Quaker Works 13:2 Spring 2022 - FCS Hosts the Conference
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Quaker Works
The Magazine of Friends’ Central School
13:2 Spring 2022
QYLC 2022 TEACHING GOOD SEX LOWER SCHOOL LEARNING
FCS Hosts the Conference 10 Years Later Science & Thematic Education
Quaker Works
O N T H E C OV E R
Celebrating
"Blue Gray Beth Day"
on March 1
The Magazine of Friends’ Central School
Head of School
Beth D. Johnson ’77
Editor
Clare Luzuriaga
Director of Communications
Contributors
Lydia A. Martin
Assistant Head of School for Communications,
Enrollment, and Strategic Initiatives
Katherine Clayton
2021-2022 Communications Manager
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ash Williams
James C. Wright, Clerk Digital & Social Media Specialist
Tami Benton-Condiff, Vice Clerk Andrea Nuneviller
Betty Bard, Treasurer Director of Home & School Partnerships
Laura Jackson '65, Recording Clerk Colette Kleitz
Chief Development Officer
LiRon Anderson-Bell
Linda Waxman Wasserman ’75
Quinn Bauriedel
Director of Alumni/ae Affairs
Liz Cohen '83
Kim Emmons-Benjet
Liza Ewen Director of Leadership Giving
Seth Goldblum Matt Cohen
Jon Harris Director of Development Services
Juan Jewell '68 Melissa DiNofia-Bozzone
Kimya Johnson Director of Annual Giving
Fariha Khan Jody Mayer
Mary McCabe Development Associate
Chinwe Onyekere '94
Photography
Alex Rolfe '01 Michael Branscom, Katherine Clayton, Matt Cohen,
Aaron Selkow '88 Jay Gorodetzer, Clare Luzuriaga, Paola Nogueras, Luke Nowell,
Jim Roese, Mark Tassoni, Ash Williams, Day Yohannes
Tom Tritton
Joshua Wasserman '02 Layout
Roderick Wolfson Clare Luzuriaga, Nancy Biddle
Barbara M. Cohen, Emerita We welcome any comments, letters, photographs,
and suggestions for future issues. Please send all to
Ken Dunn, Emeritus
communications@friendscentral.org.
Ann Satterthwaite, Emerita
Joanna Schoff '51, Emerita Friends’ Central School
1101 City Avenue
Koji Shimada, Emeritus
Wynnewood, PA 19096
communications@friendscentral.org
Gardner Hendrie '50, Honorary Trustee
Connect with us on social media
facebook.com/friendscentral
twitter.com/friendscentral
2021-2022 instagram.com/friendscentralschool
ALUMNI/AE BOARD youtube.com/friendscentralschool
Read past issues of Quaker Works at
Olivia Gillison ’10, President Jared Grove ’95 friendscentral.org/publications
Taylor Lee ’08, Vice President Julie Biron Maletz ’05 PLEASE RECYCLE
Janice Decker Frohner ’60, Secretary
Clio Mallin ’96
Jeffrey Brody ’98
Latifah McMullin ’99
Bess Collier ’96
Lauren Collier ’99 Alexander Unkovic ’08
Alejandro Franqui ’03 Jessica Zeldin ’88
R4 FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL
On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the School celebrated the appointment of Beth D. Johnson '77
as Friends' Central's 12th Head of School at "Blue Gray Beth Day." See page 3 for more photos.
F E AT U R E S D E PA R T M E N TS
12 Quaker Youth Leadership Conference
Laurie Novo describes the FCS-hosted 2022 QYLC
2 Opening Comments
Letter from the Head of School
14 Meet Friends' Central's
Board of Trustees
4 Campus Log
16 Visitors to Campus
17 Middle School Cookbook Helps
Teach World Geography 18 Athletics
22 "Teaching Good Sex" - Ten Years Later
Al Vernacchio reflects on the human sexuality program at FCS
31 Notes from Friends
26 Science at the Lower School
28 Thematic Learning at the Lower School
Letter from the
Head of School
Dear Friends,
Just a few weeks ago, the Board of Trustees invited me to become Friends' Central's
12th Head of School. The moment was thrilling for me, and I was honored by the
many messages of support I received. Thank you! Though I don’t generally relish
being the center of attention, the welcome and celebration organized for me on
March 1 was particularly meaningful. As I told students, the timing added additional
meaning for me, as Friends’ Central’s first woman and first African American Head
of School – I was asked to be Head of School during Black History Month and hon-
ored by them during Women’s History Month! I hope you’ve seen pictures of the
school spirit in action!
I’ve said it before – and I’m feeling it particularly strongly these days as I try to digest
the news of the wider world – Friends’ Central is a place of peace, tranquility, and
joy. As you read this spring 2022 issue of Quaker Works, I hope, like me, you can
draw some strength and energy from the many positive and inspiring stories and
images of Friends’ Central students, teachers, and alums “going further,” as they en-
gage in intellectual, artistic, and athletic endeavors.
In this issue, you get a chance to learn more about the FCS Board of Trustees and
their deep connections to the School. Al Vernacchio writes about consent education
on the 10th anniversary of the publication of The New York Times piece about his
book and his work as a sexuality education teacher. Laurie Novo reports on the 2022
Quaker Youth Leadership Conference, which had as its theme Seeking Equity Through
Stories. Upper School students share their experience of college-level genetics work
– barcoding mushroom DNA. We hear about 10th graders independently experi-
menting with cathode-ray tube technology and plant decellularization. We take a
deep dive into science teaching and thematic education at the Lower School. And,
as always, there’s so much to share, as FCS students across all the grades continue to
make us proud on the athletic field, in music and drama performances, in the class-
room, and in the wider world. Faculty members continue to work their classroom
magic, and several have been recognized for outstanding accomplishments in the
classroom and beyond.
Spring is finally here, and our beautiful campuses are bursting with color, which
means Reunion 2022 is just around the corner. This year, we’re calling it “Alumni/ae
Day,” to reflect an open invitation to people from all Class years to join us on Satur-
day, May 7. I can’t wait to see my fellow FCS alums in person! Take a moment to read
the “Notes from Friends” section of this magazine (on page 31), and let the news get
you as excited as I am to see everyone!
I look forward to seeing you, whether on campus or at other FCS events!
