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.
WFS staff member Javier Rodriguez stopped by 1st grade Spanish class where he taught them a traditional Mexican song and explained the origin and history of the piñata. After this, students had a blast taking turns swinging at the piñata. Thank you, Javier!
5th grade ukulele players took their music on the road during the final week of school, visiting classrooms to share a short performance and a little joy.
During the final week of school, 2nd and 3rd graders took their learning beyond the classroom, participating in hands-on experiences that brought history and social studies to life.
Lower school faculty, staff, and students celebrated the 5th grade class as they made one final walk through the halls this morning before entering the Meeting Room for gathering.
Middle school students enjoyed their last day by sharing appreciations, performing at the annual talent show, watching the 8th grade celebration video, and spending time with friends!
8th grade students explored tower design as part of their Innovative Architecture unit with Mr. Machado. Students learned about the history of towers, structural awareness, sustainable use of resources, and community oriented design.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are so proud of all you have accomplished during your time at Wilmington Friends School and can't wait to see where your journeys take you next.
From Taco Tuesday at home to a special lunch at La Tolteca, first graders celebrated their study of Mexico with delicious foods, new vocabulary, and lots of smiles!
Congratulations to our middle school band and choir on their outstanding performances at last week's Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania!
Middle and upper school students enjoyed ice cream and time with friends during yesterday’s 2025-2026 yearbook distribution! The countdown to summer is officially on!
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.