Recognize this space? Check page 38 to see if you are correct!
Thank you to Karen-Lee Brofee, Susan Janes-Johnson and Amanda Singleton Hay ‘95 who are rotating off the Board of Trustees. Your time, dedication, wisdom, and creativity have made an incredible impact on the WFS community, and you will be missed.
Welcome to our new trustees!
Mylea Aiken and her husband, Saiquan, have been active members of the WFS community for five years, and their children, Dominic ’32 and Devin ’37 attend the lower school. Mylea previously worked as the Marketing and Sales Director at a memory care assisted living community. She currently volunteers at WFS in numerous capacities, including as Clerk of Emmanuel Dining Room and a parent ambassador.
Akin Odutola is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with more than 25 years of experience across research and development finance, supply chain, market access, and pricing strategy. He has held leadership roles at AstraZeneca, Human Genome Sciences, AmerisourceBergen, and most recently served as President of Nuvaila Pharmaceuticals and Optum Specialty Distribution, subsidiaries of UnitedHealth Group. Akin and his wife, Stephanie, have three children, Hunter ’32, Sebastian ’38, and Emilia ’41.
Hillary Patterson, a business and finance attorney at a firm based in Richmond, Virginia, is a former WFS student who returned to the Wilmington area with her family. Hillary and her husband, Jed, have two daughters––Caroline ’32 and Nell ’34––and actively participate in school life. In her spare time, Hillary enjoys outdoor activities, gardening, and annual camping trips to Maine.
Oliver Yeh ’86 brings a wide-ranging background in education, the arts, business, and nonprofit leadership. His career spans roles from art gallery director to graphic designer, and from cold-caller to co-founder of the Future Sports Stars Foundation. A passionate advocate for public Montessori education, he co-chaired the team that established Delaware’s first public Montessori school. Oliver and his wife, Helen, live in Delaware; their son Bruno ’22 studies architecture at Syracuse University.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jennifer G. Brady, Clerk
Robert W. Friz ‘86, Vice Clerk
Scott W. Gates ‘80, Treasurer
Dorothy E. Rademaker, Secretary
William Chapman
Erin Brownlee Dell ‘89
Meg Erskine ‘83
Brian Fahey
Darryl Ford
Richard D. Grier-Reynolds
Susan Kelley
Vinay Maheshwari
Jacqueline Nix
Kelly Snyder O’Donnell ‘93
Akintola Odutola
Hillary Patterson
Debbie Pittenger
Dwayne Redd
David Tennent
Larry Van Meter
Oliver Yeh ‘86
Ex-Officio Members
Kenneth E. Aldridge Head of School
Mylea Aiken Home and School Association Board Liaison
Ray Osbun ‘71 Alumni Association Board Liaison
ALUMNI BOARD
Andy McEnroe ‘04, Clerk
Wyatt Thompson ‘15, Vice Clerk
Stanita Clarke ‘06
Michael Dalton ‘05
Raven Harris Diacou ‘06
Emily David Hershman ‘09
Maddie Ireland ‘16
Matt Lang ‘08
Jonathan Layton ‘86
Christopher Lee ‘82
Adrienne Monley ‘02
Raymond Osbun ‘71
Margeaux Pantano ‘16
Richie Rockwell ‘02
Thomas Scott ‘70
James Simon ‘60
Photography: Thanks to Elisa Morris, Angie Gray, Julia Morse Forester ’00, Mary Woodward, the yearbook staff, and WFS Faculty & Staff for photo contributions. Staff photographers are Susan Morovati Finizio ‘87, Laura Kirk Kurz ’97, and Jake Myers. Cover photo by Elisa Morris Photography.
ADMINISTRATION
Head of School: Kenneth Aldridge
Assistant to the Head of School: Lauryn Satterfield
Assistant Head for Academics: Eddie Gallagher
Director of Finance and Operations: ShaQuan Buffaloe
Head of Lower School: Chris Loeffler ’00
Head of Middle School: Jonathan Huxtable
Head of Upper School: J. R. Neiswender
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid: Melissa Brown
Director of Advancement Strategy and Communications: Susan Morovati Finizio ’87
Interim Director of Development: Tina DiSabatino
Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement: Erica Childs
Please send any comments or corrections to info@wilmingtonfriends.org.
Ken and “the crew” commemorated the lower school renovation kickoff with a fun video (which also supports fundraising efforts). Scan to watch the video!
Returning to campus last April after my
sabbatical was both humbling and energizing. I was filled with gratitude for the time away; for the incredible work of our administrators, faculty, and staff in my absence; and the joy of returning to a community that is moving forward with clarity and purpose.
As we enter our 277th year, long-anticipated ideas are taking shape in tangible, exciting ways. The lower school transformation, years in the making, is now a reality. Walls came tumbling down the day after students left for the summer, the learning cottages were installed, and we are eagerly anticipating our students’ excitement when they return to campus and see the progress already made.
Equally transformative is the rollout of our strategic plan, which is made up of five “Compass Points” to guide us as we focus on refining and implementing initiatives. Through this plan, we are choosing to double down on the principles that have shaped our school for generations: mindfulness, community, student empowerment, and purposeful innovation. See page 17 for more information.
Many moments from my sabbatical will stay with me, including an unexpected snowfall in Santa Fe during an experiential learning conference, time with family in California, and a solo trip to Cape May that reminded me of how powerful time alone can be. The many places I visited while away, including the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta, reminded me of the importance of civic life, connection, empathy, and storytelling. These themes were also present when we welcomed this year’s Nathan M. Clark speaker, Emily Esfahani Smith. A writer and researcher, Emily’s insights on meaning–drawn from psychology, philosophy, and spiritual traditions–reminded us that belonging, purpose, transcendence, and the stories we tell about our lives are essential. Her message resonated with our community and echoed the work we do at WFS every day.
The importance of connection was evident at the Class of 2025 commencement. This remarkable group of students, now alumni, displays maturity, diversity of thought, and an abiding respect for each other. Their teachers pushed them to be stronger writers, thinkers, and risktakers, and they responded with perseverance and a clear sense of purpose. They are ready to lead, and we can’t wait to see the impact they make.
None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of the WFS community. Your generosity makes our work possible: nurturing curious minds and thoughtful leaders, all in a community grounded in Quaker values. Thank you for your belief and investment in us.
In friendship, Ken
Ken Aldridge Head of School
Pictured Above: During his sabbatical, Ken stopped in Hilton Head to kick off a 14-day trip through South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Alumni News
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Wilmington Friends School Alumni Association, I want to extend warm congratulations to the Class of 2025. We’re thrilled to welcome you into the alumni community and look forward to celebrating future milestones with you. As you head into this next chapter, we hope you carry the lessons and values of WFS with you—and please don’t be a stranger!
It has been another meaningful and energizing year at Wilmington Friends. From strong athletic seasons and academic achievements to countless examples of service and leadership, our school community continues to shine. We’re especially proud to have raised $960,481 this year for the Annual Fund—thank you for making this possible! These resources help sustain the programs and Quaker values that define a Friends education.
One of the most exciting developments this year is the launch of the Lower School Renovation project, a bold investment in the future of WFS. Construction is now underway, with completion expected in spring 2026. We can’t wait to share the progress with you and look forward to the inspiration this new space will bring to our youngest learners for generations to come.
Looking ahead, I hope you’ll join us for Homecoming on October 3-4, 2025. We have fun events planned all weekend, including our All Alumni & Friends Reunion, Awards Reception, and Celebration of Emeritus Football Coach Bob Tattersall on Friday evening. This event is a wonderful opportunity to see the school, reconnect with classmates, and celebrate those in our community who are truly letting their lives speak. I’m pleased to share this year’s Alumni Award Recipients:
Distinguished Alumnus Award: Bruce Baganz ’69
Outstanding Service Alumna Award: Lesley Dennis Tryon ’71
Young Alumna Award: TyLisa Johnson ’13
More information about Homecoming Weekend can be found at wilmingtonfriends.org/alumni/homecoming.
Thank you for reading and for being an important part of the WFS community. I hope to see you on campus soon.
In Friendship,
Andy
Andy McEnroe ’04 Clerk, Wilmington Friends School Alumni Association
Bruce Baganz ’69 | Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
Wilmington Friends School is thrilled to honor Bruce P. Baganz ’69 as our Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, celebrating his remarkable leadership and impact across business, science, and the arts and humanities. A visionary in the world of textile arts, Bruce serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees at The Textile Museum in Washington, DC, where his leadership has transformed the institution’s financial standing, facilities, and global reach. He also chairs the Near Eastern Art Research Center and serves in key roles at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, George Washington University Museum, and the University of South Carolina. His dedication to preserving and promoting textile arts has earned him some of the field’s highest honors, including the prestigious George Hewitt Myers Award and the Joseph V. McMullan Award. Currently, Bruce is preparing what is anticipated to be a landmark publication on Central Asian suzani embroideries, further cementing his legacy in the arts.
Bruce’s distinguished career extends beyond the arts into the fields of business and science. As President & CEO of Security Energy Company and former executive at publicly traded companies. Bruce built one of the petroleum industry’s top exploration track records. A respected geologist, he earned his Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of South Carolina and co-authored influential research recognized internationally. His philanthropic spirit shines through the endowment funds he and his wife, Terry, have established to support geology education and museum exhibitions. Bruce’s enduring passion for discovery also includes building significant fossil collections donated to major museums. Wilmington Friends School is proud to celebrate Bruce’s lifelong achievements and his embodiment of the values we hold dear — leadership, scholarship, and service to the global community.
Lesley Dennis Tryon ’71 | Outstanding Service Award Recipient
Lesley Dennis Tryon ’71 has dedicated more than three decades of service to Wilmington Friends School, where she has been a steadfast leader in the Business Office, most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Finance. Known for her patience, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the school community, Lesley has been the go-to person for employees and families alike—whether guiding staff through benefits enrollment, ensuring timely payroll, assisting families with billing questions, or keeping daily operations running smoothly during leadership transitions. In 2022, her outstanding contributions were nationally recognized when she received the Professional Achievement Award from the National Business Officers Association, honoring her distinguished service to both the school and the broader independent school community.
Beyond her work at WFS, Lesley has been a passionate advocate and leader in the nonprofit sector. She serves as President of the Board for Survivors of Abuse in Recovery (SOAR), where her ethical leadership and dedication have been instrumental in expanding recovery and mental health services for survivors. She is also an Officer on the Board for Friends of Bellevue State Park, serving as Treasurer, where her stewardship has supported the preservation and enhancement of one of Delaware’s treasured green spaces. A loyal donor and parent of alumni from the WFS Classes of ’06 and ’08, Lesley embodies the spirit of service and community that defines Wilmington Friends School. Her tireless dedication has left an indelible mark on WFS and the many organizations she serves, reflecting the Quaker values that have guided her throughout her career.
TyLisa C. Johnson ’13 | Young Alumna of the Year
TyLisa C. Johnson is an award-winning journalist and poet from Wilmington, Delaware. Currently, she is the audience engagement producer at the Poynter Institute. Over the past decade, she has built a career at the intersection of editorial storytelling, audience strategy and community-focused journalism. As a reporter, she wrote about a range of social and cultural subjects including hunger, travel, the Philadelphia library system and pandemic education at publications including Carnegie Magazine, The Tampa Bay Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Dallas Morning News, The Points Guy, and PublicSource. Her work has also reached audiences through guest appearances on various podcasts and radio shows, including Pittsburgh’s WESA 90.5, Philadelphia’s WHYY, and CityCast Pittsburgh.
Prior to Poynter, she was the first audience engagement editor at PublicSource, an investigative nonprofit newsroom based in Pittsburgh, PA. She accepted the role following more than a year reporting about Pittsburgh’s school district, students’ need insecurities, how COVID changed Pittsburgh’s educational experience, and the continued criminalization of students at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A proud graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism, where she earned top honors, she was selected as a reporting fellow for the 2017 New York Times Student Journalism Institute and later became a member of the inaugural Lenfest Fellowship class at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
(Photograph by Chris Kozlowski of Poynter)
Two Friends School Airmen
by Terence Maguire, WFS Archivist
FROM THE ARCHIVES
In May 1945, the Friends Alumni Bulletin sent out its May issue. Though the Alumni Association was over 50 years old at the time, strangely, the School had only recently (in May 1941), begun issuing an alumni publication. This May ’45 issue had news of alumni involved in World War II, including the deaths of Bill Gawthrop and Alan Mancill, both from the class of 1943. The lead story, however, was about Lieutenant John M. Mendinhall, class of 1939 (pictured far left), who was a fighter pilot of the Third Marine Air Corps, operating from an aircraft carrier. This photo of John and his fighter plane adorned the first of the AB’s six pages.
John Mendinhall wrote an extensive letter to Headmaster Wilmot Jones, portions of which were excerpted in the article. He wrote of being subjected to a typhoon, observing the shelling and land invasions of enemy-held islands, and taking photos of tracer-bullets flashing through night-time flights.
John was a birthright Friend, the scion of a long line of Quaker Mendinhalls that first came to this region in the very early 18th C. Like many young Quakers during times of war, he made the decision to go against one of the strongest beliefs held by Friends—never to participate in war. Often young Quakers found ways to serve their country without fighting. The American Friends Service Committee, an organization that was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1947, was originally founded by young men who drove ambulances and manned hospitals during World War I. One 21st C. WFS graduate, a Quaker, served in Iraq as a counselor for soldiers, wearing a uniform and carrying a rifle, but declining to keep it loaded.
Across the centuries, however, other young Quakers fought. John flew a fighter plane, and his letter refers to a Japanese bomber going down in flames … perhaps from his bullets?
The next issue of the Alumni Bulletin in December explained that, just as the May issue was published, news arrived that John had been killed in action over Okinawa. The note spoke of his courage, devotion to duty, and magnetic personality, manifested at both Friends School and Marine Corps. As a result, his classmates of 1939 created the award “in recognition of his high ideals and his service to Friends School, awarded to that member of the graduating class who is considered to have done the most for the school.” The first recipient was Richard Heald, ’46, another birthright Friend. The great majority of the recipients over the years have not been Quakers.
