Voices of Friends: John Bonifaz ’84, Co-Founder and President at Free Speech For People
“In some ways, as we go into our professional world, into college studies, graduate studies… We are kind of shaped and encouraged to be safer in the way we act. And that can have ramifications when it comes to standing up for justice and democracy because it isn’t always comfortable; for those you’re challenging, but also for those that are doing it. It’s not always something that is comfortable, but it matters. And it matters to people who often haven’t had the opportunity to have their voices heard. So… I think that is something that I’m proud of, but also one that I continue to challenge myself, where I can take those risks and make a difference."
John Bonifaz, who currently serves as the Co-Founder and President at Free Speech For People, joined the Quaker Matters Podcast and discusses the impact of attending WFS, the importance of voting rights, why big money in politics can be problematic, and why he has spent his entire career fighting to reclaim democracy.
Kindergartners visited Ramsey's Farm! Students engaged in five stations–– enjoying a hayride, feeding the cows and goats (and steering clear of pecky chickens!), picking pumpkins, navigating a corn maze, and playing on the combine playground. We love getting out into the fresh air for hands-on learning!
Upper schoolers learned about the School Year Abroad (SYA) program at WFS, hearing from a representative from SYA along with Rose Mulveny ’26 and Abbie Thurlow ’26 who participated in the program last year.
8th graders enjoyed Fright Night, a fun event in the WFS Library Learning Commons featuring pizza and snacks along with one scary and one not-so-scary movie!
During our recent professional development day, faculty and staff had time to participate in an activity to have fun and connect with colleagues. Choices included forest bathing; AIKIDO; pickle ball; volleyball; Meet and Greet; and Read and Relax. Here are photos from "Walk and Connect" in the neighborhood and Alapocas Woods.
Kindergartners visited Ramsey's Farm! Students engaged in five stations–– enjoying a hayride, feeding the cows and goats (and steering clear of pecky chickens!), picking pumpkins, navigating a corn maze, and playing on the combine playground. We love getting out into the fresh air for hands-on learning!
Upper schoolers learned about the School Year Abroad (SYA) program at WFS, hearing from a representative from SYA along with Rose Mulveny ’26 and Abbie Thurlow ’26 who participated in the program last year.
Adrian Burston, a former Friends teacher and Vice President of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center, and Debbie Burston, board member of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center, presented to 10th grade American History students about the local history of the Underground Railroad and the involvement of Quakers in the local abolition movement.
Lower School Spanish teacher Lara Munch spent her sabbatical exploring the intersection of culture, history, and language—both within the United States and abroad.
Middle School Spanish teacher Laura Jersild Pardo ’90 explored nature and the brain in a de-natured culture, asking how embodied, real-world experiences shape mental health, creativity, and problem-solving.
On the evening of Friday, October 3, more than 200 guests gathered in the Library Learning Commons for a night of community, music, and recognition. Guests enjoyed dinner and a lively performance from the Upper School Jazz Band. The program then turned to celebrating this year’s alumni honorees, who all let their lives speak in their own ways.
Today, seniors met their first-grade buddies for the first time in the 2025–26 school year! First graders shared stories from their first month of school with their buddies, then collaborated on creative art projects together.
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.