into the National Art Honor Society!

Congratulations to our art students on yet another Dwight first!

NEW ARTS DEPARTMENT WEB PAGE! Learn much more about what’s going on in Digital Media, Visual Arts, Music, and Theater by visiting our newly refreshed Arts web pages on Dwight.edu Dwight Today

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T H E ARTS AT DWIGH T

DWIGHT SCHOOLS 25TH GLOBAL CONCERT:

“In Our Wildest Dreams”

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Fall 2025

The Dwight Schools celebrated 25 years of global music collaboration as over 140 students from around the world took the stage at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, with 700 in attendance, including many families from our campuses around the world.

For 25 years, Dwight’s Global Concerts have bridged traditions, backgrounds, and customs through music and friendship. This year’s performances, with an exciting new format, dazzled the audience.

Over 140 students from Dwight’s eight campuses — New York, London, Shanghai, Seoul, Dubai, Franklin School in Jersey City, Global Online, and, for the first time, Hanoi — created a beautiful and diverse show, “In Our Wildest Dreams.”

The first half focused on the musical talent of our global cohort of students, with solos, duets, and collaborations within and across schools. Then, the all-campus collaborations in the second half stunned the audience with their “combined ensembles.” Each school had rehearsed their individual contributions to these numbers since November, and all finally met in New York a week before the concert to rehearse together.

The result, both on-stage and between peers, was nothing short of magic.

CREATING BONDS

With Dwight School New York as the host, students spent a full week rehearsing, celebrating, and bonding. This rare opportunity for Dwight students worldwide to meet in person led to many meaningful connections.

For the students from Global Online, the concert presented a chance to meet people from the different Dwight Schools, and to work collaboratively with their own classmates.

Global Online student Shrivijaya Sivakumar ’27, who performed a solo, “Reedaha,” elaborated on the unifying power of the concert. Despite coming from different countries and musical backgrounds, students found a sense of oneness in performing and socializing together: “It’s so cool how different we all are in terms of cultures, what instruments we play, what we’re going to do, what this concept is going to look like, but then when we’re just in a social situation, it’s like, we’re all the same.”

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T H E ARTS AT DWIGH T Franklin student Ruhie Mehendale ’26 added, “It’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. I really like meeting all the new people, and all the new connections being made with people from all over the world with all these amazing stories.”

MUSICAL PARTNERSHIP

In the second half of the concert, packed with combined ensembles from each campus, each musical number embodied a fusion of different cultures, surprising the audience with lively and energetic tones.

Dwight Dubai student Kareen Dastan ’30 elaborated on the power of music, saying, “For me, music is like an art. It’s a type of life. I believe music brings people together.”

Materializing a dream, students blended their distinctive musical talents into each cohesive performance. “The Water is Wide,” performed by the Dwight Schools Orchestra, exemplified the program’s collaborative nature. Dennis Lee (Dwight Seoul Music Director) who conducted the orchestra for the piece, noted, “They are interacting with each other live as they’re making music…

It’s an exchange of languages. I think music is a language and they’re speaking the same language together.”

Eric Novod, Head of Performing Arts at Dwight School New York, highlighted “Shofukan,” a song by jazzy jam group Snarky Puppy, as a feat of global collaboration. As the first-ever combined Jazz/Rock ensemble

gathered at a Dwight global network concert, its creation was remarkable.

traditional drum purchased and shipped to New York from Shanghai.

“Mr. Gourav Biswas [Shanghai Qibao Dwight Music Director] had already started working on this piece in Shanghai, but did not have the full ensemble traveling to New York for the Global Concert,” said Mr. Novod. “After looking at who was attending from across many campuses, the music directors decided to do the piece as a global collaboration. And it worked great. Mr. Biswas and a talented Shanghai student [Cynthia Shi ’26] created a new arrangement specific to our global instrumentation, and then it came together during rehearsal week.”

To ensure the piece’s authenticity, this drum required a meticulous preparation process, involving treating the drumhead with water to muffle higher-pitched tones and properly stretch the drumheads for the desired sound. Eric’s aim was to honor and accurately represent Chinese music.

