Issue 1 2025-2026
News
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Opening-of-School Assembly Kicks Off 2025-2026 School Year!
As is our tradition, we kicked off the new school year with our Opening-of-School assembly. On a beautiful September afternoon, we gathered in the Greenwood. There was a special entrance…Read More Read LessAs is our tradition, we kicked off the new school year with our Opening-of-School assembly. On a beautiful September afternoon, we gathered in the Greenwood. There was a special entrance by the seniors, a message from Head of School Chris Benbow, a recognition of the years of service of faculty and staff, the roll call of the classes, a cheer led by the Student Body Presidents, and the Community Choir sang Lean on Me. It was a fantastic start to the new year! Check out the gallery of photos here!
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Environment, Illuminated: Five-Year Sustainability Plan Launched
Westtown has launched a comprehensive Five-Year Sustainability Plan that charts an ambitious course toward whole-school sustainability. The plan focuses on three interconnected areas: Operations and Infrastructure (carbon neutrality, zero waste,…Read More Read Less
Westtown has launched a comprehensive Five-Year Sustainability Plan that charts an ambitious course toward whole-school sustainability. The plan focuses on three interconnected areas: Operations and Infrastructure (carbon neutrality, zero waste, and renewable energy), Education and Health (curriculum integration, student advocacy, and the link between well-being and the environment), and Environment and Climate (stewardship of our 600-acre campus and climate resilience). From our 2.1 MW solar array to our Four-Star Green Restaurant certification, sustainability is woven into daily life at Westtown.We invite you to read this plan as it reflects our commitment to living our Quaker values through measurable action.
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Curriculum Standards Published
Knowledge, Illuminated: Pre-K–12 Curriculum StandardsFollowing a multi-year review inspired by our 2022 reaccreditation, Westtown has developed research-based curriculum standards across every grade and subject. These standards ensure that skills and…Read More Read LessKnowledge, Illuminated: Pre-K–12 Curriculum Standards
Following a multi-year review inspired by our 2022 reaccreditation, Westtown has developed research-based curriculum standards across every grade and subject. These standards ensure that skills and concepts build intentionally from year to year, that learning connects across disciplines, and that teaching is responsive to each student’s growth. Most importantly, they embed Quaker values of integrity, equality, community, and social responsibility throughout a child’s journey at Westtown. These standards embody our mission to inspire and prepare graduates to be thoughtful leaders and stewards of a better world.We are excited about the implementation of this work and invite you to take a moment to read through these standards here.
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Let There Be Lights
The official grand opening of the Oak Lane Athletic Complex took place during our Friday Night Lights celebration in October. The varsity field hockey and boys varsity soccer teams took…Read More Read LessThe official grand opening of the Oak Lane Athletic Complex took place during our Friday Night Lights celebration in October. The varsity field hockey and boys varsity soccer teams took on George School, both issuing defeat to our rivals! Before these exciting games, there was an opening ceremony to honor some of our donors and recognize the Holloway family. Stay tuned to the next issue of The Westonian for more about the turf fields project and our generous donors! Enjoy the gallery here.
Features
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Exploring Westtown’s Quaker Roots
On September 20, Joseph Daniels, Chair of Westtown’s History and Religion Department, offered a presentation on the history of Westtown School and Westtown Township’s Quaker tradition. With support from School…Read More Read LessOn September 20, Joseph Daniels, Chair of Westtown’s History and Religion Department, offered a presentation on the history of Westtown School and Westtown Township’s Quaker tradition. With support from School Archivist Sara Mullen, Daniels traced the story from the Lenape roots of the land and the arrival of Quakers, to the founding of Westtown School as a boarding school envisioned by Philadelphia Friends in the late 18th century, to the present day.
Highlights included the story of John Dickinson—known as the “Penman of the Revolution”—who advocated for the creation of a Quaker school, and the history of James Gibbons, who received the land as a wedding gift in 1708 and whose descendants sold it to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in 1795 for the new school. Daniels explored how Quaker ideals of “useful and practical” education shaped the student experience, how the township and school influenced one another across the 1800s and 1900s, and how these traditions continue to inform Westtown today.
