Find passions and purpose in Upper School

“About 30 years ago, I was deciding where I wanted to go to high school,” began Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid Taisha Thompson. “My parents blessed me with the opportunity to attend a Quaker school, and it was truly transformative.” The final Friends Academy Open House of the Admissions season showcased not only the achievements of Upper School students but also the interpersonal skills they have developed.

Assistant Head of School and Upper School Principal Mark Schoeffel spoke about the picture of a Friends Academy student and how their values have remained a constant since the school’s founding nearly 150 years ago. “Our students learn the beauty of seeing beyond just the immediate… they are learning from within and engaging in our world deeply and purposefully.”

Friends Academy has developed over the years to meet the needs and interests of all students. “When I came to Friends Academy 29 years ago this library [Kumar Wang Library] and the Dolan Center were not here,” recalled Director of College Counseling Ed Dugger. In fact, in the Garden Level of the Kumar Wang Library where the attendees sat, a state-of-the-art science research hub is being built. This in-construction new space will feature a mix of new classrooms, research labs, and collaborative spaces – all built with full-height glass wall systems to provide natural light and visibility to project learning.

Outside the classroom, the Quaker Student Life Program has been revamped with Director of Student Affairs Camille S. Edwards at the helm. “We invite our students to explore boldly. To try new things, meet new people, and take healthy risks that help them grow,” noted Ms. Edwards. “We want them to locate their passions – to find what excites them – and to grow their gifts by developing their skills, leadership, and confidence in real, lived ways.” These passions include the development of over 70 clubs and committees where students lead the charge.

Sofia Schwarz ‘26 began to notice a lack of other girls in her science and math electives as she has grown. “I was inclined to start a program called Girls x Math, where after-school Upper School girls mentor and solve math problems with 3rd and 4th grade girls.” After a few weeks of the program, Sofia spoke with her mentees' parents, and many of them are now showing interest in having careers in STEM.

Service is at the heart of Friends Academy. Each year, students in Grade 11 host a “Senior Citizen Prom,” where members of the Glen Cove Senior Center are invited to attend the school for an evening of dinner and dancing. This program inspired Cynthia Eustache ’26 to begin volunteering at the Senior Center, continuing to build her cross-generational relationships.

Continuing into the gym, on the field, and beyond, the athletic programs have been growing year after year. “We offer squash, rowing, ice hockey, and we are in the inaugural year of our girls varsity volleyball team,” Director of Athletics and Physical Education Matt Johnsen said. “We are constantly building, and we are offering programs based on what our students are interested in.” In addition to winning records and accolades, Coach Johnsen underscored the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “As long as the kids end their day knowing their coaches and teammates care about them, that is all we can ever hope for.”

Blaise Saad ’26 saw this firsthand with his Ice Hockey and Lacrosse Coach, Ryan Lawler. “My first year playing for him wasn’t going so well, and I couldn’t figure out why,” recalled Blaise. “I realized that he wasn’t just trying to teach me the game, but he wanted to see who we were as people, not just players…how we can truly work together as a team.”

As of the October 9th Upper School Open House, there are eight members of the senior class committed to play college sports next year, with more expected to sign. This is in part due to not only their talents in their respective sports, but also the whole journey they have had as a Friends Academy student.

“When you come here, you are not just going to be a person who arrives at school, studies, and then leaves,” Mr. Dugger states. “You are going to be fully immersed.” In the College Office, the counselors will ask, “What is your story?” and “How did you make a difference?” Going beyond the grades on a transcript and “recognizing the light within.” 

How are skills learned at a Quaker school used after Friends Academy? Director of Arts Andrew Geha answers that question. “I could tell you about our alumni who was just nominated for an Emmy, or the one who was recently featured in Architectural Digest, or the one creating the stage for fashion week,” highlights Mr. Geha. “But I want to tell you about the alumni who worked the sound booth during our theater productions and are now running the NICU at Weill Cornell Medicine.” This particular alumnus uses the patience, focus, and memorization skills he developed while in the sound booth while working with those of us who need the most attention. 

Closing the event, attendees heard from members of the senior class about their experience and expertise they gained during their time through Friends Academy, some of whom began their journey in the Lower School. “If you want your passions to have free rein, there is no place like Friends Academy,” said Bryan Bin, who entered the school in Grade 9. What started as a small interest in the Latin language evolved into a full passion for the Classics. This summer, Bryan visited Portugal to participate in an Archaeological dig with college professors. “It is one thing to read about the Romans with your teacher, it is another to be standing in the same lands that they stood on.” The ending advice from the seven panelists was all connected to the same theme of community and finding your passion. “There is always an opportunity at Friends Academy in learning and exploration,” voiced Aaron Labelson. “And of course, have fun!”

Photography by Alvin Caal/Friends Academy