Kind regards,
Beth D. Johnson '77
Head of School
2 FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL
Students, faculty, and staff on the City Avenue campus
For more photosthe
celebrating from the Community
appointment Celebration,
of Beth D. Johnson '77 visit bit.ly/FCSalbums.
as Friends' Central's 12th Head of School
For more photos, visit bit.ly/FCSalbums
SPRING 2022 3
Campus Log
FOR MORE SCHOOL NEWS, VISIT
FRIENDSCENTRAL.ORG/NEWS
The Middle School held an
outdoor Meeting for Worship
on September 30.
Middle Schoolers Make Their Mark Mid-Autumn Festival
Middle School students in Caroline Maw-Deis's art classes began the school On September 21, FCS international students held a Mid-Au-
year by “making their mark” on a simple circle. Inspired by the concept in tumn Festival on campus. Joe Yicheng Yuan '22 explained,
the story The Dot by Peter Reynolds, each student devised a unique solution “The Mid-Autumn Festival – or Mooncake Festival – is widely
for their individual circle. An exhibition of all the pieces was on display in the celebrated by Southeast and East Asian communities. Families
Shallcross Gallery. gather and celebrate with delicious meals and mooncakes.”
Traditionally, it marked the end of the autumn harvest.
International Day of Peace
The Lower School community gathered for a Meeting for
Worship in observance of the International Day of Peace
in September.
4 FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL
Grade 9 gathering in September
for Orientation Day 2021
Lower School first day, September Middle School first day, September
Kicking off the school year at the Grade 10 Paradise Farm team-building
Parents of Students of Color (PSOC) trip in September
Ice Cream Social in September
SPRING 2022 5
FCS Juniors Take
CAMPUS LOG
On Mushroom
Genetic Barcoding
(From left) Dev Gupta, Jace Anderson, Michael Chou,
BY JACE ANDERSON '23, MARCUS CHIANG '23, and Marcus Chiang with faculty advisor John Gruber
MICHAEL CHOU '23, AND DEV GUPTA '23
F
our of us from the Class of 2023 recently undertook the task Research like this is often expected in undergraduate institutions
of genetically identifying various species of mushrooms from and demonstrates the advanced laboratory capabilities at Friends’
local places, Friends’ Central’s City Avenue campus included. Central. We got to experience true wet-lab work as we explored
Among the mushroom samples collected were three distinc- science that can be seen in the world. Species identification is
tive specimens from three different locations. Our faculty advisor,
near impossible without genetic markers. These markers form a
Mr. Gruber, gathered them from Friends’ Central, Crow’s Nest
barcode that identifies a mushroom down to its specific species.
Preserve, and Stoneleigh Preserve. The latter two are Natu-
ral Lands preserves. The mushroom pictured here is from FCS! Soon after we submitted the results to GeneWiz for process-
The Crow’s Nest and Stoneleigh mushrooms were somewhat ing, our success with the process started to become apparent.
damaged but still easily sequenceable. Species that appeared the same visually returned near-perfect
In the first semester, we met every Friday and learned varying matches with each other and, excitingly, with the BOLD database
techniques through hands-on experience. These techniques in- as well. BOLD is a compilation of sequences that allows you to
cluded micro-pipetting, genetic extraction, polymerase chain compare your sequences with those of researchers all over the
reaction (PCR), electrophoresis, and analyzing sequence data world. These promising results prompted us to document the
through computer software.
work in the form of a paper with emphasis on the importance of
teaching these hands-on experiences in high school. We hope
that the article will be published soon. We also plan on sharing our
findings in an oral presentation in the near future.
In the future, we will explore sequencing lichens, which have far
less documented research than mushrooms and more unknown
DNA to analyze. Lichens are plentiful at FCS and consist of a
combination of fungus, algae, yeast, and bacteria in a symbiotic
relationship. In order to sequence lichen, we will follow the same
protocols and steps as the mushrooms; the primers we used to
amplify the mushroom DNA, labeled as “general fungal ITS prim-
ers,” have broad success on all fungi. Through barcoding lichens,
we can learn about other variations in the fungal family. QW
Middle School Mars Rover Landing
After learning about space exploration in Dan Bobrowski's science class,
seventh graders designed, built, and programmed their own model rovers
using LEGO® Education SPIKE™ prime sets. After many hours of careful
trial and error, student teams landed their rover on the culminating “Mars
Landing Day” in March in the Shallcross Meeting Room. The teams con-
trolled their rover by watching a live video feed of the rover’s movements
and sending a series of successive programs to the machine through
Bluetooth technology.
6 FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL
Detecting New Asteroids CAMPUS LOG
Upper School students Helen Potts ’25, Fotini Mourelatos ’22, and
Lawson Messe ’25 on the Friends' Asteroids Search Team (FAST)
and Upper School science teacher Deb Skapik each detected new
asteroids this November (Helen and Lawson for the first time!).
In December, Deb Skapik shared, "Fotini and I just learned that one
of the asteroids we co-discovered in April (2021) has moved on from
'Preliminary' status to 'Provisional' status. That means this asteroid
has been observed by a second group of independent observers!
This asteroid was observed by the PanStarrs in Hawai'i on April 13,
2021, and shortly afterward, Fotini and I measured it, giving it the
temporary name FCS 1221 (our 12th campaign, candidate #21). The
IASC group gave it the Preliminary designation P11f34P. It has now
moved on to Provisional status, named 2021 GC134, a name that will
stick with it, even if we rename it something else eventually."
Senior Advocates for CROWN Act
In September, Jai Smith ’22 engaged in teen advocacy work
through the Jack and Jill organization to encourage Rep. Brendan
Boyle (PA Team 02) to co-sponsor the CROWN Act. The CROWN
Act (“Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”) is
a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the
denial of employment and educational opportunities because of
hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists,
or bantu knots. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, a co-spon-
sor of the CROWN Act, met with Jai and other students.
Student Diversity
Leadership Conference
In December, Haylee Gibson '23, Mari Reyes-Toidze '22, Austin
Vines '22, Jai Smith '22, and Marcus Chiang '23 attended the NAIS
Student Diversity Leadership Conference virtually. The students
participated in workshops and racial affinity groups and attended
sessions with keynote speakers. Lower Schoolers had a blast at Pumpkin Fair 2021.
Students demonstrated their language skills and In October, Middle School students participated in a
fabulous costumes at the eighth-grade Multilingual daily art installation at Linwood Park in Ardmore.
Fashion Show in November.
