Independence Spirit, Fall 2023

Independence

Spirit

in this issue

LEANING INTO LEADERSHIP

An Enlightening Discussion

THE INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL MAGAZINE

Fall 2023

In This Issue Opening Note / Page 1 Leaning Into Leadership / Page 2 Campaign Wrap-up / Page 7 Q&A / Page 12 Alumni Profiles / Page 13 News & Notes / Page 14

OUTDOOR INVESTIGATIONS

Students explore the view from The Langenegger Aquatic Biology Dock, one of many projects funded through the Foundation for the Future Campaign.

Honors & Awards / Page 16 Staff Transitions / Page 17 Safety & Security Update / Page 18 Thank You, IPA / Page 18 Report of Philanthropy / Page 19 On the cover: Leadership on the cross-country course is just one way Independence students gain leadership skills.

Experiences in the classroom and beyond inspire Indy students to learn and lead.

Page 1

Opening Note

Our Spirit in Action “To lead people, walk behind them.”

This quote sits on my desk and was given to me by a colleague some years ago. Its message underscores my belief that the greatest gift of leading is the ability to serve alongside those working toward similar goals. In the case of Independence, that means advancing the school’s mission and living our core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Integrity.

The most effective leaders aren’t at the head of the group; they are part of a circle, indistinguishable from those who hold strong at their side. In this issue of Spirit magazine, we focus on leadership and the importance of cultivating authentic leadership opportunities for our students at every stage of their development.

As this Spirit includes our Annual Report of Philanthropy, I should also draw the connection between the generosity of our many donors and volunteers to leadership at Independence. There is no doubt in my mind that our students grow to understand the importance of leadership in community service and philanthropy as they witness the involvement of their parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, and community. I thank you for your support in all the many ways it helps Indy be Indy!

In partnership,

Timothy P. Costello Head of School

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

“ The most effective leaders aren’t at the head of the group; they are part of a circle, indistinguishable from those who hold strong at their side.”

The leadership characteristics we strive to model and hold true to ourselves are the same as those we seek to instill in our students—curiosity, concentration, clarity, and compassion. These “four Cs” complement the life skills of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Together, these eight traits will help our students succeed throughout their leadership journey.

Spirit Magazine Page 2

Leaning Into

Leadership

At Independence, our mission statement speaks of inspiring students with “an exceptional spirit for learning, leadership, and citizenship.” In this issue of Spirit, we take the opportunity to explore the second of these ideals, leadership. What is true leadership? What does it look like at Independence? And how do we teach the skills of leadership to our young people? We posed these questions to a range of stakeholders who each know our school well from a different perspective.

Here’s what we learned.

Q: Let’s start with a little bit of personal philosophy. What is leadership? And what are the ingredients that make for good leadership?

Kerri: I think it starts with being responsible, being able to speak for yourself, then thinking outside yourself. These are some of the core values and abilities.

Katie: Leadership is not just the person standing up in front of the room. Everyone has a part, and they are all important.

Raising a hand can show leadership.

In an organization like the Independence Parents’ Association (IPA), there’s no boss. Leadership is shared and that is part of what makes it work.

Heather Horsey, Co-Athletic Director and PE Teacher, and Kerri Kacmarcik, Math Teacher

Tim: For me, leadership is more about asking good questions than being the person with all the answers. Good leaders realize there’s still a lot they have to learn.

As a leader, just being present is such a critical part of the job, walking around and showing you care, showing respect—and listening.

I very much believe in leadership by listening. I began my time as head by setting up listening sessions with employees, board members, and area heads of school. I’ve also hosted a series of coffees with parents. These experiences have been invaluable.

Page 3

“ If the question is, ‘Do our students learn leadership?’

I can tell you they do.”

Chuck Baldwin, Advisory Board Member

Katie Grieco, IPA President

Q: Chuck, you’ve had many leadership roles in both the educational world and the military.

What’s your view?

When movies show military leaders, you tend to see a lot of top-down directives and shouting—the classic image of the boot camp. In my view, yelling and screaming is a big mistake.

The great leaders I knew over the years in the military were fair, kind, and respectful.

Q: And what about a teacher’s perspective?

What does leadership look like when you are working with students of middle school age or younger?

Heather: It’s about confidence and a positive attitude, the ability to listen, the willingness to take initiative—to see needs and put forth ideas. For young adolescents, the challenge can be to think beyond themselves and consider others, and to look beyond the moment and think about the future. All good skills to be developing!

Q: The Independence mission statement says that we seek to inspire leadership.

How well are we achieving that goal?

“ Indy is the prime example of a well-run, wellled school. It ’s clicking on all cylinders.”

Chuck: In my roles at various schools over the years, I saw an abundance of high school students who graduated from Indy.

They adapted exceptionally well to their new environments and went on consistently to become leaders.

Kids come out of Independence with strengths beyond the academic. They have confidence and are comfortable speaking to adults. They stand up and share. They are inquisitive and open to being challenged beyond their comfort zones. They are very responsible.

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

Chuck: My philosophy is that being a leader is about respect for those who are working with you and open, equal collaboration. When working with young people, I’m always asking questions of them, allowing them to grow and assume more responsibility, while making sure they know they’ll be supported through blunders.

Spirit Magazine Page 4

Heather Horsey, Co-Athletic Director and PE Teacher

“ Leadership is more about asking good questions than being the person with all the answers.”

Johnny Wyant, SGA President

“ Our students have so many ways to try on leadership roles.”

Tim Costello, Head of School

Tim: I saw from the start when I visited as a finalist candidate for this position how well-prepared Indy students are. I saw kids empowered to speak freely, and that speaks to the strength of the school’s culture.

Just as Chuck said, our students often enter high schools among the strongest new students, and they have an outstanding record of growing into roles of leadership. That’s not just positions in student government. It’s through speech and debate, participation in the band, or as a lacrosse captain.

They lead in many facets of school life.

Katie: If the question is, “Do our students learn leadership?” I can tell you they do. I’ve seen a huge change in my own kids.

I see them empowered to help younger students.

I see them vested in being good role models.

Q: Let’s talk about how Indy builds leadership.

What’s happening here to prepare students in the way you are describing?

Heather: A lot of it is learning through experience. Our students have so many ways to try on leadership roles.

Athletics provides them with so many opportunities. So do music, theater, student clubs, debate, and mock trial.

Kerri: With so many different areas to explore, you can find one where you feel comfortable putting yourself out there.

You may not be a leader in every situation, but you will probably be a leader in at least one.

Johnny: I’ve definitely had opportunities to learn about leadership. I’ve played sports all three seasons. I’ve been a soccer buddy, teaching little kids the fundamentals of the game, and an intramural coach here at Indy for 5th and 6th graders who want to try the sport. I’ve participated in community service. And now, I’m president of the Student Government Association (SGA).

Page 5

Kerri Kacmarcik, Math Teacher

Q: Heather, you and Johnny both spoke about how many opportunities sports provide to learn leadership. Can you share an example of this kind of learning moment?

Heather: Honestly, I don’t think I can single out just one.

Every moment is an example. Every day at practice and games. It’s a constant experience of growth, character development, and leadership.

Q: One thread through several of your comments is that students are developing the confidence to become leaders. How does that confidence develop?

Katie: It comes from giving kids the opportunity to take on responsibility and help others. You give them that opportunity, and they may surprise you. It also comes from knowing you have a support system behind you. And a big part comes from public speaking.

If you start speaking in front of a crowd in 1st grade, by the time you are 13, you can do it without even thinking about it.

Every year it builds, and practice builds confidence.

Also, the administration encourages kids to speak up, and when they do, they listen. That’s huge. That’s empowering.

Q: What’s the importance of the right role models in learning leadership?

Kerri: Role modeling is essential. For instance, a big part of leadership, especially for young people, is simply taking initiative. Over time, most of our kids develop that initiative, and it’s because of the people they see around them—peer

“ We work on how to make good decisions.

How to get over roadblocks. How to persevere.”

role models and adult role models. They see that’s the way to be.

As teachers, we try to be catalysts. When we see someone take initiative, we call it out, even small examples—“I like seeing Suzie getting her homework out before I even mentioned it. That’s great.”

Johnny: I’ve had good role models at Independence—like the soccer captains before me and the previous presidents of SGA. In soccer practice, I carry the gear out to the field. It’s not written down that the captains should do that, but that’s what our captains did before, so that’s what we do.

Now that I am in 8th grade, younger kids look up to me. That holds me to a higher standard in the way I act.

Katie: There is so much power in the interaction between older and younger students. When 8th graders help run a field day for little kids, it makes the younger children feel like more than little kids. It makes them think, “I want to be like that!” The result is a self-feeding cycle of role models.

Q: How does the Character Development Program (CDP) promote growth in leadership?