The presentation was warmly received by an enthusiastic audience, offering a window into the connection between community, land, and Quaker education.
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Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
The following is an excerpt from the Friends Council on Education's newsletter. The piece was written by Nic James and edited by Westtown's Kelly Yiadom, Director of Equity, Justice, and…Read More Read LessThe following is an excerpt from the Friends Council on Education’s newsletter. The piece was written by Nic James and edited by Westtown’s Kelly Yiadom, Director of Equity, Justice, and Belonging for Lower and Middle Schools, and Anne Burns, Dean of Communications. Photos courtesy of Westtown School.
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Westtown School is supporting student conversations around Native American Heritage through several authentic initiatives and programs.
All-School Initiatives
Westtown’s Equity, Justice, and Belonging team partnered with Beth Pellegrino, Director of Dining Services, to bring Mariah Gladstone to all three divisions of the school as a virtual speaker. Gladstone, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet and Cherokee Nations, is an environmental engineer, chef, and founder of Indigikitchen, an online platform dedicated to Indigenous food traditions and food sovereignty. Her presentation introduced students to the connections between culture, health, and land stewardship and highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge.
Lower School
Lower School students welcomed Delaine “Dee” Tootsie-Chee, the grandmother of one of the students, to visit during their weekly Gathering. Tootsie-Chee is a member of the Hopi Tribe and belongs to the Asah/Roadrunner Clan. She demonstrated elements of Hopi hand-pottery making—sharing how she learned by observing her maternal clan relatives and describing traditional methods for pigmentation and burnishing with river stones, among other techniques.
Middle School
Over the summer, 8th graders read Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The story of sweetgrass parallels the experiences of Indigenous peoples facing displacement and the loss of ancestral lands to invasive species.
Also, along with their teachers, a few Middle School students with Native American heritage presented to their classmates this month. The goals of their presentation were to expand knowledge of and connection to Native Americans, celebrate the varied contributions of First Peoples to society, past, present, and future, and to move beyond recognition toward accountability and action.
Finally, Lenape Voices is an ongoing art and service project that seeks to honor more than 10,000 years of Lenape stewardship of the land. Throughout campus, 21 painted stones (ahsëna) display Lenape words and English translations. Visitors are invited to reflect on both the absence and presence of the Lenape people in this place.
Upper School
During Community Collection (the Upper School’s weekly student and faculty gathering), one of four Upper School students whose roots extend into an Indigenous nation spoke to their perspectives on ancestry, identity, relationship with the natural world, and governance systems built on peace, equity, and a collective responsibility. They urged their school community to not only remember the gifts and challenges of their heritage but also recognize their present and their future.
Excerpt from remarks by Oronhiatehka Maracle ’27:
“So as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month,
let’s not confine our thoughts to the past.
Let’s look forward to the faces yet to be born,
to the futures yet to unfold.We are not relics.
We are not victims.
We are nations who endure.” -
Quaker Activist Dwight Dunston Visits Westtown
Dwight Dunston, a West Philly-based facilitator, hip-hop artist, educator, and activist, gave an assembly for our 7th-12th grade students about his work and Kingian Nonviolence, a philosophy and methodology for…Read More Read LessDwight Dunston, a West Philly-based facilitator, hip-hop artist, educator, and activist, gave an assembly for our 7th-12th grade students about his work and Kingian Nonviolence, a philosophy and methodology for nonviolent conflict reconciliation developed from the work of Martin Luther King Jr. During the assembly, he led a few exercises with the audience and volunteer panelists, which inspired reflection and conversation.
Dwight also visited history teacher Marissa Colston‘s Peace and Justice class and religion teacher Lara Freeman‘s Environmental Justice class to discuss Kingian Nonviolence, and there was also an open session in the South Room for students to drop in and talk with Dwight to learn more about his life and work.
