Issue 3 2025-2026

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  The Greenwood is 100!

  In celebration of the Greenwood’s 100th anniversary and to ensure the safety of our community, repairs have been made on the stone steps in the center aisle. The Facilities team…

  In celebration of the Greenwood’s 100th anniversary and to ensure the safety of our community, repairs have been made on the stone steps in the center aisle. The Facilities team laid new sod at the top of the Greenwood as well, just in time for graduation.

  This lovely work was made possible by the generous support of the Classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as the Upper School Parents’ Council. Originally a gift from the Class of 1926, the Greenwood is an iconic location on campus that has provided beautiful and lush surroundings for Shakespeare plays, assemblies, Meetings for Worship, and Commencements. Our immense thanks for the generosity of these community members!

  

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  Westtown Team Visits Asia

  From April 12 -23 Head of School Chris Benbow, Dean of Enrollment Jenni Biehn, and Dean of Advancement Ellen Urbanski traveled to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei.…

  From April 12 -23 Head of School Chris Benbow, Dean of Enrollment Jenni Biehn, and Dean of Advancement Ellen Urbanski traveled to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei. The group shares that it was a joy to visit with more than 70 Westonians and prospective families at receptions and meetings throughout the region. Alums from the classes of 1966 – 2021, current families, parents of alums, and prospective families joined them  along their journey.

  The group was  met with tremendous hospitality, curiosity about Westtown, and thoughtful support for our work to inspire and prepare students to discover their unique gifts and lead in our complex world. The team looks forward to their next visit, to continuing their conversations, and to making this a recurring trip for Westtown. Our deep gratitude to all of the families who hosted Westtown’s team and made their visit so special! 

  Stay tuned to the next issue of The Westonian for more about this important trip. 

  

  

  

  

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  Green(est) Restaurant Award

  The Green Restaurant Association has named Westtown School’s Dining Room the Greenest K-12 School Cafeteria in the country! Our on-site composting program, sustainable waste management practices, locally (and hyper-locally, from…

  The Green Restaurant Association has named Westtown School’s Dining Room the Greenest K-12 School Cafeteria in the country! Our on-site composting program, sustainable waste management practices, locally (and hyper-locally, from our minifarm and greenhouse) sourced foods, and vegan and vegetarian meal options were all factors in this designation. Westtown’s Dining Room was awarded a Four Start Green Restaurant designation in 2024, and this latest award is a testament to ongoing improvements in our program.

  We are very proud and thanks go to Dining Services Director Beth Pellegrino and the amazing Dining Services team, as well as Director of Sustainability Francine Locke and the Sustainability Committee who work diligently to foster sustainable practices across our community!

  

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  Around the Globe

  Some of the most rewarding experiences that Westtown offers don’t happen here on campus; they happen all over the world through school-sponsored trips. This past spring, student groups traveled to…

  
  Some of the most rewarding experiences that Westtown offers don’t happen here on campus; they happen all over the world through school-sponsored trips. This past spring, student groups traveled to China, Ghana, Italy, and Washington, DC. Each of these trips provided unique and distinct experiences, ones that expanded our students language acquisition, cultural competence, sense of personal agency, and world view. Read on to learn more about each adventure. 

  CHINA
  Led by teacher Bei Zhang along with co-chaperones Robert Frazier, Jacob Norton, Janiel Samuels, and Nina Li, a group of 35 students traveled to China over spring break. This 14-day adventure began in Beijing where students visited Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium, and the Summer Palace. They enjoyed a dragon boat ride, had a tai chi lesson, the dined on Peking Duck, among other special experiences in Beijing. They were fortunate to also visit a section of the Great Wall of China that is one of the best preserved and less traveled by tourists. 

  From Beijing the group travelled to Xi’an where students took a calligraphy class, visited the Terracotta Army archeological dig site, and enjoyed a street food market in the city’s Muslim quarter. A highlight was that Westtown student Angela Feng ’28 and her parents hosted the group in Xi’an and all the students and adults traveled back to the Tang Dynasty, wore cultural Tang outfits, and enjoyed an imperial-palace-style dinner with performances. 

  The next stop was Chendgu where another Westtown student, Mary Chen ’27, and her family hosted the group. Shares Zhang, “We had an amazing hot pot dinner in a famous traditional ally called Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi, and enjoyed many traditional performances such as face-changing performance, Kung Fu tea performance, Chinese traditional dances, and panda hip-hop. Felicia Chang ’28 treated the group to a well-known Chinese bubble tea called Xi Tea.” 

  On a day trip to Dujiangyan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the group took in the Chinese countryside, learned about the irrigation system, a feat of engineering dating back to 256 BCE. 

  The trip came to a close in Shanghai where students experienced the Shanghai World Financial Center, walked along the Bund, visited the Jade Buddha Temple and the Yu Garden. 