Kerri: Our goal in CDP is really to help our students be good citizens, and that relates to leadership. We work a lot on how to make good decisions. How to get over roadblocks and learn from curve balls that come your way. How to persevere.

Those are all life skills, but they have a giant overlap with leadership.

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

“ Now that I am in 8th grade, younger kids look up to me. That holds me to a higher standard.”

Spirit Magazine Page 6

Q: As we wrap up, let’s shift the focus to the leadership of the Independence School. What insights can you share?

Heather: The school’s leadership is and has been excellent.

They support us as teachers, trust us, and encourage us to better ourselves. They trust us to try new ideas.

Kerri: I completely agree.

Chuck: I have visited many schools on accrediting teams and gotten to know them well, and I can say that Indy is the prime example of a well-run, well-led school. It’s clicking on all cylinders.

Part of that has been outstanding senior leaders in the administration, and part is the Board of Trustees. So many boards feel it’s their job to run the school and dictate rules and operations. This board lets the school’s leaders lead the school.

Tim: In following our former head, Vicky Yatzus, as head of school, I’m following someone who achieved a remarkable run of stability over 15 years. She started after the financial crisis of 2008 and returned the school to a solid footing, and she ended by seeing Independence through the pandemic. That included successfully completing a major campaign during the pandemic as well.

I am fortunate to inherit a very strong culture and a school in a position of strength, from human resources to financial resources to the school’s reputation.

Katie: Vicky’s leadership was constant and strong. When an issue came up, there were no doubts. You thought, “Vicky’s got that!”

Q: Tim, you are stepping into big shoes! How do you see the challenge?

Tim: As part of the listening tour I mentioned, I asked people, “What makes Indy, Indy?” A big part of what I heard was about the culture and the community. That means those are defining strengths I need to sustain and cultivate. Ten years ago, at the start of my first headship, I didn’t realize how much of the job as a school leader is to be a keeper of the sense of community, the values, and the culture, but these are essential.

Fundamentally, it is also my job to make sure the school does what it says it does, that we align our actions with our promises, and that we each are truly focused on our essential roles in advancing the mission. It’s a responsibility I am honored and thrilled to undertake.

CHUCK BALDWIN —A member of the Independence Advisory Board and a past trustee, Chuck enjoyed a distinguished military career before becoming involved in education as co-founder of the Delaware Military Academy, principal of George V. Kirk Middle School, and president of the Charter School of Wilmington, among varied other roles.

TIM COSTELLO —Tim took the reins as the school’s fifth head on July 1, 2023, bringing prior leadership experience as the head of the Science & Arts Academy, a pre-K through 8th grade school near Chicago, and as founding middle school head at Open Window School in Bellevue, WA. KATIE GRIECO —The mother of two Independence students, ’27 and ’29, Katie is also the current president of the Independence Parents’ Association, an organization active in a range of communitybuilding activities and fundraising.

HEATHER HORSEY—Co-athletic director at Independence and a faculty member for 24 years, Heather teaches physical education, coaches cross-country and track, and leads the Character Development Program and advises the Student Government Association with Kerri Kacmarcik.

KERRI KACMARCIK—A member of the Independence faculty since 2005, Kerri teaches Middle School math, coaches Mathcounts, and serves as math curriculum coordinator. Along with Heather Horsey, she leads the Character Development Program and advises the Student Government Association.

JOHNNY WYANT—An 8th grade student and the 2023-24 president of the Independence Student Government Association, Johnny is part of a legacy Independence family that includes several Indy alums and current students.

Page 7

FOUNDATION FOR THE

FUTURE

Beginning in the fall of 2018 and despite a slight pause during the pandemic, The Independence School completed the Foundation for the Future Campaign at the end of the 2022-23 year by meeting and surpassing the goal of $3,000,000.

The campaign ended with just over $3,200,000 raised. This result would not have been possible without our dedicated Capital Campaign Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, and generous support from countless members of the Independence community, including paddle raise donors from the last five Auction & Galas and area foundations.

Donations supporting the Campaign’s three pillars—Educational, Campus, and Financial—have allowed Independence to create and upgrade spaces around campus, grow the endowment, and provide programmatic, safety, and security enhancements.

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

Campaign Wrap-up

Spirit Magazine Page 8

We are so very appreciative of our donors. Here are highlights of what we have accomplished thanks to their generous support: Educational Pillar funds have helped us complete the Funk Outdoor Classroom and the Environmental Science Lab as well as replace outdated classroom furniture in grades 1-8 with new modern desks, chairs, and tables, thanks to Crystal Trust and Welfare Foundation. In the spring of 2023, three new spaces for student learning and exploration were completed: The Harra Ecology & Wildlife Observatory, The Fraser Bridge, and The Langenegger Aquatic Biology Dock.

Through the Campus Pillar, we have improved campus security with updated equipment, new communication systems, and technology, including the digital visitor sign-in system. The school continues to develop a comprehensive security infrastructure.

A special thank you to Rebecca & Rudy Koch, Sabrina duPontLangenegger & Conrad Langenegger, The Nor’ Easter Foundation, and Longwood Foundation for their exceptional generosity in further enhancing our safety and security efforts.

Contributions to the Financial Pillar have increased the School’s endowment, providing additional financial stability and confidence.

Endowment funds are stewarded by the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees and invested for long-term growth and to support the current year’s annual budget. Established during this campaign were the following endowments, each described in more detail on our website: The Helping Hands Endowed Fund Jason Motta Endowed Award for Integrity, Leadership, and Sportsmanship The Jennifer M. Vrana Endowed Fund for Volunteer Support Mental & Emotional Wellness Endowed Fund The Samuel John Hanna ’24 Memorial Fund

Campus Areas Named and Created Courtyard, in honor of Mia Smith Michalak ’26 Environmental Science Lab, inspired by Rachel Carson The Fraser Bridge, donated by Bianca and Mike Johnson The Funk Outdoor Classroom The Harra Ecology & Wildlife Observatory The Innovation Station, donated by The Keen Family The Jane Fouracre Amphitheater The Langenegger Aquatic Biology Dock Middle School Science Lab, donated by the Family of Ping Xu and Faye Loh The Rotunda Lounge, donated by the Reed Family Volunteer Room, donated by Kathy and Joe Knox

Page 9

Other spaces funded through this Campaign and soon to be completed include the Learning Lounge; The Tributary Bridge, donated by The Fiss Family; and a new main entrance area and school entrance sign.

The below donor listing includes all gifts made to the Foundation for the Future Campaign, over the past five years, in alphabetical order.

Mr. Bob Aerenson and Mrs. Sissy Aerenson Dr. Barbara Albani and Mr. Ryan Haydu Albireo Energy Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ambler Mr. and Mrs. Jake Annable Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Archbell Mr. Donald W. Ashwell Mr. and Mrs. Mike August Mr. Qazi Aurangzeb and Ms. Hina Syed Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Axt C/MC and Mrs. Charles Baldwin Bank of America Charitable Foundation Mr. Michael Barlow and Dr. Jennifer Barlow Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Barton Benevity Fund Mrs. Tracy Berryman Berger ’93 and Mr. Josh Berger Mrs. Carol A. Bergner Dr. and Mrs. Joachim Berkner

Mrs. Laura Hough Bianco ’94 and Mr. Joseph Bianco Ms. Vitamarie Biddle Dr. and Mrs. Leif-Erik S. Bohman Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Boulden Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Brechter, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond F. Bree, Jr. Dr. AnneMarie Brescia and Mr. Daniel Brennan Mrs. Patricia C. Brindley Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Britt Mr. and Mrs. George Brown IV Mr. and Mrs. George L. Brown III Mr. and Mrs. William Browning Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Burke Mrs. Katherine Yatzus Burns ’04 and Mr. Christopher Burns Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Burns Mr. and Mrs. John M. Burris Mr. and Mrs. Scott Burris Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Calloway Mr. and Mrs. John Calloway Mr. Gary Camp Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cantera Mr. and Mrs. Damian J. Carlson Dr. Edward J. Caterson and Dr. Stephanie Caterson Mrs. Marie T. Celano Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cercena Dr. Avinash Chandra and Dr. Anuradha Chandra Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Cherundolo Mr. and Mrs. David Chorlton Mrs. Leslie Cohen McGregor and Brian Cohen, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Colliss Drs. Kieran and Chantel Connolly Constellation through Charities Aid Foundation America Hon. Nathan A. Cook and Mrs. Christine V. Cook Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Cooke Mr. and Mrs. Todd Coomes Ms. Jessica Copeland Mr. and Mrs. Mark Corbett Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Corless Dr. and Mrs. Mark J. Corso Dr. and Mrs. John Courtright Mr. and Mrs. Marty Coyne Dr. and Mrs. Evan Crain Crestlea Foundation Dr. Liz Croft Richards Crystal Trust