From time to time, members of our community have questioned the appropriateness of having the School’s highest honor being given in memory of a Friend who chose not to follow such a fundamental tenet of Quaker faith. As advi-
sor to the Whittier Miscellany for twelve years, I witnessed two to three earnest discussions of this topic, proposed by staff members who were advocating an editorial expressing the staff’s disapproval. Those editorials did not achieve consensus.
Because John Mendinhall’s name arises at the end of each school year, the story of his service and his example is somewhat known within our community. Recently, however, in scanning old issues of the Whittier, I came across a parallel situation: that of Richard Pilling, Class of 1913 (pictured immediate left), who was also a pilot, during World War I. Once again, the source was a letter from this alumnus to a school publication: the Whittier itself. (For many decades, only the Whittier published alumni news: college achievements, marriages, births, promotions, death.)
Richard T. Pilling, (apparently not a Quaker) graduated from Princeton in 1917 and wanted to serve once America had entered into WWI, in May, 1917. At that outset of America’s participation, there was no U.S. air corps, and so those eager to serve and to fly learned to do so with French or British air corps. In Pilling’s case, it was the French, and most of the letter to the Whittier was about learning to take off, fly safely, and land somewhere over the Loire River Valley.
He described his third test flight, during which he wore every piece of clothing he owned and reached 3000 meters in altitude, where it was so cold “the four fingers of my right hand stung like nettles.” Eventually, according to his obituary in May, 1971, he became (again like Mendinhall) a first lieutenant of the First Aero Squadron France, a group of American flyers. (Below is a photo of the entire group.)
The first Whittier Miscellany of April 1895 was a literary magazine, with short stories, poems, and essays. Increasingly over its first thirty years, it came to include school sports results and alumni news. In the three years before the U.S. entry into WWI, Whittier writings reflected almost no interest in that war across the Atlantic—not even in the March, 1917, issue. After May, 1917, however, and for several years, almost every Whittier story, poem, or essay dwelt on that struggle. Editor Richard Cooch ’19, prefacing the Pilling letter, wrote that “there is small wonder that the writings of authors and poets the world over are being shaped and molded by its mighty force,” including writers and poets within Friends School classrooms.
Happily, Richard Pilling survived World War I and went on to become a successful business executive for the McCormick Corporation—the spice company. He had a position as liaison between McCormick and the government during WWII. In his retirement he spent time supporting the United Fund and the Maryland School of the Blind.
Class of 2025
Front row | (sitting) Lucia Cericola, Payton Altland, Ali Sanfrancesco, Avery Martinenza, Layla Baynes, Greta Munch, Anya Agarwal, Sawyer Rowland, Ryann Smith, Elizabeth Pisano, Reese Bryson
Second row | Evie Rademaker, Ella Morton, Brina Abere, Temi Lufadeju, Nora Hughes, Gigi Facciolo, Ellie Driscoll, Amelia Rolls, Emma Larsen, Lauren Toner, Mia Davenport, Sofia Hasse-Mas, Piper Kendle, Lulu Cochran, Maddie Schaen, Sage Miller, Maggie Royer, Kat Pitts, Irene Kirifides
Third row | Andrew Forman, Jack Heckles, Buzz McGuire, Jillian Farley, Kato Connor, Silas Montana, Lilly Zawadzkas, Noah Gibbons, Scarlett Burleigh, Greta Slease, Carter Fenimore, Ujay Bhuva, Conner Verbanas, Nife Shoyinka
Back Row | Gabe Fletcher, Cooper Jones, Matthew Morrison, Eamonn Grubb, Joey Winchell, Antonios Tangalidis, Steven Kozikowski, Brandon Jones, Logan Scott, Ryan Tattersall, Braeden Pantano, Noah Stollman, Lorne McDonnell, Tripp Young, Brian Gainer, Drew Kwoka, Connor Terribile
Congratulations Class of 2025!
Members of the class are listed below with service project/agency, and senior exploration topics.
Brina Abere
Communication and Media Ministry
Learning Swahili
Anya Agarwal Tennis Rocks
Creating a mural
Payton Altland
Friends School Mullica Hill and QUEST Panama Service Trip Stitching and crocheting
Layla Baynes
Eyeball It!® Auto mechanics
Ujay Bhuva
QUEST Panama Service Trip Fishing
Reese Bryson Boys and Girls Club
Graphic Design
Scarlett Burleigh
Ronald McDonald House
Working with children
Lucia Cericola
QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip DJ-ing
Lulu Cochran
ChristianaCare Physical Therapy
Kato Connor
QUEST El Paso Service Trip
Law
Mia Davenport
QUEST Panama Service Trip Making and repairing clothes
Ellie Driscoll
QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip Neuroscience/brain health
Gigi Facciolo
Humane Animal Partners Music industry
Jillian Farley
Best Buddies Camp Nursing
Carter Fenimore
QUEST El Paso and Panama Service Trips Camping and survival skills
Gabe Fletcher
New Castle County Youth Planning Board
Building a boat
Andrew Forman Ferris Center
Auto mechanics
Brian Gainer
Brandywine Valley SPCA
Brandywine Valley SPCA
Noah Gibbons
Ronald McDonald House
Living a healthier lifestyle
Eamonn Grubb
Riverview Cemetery Writing and illustrating
Sofia Hasse-Mas
QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip
Playing flamenco guitar
Jack Heckles
QUEST El Paso Service Trip Camping and survival skills
Nora Hughes
QUEST Acadia National Park Service Trip Learning sign language
Brandon Jones
Down Syndrome Association Delaware Physical therapy
Cooper Jones
Brandywine Valley SPCA
Cooking techniques
Piper Kendle
QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip
Exercise and meditation
Irene Kirifides
QUEST Acadia National Park Service Trip
Physical therapy
Steven Kozikowski
Global Works Spain Hiking
Drew Kwoka
QUEST Panama Service Trip
Fishing
Emma Larsen Tennis Rocks
Golf
Temi Lufadeju
Delaware Department of Justice Law
Avery Martinenza
QUEST Panama Service Trip
Working in a lab
Lorne McDonnell
QUEST El Paso Service Trip Criminal justice
Buzz McGuire
BillionGraves Lacrosse and skills
Sage Miller
QUEST Panama Service Trip Architecture and physically drawn work
Silas Montana
The Journey Teaching history
Matthew Morrison
The Magnus Foundation
Learning the bass
Ella Morton
Humane Animal Partners Hippotherapy for special needs kids
Greta Munch
QUEST El Paso and Panama Service Trips Medicine
Braeden Pantano
QUEST Panama Service Trip Learning Portuguese
Elizabeth Pisano
Ronald McDonald House Culture and community
Kat Pitts
QUEST El Paso Service Trip and Habitat for Humanity
Mindfulness through physical activity
Evie Rademaker
QUEST Dominican Republic Service Trip
Learning the Ukulele
Amelia Rolls Hope Center
Learning to travel
Sawyer Rowland Strive Leadership Efficient typing
Maggie Royer
QUEST El Paso Service Trip Shadowing a Golf Pro
Ali Sanfrancesco Eyeball It!® and QUEST Panama Service Trip Tech-free activities
Maddie Schaen Eyeball It!® Sourdough baking
Logan Scott Future Aviators
Being a pilot
Nife Shoyinka Wow! Science Making music
Greta Slease Girls on the Run Sewing
Ryann Smith
QUEST Panama Service Trip
Compiling tips for WFS seniors
Noah Stollman
Upchieve Upchieve
Antonios Tangalidis
QUEST Panama Service Trip Losing weight
Ryan Tattersall Down Syndrome Association of Delaware Golf
Connor Terribile Centreville Layton School Guitar
Lauren Toner
WFS summer camp Driving a manual car
Conner Verbanas
William Hicks Anderson Center Orthopedic surgery
Joey Winchell
WFS summer camp Fishing
Tripp Young
QUEST Acadia National Park Service Trip
Achieving a ‘4X4X48’
Lilly Zawadzkas
WFS Lost and Found Shadow at Tiffany’s & Co
Class of 2025 College Choices
American University • Babson College • Barnard College
Boston University (2) • Brown University • Bucknell University
Catholic University of America • Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University (3) • College of the Holy Cross • Elon University
Franklin & Marshall College • George Washington University
Harvard University • Immaculata University • James Madison University
Kenyon College • Lafayette College • Lehigh University (2)
Merrimack College • Mount Holyoke College • New York University
Norwich University • Penn State University (Berks) • Purdue University
Rochester Institute of Technology (3) • Rowan University Saint Joseph’s University • Santa Clara University
Sewanee: The University of the South (2) • The Taft School
The University of Tampa • The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
University of California (Los Angeles) • University of Delaware (4)
University of Kentucky (2) • University of Miami • University of Michigan (2)
University of Mississippi • University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of Pennsylvania • University of Pittsburgh
University of Rochester • Vanderbilt University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University • Wake Forest University
Williams College • Xavier University of Louisiana
Tracey Quillen Carney ’80
Commencement Speaker and First Lady of Delaware
Remarks from Julie Rodowsky
Commencement Speaker and former
WFS Head of Lower School
Good evening graduates, families, faculty,
and friends. It is an absolute honor to be with you today. To be honest, I have been fretting about this day for months. Luckily, many of my loved ones have reminded me that no one ever remembers their high school commencement speaker. Whew! I feel better now. Though I don’t know all of you personally, I have kept track of you through my continued connections to Friends and the news I get from social media. Not in a creepy way of course, but if there is a WFS account of any type on any platform, I am a follower!
Some pre-Instagram memories stand out, of course: I remember the two Ryans (Tattersall and Smith) forging a quick friendship in our first grade home room, connecting around creative ways to make their classmates laugh. I remember sweet Elder Buddy visits, the second grade Wax Museum and the chorus of All God’s critters bouncing off the walls of the lower school meeting room. The fifth grade musical, Space Pirates, was Teacher Katie’s first production at Friends, and revealed a few young stars in the making. I vividly remember intense, competitive games at recess, especially soccer. More than once I found myself explaining to students that I wasn’t a referee and this wasn’t FIFA!
As you moved through middle and high school, I watched with delight as your interests and experiences broadened, and your unique identities began to take shape. Some of you who struggled to produce a sound on your instruments in fourth grade built confidence during Homecoming halftime shows, and wound up improvising solos in the Jazz Band. Friends who needed support to see a peer’s differing point of view joined the teams for Mock Trial or Ethics Bowl. And all of you who were just beginning to understand yourselves as learners in lower school blossomed into confident writers, mathematicians, artists, scientists, and critical thinkers, stretching yourselves, and challenging your teachers to see and ignite your potential.
As much as you made an impression on me, personally, and on our community, as a group of strong (and strong-willed) individuals, you have made an even greater impression as a class whose wide range of personalities, passions and talents have created a collective energy that propelled you forward and upward together.
It’s no surprise to me that the Class of ’25 is so accomplished, a reflection of your incredible drive and the influence of the many people that have been part of your development. Indeed, all of us here today, including parents, teachers, coaches, and yours truly, are busting their buttons, reflecting on the legacy you leave: on the field, in the classroom, on the stage and in the larger community. Perhaps most importantly, we honor the ways you embody the testimonies in your everyday lives.
While it would be easy to continue to sing your praises, I have a responsibility to try to impart some wisdom in my remarks today. Over the past few months, two simple phrases have continued to assert themselves in my mind. The first is a saying that you may have heard before: "As way opens."
This traditional phrase embodies the Quaker belief that if we approach life with patience and attentiveness, paths forward will reveal themselves in time. It suggests that we should "proceed as way opens" –waiting for guidance, avoiding hasty judgments, and moving forward as circumstances allow.
Though I have only recently come to realize it, the phrase aptly describes the largely unintentional approach that has shaped my life. I got to adulting pretty quickly after college. My first job was at a small ad agency in New York City. There wasn't really enough work to keep me busy there, and after a few months, I got a job in the children's book department at Farrar, Straus and Giroux. I was very busy there, reading through hundreds of mostly bad slush pile manuscripts, typing rejection letters on an old manual typewriter and answering the phones in the office. One time it was Roald Dahl on the line!
I loved that job, but alas, I realized pretty quickly that New York City was not for me. I moved back to Baltimore, got married and began to build a life with my husband. I took a job at an all-girls high school, working in communications and admissions. For a short time, I was able to bring my baby to work. Neither I nor the high schoolers were very productive in that scenario!
We moved to Wilmington, Delaware three months before our second child was born. While my husband built a career at MBNA, and then Bank of America, I found jobs that allowed me the most flexibility, often working where our children were in school. First as a volunteer, then as a part-time assistant and finally, as a pre-kindergarten teacher, I was gradually building a resume, and discovering a passion for working with children.
I first came to Friends in 2002, just as I was finishing my masters degree in Elementary Education and awaiting a student-teaching placement in the public school system. By chance, a parent at the preschool where I was teaching mentioned a program at Wilmington Friends School that offered full-year paid internships for new or aspiring teachers. That sounded great to me: I didn’t know a thing about Friends despite it being three miles from my home, but I did know that my public school placement would be unpaid and only six weeks long.
When I was offered the position as an associate teacher in kindergarten, I jumped at the chance, and I was hired the next year as a 2nd grade lead teacher. I was short on lower school teaching, but possessed real-life training as a Girl Scout leader, softball coach, summer swim team parent rep, and parent of three elementary-aged children. Several years later, when asked to move to first grade I reluctantly said yes. I already knew that Friends was where I wanted to continue to grow, but I really loved my confident, competent second graders. First grade students, especially in September, seemed so young! How would they ever be able to write poetry or do Readers Theater or appreciate Ramona the Pest? Luckily, I found my first grade groove in year two, and soon felt like I had found my forever home.
