Impact Stories

See the impact of your gift!

Discover inspiring stories that highlight the transformative impact of your generosity on programs and experiences across our school community.

Hands-On History

Upper Schoolers Explore Adirondack Conservation

Led by History Department Chair Stefan Stawnychy, History of the Adirondacks immerses Upper School students in experiential learning, blending academic study with hands-on exploration. Through case studies on Indigenous history, abolitionism, conservation, and representation in outdoor recreation, students gain a comprehensive understanding of New York’s largest publicly-protected area.

Last spring, twelve seniors embarked on a five-day excursion, camping on a remote Adirondack island and visiting landmarks like the “Dreaming of Timbuctoo” exhibit—a moving reminder of Black homesteading and voting rights. This experience, complemented by sessions with park rangers and environmental advocates, allowed students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world contexts.

Stefan, whose love for the outdoors began in his youth, highlights experiential learning as central to Quaker education at Friends, fostering curiosity, empathy, and awareness. “Friends’ commitment to outdoor education opens windows to new perspectives,” he shares, “bringing students’ studies to life in ways that traditional classrooms can’t.”

This class represents the culmination of years of dedicated curricular development by Stefan Stawnychy, made possible through the generous support of Friends Seminary’s endowment. In the 2023-24 school year alone, the endowment contributed $142,200 to the operating budget to support faculty enrichment, empowering faculty and staff through transformative professional development opportunities.

Top Talent

Friends Champions Debate Excellence with Inclusive Tournaments and Top Talent

Building on its tradition of debate excellence, Friends proudly hosted the New York Parliamentary Debate League’s (NYPDL) February Invitational last year, making history by sponsoring the league’s first entirely free tournament for all participants. This groundbreaking event brought together more than 70 teams from across the East Coast, underscoring Friends’ commitment to accessibility in academic competition and its strong presence in the debate community.

Friends students shone brightly, with one debater earning top ranking in the NYPDL, the largest and most competitive parliamentary debate league on the East Coast. Additional students achieved Varsity rankings, and a promising cohort of novice debaters made their mark, setting a high standard for future competition. Friends’ Upper School debate team continues to grow in skill and recognition, fostering a culture of excellence and intellectual curiosity.

This year, the School carried forward this impactful new tradition by hosting the NYPDL’s September Invitational, once again underscoring the school’s role as a leader in fostering debate talent. Friends is immensely proud of its skilled debaters, who exemplify academic rigor, critical thinking, and eloquent expression. Their achievements continue to bring distinction to the School and inspire future debaters.

Young Creatives

Young Artists Shine at the Lower School Art Show

Last spring Lower School students turned Hunter Hall into a lively, art-filled gallery for the annual Lower School Art Show, proudly sharing their creative work with friends, family, and the school community. Art at Friends is more than just creating pieces—it’s a journey of exploration, self-expression, and learning to see the world through multiple perspectives. The Art Show celebrates this journey, honoring each student’s effort and growth, and offering a space for our young artists to reflect on their creative process and take pride in their accomplishments.

Walking through the "gallery" that day, you could see the excitement on students' faces as they explained their work, discussing their inspirations and artistic choices. This chance to share their art with others is an empowering experience, boosting students' confidence, solidifying their sense of belonging, and sparking genuine joy in the learning process. The show also provides an inspiring look at projects from other grades, giving students a glimpse into what their peers are exploring and creating.

Andrea Aimi, Lower School Art teacher, reflects, “The show might look product-oriented, but our department teaches from a process perspective. Many pieces are still works in progress, and we want our students to understand the value of sharing their creative journey with others. Art is a natural conversation starter, and the show allows those conversations to flow throughout the community, helping us connect and build stronger relationships.”

The Lower School Art Show isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity and community, where art becomes a bridge to deeper connections and shared inspiration.

Taking Action

Middle Schoolers Take Action: Climate Day Brings Math and Science to Life

Last spring, Grades 7 and 8 took part in Climate Action Day, applying math and science concepts to tackle real environmental issues in New York City. Led by Dr. Shayri Greenwood and Rachelle Scolari, students engaged in hands-on projects aimed at deepening their understanding of climate activism. Alumna Conner Allen ’08, a former Friends science teacher, activist, and author, opened the day with a keynote on climate change impacts like species endangerment, coastal flooding, and extreme weather. She discussed the role of fossil fuels in society and addressed climate anxiety as a motivator for youth-led solutions. Seventh graders worked in groups to redesign the Friends Annex as a solar passive building, applying their lessons in architectural design and solar energy to build 3D models. Others conducted tree studies in Stuyvesant Square Park, measuring carbon storage to highlight the park's environmental value. Meanwhile, eighth graders analyzed the cost-effectiveness of electric vs. gas vehicles in New York, using systems of equations to compare costs. Dr. Greenwood, Rachelle, and Elizabeth Lipshutz continue to expand the project within the curriculum, bringing in arts and technology for a more interdisciplinary approach, alongside contributions from teachers, alumni, and community activists.

Deepening Culture

Deepening Lower and Middle School Culture with Responsive Classroom Training

At Friends the core values of leadership, critical thinking, and coherent expression are embedded within rigorous academics and guided by Quaker testimonies. In an effort to further nurture each student's growth in a supportive and inclusive environment, Friends has partnered with Responsive Classroom, an evidence-based approach to teaching and discipline. This program emphasizes engaging academics, positive community building, effective classroom management, and developmental awareness, aligning closely with the Quaker commitment to holistic education.

Lower and Middle School educators began their journey with Responsive Classroom training through intensive workshops setting a foundation for the ongoing sessions they will continue to participate in throughout the academic year. This continuous training reflects Friends’ dedication to a consistent, unified approach to education from K-8, reinforcing an environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and ready to engage fully in their learning.

This ongoing initiative builds upon last year’s successful partnership with the Institute for Social and Emotional Learning (IFSEL), which helped teachers create meaningful connections and joyful, engaging classrooms. This powerful addition to programming supports teachers and students in creating positive and supportive learning communities, with a unified philosophy and consistent approach that extends throughout Lower and Middle School.

By adopting Responsive Classroom practices, the School is not only reinforcing dedication to academic rigor but are also fostering a learning environment where compassion, respect, and mutual support are at the forefront, helping to shape well-rounded, conscientious students.