SPRING 2022 7
FCS on the Stage
Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. was this fall's Middle School
musical. The cast and crew did an outstanding job
bringing to the FCS stage this special adaptation of the
classic Broadway musical which tackles the universal
theme of tradition.
The Middle School Winter Concert in December
The Upper School fall play was Anton Chekhov's
The Cherry Orchard. Staged outside among the
beautiful trees on Felsen Common in a funny modern
translation by Lavina Jadwhani, The Cherry Orchard
is the story of a family struggling to adjust to a
changing world. The Upper School Holiday Concert in December
Upper School Drama put on a fantastic production of Godspell in
February, with a beautiful student-built set. Using the language and
structures of a specific religious tradition, Godspell explores ideas
of how we can live together in community.
FCS Juniors Selected for
PMEA Band & Orchestra
Three FCS students made District Band and Orchestra this winter.
Claire Samaha ’23 (alto saxophone) was selected to join Pennsyl-
vania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 11 Band. Mi-
chael Chou ’23 (violin) and Dev Gupta ’23 (bassoon) were selected
to join the Orchestra. Claire and Michael are being recognized for
the second year in a row! Claire represented FCS in the PMEA Dis-
trict 11 Band Festival at Pennsbury High School in January. Michael
and Dev represented FCS in the PMEA District 11 Orchestra Festi-
val at Upper Perkiomen High School, also in January.
8 FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOLCAMPUS LOG
FCS Junior Performs in
Triumph Music Festival
In October, trumpet-player Kokayi Jones ’23 performed
at the Triumph Music Festival, an exclusive educational
and performing event with a unique opportunity for the
winners to participate at the Gala Concert held at the
historic Academy of Music Ballroom in Philadelphia.
FCS Student
Nutcracker Lower School Family Sing-Along
Performance Lower School families came together to celebrate the holiday season with a
Nora-Simone Thorne ’24 beautiful and well-attended community sing-along on December 16. The eve-
performed in the Phila- ning also offered an opportunity for families to take self-guided tours of the
delphia Ballet's (formerly Lower School to admire their children's artwork.
The Pennsylvania Ballet)
production of The Nut-
cracker as a Mouse and
Hoops dancer this winter.
To prepare, she rehearsed
and took classes seven
days a week from the end
of September until the
performance.
Eighth Graders Build
Rube Goldberg Machines
Eighth graders in Dr. Patricia Zaradic's science class worked hard this spring
Shakespeare Award building Rube Goldberg machines in the Makerspace that had a marble pop
In March, Lucy Shea ’23 won first place in the Philadel- a balloon.
phia Branch of the English Speaking Union's Annual
Shakespeare Competition. At the reception, Lucy per-
formed her award-winning monologue from Richard II.
She received a cash prize of $1,500, and she goes on to
compete in the National Competition. This is the sec-
ond year Lucy was recognized, as she came second in
the 2021 Philadelphia Branch competition.
SPRING 2022 9Building Cathode-Ray Tubes Decellularizing Leaves
in an FCS Chemistry Lab in an FCS Biology Lab
F I
riends' Central n addition to his cathode-ray tube building,
sophomore Rupert Rubert Bowen and fellow sophomore James
Bowen is conduct- Heller are working together on another inde-
ing an independent pendent science project in an FCS biology lab,
experiment building cath- exploring decellularization in plant leaves.
ode-ray tubes in an FCS Decellularization is the process used in biomed-
chemistry lab. It’s a project
ical engineering to isolate the extracellular ma-
he himself devised, and trix (ECM) of a tissue from its inhabiting cells,
he’s exploring it with the
leaving an ECM scaffold of the original tissue.
single-minded passion
and focus of the truly intel- The project began for James and Rupert as a
lectually curious. lesson in their chemistry class, where they were
partners in a food science project.
“I got really curious about how old televisions worked. I spent an
hour down a Google rabbit hole, and I decided I wanted to try and “We were interested in lab-made meat, which is
mess with cathode-ray tubes.” created mostly through decellularization, where
the decellularized structure is used as a scaffold-
He emailed his chemistry teacher, Phyllis Hanson, to see if Friends’
ing – whatever is left of the plant – to grow new an-
Central had something approximating a cathode-ray tube so he
imal cells inside the decellularized leaf,” explained
could see it in action. “There wasn’t one, so I decided to build my James. "It has the potential to be used to grow ar-
own,” he said. tificial meat or turned into prototype artificial or-
With a cathode-ray tube, “you create a vacuum inside a glass tube, gans, which is the coolest thing ever!” said Rupert.
and you have super-high voltage, causing electrons to jump from They decided they wanted to independently
the anode to the cathode,” Rupert explained. “This creates streams study the process of decellularization. With the
of electrons, which are called cathode rays. They can flow freely be- assistance of Upper School science teacher
cause there’s no air to disrupt their path.”
John Gruber, they are experimenting with celery
“To build my own cathode-ray tube,” he continued, “I started with a and ficus leaves under different conditions – in
plain Erlenmeyer flask, but I eventually switched to a filtering flask, an enclosed shaker plate, an open shaker plate,
because it has a little nozzle on the side that I can pull the vacuum pre-frozen, and at room temperature.
from. I’m doing this in an FCS chemistry lab.” They are already seeing some results. “At this
He finds whatever time he can during free blocks and study halls, point, the celery is entirely decellularized. The
and occasionally, after a hurried lunch, to immerse himself in his ficus leaves are moving very slowly, but hopefully
cathode-ray tube experiments. we’ll get them to the same point as the celery,
where we can see through them and observe
“I’m interested in how cathode rays deflect when you put them in a
them,” said James. “We want to take a sample of
magnetic field or an electrostatic field,” Rupert said. “You can use
the finished structure and put it under a
either magnets (how televisions worked, creating a magnetic field
high-definition microscope to get a really good,
using a coil) or electrostatic fields, by placing high-voltage plates
up-close look at it, added Rupert.” QW
next to each other. What that does is to accelerate the electrons in a
direction, then you can deflect them to create pictures. You’re mov-
ing the electrons fast enough to create images.”
Rupert’s making progress. “I’m on the verge of getting a focused
beam, and that’s when I’m going to play around with deflection,
which I’m super excited about. I’m not going to be able to get any
high resolution images. My end goal is to generate a straight line us-
ing a high voltage AC electrostatic field. If I am able to create such
a line, I may be able to generate a very basic oscilloscope that illus-
trates the voltages, using charged plates and probes.”
“Rupert is the most proactive student I have ever encountered.
