WFS Class of 2023 Grads To the Rescue!

While hiking, one of the women fell and injured her face, and they were approached by...two WFS students! Chaz Manolakos '23 and Colin Harron '23, walking the Camino as part of their senior exploration, quickly came to their aid. In the words of Mary, one of the women (who, coincidentally, is from Hockessin, Delaware!), "Our friend Ellen tripped on rocks on a steep downward slope, landing on her face, opening her lip, bleeding profusely. Chaz and Colin came up right behind us asking if we needed help. Chaz quickly dropped his backpack to the ground, stating proudly, 'I have a first aid kit.' Colin was ready and willing to help in any way needed. Wipes and alcohol swabs were greatly appreciated by Ellen. Chaz even assisted in the effort to stop her bleeding. As the mother of sons who were in high school many years ago, I was busting with pride for Chaz' mother when he held up his makeshift first aid kit in a Ziplock bag, stating with a big grin on his face, 'I told my mother I would never need all these supplies, but I was wrong and she was right!'"

The women learned that Chaz and Colin were from Delaware and insisted on a photo. "They told us that Wilmington Friends School offers their soon-to-be graduates an opportunity to plan time before their graduation to have a life experience. Walking the Camino was certainly within the scope of the Friends values. It was really a joy to see our youth, your students, step up to help others without hesitation," Mary said.

"We Caminas were all so thankful and proud of these young men, not only for helping me in an embarrassing and painful moment, but also for taking on the challenge of walking the Camino de Santiago for their Senior Project," Ellen said. "Chaz and Colin, you have truly walked and experienced the message of the Camino. Congratulations to you both! I am sure you will remember this challenge and have learned from it such that it will be with you for the rest of your lives. Enjoy your graduation, and all the best to you in the future!"