He said, “As a Chinese music fan, I’m really passionate about this, and wanted to share Chinese culture. I have listened to hundreds of different Chinese orchestras and just tried to learn how the orchestra works. And finally we are here.”

Dwight School New York student Yona Nemirof ’25, who played the viola, reminds us of what makes these partnerships so extraordinary, “Music brings people together, which is the perfect example of what’s happening with the Global Concert – that all the Dwight campuses are coming together to play beautiful music together.”

SHARING TRADITION

This year’s Dwight Schools Global Concert was set apart not only because of the collaboration of students across seas, but the way in which traditions were woven in from across the world, including traditional instruments. Drummer Eric Wu ’25, conductor of the opening piece, “On the Broad Northern Plain,” performed by the Shanghai Folk Ensemble, infused the performance with authentic Chinese musical traditions in part by having a

Shanghai’s performance wasn’t the only one to feature drums that were specially flown in for the performance.

Dwight School Hanoi, joining the concert for the first time, introduced traditional Vietnamese drums to the performance. Hanh Chi Ha ’28, one of six students who played the drums in “Hào Khí Việt Nam,” said, “The piece that was chosen represents a lot. In it we talk about our heritage, our myths, legends, our different dynasties and different rulers and the richness of our traditions. It’s really amazing being able to represent our culture. And it was a really fun experience too, because it’s a new one for us.”

The Dwight Schools could not have envisioned a more meaningful way to celebrate 25 years of concerts that bring together Dwight students from around the world. This epic cross-cultural collaboration would not have been possible without the support, dedication, and hard work of each campus community, especially the host campus, New York, under the leadership of Eric Novod. As Dwight London Music Director Richard Deng noted, “It was amazing to see how Eric was supported by an extraordinary team, with the common goal of making the concert the best it could be.”

In our wildest dreams, we never imagined all our schools coming together so successfully.

But thanks to communal devotion, the rhythms created on stage that night continue to reverberate throughout each school.

For more details on the songs and performers featured, and the music directors who led them, please review the official In Our Wildest Dreams program:

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D W I G H T ’ S 566 R E C O R D S L AU N C H E S

New Online Platform for Student Music Dwight’s student-run record label, 566 Records, has a brand new online home, where we’re proudly showcasing the newest and best original music from across our global network of schools.

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Dwight New York’s Music Department proudly hosts 566 Records, which is run by a student advisory team and overseen by music faculty. The team is passionate about highlighting original music of any style, whether it be instrumental, vocal, or electronic. Students collaborate in New York’s Recording Studio and now, moving forward, 566 Records officially welcomes submissions from across all global campuses. Looking into the near future, there are also plans for students to connect virtually around the world to produce uniquely global work.

The official online site of 566 Records debuts nine featured artists as well as an ongoing group project covering songs

by The Beatles.

Head on over to 566 Records online, have a listen, and read all about the care and creativity our student-artists pour into this global music community.

Dwight Today

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T H E ARTS AT DWIGH T

EMILY COLTEN

The Quiet Leader

Emily Colten contributes to Dwight’s community through her dedication to every subject, her engagement in a wide range of extracurricular activities, and her empathetic leadership.

Since Emily Colten ’27 joined Dwight two years ago, she has been focused, willing to participate and take risks, and encourages her peers. Leading classroom conversations, she makes everyone feel welcome and accepted with her warm and considerate energy.

Abby Blaine, Emily’s English Teacher, said that these attributes make her an excellent representation of the values that Dwight holds dear. In fact last year, she received the Global Citizen Award, celebrating students who are consistently accepting of all backgrounds, genuine to those around them, and principled in their actions.

Taking multiple honors classes, such as Math, Physics, and Chemistry, Emily is reaching new heights. With a deep enthusiasm for science, she hopes to add HL Biology to her growing list of rigorous classes. She said, “I love learning about cells, how all of it happens, and how we can’t see any of it. For example, there are flowers right in front of me, and they’re living, and knowing that they are made up of the same stuff we are is really fascinating.”

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Although she finds herself more confident in STEM, Emily has recently discovered a love for the humanities. Her dyslexia which, at times, makes reading and writing more challenging, does not prevent her from thriving in these classes.

