Quaker Matters

Gavin Gray ’28 details his Social Innovators project titled, "Community Connection Consulting."

Margaret Anne Butterfield joins the show!

Brad Greenman joins the Quaker Matters Podcast!

Emily Hershman David ’09 joins the podcast!

Chris Verry joins the podcast!

It was an incredible year for the WFS field hockey and girls’ soccer programs, led by head coach and longtime WFS faculty member Scott Clothier. On the latest episode of the Quaker Matters podcast, Coach Clothier discusses his coaching philosophy, the similarities and differences between the two programs, what it meant to share both championship moments with his daughter, Sara, and why each team was able to accomplish the ultimate goal (hint: it's always the players). Coach also reflected on the difference between a classroom assignment (like a history test) and a public performance (like a musical or a soccer game), highlighting the mental toughness WFS student-athletes develop. As he put it, “The play? The musical? The soccer game? That’s public. You have to be ready to go out there and publicly execute because people are watching…” He also praised the dedication of WFS student-athletes, noting how they balance demanding academic schedules with athletics—studying on bus rides, putting in the work in the classroom, and then giving everything they have once they step onto the field. “I am impressed with how much they can accomplish.”

WFS Athletic Trainer Noah Underwood stops by!

Charlie’s project, Hockey Parent Connect, was an online newsletter and platform that provided valuable information to parents of youth hockey players about local programs and what they offered for the upcoming season.

Landis Hershey ’26: After observing a significant lack of transparency in scoring at mock trial competitions, Landis developed a mock trial guide booklet titled All Rise: The Art of Mock Trial. This booklet provided competitors with clear, easy-to-understand information about the scoring process, practical tips and strategies, and other essential guidance to help improve their performance at competitions.

Gianna Cottone ’26: Gianna’s project, Earth Educators, revolved around educating teenagers about the climate. Her focus was on sparking curiosity or urgency regarding climate change, with the hope of reducing daily habits that harm the environment.

Henry Gaskell ’26: Henry’s idea, Henry’s Arm Care, was a small physical single-page guide made for baseball players who were unable to perform at peak level because of arm pain. It offered targeted exercises based on pain location to help athletes recover and maintain performance.

Justin Hutchful ’27: Justin’s project, Fixing Procrastination, helped students who struggled with procrastination by offering an online study group that implemented an intensive study schedule to build better academic habits.

Scarlett Murphy ’27: Passionate about politics, Scarlett began her SIP project by exploring the struggles of individuals involved in the political scene. This led to thoughtful conversations about ethics and personal values. Inspired by this work, Scarlett created a project aimed at helping people find local businesses and resources that aligned with their ethical beliefs, supporting more conscious, values-based consumer choices.

Scarlett Murphy ’27: Passionate about politics, Scarlett began her SIP project by exploring the struggles of individuals involved in the political scene. This led to thoughtful conversations about ethics and personal values. Inspired by this work, Scarlett created a project aimed at helping people find local businesses and resources that aligned with their ethical beliefs, supporting more conscious, values-based consumer choices.

Dami Johnson ’27: Teens Supporting Teens helped high schoolers organize their time and work more effectively. Dami’s project also focused on improving mental well-being and helping students address feelings of stress or disarray.

On the latest episode of the Quaker Matters Podcast, Rose Mulveny ’26 reflects on her year abroad in Zaragoza, Spain with the School Year Abroad (SYA) program. Rose shares how this immersive experience helped her gain confidence in speaking and presenting in Spanish, as well as the lasting friendships she built with her peers and host family. “Doing it for the full year is the best experience you are going to get. And I think, SYA is the best experience that I’ve had in my life. It’s been so life-changing.” From cooking classes and daily conversations with her host family to field-based electives and weekend adventures, Rose embraced every moment. Tune in to hear how her time in Spain shaped her perspective, strengthened her independence, and deepened her love for language and learning.

As part of her Senior Exploration, Reese Bryson ’25 interviewed Charlie Bradford for the Quaker Matters Podcast. Charlie, a visitor from The Friends’ School in Hobart, Tasmania, spent time at Wilmington Friends this spring engaging in service activities before returning home to begin medical school. Their conversation explored Quaker values, cultural differences, how Charlie enjoyed teaching middle school students, and what he learned from working with the grounds crew on campus. Thank you to Reese for highlighting Charlie’s experience—and thank you, Charlie, for the impact you made during your visit!

Jake Rashkind stops by to chat with Andrés Pardo ’21 and Ely Longwill ’21 about his teaching career at Wilmington Friends School.

“When a child looks at you like, ‘I trust you,’ I think that’s the most rewarding feeling in the world.” Tracey Quillen Carney ’80 recently joined the Quaker Matters Podcast. In this episode, Tracey discusses her experience as a student here at WFS, the inspiration behind writing a children’s book, the importance of literacy and how families can help their children develop this skill at an early age, and the most rewarding moments of their Reading Tour at local libraries throughout the First State.

“To go back to the Quaker SPICES… I think the foundation of what Wilmington Friends School is… it turns out good people. Yes, of course, it’s about the education, but it’s also about the people this place turns out. It turns out good people who will do good.” Lesley Tryon ’71, the Assistant Director of Finance at WFS, joined the Quaker Matters Podcast. In this episode, Lesley discusses how the business office supports faculty, staff, and students, why she has chosen to serve the school for over 30 years, and the decision to send her children to WFS. Enjoy!