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From the Archives: Creating A Friends Select Docuseries

Friends Select School history was recently made with the production of our nine-part documentary series.

 

However, once complete, this transformed space will enable Friends Select to serve the community in ways it never could before. “We have such a phenomenal opportunity at this moment, to create a physical environment that reflects our core values of inclusivity, stewardship, and community with this landscape.

 

 

Friends Select School history was recently made with the production of our nine-part documentary series.


Through archival footage, as well as interviews with alumni, faculty, and staff, A Friends Select Docuseries was meticulously crafted to honor pivotal moments in our school’s history and legacy. This series is a visual journey through our storied past and serves as an updated digital supplement to a book I previously contributed to, which you might remember—A Friends Select School History, edited by Carol Brown. 

Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, A Friends Select Docuseries chronicles moments that are integral to who we are as an educational institution today, from the “Old Building,” to the decision to remain on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the years spent at the YMCA. In addition, episodes in the documentary highlight the revered faculty and staff members who have left an indelible mark on our students: Ralph Reinwald, Herb Kerns, Eddie Smiley, and Josie Whitlock. I am honored to be included among them for my own “spotlight” episode. 

In January, we hosted a premiere of A Friends Select Docuseries for over 100 alumni, current and former faculty and staff, and FSS family members in our Blauvelt Theatre, followed by a reception. It was an incredible evening celebrating the film’s release with those who love our school, and having so many friendly faces from across generations (many of whom I taught or worked with) in attendance was memorable. We also celebrated with a film screening for regional alumni in New York City and Delray Beach, FL. 

In the spirit of embracing technology in our archives, we have recently digitized our collection of Friends Select yearbooks. This project will enable current students, alumni, faculty, and staff to explore our yearbook history with just a few clicks. Whether it’s a photograph capturing the spirit of a bygone tradition or a senior page from your graduating year, the digital yearbook catalog will be one way we can make our archives more accessible. 

I hope you were able to join us on April 27 in our Parkway Building for Alumni Weekend. Along with our Spring Fair, reunions, and Alumni Awards, we held an encore screening of A Friends Select Docuseries in the Blauvelt Theatre. 

- Dick Hoffman

 

 

Thu, 29 Aug 2024

2024-25 New Employees List

Please join us in welcoming the following new employees to the Friends Select community:

Sun, 05 May 2024

Michael Gary Speaks Spring 2023

I am so proud of what we have accomplished together since we launched our strategic plan, Advance Friends Select.

Sun, 05 May 2024

Giving Back: Lon and Bonnie Greenberg GP’25, ’27

Former Friends Select grandparents and longtime supporters of the school, Lon and Bonnie Greenberg GP’25, ’27 recently made a significant contribution to create an endowment fund for SummerSessions, a facet of the Advance Friends Select: Transformation Campaign.

Tue, 30 Apr 2024

Upper School Writer Program Thrives

To enrich the educational experience of upper school students and celebrate Philadelphia’s vibrant arts and culture, Friends Select School established the upper school Visiting Writer Program in 2019 with support from the John M. Dallam ’49 Endowed Fund. Each year, a distinguished Philadelphia-based writer is invited to engage with students and share their expertise, insight, and literary talent.

Tue, 30 Apr 2024

Successfully Navigating the College Application Process as a Student-Athlete

For students interested in pursuing a collegiate athletic career, the college search and application process add layers of complexity. Balancing academic and athletic commitments requires foresight, careful planning, and a strategic approach.

Tue, 30 Apr 2024

Students Participate in the Mayor’s African American Historic Statue Advisory Committee

Two Friends Select students had the privilege to serve on former Mayor Jim Kenney’s African American Historic Statue Advisory Committee convened by the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy (OACCE).

Tue, 30 Apr 2024

Students Lead Voter Registration Drive at Shackamaxon Powwow

Friends Select upper school students facilitated a voter registration drive last September at the Shackamaxon Powwow at Penn Treaty Park. Hosted annually by the Native American House Alliance (NAHA)—a nonprofit organization that supports family, housing, and employment services to the local Native American community—the Shackamaxon Powwow honors Lenape culture and heritage.

Tue, 30 Apr 2024

Michael Gary Speaks Spring 2024

Watching and reading the news about boards of education at various levels throughout the United States purposefully censoring books and altering curricula to fit their political ideology, I am grateful to be an educator at Friends Select School.

Tue, 30 Apr 2024

From the Archives: Creating A Friends Select Docuseries

Friends Select School history was recently made with the production of our nine-part documentary series. Through archival footage, as well as interviews with alumni, faculty, and staff, A Friends Select Docuseries was meticulously crafted to honor pivotal moments in our school’s history and legacy.

Tue, 30 Apr 2024

ESF Becomes Friends Select’s New Summer Camp Partner

Friends Select School is embarking on a new partnership with ESF Camps & Experiences this summer. ESF will bring to Friends Select a premier collection of camps featuring over 60 fun-filled enrichment and character-building activities for students of all ages.

 

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