In fact, Quest has been immensely helpful in navigating her dyslexia.

She has spoken on panels at her former middle school about how Quest has truly made the transition from constant assistance in the classroom to only having help at certain points in the day so much easier.

Ms. Blaine explains, “She has to work twice as hard, but she’s never let that get in the way [of being] the best student she can be, a testament to the way in which nothing can limit a student if they really care.”

Currently, she is a member in the film club, an interviewer for the newspaper, part of the Make-A-Wish group, stage manager and show crew at the theater, and an admissions ambassador for Dwight. Emily enjoys being an active member of many activities and experimenting with all of her sparks of genius, rather than just one.

In the film club, Emily often chooses films and topics that are unique, surprising the group with interesting discussions. For example, she presented a sophisticated Japanese film made by a German director, Perfect Days, which tracks the solitary but intentional life of a man who cleans public toilets in Japan. Bentley Ferraina, who was Grade 12 Dean and the film club’s advisor last year, thought this choice created an important conversation for the students. He said, “Emily is remarkable at being a leader in the room, and brings a maturity and a level of insight to every meeting.”

Nights, before finding her niche as Stage Manager for the most recent Dwight play and musical, Alphabetical Order and The Addams Family. Emily said, “I love the community and getting to know everyone. I love the chaos backstage.”

History teacher Patrice Reyes expressed similar sentiments about how Emily has an ideal balance of staying focused while being friendly and open with everyone. Emily asks pertinent questions, is willing to explore deeper, investigates, and, at the same time, listens to the other students, contributing a level of analysis that opens conversation and dialogue.

Overall, Emily takes both after-school activities and her classes incredibly seriously. She not only puts effort into her own studies, but also motivates her peers. As Ms. Reyes so eloquently put it, Emily “gives 100 percent, 100 percent of the time. A good role model and a good friend, she is the one who is the quiet leader.”

These same skills have served her well as she took on a number of roles in the theater department. After starting as an actress, but feeling a little too shy for the big stage, she decided to participate in show crew in Present Laughter and Into The Woods and various Scene

Emily’s passion for stage management highlights her ability to stay organized and efficient, while also supporting her peers on stage.

Terrence Christgau, Director of Upper School Theater Productions, said, “Emily is a natural, and a lucky find for the department.”

We can’t wait to see how Emily grows in the second half of her high school career at Dwight!

Dwight Today

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A LUMNI U PDAT ES

Caps Off to the Class of 2025 Every year, before Graduation rehearsal, a chaotic tradition plays out — the “college t-shirt photo!” All graduates are gathered together with a t-shirt, sweater, hoodie, or hat featuring their future alma mater. As class sizes grow, so does the chaos, as every graduate’s school must be represented proudly, requiring a delicate shifting of students and angling for optimization. This year, a new location was scouted — the steps of Grant’s Tomb, across from The Riverside Church where the graduation ceremony was set to be held the next day. It was there, despite the growing crowd of graduates, that magic happened.

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“This year’s photo came out fantastic,” said Oscar Brett, Dwight’s Global Director of Video Production. “Not an easy feat, considering how many people were involved.”

Now, we want to take a look back and once again congratulate our newest alumni on their recent graduation before they head off to colleges and universities around the world.

104 members of the Class of 2025 turned their tassels from right to left, marking their final milestone together as Dwight Lions. Before doing so, however, family and friends were treated to an emotional ceremony filled with all of the pomp, circumstance, performances, and speeches that have come to be expected at a Dwight School Graduation.

This year also included a rich array of awards, as students stood proudly on stage before graduation to be honored for hard work achieved in over 30 categories, reflecting excellence in all subjects throughout the school. Another highlight was the stirring performance of the Rod Stewart classic “Forever Young” by MacPhee Gleason (voice), Christopher Labbat (guitar), and Yona Nemirof (viola).

Graduates were left with words of wisdom and encouragement from a number of speakers.

Head of School and Global Education Director Dianne Drew said, “Today marks not just an ending, but a profound beginning. One etched in the winds of change swirling all around us . . . There’s a beautiful Chinese proverb that I love that says when the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills. Class of 2025, I challenge you to be the windmill builders.”

