Tyrie Jenkins ’73 is a pioneer in eye care as she was the first person to perform LASIK in Hawaii.
How did you choose to start your business?
I am currently the proud owner of a successful ophthalmology practice in Hawaii. I moved here in 1989 after having trained at a prestigious ophthalmology residency in the east coast. I built my practice around making sure my adopted home - the most isolated landmass in the world - had access to the latest technology in eye care. This business model was not only successful but most rewarding. I was the first person to perform LASIK surgery in 1987 and more recently, was the first to perform laser assisted cataract surgery.
What are your current interests and passions?
While still working full time, I am taking a bit more time off. I am lucky to be passionate about taking care of my patients but am lucky to have other interests. I am enjoying being a grandmother. I spend free time hiking, traveling and golfing.
How has WFS impacted you since graduation?
Since I graduated from Wilmington Friends, I actually joined a Quaker meeting and call myself a Quaker. I continue to embrace Quaker values of integrity, equality, community, stewardship of the earth and peace. Friends School's commitment to educational excellence has made me value life long learning.
What are your favorite WFS memories?
As preteen, I have to admit, I loved school so much I used to walk to Friends at the end of the summer before the school opened. I would sneak into the front door (it was open ) and walked through the silent hall and smell the newly waxed floors! Other great experiences, were non academic - chorus with Violet Richman and band with Mr. Guest. I remember vividly, those beautiful fall days on the hockey field. My best friend is still Pam Hoopes who I met in kindergarten!
Tyrie Lee Jenkins ’73 started at Wilmington Friend School at age 4. She can still remember all the names of her teachers in grades K - 6 and her best friend is still her first friend she met in Kindergarten! Her mother was also a Wilmington Friends School graduate. Elizabeth Miller Jenkins ’51 still lives on the Augustine Cut-Off in the home where Ty would walk to school from. After graduating from Friends, she attended Mount Holyoke College and then Jefferson Medical College. After a medical internship in Wilmington, she completed her medical training in Ophthalmology at Will’s Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. After a stint in Memphis, Tennessee, she moved to Honolulu in 1989. She started her current practice and is one of the businest eye surgeons in Hawaii. Being the first person in Hawaii to perform LASIK as well as Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery, she is a pioneer in eyecare. She and husband have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Hobbies include hiking, golfing and traveling. The second-act? As her current practice winds down, she is hoping to participate in some medical missions and spend more time with the grandkids.
Advanced/IB Chemistry students in Sarah O’Brien’s class recently crafted their own “stir rods” by cutting glass tubing, sealing one end in a Bunsen burner, and adding their chosen decorations—from pipe cleaners to glitter and beads—before finishing with a sealed closure.
Last week, our 10th- and 11th-grade students had the opportunity to participate in meaningful college guidance activities that reflect Wilmington Friends School’s personalized, student-centered approach to the college process.
Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s Senior Parent Reception, and a special thanks to our Annual Fund Senior Fund Clerks, Margaretta Hershey and Amanda Singleton Hay '95.
Each month during the school year, Wilmington Friends School continues its long-standing tradition of providing home-cooked meals to the Ministry of Caring’s Emmanuel Dining Room.
Last week, WFS 9th through 11th graders participated in a day of service, volunteering at Delaware organizations from the New Castle County Hope Center to Friendship House Clothing Bank, and also helping to clean and prepare the WFS garden and greenhouse.
“Everything works out,” is the perspective Kiera Patterson ’20 carries with her from her days at WFS through her time at the University of Michigan and MIT, which she recently shared with the WFS upper school Steminist Club.
Now that most of our seniors have completed their college essays and the Common Application, they are meeting with their WFS college counselor to finalize their college list and plan next steps.
The WFS volleyball program honored the life and legacy of Coach Bob Trinsey last night. Since 1999, Bob and the Trinsey family have shaped Wilmington Friends School volleyball into one of the state’s most respected programs.
Last week, Jimmy Butterfield’s ’20 band (second from left), Butterfield, played in Eakins Oval in front of the Philly Art Museum. They were the first band on the R&B After Dark Series that night. Mark McMillan ‘20 (far left) and Jack Hanson ‘18 (far right) came to hear them play and had a blast together!
Thank you to our incredible Building Services and Grounds teams for all the behind-the-scenes work that makes our campus ready to welcome students back!
Members of the WFS Class of 2026 gathered this morning for a Senior Breakfast before their last first day of school! Special thanks to the Senior Class Reps for hosting and the delicious food.
The first day of school is here, and lower school students were so excited to greet their friends and teachers on this beautiful morning! Welcome back, friends!
It was a beautiful day to welcome our lower school students and families to "Friends Village" as they explored their new learning cottages for the very first time!
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.