But another way opened when our former head of school, who sometimes popped into my classroom, and with whom I had served on a few all-school committees, asked me one day if I had ever considered becoming an administrator. That was not my dream or my ambition, but with his encouragement, I applied to be the assistant head of lower school when the position became available. It was only the second formal interview process I had been through as an adult, and I learned so much about myself, and the larger Friends community, in that experience. I did not get the job at that time, and I happily (and with a bit of relief) continued to learn and grow as a classroom teacher.
I also sought to expand my perspective and skill set by serving as Faculty meeting clerk, working on the school’s accreditation committee, and pursuing professional development outside of Friends. When the position opened up again, I was more prepared and more confident in my candidacy. Fast forward a few years and I found myself in the role of the Head of Lower School. Throughout these stages in my professional development, I continued to be motivated and sustained by the relationships I formed with the students, colleagues and families with whom I interacted. What an incredible gift!
Looking back, I recognize and appreciate the combination of timing, necessity, and good fortune that has guided me in my pursuit of joy and purpose. In its embrace of reflection and its commitment to discernment, a Quaker education has prepared you to seek lives of purpose, as well. Whether you already know what your path might be, or if like me, you find your calling later in life, the phrase "as way opens" reminds us that sometimes the wisest course is to wait, to listen deeply, and to trust that clarity will come. Author, educator and activist Parker Palmer puts it this way in his book: Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation: “Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you. Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.”
The second phrase I want to share comes from a very different tradition. Some of you know that I am a die-hard Baltimore sports fan. When we moved back home after 30 years in Wilmington, we chose to live close enough to the stadiums downtown to be able to walk to Orioles and Ravens games. Many a cold Sunday you can find my husband
and I, along with a gaggle of siblings, nieces and nephews in the stands of M&T Bank Stadium.
We know it’s getting close to kickoff when the announcer broadcasts the litany of stadium procedures and rules. Finally, the Fans Credo is projected on the big screen, a straightforward directive that sums up the expectations for all in attendance: Here’s how it goes: Have fun, root hard, show respect for the fans around you, but… don't be a jerk! The last phrase always thunders through the stadium as tens of thousands of fans put voice to its beautiful simplicity.
While "as way opens" guides how we discern our path, "don't be a jerk" guides how we walk that path.
This phrase reminds us that regardless of our achievements, our status, or our circumstances, the measure of our character lies in how we treat others. It calls us to move through the world with humility, consideration, and respect.
Living by this principle requires intentional effort and self-awareness. One of the most effective ways to build this awareness is to surround ourselves with people who model anti-jerk behavior, and who will check us when necessary. These trusted friends, family members, or colleagues serve as our accountability mirrors, honest and unsparing. I imagine you have these people in your life already. Keep them close!
Another way to not be a jerk is to develop the discipline to listen to understand. This skill is another hallmark of your Friends education. I recall the laminated guide to facilitating an I-to-I conversation that was posted on the wall in my classroom. I referred to that guide often as students experienced inevitable conflicts and hurt feelings.
I used to think that the main benefit of the I-to-I was to help students assert their feelings, even if it took several tries to get from “You’re mean!” to “I felt frustrated when …” Over time, however, it became clear that the most powerful part of the I-to-I was in having students acknowledge the impact their actions had on their friend, and the opportunity to make things right. When you think about it, the I-to-I conflict resolution model is an anti-jerk training device!
For the last twenty-five years, I have had the privilege of listening to and learning about children: their big dreams and their small moments. It’s easy to practice curiosity when the question, “Can I tell you something?” is the default greeting, repeated many times every day. And, whatever the child has to tell, it’s likely to charm, not challenge.
So I recognize that it’s not that simple when the person in front of you is a stranger or perhaps someone you think you know well enough to consider “other” or unworthy. Get curious, anyway. One of my mentors taught me the elegant power in the phrases, “I notice” and “I wonder.” I encourage you to keep these nuggets handy as you encounter people who might challenge your assumptions or your patience. Whether you started at Friends as a toddler or a teenager, the expectations for you are spelled out in the mission of the school: “to seek truth, to value justice and peace, and to act as creative, independent thinkers with a conscious responsibility to the good of all.”
Class of 2025, you are ready to continue to live out this mission. May your paths open before you in unexpected and wonderful ways. Walk them with courage, letting your light shine, and carrying the love and good wishes of all of us here today. Thank you and Congratulations!
Final Assembly 2025
Academic & Community Awards
The Charles W. Bush, Class of 1900, Award | Honors juniors who “most clearly demonstrate the School’s ideals of character, scholarship, and service” | Cora Lohkamp ‘26 and Emily Rissolo ‘26
Howard W. Starkweather, Jr., Class of 1944, Award | Recognizing students who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service | Avery Martinenza ’25 and Tripp Young ’25
John Marshall Mendinhall II, Class of 1939, Memorial Award | Recognizing the graduating senior considered to have done the most for Friends School | Greta Munch ’25
Amanda Spackman Gehret, Class of 1951, Memorial Mathematics Award | Gabe Fletcher ’25 and Piper Kendle ‘25
Eden Wales ’99 English Award | Lucia Cericola ‘25 and Mia Davenport ‘25
Jordan Wales ’97 History Award | Lucia Cericola ‘25 and Ali Sanfrancesco ‘25
Robert P. Hukill, Class of 1949, Science Award | Aubrey Ashman ‘26 and Cora Lohkamp ‘26
Upper School World Language Award | Erin Brobyn ‘26 and Rose Mulveny ‘26
At Final Assembly, we gathered to honor the Class of 2025, recognizing this year’s Malone Scholar, Brina Abere. Academic and Community Awards as well as Distinctive Service recognitions were given. Greta Munch ’25 and Ryan Tattersall ’25 gave remarks, as chosen by their classmates. Reese Bryson ’25 and Jillian Farley ’25 announced that the 2025 yearbook was dedicated to Stephanie Torres, WFS Food Service staff member extraordinaire. Alumni Board member Wyatt Thompson ’15 presented the class with their senior scroll, and we learned that Avery Martinenza and Greta Munch are our ’25 alumni class agents!
Wyeth Brothers Performing Arts Award | Lorne McDonnell ‘25 and Ella Morton ‘25
Wyeth Brothers Visual Arts Award | Sage Miller ‘25 and Evie Rademaker ‘25
Front Row | Aubrey Ashman ‘26, Sage Miller ‘25, Rose Mulveny ‘26, Piper Kendle ‘25, Avery Martinenza ’25, Mia Davenport ‘25, Lucia Cericola ‘25, Erin Brobyn ‘26. Back Row | Cora Lohkamp ‘26, Ali Sanfrancesco ‘25, Emily Rissolo ‘26 , Lorne McDonnell ‘25, Greta Munch ’25, Tripp Young ’25, Ella Morton ‘25, Gabe Fletcher ’25, Evie Rademaker ‘25.
Alumni Families
Aine Grubb ’21, Amy Grubb, Caelen Grubb ’22, Eamonn Grubb ’25, Declan Grubb ’24, Teagan Grubb ’27, Kevin Grubb ’89, Jason Bonner.
Lindsay Rademaker Reinhold ’94, Rhys Rademaker ’22, Jarrett Rademaker ’96, Darcy Rademaker, Reid Rademaker ’90, Evie Rademaker ’25, Amy Rademaker.
Harrison Rowland ’29, Jennifer Rowland, Sawyer Roland ’25, Christopher Rowland ’95, Madeline Rowland ’23.
Susie Tattersall Davis ’84, Artie Kempner, Dianne Tattersall, Rob Tattersall ’91, Julie Tattersall ’82, Ryan Tattersall ’25, Robby Tattersall ’23, Bob Tattersall, Shannon Tattersall.
Jennifer Wolf Smith, Alisha Wolf Emerson ‘05, Brooks Emerson ‘36, Bennett Martinenza ‘29, Paige Emerson ‘34, Easton Martinenza ‘27, Sutton Martinenza ‘33, Katie Wolf Martinenza ‘99, Avery Martinenza ‘25, Dolly Bochenek Wolf ‘71, Laura Wolf ‘07.
Now is the time to seize a pivotal moment in education by empowering our students with a bold, dynamic program designed to prepare them for a future yet to be imagined. While this may require retiring traditional approaches to make way for new, Wilmington Friends School has always been a trailblazer in education, and we will continue to lead.
Strategic Planning Committee
Ken Aldridge, Clerk and Steering Committee
Susan Morovati Finizio ‘87, Clerk and Steering Committee
Darcy Rademaker, Steering Committee
David Tennent, Steering Committee
Jennifer Brady, Steering Committee
Bill Chapman
Erin Brownlee Dell '89
Tina DiSabatino
Charlie Donaghy ’95
Scott Gates '80
Susan Janes-Johnson
Chris Loeffler ‘00
Vinay Maheshwari
Kelly Snyder O'Donnell '93
Laura Pardo ‘90
Dwayne Redd
John Roskovensky
Sia Willie
Strategic Discovery
In 2024, Wilmington Friends School focused on Strategic Planning through thoughtful inquiry and community engagement.
Shu Shu Costa from Leadership + Design guided a comprehensive, community-rooted strategic planning process. This collaborative and reflective journey involved faculty, staff, students, families, board members, and administrators, all working together to shape a shared vision for the future of our school.
The process began with the formation of the Strategic Planning Team and Steering Committee, who grounded themselves in context and culture through school-based interviews and team-building exercises. From there, the team conducted extensive stakeholder interviews and hosted parent, faculty, and staff think tanks to uncover key questions and opportunities.
As the year progressed, the Strategic Planning Team engaged in deep inquiry, exploring areas such as peer school comparisons, emerging educational practices, and the unique strengths of our community. This work led to the creation of “Design Briefs” that framed the development of innovative and actionable ideas.
The fall featured a vibrant Community Design Day, where members of the school community came together to generate forward-thinking strategies aligned with our core values. Following this, the Strategic Planning Team synthesized the input into a draft strategic framework, presenting detailed goals and initiatives for feedback and refinement.
By the end of the year, the Steering Committee reviewed and iterated the plan, ultimately presenting it for Board approval.
Key Ideas
Science supports experiential learning.
Brain science and research show that experiential, hands-on learning allow students to engage in learning in ways that increase curiosity, creativity, and agency – capacities and mindsets that will prepare them for the future of lifelong learning and increase joy.
Science supports regular time outside.
Research shows that regular contact with the outdoors is necessary for students’ cognitive functioning, mental health, social interaction, resilience, attention restoration, and compassion for the environment (in addition to obvious physical benefits).
As teams worked together conducting research and analysis, the following key ideas emerged.
The world has changed for students and parents.
Student problem-solving, resilience, and resourcefulness look different than they did a generation or two ago. Students are wizzes at utilizing YouTube and forming online collaborations and communities, however, do they have similar experiences in the real world? There has also been a shift in the expectations and needs of families along with a shift in how teachers are reaching students and managing classrooms.
are innovative.
Quaker education is more important than ever.
Quaker education offers rigorous academics with depth, truly asking students to think critically, to collaborate, to be creative, to take risks. The Quaker values that have guided our school since its founding have increased relevance and power in today’s educational environment.
We can learn from others.
Through curriculum grants, summer stipends, and other professional development, many of our teachers continue our pioneering mindset, evolving their classrooms as new information emerges about learning and teaching. We are perfectly poised to further our innovations in a cohesive vision and plan to proactively provide a future-forward program that serves today’s students.
Our community connections are rich and deep.
Our alumni and families are engaged and productive citizens who can hold the door open for our students. Our local and global connections can provide priceless, real-world learning opportunities. Our teachers
Exploring innovative practices at other schools and staying informed about the latest research on educational advancements, student well-being, and innovative strategies for learning will be key to our thinking and planning.
Our values are critical in navigating the digital landscape.
The promise and reality of technology both opens up exciting opportunities and is another arena to build skills and hold firmly to our ethical, Quaker roots. Digital literacy and citizenship are critical in today’s world.
Financial sustainability is key.
Financial sustainability and support will be key to our efforts.
Compass Points
“Compass Points” reflect aspirations for the School, with flexible approaches for how, when, and to what extent we’ll reach them. Four Compass Teams are focusing on the areas listed below, and they will build on the work of the Strategic Planning Team to craft initiatives to support the achievement of these aspirations.
EMPOWERED STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Our approach to education focuses on empowering students through resilience, self-advocacy, and student voice. To continue this for today’s students, we will launch several initiatives to work in tandem with program enhancements to ensure our students are supported and families are partners.
A PROGRAM FOR TODAY’S WORLD
We will integrate opportunities for students to engage with real-world challenges by connecting them with the people actively addressing these issues. At the same time, we will cultivate their digital fluency—empowering them to harness technology, including AI, with efficiency, creativity, and ethical purpose.
A CONNECTED, VALUED, AND INSPIRED COMMUNITY
A strong community is at the center of our school. This diverse, interconnected, technological world calls upon us to re-envision and reaffirm how we define and strengthen our community, how we empower and inspire its members, and how we communicate our values. Our belief in “that of God in everyone” means that these connections are the most essential, and sometimes the most lasting, part of the Friends School experience.
REIMAGINED SPACES FOR COMMUNITY, WELLNESS, AND INNOVATION
New initiatives will energize our warm and creative community by building on what makes Wilmington Friends unique. We will take the essence of our school—the “secret sauce” that makes being here so special—and make it visible, concrete, and actionable. This distinctive feeling will be reflected in our spaces, and our spaces will be maximized for learning and connection.
Implementation
Following the completion of the strategic plan, we launched our implementation phase in June 2025, with Ken Aldridge, Susan Morovati Finizio ’87, and Jon Huxtable co-clerking.
We began with a Compass Team Leader meeting designed to build shared purpose and momentum. This summer, teams focused on key questions and reviewed possible initiatives related to their Compass points. In late August, the full Implementation Team will convene for a kickoff meeting, where team assignments will be shared and priorities set. Teams will engage in active research and early-stage prototyping—exploring best practices, gathering insights, and testing ideas that bring the strategic plan to life in tangible and meaningful ways.