Chancellor Stephen H. Spahn spoke of a future of bold next steps for our graduates: “Now the world is ready for you. Your new next adventure is to blend the power of the human heart, that’s the key, with the machine mind and use your own intuition to map the way courageously, wisely, and with compassion. The future needs your creativity, your empathy, your vision.”

Dwight Valedictorian Alma Laufer Barhad had the final word before diplomas were passed out. She noted the strength of the entire community, saying, “Everyone in our grade spent so much time on their work, their skills, and their passions . . .

If I were to stand here and describe all the amazing things everyone in the Class of 2025 did, we’d probably be here until the Class of 2026 came in to graduate.”

Graduation was such a wonderful celebration of all those collective achievements. Now, we wish our graduates well as they head off to a wide range of colleges and universities — all proudly displayed in the famed college t-shirt photo: Congratulations to each and every graduate, and may your sparks continue to light your path toward success.

Dwight Today

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Dwight Alumna Coco Mellors ’07

THE NEXT JANE AUSTEN

In February 2025, New York Times bestselling author Coco Mellors ’07 returned to Dwight to host a reading of Blue Sisters and a Q&A, moderated by Head of Upper School Eric Dale, for students and faculty.

Coco Mellors arrived at Dwight at 15, leaving behind her friends in London for what was initially an overwhelming move to New York.

But once at Dwight, she found something unexpected: the school was a special place, fostering each student’s “spark of genius.”

Coco explained, “When I came here, there was such a strong sense of the individual in America and in New York, and I felt that specifically in this school because the ethos was the spark of genius in every child. And it was the first time that I felt that I had a spark of something that I was good at, which was writing — or at least I wanted to be good at it. And that was really encouraged from my very first year here.”

Coco’s spark grew during her time at Dwight, and was solidified when she won the Camerer Essay Competition, one of Dwight’s proudest traditions. It was the first competition she had ever won 46

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and instilled a newfound confidence in her. Coco explained how having her writing recognized made her feel like her “voice matters.”

She is a great believer in such opportunities, finding that they can be life-changing for students exploring new passions.

Dwight provided Coco the courage to share her voice in other ways. Many of her English teachers, including Ms. Lipson (née Graev) and Mr. Sanders, encouraged her to keep writing. Notably, History teacher Mr. Samuels left a lasting impact, teaching her “real tenacity, the importance of work ethic, taking pride in your work, and seeing value in effort.” She is grateful for learning this early on. It motivated her to pursue writing as a career, notwithstanding the well-known challenges associated with achieving success in that industry.

Coco also found literary inspiration in her peers and the greater Dwight community. She became president of the now-former Young Writers Society, a Dwight after-school group that published an annual literary magazine, taking over from Sam Lansky ’06, who later went on to become a journalist, author, and editor at Time magazine, New York magazine, and The Atlantic. As an alum, Sam was a true mentor to Coco and connected her with her first agent. Coco noted, “Making other friends who had the same interest as me and seeing someone who was so confident in that interest and so knowledgeable already even at such a young age, was amazing. And I love that we are still in touch all these years later… I think having those kinds of groups and communities as a place to make friends through a shared love of something is really wonderful.”

After high school, Coco spent her first year of college at Bard, and then decided to transfer to NYU. Graduating with a 4.0, Coco was confident and knew with the utmost certainty that she wanted to be a writer. She started as a full time copywriter for almost six years, and took night classes in creative writing. Eventually, she applied to an MFA program at NYU, which she found incredibly inspiring.

Although entering the real world post-grad school was tricky, Coco never gave up. Years later, with multiple rejection letters, no agent, and a very slow burn, Coco persisted and finally gained the recognition she deserved. After a long and worthwhile adventure of establishing her career and connecting with the literary community, Coco published her debut novel, Cleopatra and Frankenstein (Bloomsbury Publishing).

