Phoenix Jersey is Retired for Amile Jefferson '12

"To be back here right now, sitting in this seat that we had Meeting for Worship in every Wednesday, it's truly amazing."

- Amile Jefferson '12

On Thursday, May 10, family, friends, teachers, coaches, and students gathered to honor Amile Jefferson '12 with the retirement of his No. 25 Friends' Central Phoenix jersey. Currently signed to an NBA contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves and formerly a three-time captain and four-time member of the All-ACC Academic Team at Duke University, Amile was recognized for his achievements both on and off the court. At the ceremony, he spoke to students about his experience and appreciation for the community at Friends' Central and the love of learning that was fostered in him: "There's beauty in the struggle… and learning, and failing— failing a test, and so many things that you're going to go through in life, and we're all going to go through… life is beautiful, and we are forever learning." Read more here or view video from the ceremony here. 

AnnMarie Polsenberg Thomas '97 Named Professor of the Year

AnnMarie Thomas, PhD, was recently named 2018 Professor of the Year at the University of St. Thomas. Known for bringing the playful side of learning into her classroom, she is a Professor of Engineering and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at St. Thomas, where she founded the Playful Learning Lab and the St. Thomas Center for Engineering Education. Learn more about AnnMarie's impact on students and her innovative classes here.

Jerome Allen '14 Recognized for Service and Leadership

While graduating from the University of Pennsylvania this May, Jerome Allen '14 was recognized for his service and leadership with the 2018 Wharton Dean's Award for Service to the University of Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia Community and the 2018 Bowl Award. During his time at Penn, Jerome served in leadership roles in several programs, including Black Men United, the Wharton Sports Business Summit, Building Bridges to Wealth, and The Racial Empowerment Collaborative. Over the coming year, he will be in Khayelitsha, South Africa for a Fellowship with the CTC Ten Foundation, named in honor of fellow FCS soccer alumnus Christopher T. Campbell '04.

Celebrating Citizenship and Academic Achievement

On Wednesday, May 16, Friends' Central School held its annual Upper School Academic Awards Ceremony, recognizing students for their outstanding efforts in academics, leadership, and citizenship. At the ceremony, 19 members of the Class of 2018 were inducted into the Cum Laude Society. Read more about all of the awards here.

Girls Track Wins FSL and PAISAA Titles

The varsity girls' track team closed out a highly successful 2018 season by winning the State Championship— the first in the program's history! Capturing the title with 127 points, team members placed first in the 100m and 300m hurdles, the 4x100m and 4x400 relays, the 800m and 1600m events, and the triple jump. Team members also took second place in the 4x800m relay, 200m dash, long jump, and javelin and placed highly in other events. View photos of the championship meet here, or view full results from the meet here.

Drama Students Receive Cappie Awards

Eight drama students were recognized at this year's Cappie Awards for their recent musical production of Comedy of Errors. Evan Sweitzer '20 received an award for his creativity and musical contributions and Marielle Buxbaum '20, Benny Flora '20, Kate Dewey '21, Dylan Buchholz '21, Ian Duane '21, and Claire May '21 received the award for best ensemble. The Cappies is a writing and awards program that trains high school theatre and journalism students to be expert writers, critical thinkers, and leaders. Participating students are trained as critics, attending and reviewing each other's shows and recognizing outstanding performances at the end of the season.

Alumni/ae Support Makes It All Possible

"Your gift allowed me to pursue things that I otherwise may not have." - Recent Graduate

Each year, Friends' Central Fund gifts add to each student's experience, supporting innovative classes, drama productions, athletic teams, service projects, and academic programs, giving students opportunities to discover new interests. As the school year closes, please join over 800 alumni/ae in supporting the Friends' Central Fund.

Photo: 1931 Commencement Exercises