In November, the full team will gather for an all-day session to present preliminary initiatives, share early prototypes, and receive feedback that will inform the next phase of development. This iterative approach continues in January 2026, when the Board will receive its first formal update, including progress on short-term initiatives and alignment with long-term goals.
In February, Compass Teams will present refined plans and prototypes to focus groups—including students, faculty/staff, parents, alumni, and alumni parents—to gather feedback and deepen community engagement. Teams will continue to refine their ideas and approaches through the spring, informed by ongoing research, dialogue, and testing.
By May 2026, teams will finalize both short-term actions and five-year strategic plans, and present year-to-date accomplishments and future goals to the Board. The year will conclude with internal presentations to faculty and staff in June, celebrating the work completed and reinforcing a shared commitment to the next phase of strategic progress.
This structured, collaborative, and forward-thinking implementation process ensures that Wilmington Friends School not only advances its strategic vision—but does so through inclusive inquiry, purposeful experimentation, and a deep commitment to lasting, mission-aligned impact.
Compass Teams
PROGRAM
Team Leaders:
Katy Kenney
Sean Kerrane
Gregg Miller
Tara Agne
Nick Childers
Sara Gaines
Karen Horikawa
Chris Loeffler '00
J.R. Neiswender
Nicholas Ordway
Laura Jersild Pardo '90
John Roskovensky
Sia Willie
STUDENTS
Team Leaders:
Logan Goodwin
Ginnie Jones
Melissa Brown
Scott Clothier
Julia Morse Forester '00
Eddie Gallagher
Shoshana Kaplan
Courtney Miller
Don Morton '94
Sarah O'Brien
John Schropp
Monika Simms
COMMUNITY
Team Leaders:
Laura Kirk Kurz ‘97
Katie Wolf Martinenza '99
Devon Adams
Erica Childs
Tina DiSabatino
Charlie Donaghy '95
Tami-Marie Gerber
Megan Hegenbarth
Susan Kelley
Aileen Maguire
Christy Pastro
SPACES
Team Leaders:
John Hanson
Sara Woodward '12
Melissa Brown
ShaQuan Buffaloe
Margaret Anne Butterfield
Brian Calio
Jaime Fontanazza
Tonya Green
Kate Hendrix
J.R. Neiswender
Kelly Snyder O'Donnell '93
Mary Woodward
Faculty News
Stella Mask Presents about the Neuroaffirming Classroom
Middle and Upper School Learning Resources Coordinator Stella Mask (pictured left) presented at the MCRC@ADVIS (Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools) DEIJB Conference. Her presentation, titled “Building a Neuroaffirming Classroom,” explored neuroaffirming language, strategies for creating an inclusive environment, and best practices for supporting neurodivergent students. Educators from across the ADVIS network appreciated Stella’s valuable insights!
Jianglin Shi Presents about Gamifying the Chinese Program
Middle school Chinese teacher Jianglin Shi (pictured left) attended the 2025 Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA) Annual Conference in New York City. Jianglin co-presented a session titled “Gamifying the Chinese Program With AI-Enhanced Learning and Hands-On Games,” highlighting innovative approaches to language instruction!
Lower School Assistant and Associate Teachers Participate in Professional Development Retreat
WFS Lower School assistant and associate teachers participated in a professional development retreat at Pendle Hill focused on deepening instructional practice and strengthening team collaboration.
Through guided dialogue and hands-on activities—including planting spring pots as a metaphor for the developmental work they do each day—teachers explored the vital role they play in fostering both the academic and social-emotional growth of students. The experience underscored the importance of intentional practice, shared purpose, and the foundational impact of the Lower School classroom environment.
College Guidance Counselors Visit with Alumni on the Road
From St. Louis to Boston, our College Guidance team was on the move this spring! Director Kathleen Martin connected over lunch with Aaron Hockstein ’24 and Devin Wallace ’24 at Washington University in St. Louis, and with Nick Winchell ’24 at Hampden-Sydney College, while Associate Director Rose Gnade caught up with Alex Saville ’21 at Gettysburg College. We love seeing our alumni and supporting our current students on their college journeys!
Retirements
Kristin Ragan joined the Wilmington Friends community in 2006 as a fourth grade teacher before shifting to fifth and then second grades during her 19 years with us. In each position, Kristin has demonstrated a dedication and commitment to her students that is second to none. Kristin is a masterful teacher who combines a deep respect for children with a love of the craft of teaching. Kristin’s care for her students, colleagues, and the practice of teaching will be greatly missed, and we are incredibly appreciative of all that she has provided to our lower school community.
Ray Carbone joined the WFS community in 1999 as a Maintenance Technician and was promoted to Director of Facilities in 2001. Throughout his tenure, Ray has overseen countless improvements to our facilities, from major renovation projects to the daily maintenance that keeps our school running smoothly. His approach to facilities management and his deep institutional knowledge have been invaluable assets to our community. Beyond his professional expertise, Ray has demonstrated care for our community through a delicate balance of short-term needs with planning for future physical plant sustainability. Whether responding to emergency maintenance issues or planning long-term campus improvements, his problem-solving skills have made him a tested leader. Ray will continue to oversee the lower school renovation project until its completion in the spring of 2026.
Amy Bailey retires from Wilmington Friends School, having been a stalwart member of the upper school mathematics department and having left her mark on hundreds of graduates. Amy taught a wide variety of courses over her years at WFS, but most recently has been known for her work with both the IB Math Analysis course as well as the development of the Discrete Mathematics course. Amy is a thoughtful and caring teacher, arriving early each day and finding opportunities to consistently and diligently work with students both in and out of the classroom. Her colleagues describe not only her mastery of mathematics and teaching pedagogy, but her friendship and thought-leadership among the entire faculty throughout her time here at WFS.
For the past nine years, Jeff Ransom has led with grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the growth and success of our student athletes and coaches. His leadership has inspired many to exceed their own expectations. Jeff’s tenure in the increasingly challenging world of interscholastic athletics is a testament to his exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills. Under his leadership, the athletic department has seen remarkable achievements, including equity and inclusion initiatives to ensure equal access to athletic success and coaching excellence for all student-athletes and coaches, as well as multiple conference and state championships. We are grateful for all that he has done for our program and community.
Above: Kristin Ragan
Right: Ray Carbone, Amy Bailey, Jeff Ransom
School News
WFS Community Recognizes the Life and Work of MLK, Jr.
The WFS community spent time last winter reflecting and recognizing the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lower school students sat in silent reflection as they watched our annual kindergarten peace march. Some of the kindergarteners’ inspirational messages included, “Be Kind Tu Erf” (Be Kind To Earth), “Do Not Litr the Osn” (Do Not Litter the Ocean), “Shre” (Share), and “Tac Kar Uv Pepl (Take Care of People). The lower school community then gathered for Meeting for Worship.
Middle school students watched Dr. King’s “To Serve” video and then heard from upper school students about what service means to them, including Brandon Jones ’25 and Ryan Tattersall ’25, who spoke about their time with the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware; Jillian Farley ’25 who spoke about Best Buddies; and Josh Fung ’26 who talked about his mission trips. Students then spent time in several service activities, including making sandwiches to donate to Wilmington’s Ministry of Caring and writing cards for children in the hospital and those in senior care facilities.
Upper school students listened to a conversation between Sarah Lester ’04, President and CEO of Cornerstone West & Community Development Corporation and Lucia Cericola ’25, Andrew Forman ’25, and Temilola Lufadeju ’25. Lester’s Wilmington-based organization provides programs, services, support and advocacy when and where they are needed to ensure families become self-sufficient, and our communities thrive. Students then engaged in studentdesigned and -led workshops related to themes of Dr. King’s work.
Sixth and 7th Grade Helping the Community
Sixth and 7th graders traveled in their service groups to different locations: the Delaware Food Bank; Faithful Friends Animal Society; Guardian Angels Daycare; Rockland Place Assisted Living; the Materials Resource Center in Ephrata, Pennsylvania; and Alapocas State Park.
Students had many meaningful takeaways from their experiences—they learned which plants are invasive species in Alapocas, how to patiently approach an animal and read its body language, and how to effectively communicate and engage with young children. They were especially moved by the wealth of stories and wisdom shared by the elderly—plus, many rediscovered a love of bingo!
At the Delaware Food Bank, students worked hard to pack boxes, including more than 700 weekend/dinner kits, and learned about hunger in our community—even among young children who lack access to enough food. At the Materials Resource Center, students helped prepare supplies for refugees and displaced people across the world.
Second Grade Inventors
Second grade students enjoyed their Inventions Unit, where they explored the motivations behind inventions and how they enhance our lives. Students learned about a variety of inventions, and as a culminating activity, they partnered with classmates to identify a problem that people face and design a solution. They sketched their ideas, labeled their illustrations, and built prototypes which they showcased at the Inventions Museum Walkthrough for family and friends!
Sixth Grade Craft and Analyze Surveys in IT Literacy Course
As part of their IT Literacy course, 6th grade students developed and analyzed surveys on topics related to middle school life, learning how to craft effective questions and interpret results. Through this process, they consider factors like question clarity, survey length, required responses, and audience perspective. By evaluating their data and refining their approach, students gain insight into the power of well-designed surveys and the benefits of multiple-choice formats.
Exploring Space-Related Concepts
Seventh grade astronomy students explored key space-related concepts such as black holes, extraterrestrial life, and space exploration while demonstrating their understanding through research, collaboration, and multimedia presentations. Students applied scientific reasoning, computational thinking, and math skills to analyze data, communicate findings, and expand their knowledge of the universe.
WFS Model UN Attends Conference
The WFS Model UN Club, accompanied by faculty advisor Nick Childers, sent a delegation of four students to the Tower Hill Model UN Conference.
Decker Reitemeyer ‘27, Matthew Fineman ‘26, Guillermo Feito ‘26, and Avery Krasulja ‘26 spent the day with peers from other local schools debating, writing resolutions, and voting on proposals regarding medical tourism and illegal organ trafficking from the unique perspective of the countries they were assigned. Throughout the day, students presented their positions within the context of formal parliamentary procedures, worked in small groups within their committees, and learned how to build partnerships. Students built on their experience at the St. Andrews conference earlier in the year and found more opportunities to speak, build coalitions, and engage in debate. The team continues to grow and develop and looks forward to conferences next fall!
Quaker Voices and Quiet Woods Megan Hegenbarth’s tenth grade Quakerism class heard from three practicing Quakers. Andrea Taylor (far left), Mary Fenimore (middle), and Darcy Rademaker shared their journeys and discussed what led them to Quakerism, what being a Quaker means to them, and why Meeting for Worship has been a powerful and comforting place for them to gather. Megan noted, “Student feedback unanimously said that they thought it was so meaningful to hear from outside Quakers to see a different perspective and hear different stories. They were fascinated by the range of beliefs and encouraged that differences were so readily accepted.”
The class also took a mindful journey into Alapocas Woods with middle school Spanish teacher Laura Pardo ’90, who studied forest immersion on her sabbatical earlier this year. Guided sensory exercises—listening to rustling leaves, feeling tree bark, noticing the movement of water—helped students support their well-being by connecting with the present moment, their natural surroundings, and themselves.
First Grade Grub Hub Supports Sunday Breakfast Mission
First Grade Grub Hub was open for business in the spring! After visiting the Sunday Breakfast Mission, WFS first graders in Mrs. Willie’s class were inspired to create their own restaurant to support the community pantry.
The soft opening welcomed a few lucky teachers to dine in or take out, complete with hosts, table numbers, and a cashier station. There were no prices—just heartfelt meals and real donations to help those in need. Big ideas,
generous hearts, and great food all coming together in one very special classroom café.
Through this project, students learned that their ideas and actions can make a real difference. They discovered that helping others doesn’t require being a grown-up—just a willingness to care and to act. The experience taught them practical skills in teamwork, hospitality, and communication, while deepening their understanding of community and service.
IB Science Students Participate in Science Project at U of DE
International Baccalaureate chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science students participated in a collaborative science project at the University of Delaware. Students were hosted by Dr. Lauren Genova, a chemistry professor and former college classmate of upper school teacher Sarah O’Brien.
Students toured the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) facility, which supports the research efforts of over 400 users from 58 research groups across four colleges and 11 departments at UD, the mass spec facility, and a real-life organic chemistry lab. After lunch with current undergrad and grad students (including Robby Lohkamp ‘24!), WFS students enjoyed chemical demonstrations with Professors Cecil Dybowski and Dana Chatellier.
Third Graders Learn About Balance
Third grade students explored the concept of balance by working in pairs to create multiple types of sculptures. They tried to build as many sculptures as they could in six minutes, experimenting with rulers, wooden blocks, pencils, and other materials to create stable and creative designs. This activity encouraged critical thinking and teamwork as students brought their ideas to life.
College Case Studies Program
The WFS College Office hosted a Case Studies program for juniors and their grownups. Prior to the program, students and adults were given three college applications to read. During the program, students and grownups worked in small groups as "admissions committees." An admissions officer facilitated each group. Groups were asked to admit one student, deny one student, and waitlist one student.
Attendees learned about the importance of college "fit," the role of courses and grades, the impact of standardized testing, and how the essay, activities, and letters of recommendation shape college decisions from professionals, allowing them to gain invaluable insight into the admissions process.
Admissions officers from the University of Chicago, Franklin & Marshall College, HampdenSydney College, Allegheny College, University of Vermont, American University, University of Wisconsin, Gettysburg College, Muhlenberg College, University of New Hampshire, and Miami University of Ohio were in attendance.