  This experience made a deep impact on students. “[This] trip was life changing,” says Camille Bley ’26. “I’ve been learning Chinese since seventh grade, and although I have immersed myself outside of class, nothing has compared to being in China. It was so fulfilling to be able to use what I had learned in the classroom in real-world situations, like asking for food recommendations and directions. I was able to explore many cities and cultural sites while also interacting with the local community.” Leila Alobeidy ’28 adds, “The China trip was one of my best life experiences because we had so much fun while exploring somewhere totally new. We got to talk to locals and learn at amazing historic sites most people only dream of seeing and try all sorts of new things that we couldn’t on a regular trip. It’s amazing that the school can sponsor such an incredible program!” 

  Zhang sums up the experience, “It was amazing to see China through our students’ eyes. I am super proud of how they embraced the trip with an open mind and lots of curiosity, branched out and stepped out of their comfort zone, made new friends and cared for each other, and used their language skills and cultural knowledge throughout our trip. It was also wonderful that some of our Westtown Chinese students and parents met up with us and hosted us in different cities in China, which made our trip extra special and memorable.” 

  

  

  

  

  GHANA 
  After several months of orientation sessions, fourteen students and trip leaders Lynette Assarsson, Marissa Colston, and Joseph Daniels embarked upon a12-days trip to Ghana, a signature offering at Westtown since 2008. This trip is marked by authentic cultural immersion, the opportunity to build relationships, learning about the history of the transatlantic trade of the enslaved, and by experience in the classroom setting. The trip centers around our sister school, Heritage Academy, founded by former Westtown faculty member Kwesi Koomson in his hometown of Breman Essiaim in the Central Region. 

  When the group arrived at Heritage Academy, they were met with beautiful and moving welcoming ceremony. Westtown students immediately dove into this experience, some joining the traditional dance. Our students spent a week teaching classes to Heritage Academy’s middle school students. This year’s group offered classes in animal biology, arts and crafts, creative writing, dance, physical education, and teambuilding/soccer. They also worked with small groups of Heritage students in the Reading Program each day, which helps them with reading, comprehension, and pronunciation skills in English. Our students were deeply engaged in their teaching and many shared that they learned as much from the Heritage students as they taught them.

  After the school day, the group made cement blocks by hand as their service project for Heritage. They completed a whopping 208 blocks, a record for Westtown groups! Westtown students have been making blocks for the past several trips which have been used for building repairs and—most significantly—to construct a new middle school building, which Heritage has named Westtown Hall in honor of the many visits and service projects by Westtown School group over the years. At the end of the teaching week at the closing ceremony, Heritage Academy officials presented each of the group with a Kente cloth sash with their name embroidered on it, and the Heritage logo, which was quite an honor. The ceremony concluded with dancing and celebration, an emotional time as they said their goodbyes.

  The group took several excursions to important historical and cultural sites. Students learned about the history of the transatlantic trade of the enslaved through tours of the Elmina and Cape Coast Castles. Elmina was the first permanent European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa and the first European slave-trading post. Cape Coast Castle was one of the largest and most horrific posts. These tours were powerful and made brutal history come to life. In Accra, a trip to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park provided more history about Ghana’s struggle for independence and Nkrumah’s life and leadership. 

  The group also enjoyed the beautiful landscapes of Ghana spending time on the coast and in Kakum National Park, where they braved the roped network of canopy bridges high above the rainforest floor, and tasted raw cacao beans. 

  The entire experience was marked by authentic cultural immersion. The group stayed in a guest house together in the small village of Ajumako which not only afforded them opportunities to get to know neighbors and experience community life, but also provided them with a home base for sharing meals, relaxing, and bonding as a group. They enjoyed traditional foods like groundnut soup and jollof rice and learned to pound fufu. They went to several local market days to hone their bargaining skills and practice a bit of the Fante language.

  “This was an extraordinary group and a transformative experience,” shares trip leader Lynette Assarsson. “It was a privilege to watch our students grow and learn through this journey. They were deeply engaged with teaching and developed real relationships with their students. They were committed to the service project, putting in hard work at the end of long, hot days. They reveled in being in the community and soaked up every opportunity for interaction. This is a physically and emotionally intense trip and our students rose to meet it with a deep sense of curiosity, openness, good humor, and grace. It was a joy to share this adventure with them.” 

  

  

  

  

  ITALY
  Trip leader Ted Freeman and co-chaperone Sarah Wahlberg led the trip to Italy. Freeman shares, “This spring, we traveled to Italy with a group of fourteen students in an effort to bring the ancient world to life beyond the classroom. For Latin students, forging a meaningful connection to the culture they study can be challenging; texts and translations, however rich, sometimes feel distant from lived experience. The goal of this trip was to bridge that gap—allowing students to encounter firsthand the enduring legacy of the ancient world and to see how deeply the past continues to shape the present.

  “A central feature of the trip was our practice of loci in locis—reading Latin passages in the very places to which they refer. This approach transforms ancient texts into something immediate and vivid. Our journey began in the Bay of Naples, where we explored the remarkable archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Walking their streets, preserved in ash and time, students were able to visualize daily life in the Roman world with striking clarity. We then climbed to the summit of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano whose catastrophic eruption in 79 AD buried both cities. From that vantage point, students could better grasp the scale of the disaster described in their texts. Our visit continued to Baiae and Cape Miseno, where Pliny the Elder launched his fateful rescue mission. Reading the account of his nephew, Pliny the Younger, gave new weight to his famous declaration, ‘Fortes fortuna iuvat!’—fortune favors the brave. What might otherwise be a line encountered on a page became, in that setting, a moment of human urgency and courage. Experiences like these underscore for students that Latin is not merely an academic subject, but a language that captures real lives, choices, and events.