The novel itself was partly inspired by her love of William Faulkner, first introduced to Coco in her tenth grade English class. Told from seven perspectives, the book shifts between first and third person narration, a choice which publishers were not fond of initially. Eventually, however, her gamble paid off, and Cleopatra and Frankenstein became a New York Times bestseller, lauded for its complexity, humorous tone, and unconventional structure. Coco recounted, “Every single person was like, can you just make it about the two main characters and leave it at that? But I was like, no, I really wanted to do something that pushed the bar… So it was all thanks to Faulkner.”

Upon graduating from Dwight, Coco Mellors was voted “most likely to be Jane Austen” — a high school superlative that, to no one’s surprise, has now become a reality. Her latest book, Blue Sisters, is a story about three estranged sisters who reunite after the death of their fourth sister. With her second book already another top-ten bestseller, this is only the beginning of Coco’s journey as an author.

MORE ALUMNI GIVE BACK The Dwight School Foundation provides other opportunities for alumni to support the next generation of students, including through classroom visits and college and career panels. If you are interested in learning more, please contact foundation@dwight.edu.

Read more about how alumni gave back in 2024-25 by scanning the QR code.

Dwight Today

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A LUMNI U PDAT ES Dajuan made a lasting impression on the Dwight community. As co-captain and point guard of the Boys Varsity Basketball team, and as an incredibly hardworking student, Dajuan was devoted to his teammates, his friends, and the Dwight community.

LEAVING A LEGACY

Joining Dwight in eighth grade, Dajuan quickly made his mark.

His most formative memory: a rivalry win against Collegiate. He said, “Getting to hear the crowd support us and support me — I just felt welcomed and loved. I was like, ‘Hey, I’m only in eighth grade, I want to stay at Dwight forever if I can.’”

Driven to Rise: Dajuan Piper ’19 For Dajuan Piper ’19, compassion has always come first — for his family, his teammates, and now the people he supports in his career.

That beginning set the tone for a remarkable five-year run. Dajuan became the first and only Dwight player to serve as varsity starting point guard for five consecutive seasons. He led the team in scoring for three years, tallied over 1,000 career points, and helped bring home two championships. At the same time, he managed to balance athletics with academics, earning a place on the honor roll and attaining a full IB diploma.

In both athletics and academics, Dajuan made it his mission to support his teammates and peers.

David Brown, Head Boys Basketball Coach, said, “Dajuan always put his teammates first. He was far more interested in the team’s success than his own individual accomplishments.”

Jonathan Ruelens, his Language and Literature teacher, added, “Dajuan would listen patiently to his peers during a seminar, then bring in a very powerful and unique interjection.”

Dajuan also remembered his socioeconomic background and race being different from most Dwight students. “I remember a very cool guest speaker at one of our assemblies. She said something about how when she crossed the subway on 96th Street, it’s basically like two different worlds and that always stuck with me,” Dajuan said.

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But although he came from a different background, Dajuan said, “Every time I came to Dwight, I felt welcomed.”

The overall cultural diversity of the internationally focused Dwight further contributed to this welcoming atmosphere. “Having to navigate through all the different cultures definitely helped me today as far as being able to communicate and understand people from different environments and backgrounds.”

A CAREER BUILT ON CARE

After graduating, Dajuan attended Bowdoin College, majoring in Digital and Computational Studies and Africana Studies. Of his decision to choose a second major in Africana Studies, he said, “All that coursework was amazing — being able to learn about African American history and dive really deep into it.”

After a year of athletics at Bowdoin, he decided to refocus on academics with the same determination he built on the court.

Dajuan developed hobbies such as weightlifting and guitar, building a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Academically, Dajuan took challenging and thought-provoking courses in departments such as Psychology, Africana Studies, and Government. He enjoyed one Psychology class in particular, titled “Happiness,” as it showed him how human beings thrive and attain joy.

Upon graduating Bowdoin, Dajuan was a Logistics Broker with

TQL (Total Quality Logistics). After that, he began his role as a Care Coordinator at Transcom Solutions. Six months later, he was promoted to Dedicated Account Specialist at the same company.

Through his work, Dajuan helps people who are injured at work with corporate compensation claims. He manages their transportation and translation services, and ultimately helps them recuperate.