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National Association of Physics Teachers
On October 25, Westtown hosted the Southeast Pennsylvania Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers' annual Demo Day. Physics teachers around Philadelphia and its neighboring areas (both active and…Read More Read LessOn October 25, Westtown hosted the Southeast Pennsylvania Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers’ annual Demo Day. Physics teachers around Philadelphia and its neighboring areas (both active and retired) flocked here to share resources and ideas for physics demonstrations to use in classrooms. The attendees included high school teachers, college professors, and retired physics educators, including Westtown’s own former teacher Barry Feierman.
Niral Desai, who teaches physics here at Westtown and helped host the event, shared, “At the meeting we learned about ways to examine rotational motion, wave interference, electric fields, mechanical tension, general relativity, dark matter and much, much more within the confines of our classrooms. The attendees were all very grateful to Westtown for hosting this event, and all left with new perspectives and tools for teaching physics. We look forward to the next opportunity to host science conferences such as these!”
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Equity and Access Conference and College Fair
More than 300 students and their families attended this year's Equity and Access Conference and College Fair. Westtown has hosted this biennial conference and college fair since 2005 with a…Read More Read LessMore than 300 students and their families attended this year’s Equity and Access Conference and College Fair. Westtown has hosted this biennial conference and college fair since 2005 with a goal of creating space for substantive conversations with students and their families regarding issues of belonging, equity, access, inclusion, and allyship in the college application process. The event had a variety of panel presentations, student-led discussions, and a college fair with nearly 100 colleges represented.
Many alums and current students participated as well! Tray Hammond ’18, Shereem Herndon-Brown ’92, and Brennan Barnard ’92 all presented various sessions, and Shereem and Brennan were part of the keynote panel. Jess Lord ’90 represented Haverford at the college fair. Jhan Setthachayanon ’22 (Yale), Jon Ebataleye ’23 (MIT), Sydney Kostal ’23 (Santa Clara), Kaelin Martin ’24 (Spelman), Abena Onyinah ’24 (Davidson), and Lucia Sanchez ’24 (Swarthmore) joined the Young Alums Panel on Zoom. Current seniors Logan Luo, Tiantong Hu, Lucy Smith, Tessa Kipnis, Addison James, Angela Wang, Insaaf Imtiyaz, and Melissa Freeman all led sessions about various kinds of student activism.
It was a wonderful event and we’d like to thank our amazing College Counseling team, alum and student participants, volunteers, and all who helped make it such a success!
Enjoy more photos of the event here!
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Lettuce…Learn!
Sixth graders in Carlos Charriez’s science class worked with the kitchen to provide Westtown-grown lettuce, using a hydroponics growing system. Food and agricultural science are hallmarks of Westtown's Middle School…Read More Read LessSixth graders in Carlos Charriez’s science class worked with the kitchen to provide Westtown-grown lettuce, using a hydroponics growing system. Food and agricultural science are hallmarks of Westtown’s Middle School science program and are an excellent illustration of how our students learn. They have a hands-on educational experience steeped in problem-solving and critical thinking. Most importantly, the lived experience of the classroom opens the way for the development of essential understandings and skills.
Charriez shares, “When our students learn to cultivate food, they are not just learning about plants. They are also learning about chemistry and geology. These lessons prepare future science students for astronomy and physics classes and culminate in their Middle School capstone work on climate change and sustainability. They can apply this learning across the curriculum, like how it sharpens their understanding when they study agriculture in ancient cultures. They sharpen their skills in observation and collaboration, which support success in all of their academic and social learning. Learning stops being about a task to memorize and becomes part of their understanding of the world. This is a tangible example of what the Westtown approach to learning looks like—and, in this case, tastes like.”
Students delivered their crop of lettuce to Assistant Director of Dining Services Geoffrey Hillman where it was promptly used to help feed our community.
