Donovan Aldridge ’18 began pursuing his MA in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Delaware last fall.
“Make yourself known in everything that you do. It’s very easy to get ‘lost in the numbers’ at a large university, so it is important that your professors are able to put a face to the name and that you make an honest impression. These connections that you make with professors, advisors, and coaches can last a lifetime and can open up new opportunities that you never knew existed or help you achieve experiences that you have always dreamed of . . . I am able to do what I love in a way that I never thought was possible because of these professors, advisors and coaches.”
This past Winter, Donovan Aldridge ’18 graduated from the University of Delaware in three and a half years with his degree in Spanish Studies. Donovan, a University of Delaware Community Engagement Fellow, certainly made the most of his time in Newark as he was a reporter and photographer for the student-run newspaper, a member of the Sigma Delta Pi (National Hispanic Honor Society), and served as a practice player for the University of Delaware women’s basketball team. Prior to his time at Delaware, Donovan was a proud member of the WFS community. While at WFS, Donovan was a three-sport athlete (XC, basketball, track and field), a member of various clubs (African-American Affinity and Science Olympiad), and served on the prom committee.
After graduation, Donovan continued to build on his journalism experience and began working as a Visual Journalist Intern for Delaware Online. In this role, he worked closely with different reporters to help them tell their stories through his photography (and some of his photos made the front-page of the paper!). He also spent time pursuing his own photo essay stories, allowing him to conduct interviews and continue to perfect his craft as a photographer.
When asked to reflect on his experience, Donovan states, “I realized my motivation to share photos was driven by a desire to tell stories, connect with people on a global scale, and bring awareness to the environment and disenfranchised communities. I love journalism and photojournalism because it forces you to go outside. You get away from the TV and experience the world as it is; in its raw and unfiltered state. You get the chance to meet extraordinary people with interesting stories that you normally wouldn’t be aware of.”
This fall, Donovan began pursuing his MA in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Delaware.
Wilmington Friends School partnered with the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy and Schoolyard Ventures to offer the Social Innovators Program, a 12-week virtual course in social entrepreneurship for 10th and 11th graders. Through online classes, real-world case studies, and guided project work, students earned a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship while designing and launching ventures to address issues meaningful to them.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following retirees, whose dedication, leadership, and care have made a lasting impact on the Wilmington Friends School community!
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is often considered the highest standard for college preparatory education. This year, 29 members from the Class of 2025 were IB diploma candidates.
Max Leffler ’22 recently hosted his 5th Annual Disc Golf Tournament, raising $5,200 in support of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and its mission to fight childhood cancer.
At the start of summer break, 15 Wilmington Friends Upper School students traveled to El Paso, Texas, as part of a QUEST Term Service/Leadership Trip. This immersive experience combines global education, leadership development, and community engagement.
The mastery program in middle school is a semester or year-long, student-initiated and student-produced project designed to develop that student's talents, interests, and skills. The emphasis is on achievement and completing a finished product that is either presented or displayed publicly in a polished, masterful way. Mastery projects may include academic research papers, visual and performing arts projects or performances, special teaching units, and physical projects.
Thank you for joining us for the Alumni & Friends baseball, lacrosse, and soccer games this past Saturday! It was a fun day of friendly competition, school spirit, and reconnecting with the WFS community—whether you were back on the field or cheering from the sidelines.
We hope you'll stop by campus to catch a game or say hello next year!
So much laughter and fun (for the grown ups, too!) at this week's lower school field days. Bring on summer! For more photos, visit our Smugmug page (password can be found in the Friends on Friday message). Photos courtesy of WFS Yearbook
For Mental Health Awareness Month, middle and upper school students answered the question "How will you take care of your wellness this summer?" The Quaker Cares committee then created a vision board with the many responses!
Celebrations for the Class of 2025 have begun, and last night was Senior Exploration Night, where members of the Class of 2025 presented the projects they’ve been working on for the last month.
Our final Lower School Culture Quest was a celebration of Juneteenth! Students explored the significance of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, music, food, and arts and crafts. It was a fun and meaningful way to learn about and honor this important day!
We wrapped up our spring concert series today with a preschool "informance," where our youngest students showcased their singing, dancing, and instrument playing!
One of our most beloved spring traditions...the middle school 5K! Costumed students (everything from the cast of Scooby Doo to famous athletes) walked and ran the Alapocas neighborhood all to benefit a good cause.
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.