“I learned many things during my time at WFS, but the two that stand out the most for me now are the importance of critical thinking and personal connections."
Critical thinking was essential throughout college and continues to help as I run Culver Family Farms. Moreover, personal connections are important throughout life. Many of my friends today are the friends I made in high school or even earlier. The farm has also relied on the support of friends and family that came from Friends… To the Class of 2022, do not stop challenging yourself to grow, learn, and be better.”
Nicholas Culver ’12 graduated from Cornell University in 2016 with his degree in Agricultural Sciences. While at Cornell, Nicholas was a member of the Alpha Zeta Fraternity, a coed honors fraternity that focused on agriculture and the life sciences. He also served as an AgSci Ambassador, helping advise and guide students who majored in Agricultural Sciences. A proud member of the Dean’s list, Nicholas worked in agricultural research with Cornell University and Syngenta.
Nicholas, who has been farming since 2006, officially took over Culver Family Farms upon his graduation from Cornell. A small family farm that is focused on growing and sourcing the best local produce and products for their customers, Nicholas loves his work because, “I get a deep satisfaction and pride from building something. I plant the seeds, care for them, then harvest the final product and send it on. Moreover, food is a deeply personal thing as people care greatly about their food and where it comes from. When someone is as excited about the food you’ve grown or made as you are, it’s truly an indescribable feeling as it takes extreme dedication and countless hours of work.”
Congrats Nicholas, we’re so proud of you! And congratulations on your recent marriage to Sarah Newbold '12!
WFS boys’ soccer players welcomed lower school students at carline and helped walk them to their classrooms. They also joined in games on the playground, from soccer to basketball, before the start of classes. From carline to classroom to playground, WFS students of all ages share experiences that foster joy and connection.
Congratulations to WFS seniors Lucas Buckley ’26 and Ella Fontanazza ’26, who were named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program!
At Wilmington Friends School, our faculty and student support staff collaborate regularly to ensure that every student experiences a smooth, thoughtful transition into high school. Recently, 9th graders rotated through three workshops:
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!
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.