Students
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Lower School Mask Parade
Is it even Halloween without the Lower School Mask Parade? Our youngest artists each designed and created their one-of-a-kind mask in their art classes using recycled materials and various supplies.…Read More Read LessIs it even Halloween without the Lower School Mask Parade? Our youngest artists each designed and created their one-of-a-kind mask in their art classes using recycled materials and various supplies. As is our beloved tradition, Lower School students paraded around Coach Downey Court to show their creations to the adoring crowd! See more masks here!
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Fourth Grade’s Lenape Celebration Days
Fourth graders spend the fall term learning about the Lenape people who were the first people to live on the land that is now our campus. Their studies culminated in…Read More Read LessFourth graders spend the fall term learning about the Lenape people who were the first people to live on the land that is now our campus. Their studies culminated in their Lenape Celebration Days, a way to honor and celebrate the Lenape while enjoying the beauty of this campus.
Teachers Shelagh Wilson and Marion Dear, along with parent volunteers, made soup and snacks with students using traditional Lenape crops, went for a hike on campus, and canoed on the lake. They also played traditional Lenape games. Other campus activities included time on the ropes course, a cookout at the lake, a sunset Meeting for Worship, and making s’mores at the fire circle.
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Sixth Grade Science: Experiments and Data
Carlos Charriez’s seventh-grade science curriculum provides abundant opportunities for inquiry, observation, and research. Over the fall term, students have engaged in experiential projects that challenge them to understand design, data,…Read More Read LessCarlos Charriez’s seventh-grade science curriculum provides abundant opportunities for inquiry, observation, and research. Over the fall term, students have engaged in experiential projects that challenge them to understand design, data, and analysis. Charriez also looks for opportunities to work across divisions, especially with Lower Schoolers. Charriez shares about these projects, “The first annual Lower School collaboration was a follow-up project to our Experimental Gardens Lab where students had a chance to apply the scientific method with the goal of understanding the factors that influence the growth of snap peas. Along the way, they learned how to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and ultimately grow and eat snap peas, which are tied into our unit on cells and the digestive system.
“To take it a step further, we decided to apply this process to human subjects—in this case fifth graders. They were given some physical and cognitive tasks to complete along with a variable that the sixth graders wanted to test. For example, one group wanted to see how encouragement influenced someone’s accuracy in shooting a basketball. Another group wanted to see how ‘pump-up’ music influences someone’s ability to do sit-ups. Each of these experiments had to be carefully designed and controlled to improve the accuracy and reliability of the results. While we couldn’t control every variable, students did their best to try and even the playing field as their fifth grade ‘subjects’ completed the task.”
The next week, the sixth grade students went to the Lower School to work with the fifth graders on documenting the results. “Our follow-up visit to the Lower School allowed the two grades to collaborate on graphing and analyzing the results,” says Charriez. “As this is something we do quite often in sixth grade, students were able to teach the fifth graders how to create a simple graph using Google spreadsheets, along with real-time data collected from their experiments.”
Although the fifth graders were the “subjects” of these experiments, it was a learning experience for them as well. Lower School science teacher Colby Van Alen shares, “This was a wonderful opportunity for fifth graders to not only interact with sixth graders, but to also have a sample of what is to come in sixth grade science. This collaboration sparked their imaginations into what experiments entail as well as a deeper understanding of variables and data collection, and how what seems like a simple idea can be stretched and tested. It was such an engaging and fun collaboration! Fifth graders are certainly looking forward to their turn at designing experiments next year.”
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Food Truck Challenge
In the culmination of their Food Truck Challenge project, seventh-grade science students hosted their "customers"—the third graders. For this design thinking project created by science teacher Carlos Charriez, the seventh…Read More Read LessIn the culmination of their Food Truck Challenge project, seventh-grade science students hosted their “customers”—the third graders. For this design thinking project created by science teacher Carlos Charriez, the seventh graders were challenged to design a food truck for their Lower School friends that focused on healthy eating. Centering the creative process on empathy, they were tasked with interviewing the third graders, considering special dietary needs, and then reworking their concepts based on feedback from their customers. At the reveal day of the Food Truck Challenge, third graders got to sample the offerings that ranged from plant-based milkshakes to grilled fruit!