  “The second half of our journey centered on Rome, a city whose history spans more than three millennia. While iconic monuments such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon offered students a sense of Rome’s grandeur and architectural achievement, some of the most meaningful experiences came from less conspicuous sites.

  “Among these, a highlight for many was the Basilica of San Clemente, which uniquely encapsulates the layered complexity of Rome’s past. At street level, it appears to be a relatively modest twelfth-century church—especially when compared to monumental basilicas like St. Peter’s or San Giovanni in Laterano. Yet beneath its surface lies a remarkable historical palimpsest. Descending one level, we entered a fourth-century basilica adorned with frescoes depicting the life and martyrdom of St. Clement. Descending further still, we reached a first-century Roman domus, complete with a Mithraic temple, revealing a much older stratum of religious and domestic life.

  “To explore San Clemente is, quite literally, to move backward through time. For students, this physical experience of historical layering reinforced a central theme of the trip: that Rome is not simply a city of ruins, but a living record of continuous transformation. Across Italy, and especially in Rome, they encountered a world in which past and present coexist—deepening their understanding of the texts they study and enriching their appreciation for the civilization that produced them.

  “Our trip concluded on the summit of the Gianciolo, a hilltop west of the Tiber overlooking the Vatican and all of Rome. A busker was crooning classic Italian love songs. Three of our students joined in and treated the crowd to a thrilling rendition of ‘Stand by Me.’  As the sun set over the hilltop, so too did it set on our trip.” 

  

  

  

  

  WASHINGTON, DC 
  In April, religion teachers Jonathan Ogle ’88 and Becky Wilkinson took seven students—Saige Biddison ’28, Jamila Burgos ’27, Daehee Cho ’28, Ronan Duffy ’28, Maddie Edwards ’27, Sarah Lan ’27, and Hiatt Smith ’27— to Washington, DC, for the Friends Committee on National Legislation’s annual Spring Lobby Weekend, a series of workshops and events for students, recent grads, Quakers, and young adults to learn about lobbying Congress. Each year there is a particular focus and this year’s was militarism home and abroad. 

  Ogle shared, “We joined over a hundred other participants from all over the country, from college students to community activists, to retired, seasoned Quaker lobbyists. Two other high schools sent delegations as well—Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore Friends School in Baltimore—but most of the attendees were young adults or much older, all there to talk to Congressional offices. The topic was opposing militarism at home and abroad. Specifically, we were there to tell Congress not to approve billions of dollars in supplemental funding for the Iran war. 

  “Saturday and Sunday were intense days of taking notes on panels of experts knowledgeable about Iranian history and politics, U.S.– Iranian relations, military and legal dimensions of the war, and the behind-the-scenes politics of Congressional offices. 

  “Supplemental workshops included protest art, careers in social change, and learning about the militarization of law enforcement and immigration law over the last fifty years. After add-on workshops where we learned to identify and practice telling stories about why we care about whether Congress funds this war and training in how to have effective conversations with decision makers, we were ready to assign roles and practice for our conversations with Congressional staffers. On Tuesday, we packed our bags, loaded the van, and headed for Capitol Hill to make our appointments with Congress. 

  “Students shared with staffers their moral concerns about the costs of war and unmet needs for funding in our home communities for hospitals, for example. They also shared stories about people they knew struggling with the idea of being forced to fight and kill people in a war of choice that is in violation of the War Powers Act. On the Senate side, Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman’s staffers were sympathetic, but also clear that he did not support our ask. Nonetheless, they encouraged us to keep bringing the issues forward. Senator McCormick’s staff member was polite but also clear that he believes the war is going well and that the outcomes will be positive for the U.S. 

  “We then headed to the House side, where most of the group had a productive visit with Representative Chrissy Houlihan’s office and others also visited Representative Dwight Evans’ office and had conversation with Representative Mary Gay Scanlon. In all of those offices, there was a positive reception to the students’ messages. Students came home tired but also energized to use their deeper knowledge of the democratic political process to stay engaged around these issues and continue exercising their voices in our democracy. They are organizing an on-campus Westtown club to participate year-round in FCNL’s efforts to lobby Congress.”  

  

  

  Next year, Westtown will offer school-sponsored trips to Peru, Scotland/England, Spain, and Japan/Korea.

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  Science Rooted in Place: Forest Field Study

  Over the past few years, teacher Ryan Black's Advanced Environmental Science Field Research classes have been studying Westtown's forests. One of their goals has been to build a forestry database.…

  Over the past few years, teacher Ryan Black‘s Advanced Environmental Science Field Research classes have been studying Westtown’s forests. One of their goals has been to build a forestry database. This spring they reached a major milestone by surveying their 50th tree and coring more than 20 trees across campus. From tulip poplars in the South Woods to eastern white pines along Westtown Lake, students collected real field data, such as height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and logs. This data was used to estimate age, wood volume, carbon sequestration, and economic value. As you might imagine, some of these trees are over 200 years old.