CSC Mr. and Mrs. Paul Czerwin Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Dann Dr. Michael Dauner and Dr. Elham Behshad Mr. and Mrs. Mark deGarbolewski Delaware KIDS Fund Ms. Caroline Dentino Mr. Amish Desai and Dr. Payal Desai Mr. and Mrs. Christopher DiBartolo Ms. Molly DiBianca, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Dominic DiFebo Ms. Beth Dindas Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Dombrowski Mr. and Mrs. William Doroh Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dougherty Mr. and Mrs. Scott Downs Mr. and Mrs. Rohan D’Souza Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. duPont IV Dr. Matthew Eichenbaum Dr. and Mrs. Ozer Elbeyli Ellice and Rosa McDonald Foundation Exelon Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Scott Fabian Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Fallon Mr. and Mrs. Allan Fanjoy Mr. and Mrs. Randal Farabaugh Dr. Ian Farrell and Dr. Kelli Farrell Mr. Christopher Fasick ’98 and Mrs. Anita Fasick Mr. and Mrs. Steven Fasick Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Fedale

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Ferenz Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ferrell Fidelity Charitable Mr. Frank Fiedler and Ms. Haiyan Weng Dr. Mark R. Fiss and Dr. Marissa Schnelle Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Foley Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ford Mrs. Jane Fouracre Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Fox Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Frampton

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

Paddle raise donations at the Annual Auction and Gala over the past five years have also contributed to the Campaign.

These funds helped transform the outdoor playground into the Funk Outdoor Classroom (including the addition of outdoor musical instruments), permanent shade structures, and equipment for the Environmental Science Lab.

Spirit Magazine Page 10

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J.A. Fraser Mrs. Bianca I. Fraser-Johnson and Mr. Michael J. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Freeze Mrs. Ashley Quill Funk ’95 and Mr. Vance Funk Mr. Brian Funk ’94 and Mrs. Andrea Funk Mr. and Mrs. Rey Garduno Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Georgov Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Giffin Ms. Abigail Gilmore ’04 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gilmore Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Giordano Mr. and Mrs. Benard Gisiora Mr. and Mrs. William Glanden Dr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Glick

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Godfrey Mrs. Julie R. Goldston Mr. and Mrs. Francis Gondek Mr. and Mrs. Troy Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Manish Goyal Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Goyda Ms. Amy Graham Mr. Bo Gravuer Mr. Brody Gravuer Mrs. Tori M. Gravuer Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Greggo Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Grieco Mr. and Mrs. William Grothaus Mr. Michael Hahn and Dr. Heather Hahn Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hall Mr. and Mrs. Richard Handloff Mr. David M. Hanich and Dr. Laurie B. Hanich Mr. Thomas J. Hanna and Dr. Lexie A. Hanna The Happy Difference Foundation Ms. Brinton Harra ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Robert V.A. Harra, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert V.A. Harra III Mr. and Mrs. E. Thomas Harvey III Mr. E. Thomas Harvey IV Mr. James W. Harvey Mr. John W. Harvey Mr. Changming He and Ms. Jie Xu Mr. Jiamin He and Mrs. Sushuang Huang Mr. J. Kevin Heitzenroder ’85 and Mrs. Elizabeth Heitzenroder Carol and Michael Helmick Mr. and Mrs. John Helmick Dr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Hershey Mr. and Mrs. James Hicks Mr. and Mrs. Andrew T. Horsey Mr. and Mrs. Philip Horsey Dr. Vinay Hosmane and Dr. Aparna Hosmane Ms. Mary Beth Hutton Mrs. Kelly Huxtable Independence Parents’ Association (IPA) Independence Student Government Association Mr. Yi Ji and Ms. Lily Hao Mr. Guohua Jing and Ms. Yu Yao Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Francis R. Julian Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Julian Mr. Richard Julian, Jr. ’93 Mr. Stephen Julian ’00 and Mrs. Colleen Julian Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jurczak Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kacmarcik, Jr. Dr. Deep Kahlon and Ms. Mona Singh Mr. Tim Kane Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Keen Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kenton Mr. and Mrs. Chad Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kipp Mrs. Grace G. Kirk Kathy and Joe Knox Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Koch Ms. Christine Koense Mrs. Emily Barton Kohler ’04 Mr. and Mrs. John P. Kolodczak Mrs. Moira Fasick Kostes ’01 and Mr. Rick Kostes Mr. Harish Koya and Ms. Himabindu Yalamati Dr. Heidi Kozic and Mr. Ian McConnel Mr. Jason Kramer and Mrs. Xinqiao Jia Mrs. Barbara Kraus-Blackney Mr. David Kubacki and Dr. Grace Kwon Dr. Jag Kumar and Mrs. Shuba Gangaswamiah Mr. and Mrs. Carl N. Kunz III

Mr. and Mrs. Sean Laird Lang Cares Foundation Mr. Conrad Langenegger and Mrs. Sabrina K. duPont-Langenegger Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Lauzen Mr. and Mrs. Jay Lazar Mr. and Mrs. Alan B. Levin Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Levin Mr. Xiang Li and Ms. Ning Zhang Mr. Joseph Lombardi Longwood Foundation Mr. Guotao Lu and Ms. Zhaochun Li Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Mackenzie Mr. Gregory Macko and Dr. Erin Macko Marmot Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Richard Masi Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Michael McDonald Mr. Ryan McDonald Dr. Travis McKay ’98 and Mrs. Amanda McKay Dr. and Mrs. Alan McKersie Mr. and Mrs. John McMahon Mr. Anthony M. Medori ’80 Mr. Russell Michalak and Ms. Jennifer E. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Michels Mr. and Mrs. Robert Midgley Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Mitchell Dr. Parham Moftakhar and Dr. Waimei Amy Tai Mr. Michael Monagle Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Moody Mrs. Robin Moody Mrs. Christine Julian Moritz ’91 and Mr. Garrett Moritz Mr. Steve Morrow Mr. and Mrs. Jason Motta Mrs. Nancy Mueller Mr. Ted Myrick and Mrs. Laura Mackey National Philanthropic Trust Mrs. Kathleen D. Neal* Dr. Joan C. Neikirk and Mr. Dave Neikirk Ms. Tanya Nelson Mr. Hao Ni and Mrs. Angel Tsai

Mr. David Nichols and Dr. Louise Reid Nichols Nor’ Easter Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Sam Nyabiosi Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Olinchak Mr. and Mrs. Bill Osborne Mr. Kofi Osei and Mrs. Adeline Jenkins Mrs. Ashley White Palandrani ’95 and Mr. Gregory Palandrani ’95 Ms. M. Tina Palmer and Mr. Charles Perkins Mr. Zaiqi Pan and Ms. Yunqing Yuan Mr. Stephen Papa and Dr. Michelle Papa Dr. Mia Papas ’86 and Dr. J. Morel Symons Mr. and Mrs. Ravi Pappu Dr. Danielle Parsell and Mr. Johnathan Parsell Mr. and Mrs. Victor S. Pelillo Mr. and Mrs. Charles Perkins Mr. Matthew Perny and Dr. Meredith Perny Mr. and Mrs. Timothy G. Petterson Mr. Joseph Piccirilli and Mrs. Melissa Piccirilli Mr. and Mrs. James Pizzutto Dr. Nathan Poleck and Dr. Elizabeth Poleck Dr. and Mrs. John Powell Mr. Aravindan Pratapagiri and Mrs. Kavya Annamaneni Mr. and Mrs. Dante Principe, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Puglisi QVC Partners in Giving Matching Gifts Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Raab Dr. Wolfgang Radtke and Dr. Elena Rodriguez Reyna Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ramone Mr. Steve Rapposelli Redy Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John Reed Mr. and Mrs. Brian Ries Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rispoli

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Robinson Mr. and Mrs. David Rodeheaver Mr. Joseph Russell Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Russell Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rybicki Mr. and Mrs. Luca Saggese SAM DUNK 3v3 Basketball Tournament Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Samuels Ms. Samantha Sand Dr. and Mrs. William Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Doug Schneider Schwab Charitable Mr. Benjamin Schwartz and Ms. Sharon Wolfe-Schwartz Dr. Vincent See and Dr. Jennifer Ty Mr. and Mrs. Joyesh Sengupta Mrs. Donna Kirk Sentman ’80 and Mr. David Sentman Mr. Hayoung Seo and Mrs. Mijung Choi Mr. and Mrs. Rick Serfass Mrs. Jessica Czerwin Seward ’98 and Mr. Evan Seward Mr. Jeffrey Shahan and Mrs. Kimberly Criscuolo Shahan ’97 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shaver Mr. Jack Shi and Ms. Qing Gao Mr. and Mrs. Milt Simonds Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Simpers Mr. and Mrs. Peter Slaton Dr. Jorge Soares and Dr. Elizabeth Bayley Dr. Nicholas S. Souleles and Dr. Alexis M. Souleles Mrs. Lisa Julian Spear ’94 and Mr. Mark Spear Mr. and Mrs. Scott Stepek Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Stevens Mrs. Denise Neal Stitik ’86 Mr. and Mrs. John Strojny Mr. Jiancheng Su and Mrs. Ying He Mr. Richard M. Swavely and Mrs. Angela George Mr. Larry Tarabicos Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Taylor Mrs. Geraldine Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Mike Terranova Dr. Deepika Thacker and Dr. Mihir Thacker Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Josh Tonderys Mr. and Mrs. Chris Tourge Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Tsaganos Mr. Jack Tsai and Mrs. Rebecca Liu Mrs. Joan Valentine Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Vrana Mrs. Claire A. Vrana