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Seventh Grade Canoe Trip
The Middle School canoe trips have been a signature program in the Middle School for over 40 years. The seventh grade's canoe trip placement at the beginning of the school year is…Read More Read LessThe Middle School canoe trips have been a signature program in the Middle School for over 40 years. The seventh grade’s canoe trip placement at the beginning of the school year is intentional, as this trip is often a formative experience for students, resulting in deeper relationships with peers and faculty, an increased sense of self-confidence, and a belief in their ability to overcome obstacles both individually and as a group. This canoe trip is also an integral component of community building as they enter their seventh grade year.
In September, seventh graders, along with Director of Outdoor Education Chris Costa, several Middle School faculty members, and a trained safety boater, paddled a section of the Delaware River located in the beautiful Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They carried all supplies with them on the river and camped as they traveled downstream.
All students participated in the meaningful work of traveling as a large group down the river, which included tasks such as tent setup, meal preparation and cleanup, fire building, and canoe packing and unpacking. Students learned navigation skills and had several opportunities to practice leadership in small and large groups. In addition, students continued their understanding of Leave No Trace (LNT) wilderness travel practices that they began working on in their sixth-grade Outdoor Education program.
Enjoy more photos of their adventure here!
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Down the Shore
After a 4:oo a.m. departure from school on a cool October morning, the Environmental Science class arrived at the North Brigantine Natural Area at the Jersey Shore with the task…Read More Read LessAfter a 4:oo a.m. departure from school on a cool October morning, the Environmental Science class arrived at the North Brigantine Natural Area at the Jersey Shore with the task of documenting shorebird species and doing clean-up. There were copious amounts of gnats, but still, a beautiful sunrise greeted the team and the students were quickly introduced to the reality of ecological fieldwork. Teacher Ryan Black shares, “They persevered and despite very low numbers along most of our three-mile survey, we were treated to a large abundance of shorebirds at the northern point. Approximately 20 endangered red knots, 198 American Oystercatchers (a New Jersey species of concern), and 220 Black-bellied Plovers were the highlight of the survey. The students helped count 1,657 shorebirds in total and identified nine different shorebird species after only seeing 50 sanderlings for the first three miles of our journey. It was a sight to behold! They removed 229 pieces of waste (mostly plastic debris) on the three-mile walk back.”
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Outdoor Ed Backpacking Trip
This year’s Upper School Outdoor Education Fall Backpacking trip was not only full but also had a waiting list! Students met the challenge of adventure as they hiked a section…Read More Read LessThis year’s Upper School Outdoor Education Fall Backpacking trip was not only full but also had a waiting list! Students met the challenge of adventure as they hiked a section of the historic Appalachian Trail with steep, rocky terrain while wearing heavy backpacks. Students were completely unplugged as they worked as a group to set up camp, build a fire, protect their food from bears, navigate with a map and compass, and cook together.
The trip was led by Director of Outdoor Education Chris Costa and Middle School Outdoor Education teacher Tom Berrian. Costa shared that students were particularly resilient when, due to a lack of trail markers, they hiked an additional three miles with their full packs! “We are so proud of how they showed leadership and supported one another on their journey!” Check out more of their adventure here!
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International Festival
Our community recently enjoyed the annual International Festival, a wonderful event organized by the International Student Organization! Our students, families, and faculty set up stations in the Main Hall representing…Read More Read LessOur community recently enjoyed the annual International Festival, a wonderful event organized by the International Student Organization! Our students, families, and faculty set up stations in the Main Hall representing and celebrating their many cultures and countries, offering bites of food, games, presentations, music, dancing and opportunities for connection and conversation. Enjoy the gallery of photos here!