  Black says, “The real story lives in the rings. Students extracted and mounted cores using an increment borer, trekking out to the lake multiple times through wet, rainy conditions. They then measured each ring width, calculated the Ring Width Index, and built a detrended master chronology to study past climate, which revealed increased variability in our local climate signal.”

  He continues, “The project began during the 2023–2024 school year as a pilot study focused on tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) in the South Woods. Last year, students surveyed, measured, mapped, and permanently tagged 25 tulip trees, launching a long-term effort to establish a comprehensive Westtown forestry database. This year, students expanded the project by surveying and analyzing 25 eastern white pines (Pinus strobus) along the North Lake Trail, bringing the database to 50 mapped and monitored trees across two forest stands.

  “Using traditional forestry techniques, students measured DBH and tree height, estimated tree age through growth factor calculations, tree coring, and dendrochronology analysis, and then used these measurements to calculate wood volume, carbon storage, and economic value. Each tree has been permanently tagged with a numbered blue metal marker, and all locations have been mapped using Google Earth, allowing future classes to relocate and remeasure the same individuals over time.

  “The broader vision is to add a new dominant tree species from a different forest stand each year, creating a long-term record of Westtown’s forests. As the database grows, students will be able to monitor forest growth, carbon sequestration, species composition, and ecological change across campus. We also hope to partner with organizations that have collected tree data at Westtown in the past and incorporate archival records to compare historical and contemporary forest conditions. This will allow future students to ask increasingly sophisticated questions about how our forests have changed and how they may continue to change in the decades ahead.

  “One of the most interesting findings was the immense ecological and economic value represented by some of our largest trees. Several individual tulip trees were estimated to store nearly 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide and have retail lumber values exceeding $30,000. More importantly, the project helped students recognize that mature forests are not just collections of trees, but living systems that provide critical ecological services, store vast amounts of carbon, support biodiversity, and represent generations of natural growth and stewardship. The study also emphasized the ecological importance of old-growth trees and riparian forests, highlighting their unique roles in supporting wildlife habitat, maintaining water quality, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and sustaining biodiversity.”

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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  Epiphanies Launch

  Congratulations to the Epiphanies staff on their launch of this year’s issue of Westtown’s literary magazine! Epiphanies features work from Upper School students including poetry, short stories, photography, and art.…

  Congratulations to the Epiphanies staff on their launch of this year’s issue of Westtown’s literary magazine! Epiphanies features work from Upper School students including poetry, short stories, photography, and art. Editor-in-Chief Tiantong Hu ’26 shares, “It has been a real honor for me to work with the other editors to bring this issue to life. We spent a lot of time in meetings together carefully choosing which literary and artistic pieces to include. I am so grateful to all the students who submitted their work. Their contributions really helped us create a diverse and vibrant magazine that represents so many different voices here at Westtown. I also want to thank T. Beth [Cope], our advisor, for all her support and guidance throughout the process. We hope that by sharing this digital copy, more people will get to hear the creative voices of our student body.” You can read a digital version of this issue here.

  

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  Earth Day Celebrations

  While we prioritize caring for and honoring our planet every day here at Westtown, Earth Day gives us a special opportunity to celebrate that work. Here's a look at how each…

  While we prioritize caring for and honoring our planet every day here at Westtown, Earth Day gives us a special opportunity to celebrate that work. Here’s a look at how each division honored Earth Day.

  The Lower School was abuzz with a variety of special activities as they embraced Earth Day with curiosity and wonder. Pre-K students completed an Earth Day Activity Book and took part in an alphabet nature walk, exploring their surroundings and searching for items in nature. They were also introduced to the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Kindergarten students reflected on their learning through illustrations and writing about ways to care for our planet. First graders celebrated by learning songs and reading books about the Earth, followed by thoughtful conversations about what they love in nature and how we can protect it. They also enjoyed extra time outdoors, taking in the beauty of our campus. Second graders traveled throughout campus—from the Greenwood to the lake and the vernal pond—reading Earth Day stories and observing the signs of new growth all around them. They also explored the concept of perennial plants and the cycles of nature. Third graders walked to the lake for meditative drawing, using the peaceful setting as inspiration, and then gathered for a reflective Meeting for Worship. Fourth graders contributed to the care of our shared spaces by weeding beds near the Lower School playground in preparation for a bird habitat. They also took a writers’ trek, spending time writing under the blooming cherry trees. Fifth graders have been engaging in thoughtful discussions about change movements and environmental justice, demonstrating a growing awareness of how they can make a difference in the world.

  A special highlight of the week was Thursday’s fire circle Meeting for Worship in the woods, where the entire Lower School gathered in reflection and community, surrounded by the beauty of nature. During Meeting, students shared messages about the Earth and the importance of caring for it. Their messages echoed their learning throughout the week, reflecting a growing appreciation of nature and a shared understanding of stewardship.