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Walch Ms. Kathy Walsh Dr. Harry Wang and Ms. Carrie Fang Mr. and Mrs. Hui Wang Mr. and Mrs. Junyi Wang Ms. Ann Waring and Dr. Harry R. Sachs Mr. and Mrs. William Watt Welfare Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Wenger Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Westcott Mr. and Mrs. Steven Wheat Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Whitaker III Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Wier III Mr. and Mrs. Andy Wilke Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Willin Mrs. Laura Willrich Mr. and Mrs. Daniel H. Woland Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Wolhar Mr. and Mrs. James Wright Wyant Family Foundation Mrs. Amelia Julian Wyant ’90 and Mr. Jack Wyant Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wyant Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wyatt Mr. Ping Xu and Ms. Boon Huei Loh Ms. Erin Yatzus ’08 Ms. Haley L. Yatzus ’11 Mrs. Victoria C. Yatzus Dr. Ray Yin and Ms. Jamie Wang Mr. and Mrs. JT Yourinson Mr. and Mrs. David Zerbato Mr. Haibing Zhang and Ms. Yun Shen Mr. Alexander Zhu ’16 Mr. Nicholas Zhu ’18 Dr. Yong Zhu and Ms. Yang Wu Mr. and Mrs. Ralph C. Zinszer III

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

Page 11

& Q

Spirit Magazine Page 12

With Tina Palmer

A

Tina teaches 6th and 8th grade social studies—as she has each year since joining the Independence faculty in 1996. She is the recipient of the 2023 Patricia A. Ireland Faculty Award, honoring the qualities of professionalism, compassion, and good nature as exemplified by the school’s retired third head.

27 years is a long time. What’s kept you here at Independence?

First, it’s the kids—their passion for learning, their excitement when we start a new lesson, their willingness to work hard and do their best to succeed.

Second, it’s my colleagues. I value their professionalism and their friendship.

And third, it’s the administration. As a faculty member at Independence, you always know you will be supported.

How has the school changed since 1996?

I would say that we are a bit more accepting and open to change now.

We are still structured, but a bit less so. But the most important things have not changed. This is still an environment where students are expected to treat each other and their teachers with kindness and respect, and they do.

What first brought you to Independence?

I had taught middle school social studies in Georgia for six years. I enjoyed coaching basketball and the high school cheer team there, but did not love the classroom atmosphere.

For a few years, I worked in other roles, but it wasn’t the challenging, meaningful career I wanted. Then I saw an ad in the paper for this position. I thought I might like the environment at an independent school—and I have!

Do you have a favorite lesson or project you look forward to each year?

Usually, the unit I’m most excited about is the next one I’m set to teach.

But in 6th grade, our world mapping project is certainly a highlight. In 8th grade, we study the rise of the U.S. as a world power leading up to World War I. This is a period often overlooked, and I think it’s important and fascinating.

Across the country, social studies curricula are becoming the focus of some heated debates. What do you think about that trend?

I feel fortunate that at Independence we are free to tell the truth and look at different sides of a story without being political. I tell my students you can acknowledge that along with all its positive achievements, the United States has made some mistakes, and you should still believe it’s a great country and love it and feel proud of it.

What do you like to do when you are not teaching?

I play tennis competitively and socially, and I enjoy dinner and a movie with my husband and friends. I love to cook, making fresh pasta when there’s time, and all kinds of soups, especially in winter. I also enjoy baking. One of my best is a mocha cheesecake.

Page 13

Alumni Profiles Meet the 2023 Alumni Award Winners

Rising Star Alumni Awards Christine Gregg ’05, Making Her Mark at NASA Today, Christine is a research engineer at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, an outcome hard to imagine when she graduated from Independence in 2005.

After attending The Charter School of Wilmington, Christine majored in mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware, graduating with a 4.0. While there, she secured an internship at NASA and fell in love with the work. With a Chancellor Fellowship at the University of California-Berkeley, she then earned her master’s and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.

While at Berkeley, Christine was awarded the NASA Space Technologies Research Fellowship and co-authored a paper published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society titled, “The roles of impact and inertia in the failure of a shoelace knot”—an analysis of how shoelaces come untied that went viral in days.

Christine says that the emphasis on grammar at Independence gave her a strong command of writing and language, important in communicating scientific ideas, and that her study of Latin at Independence continues to be helpful in her scientific career.

Alison Gondek Losi ’04, Designing for Hollywood Alison is a designer, artist, and storyteller whose creative work has spanned television, plays, musicals, opera, film, themed entertainment, and board and video games. Living in California, she has worked in the art department on TV productions, including “Life in Pieces,” “The Conners,” “The Floor is Lava,” and “Never Have I Ever.”

Alison’s interest in the performing arts was evident at the Tatnall School, which she attended after Independence and where she was involved in 11 theatre productions, received the Lovell Bowl Award for Theatre, and was head of the lmprov Club.

She went on to earn her BA from the College of William and Mary in English and theatre, spending a semester in Scotland at the University of St. Andrews where she studied creative writing and Shakespeare in film. Alison then completed her MFA in scenic design at Carnegie Mellon University, where she was a TA for theatrical drafting summer programs and a national high school game academy. She also designed sets for Shakespeare and Pittsburgh Opera productions and worked on a web series.

Outstanding Alumni Award A 1999 Independence graduate, Cathy received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Franklin and Marshall College and her MA in zoology from Miami University. Since 2013, she has worked at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science in Wilmington, where she is currently senior interpretation manager and the public engagement manager, with oversight for the department.

Cathy was a member of the team that managed the museum’s 17-month, $10 million renovation projects, which opened in May 2023. She now assists the exhibits director in selecting future traveling exhibits to welcome to the museum. Cathy also oversees the care and handling of the museum’s live animal collection, work that includes designing and building custom enclosures and focusing on continuous improvement in the care and handling of animals as well as training and professional development for staff.

Cathy is active in local robotics clubs and coordinates community events at the museum to showcase area teams. Her goal is for children of all ages and backgrounds to be exposed to robotics and to see an opportunity for themselves in this growing field.

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

Ms. Cathy Perrotto ’99, Sharing Science With the Public

Spirit Magazine Page 14

News & Notes

The Campus as Classroom Independence teachers and students continue to take the learning experience beyond their classrooms in fun and fascinating ways. English students in 7th and 8th grade performed Shakespearean scene studies in the Great Barn, with its dramatic pillars and stone walls as their backdrop.

Meanwhile, Sarah Ferrell’s 7th grade ornithology class logged some impressive statistics on a campus bird walk with Delaware Nature Society birder Joe Sebastiani, observing 37 different species. And in the Funk Outdoor Classroom, 4th grade math students practiced their measurement skills as they sized up various real-world objects and then converted their results between different units of measure. When it comes to outdoor learning, the opportunities keep expanding!

SAM DUNK Is a Slam Dunk The inaugural SAM DUNK 3v3 Basketball tournament was an inspiring success. In all, 25 teams participated in the March event to honor classmate and friend Sam Hanna in the first annual tournament dedicated in his memory. Sam valued fair play, hard work, friendship, integrity, and competition, and all 75 players embodied these characteristics on the court. Proceeds from this tournament and those in the future will benefit The Samuel John Hanna ’24 Memorial Fund.

Page 15

Writing Excellence

Through programs in the school’s Mindfulness Studio, Independence students are enjoying the opportunity to experience firsthand the power of mindfulness. And just what is mindfulness? “Simply put, it is the art of paying attention to what is happening right now, in the present moment,” explains faculty member Thomas Brangs. “The benefits,” he says, are many—“from reduced stress and improved focus to an overall feeling of increased well-being and enhanced academic performance.”

A Musical, Magical Seussical The 2023 musical was Seussical, Jr!, and by all accounts it was a smashing success. The middle school cast brought the fantastical production vividly to life, rhyming and singing their way through this musical comedy based on the many children’s stories of Dr. Seuss. The show featured favorite Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant and the Cat in the Hat and transported audience members from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus. “Oh, the places you’ll go!” indeed.