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Museo Viviente
In their Museo Viviente (Living Museum), Spanish 4 students portrayed well-known figures of Hispanic heritage using costumes and artifacts. Teachers and fellow students were able to come to the “museum”…Read More Read LessIn their Museo Viviente (Living Museum), Spanish 4 students portrayed well-known figures of Hispanic heritage using costumes and artifacts. Teachers and fellow students were able to come to the “museum” and listen to the presentations on notable persons including Bad Bunny, Queen Isabella I of Castile, Luis von Ahn, and Lionel Messi. ¡Buen trabajo, estudiantes! See more here!
Arts
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Fall Dance Concert
Our Middle and Upper School students along with the Elements Dance troupe dazzled at the fall Dance Concert! Enjoy photos of their performance here!Read More Read LessOur Middle and Upper School students along with the Elements Dance troupe dazzled at the fall Dance Concert! Enjoy photos of their performance here!
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Peter and the Starcatcher
The Upper School fall play was Peter and the Starcatcher, a thrilling prequel to Peter Pan! The story begins as a young orphan and his mates are shipped off from…Read More Read LessThe Upper School fall play was Peter and the Starcatcher, a thrilling prequel to Peter Pan! The story begins as a young orphan and his mates are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They know nothing of the mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, which contains precious, otherworldly cargo. At sea, the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training who realizes that the trunk’s precious cargo is starstuff, a celestial substance so powerful that it must never fall into the wrong hands. When the ship is taken over by pirates—led by the fearsome Black Stache, a villain determined to claim the trunk and its treasure for his own—the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure.
Our thanks to Theater Director Shawn Rowley, and our amazing cast and crew for this excellent production!
See the talented cast in action here!
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Holiday Concerts
What are the holidays without the beautiful refrains of seasonal music? The community was treated to both the Middle School and Upper School concerts before the winter break, showcasing the…Read More Read LessWhat are the holidays without the beautiful refrains of seasonal music? The community was treated to both the Middle School and Upper School concerts before the winter break, showcasing the work and talent of our students. You can enjoy the galleries of photos from the Middle School concert here and the Upper School concert here.
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McLear Visiting Artist: Rebecca Kamen
Through the support of the McLear Visiting Artist Fund, we were honored to welcome Rebecca Kamen this fall, an artist and lecturer on the intersection of art and science. Kamen…Read More Read LessThrough the support of the McLear Visiting Artist Fund, we were honored to welcome Rebecca Kamen this fall, an artist and lecturer on the intersection of art and science. Kamen says her “artwork is informed by wide-ranging research into cosmology, history, philosophy, and by connecting common threads that flow across various scientific fields to capture and re-imagine what the scientists see.” She worked with students from Diantha Giltz’s and Domenic Frunzi‘s art classes to explore these connections between art and the sciences. Students first visited the lab in the Science Center to look at various types of soil (and the organisms in it) through microscopes, then used what they saw as inspiration for their sketches and art pieces.
Kamen says she loves coming to Westtown and working with our students; this is her second visit. In fact, she was the inaugural artist in the McLear Artist-in-Residence program, though her residency was cut short by the pandemic. The McLear Artist-in-Residence Program was created in January 2019 to support a residency in the Upper School visual arts department. Artists-in-residence are chosen by the Upper School arts faculty, and preference is given to artists working in the visual arts, particularly those exploring the intersections between art and science.
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Faculty and Staff Art Exhibit
The Faculty and Staff Exhibit recently showcased what our staff and faculty have been creating! This exhibition brought together artwork from across departments and divisions—painting, sculpture, textiles, and more. It…Read More Read LessThe Faculty and Staff Exhibit recently showcased what our staff and faculty have been creating! This exhibition brought together artwork from across departments and divisions—painting, sculpture, textiles, and more. It was an opportunity to see the ideas, experiments, and personal projects being explored by the adults in this community outside the classroom. From bold visuals to quiet moments of reflection, the show offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative energy that drives our campus community. Enjoy their work here!
Athletics
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Girls Soccer: FSL Champs!