  In Middle School, the week began with Meeting for Worship on Monday. The Student Clerks shared three queries related to sustainability and charged the gathering to reflect on the role we play in caring for our planet. The first query connected sustainability to the testimony of integrity, which charges us to match our words to our actions. On Monday and Tuesday, Middle School students did workshops with Rebecca Kamen, our visiting artist for the year. Kamen, along with art teacher Marta Willgoose Salo, facilitated workshops with all students that began with her talking about her creative process and her connection to nature. They then learned about the “Kernel of Truth” project, which Kamen is creating in collaboration with students in all three divisions. The project explores the genetics of corn, leading to a connection and curiosity centered around her work with soil and soil systems. The final project will be an installation featuring patterns representing corn genetics, soil systems derived from soil collected on campus, and soil leaf prints organized in the four directions. Students gathered leaves from around the South Woods and used them to create prints. Those prints will be featured in the final installation, which will be installed in our Chu Gallery in the fall. 

  Middle Schoolers also welcomed representatives from the Clear Air Council, Philadelphia’s oldest environmental non-profit. The Clear Air Council is an environmental health advocacy organization fighting for everyone’s right to a healthy environment. Students learned about their work to fight air pollution and about the PurpleAir monitor recently installed at Westtown, which provides real-time air quality data in the area. The monitor, mounted on the Belfry, provides real-time air quality data at the local level and at the regional, national, and global levels. It serves as a powerful educational tool for teachers and students to deepen their understanding of air quality, raise awareness, and engage in meaningful advocacy.

  In Upper School, we were honored to welcome Ms. Zulene Mayfield of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living as our keynote speaker. She shared her experience advocating for the people of Chester, Pennsylvania, who have suffered the physical and emotional toll of environmental racism. The community group Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living’s (CRCQL) work provided an example to our students to use their voices to speak up and act out about the injustices around them was clear and powerful. After an Earth-Day-themed lunch, students broke into 19 different workshops that included cleaning up East Chester Creek, upcycling, sewing with scrap fabrics, and learning about sustainability in our buildings from one of our Westtown carpenters. The Upper School also gathered for an Earth Day Meeting for Worship, where queries prompted students to consider the ways in which they can protect their present and future world. The day concluded with intentional, unscheduled time for students to be outdoors and enjoy our incredible campus. Some students chose to canoe at the lake while others played volleyball in front of the Athletic Center or went for a walk.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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  Think, Care, Act Fair

  The Uptown Lounge bustled with seventh graders for the Think, Care, Act Fair at the end of the year. Conceived by teacher Abby Lausch, the project entails students identifying their…

  The Uptown Lounge bustled with seventh graders for the Think, Care, Act Fair at the end of the year. Conceived by teacher Abby Lausch, the project entails students identifying their strength, talents, and areas of interest, focusing on what they care about in their community and the world around them, then choosing a service project based on those interests. At the Think, Care, Act Fair, students shared posters and presented their projects to families, teachers, and fellow students. Through this project, each student performs at least 10 hours of service, which together makes almost 500 hours of community service at a wide variety of local organizations. Enjoy more photos here!

  

  

  

  

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  Science Fairs Awardees

  This year, five students competed in the Chester County Science Research Competition: Megan Mou '28, Kai Xu '28, Zimo Li '27, Mary Chen '27, and Daisy Zhuang '27. Zimo Li…

  This year, five students competed in the Chester County Science Research Competition: Megan Mou ’28, Kai Xu ’28, Zimo Li ’27, Mary Chen ’27, and Daisy Zhuang ’27.

  Zimo Li placed first in 11th Grade Earth and Space Science, Megan Mou placed first in 10th Grade Engineering and second place over all, and Daisy Zhuang placed first for 11th Grade Behavioral Sciences.

  Since the three of them placed first in their grade and category, they were qualified to compete in the Delaware Valley Science Fair on April 1 at the convention center at Oaks, PA. At DVSF, Megan won first place in the 10th grade engineering category. She also won several special awards including first place from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – Philadelphia Section, an Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award, and an honorable mention from the Society of Women Engineers – Philadelphia.

  Congratulations to all!

  

  

  

  

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  Scientific Research Poster Sessions

  Students in the Upper School Scientific Research class pursued ares of study such as biomedical research, molecular biology, animal physiology, biomechanics, and more. Throughout the year, students reviewed primary literature,…

  Students in the Upper School Scientific Research class pursued ares of study such as biomedical research, molecular biology, animal physiology, biomechanics, and more. Throughout the year, students reviewed primary literature, developed protocols, and analyzed data. This course culminated in the preparation of a formal lab report written in a style suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and the presentation of a scientific poster at the end of the year.

  This course requires a great deal of initiative, follow-through, and independent work, both in and out of the lab and the research presented at the poster session represents an immense body of work. See more of the poster session here!

  

  

  

  

  

  

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  The Living Museum

  At the end of the year, fourth graders transformed the Lower School into a Living Museum, inviting families and fellow students to step into history through the voices and stories…

  At the end of the year, fourth graders transformed the Lower School into a Living Museum, inviting families and fellow students to step into history through the voices and stories of influential abolitionists. As the culminating project of their yearlong social studies curriculum—spanning history of this continent from pre-European contact through the abolishment of slavery—students brought historical figures to life through research, storytelling, and performance.