TED Talks, Mini Society, and Learning about National Parks
Exciting things were happening at the lower school the last few days of school! In third grade, students dove into their National Parks unit by researching an assigned park and creating fact-filled brochures to promote each park’s unique features—combining geography, science, and persuasive writing. Fourth graders took the spotlight with their impressive TED Talks, where they tackled topics ranging from protecting the Earth to why kids need three-day weekends, sparking meaningful conversations and showcasing their public speaking skills. Fourth graders also stepped into the roles of young entrepreneurs in their “Mini Society” project, designing original products or services for the school community while learning about economics, supply and demand, marketing, and government.
Art & Design
In their Identity unit, 9th grade Visual Arts Foundations students created self-portraits using only cut paper shapes ranging in value from white to black––no lines allowed! Each collage reveals something unique: look closely at their chosen prop, gaze, and pose to discover more about who they are.
Congratulations!
WFS Mock Trial Team Finishes Second in Delaware!
The WFS Mock Trial team had an outstanding performance at this year's state competition, finishing second in the state! Temi Lufadeju '25 led WFS, earning a team-high two gavels for Best Attorney. Scarlett Murphy '27, Wyeth Garey '28, and Amelia Rolls '25 each earned one gavel for Best Attorney, while Cooper Miller '28, Steven Kozikowski '25, and Carter Fenimore '25 received one gavel apiece for Best Witness. A huge thank you to the WFS community for their excellent coaching and support!
Sophomores Chosen for Delaware Governor's School for Excellence Program
Congratulations to Teagan Grubb ’27, Easton Martinenza ’27, and Decker Reitemeyer ’27 for earning spots in this summer's prestigious Delaware Governor's School for Excellence (DGSE) Program. The DGSE is a one-week summer program that brings together academically and artistically talented Delaware high school students who have completed their sophomore year. Students are nominated to participate in the Governor’s School through their schools via a competitive application and teacher recommendation process. Easton was nominated and chosen for the academic program. Decker and Teagan were nominated and successfully auditioned for the music and dance programs respectively. The Governor's School is sponsored by the office of the Governor of the State of Delaware in cooperation with the Delaware Department of Education and the University of Delaware's Division of Professional and Continuing Studies.
Upper School Students Recognized for Outstanding Writing
Congratulations to L-T Alleyne ’26, Mia Davenport ’25, Lindsey Forman ’28, Landis Hershey ’26, Henrik Maansson ’27, and Jordyn Moore ’26 for being recognized by the Delaware Chapter of the Scholastic Writing and Arts Awards for their outstanding writing!
Congratulations to our IB Art and Visual Arts Major students, who welcomed friends and family to the opening of their exhibition, showcasing works from the portfolios they have developed over the past two years.
Music News
Our community had a blast at WFS Day at the Blue Rocks where the Chamber Singers performed the National Anthem!
The Upper School Jazz Band recently had the opportunity to work with Blayne Salerni in a workshop on improvisation. Mr. Salerni, the band director at Smyrna Middle School, has led jazz improvisation workshops throughout Delaware for middle and high school students, as well as music educators During the workshop, students—and even Mr. Verry—participated in exercises where everyone had a chance to solo in both swing and Latin styles. Mr. Salerni was impressed with our students’ knowledge and confidence in soloing!
Chamber Singers participated in the annual Four-School Workshop and Festival Concert with choirs from Sanford, Tatnall, and Tower Hill schools. This year’s guest clinician is Grant Farmer from The Choir School of Delaware, and Tatnall was the host school. This daylong event featured rehearsals with the combined choirs, which gave students an opportunity to share musical experiences as a whole rather than in competition. The evening concert featured a short performance by each school, as well as the combined choirs presenting the works prepared during the day. Kenzie Wilson ‘26 was selected from WFS for a solo!
Congratulations to our middle school band and choir, who were both winners at Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania! The 7th/8th Grade Choir received a Superior Rating and first place, as well as being named the Best Overall Choir! Victoria Gasta-Domínguez ‘29 was also named best soloist. The 7th/8th Grade Band received a Good Rating and finished in third place.
Middle School Mastery
The mastery program in middle school is a semester or yearlong, student-initiated and student-produced project designed to develop that student’s talents, interests, and skills. The emphasis is on achievement and completing a finished product that is either presented or displayed publicly in a polished, masterful way. Mastery projects may include academic research papers, visual and performing arts projects or performances, special teaching units, and physical projects.
Merrymay Wu ’30 explored the intersection of art and engineering for her Middle School Mastery project. With guidance from advisor Megan Hegenbarth, Merrymay took on the challenge of folding a single, free-standing origami structure from a massive four-square-meter sheet of paper. She examined the delicate balance between creativity and precision in large-scale paper art by scaling up her origami skills. During the process, she noted, “The project takes more patience than using the smaller pieces.”
Josiah Fung ’29 studied the science of the heart for his Middle School Mastery project. He learned about the heart’s structure, function, and the impact of disease—while also earning his CPR certification along the way. With support from advisor Karen Horikawa, he combined research and real-world training to better understand and promote heart health.
For her Middle School Mastery project, Kat Montejo ’30 brought movement to life through animatronic engineering. Using hydraulic pressure and programmable robotics, Kat designed and built an animatronic device that blended mechanical function with creative design. Guided by advisor and Upper School Computer Science teacher Nicholas Ordway, she explored how engineering and innovation can work hand in hand.
For her Middle School Mastery project, Ishani Agarwal ’30 explored the intersection of science and storytelling. Through DNA analysis and family research, Ishani uncovered how her genetic markers aligned–and didn’t align–with her family’s narrative. Since her parents and grandparents grew up in Northern India, her family assumed that’s what the DNA test would show. However, the DNA results revealed they were 70% Southern Indian and only 10% Northern Indian. She noted, “We always thought that we were Northern Indian, so that really came as a surprise.”
Izzy Register ’30 created her own language for her Middle School Mastery Project. Drawing on her passion for linguistics and support from a University of Delaware language expert and in-school advisor, Courtney Miller, Izzy built an original language from the ground up, using Romanian and Bulgarian as key reference points. Her work blended creativity, structure, and a sense of curiosity.
Student
TRAVEL
France
Fourteen upper schoolers embarked on a memorable journey through France. Beginning with three days in Paris, students explored the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre, took a scenic river cruise along the Seine, and boarded the high-speed TGV train to Provence, where the historic city of Avignon served as their home base. Once there, students toured the famous Pont d’Avignon and Papal Palace. Their travels also took them to Les Baux de Provence—a medieval fortress with breathtaking views stretching to the Mediterranean—and to St. Rémy, where they learned to make the classic Provençal dish, ratatouille. Their final stop was Carcassonne, with a memorable picnic at the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard en route. They wrapped up their trip in the seaside village of Collioure, near the Spanish border, and experienced the summer solstice celebrations of the Fête de la Musique.
Puerto rico
Thirty-seven middle schoolers embarked on an unforgettable journey to Puerto Rico. During their time on the island, students toured the Finca Don Manuel Tropical Fruit Farm. They later participated in a hands-on cooking class where they learned to make mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish. They took a salsa dance class, and explored the streets and historic landmarks of Old San Juan and Ponce. Students also hiked and swam through caves at Charco Azul in Vega Baja, part of the Karst Forest, and took a night-time boat ride to experience the bioluminescent bay. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was participating in a People-to-People service exchange with a summer camp in the city of Yauco and visiting the colorful, mural-covered streets of the nearby “¡Yaucromatic!” neighborhood.
Martinique
In February, middle school French students visited Martinique, a French overseas department in the Caribbean. While practicing their French, they explored the island’s history, learning about the indigenous Arawak people and the enslaved Africans brought to work on sugarcane and banana plantations before the abolition of slavery. They discovered how bananas grow, how mangroves protect the coastline and provide a safe habitat for young crabs and fish, and how various plants serve medicinal purposes. Students also sampled new foods and even tried their hand at cooking accras de morue (cod fritters) with local chefs!
el Paso quest triP
Fifteen upper schoolers traveled to El Paso, Texas, as part of a QUEST Term Service/Leadership Trip. Guided by the World Leadership School, students spent a week exploring immigration, policy, and justice through direct interaction with nonprofit leaders, legal advocates, and frontline community workers. Highlights included attending a jazz festival in Las Cruces, participating in a simulated migrant journey, touring the U.S.-Mexico border wall, and visiting the only Border Patrol Museum in the country.
Students engaged with organizations like Border Servant Corps and Estrella del Paso, learned about the complex legal pathways to citizenship, and observed federal immigration court proceedings. Alongside these powerful experiences, they found time for reflection, laughter, and adventure, sledding the dunes at White Sands National Park, sharing meals, and working together to harvest more than 800 pounds of onions at Jardin de Milagros for families experiencing food insecurity.
Exploring School Communications
Thanks to Reese Bryson ’25 for designing this page ! To listen to her podcast with Charlie, scan the QR code.
Home & School Association: Strengthening Community Through Service
Once again, the enthusiastic and committed parent volunteers of the Home & School (H&S) Association have shown just how essential they are to the strength and spirit of our WFS community. Through their time, energy, and generosity, they’ve helped foster meaningful connections within our school and extended their impact to the broader Wilmington community as well.
The WFS Home & School Association contributed $22,500 in support of WFS! This generous funding benefits students across all grade levels and divisions—this year helping to add an embankment slide, a basketball hoop, faux construction toys to inspire imaginative play, and a new water bottle filling station.
Thank you to outgoing clerk Erin Lockard for her incredible dedication and service to the Home & School Association. In addition to serving as Clerk/Emeritus, Erin has worn many hats—including Treasurer and Fundraising Coordinator. Her steady leadership and generous spirit have been instrumental in countless ways.
New Co-Clerks Kendra Okolo and Luba Pajerowski | Kendra Okolo is a true fixture of Home & School—always present, engaged, and ready to help however needed. She previously held the position of H&S Clerk and clerked the Quaker Closet for many years. She continues to play a key leadership role. Alongside Luba Pajerowski and Erica Childs (Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement at WFS), Kendra has co-led the Engagement, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (EIB), hosting well-loved events like the Multicultural Potluck Dinner and Outdoor Movie Night. Luba is a parent to two Lower School students. In her short time at WFS, she has already taken an active role in Home & School and is eager to contribute further. She brings fresh ideas and new perspectives that will undoubtedly enrich the work of H&S. Kendra and Luba make a dynamic team and are invaluable assets to the H&S community.
H&S Community Events
Faculty and Staff Appreciation
Days | Thanks to the efforts of Lower School Events Coordinator Kellen Amobi and the Middle/Upper School Class Representatives, faculty and staff were celebrated with appreciation breakfasts during the holidays and end-of-year luncheons. These thoughtful gestures helped show just how much we value our incredible WFS educators and staff!
Engagement, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee | Led by Kendra Okolo, Luba Pajerowski, and Erica Childs, the EIB Committee hosted a vibrant and well-attended Multicultural Potluck Dinner, featuring delicious dishes from around the world. In the spring, the families came together again for a fun-filled Outdoor Movie Night, screening Pixar’s Elemental under the stars.
Emmanuel Dining Room Community Service | Mylea Aiken once again led the charge in coordinating monthly dinners for the Emmanuel Dining Room. Thanks to the generosity of our culinary volunteers, WFS delivered 54 entrees (mac & cheese and chicken pasta salad), 36 sides (green beans and fresh fruit), and 1,440 individually wrapped desserts (brownies, cookies, cakes, and muffins)!
H&S Parent Ambassadors | Led by Mary Fenimore and Tina DiSabatino, the H&S Parent Ambassadors played a key role in welcoming new families to WFS. Volunteer Parent Ambassadors connected with families new to the school and supported Admissions Office events in June.
Class Representatives | Class reps continue to play an important role in supporting Home & School by organizing grade-level parent socials and coordinating the ever-popular class baskets for Quaker Game Night. Their creativity and community spirit help strengthen connections among WFS families!
Fundraisers
Quaker Closet | Under the leadership of new co-clerks Kristine Tuttleman and Kameron McConnell, the Quaker Closet underwent an exciting renovation this year—including the addition of a new credit card point-of-sale system. Thanks to the dedication of weekly volunteers, the support of consignors, and the enthusiasm of shoppers, the Quaker Closet became the largest Home & School fundraiser of the year with over $10,800!
Used Book Sale | Led by co-clerks Paul Gaskell and Bill McQuillen, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, this year’s Annual Used Book Sale was a great success—raising over $5,300 to support Home & School initiatives. Thank you to all who donated, sorted, and shopped!
Lower School Book Fairs | Thanks to the leadership of Allie Rainey and Barb Fitzgerald and—and the support of countless parent volunteers—the combined Fall and Spring Lower School Book Fairs raised almost $3,400 this year. A wonderful celebration of reading and community spirit!
Additional Fundraisers | Other Home & School initiatives—including the Wine & Cheese Tasting, the Fall Mums Sale led by Meghan Baczkowski Pixley ’03; the Thanksgiving Pie Sale led by Adekunbi Opawumi; and the Gifts & Greens Sale led by Sue Handling, Anna Clothier, and Krisitn Jenney—brought in additional funds to support WFS students, faculty, and programs. We’re grateful for the creativity and commitment behind each of these events!
Sports Recaps
Winter 2024-25
Boys’ Basketball | The WFS boys’ basketball team finished the 2024-25 regular season with an overall record of 13-8, earning a spot in the DIAA State Tournament for the second time in three seasons. Ryan Tattersall ’25 earned Honorable Mention All-State honors and 1st Team All-DISC honors. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Joey Winchell ’25 (2nd Team), Bryce Jackson ’27 (Honorable Mention), and Conner Brennan ’28 (Honorable Mention).
Girls’ Basketball | The WFS girls’ basketball team had an outstanding season, winning 14 games for only the fifth time in school history and qualifying for the DIAA State Tournament for the second consecutive season. The following members of the team earned All-DISC honors: Gianna Cottone ’26 (1st Team), Ryan Weigand ’26 (1st Team), Molly Dolan ’26 (2nd Team), Ava Kolodczak ’26 (Honorable Mention) and Izzy Winchell ’26 (Honorable Mention).