He has an integrity and dedication to his work that is amazing
Rupert Bowen (left) and James Heller
and inspiring,” said Dr. Hanson. “In a short time at FCS, he has
at work in the FCS biology lab
captivated the attention of many of his classmates through his
research and generosity of time; he shows remarkable ability to
teach and share his enthusiasm for his research. His positivity and
humility allow him to fully explore the science he is so interested in.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to give him his own per-
sonal research space in the FCC, which he has used with the utmost
professionalism.” QW
Their successfully decellularized
Excerpted fromCENTRAL
the full article, published in fcsfeatures.org, celery leaves
10 FRIENDS' SCHOOL
Friends' Central's online magazine.Lower School Junior Author
Prize Winners
In February, fifth grader Matthew (at left) was awarded first place
for non-fiction in the Gladwyne Free Library Junior Author Contest
for his essay titled My First Beyblade Battle. Fourth grader Dahlia
(at right) won first place in the fourth-grade fiction category for
her essay titled The Dividing Hallway. Congratulations, Matt and
Dahlia!
Math Modeling Club Competed in
High School Math Modeling Contest
Upper School students tackled climate change using math this fall. The
Math Modeling Club, with Upper School Math Teacher Julie Plunkett as
advisor, participated in the High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling
(HiMCM) in November. Hosted by the Consortium for Mathematics and its
Applications (COMAP), the HiMCM competition is an opportunity for stu-
dents to apply mathematical solutions to real-world issues. A total of 705
teams competed, representing 303 schools and 20 countries/regions.
Friends’ Central sent three teams to the competition. The FCS team of Drew
Bukasa ’22, Julian Duvivier ’22, Dev Gupta ’23, and Claire Samaha ’23, who
tackled the second competition problem presented, made it to the finalist
stage, placing them in the top 6% of all participants. Kevin Dai ’23, Sean Mc-
World Affairs Club at Model Senate Goff ’22, and Henry Mu ’23, who also chose the second problem, placed in
the top 14% of all teams. The team of Jack Barsotti ’24, Kai Davidson ’22,
In December, the 12 members of FCS's World Affairs Club left
Quin Stovall ’24, and Rita Tang ’25, who took on the first problem, also suc-
proud and happy from the Model Senate hosted by the World Af-
cessfully competed. Congratulations to all of our students who participated
fairs Council of Philadelphia. The group had a great showing, with
in this challenge! The next level of competition is the International Mathe-
many team members recognized, including Outstanding Dele-
matical Modeling Challenge (IMMC), a five-day challenge, which the merito-
gates Phoebe Davidson ’24, Lindsay McCammon ’23, and Allie
rious and finalist teams were invited to.
Whellan ’23. The club faculty sponsors are Danielle Saint Hilare
and Alex McDonnell, and the group leaders are Faiza Carey ’23
and Lindsay McCammon.
Grade-six students presented their many fabulous projects at the
Prima Lingua Derivatives Fair in February. Two of the projects – in
which they trace a root word through a variety of languages and
create a thematic display – are pictured below.
Fourth-Grade Interactive
Landmarks Exhibition
In March, the fourth grade invited students from all Lower School
grades to their Interactive Philadelphia Historic Landmarks Gal-
lery in The Ulmer Family Light Lab. The project combined work
from classes in art, social studies, and MakerEd, as fourth grad-
ers engaged in physical computing, building interactive circuits
out of hand-drawn images of Philadelphia Landmarks.
SPRING 2022 11FCS Hosts Quaker Youth Leadership Conference and builds community.” She spoke about
her work with Youth Arts Self-Empowerment
BY LAURIE NOVO Project (YASP) to create mitigation videos
for youth facing incarceration, a powerful ex-
“That QYLC vibe was strong,” comment- Sean McGoff, Anna Miller, Blake Riesenfeld, ample of using storytelling for equity. Dwight
ed one participant at the end of this year’s Madison Smith, Micah Trusty, and Day’Mon Dunston ’06 is a hip hop artist and facilitator
Quaker Youth Leadership Conference. Wimberley; 11th graders Faiza Carey, Lucca for Lion’s Story, an organization dedicated to
This long-standing annual program of the Frattone, Haylee Gibson, Alex Hexstall, and helping us develop our ability to claim and
Friends Council on Education was held vir- Sarah Leonard; 10th graders Spencer Kim process racial stories to heal from racial con-
tually in 2021 and made its in-person return and Azaria Sifontis; and 9th grader Erian flict. Jesse White, a Quaker artist, helps peo-
this spring at Friends’ Central! We last host- Henighan were amazing leaders: creative, ple understand and tell their stories through
ed in 2011, and those of us who participated detail-oriented, and committed. Our visi- cathartic art-making, and Shahidah Kalam
then know how rich and satisfying it is to tors commented on how impressive it was Id-Din joined us from Penn Charter, where
explore the unique experience of Quaker to “watch the Friends’ Central students lead her professional development work centers
education in the company of fellow mem- so inclusively and collaboratively.” FCS on mentoring students and colleagues as
bers of Friends school communities. In spite adults CJ Keller, Tom MacFarlane, Erica they develop capacity in diversity, equity,
of the ongoing COVID-19 uncertainty, FCS Snowden, Nora Swift, Al Vernacchio, and and inclusion work within a Quaker context.
co-clerks of the Religious Life Committee I supported Robyn and Anna, who shoul- FCS student facilitators Alex Hexstall ’23 and
Robyn Richmond and Anna Schall volun- dered the majority of the planning and im- Anna Miller ’22 had prepared questions for
teered to host this year’s conference, and we plementation.
gathered (in a hybrid offering) at the City Av- the panel, starting from “What is the first sto-
ry you felt you had to tell?” Additional confer-
ence programming included affinity groups,
a talent show (a long standing QYLC tradi-
tion!), icebreaker get-to-know-you sessions
offered by Al Vernacchio and Erica Snowden,
Meeting for Worship, and some time for the
most valuable experiences of all, building re-
lationships with students from other Friends
schools. HSA and FCS parents provided a
bountiful Saturday morning breakfast, and
teams of students and adults (both from FCS
and elsewhere) hosted Saturday workshops.