  From courageous acts of resistance to powerful movements for freedom and justice, the museum highlighted the work, struggles, and lasting impact of abolitionists whose voices helped shape history. We are proud of the work and care our students put into this project under the guidance and leadership of fourth grade teachers Marion Dear ’83 and Shelagh Wilson ’85. See more in the museum gallery here!

  

  

  

  

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  National Chinese Honor Society

  The National Chinese Honor Society was established in November 1993. Its objective is to acknowledge the superior achievement of secondary school students studying Chinese as a second language. Like other…

  The National Chinese Honor Society was established in November 1993. Its objective is to acknowledge the superior achievement of secondary school students studying Chinese as a second language. Like other honor societies, the National Chinese Honor Society not only recognizes high scholastic achievement but also good character, leadership, and service. National Chinese Honor Society members should exemplify all these standards. The Society’s goal is to promote enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture learning, commitment to advanced study, and greater cross-cultural understanding. This is also the third year that we added the “National Junior Scholars for Excellence in Chinese” award for our eligible Middle School eighth grade Mandarin students to recognize their achievement in the study of Chinese language and culture.  

  After reviewing their Chinese course work throughout their middle school and high school years, examining the national standards set forth, and discussing the many qualifications of gifted students, the Westtown School chapter of the National Chinese Honor Society was pleased to induct 10 new members into the society and renew 10 students’ memberships, as well as award seven Middle School students into the National Chinese Junior Scholar in Chinese. Enjoy photos from the induction ceremony here.

  US National Chinese Honor Society

  Induction：

  • Leila Phillips ’27 费雪玲
  • Miguel Wenderoth Bachiller ’26 张明德
  • Jamila Burgos ’27 顾爽
  • Lillian Salisbury ’27 林安怡 
  • Hana He ’27 何润雅
  • Lolo Joseph ’27 乔鸣
  • Eliana Powenski ’27 浦莹
  • Dani Pindado Rivilla ’27 任悦
  • Victoria Wenderoth Bachiller ’27 张明丽
  • Wilson Udo ’27 吴迅 

  Renewal：

  • Catherine McDonough ’26 麦熙婷
  • Fernanda Paredes ’26 潘悦珂
  • Victoria Potts ’26 潘诗颖
  • Ayla Riley ’26 阮庆玲
  • Camille Bley ’26 林可芯
  • Insaaf Imtiyaz  张先尧
  • Miriam Smith ’26 史幂
  • Payton Corp ’26 孔沛萱
  • Ben D’Alessandro ’26 邓杰
  • Alondra Garcia Almonte ’26 顾明兰

  MS National Chinese Junior Scholar

  • 万利聪 Oliver Warren
  • 任俊飞 Cyrus Razavi 
  • 彭骏 MJ Price
  • 冯谦 Diego Fernandez
  • 冉俊飞 Theo Ryan
  • 丁敏珊 Sarah Dunstan
  • 杨曼婷 Mattie Young

  Congratulations to all of these students!

  

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  Las Alas: The Spanish Honor Society

  Congratulations to the 28 new members and renewal of 19 returning members into Las Alas, Westtown’s chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honor Society). Las Alas recognizes students who…

  Congratulations to the 28 new members and renewal of 19 returning members into Las Alas, Westtown’s chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honor Society). Las Alas recognizes students who have demonstrated high academic achievement in Spanish and a commitment to the study of Hispanic language and culture. As part of this national honor society, members are recognized for their excellence while also joining a community that promotes interest in Hispanic studies, cultural understanding, and leadership. ¡Felicidades, estudiantes!

  New Members

  Colin Adey ’29
  Nelly Anadu ’27
  Manmeet Basra ’27
  Juliana del Beato ’26
  Claire Bo ’27
  Hudson Boyle ’29
  Jamila Burgos ’27
  Mary Chen ’27
  Seamus Delaplane ’28
  Michaela Gravel ’28
  Lily Hartmann ’27
  Elvis He ’27
  Clay Hill ’28
  Breydan Hossack ’27
  Victor Lagerkvist ’28
  Beatrice Makaruska ’28
  Lyla Maki ’29
  Megan Mou ’28
  David Micciche ’27
  Sam Nandagopal ’27
  Nina Ren ’27
  Kit Shi ’28
  Jugad Singh ’27
  Cristiano Secul ’29
  Reece Turner ’26
  Lucas Ubiera ’28
  Kai Xu ’28
  Daisy Zhuang ’27

  Membership Renewal

  Logan Amaya ’28
  Kaitlin Boston ’27
  Payton Corp ’26
  Melissa Freeman ’26
  Lily Hartman ’27
  Aneesa Hernandez ’28
  Wynne Herrera ’28
  Tiantong Hu ’26
  Addison James ’27
  Brielle Kazemi ’27
  James Kelleher ’26
  Emma McDonough ’26
  Alex Moschella ’27
  Gabriela Poyo ’26
  Avery Shorter ’26
  Kay Stephan ’26
  Ishana Sundararajan ’28
  Maitreyi Vadigepalli ’27
  Mady Wiley ’26

  

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  Deep Dive Certificates

  The Deep Dive Certificate Program honors Upper School students who are engaged in an intentional, organized, and well-documented arc of immersive learning and focused scholarship. This program offers students the opportunity…

  The Deep Dive Certificate Program honors Upper School students who are engaged in an intentional, organized, and well-documented arc of immersive learning and focused scholarship. This program offers students the opportunity to explore study in particular areas of interest and Deep Dive certificates are offered in: Data-Driven Change; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice; Global Leadership; and Sustainability Leadership. 

