Speaking on behalf of the 1980s field hockey program that won three State Championships, Barb Wolffe Pollard reflected on the incredible coaches and teammates she spent each fall with. She noted, “When I think back, I feel incredibly lucky—not just because of what we accomplished, but because of the people I shared it with.”

Andy Hollingsworth and Dave Hoff each talked about starting the WFS cross-country program and the coaches who made it possible. Reminiscing on their first win in 1975, Andy stated, “And through hard work, Wilmington Friends clinched its very first cross-country victory on October 10, 1975, beating Tatnall 25 to 30. To celebrate, Coach Toler treated us to the nearby Rustler Steak House on Pennsylvania Avenue for their $2.99 T-bone steak special.”

The program then turned to celebrating this year’s alum honorees, each of whom let their lives speak for themselves.

Jennifer Rosenberg Keim ’06 (Young Alumna of the Year) is a pediatrician and Medical Director of the ACTION (All Children Thrive In Our Neighborhood) Foster Care Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Through her leadership, the clinic provides specialized medical services for children in foster care, addressing not only their physical health needs but also the effects of trauma and adversity. “Thank you to Wilmington Friends for giving me a foundation that I’m still drawing on twenty years later. I’m so grateful to be part of this community, and so honored to be recognized by it.”

Tamara Cox DeFer ’80 (Outstanding Service Award) has devoted her career and volunteer efforts to helping others thrive. Most recently, she served as Chief Leadership & Engagement Officer at Children & Families First, where she helped guide the organization through unprecedented growth and change, including expanding services to hundreds of additional children and families across Delaware. “By attending Friends, I was able to take that lifelong foundation and deep dive into service. I truly learned what it means to help others and saw the long-term impact it creates.”

Shirley Padmore Mensah ’87 (Distinguished Alumnus of the Year) has dedicated her professional life to ensuring the fair and evenhanded administration of justice. She built a distinguished legal career as a trial lawyer and partner at Husch Blackwell before her 2012 appointment to the federal judiciary. In 2021, she began serving as Chief United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri. “Friends gave me the gift of learning how to embrace my own unique qualities while being a part of a generous and supportive community.”

Hearing how Friends impacted our award winners and helped launch them into pursuits contributing to the greater good was an incredible confirmation of the mission of our school. We are grateful to all who joined the celebration and thank the Alumni Board for their great work selecting the award recipients.