"In a very challenging time for our world and school, your children have taught me a great deal," said Head of School Paul J. Stellato as he welcomed the Class of 2024 parents and caregivers to the annual Senior Parent Luncheon.
"I have had my chances to get to know your children," he continued. "Their faces are flushed with excitement to soon become Friends Academy alumni. But, their anticipation is leavened by the longing to linger just a little longer in this walled garden of FA."
Mr. Stellato remarked upon the appreciation from both students and their parents. "Your children are ready for the world, even if we are not. Their gratitude for what you have given them is simply immense," he said. "Your efforts are heroic, for you have found when to shield them and when to let them embrace the world," he gently remarked.
During a luncheon served at the Mill Neck Club, parents and caregivers were treated to a "living room" conversation between alumna Francesca Batista '05 and Director of College Counseling Edward Dugger. "When I started in the Middle School, I met Francesca as a 6th grader. Sometimes kids change, but Francesca has always been that same person," shared Mr. Dugger. "I also officiated two of the Batista weddings, including hers," he added with a smile.
MTVE Entertainment Studios SVP Marketing & Brand Creative, Francesca credits her FA education for who she is today, both personally and professionally. "I can't separate the Quaker values from my educational experience. Those values that Friends instilled in me are in everything I do -- the projects I work on, the people I choose to to be in my life -- it's part of everything I do. From service to quiet moments of reflection."
After graduating from FA, Francesca followed her older sister to the University of Wisconsin and paved the way for her younger sister as well. "What was that transition like to leave FA for a much larger university?" asked Mr. Dugger. "Wisconsin undergraduates number 35,000 and FA was under 300," said Francesca. "But after the first semester, I was knowingly waving to 90% of the people I saw," she laughed.
"Part of our journey is about struggle," continued Mr. Dugger. "What has been one of the most challenging things you've faced?" he asked. "Navigating the balance between work, family, and friends," answered Francesca. "Especially in this social media frenzy, there is constant content consumption and it is very easy to get lost. I try to balance the organization with the community that I believe in... and I lean on my FA community and the FA values," she shared.
"Because when you leave Friends Academy, you can take the kid out of FA, but you can never take FA out of the kid."
At the conclusion of the event, all senior parents were invited to join the Friends Academy Parents of Alumni Association, co-clerked by Lauren Menzin '81, Donna Gerzof, and Maggie Johansen.
The POAA was established to foster ongoing connections with the Friends Academy community beyond graduation in a variety of ways – sharing news about your children, serving as mentors for other families, fostering fellowship and camaraderie, and returning to campus for noteworthy occasions.
"It's been 11 years since my youngest was a senior... and I remember every event," said POAA co-clerk Donna Gerzof. "You chose this community because of the value FA brought you and little by little, you also brought your value to Friends Academy," pointed out Ms. Gerzof to the gathered group of senior parents. "That community shouldn't disappear when your child graduates."
On behalf of POAA, Ms. Gerzof shared plans for the group to partner with the Alumni Office to establish a career networking directory for students and parents.
"When people ask me what FA means to me, I always remember the song that we closed every event with... Come join us in our 'Circle of Friends,'" finished Ms. Gerzof.
Photography by Alvin Caal/Friends Academy