At the same time, athletics remain part of his life. Dajuan is now a basketball coach for children, giving back to the game that he grew up loving — and dominating at Dwight. “It’s definitely a passion of mine,” he said. “My wife has an idea to open up a swim school one day for kids. We always spoke about meshing the swim and basketball thing and kind of making that work for a little academy for kids.”

ADDING TO HIS FAMILY

From early on, he held on to a personal mantra: upward mobility.

Now, as he and his wife prepare to welcome a daughter, Dajuan is more committed than ever to creating a better future for the next generation. “I always stuck to the term ‘upward mobility,’ and I’m sticking with that,” he said, “making it better for those generations to come.”

Leading with empathy and dedicated to lifting others along with him, Dajuan continues to build a future defined by both hard work and heart.

Dwight Today

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Lynne Meadow (P ’03) I G N I T I N G T H E S PA R K O N S TA G E

Lynne Meadow, theater producer, director, and teacher, who has long supported Dwight School through the Master Theater Program, is stepping down from her role as Artistic Director of Manhattan Theatre Club.

After being inspired by the education offered at Dwight School, where her son, Jonathan, graduated in 2003, Ms. Meadow decided to give back to the School by creating a fruitful connection between her Manhattan Theatre Club and Dwight’s Master Theater Program (MTP). She said, “When I first met Stephen Spahn, he spoke about his views on education, and I knew I was in the presence of a visionary. Mr. Spahn and his son [Blake Spahn]… are two exceptional educators. It’s unusual and thrilling how they have the ability to tailor education to an individual’s needs.”

Since the MTP’s inception over 10 years ago, students have had the opportunity to watch Manhattan Theater Club’s top-notch Broadway productions through the MTP – including the recent Eureka Day (2024), for which Ms. Meadow accepted a Tony Award earlier this year, and Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Ruined (2009).

Manhattan Theatre Club has also provided teaching artists for MTP workshops every single year the program has been offered. The workshops directly connect students who have a strong interest in drama with members of New York’s professional theater community working on Broadway and Off-Broadway stages.

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Director of Upper School Theater Productions Terrence Christgau, who created and has run the Master Theater Program since its inception, said, “I would like to thank Lynne for the impact she and the MTC family have had on this program directly.

Her generosity leant a credibility to Dwight theater and the Master Theater Program that helped to establish us as unique among similar programs in all of NYC.” We asked a few members of the Class of 2022 about the lasting impact of the MTP on them, and all developed an even stronger connection to theater through the program. Bernardo Sequeira ’22, who is studying English and Economics at Harvard College and is pursuing acting and producing, said, “The Master Theater Program at Dwight helped me explore the kinds of acting I didn’t even know existed before.” Carolina Arap ’22, rising Theater and Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture double major at Occidental College, who continues to work professionally as an

actor, choreographer, musician, and writer said that these opportunities were “not only a highlight of every week, but I also credit it with helping shape the artist I am today.”

Ms. Meadow’s contribution to Dwight’s Master Theater Program was inspired by the extraordinary education her son, Jonathan, received. She said, “We remain very proud that our son graduated from Dwight School in 2003.”

Their son, Jonathan Shechtman ’03, Managing Principal & Co-Founder of Sharp Key Capital, spoke about his own Dwight experience and his mother’s accomplishments. He said, “Dwight has always focused on helping students discover their passions and fostered a culture that encourages them to build on their personal strengths. I’m proud that my mother shares a similar philosophy in operating the Manhattan Theatre Club. Through her work with actors and playwrights, it’s clear that her approach aligns with Dwight’s

This article is part of a new Dwight Today initiative to highlight our current and former parents’ sparks of genius, and how those impact the community in such a unique and positive way. philosophy, one that I deeply admire and have benefited from personally.”

Chancellor Stephen Spahn reflected on Lynne’s profound influence on the Dwight community, saying, “Lynne is a phenomenal person, a brilliant producer, and a personal friend. She is a parent who has had such a lasting impact on our community. Our Dwight stage would not be the same without her spark of genius.

I’d also like to commend Lynne and her husband, Ronald Shechtman, for raising such an exceptional son. Jonathan has grown into a remarkable young man and a true leader within the community.”

We congratulate Ms. Meadow on her retirement and wish her the best of luck on her next adventure.