  Each of the Deep Dives are individually designed by each student, but have a common framework such as, building a portfolio of specific interdisciplinary academic requirements, off-campus immersive experiences, extracurricular activities, and a capstone project that ties together their learning and experiences into a cogent, reflective whole. They present their projects to peers and the community at the end of the year. The Deep Dives represent a tremendous amount of independent scholarly work and are a significant academic achievement that is reflected on their transcripts. 

  At the end of the school year, 16 members of the Class of 2026 were awarded Deep Dive certificates. Our congratulations to the following recipients! 

  Data-Driven Change: Ben D’Alessandro, Quinlan McLear
  Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice: Lucy Li, Logan Luo, Gabriela Poyo, Betty Savage
  Global Leadership: Camille Bley, Sage Brown, Melissa Freeman, Catherine Ingino
  Sustainability Leadership: Miguel Wenderoth Bachiller, Insaaf Imtiyaz, Tessa Kipnis, Mia Saks, Max Zhang  

  

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  Book Buddies

  Every year, seventh graders work with the Primary Circle students over two months to co-author and illustrate a book. The Book Buddies discuss the elements and structure of storytelling, then…

  Every year, seventh graders work with the Primary Circle students over two months to co-author and illustrate a book. The Book Buddies discuss the elements and structure of storytelling, then create a story together. When the books have been created, seventh graders present these one-of-a-kind treasures to their buddies at the launch party and celebrate with popsicles! This project, initiated years ago by then Middle School English teacher Judy Asselin ’71, is guided by English Language Arts teacher Abby Lausch. More photos here!

  

  

  

  

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  Arts & Writing Awards

  This year, several Westtown students submitted work for the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, a national program and recognizes teen creativity with awards and scholarship money. Writing awards were presented to Preston Morefield '27,…

  This year, several Westtown students submitted work for the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, a national program and recognizes teen creativity with awards and scholarship money.

  Writing awards were presented to Preston Morefield ’27, who earned two Silver Keys and one Honorable Mention 1 Honorable Mention for his work, and Jamila Burgos ’27, who was awarded one Silver Key and one Honorable Mention for her work.  

  Arts awards were granted to Peter Li ’28, Lucas Gong ’29, Laila Atkins ’27, and Oliver Daughenbaugh ’27, all of whom earned Honorable Mentions. Congratulations to all!

  

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  Metal Moose’s Stellar Season

  The Metal Moose robotics team 1391, along with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics teams across the world, was given the challenge for this competition season…

  The Metal Moose robotics team 1391, along with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics teams across the world, was given the challenge for this competition season in January. The challenge comes with specific parameters of the game. This year’s game was called REBUILT and the objective was that the robot had to pick up yellow balls called “fuel” and shoot them into a tall box called the “hub.” It’s then up to the teams to build a robot that can complete this task with precision and ready it for competitions.   

  After months of prototyping, designing, building, and programming, the team attended their first competition in the second week of March at Seneca High School in Tabernacle, NJ. They were the captains of Alliance 3 and won the Quality Award, which celebrates machine’s robustness in concept and fabrication. Over spring break they continued to work on their robot, which they had dubbed Rufus. 

  Their second competition was in the first week of April in Philadelphia. The Metal Moose ranked first, winning the event with the team from Friends Central School and another team from Maryland. Additionally, they won the FIRST Impact Award, which is the most prestigious award in FIRST robotics. The Impact Award recognizes teams that best exemplify the mission of FIRST and serve as a model for other teams to emulate. (This is the video they produced for the Impact Award about their team’s community and STEM outreach program.) This competition was the most successful in the team’s history, as they ranked first, captained the first alliance, won the event, and also won the Impact Award. Additionally, Maitreyi Vadigepalli ’27 won the FIRST Leadership Award which “recognizes outstanding secondary school students (in their 10th or 11th grade/school year) who demonstrate exceptional leadership, technical expertise, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to advancing the mission of FIRST Inspire.” 

  The team qualified for the District Championship held at Lehigh University in mid April. At that competition, they were selected to be a part of the 4th Alliance, and qualified for the World Championship in Houston, Texas. The World Championship is for the top 600 teams of nearly 4,000 in the world. They were ranked #173 in the world, a testament to the hard work and talent of the team. Vadigepalli also won the FIRST Leadership Award at the district level, which is given to the top four students out of nearly 5,000 in our district. 

  At the World Championship they finished their season ranked in the top 5% in the world, and 6th in the state of Pennsylvania out of 77 teams. The students report that they had “an amazing time” at Worlds and are happy with the season.  