Swimming | The WFS swim program continued to prove itself as one of the top programs during the 2024-25 DIAA State Championship meets; the girls’ team finished 6th overall, while the boys’ placed 11th. Kylie Poole ’28 (1st Team) and Ellie Romano ’28 (2nd Team) earned All-State and 1st Team All-DISC honors, while Evelyn Bilek ’26 secured a 3rd Team All-State selection for her diving performance. The following members of the girls’ swim team also earned All-DISC honors: Aubrey Ashman ’26 (1st Team), Olivia Agne ’27 (2nd Team), Pamela Moore ’27 (2nd Team), Jillian Farley ’25 (Honorable Mention), Annabelle Huxtable ’26 (Honorable Mention), and Kenzie Wilson ’26 (Honorable Mention). Conner Verbanas ’25 earned 1st Team All-State and All-DISC honors. The following team members also earned All-DISC honors: Lorne McDonnell ’25 (2nd Team), Gavin Jefferson ’26 (2nd Team), Theo Lawrence ’26 (2nd Team), and Cael McDonnell ’28 (2nd Team).
Track & Field | The WFS indoor track and field team performed well throughout the 2024-25 season, as numerous personal and school records were set and broken. In the DISC Championships, the following WFS athletes secured podium finishes and/or earned points for the Quakers: Chuma Chukwuocha ’27 finished 1st in the triple jump and 2nd in the high jump; Brian Gainer ’25 earned silver in the 200 and 5th in the 55; LT Alleyne ’26 secured bronze in the long jump; Brina Abere ’25 placed 4th in the high jump; and Sawyer Rowland ’25 finished 5th place in the 55 and 400.
The following athletes earned All-DISC honors: Chuma Chukwuocha ’27 (1st Team), Carter Fenimore ’25 (2nd Team), Brian Gainer ’25 (2nd Team), and LT Alleyne ’26 (2nd Team).
Wrestling | The WFS wrestling program had an outstanding 2024-25 season, winning the DISC Championship for the first time in 20 years! As a team, the Quakers also set the school record for the most number of wins in a season (14), with their most memorable win coming against a top-five ranked Caravel team. Matthew Morrison ’25, Sloan Makoujy ’26, Kyler Fleming ’27, and Brayden McLaughlin ’28 all represented WFS in the DIAA Individual State Tournament. Makoujy placed 2nd overall, while Morrison finished 6th. Anna Friel ’26 and Bella Davis ’27 represented WFS at the DIAA Girls Individual State Tournament; Friel became the 1st girl in school history to place in the DIAA Girls Individual State Tournament (4th place).
The following earned All-DISC honors: Matthew Morrison (1st Team), Pierce Burns ’26 (1st Team), Matt Fineman ’26 (1st Team), Sloan Makoujy (1st Team), Bella Davis (1st Team), Kyler Fleming (1st Team), Mike Fineman ’28 (1st Team), Brayden McLaughlin (1st Team), Rex Davis ’27 (2nd Team), Cooper Miller ’28 (2nd Team), Victor Montejo ’28 (Honorable Mention), and Levi Sawdon ’28 (Honorable Mention).
Spring 2025
Baseball | The WFS baseball team finished their 2025 campaign with a record of 9-9. The Quakers finished 2nd in DISC play, going 6-2 against their conference opponents. The following members of the team earned All-DISC Honors: Drew Kwoka ’25 (1st Team) , Braeden Pantano ’25 (1st Team), Ronny Berry ’27 (1st Team), Dylan Legum ’28 (2nd Team), Joseph Coppola ’26 (Honorable Mention), and Dylan MacBride ’27 (Honorable Mention).
Golf | The WFS golf team won eight matches this spring, set the school record for the lowest score (150), and sent four golfers to the DIAA State Tournament. Quinn Marshall ’27 earned 2nd Team All-State and 1st Team All-DISC honors. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Owen Newmark ’28 (1st Team), Jack Handling ’26 (2nd Team), Brooks McCall ’28 (2nd Team), Sloan Makoujy ’26 (Honorable Mention), and Thomas Weiler ’27 (Honorable Mention).
Boys’ Lacrosse | The WFS boys’ lacrosse team captured the DISC Championship for the third consecutive year and advanced to the Quarterfinals of the DIAA State Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. Eamonn Grubb ’25 (2nd Team) and Ethan Lukach ’26 (Honorable Mention) earned All-State and 1st Team All-DISC honors. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Noah Gibbons ’25 (1st Team), Tripp Young ’25 (1st Team), Stone Davis ’26 (1st Team), Jake Maheshwari ’27 (1st Team), Jack Lukach ’28 (1st Team), Kato Connor ’25 (2nd Team), Joey Winchell ’25 (2nd Team), Ben Osbourn ’26 (2nd Team), Andrew Forman ’25 (Honorable Mention), and Buzz McGuire ’25 (Honorable Mention).
Girls’ Lacrosse | The WFS girls’ lacrosse team won double-digit contests and advanced to the Quarterfinals of the DIAA State Tournament for the second year in a row. Molly Dolan ’26 (1st Team) earned All-State and 1st Team All-DISC honors. The following members of the team also earned AllDISC honors: Sawyer Rowland ’25 (1st Team), Lila Rubano ’26 (1st Team), Evie Rademaker ’25 (2nd Team), Gianna Cottone ’26 (2nd Team), Sylvia Green ’27 (2nd Team), and Cora Lohkamp ’26 (Honorable Mention). Rowland was also named an Academic All-American.
Girls’ Soccer | The WFS girls’ soccer team captured a share of the DISC title this spring, going 7-1 in conference play and outscoring their opponents 45-11 in those contests. Ryan
Weigand ’26 (1st Team), Sofia Dattani ’27 (1st Team), and Kate Weigand ’29 (2nd Team) earned All-State and 1st Team AllDISC honors. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Sara Clothier (1st Team), Lulu Cochran ’25 (2nd Team), Leyla Medford ’26 (2nd Team), Lucy White ’27 (2nd Team), Ellie McQuillan ’28 (2nd Team), Anna Weiner ’26 (Honorable Mention), and Maeve Erickson ’28 (Honorable Mention).
Boys’ Tennis | The WFS boys’ tennis team had another great spring in 2025 as each member of the team qualified for the DIAA State Tournament. Silas Montana ’25 (1st Singles) advanced all the way to the State Championship, finishing as State Runner-up in the most competitive bracket. Josh Fung ’26 represented WFS at 2nd Singles, while Jack Byrnes ’27 competed at 3rd Singles. Byrnes had an excellent tournament, advancing to the Quarterfinals. The 1st Doubles (Henrik Maansson ’27 and Oscar Wilson ’27) and 2nd Doubles teams (Logan Jones ’26 and Ethan Halaby ’26) each advanced to the 2nd round. The following members of the team earned AllDISC honors: Montana (1st Team) and Byrnes (2nd Team).
Girls’ Tennis | The WFS girls’ tennis team had another excellent season this spring, as each member of the team competed in the DIAA State Tournament and advanced to the 2nd round.
Three WFS players advanced to the Quarterfinals; Piper Roskovensky ’26 and Gabby Hamilton ’27 (1st Doubles), and Anya Agarwal ’25 (2nd Singles). Emma Larsen ’25 (1st Singles) won an exciting 1st round match in a 3rd set tiebreaker, while Mia Tabron ’27 won her 1st round match in straight sets. Ava Hay ’26 and Ella Zaritsky ’28 (2nd Doubles) earned their 1st round match as well. The following members of the team earned AllDISC honors: Tabron (Honorable Mention), Roskovensky and Hamilton (Honorable Mention).
Track & Field | The WFS track and field team performed well throughout the 2025 season as numerous personal and school records were set and broken. Three athletes represented WFS in the DIAA State Championship meet: LT Alleyne ’26, Bella Davis ’27, and Chuma Chukwuocha ’27. Chukwuocha placed 2nd in the triple jump and 6th in the long jump. Davis placed 15th in the 3200, while Alleyne took home 16th in the triple jump. The following members of the team earned All-DISC honors: Alleyne (1st Team), Chukwuocha (1st Team), Brina Abere ’25 (2nd Team), Ellie Driscoll ’25 (2nd Team), Davis (2nd Team), Matteo Powell ’28 (2nd Team), Mia Davenport ’25 (Honorable Mention), and Jack McKelvey ’26 (Honorable Mention).
SPRING SIGNING DAY
Congratulations to our senior athletes who will continue their athletic careers! Pictured left to right:
Buzz McGuire ’25 | Lacrosse at Immaculata University
Ryan Tattersall ’25 | Football at Harvard University
Sawyer Rowland ’25 | Field Hockey at Williams College
Ella Morton ’25 | Field Hockey at Rowan University
Logan Scott ’25 | Football at Taft School
Conner Verbanas ’25 | Swimming at Kenyon College
Not pictured:
Silas Montana ’25 | Tennis at Sewanee: The University Of The South
Evie Rademaker ’25 | Lacrosse and Wrestling at Norwich University
Performing Arts
Many productions showcased the talents of our student performers last winter and spring!
1 | 5th grade musical––No Strings Attached: A Pinocchio Musical!
2 | 8th Grade Musical––High School Musical
3 | Upper School Play––Artifice
4 | Student Run Production––Yellow Wallpaper
This year’s production was directed and led by Maddie Schaen ‘25 and Mia Davenport ’25. Yellow Wallpaper adapted from the short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
Lower School Renovation Update
We are excited that “Friends Village” is taking shape to be a fun and festive learning environment for students and teachers alike! The temporary classrooms are ready to go, and new pathways and learning spaces will add an extra excitement to Orientation Day.
To see the most recent updates and photos of the renovations, please visit our Empowering Generations blog by scanning the QR code.
Answer to inside cover
photo: LS hallway by the faculty and staff workroom leading to the 4th and 5th grade classrooms.
Class Notes
Don’t miss Homecoming 2025 celebrating class years ending in “0” and “5”
Class of 1960
Martha Greene Young and her husband, Mike, are now living at Kendal in Lexington, Virginia. “We moved here from Wisconsin last summer to be closer to our combined family of children, who all live on the East Coast. In choosing a continuing care retirement community, Kendal stood out, as did this location, adjacent to a twocollege town in the beautiful Blue Ridge and Shenandoah region. Even though I graduated nearly 65 years ago I find it very nice and comfortable to be in a Quaker culture again, and we hope to finally attend an alumni function in Wilmington sometime in the coming months.”
Class
of 1962
Patty Sauter Ruemmler, Richard Weigel and John Lindley, spent quality time together in New Preston, CT.
Class of 1968
Class of 1975
Internationally recognized portraitist Linda Harris Reynolds has spent the past 34 years creating memorable portraits from her Centreville, Delaware studio and now serves as the resident artist at the historic Howard Pyle Studios. In addition to founding The Centreville Art Students’ League in 2010, she has taught classical painting and drawing inspired by her training at the Florence Academy of Art. In 2020, she was commissioned to paint the official portrait of Delaware First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney—set to be unveiled at the Governor’s Mansion in 2025—and has served for 15 years as Delaware State Ambassador to the International Portrait Society of America.
Class
of 1988
Willow Pearson
Trimbach is a licensed clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and nationally boardcertified music therapist. She leads a private practice— Integral Relational Psychotherapy—in the East Bay of Northern California and serves as Director of Clinical Training and Core Faculty at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. A published author and singer/songwriter, Willow will release her second book, The Emotional Truth of Dreams: Learning from Dream Dialogues in Psychotherapeutic and Spiritual Practice (co-authored with Eva Tuschman Leonard), with Routledge in 2026. Her eighth album, Caesura’s Cry, will be released by Lionessroars in July.
Class of 1993
birthday.
Arlene Frech Spezzaferro attended WFS from Pre-K through graduation and credits the school’s emphasis on respect and inclusivity as a formative influence on her life
Bruce Lessey, Barbara Chase Lessey, Lindsay Dann Hanson, and Peter Bente gathered to celebrate Bruce’s retirement and
and career. After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)—where she was a member of the Women’s Crew Team and Alpha Chi Omega—Arlene began her career at GE Aerospace. Now in her 28th year with the company, she serves as Leader of the Edison Engineering Development Program (EEDP), guiding a team of 45 early-career engineers. Previously, Arlene spent two decades developing digital models to simulate aircraft engine performance. She finds deep fulfillment in solving complex problems, collaborating with colleagues, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Class of 1997
“My Friends School memories will always stay with me, and I am very thankful for how this school and community have shaped the person I have become today.” Sara Weiss is a professional writing consultant, author, freelance writer, and yoga teacher with an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and an MAT from Tufts University. She has spent the last several years writing audio scripts for the “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” podcast, highlighting inspiring women worldwide—including Billie Eilish, Coco Gauff, and elephant activist Lek Chailert. Most recently, Sara wrote “The Totally Awesome World of
Caitlin Clark,” a middle-grade biography about the basketball phenom. In this book, Sara tells the story of how Caitlin became not only a basketball superstar but also what makes her human and relatable to children. She also has three more books on the way: “A Labrador Life,” “A Frenchie Life,” and “A Golden Life,” all set to release in June 2025. In addition to her writing work, Sara spent six years as a professor at Concordia College and currently serves as a professional writing consultant at First Division.
Class of 2000
Andrew Milford’s short story The Offer”was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize by the magazine Hotch Potch Literature and Art. Additional recent publications include the fiction piece “The Campout” published in Welter (University of Baltimore). To read more, visit www.AEMilford.com
Class of 2007
Laura Wolf stepped into a new role as the division-wide Behavior Specialist for Nelson County Public Schools. She states, “I believe in empowering students and educators alike by fostering collaboration, self-advocacy, and inclusive practices that help every individual reach their fullest potential. WFS laid the foundation for my philosophy of inclusion and collaboration, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Class of 2009
Emily David Hershman has been named Senior Director of Partnerships and External Relations at Reading Assist. Emily brings deep experience in communications and public engagement, having most recently served as Communications Director for former Governor and current Wilmington Mayor John Carney (also a WFS parent of alumni). In her new role, Emily will lead efforts in school partnerships, advocacy, and legislative outreach— helping Reading Assist expand its mission and impact in the lives of young readers.