Dwight Today

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A LUMNI U PDAT ES Dwight Athletics 1975

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Polina Nikitina ’23 Polina was featured in our Fall 2023 edition of Dwight Today for using her voice to champion her home country of Ukraine.

Two years later, this accomplished singer, songwriter, musician, and performer (known as “Nora Polinnia”) continues to be inspired

by Ukraine; however, her latest EP, Future Chronicles, is also heavily inspired by the divisive nature of American politics she experienced after fleeing to this country.

To celebrate its release, and inspired by the music on the EP, Polina and her social art movement, “Free Of Propaganda,” put together a multidisciplinary spectacle in the heart of New York City on April 25 at the prestigious Kaplan Hall at The New School, where Polina is currently studying.

The performance featured over 30 student artists: musicians, actors, visual artists, dancers, and more. “This ecstatic act is about political and ideological polarization in America,” Polina wrote. “Future Chronicles explored this sociopolitical issue through the lens of passionate art-making and Greek Mythology.”

With Future Chronicles now out in the world, Polina is focused on her first fulllength album. We look forward to hearing what comes next!

Listen to Future Chronicles on Spotify or Apple Music.

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2025 Class Notes

Alan Rau ’59 (Franklin)

“After law school, and working for a few years in Paris, I was a law professor at the University of Texas for over 40 years. But I returned to New York a few years ago, and frequently pass by West 89th, which reliably stirs up lots of memories. I would be delighted to hear from any surviving members of my Class or adjacent Classes living in the city.”

Jan S. Dorman ’61

“This past June, my wife and I celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary, and we were fortunate to attend the graduation of two of our grandchildren — one from the School of Architecture at Syracuse University and the other from Case Western University. As a graduate, sixty years ago from Franklin & Marshall College, I still think fondly of my years at Dwight and the educational foundation that set me on a lifelong journey of discovery and happiness.”

Laura Chambers ’75

“I reconnected with my Dwight boyfriend, Mitch Belkin ’73, 37 years after our first date in 1971. The best part? We both still see the teenagers we were way back then.”

Bruce Blau ’76

Dr. Bruce Blau has been appointed to the Community Board 8 (Upper East Side), and sits on the Board’s Small Business Committee. Also, the Dwight Class of 1976 is preparing for their 50th Class Reunion. Save the date: the third Saturday in October 2026, to coincide with Dwight’s Alumni Reunion.

Eric Chernik ’83

Franklin Yearbook 1965

Eric Chernik lives in Dallas with his wife of 29 years, Beth. Eric runs a private equity backed distribution company, Building Controls & Solutions, focused on building automation. He has a daughter who is a pediatric nurse at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. His son graduated from Stanford University last year, where he also completed ROTC. He is now a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, training in Virginia Beach.

Zohar (Zami) Wilson ’83 (Anglo-American)

“After more than two decades of guiding people in healing and self-discovery, I now walk beside a different kind of traveler — soldiers returning from war. In many ancient cultures, warriors never came straight home. They paused first in a “transition village” — a sacred space between battle and home — to breathe, grieve, remember, and release. Even in the Hebrew Bible, returning fighters waited outside the camp before rejoining their people. Here in Israel, though, we ask young men and women to go from the front lines to the breakfast table overnight. With no space to set down what they’ve carried, the pain spills quietly into love, family, and soul. That’s why I help lead Transition Village — a grounded, human place where veterans can slow down, share, and reconnect.

We don’t fix or analyze; we walk beside them. And something shifts. They return softer, steadier — more at peace.”

Lisa Messer-Cooper ’87 (Anglo-American)

“The Peninsula Gallery in Lewes, one of the largest originals-only fine art galleries in Delaware, invited me to participate in a group exhibition this September for the second year in a row. The gallery hosts themed monthly exhibitions. The theme for the exhibit was Modern Bouquet. Images of the pieces in each exhibition are available on the website. I remain in touch, via Facebook, with Helena Taylor, my art teacher at Anglo. She was supportive of my creative endeavours throughout high school and holds a special place in my heart.”

Dwight Today

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OF NOTE...