QYLC 2022 in-person attendees The conference ended with Meeting for Wor-
ship, among the most satisfying aspects for
student steering committee member Azaria
Sifontis ’24: “I have a new appreciation for the
Friday’s program was a high point. “I loved way we do Meeting for Worship here, com-
enue campus between February 3-5. Fifteen
the keynote! He really made an impact with ing out of pandemic and entering into the
Friends Schools participated, about half in
our kids. We have a few artists in our bunch, silence. Silence holds more significance to
person, though only one school (the intrep-
for whom his art was very meaningful. He me now.”
id group from Friends School of Baltimore)
spent the nights on our campus. Though matched the QYLC vibe perfectly,” said one Personally speaking, I had a great time and
the hybrid format was challenging at times, chaperone. Our speaker, Ron Norsworthy, is am so grateful to be part of this community
it was rewarding to include distant Quaker an activist artist and designer whose early and the team of amazing students (cheer-
schools like Pickering College in Canada, as work creating sets for music videos, televi-
ful and engaged from the start-of-the-day
well as closer schools still following restric- sion, and film established his ongoing interest
COVID testing to the late-night sign-out as
tive COVID practices, to be part of this year’s in making explicit the visual cues that tell us
they headed home) and remarkable adults.
gathering. The theme chosen by the steer- whether and how we belong in a space. In his
I’ve been here a long time, so I am no longer
ing committee of students, Seeking Equity talk, building from Brene Brown’s observation
surprised by our amazing in-house talent—
Through Stories, was rich and satisfying, an that belonging is the opposite of fitting in, Ron
but watching FCS people do their thing still
especially powerful lens as we tentatively talked about his own experiences and his mis-
sion to show us whose stories are being told fills me with awe.
step out of COVID isolation and back into
community. As Robyn Richmond said, “It is and whose are not; that framing was revelato-
So many people stepped up to make the
always uplifting to attend QYLC with our stu- ry to Sean McGoff ’22, who observed, “I hadn't
QYLC happen; its success was built on the
dents. It was amazing to have the opportuni- thought of identity occupying space in the
generous participation of the whole com-
ty to collaborate, plan and implement, with way that Ron described it,” going on to reflect,
munity as QYLC shared facilities with a busy
15 of our dedicated students, a conference “which is most likely due to me being white.”
City Avenue campus in full swing on Friday,
that shared the best of who we are with so The keynote was complemented by a rich added catering and hosting responsibilities
many other Friends schools.” panel of activist storytellers who use art to our dining hall and security teams, relied
It takes a lot to create such a comprehensive, and stories to express (and help others ex- on tech set-ups in the evening and on the
satisfying experience, and many thanks are press and recognize) their truth. Natasha weekend, and so much more. It was a true
due to our student hosts and planners, who Cohen-Carroll is a documentary filmmaker community event, one that left the organiz-
have been working on the conference since who “creates media that increases represen- ers tired but deeply satisfied. We can’t wait
last spring. Twelth graders Drew Bukasa, tation, amplifies underrepresented stories, to host again! QW
12 FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOLFACULTY & STAFF
Rachel Slaughter
The book by Upper and Middle School Learning Specialist Rachel Slaughter, Ed. D.,
Turning the Page: The Ultimate Guide for Teachers to Multicultural Literature,
was featured in the fall 2021 issue of the Kutztown University's Tower magazine.
Dr. Slaughter graduated with a Masters in Education from Kutztown University in
2000. In 2019, she was awarded a doctoral degree in Cognitive Studies in Reading
from Widener University. Her dissertation explores the inclusion of multicultural
literature in private middle schools in the Northeast
Rachel's other books include Turning the Page: A Guide to Securing Multicultural
Literature for Schools, also published by Rowman and Littlefield. The book offers
a nonjudgmental space where educators can take an introspective dive into their
feelings about multiculturalism in the effort to generate a list of bias-free, multi-
cultural books that celebrate individuality. This summer, Rachel will present her
research on multicultural literature at the “22nd European Conference on Literacy,”
organized by the Federation of European Literacy Associations, in Dublin, Ireland.
Margaret Somerville '83
Middle School Latin teacher Margaret Somerville '83 was selected as a winner of
the 2021 Society for Classical Studies Award for Excellence in Teaching at the K-12
Level. Margaret, affectionately known as Magistra, is a longtime Friends' Central
community member - alum, parent, and Middle School Latin teacher.
This fall, Margaret presented at the eighth annual Parliament of the World’s Re-
ligions, an international event described on its website as, “a safe way to gather
the world’s global interfaith movement and celebrate the enduring spirit and work
of religious and spiritual communities striving toward a more just, peaceful, and
sustainable world.” Margaret’s Alignment interfaith programming has received ex-
ternal funding so that she can share it more widely. She leads retreats and weekly
programming with leaders from a wide variety of spiritual traditions.
Read about Margaret's Alignment interfaith work at bit.ly/magistra21
Megan Schumacher
Upper School English teacher Megan Schumacher was a recipient of the 2021 Sue
Winge Playwriting Award from Villanova University. Her play, Laundry, received
two performed readings in December in the Smith Performance Lab of the John
and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. "Laundry takes place in a dysto-
pian world," explained Megan, "Five female clones arrive for their daily work in a
laundry facility. This work is routine for all except for one, who struggles to fulfill her
duties. On this particular day, a rumor of a selection process and a disturbing event
from the night before have them excited. As the play progresses, however, their
excitement turns to fear as lives are lost and escape becomes key."
Megan is a distinguished and prolific playwright, director, and dramaturg. She is a
member of The Foundry at PlayPenn and Simpatico Theatre’s Jouska PlayWorks.
Al Vernacchio
Among many achievements, Al Vernacchio, Friends' Central's N-12 Sexuality Ed-
ucation Coordinator and Upper School English teacher, was recognized in March
by the Woodhull Freedom Foundation with a 2022 Vicki Sexual Freedom Award.
The Woodhull Freedom Foundation is a national human rights organization work-
ing to advance sexual freedom. Each year, they present the "Vicki Sexual Freedom
Award" in recognition of groundbreaking work, continued activism, and dedication
to securing sexual and human rights.
See page 22 for Al's article reflecting on the human sexuality program at FCS 10
years since the publication of The New York Times Sunday Magazine cover piece
about him, titled “Teaching Good Sex.”