Indy Experts Share Insights on Student Wellness Members of the Center for Wellness, Innovation and Learning (CWIL) team, Vicky Yatzus, Bernadette Gilmore, and Dr. Dahra Williams, presented to a national audience of educators at the 2023 ERB Conference in New York City in a session titled “Creating Connections & Improving Student Wellness with 3 Approaches: Inside, Outside, and School-wide.” The three shared research and experiences related to mindfulness programming at Independence as well as outdoor learning. This included data from CWIL’s collaboration with the Stroud Water Research Center and Millersville University examining the effects of outdoor learning on student wellness and interest. CWIL’s multidisciplinary team approach addresses not only academic progress but also language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development and health.

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

At the Mindfulness Studio

Writing has been a strong focus at Independence from the start, and that strength continues today. The latest evidence comes in the form of the impressive results last year’s 8th graders achieved on the Educational Records Bureau’s (ERB) WrAP assessment. When measured against students from other independent schools nationally, 80 percent of the class of 2023 scored at an “Above Average” level for writing, and more than half of the students scored at the highest possible level.

Spirit Magazine Page 16

Honors & Awards Founders’ Day Scholarships & Awards Independence has a tradition of recognizing students across many grade levels with a variety of scholarships and awards during the annual Founders’ Day assembly. The following were presented in 2023: The Andrew N. Yatzus Scholarship Amelia Haydu The Anne G. Hurt Memorial Scholarship Meghan Morse, Rishi Sanjeev The Board Presidents’ Scholarship Allison Qu The Courage Scholarship Trent Motta The Jack DiMaio Memorial Scholarship Camryn Martin, Brooks Wilke

Eighth Grade Awards Every year at graduation, a series of awards are presented, each with specific criteria.

The following were presented at the 45th Eighth Grade Graduation Ceremony on June 12, 2023: Board of Trustees’ Award Fraser Johnson, Alaina Thomas The Helena R. Ashwell Award for World Language Excellence Colleen Burke The Linda Ellison Stapleford Science Service Award Paul Corbett Outstanding Academic Achievement Award Selena Gao, Isabelle Kim The Rod Hammett Memorial Award Maya Gordon

The Margaret C. and William H. Cantwell Award for Musical Excellence Sonia Bala, Jessica Li The Marsh Wiltbank Uebler Scholarship Lincoln Barlow, Emery Matthews The Dr. Mia Shorteno Fraser Scholarship Chrisa Souleles, Zachary Strohmeier The Teresa T. Roach Scholarship Riley McKay The Young Writer’s Scholarship Benji Copeland, Ryan Gutzmirtl

2023 Founders’ Award The Founders’ Award is granted to extraordinary individuals who have had a lasting and fundamental impact on The Independence School through their service, dedication, and generosity. The 2023 recipient was Kathy Knox.

Kathy and Joe Knox discovered Independence as parents in 1979 when they enrolled their two children, Kam and Adam. Kathy immediately became involved in school life; she served first as a volunteer and then as a member of the Board of Trustees. In 1987 she became Independence’s director of development.

During her 23 years in this role, Kathy guided the school through four capital campaigns and worked tirelessly to increase our endowment fund. Kathy was also a dedicated supporter of our volunteers and was instrumental in building the strong culture of volunteerism and “giving back” that still exists at Independence today.

Page 13 17

Staff Transitions

Best Wishes, Goodbye, and Welcome GOODBYE AND BEST WISHES TO...

Claire Brechter Director of Marketing and Communications Jessie Copeland Middle School Science Pooja D’Souza Development Manager and IPA Liaison Sarah Ferrell Middle School Science Bernadette Gilmore Director of Academic Innovation Debbie Grothaus 3rd Grade Teacher Ellen Ryan Middle School Social Studies

WELCOME AND CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Melissa Chandler Bilek Academic Administrative Coordinator

Tony Carrell Middle School Social Studies

Nancy Cordes Advancement Coordinator

Kristen Grote Middle School Science

Janet Hershner Kindergarten Assistant

Amy Hoeschel Early Childhood Aide

Amy Holt 3rd Grade Teacher

The Independence School congratulates Victoria C. Yatzus on her retirement at the end of the 2022-23 school year after 15 years of exceptional leadership. We thank Vicky for her steadfast commitment to the field of education and her dedication to the Independence community. In her honor, the Board of Trustees has dedicated the Great Barn in her name.

Jessica Rodriguez Middle School Science

Parker Slaton Dean of Student Life

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

Heidi McDonough Director of Marketing and Communications

Spirit Magazine Page 18

Safety & Security Update Safety and security at Independence have been strengthened through both the Foundation for the Future Campaign and contributions to the Annual Fund. These include several important new measures, from a set of locking doors securing the building’s main entrance to an electronic visitor sign-in system. In addition to these enhancements, Independence has continued to update and upgrade equipment, including the following: Security Cameras—75 new cameras are now in use, with more to come, providing coverage of hallways, doorways, and the building perimeter.

Key Cards—A new system controls access to more than 30 exterior doors.

Protective Shades—Special shades now installed on classroom and office doors can be quickly lowered to shield the interior from view.

Security Maps—A specialized mapping company surveyed the campus, documenting every AED and fire extinguisher and identifying all rooms and doors to create a detailed map shared with emergency responders.

Communications—New systems integrating phones, walkietalkies, and public address speakers allow any staff member to instantly make school-wide announcements from any location.

In addition, says Patrick Burns, director of finance and operations, Independence has adopted a nationally recognized standard response protocol. “This is a set of standard terms we can use to alert the school community to various emergency situations and quickly inform them of the actions to take,” Burns explains. “Students, faculty, and staff have been trained in following the protocol. They have been newly empowered,” he adds. “We want people to follow the guidelines in an emergency but also to exercise their best judgment in the moment, given the circumstances they face.”

Head of School Tim Costello notes that the recent enhancements represent a major stride forward. “However,” he adds, “this is work that’s never done. We will always look for ways to make our school and campus safer and more secure while remaining welcoming to families and visitors. The school is thinking more broadly and holistically about what it means to keep our students safe. This includes mental health and wellness as critical components of our safety and security initiatives.”

Thank You, IPA The Independence Parents’ Association (IPA) was established during the school’s early years to help provide needed programs and services for the Independence community. Today, all Indy parents are members of the IPA, fostering a closer relationship among students, faculty, and staff and further strengthening the Independence education. Our parents and grandparents help with Indy’s lunch program, school-wide special events, and some classroom activities.

Last year, as a result of IPA-sponsored initiatives, $50,000 was generously donated back to Independence. Highlights included Fall Fest, the holiday greens sale, family bingo, ice skating, a dodgeball tournament, and the Lower School dance.

Plus, faculty and staff received special treats throughout the year.

Thank you to the 2022-23 IPA leadership team—Erin Coomes, Katie Grieco, Leslie Ferenz, Trupti Patel, and Jen Farabaugh— as well as the countless parent and grandparent volunteers who kindly give their time and talent to support our community.

Page 19

With Our Appreciation…

Dear Independence Community, I am pleased to share the 2022-23 Annual Report for The Independence School.

First and foremost, thank you to all of our donors, event sponsors, committee members, and school volunteers. Your support is essential to our success as a school, and we thank you for investing your time and resources.

Whether your passion is helping to close the gap between tuition income and our day-to-day operating costs through the Annual Fund or contributing toward our Foundation for the Future Campaign, we thank you.

Each new school year brings with it an enhanced vision of how we dream forward to enrich the learning of our students.

Independence’s dedicated faculty, staff, and community members continue to support and encourage one another to accomplish what is best for all students.

Thank you for sharing your most precious gifts—your children—with us and for your commitment and your confidence in all that we do, every single day.

Michele C. Harra Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

Many thanks and much gratitude,

Report of Philanthropy Page 20

The Independence School

Report of Philanthropy 2022–23 The Independence School is so grateful for the continued generosity of our community, including 538 board members, parents, alumni, faculty and staff, grandparents, former parents, and friends who supported the school and our students with a philanthropic gift during the 2022-23 school year. All gifts enhance and enrich the school experience for our students and support the faculty, and we are so appreciative of each and every gift. Thank you!