Sóley ’35 and Âlare ’37 Rowe

on the first day of school in front of 94th Street, hold a picture of their great-grandfather, Alan Dowling ’34.

The photo was taken in front of the Dowling family home in Whitestone, Queens — likely while he was on leave during his service as a dentist in the Army during WWII.

Zachary Rothfeld ’13 won a Primetime Emmy for producing the HBO documentary series, 100 Foot Wave. More about Zach’s Emmy win can be found on our website.

The Dwight legacy started by Alan continues 91 years after his graduation with Sóley and Âlare!

Doug Davis ’90

Doug Davis won his fifth Grammy Award for producing President Jimmy Carter’s Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration featuring Darius Rucker, LeAnn Rhimes, Jon Batiste, and Ken Mo, which won for Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording. The album featured recordings from President Carter’s final Sunday School lessons delivered at Maranatha Baptist Church in Georgia.

Adam Faleck ’91

“It’s been 30 years since I moved to Colorado, and I’m still loving it. It’s crazy how fast the years go by. I saw my older daughter off to college, and my younger daughter is a freshman in high school. It makes for busy days around the house. My wife is enjoying her 11th year as a grade school art teacher, and I’m about to celebrate 20 years at my job. I started a side business last year, and that is going really well, too. We celebrated my oldest’s graduating high school by spending a few weeks exploring Portugal, Spain, and Italy this summer. We hosted Geoff Meeker ’91 and his family, and Tom Chernaik ’91 and his family, this year. Adam Grashiem ’91 came by to catch up, and we got to introduce families as well. Pretty great to still be connected to Dwightonians 34 years later!”

Alexander Ingram ’00

“My wife, daughter, and I moved to Connecticut during the pandemic and have been enjoying our house and property since.”

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Smith Donoghue ’02

Smith, who attended Dwight for junior high school in the late ‘90s before moving to Chicago, was a part of the 1997 and 1998 Varsity Basketball Team. His mother, Maura Smith, made a documentary film about his late father (and noted photographer), Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere.

Danielle Glass ’05

“I’ve recently raised venture capital money from the firm Andreessen Horowitz and launched The Blank App, an app that makes generative AI accessible to everyone!”

Skye Lucas ’17

Skye is currently a Fellow at the PBS investigative journalism program, FRONTLINE. Her first piece, the 2-hour documentary, The Rise of RFK Jr., premiered in October 2025.

Romy Ronen ’18

“I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Communications at Columbia’s Journalism School and am focused on changes in the film and news industries since the domination of AI and Big Tech.

After Dwight, I received a BA in Film and Media from Columbia University (2022), a second BA in Jewish Literature from the Jewish Theological Seminary (2022), and then a Master’s in Jewish Studies from Columbia University (2023). This year, I also have a fellowship to do research at the Brown Institute for Media Innovation. I am so honored and grateful to still be part of the Dwight School community as a freelance writer, as well as helping out with Dwight Theater productions.”

Dwight exterior circa 1975

Natasha Girshin ’21

“I recently graduated with a degree in Psychology from Brandeis University and am writing my first novel.”

Ava Goldfarb ’21

“I graduated from University College Dublin in September 2024 with an Honors BA in English and History. I graduated from UCD again this past August with an MSc degree in Disability from their School of Psychology.”

IN MEMORIAM Victor Schwartz ’58 (Franklin) Edward Kiesel ’65 Marc Mintz ’65 Barry Dordick ’69 (Franklin) Elizabeth Goldsmith ’75 (Franklin) 1985 Dwight computer class Dwight Today

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Enter the Dwight Lions’ Den and catch the latest Athletics action!

Follow @dwightlionsathletics on Instagram Scan and watch games live or catch the latest highlights on Dwight’s Hudl Page

Have You Found Your Next Destination?

We’re excited to share our updated Trips & Exchanges web page, which showcases our Destinations and WILD programs. From there, families can access our Dwight Destinations & WILD Portal, where they’ll find all 2025-26 trip details for our Lions on the go.

We can’t wait to see what your next Destination will be!

Students of all ages innovate in makerspaces throughout our campuses.

291 Central Park West New York, NY 10024 212.724.6360 dwight.edu