Courtesy of phillymag.com, 06/18
FO R M O R E FC S C O M M U N I T Y N E WS , V I S I T F R I E N D S C E N T R A L .O R G / N E WS
SPRING 2022 13Meet the Friends' Central
Board of Trustees 2022
James C. Wright, Clerk Tami Laura
I’m a parent of two graduates Benton-Condiff Jackson '65
of FCS and a Quaker. I have Vice-Clerk Recording Clerk
witnessed personally from
As a former Friends' I am excited and
them and through my interac-
tions with teachers, staff, and Central parent, I am grateful to have
administration what it means a member of the Board the opportunity
to live, practice, and model of Trustees because to serve FCS as a
Quaker values and beliefs. My I believe in Quaker Trustee during this
children were inspired to take education. transformational
responsibility for themselves, period in its history.
Who we are &
to seek collaborative, harmo-
nious relationships in their personal and professional
lives, and to love learning. I am committed as a Trustee
to sharing my own experience as a professor and
administrator to help FCS realize is aspirations as a
leading school informed by Quaker spirit and values.
Betty Bard LiRon K. Quinn
Treasurer Anderson-Bell Bauriedel
Education and service I accepted the invitation to In a tumultuous
to others have always serve on the FCS Board of world, creating and
been important to me. Trustees because I sensed maintaining an edu-
After being an involved a refreshed commitment cational space that
parent for nearly two to ensuring that students confronts the most
decades, I believed my challenging topics
and families experience
skills and passion for the with care, curiosity,
the Quaker values noted in
values-based educational and compassion is
our mission. I'm also happy
process would allow affirming. I serve on
me to contribute to the to support FCS with my
the Board because it feels like a true gift to
future of FCS. I consider it an honor to serve on professional skills and
be able to support the unbelievable teachers
the Board and hope my contributions will help subject-matter expertise. and administrators that have created a
ensure that the School continues to thrive. vibrant and joyous community where every
child is seen and valued for who they are.
Elizabeth Liza Ewen Seth
Cohen '83 It would be hard to overstate Goldblum
Next to my family, my the importance of FCS in my I firmly believe in
relationship with FCS professional and personal the FCS educational
has been the longest and life – it's where I started my mission and want
most important of my life. teaching career in 1998, to do my part to
I want to give back to FCS where I came to know and help support the
because it has given so love Quakerism, and where I furtherance of such.
much to me, my children, met so many of the people I As an institution, we
hold dear. have the opportunity
and my sisters.
to make a positive
impact on so many lives across our commu-
nity, and I relish the chance to play whatever
role I can in ensuring we do so.
Jon Harris Juan Jewell '68
My family has had a wonderful relationship with Friends' Central has done much to shape
FCS! I was the Upper School Principal between me, first as a student and later as an
1985 and 1998, my wife educator. My
taught and did Admis- Board service is
sions work for 10 years, an attempt, in some
and my three children are small way, to repay
all graduates. Being in a Friends' Central
position now to support
for all it has given
the School is a complete
to me.
joy and privilege!Kimya Johnson Fariha Khan Mary McCabe
Kimya is the mother of Serving on the Board of Since our daughter
Miles Johnson '19 and Trustees is not only an honor started ninth grade
joined the Board as her but also a way to enact my here six years ago,
time as an FCS parent was deep gratitude for our FCS has been a
drawing to a close in 2019. School, our beloved faculty, wonderful place for
and our Quaker community. our kids to grow. I
After eight years of service, love being part of this
I am wiser from the experience and richer from the special community of young people, amazing
remarkable friendships. teachers, and caring administrators.
Chinwe Alexander Rolfe '01 Aaron
Onyekere '94 Serving on the FCS Board is— Selkow '88
I serve on the Board believe it or not—a thrilling My 45-year multidi-
because of FCS's deep experience. To be connected mensional relation-
commitment to creating and to think about the future ship with Friends'
a community that centers of our incredible School with Central has helped
belonging, equity, and a group of people who love me to grow in so many
justice. FCS lives our it as much as I do is an honor. ways, has brought me
shared Quaker values and Plus, I get to hang out with joy and meaningful
Ms. Beth a lot—what more connections to others,
they shine through the
could I ask for? and has become part
Why we serve
students, faculty, and staff.
of my identity. Giving back to the School as a
member of the Board is but one way to show
my gratitude and to help to ensure that others
will be impacted in much the same way for
years to come.
Tom Tritton Joshua Roderick
Friends Central addresses Wasserman '02 Wolfson
two things I value highly: My family has had a wonderful I'm honored to serve
quality education of the five-decade relationship with on the Board as prop-
young people who will inherit FCS, starting with my mother erty clerk. Serving
leadership responsibility for as a student in the 70s, then provides me with the
our future; and putting Quaker me and my sister as FCS opportunity to share
values into practice to create graduates, and now my nieces my architectural
a better world. What could are attending the Lower experience towards
be a more impactful way to School. Friends’ Central was the stewardship and
invest one's time? such a special place for me enhancement of FCS's
as a student, and I’m now honored to give back to the two beautiful campuses. Our buildings and
School as a proud alum and a member of the Board. grounds are settings which can enhance the
meaningful experiences of FCS students.
Barbara M. Cohen, Emerita Kenneth B. Dunn, Emeritus Ann Satterthwaite, Emerita
I serve on the Board because I love the School and I initially agreed to be a Trustee for three reasons: first, It was an honor to serve on the Board
care about its future. My three Pam and I strongly believed in of Trustees. My
daughters attended and the School’s values (respect, dedication to the
graduated from FCS, where kindness, diversity, striving for School was the
all them enjoyed learning, excellence, and integrity), and result of many fac-
felt comfortable expressing we appreciated how those tors: the education
their views, and were active values reinforced those we of my son, Andrew
and devoted members of the were trying to instill at home; Newcomb '87; the
School community. They are second, our children were deep camaraderie
now in their fifties, and their provided with an exceptional I always felt with
intelligence and concern for education; and third, our deep fellow Board
others are shown in many respect for former Head of members, faculty,
ways. I am sure that their School David Felsen. I continue and, staff; and the
FCS experience is responsible for so much of what is to be involved with the School because I have greatly knowledge that graduates of Friends' Central
special about them today. enjoyed my work. I had the pleasure of working with make a positive difference in the world.
many exceptional and dedicated friends, and we ac-
Gardner Hendrie '50, Honorary Trustee complished a lot together, with our hearts in the work! Koji Shimada, Emeritus
I am a great believer in education, and FCS gave I am very grateful to FCS for providing
me what I needed (Nursery thru 12th grade) for a Joanna Schoff '51, Emerita classrooms and supporting the Japanese
successful and rewarding career in the emerging Language School for 25 years. The JPLS has
Joanna served on the Board produced many fine
computer field. That gift
from 1995 to 2003 and was citizens, outstand-
gives me the motivation
named a Trustee Emerita ing scientists, and
to try to help the School to
in 2003. She served on the artists. I am also
continue to do an outstand-
Campaign Committee for the very proud to be
ing job of educating students,
Shimada Athletics Center. an Emeritus Board
especially, those interested in
member. Thank you,
science and math.