Independence Club

$10,000 AND UP Anonymous (3) Hon. Nathan A. Cook and Mrs. Christine V. Cook Delaware KIDS Fund Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. duPont IV Ellice and Rosa McDonald Foundation Fidelity Charitable Dr. Mark R. Fiss and Dr. Marissa Schnelle Mrs. Bianca I. Fraser-Johnson and Mr. Michael J. Johnson Mrs. Ashley Quill Funk ’95 and Mr. Vance Funk Mr. Thomas J. Hanna and Dr. Lexie A. Hanna The Happy Difference Foundation Mr. and Mrs. E. Thomas Harvey III Mr. E. Thomas Harvey IV Mr. James W. Harvey Mr. John W. Harvey Mr. J. Kevin Heitzenroder ’85 and Mrs. Elizabeth Heitzenroder Independence Parents’ Association (IPA) Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Julian Keen Compressed Gas Co. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Keen Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Levin Longwood Foundation National Philanthropic Trust Nor’ Easter Foundation Schwab Charitable Mr. Jeffrey Shahan and Mrs. Kimberly Criscuolo Shahan ’97 Mrs. Lisa Julian Spear ’94 and Mr. Mark Spear Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Thomas Turf Pro, Inc. Wyant Family Foundation Mrs. Amelia Julian Wyant ’90 and Mr. Jack Wyant Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wyant Mr. Ping Xu and Ms. Boon Huei Loh Mrs. Victoria C. Yatzus

Freedom Club

$5,000 TO $9,999 Albireo Energy Alpine and Rafetto Orthodontics Dr. Mirko Bajlovic and Dr. Megan Cook Bajlovic Mr. and Mrs. Paul Czerwin Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Mr. and Mrs. William Doroh Dr. Matthew Eichenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Giffin

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gilmore Dr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Glick Mr. and Mrs. Robert V.A. Harra, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert V.A. Harra III Mr. and Mrs. Francis R. Julian Mr. Richard Julian, Jr. ’93 Mr. Stephen Julian ’00 and Mrs. Colleen Julian Dr. Deep Kahlon and Ms. Mona Singh Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Koch Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Michels Dr. Mia Papas ’86 and Dr. J. Morel Symons Mr. Matthew Perny and Dr. Meredith Perny Mr. and Mrs. James Pizzutto Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas F. Quercetti III Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ramone Mr. and Mrs. John Reed Mr. and Mrs. James Trait WSFS CARES Foundation

Spirit Club

$3,000 TO $4,999 Dr. Barbara Albani and Mr. Ryan Haydu Mr. and Mrs. Scott Burris Dr. Liz Croft Richards Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Dombrowski Mr. and Mrs. Samuel T. Dragotta Gordon, Fournaris & Mammarella, P.A. Mr. David Kubacki and Dr. Grace Kwon Mrs. Sue Mark Master Seo’s Tiger Kicks Martial Arts Mr. Anthony M. Medori ’80 Dr. Nathan Poleck and Dr. Elizabeth Poleck Mr. and Mrs. Luca Saggese SAM DUNK 3v3 Basketball Tournament Dr. and Mrs. William Schmidt Mr. Hayoung Seo and Mrs. Mijung Choi Mr. Jack Shi and Ms. Qing Gao Mr. Richard M. Swavely and Mrs. Angela George Dr. Harry Wang and Ms. Carrie Fang Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Wolhar

Stars Club

$1,500 TO $2,999 Andrew N. Yatzus Fund of the Delaware Community Foundation Anonymous (1) Mr. Donald W. Ashwell Mr. Michael Barlow and Dr. Jennifer Barlow Benevity Fund Dr. and Mrs. Leif-Erik S. Bohman Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Brechter, Jr. Mrs. Patricia C. Brindley

Mr. and Mrs. George Brown IV Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Burke Dr. Edward J. Caterson and Dr. Stephanie Caterson Constellation through Charities Aid Foundation America Dr. and Mrs. John Courtright Evergreen Waste Services, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Randal Farabaugh Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Fedale Mr. Brian Funk ’94 and Mrs. Andrea Funk Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Giordano Mr. and Mrs. Farrell Goble Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Grieco Dr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Hershey Incyte Charitable Giving Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kacmarcik, Jr. Mrs. Grace G. Kirk Kathy and Joe Knox Ms. Christine Koense Mrs. Kristin Laughlin ’98 and Mrs. Sara Lyng Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Lauzen Dr. and Mrs. Alan McKersie Mr. Russell Michalak and Ms. Jennifer E. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Doug Schneider Dr. Nicholas S. Souleles and Dr. Alexis M. Souleles Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Stevens Dr. Deepika Thacker and Dr. Mihir Thacker Mr. and Mrs. Andy Wilke Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP

Stripes Club

$1,000 TO $1,499 Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center American Endowment Foundation AmPhil Archmere Academy Mr. and Mrs. Erik Barr Mr. and Mrs. John M. Burris Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Calloway Clarfeld Citizens Private Wealth Dr. and Mrs. Mark J. Corso Cover & Rossiter Ms. Caroline Dentino Dewson Construction Company Mr. and Mrs. Dominic DiFebo Mr. and Mrs. Richard Epperly Erin N. Macko DDS Family Dental Care Dr. Ian Farrell and Dr. Kelli Farrell Mr. and Mrs. Gary Ferenz G. Fedale Roofing & Siding Giordano, DelCollo, Werb & Gagne, LLC

Page 17

Mrs. Julie R. Goldston Mrs. Brittany Ramone Gomez ’00 and Mr. Ray Gomez Ms. Amy Graham Grey Fox Wealth Advisors Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Hill Mr. Charles Hurt ’87 and Mrs. Trisha Hurt Dr. Christi Hurt ’85 and Mr. Blake Rahn Mr. Robert H. Hurt Kerith Foundation Dr. Joohyong Kim and Dr. Susan Kim Mr. and Mrs. John P. Kolodczak Lang Cares Foundation Dr. Jun Li and Ms. Fei Cheng Mr. Gregory Macko and Dr. Erin Macko Mr. and Mrs. Keith R. Mayhew Mr. and Mrs. George K. McDowell Dr. Travis McKay ’98 and Mrs. Amanda McKay Mrs. Jane Mangat Mrs. Christine Julian Moritz ’91 and Mr. Garrett Moritz Dr. Joan C. Neikirk and Mr. Dave Neikirk Mr. and Mrs. Charles Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Persoleo Dr. and Mrs. John Powell Redy Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Pete Ross Dr. Michael J. Ryan ’80 and Mrs. Cindy Ryan SB Real Estate, LLC Mrs. Donna Kirk Sentman ’80 and Mr. David Sentman Service Unlimited, Inc. Mr. Paul M. Shearer Mr. and Mrs. Milt Simonds Mr. Clay Strickland Mr. Jiancheng Su and Mrs. Ying He Ms. Kerith Wang ’08 Dr. Sean Wang and Ms. Monica Ho Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Wenger Dr. Ray Yin and Ms. Jamie Wang Mr. Haibing Zhang and Ms. Yun Shen

Sparkling Sapphire & Silver!

Story and snack time with Ms. Koense

What an amazing “Sapphire & Silver”

night we had on Saturday, April 22, at Greenville Country Club! Thanks to your generosity and support, the Auction & Gala was a sparkling success. We raised over $60,000 for our amazing school, benefiting all students, with $10,451 going toward the Learning Lounge.

We would like to thank our featured sponsor, WSFS CARES Foundation, for their continued partnership.

We would also like to applaud all of our individual and business sponsors, auction-item solicitors and donors, video contributors, event attendees, raffle participants, Learning Lounge donors, and item bidders who kept the fun going throughout the night. It was a fabulous night for the Independence community!

Red Club

$650 TO $999 AmazonSmile Foundation Mr. Ryan Browning ’97 and Mrs. Danielle Browning Dann Marine Towing Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Dann Mr. and Mrs. Scott Downs Mr. and Mrs. Rohan D’Souza The Falkowski Group | Delaware Real Estate Mr. and Mrs. Michael Falkowski Mr. and Mrs. Philip Horsey IFS Benefits, LLC Mr. Guohua Jing and Ms. Yu Yao Dr. Krzysztof Kowal and Dr. Wen Li Dr. Jag Kumar and Mrs. Shuba Gangaswamiah Dr. Patrick Matthews and Dr. Jessica Matthews Dr. Parham Moftakhar and Dr. Waimei Amy Tai Mr. David Nichols and Dr. Louise Reid Nichols Dr. Wolfgang Radtke and Dr. Elena Rodriguez Reyna Salesianum School Mr. and Mrs. Mike Terranova United Way of Central Indiana Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Woodland Mr. and Mrs. James Wright Mr. and Mrs. David Zerbato

