From the Archives: Creating A Friends Select Docuseries
Friends Select School history was recently made with the production of our nine-part documentary series.
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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