Join us in congratulating the girls varsity soccer team, Head Coach Scott Bissett, and Assistant Coaches Paul Lehmann, Grace Bendon, and Julia Marrone! They won their fourth Friends Schools League…Read More Read LessJoin us in congratulating the girls varsity soccer team, Head Coach Scott Bissett, and Assistant Coaches Paul Lehmann, Grace Bendon, and Julia Marrone! They won their fourth Friends Schools League title in a row, which ties the current record of consecutive titles in FSL history! The team also advanced to the PAISAA Championship. Way to go, ‘Town! See this tenacious team in action here!
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National Letters of Intent
Congratulations to our fall season student-athletes who signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level! These seniors are: Grant Alexander -…Read More Read LessCongratulations to our fall season student-athletes who signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level! These seniors are:
Grant Alexander – St. Bonaventure – lacrosse
Maya Holt – Moravian University – soccer
Catherine McDonough – Ohio Wesleyan – lacrosse
Emma McDonough – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – lacrosse
Sam Mojica – Connecticut College – lacrosse
Lucy Smith – Stevens Institute of Technology – soccer
Atlee Vanesko – Ohio State – basketball
Quartez Walker-Welch – Hampton University – lacrosseEnjoy more photos of the signing here!
Fall 2025 NLI Signing -
Sports Roundup
In addition to the girls varsity soccer FSL Championship, there are other fall season achievements to celebrate! We are proud of all of our student-athletes and the work they do…Read More Read LessIn addition to the girls varsity soccer FSL Championship, there are other fall season achievements to celebrate! We are proud of all of our student-athletes and the work they do on and off the field! Here are a few highlights:
- The varsity field hockey team made it back to the FSL Championship for the second year in a row!
- The boys varsity soccer team advanced to the PAISAA State Championship for the first time in school history.
- Both the boys and girls varsity soccer teams’ PAISAA Soccer championship appearance marked the first time in program history that both teams have appeared in the finals in the same year.
- The girls tennis team made it to the FSL Playoffs for the first time in almost a decade.
- Cross country hosted the FSL Championships, and the girls cross country team placed third.
This season’s Waring Award Winners are: Nina Atkins ’27 (Field Hockey), Maya Holt ’26 (Girls Soccer), Deyvi Ramos ’26 (Boys Soccer)
- There were also several student-athletes named to the FSL All-League Teams and All-State Teams. They are:
- FSL All-League – First team:
- Lulu Wessel ’27
- Toni Loetgers ’27
- Catherine McDonough ’26
- Grey Sobel ’26
- Camille Bley ’26
- Kaitlin Boston ’27
- Noelle Clabaugh ’27
- Danielle-Liz Esaka ’27
- Linnet Laiser ’26
- Brynn Powenski ’29
- Eliana Powenski ’27
- Charlie Reed ’28
- Lucy Smith ’26
- Sierra Smith ’27
- Eva Watson ’28
- Callum Eager ’26
- Mariano Alonso ’26
- Elijah Tulleners ’28
- Clyde Felsen ’26
- Wyatt Crislip ’26
- Sebastian Solis ’27
- Pareesa Razavi ’30
- Honorable Mention:
- Reese Masiello ’27
- Nelly Anadu ’29
- Avani Patton ’26
- Manny Freeman ’27
- Santiago Chacon Amaya ’26
- Kate Stephan ’26
- All Southeastern PA:
Danielle-Liz Esaka ’27 (Girls Soccer) - All State:
Callum Eager ’26 (Boys Soccer) - Noelle Clabaugh ’27 (Girls Soccer)
- The varsity field hockey team made it back to the FSL Championship for the second year in a row!
Community
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FallFest 2025
This years' FallFest was a lovely day of food, friendship, music, games, and community! Our thanks to all who helped this event a success, especially our team of volunteers! Enjoy…Read More Read LessThis years’ FallFest was a lovely day of food, friendship, music, games, and community! Our thanks to all who helped this event a success, especially our team of volunteers! Enjoy more photos here!