Teddy Bear Picnic with Mrs. Annable

After-school painting party with Mrs. Rispoli

Save the Date

Saturday, April 27, 2024 Hagley Soda House 298 Buck Road / Wilmington, DE 19807

Report of Philanthropy Page 22

White Club

$350 TO $649 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ambler Bank of America Charitable Foundation BCM Wealth Management Ms. Vitamarie Biddle Mr. and Mrs. William Browning The Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Burns Mr. and Mrs. Damian J. Carlson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cercena Mr. and Mrs. Paul Colbert Cook Family Dentistry Mr. and Mrs. Todd Coomes Dr. and Mrs. Hung Dam D’Souza & Associates, Inc. Exelon Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Fallon Dr. Xiao Fang and Dr. Jing He Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ferenz Mr. Thomas Flick and Mrs. Marieann Flick Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ford Mrs. Jane Fouracre Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Fullmer Mr. and Mrs. Rey Garduno Mrs. Tori M. Gravuer Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Gregory Mr. Michael Hahn and Dr. Heather Hahn Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hall Mr. Jiamin He and Mrs. Sushuang Huang Mr. and Mrs. John Helmick J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation Mrs. Barbara Kraus-Blackney Mrs. Mary Louise Kubacki Mr. Collin R. LeVan and Mrs. Kyleigh K. Gloska Mr. Joseph Lombardi Maureen’s Hair Salon & Day Spa Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McDonald Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Jason Motta Dr. and Mrs. David Nagurney Mr. and Mrs. Sam Nyabiosi Padua Academy Pain and Sleep Therapy Center Mrs. Ashley White Palandrani ’95 and Mr. Gregory Palandrani ’95 Mr. Zaiqi Pan and Ms. Yunqing Yuan Dr. Danielle Parsell and Mr. Johnathan Parsell Mr. and Mrs. Shodhan Patel Peter Kate Mr. Joseph Piccirilli and Mrs. Melissa Piccirilli Pratt Insurance, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Puglisi Mr. Steve Rapposelli Mr. and Mrs. William Reynolds Sanford School Mrs. Rachelle Schindler Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Slaton Mr. and Mrs. Scott Stepek Mr. Jason Styons ’01 The Tatnall School Tower Hill School Mr. Thomas Uebler ’95 and Mrs. Cameron Uebler Ms. Ann Waring and Dr. Harry R. Sachs Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Wier III Mrs. Laura Willrich Wilmington Friends School

Ms. Erin Yatzus ’08 Mr. and Mrs. Ralph C. Zinszer III

Blue Club

$160 TO $349 Abel Aesthetics Aloysius Butler & Clark American Dance Academy Mr. and Mrs. David Anshen Mr. and Mrs. Jason Antoine Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bair Mr. and Mrs. Michael Balthis Mrs. Tracy Berryman Berger ’93 and Mr. Josh Berger Mr. and Mrs. Michael Berryman Mrs. Laura Hough Bianco ’94 and Mr. Joseph Bianco Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Boone Mr. and Mrs. George L. Brown III Mrs. Michele E. Bruxelles Mr. and Mrs. Ron Burke Mr. and Mrs. Howard Burris Ms. Jessica Copeland Mr. and Mrs. David Dello Buono Mr. and Mrs. Christopher DiBartolo Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dougherty Emily Rockwell Skin Clinic Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fairfield Ms. Kimberly Farr Mr. and Mrs. Mark Farrall Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Farrand Mr. and Mrs. William W. Fincher Mr. Zhenhai Gao and Ms. Wei Geng Mr. and Mrs. Manish Goyal Mr. Michael Gregors Mr. and Mrs. Gary X. Gu Hagley Museum & Library Carol and Michael Helmick Mr. and Mrs. James Hicks Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Hoeschel Dr. and Mrs. Mark J. Holliday Mr. and Mrs. Andrew T. Horsey Independence Student Government Association Mr. Yi Ji and Ms. Lily Hao Mr. Tim Kane Mr. and Mrs. Chad Kessler Mrs. Mary Jane Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Blair Kitching Mr. Jason Kramer and Mrs. Xinqiao Jia Mr. and Mrs. Carl N. Kunz III Mr. and Mrs. Sean Laird Mr. and Mrs. Jay Lazar Mr. Xiang Li and Ms. Ning Zhang Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Liberato Dr. Jun Liu and Dr. Yan Hu Mr. Qiang Ma and Mrs. Xiaolei Zhao Mr. Jeffrey Mangat ’98 and Mrs. Cindy Mangat Mrs. Linda Kirk Manthey ’81 and Mr. David Manthey Mara Puglisi Holistic Health Dr. Mary Ellen McNally Dr. and Mrs. Theodore W. Michell Mr. and Mrs. Michael Monge Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Moody The Ed Morton Family Mr. and Mrs. David M. Morse Ms. Rebecca L. Moylan ’92 Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Mullin

Mr. Ted Myrick and Mrs. Laura Mackey Mr. Hao Ni and Mrs. Angel Tsai Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nichols Mr. Stephen Papa and Dr. Michelle Papa Ms. Nicole Perkins ’01 Mr. Joe Polansky and Ms. Carolyn Quelly Mr. and Mrs. Dante Principe, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Raab Mr. and Mrs. Philip Reynolds Mr. and Mrs. Brian Ries Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rispoli Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Robinson Saint Mark’s High School Dr. Robert Sepelyak Mrs. Jessica Czerwin Seward ’98 and Mr. Evan Seward Mr. and Mrs. Peter Slaton Dr. Jorge Soares and Dr. Elizabeth Bayley Mr. and Mrs. John Strojny Mr. Ravi Subbaraya and Dr. Vidyarani Subbaraya Mr. Jun Sun and Ms. Linda Peng Mr. Shao-Tang Sun and Mrs. Jean-Hsien Ho Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Tsaganos United Way of Delaware Mrs. Joan Valentine Ms. Kathy Walsh Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Warnke Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Whitaker III White Clay Insurance Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wilke Mr. and Mrs. A. Richard Winchester Mr. and Mrs. Daniel H. Woland Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wyatt Mr. Yonglai Yang and Ms. Wei Lai Mr. Zongping Yang and Ms. Yu Hao

Donor Club

UP TO $159 Mr. Maurice Abbott and Dr. Melissa Tribuiani Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ambler Mr. and Mrs. Jake Annable Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Archbell Mr. Qazi Aurangzeb and Ms. Hina Syed Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Axt Mr. Brendan Balthis ’15 Mr. Brett Balthis ’17 Barclays Matching Gift Program by Charities Trust Mrs. Simonne Barthell Mrs. Carol A. Bergner Blo Blow Dry Bar Mr. John Boyce and Mrs. Ann Hagerty-Boyce Mr. and Mrs. Keith Brady Mr. Thomas Brangs ’07 Buff City Soap Mr. and Mrs. John Calloway Mr. Gary Camp Mr. Matthew Cannon ’01 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Cannon Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cantera Mrs. Marie T. Celano Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Cherundolo Mr. and Mrs. David Chorlton Mr. and Mrs. Sean Chudzik Mrs. Leslie Cohen McGregor and Brian Cohen, Ph.D. Mr. Daniel Conklin ’05

Ms. Allison Conner Mr. and Mrs. Mark Corbett Ms. Sarah Corbett Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cornacchia Ms. Katelyn Craft ’16 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Craft CupKate’s Mr. Yang Dai and Mrs. Jing Zhang Dr. Michael Dauner and Dr. Elham Behshad Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore J. DeAngelo, Jr. Mrs. Nancy Deleski Mr. Amish Desai and Dr. Payal Desai Ms. Beth Dindas Mr. Rahul D’Souza ’20 Mr. and Mrs. John Duffy Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Duffy Empowered Yoga Mr. and Mrs. Allan Fanjoy Mr. Christopher Fasick ’98 and Mrs. Anita Fasick Ms. Josée Faubert-Spence Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ferrell Mr. Timothy Ferrell Mrs. Laura L. Fickes FMC Corporation Mrs. Julia Perkins Fox ’99 and Mr. Timothy J. Fox, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Fox Ms. Sarah Gilmore ’01 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Giordano Mr. and Mrs. William Glanden Mr. and Mrs. Robert Godfrey Mr. and Mrs. Troy Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Gorton Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gouge Mr. Bo Gravuer Mr. Brody Gravuer Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gredell Mr. and Mrs. Richard Greevy Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gregg Mrs. Maria Gregors Mr. and Mrs. William Grothaus Ms. Rachel Hardie Ms. Brinton Harra ’22 Dr. Cathy Harris and Dr. Jay Harris Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hershner Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hershner Mrs. Rupal Hirwe Dr. and Mrs. William A. Hohman Dr. and Mrs. Ram Hosmane Dr. Vinay Hosmane and Dr. Aparna Hosmane Mr. and Mrs. Franklin I. Hough Mr. and Mrs. Rich Howe Mr. Jason Hurley and Ms. Catherine Emmett Ms. Mary Beth Hutton Mrs. Kelly Huxtable Mrs. Diane M. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jennings Mr. Rong Jiao and Mrs. Ping Sun Mrs. Deb Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Johnson Mr. and Mrs. James Jones Mr. Nikko Khazana Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kipp Mrs. Peggy Kipp Ms. Colleen Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Ira Kirch Dr. Kathryn Sepelyak Kirsch ’01

