FA community shines bright on Fall Fair

10-04-2023

The Quaker Testimony and Friends Academy value of Community shone brightly through darkened and soggy skies on Saturday, Sept. 30th during Friends Academy's all-community Fall Fair.

Record rainfall caused cancellations around Long Island and NYC and even invoked a state of emergency declaration from NY's Gov. Hochul, but steadfast and undaunted, Friends Academy parent volunteers led by Fall Fair co-clerks Claudia Paris and Emily Silverstein '05, colleagues, student-athletes, and fair-goers persisted.

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"In every venue, Friends Academy displayed its finest," shared Head of School Paul J. Stellato with the community, who also praised the engaging crafts and activities for kids of all ages that were cozily located in the Fieldhouse and an array of international foods, that "was a triumph of not only culinary skills but of also the many traditions and cultures that call our campus home."

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Friends Academy Athletics ruled the fields as all three teams on Saturday brought home spectacular and riveting wins – from the Varsity Boys Soccer Team's 3-1 win over Island Trees High School; the Varsity Girls Soccer Team's 3-0 win against Levittown High School, and the Boys Varsity Football Team's thrilling 22-20 double overtime win over Jericho High School.

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A special halftime ceremony during the Boys Soccer match celebrated the many achievements of former Varsity Soccer coach and FA History teacher Marshall Lindner, who led the Boys Soccer team to a State Championship win in 2013.

With skies clearing halfway through the Fair, Friends Academy also welcomed home alumni from a span of decades at a special gathering in the Kumar Wang Library. The Class of 1973, celebrating their 50th Reunion, gathered in the Matinecock Meeting House for a very special Meeting for Worship. "As its members spoke, I could have closed my eyes and imagined the same sentiments rising from our current students. Such is the power and reach of our Quaker practice," described Mr. Stellato, who attended the Meeting and hosted the Class at a luncheon in The Marion Jackson House.

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