Class of 2013
Lauren Kerrigan graduated as part of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Class of 2025 from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She will begin her professional care at MedVet Emergency and Specialty Care in Jupiter, Florida.
Class of 2014
Ellie Anderson was recognized as one of this year’s Emerging Tourism Stars at the eTourism
Summit. As Deputy Digital Director at Pennsylvania Tourism, Ellie had the honor of stepping on stage alongside industry leaders to speak about innovation through the lens of digital content. Reflecting on a powerful and inspiring week, she shared her excitement for the future as Pennsylvania prepares for America250 and the high-profile sporting events coming to the state in 2026.
Class of 2016
Alex Trudel has been living and working in Boston for the last four years, following graduation from Trinity Col-
lege. Alex recently left his job as Assistant Food and Beverage Director at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston and started a new position as a fine wine consultant for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. Alex recently earned his diploma from The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET} and will be walking as part of the 2026 graduating class in London next April.
Classes of 2016 & 2017
Quinn Kirkpatrick ’16 and Katie Bodycot ’17 graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.
Class of 2017
Jayna Jones Linton married Curtis Linton Jr. on April 12. Kalyn Nix and Margaret Sullivan served as bridesmaids.
Alyssa Nathan earned her Master of Architecture degree from Washington University’s Sam Fox Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design. Tedda Nathan, Dani Nathan ’19, Lynne Nathan (staff), Jocelyn Nathan ’23, and Len Nathan all attended her graduation.
Class of 2018
Donovan Aldridge, pictured with Jack Hanson, graduated with his Master’s degree in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures from the University of Delaware this spring. He was recently awarded a Fulbright to teach English in Brazil. He will begin there in the Spring of 2026.
John Blackwell has been accepted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he will begin pursuing a Ph.D. in School Psychology in the 2025-2026 academic year. He shared his deep gratitude for the support and mentorship that helped him along the way and is excited to take this next step toward a career in educational and psychological research and practice.
Fiona Saunders will be attending Vanderbilt Law School this fall as a Dean’s Scholar.
Class of 2019
Olivia Finizio graduated with a Master of Public Health, concentrating in Public Health Nutrition, from The George Washington University–Milken Institute School of Public Health. Her Master’s research was focused on expanding urban agriculture in Washington D.C.’s affordable housing community, and the project was awarded first prize from the GW Equity Institute.
Peyton McNeill, pictured with his sister, Quinn McNeill ’14, graduated from Mercer University with his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. A captain on the men’s lacrosse team, Peyton received the 2025 Leader of the Year Award.
Class of 2020
Sydney Taormina will be attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine this fall to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric rheumatologist. After completing research at Johns Hopkins, Sydney was selected as one of ten DIMER Scholars representing the state of Delaware—a prestigious honor recognizing future physicians with strong ties to the state. She expressed deep gratitude for the support of her family, friends, professors, and mentors as she begins this exciting next chapter in medicine.
Class of 2021
Mariah Aldridge graduated from American University on May 9 with a B.S. in Health Promotion and a minor in Psychology. While at AU, she immersed herself in campus life—serving as Vice President of Women’s Club Volleyball, a WVAU DJ, and both a mentee and mentor in the Sister Sister program. She also worked with the Athletics Department and the Department of Health Studies. For her Senior Capstone Project, Mariah partnered with the Rock Creek Foundation to conduct community outreach and organize a donation drive. Her team was honored with the Health Impact in DC Award, which recognizes Department of Health Studies undergraduates who have made significant contributions to the D.C. community through innova-
tive programming, transformational research, meaningful service, or persuasive advocacy.
Peter Erskine graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Peter also served as captain of the Clemson club baseball team, leading the team to compete in the Club World Series.
Max Grimes recently graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He will begin pursuing his Master of Science in Finance (MSF) at Georgetown University this fall.
Aristotle Makoujy graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in Management, majoring in Finance with a certificate in Real Estate Finance. He earned a 4.00 GPA in his specialization and was named to the
Dean’s List for three consecutive semesters, finishing his undergraduate career with distinction. Aristotle worked as an analyst in his final semester for Tulane Ventures, the university’s $10 million venture capital fund, providing financing to start-ups in the Gulf South. He also received the Dean’s Service Award from the A.B. Freeman School of Business, a prestigious honor presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates profound commitment to the Tulane community through leadership and service to others.
Patrick McKenzie graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Constitutional Studies. While at Notre Dame, Patrick was also captain of the Men’s Rugby team. He will continue at Notre Dame this fall as he pursues a Master’s of Education in United States and World History, with an expected graduation in 2027.
Andrés Pardo recently graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Radio/TV/Film and minors in Entrepreneurial Business and Portuguese. While at Northwestern, he hosted The Green Room podcast, performed stand-up comedy across campus and Chicago, and was the lead singer of a jam band called Walter. He also played for the men’s club soccer team, hosted
a satirical news segment on The Deep End, and was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. Andrés had the opportunity to interview Governor Matt Meyer ’90 (middle) on his podcast.
Lucy Taylor graduated from Penn State University with a double major in Integrative Science (pre-med) and Spanish. She was selected to carry the banner for both of her majors at commencement—and was also chosen as the banner carrier for the entire College of the Liberal Arts. Lucy is pictured with Sarah O’Brien and Rose Gnade.
Class of 2022
Aniyah Barnett earned the opportunity to represent the Hampton University Ronald McNair Scholars Program at the 2nd Annual McNair Research Symposium. She presented research on a putative Entamoeba histolytica UMPCMP kinase. Earlier this spring, she also presented two research posters at the School of Science Symposium.
Aniyah went on to share her research at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) 2025 Annual Conference, joining more than
700 undergraduates from across the country in the Undergraduate Poster Sector to present and receive feedback from leading scientists.This summer, she will serve as an intern at the Innovative Genomics Institute at the University of California, Berkeley.
Johnny Finizio (pictured right) joined JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Wilmington, DE, this summer as part of the Data Science Analyst Program. He worked on the Firmwide Financial Control (FFC) Innovation & Transformation team within the office of the CFO.
Nathaniel Huxtable is working as a Foundation Intern at The Home Depot this summer. He and his team will develop training resources to boost volunteer engagement and build partnerships for annual campaigns supporting communities in need. Nathaniel also wrapped up a strong season on the College of Wooster baseball team, helping lead the team to the NCAC Championship game. He appeared in 33 games, recorded 32 hits, had a .396 on-base percentage, and scored 22 runs. This summer, he is playing in the Sunbelt League with the Atlanta Crackers.
Ronnie Petrucci was recognized as one of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) Men’s Hockey “3 Stars of the Week” while playing goalie for Trine University this winter. Ronnie earned the honor following a strong performance against nationally ranked Adrian College. Over the course of two starts, he helped secure a 3-1 win and a 2-2 tie (eventually won in a shootout), contributing five points to the NCHA standings and clinching the third seed in the Harris Cup Playoffs.
IBHL visual art and art major students enjoyed learning from Bruno Yeh Bruno, currently enrolled in the School of Architecture at Syracuse University, spoke with the class about his decision to major in architecture and his most recent experience serving as an intern at KGD Architecture in Washington, D.C., and gave them their next assignment, the Unrolled Cube Project.
Classes of 2022 & 2024
Ameer Bashir ’22 and Jalen Stewart ’24 helped the Howard University Men’s Swimming and Diving team capture their second Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship in three years.
Class of 2023
Kira Agne and Finn Butler both served as Legislative Interns for U.S. Senator Chris Coons in Washington, D.C., gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process and public service. They conducted policy research, drafted memos and constituent letters, and led Capitol tours.
Laila Broussard was named Director of External Affairs for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter at the University of Delaware for the 2025–2026 school year.
Jackson Redd (pictured with his brother, Nick Redd ’20) won his second consecutive Division III National Men’s Lacrosse Championship with Tufts
University in May. In the championship game against Dickinson College, Redd scored two goals and dished out two assists.
Class of 2024
Braden Shipp helped the Franklin & Marshall men’s lacrosse team win 11 games this spring. He was named Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week on February 18. Braden appeared in eight games this season, making two starts, and won 38 faceoffs. Coach Lee Powers connected with Braden after one of his games.
Washington, D.C. Reunion
Zae Turman participated in Morehouse College’s Get on the Bus initiative, a powerful program aimed at expanding access to higher education and mentorship for young Black men. As part of the trip to Philadelphia, Zae documented the experience through photography—capturing meaningful moments from start to finish. He also had the opportunity to engage with Morehouse alumni, hear from the Mayor of Philadelphia, and was part of a group recognized by Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church for their collective impact.
WFS organized a regional reunion in Washington, DC on June 4th. Guests had the chance to connect with alumni and friends in their respective areas, as well as Head of School Ken Aldridge, Coach T, and Margaret Anne Butterfield. Thank you to all who attended, and to those we missed, we hope you can join us for a future event. Special thanks to Robert Hoopes '85 for hosting us at Vox Global's rooftop!
Clockwise from top: Ken Aldridge and Robert Hoopes ’85; Barry Stewart and Jalen Stewart ’24; John McClelland ’87 and Bruce Baganz ’69; Karen McClelland, Margaret Anne Butterfield, and Chad O’Kane; Anna Baldwin ’19 and Olivia Finizio ’19.
Report on Philanthropy Now Online!
As the School focuses on the Quaker testimony of Stewardship this year, our full Report on Philanthropy is now digital. With the increasing cost of printed mailings and in an effort to preserve natural resources, this approach helps us all be good stewards both environmentally and financially. Your financial gifts to Wilmington Friends School make a difference in the lives of our students daily. We are grateful for your generosity throughout the year and wish to thank each of you! On the next few pages are highlights from the report.
Thank You, David!
Board Leadership at WFS
David Tennent has led the Board of Trustees for five years and is now handing over the reins. We are fortunate that he remains a Trustee and asked him to share some of his thoughts about WFS.
What has WFS meant to you?
WFS has meant a number of things to me. I see the school as an opportunity for students to not only get a fantastic education, but to also learn the basic beliefs of the Quaker faith and assimilate these beliefs into their own lives in a manner appropriate for them. Being raised as a Quaker (although a product of the public school system), the Quaker principles have made a huge difference in my life and how I view things. I think it is wonderful for other children to have this opportunity. I’m lucky to be part of the team making this possible. The school also has brought a sense of community to me, to my children, and to the others in the broader school population. This sense of community has been invaluable for me and my family.
What interested you about joining the Board at WFS?
I was aware of the school as a Quaker in the Kennett Square area. My father worked in Wilmington, and we had many Wilmington connections. The school made a real difference to my two children who attended. I felt they could really benefit from a Wilmington Friends education, and they did. (The third child, my middle daughter, was in a very good place in the public school system here in Pennsylvania and was happy to continue there.) When I was approached about serving on the Board in 2012, I saw it as an opportunity to say thanks and give back to the school after all it did for me and my family.
What have been your favorite initiatives to work on as a Board member?
Working on the Property Committee and going through the multiple plans and contracts for the building renovations and construction over the years has been very enjoyable. While it was very time consuming, being part of the Head of School search team that selected Ken Aldridge was also fascinating. We interviewed so many interesting candidates, and it gave me a sense of appreciation for the quality of people out in the world. Of course, Ken was the most impressive. I feel lucky to have worked with him over the years. I also enjoyed being part of the Strategic Planning Committee and the development effort of the new Strategic Plan. The consultant who led us through the process was very good, and the entire effort was a great experience.
Where do you see the School in ten years?
I see the school continuing at the forefront in the Wilmington area, introducing new educational concepts that the other peer schools imitate, while maintaining its core Quaker mission that has sustained it since 1748. I see the Strategic Plan being implemented and the school “getting the word out” about all of its advantages in a manner more consistent with modern day media opportunities.
If you could give the incoming Board Clerk one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t have any preconceived notions about what a Board Clerk “should be.” Be yourself and lead the school using your best judgment and the experience of others where appropriate. It was your leadership qualities, your presence on the Board, your wisdom, and your personality that got you the position in the first place. Be true to that person.
Jennifer Brady, our next Board Clerk
We are excited to welcome Jennifer Brady as our next Board Clerk. Jennifer, a partner at Potter Anderson law firm, is the mother of two WFS alums, Sean ’20 and Reagan ’23. A WFS Trustee since 2014, she has served on the Committee on Trustees, School Trustee Selection Committee, Finance Committee, and Heads Advisory. She is also a member of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee.
SCAN the QR code to view the full report online.
Financial Summary 2024-2025
Please note: The financial information presented in this report is based on preliminary, unaudited
Giving to Friends
Annual Fund
Endowment
$960,481 (2,027 gifts)
$127,780 (37 gifts) Capital
$271,996 (88 gifts) TOTAL $2,179,159 (2,251 gifts)
& Programs $818,902 (99 gifts)
*Giving totals include all cash and stock gifts received in 2024–25, and do not include multi-year pledge amounts
2024-2025 Annual Fund
The WFS Annual Fund is an important part of the education at Friends. Past and present families, alumni and friends contribute about 3.7% of the annual operating budget, or approximately $1,372 per student. We cannot thank you enough for your support. Year after year, we ask, and, year after year, you answer.
*Dollars are included in only one constituency category. For example, the amount donated by a trustee who is also an alumna/us would be included in the trustee category, but not in the alumni category. Therefore, amounts listed for each category may differ from the all-inclusive listings in the online report.
**According to the National Association of Independent Schools for Day Schools.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the listing of donors. If an error has been made, please accept our apologies and contact the development office so that the appropriate change can be made.