FCS, and thank you
David Felsen, my
SPRING
dear 2022 15
friend.CAMPUS LOG FCS welcomed authors, scientists, artists, and leaders who enriched our
community in the fall and winter, including the following
VISITORS
TO CAMPUS
ACTOR BENJ MIRMAN
In December, actor Benj Mirman – current-
ly playing Ali Hakim in the National Tour of
Daniel Fish's critically-acclaimed version
of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
– took the Upper School cast of Godspell
through a two-day Clown Camp where they
worked on developing their characters for
the production.
AUTHOR & EDUCATOR CLIMATE EXPERT
TIFFANY JEWELL J. MARSHALL
Our 2021-2022 Distinguished Visiting SHEPHERD
Justice Leader was Tiffany Jewell, a Black
Our 2021-2022 Distinguished Visiting
biracial writer, twin sister, first generation
Scientist was Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a
American, cisgender mama, anti-bias anti-
leading international expert in weather and
racist (ABAR) educator, and consultant. She
climate and the Georgia Athletic Associa-
is the author of the #1 New York Times and
tion Distinguished Professor of Geography
#1 Indie Bestseller, This Book Is Anti-Racist,
and Atmospheric Sciences at the University
a book for young folks and everyone to wake
of Georgia. Marshall Shepherd was the 2013
up, take action, and do the work of becom-
ing antiracist. Jewell is currently working
President of the American Meteorological LOWER SCHOOL
on multiple book projects for readers of all
Society (AMS). During his virtual visits in
March, he met with Upper School Science
AUTHOR VISITS
ages. She visited in October, meeting virtu- In March, students in Nursery to grade two
Core Team students and delivered an ex-
ally with Middle and Lower School students had a virtual assembly with author Gene
cellent community lecture on the impact of
before delivering a virtual talk and Q&A for Barretta to celebrate his new book, The Se-
urban heat islands on weather and their dis-
the community in the evening. cret Garden of George Washington Carver.
proportionate impact on marginalized com-
On the same day, grades three to five had
munities, highlighting ways to make urban
a virtual assembly visit from author Alison
meteorology actionable.
Green Myers, who talked about her new
book, A Bird Will Soar, winner of the 2021
Schneider Family Book Award.
MICHELLE JOHNS
In March, Robert Saligman '17 Zoomed
In March, Kindergarten students in KB received a
in from LA to talk about his experiences
Zoom visit from former FCS Kindergarten teacher
as a hockey referee to the Upper School
Michelle Johns. On her sabbatical in January 2006,
"Game Theory: Sports Literature"
Johns went to Antarctica. She talked about her ex-
English Seminar.
perience and shared photos with KB to kick off their
study of penguins.
N'KENGÉ ROBERTSON & CHRISTOPHER R. ROGERS
This winter, N'Kengé Robertson and Christopher R. Rogers were guest speakers, meeting with Middle and
Upper School students as part of Director of Equity, Belonging & Inclusion Erica Snowden's Black Lives Mat-
ter at School programming. An educator and curriculum writer for #BLMAtSchools, Robertson is the voice
for new innovative educators in the city of Detroit to change the educational paradigm of urban city youth.
Rogers is an educator and cultural worker who serves as Public Programs Director for the Paul Robeson
House & Museum. Rogers is on the National Steering Committee for Black Lives Matter at School, support-
16 FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL ing movements for racial justice in K-16 educationMiddle School
Cookbook Helps
Teach World
Geography Ashley Best-Raiten
A
new student-authored book that explores geogra- Through discussion, the students concluded that since
phy, history, and culture has hit the Middle School rabbit is a part of European and Western cuisine, it feels
shelves. The 80-page book was created by Ashley more familiar.
Best-Raiten’s sixth-grade history class. But unlike most ge-
“One of our overarching themes for the year is ‘Be curi-
ography texts, this book isn’t illustrated with maps and ta-
ous, not judgmental,’ from Walt Whitman,” said Ashley. “I
bles of data. The book that the students worked diligently
told the students that when something startles or shocks
on for two months this fall is actually a cookbook.
us, let’s explore why and why the reaction might be differ-
Grade-six history at Friends’ Central, which is taught ent for someone from a different nation or culture.”
through the lens of world geography, gives students the
As the project continued, students were asked to share a
opportunity to discover how physical geography impacts
family recipe or look one up that they considered to be
history, culture, and our own personal biases. What does
from a place of origin for one of their ancestors. The first
cooking have to do with world geography? Ashley (known
task was to look at the ingredients and answer the ques-
to her students as Ms. Best) explained that the project was
tions: where are these ingredients from, and what can we
an opportunity to explore how geography impacts the
tell about the geographic themes of human/environment
foods we eat and how we react to other foods.
interaction and movement from these ingredients?
“There’s more to geography than just memorizing coun-
“Kuri kinton is made on my mom’s side from Japan,” sixth
tries on a map,” said Ashley. “The main thing you learn in
grader Julia Epps wrote in her recipe. “Chestnut originat-
sixth grade is skills. It’s all about starting to have abstract
ed in Asia Minor and is believed to be firstly introduced
thought, thinking outside the box, and starting to apply
by the Ancient Greeks. Interestingly enough, the iconic
your knowledge. Geography provides a great framework
Japanese sweet potatoes originated in China, meaning this
to practice all of that.”
recipe has traveled a lot. Asia Minor, China, Japan, Ameri-
Middle School Principal Alexa Dunnington Quinn ’98 ca. That’s a lot of movement!”
said that, about six years ago, the Middle School history
program began a shift away from survey courses toward “All of the skills they’re learning
thematic learning. She said, “We felt it connected well now translate nicely, so by the time
with our Lower School and it would help students make they get through the Middle School
more connections across disciplines and do more critical program they’re really ready for
thinking about history.” Upper School History.”