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Community Dog Walk
We love our pets and building community, so we were thrilled to host the Community Dog Walk once again this year! It was a lovely fall day as members of…Read More Read LessWe love our pets and building community, so we were thrilled to host the Community Dog Walk once again this year! It was a lovely fall day as members of our community and their four-legged friends took a stroll around campus to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. Thank you to all who paw-ticipated!
Enjoy more photos here! -
Middle School Parents’/Guardians’ Day
It was a pleasure to welcome Middle School parents and guardians this fall! Parents and guardians were able to sample their children's classes and learn more about life in the…Read More Read LessIt was a pleasure to welcome Middle School parents and guardians this fall! Parents and guardians were able to sample their children’s classes and learn more about life in the Middle School. See more photos in the gallery here!
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Upper School Parents’/Guardians’ Day
The campus was humming with activity on the Upper School Parents' and Guardians' Day! It was a joy to see parents and guardians attending classes and spending the day with…Read More Read LessThe campus was humming with activity on the Upper School Parents’ and Guardians’ Day! It was a joy to see parents and guardians attending classes and spending the day with their children to get a glimpse of Upper School life. Our thanks to all who helped plan and organize this special day! Enjoy a gallery of photos here!
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Shoemaker Visiting Lecturer: Negin Farsad
We were thrilled to welcome writer, comedian, filmmaker, podcaster, and frequent panelist on NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Negin Farsad as our first Shoemaker Visiting Lecturer of the school…Read More Read LessWe were thrilled to welcome writer, comedian, filmmaker, podcaster, and frequent panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! Negin Farsad as our first Shoemaker Visiting Lecturer of the school year! During the day, she met with students and faculty/staff in small groups for Q&A sessions. Students in the Acting and Directing classes had the opportunity to talk with Negin about her craft and ask questions about filmmaking.
In the evening, she performed a stand-up set for members of our community including students, parents, and friends of Westtown before engaging in a moderated talk led by our Theater Director Shawn Rowley. After the presentation, a reception was held in the Chu Gallery, where Negin spoke with students and guests. Negin’s visit sparked conversations about humor, satire, and their roles in breaking down barriers.
We are grateful for the Shoemaker Visiting Lecturer Fund that allows us to bring visitors like Negin to campus, as well as the Shoemaker Committee for facilitating these speakers.
Alums
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Alums Weekend 2026
Alums Weekend: May 15-17, 2026Join us for a weekend full of familiar faces, shared laughter, and meaningful connection. All are welcome as we celebrate classes ending in 1s and 6s,…Read More Read LessAlums Weekend: May 15-17, 2026
Join us for a weekend full of familiar faces, shared laughter, and meaningful connection. All are welcome as we celebrate classes ending in 1s and 6s, with a special recognition of the Class of 1976 for their 50th Reunion! Registration will open in February 2026. Check here for updates!
Here’s some of what’s waiting for you:
Lunch with classmates and friends: Pull up a chair and catch up with your classmates and friends over a casual, homemade meal.
Alums Annual Meeting: Hear the latest update from Westtown, hear from a fellow Westonian about their journey since graduation, celebrate our Changemaker Awardee, and cheer on your class.
Game Time: Lace up or cheer loud at the Alums Soccer and Field Hockey games!
NEW! Explore Westtown Sessions: Connect the past, present, and future experience of a Westtown education in these unique, engaging sessions.
Special Activities: Canoeing, activities for kids, Meeting for Worship, and much more! -
Elephant Rock
Alums, do you recognize this special spot on campus? Teachers Juan Rivera and Perry Zanki took a group of students to explore Elephant Rock where they shared stories about Elephant…Read More Read LessAlums, do you recognize this special spot on campus? Teachers Juan Rivera and Perry Zanki took a group of students to explore Elephant Rock where they shared stories about Elephant Rock and a photo of students from the 19th century on the rock, courtesy of Sara Mullen in the Archives. We thought you’d like to know that the tradition lives on!