$960,481 raised from 1,132 distinct donors 2,251 total gifts to the annual fund
106 new donors
2,296 total gifts to all campaigns
Thank You Sponsors
Quaker Game Night
In March, the WFS community came together for the most successful Quaker Game Night yet, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 300 attendees and raising more than $30,000 in support of Wilmington Friends School. Hosted by the ever-energetic Patrick Hamilton, the evening featured lively rounds of Family Feud, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, music trivia, and the always-entertaining Yes/No game. Thank you to our generous sponsors, silent auction donors, bonus basket donors, and planning committee who helped make this evening possible. It was a night full of laughter, friendly competition, and incredible community spirit—all in celebration of WFS.
SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS
The Okolo Family
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor
ROUND SPONSORS
Delaware Orthopaedics
Specialists
First State Orthopaedics
Orth Financial GroupAmeriprise Private Wealth
Advisory Practice
Schultz & Williams
The Tassone Family
Union Park Volvo
GAME SPONSORS
Accessible Health with Janie Truitt
The Aldridge Family
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware
Christopher Levy GroupKaren Legum
Griswold Home Care for New Castle County
The Mottola Group
Pratcher Krayer Injury
Lawyers
Seiff Center for Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, PA
Veritas Legal Consulting, LLC
CATERING SPONSOR
Toscana Catering
AWARD SPONSOR
Crown Trophy
BEER SPONSOR
Big Oyster Brewery
WINE SPONSOR
Swigg Real Wine Craft
Beers & Spirits
WFS Golf Outing
This past April, Wilmington Friends School held its 5th Annual Golf Outing at the beautiful Bidermann Golf Club. We are so thankful to everyone who made the day memorable—whether you teed off, sponsored the event, or came out to enjoy the After-Party with the upbeat sounds of Spokey Speakey. Together, we raised more than $40,000 in support of WFS. These proceeds help strengthen our academic programs, support our outstanding faculty and staff, and enrich the student experience. We are especially grateful to the Golf Outing Committee for their commitment and leadership in bringing this community event to life.
Eagle Sponsors
Dalton Trial & Appellate Counsel
Wohlsen Construction
Golf Beverage Sponsors
Modern Controls
The Nicholson/Sharp Family
Paint Doctor
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor
Birdie Sponsors
Accelerated Fire Protection
Biddle Capital Management
Delaware Orthopaedics
Specialists
DiSabatino Construction
Epic Insurance Brokers
Healthy Path
The Kelley Family
Labware Inc.
New Castle County
Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited
Premier Pool Renovations
Potter Anderson
Schlosser & Associates
WRT
After Party Sponsors
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor
SEI Management Consulting Firm
The Mottola Group
Darryl J. Ford
In Kind Food & Drink
Sponsors
Big Oyster Brewery
Manhattan Bagel
Standard Distributing Co.
Wawa
Green Sponsors
The Aldridge Family
ARG Communications
Lyons Insurance Company
Seiberlich Trane Energy Services
The Tonelli Family
Range Sponsor
The Okolo Family
Tee Sponsors
Accessible Health with Janie Truitt
DCA Net
Leslie and Lynn Jones
Union Park Honda
Union Park Volvo
Gifts Honoring WFS Faculty & Staff
Ken Aldridge and Family
Mariah Aldridge ‘21
Ken and Cassandra Aldridge
Darryl J. Ford
William Goulding and Roberta Galati
Jim Pilkington
Alice Minor Anthony ‘84
Eddie Gallagher and Rachel WiegandGallagher
Jessica Brenneman Hardaway and Bobby Hardaway
Esme Ayllon-Ayllon
Eddie Gallagher and Rachel WiegandGallagher
Jessica Brenneman Hardaway and Bobby Hardaway
Ryan Berry
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Philip Braselton
WFS 2025 Boys Soccer Team
Erica Brown ‘12
Kathy and William Brown
Andrew Rombach
Bradey Bulk
Christine and Robert Zawadzkas
Erica Childs
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Scott Clothier
Utma Taku and Rajesh Bhuva
Rachel Cosentino
Christine, Canio, and Briley ‘32 Caputo
Kim and Anthony Gannon
Raphael Dagold
Janie Truitt
The Dalby Family
Jeffrey Twardus
Jen and Tim Dalby
Nancy Layman Moore
Jennifer Dalby
Ann-Marie Williams and Hector Bourne
Lauren McCauley
Tim Dalby
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Melissa Davenport
Christine, Canio, and Briley ‘32 Caputo
Mark Davenport
Heather Derp
Jeff Derp
Tina DiSabatino
Christy Pastro
Suzette and Fred Rysz
Sandra Donahue
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Taiasha Elmore
The Cericola Family
The Jones Family
Maria Ferre Fuentes
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Banu Fields
Cristina and Kevin DiSabatino
Sarah and Patrick Goldring
Aminah Finney
Mylea and Saiquan Aiken
April and Michael Jefferson
Jaime Fontanazza
Mylea and Saiquan Aiken
April and Michael Jefferson
Sara Gaines
Eva and Richard Gaines
Heather and Kenneth Jackman
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Stephanie Galbraith
Ann-Marie Williams and Hector Bourne
Eddie Gallagher
Carrie Foeller
Rachel Wiegand-Gallagher
Laura and Charles O’Kane
Tami-Marie Gerber
Amy Sassaman and Eddie Santiago
Rose Gnade
Utma Taku and Rajesh Bhuva
Megan and Michael Sanfrancesco
Logan Goodwin
Carrie Foeller
Janie Truitt
Laura Hannagan
Cristina and Kevin DiSabatino
Lindsay Cook and Nate Stuhlmiller
Bill Harman ‘69
Dianne and Bob Tattersall
Robby Tattersall ‘23
Shannon Elliott Tattersall and Robert C. Tattersall, Jr. ‘91
Megan Hegenbarth
The Cericola Family
Mary Fenimore
Janice and Jack Hegenbarth
Catherine and Daniel Kleier
Mark Horne
WFS 2025 Boys Soccer Team
Jonathan Huxtable
Carrie Foeller
Laura and Charles O’Kane
Susan Ventresca and David Ropars
Janie Truitt
Sarah Jones
Shawna Gold and Ryan Smith
Ginnie Jones
Karen and Keith Tate
Shoshana Kaplan
Carrie Foeller
Katie Kline
Amy Sassaman and Eddie Santiago
Laura Kirk Kurz ‘97
Christy Pastro
Debbie Layton (Jones House Volunteer)
Lynne and Len Nathan
Robin Lebauer
Catharine and Peter Roeber
Danielle Litterelle
Sarah and William Driscoll
Chris Loeffler ‘00
Mylea and Saiquan Aiken
April and Michael Jefferson
Amy Sassaman and Eddie Santiago
Paulo Machado
Utma Taku and Rajesh Bhuva
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Terry Maguire
Lynne and Len Nathan
Shelly Mand (Jones House Volunteer)
Lynne and Len Nathan
Kathleen Martin
The Cericola Family
Kemi and Sosunmolu Shoyinka
Katie Wolf Martinenza ‘99
Dolly Bochenek Wolf ‘71 and Carl Wolf
Monica and Michael McKenzie
Eileen and Joe Szczerba
Patrick McKinley
Ann-Marie Williams and Hector Bourne
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Debbie Mellor (Jones House Volunteer)
Lynne and Len Nathan
Alex Mellow ‘01
Cristina and Kevin DiSabatino
Jillian Oberfield and Benjamin Fenwick
Lindsay Cook and Nate Stuhlmiller
Courtney Miller
Janie Truitt
Ildikó Miller
Utma Taku and Rajesh Bhuva
Alisha and Brian Bryson
Janie Truitt
Skye and Jacob Rashkind
Jessica Mohr
Lauren McCauley
Lisa Morgan
Amy Sassaman and Eddie Santiago
Don Morton ‘94
Ryan Tattersall ‘25
Jake Myers
Jeffrey Ransom
Caitlin Norton
Samuel Huo ‘18
Sarah O’Brien
Sarah and William Driscoll
Maria Sunzel and Scott Larsen
Ryan Tattersall ‘25
Chad O’Kane
Lynne and Len Nathan
Lisa Peyton-McNeill and Omar McNeill
Edi Wyeth and N. Convers Wyeth III ‘63
Laura Jersild Pardo ‘90
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Alex Patterson ‘18
WFS 2025 Boys Soccer Team
Lisa Peyton-McNeill
Susan Morovati Finizio ‘87 and GianClaudio Finizio
Rishi Ramlochan
WFS 2025 Boys Soccer Team
Amanda Reese
April and Michael Jefferson
Teal Rickerman
Christine, Canio, and Briley ‘32 Caputo
Mary Fenimore
Barbara, Jake, and Vinny ‘36 Fitzgerald
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Karen S. Keith
Shannon Ness and Reid Ravin
Mary Williams Schlauch ‘09 and Brendan Schlauch
Lindsay Cook and Nate Stuhlmiller
Javier Rodriguez
Amy Sassaman and Eddie Santiago
John Roskovensky
Andrea Comiez and Theodore Paulsen
Tobi Salami
Yendelela and Wesley Jones
Shannon Ness and Reid Ravin
Class of 2025 Senior Fund
Thank you to everyone who made gifts honoring members of the Class of 2025. To see the list, please visit our digital Report on Philanthropy.
Rodrigo Saldaña
Andrea Comiez and Theodore Paulsen
Rebecca Schaen
Shawna Gold and Ryan Smith
Andrew Schneider
Jillian Oberfield and Benjamin Fenwick
Carrie Simpson
Andrea Comiez and Theodore Paulsen
Lynese Spinelli
Amy Sassaman and Eddie Santiago
Sarah Stock
Samuel Huo ‘18
Tamara and Matthew McGuire
Andrea Comiez and Theodore Paulsen
Bob and Dianne Tattersall
Shannon Elliott Tattersall and Robert C. Tattersall, Jr. ‘91
Bob ‘T’ Tattersall
Anonymous
Samuel R. Davis ‘11
Susie Tattersall Davis ‘84 and Robert Davis ‘83
Pam Gehret and Jake Gehret ‘77
Sue and Edwin Harron
Armistead Henderer and Peter Henderer ‘89
Kristin Sommar Jenney and Jamie Jenney III ‘94
Mae Scott and Gary Scott ‘82
Julie Tattersall ‘82 and Artie Kempner
Robby Tattersall ‘23
Ryan Tattersall ‘25
Shannon Elliott Tattersall and Robert C. Tattersall, Jr. ‘91
Xingyu Wang ‘24, Ping Song, and Yanqing Wang
Rob ‘RT’ Tattersall ‘91
Robby Tattersall ‘23
Ryan Tattersall ‘25
Jerry Taylor
Janie Truitt
Peter Tinaglia
Kimberly and James Green
Lesley Dennis Tryon ‘71
Tina and William Baczkowski
Lynne and Len Nathan
Wilma and Elmer Yu
Erin Walker
Christine, Canio, and Briley ‘32 Caputo
Kim and Anthony Gannon
WFS Baseball Program
Jayne and Paul Heckles
WFS Jones House Staff
Christy Pastro
Lisa Peyton-McNeill and Omar McNeill
WFS Lower School Elder Buddy Program
Ann and Bob Cole
WFS Performing Arts Department
Naomi Hamermesh Scheinerman ‘06 and Matthew Scheinerman
Sia Willie
Chalanda and Terrence Jones
Yendelela and Wesley Jones
Shannon Ness and Reid Ravin
Danielle Woznicki
April and Michael Jefferson
Julie Creamer Zarebicki ‘96
Cristina and Kevin DiSabatino
Sarah and Patrick Goldring
In Memory
Any time a member of the Wilmington Friends School community passes away, we feel great sadness by the loss. But reflecting on their lives and contributions to the greater good helps us cope and remember the many good things about them. Please visit our website at www.wilmingtonfriends.org/alumni/in-memory or use the QR code provided to read about these wonderful members of the WFS community. If you would like to inform us about the passing of a friend or family member in our community, please email Lynne Nathan at lnathan@wilmingtonfriends.org.
Coach: Robert "Bob" Vincent Trinsey, Jr.
Class of 1943: Sara "Sally" E. [Hackett] Bunnell
Class of 1948: Elizabeth 'Bee Jay" [Quillen] Brustad
Class of 1949: Peter Hale Sprague, Sr.
Class of 1951: Janet Elizabeth "Betsy" [Cranston] Baxter
Class of 1951: Jane [Marsh] Dieckmann
Class of 1953: Rev. Marjorie L. [Wesp] Montgomery
Class of 1954: Eleanor "Ellie" [Cranston] Hileman
Class of 1959: Fletcher "Sandy" Campbell, Jr.
Class of 1962: Peter M. Clark
Class of 1966: Virginia Adele Herbst
Class of 1970: William S. Davis
Class of 1970: Barbara [Vernon] Schwan
Class of 1988: Catherine "Cathy" [Harper] Wilson
Class of 1994: Owen Hunter Grenfell
101 School Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
www.wilmingtonfriends.org
Join Us.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025
11:30am
50th+ Reunion luncheon honoring the Class of 1975 and Planned Giving Society members (Invitation only)
3:00pm
Guided tour of campus for luncheon guests
5:15pm Varsity Volleyball vs. St. Elizabeth HS
6:30pm
All Alumni & Friends Reunion, Awards Reception, and Celebration of Head Coach Emeritus Bob Tattersall MS/US Library Learning Commons
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025
8:00am
Homecoming Service Collection begins
8:30am
Smith McMillan 5K Run/Walk
10:00am
15+ Gratitude & Remembrance Meeting For Worship Honoring faculty/staff with 15+ years at WFS and community members who have passed away in the last 5 years
10:00am Varsity Field Hockey vs. William Penn HS
11:30am-2:00pm Lunch in the Homecoming Tent
12:00-2:00pm Self-Guided Tours start at the Jones House
12:00-2:00pm Kids Corner at the Jones House Lawn
12:00pm Varsity Soccer vs. Tatnall School
2:30pm Varsity Football vs. Archmere Academy
Evening
Reunions for Classes ending in 5 and 0 organized by Class Representatives