Alexa noted that the lens of world geography fits well with
ASHLEY BEST-RAITEN
her Middle School students. “So many of us have our own
stories of migration in our families, or immigration, or forced The project culminated in the creation of a printed and
migration, so it gives students a lot more access points to tell bound cookbook which the students brought home to
their own stories and to think about their families and to their families. “The book was entirely student-generat-
hear about the identities and stories of other families.” ed. They selected, edited, and proofread their own reci-
pes,” said Ashley. “It was a great way for them to get them
Ashley began the project by showing the class a reci-
thinking about our unconscious cultural biases and begin
pe for cuy without explaining what it was. The students
to think geographically when they approach new cultures
guessed that cuy may be rabbit. Ashley observed, “They
in our future explorations.”
didn’t want to try it but weren’t disgusted by it. When
they learned it was actually guinea pig, there were gasps “All of the skills they’re learning now translate nicely, so
and exclamations. So we unpacked that. Why is guin- by the time they get through the Middle School program
ea pig horrifying to eat – ‘It’s a pet!’ – but rabbit is ok?” they’re really ready for Upper School History.” QW
SPRING 2022 17Athletic News
In October, girls' cross country won their sixth consecutive Friends School League title at
Westtown on their farm course. The final score for Friends' Central was 37. Micah Trusty ’22
came in 4th (20:14), Miracle Price ’22 was 5th (20:21). Quin Stovall ’24 was 11th (22:25), and Sadie
Forman ’23 was 16th (24:19).
Photo by Kathy Leister Photography
NEW BALANCE NATIONALS INDOORS
Avery Lewis Avery Lewis ’24 won her first national title in the 60M dash, taking
over sole possession of the all-time Pennsylvania state record in
the event during the New Balance Nationals Indoors in March. She
finished the championship with a silver medal in the long jump, and
had the fourth-best performance in the 200M during a busy cham-
pionship at the Armory.
NIKE INDOOR
NATIONALS
Micah Trusty ’22 won the Championship 800M
MILROSE GAMES ACCOLADES at Nike Indoor Nationals at Ocean Breeze in
March, clocking a time of 2:07.32 for a new in-
Micah Trusty ’22 and Avery Lewis ’24 both continued to
door personal record to capture the win. That
dazzle in track and field, competing with some of the best
time moves Trusty back into the PA No. 1 spot
athletes in the world at the prestigious Millrose Games
and up to US No. 5 in the event this season. With
in New York City on Saturday, January 29. Micah ran the
her time, Trusty now sits behind just Chanelle
sixth fastest 600M in PA history for high school girls.
Price, Gabrielle Wilkinson ’18, and Latavia
Avery ran the third fastest 60M dash in PA history and Micah Trusty Thomas on Pennsylvania's all-time indoor list.
competed against professional women in the long jump,
She will enter the outdoor season at PA No. 7 all-
finishing sixth!
time, with a good chance to move up.
GIRLS' TRACK & FIELD ARE STATE CHAMPIONS
The PA Track and Field Coaches Association Trusty ’22, took gold in 1:42.43 in PA#1 and
(PTFCA) Indoor State Championships were US#20.
held in February at Penn State. With 63 points, Micah Trusty ’22 won the 800M in 2:11 and
girls' track and field (Maya Garrett ’22, Avery currently sits at PA#2 and US#14 with 2:10.28.
Lewis ’24, Miracle Price ’22, Quin Stovall ’24, Miracle Price ’22 finished 4th in the 800M with
and Micah Trusty ’22) won the Championship, a time of 2:14.
coming first in five events (60M, 200M, LJ,
The team of Maya Garrett ’22, Miracle Price ’22,
800M, 4X200M) and setting some FCS and
Quin Stovall ’24, and Micah Trusty ’22 finished
State records along the way.
second in the 4X400M with 3:57.48 but sits
The 4X200M relay team of Avery Lewis ’24, PA#1 and US#13 with an earlier season time of
Miracle Price ’22, Quin Stovall ’24, and Micah 3:55.68.
18 FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOLOUTSTANDING MASON McCREA ’24 MADISON
SEASON FOR IS MAIN LINE ATHLETE SMITH ’22 JOINS
AVERY LEWIS ’24 OF THE WEEK 1K POINT CLUB
Avery Lewis ’24 has had a remarkable In October, Mason McCrea ’24, center In November, before the girls
season for girls track and field. In Jan- mid/forward for the boys’ soccer team, basketball season began, PA
uary, she won PA Prep Live’s Performer was named Athlete of the Week by PA Prep Live spoke with Madi-
of the Week Poll for PA in January. Prep Live. In the interview, head coach son Smith ’22 about her past
Galen Guindon ’06 said, “Mason is an seasons and aspirations for
A PA Prep Live article titled “A Gold-
amazing and mature young person and the winter games. In the in-
en Day for Avery Lewis and Friends’
a super dynamic and intelligent attack- terview she said, “My coach-
Central,” documented her success at
ing player. He plays well with his back es have been a big influence
the PA Track and Field Coaches As-
to goal but is most dangerous when he for me, especially on an emo-
sociation Indoor State Championship
gets into open space and creates for tional level and even on a
in February. The article stated, “In her
teammates. He is relentless with how physical level. They are like
state meet debut, Lewis put together
much running and ground he is willing my base. At Friends’ Central,
what is arguably the greatest individual
to cover over the course of the game. this team is the most fami-
performance ever at the PTFCA Indoor
He’s a true leader by example.” ly-oriented, especially with
State Championships.” Avery went on
all the coaches supporting
to win PTFCA Girls Athlete of the Year
me and helping me mental-
for the 2021-2022 indoor season.
ly grow and physically grow
In March, Mile Split USA announced as a player.” During her final
that Avery won the National Girls season, Madison joined the
Performer of the Week poll for the week 1K Club at a game against
of March 21-March 27, following closely Westtown in January, scoring
on her first national title at the New her 1,000th point.
Balance Nationals Indoors in March.
Congratulations, Avery!
SKATING CHAMPIONSHIP
In December, Julia Epps ’28 (pictured above)
took second place in the pairs competition in the
U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Avery Lewis ’24 won three individu-
al events at the PTFCA indoor state
championships. She won the 60M in a
time of 7.30 (PA#1 and US#5 at the time
and an FCS record). Avery has since
broken that time (see story above). She
won the 200M in 23.74, which is PA#1
and US #3, and the long jump in 19-11.0,
which is PA#1 and US#5. She anchored
the 4X200M relay.
Middle School Parent/Caregiver/Child
Game Day, October 2021
SPRING 2022 19You can also read