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kiser Mr. Daniel Kitching ’01 and Mrs. Hannah P. Kitching Mrs. Emily Barton Kohler ’04 Ms. Katie Koontz Mrs. Moira Fasick Kostes ’01 and Mr. Rick Kostes Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Koziak Dr. Heidi Kozic and Mr. Ian McConnel Mr. Marc A. Kreider ’82 Mr. Conrad Langenegger and Mrs. Sabrina K. duPont-Langenegger Mrs. Ethel Lario Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Laudeman Mr. Jason Lazar Mrs. Kelly Lazar Mr. and Mrs. John Lazopoulos, Jr. Mrs. Marianne Lazorick Mr. Edwin Lee, Jr. Ms. Lingchin Liao Mr. Kenneth Libert and Dr. Stacie Beck Mr. Lei Liu and Mrs. Jie Chen Mr. Michael Lofts and Dr. Dawn Berk Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Louie Mr. Guotao Lu and Ms. Zhaochun Li Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Mackenzie Mrs. Marie A. Maks Mr. and Mrs. Paul Maloney Mrs. Kimberly A. Manno Mr. and Mrs. Greg Martin Mr. Sean McDerby and Mrs. Hilary Olner Mr. and Mrs. W. Nathan McDonald Mr. Colin McKay ’00 and Mrs. Stephanie McKay Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. McKeown Mr. Sam McKeown ’19 Mrs. Melanie Zinn Merritt ’97 and Mr. Nicholas Merritt Mr. Michael Monagle Mr. Steve Morrow Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Mullin Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Musiano Mr. Kevin Myrick ’11 Mr. Edgar H. Narmore and Mrs. Susan Flick-Narmore Dr. Jennifer C. Nauen and Dr. Paul A. Johnston Ms. Tanya Nelson Mr. Shijun Ni and Ms. Jun Yang Nick’s Pizza Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Olinchak Mr. C. Harry Orth Dr. Munish Pahwa and Dr. Anjala Pahwa Ms. M. Tina Palmer and Mr. Charles Perkins Mrs. Lisa Klein Parente ’01 Dr. and Mrs. Dhruval Patel Mr. and Mrs. Vishal Patel Ms. Jennifer Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Victor S. Pelillo Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Perny Mr. and Mrs. Timothy G. Petterson Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Piccirilli, Sr. Mrs. Joanne M. Pohlen Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Pombo Mr. Aravindan Pratapagiri and Mrs. Kavya Annamaneni Mr. and Mrs. John Propsner Mr. Vignesh Raj Padmanabhan and Mrs. Divya Priya Karumuchi Sekar Mr. and Mrs. Dan Reeder

Ms. Mary Jo Reighart Mr. and Mrs. David H. Roach Mr. Christopher Ross ’86 and Mrs. Melissa Ross Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Russell Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rybicki Dr. Tae Sakamoto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Samuels Mr. Richard Sand Ms. Samantha Sand Dr. and Mrs. James N. Scarborough Mr. and Mrs. Mark Scarpone Mr. Benjamin Schwartz and Ms. Sharon Wolfe-Schwartz Mrs. Mary Hylda Schwarz Mr. Timothy L. Scott Dr. Vincent See and Dr. Jennifer Ty Mr. and Mrs. Joyesh Sengupta Mr. and Mrs. Rick Serfass Dr. and Mrs. Scott D. Siegel Mrs. Jessica Kiser Strojny ’00 and Mr. Steven J. Strojny Mr. Rahul Subbaraya ’12 Mr. Rishi Subbaraya ’16 Mr. Xun Sun and Mrs. Jin Zhang Mr. and Mrs. Gurinder Syan Mr. and Mrs. Jatinder Syan Mr. and Mrs. John Tarburton Mr. K. Andrew Tarburton ’84 and Mrs. Ann Marble Tarburton Ms. Kylie Tarburton Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Taylor Mrs. Geraldine Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Josh Tonderys Mr. and Mrs. Brett Townsend Ms. Edith H. Townsend Mr. Jack Tsai and Mrs. Rebecca Liu Ms. Brittany van Veen Mr. and Mrs. James Venema Mr. and Mrs. Tom Walsh Mr. Kenneth Warren ’91 Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Warren The Wawa Foundation Wells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer R. Wenger Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Westcott Dr. Christine Whitcraft ’91 Mr. Jonathan White ’94 and Mrs. Kristi White Dr. Dahra Williams and Mr. Bill Williams Dr. Freeman and Dr. Susan Williams Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin O. Wingate Dr. and Mrs. James Wingrave Ms. Nancy Wissinger Mr. and Mrs. Mike Womer Mr. and Mrs. Paul Woodland Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wuerstle Dr. Jiarun Jerry Xiao and Dr. Jun Tian Ms. Haley L. Yatzus ’11 Mr. and Mrs. JT Yourinson Mr. Alexander Zhu ’16 Mr. Nicholas Zhu ’18 Dr. Yong Zhu and Ms. Yang Wu Accuracy is very important to us. If you feel that we have made an omission or error, please contact the Advancement Office at 302-239-0330. If interested in learning about establishing an endowment at Independence, please contact Mrs. Michele Harra.

Inspire. Dream. Achieve.

Page 23

Report of Philanthropy Page 24

Independence

Event Sponsors The Independence School would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the event sponsors during the 2022-23 school year. Each year, Independence hosts several fundraising events for the entire community, including the Auction & Gala, 5K and Color Us Kids Run, and a Cornhole Tournament. Based on the level selected, sponsorships could include tickets for all three events.

If your business or employer would like to be part of Independence’s events, please contact us, since we are always looking for additional sponsors. Our events provide marketing to a targeted audience, leading potential new customers to you.

Please consider becoming an event sponsor today. Contact Michele Harra via email at mharra@indyde.org or by phone at 302-239-0330.

Presenting Sponsor

WSFS CARES Foundation Quill Sponsor

Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists

Star Sponsor

Evergreen Waste Services, LLC (Marcus Stevens) Gordon, Fournaris & Mammarella, P.A. (Rob Harra) Keen Compressed Gas Co. (Bryan Keen) Tiger Kicks Martial Arts (Hayoung Seo and Mi Jung Choi)

Patriot Sponsor

Alpine and Rafetto Orthodontics (Mark Fiss, DMD) AmPhil Clarfeld Citizens Private Wealth Cover & Rossiter Dewson Construction Company Erin N. Macko DDS Family Dental Care G. Fedale Roofing & Siding Giordano, DelCollo, Werb & Gagne, LLC Grey Fox Wealth Advisors David Kubacki and Grace Kwon SB Real Estate, LLC (Jeff Shahan) Service Unlimited, Inc. Doug and Shannon Schneider Turf Pro, Inc. Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP (Vincent Thomas, Esq., Dan Johnson, Esq., Ed Morton, Esq., Rob Poppiti, Esq., and Tim Houseal, Esq.)

Blue Sponsor

Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center Cook Family Dentistry Dann Marine Towing D’Souza & Associates, Inc. The Falkowski Group | Delaware Real Estate IFS Benefits, LLC David and Reid Nichols Padua Academy Pratt Insurance, Inc. Sanford School The Tatnall School Tower Hill School Wilmington Friends School

Spirit Head of School

Mr. Timothy P. Costello

Board of Trustees 2023–2024

Mrs. Amelia Julian Wyant ’90 President Mrs. Kristin Giffin Vice President Mrs. Bianca Fraser-Johnson Secretary Mr. William Doroh Treasurer Mr. Kevin Dombrowski Ms. Carrie Fang Mr. Thomas Hanna Dr. Mia Papas ’86 Mr. Jeffrey Shahan Mrs. Mona Singh Dr. Deepika Thacker Mr. Vincent Thomas, Esq. Mrs. Rachel Wood

Advisory Board Command Master Chief Charles Baldwin Mr. Robert J.A. Fraser Mrs. Sally Gore Mr. Vincent N. Greggo Dean Gary T. Henry Mrs. Patricia A. Ireland Mr. Francis Julian Mr. Richard Julian Mrs. Barbara Kraus-Blackney Mrs. Lisa Ramone

Spirit Production

Red Sponsor

Michele Harra Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management

BCM Wealth Management

Claire Brechter Director of Marketing and Communications

Andrew J. Glick, M.D., Brandywine Urology Consultants, P.A.

White Sponsor

Aloysius Butler & Clark American Dance Academy Archmere Academy Mara Puglisi Holistic Health Saint Mark’s High School The Ed Morton Family The Vince Thomas Family White Clay Insurance

Julie Goldston Advancement Manager Kylie Tarburton Communications Specialist Kelsh Wilson Design

Graduation picture: Kelli Wilke Photography

Congratulations

Class of 2023!

T H E I N D E PE N D E N C E S C H O O L.O R G

1 300 PA P E R M I L L R O A D, N E WA R K , D E 1 9 7 1 1

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE. T H E I N D E P E N D E N C E S C H O O L .O R G