  Robotics coach, Steve Compton, adds, “The Metal Moose has qualified for the World Championship in 11 of the last 12 years, and finished this season in the top 5% in the world out of 3724 teams.” These are impressive statistics, but Compton is quite proud of the team’s Impact Award, which honors the team’s outreach and mission.“ This award is held to be the highest team culture award in the FIRST ecosystem, and honors teams that do good in the world.”  According to the FIRST organization, “The Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST. It honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of FIRST. It was created to keep the central focus of FIRST Robotics Competition on the ultimate goal of transforming the culture in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology, as well as encouraging more of today’s youth to become science and technology leaders.” Indeed, much for the Metal Moose and our community to be proud of. Well done! 

  

  

  

  

  

  

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  One Story Week

  One Story Week is a time when our entire Lower School community comes together around a shared book. Every child is invited into the same story, the same conversation, and…

  One Story Week is a time when our entire Lower School community comes together around a shared book. Every child is invited into the same story, the same conversation, and the same spirit of wonder. It’s a joyful opportunity to build connections across grade levels while exploring big ideas together.

  This year, The Littlest Drop by Sasha Alper, with illustrations by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney, offered a perfect lens for exploring themes of kindness, belonging, courage, and the incredible things that happen when small actions come together to make a big impact. In the story, a fire threatens the forest, and a tiny hummingbird continues to carry drops of water, inspiring the larger animals to join in. Together, students explored the power of individual action, unity, and care for the world around us.

  The week unfolded in a thoughtful and engaging progression for students. To begin the week, students were invited to decorate and design their 2026 One Story Week t-shirts, bringing their own creativity and connection to the story to life. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, students worked in mixed-age groups (pre-K through 2nd grade and 3rd through 5th grade), participating in a variety of hands-on, collaborative activities. On Thursday afternoon, students came together to meet one of The Littlest Drop illustrators, Brian Pinkney.

  We were thrilled to welcome Brian Pinkney to Westtown Lower School this year. Brian shared his journey as a creator, from growing up in a family of artists to developing his own voice as both a writer and illustrator. He spoke about the importance of practice, creativity, and perseverance, and gave students a glimpse into how his ideas grow from simple sketches into fully realized stories. His warmth and humor made a lasting impression on our students.

  Leading up to their assembly with Brian Pinkney, throughout the week, students collaborated across grade levels, building connections as they engaged in experiences rooted in The Littlest Drop’s themes. Activities included:

  • ~Creating collaborative murals
  • ~Designing kindness water droplets
  • ~Learning and performing a song with accompanying American Sign Language (ASL)
  • ~Reenacting parts of the story
  • ~Participating in teamwork-based relay challenges
  • ~Exploring science concepts like water volume and surface tension

  One Story Week is a reminder of what makes Westtown Lower School such a special place. It’s a week centered on children, their curiosity, their creativity, and their capacity to learn from and with one another. Watching students collaborate across grade levels, take pride in their creations, and engage so thoughtfully with the story has been a true highlight. The success of One Story Week is made possible by an extraordinary team of educators who pour their energy into every activity, lesson, and interaction with students. We are grateful for their care and dedication in bringing this experience to life. We hope our students carry these experiences, connections, and ideas with them well beyond this week. ~Karyn Payton, Lower School Principal

  Thank you to the One Story Week 2025 Committee: Heather Tannenbaum, Kelly Nicholson, Alicia George, Colby Van Alen , Mamta Singh, Lauren Cusick, and Marion Dear ’83.

  Enjoy the gallery of photos here!

  

  

  

  

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  A Bouquet of Movement

  A Bouquet of Music and Movement celebrated collaborative artistry featuring performances by the Middle School Dance Ensemble, Elements Dance Company, Upper School Strings Ensemble, Upper School Vocalists, and the Community…

  A Bouquet of Music and Movement celebrated collaborative artistry featuring performances by the Middle School Dance Ensemble, Elements Dance Company, Upper School Strings Ensemble, Upper School Vocalists, and the Community Choir. For the first time, our Upper School Elements Dance company and Middle School Dance Ensemble danced to live music performed by the Upper School Strings Ensemble and Upper School Vocalists. Enjoy more images here!

  

  

  

  

  

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  Spring Musical

  The Upper School musical The Little Mermaid was fabulous! Congratulations to the wonderful cast crew and many thanks to set designer Jack McManus and director Shawn Rowley, Director of Theater,…

  The Upper School musical The Little Mermaid was fabulous! Congratulations to the wonderful cast crew and many thanks to set designer Jack McManus and director Shawn Rowley, Director of Theater, and who made the production come to life!

  The Cast 
  ARIEL-Gigi Auguste ’27
  PILOT-Michael Ireland ’29
  PRINCE ERIC-Soph Butch ’27
  GRIMSBY-Tiantong Hu ’26
  FLOUNDER-Arial Xiong ’28
  SCUTTLE-Ryan Seeley ’28
  WINDWARD-Christine Natour ’28
  LEEWARD-Odaris Garcia ’28
  KING TRITON-Yang Yue ’29
  SEBASTIAN-Jeff Kim ’28

  Mersisters/Princesses 
  AQUATA-Esther An ’28
  ANDRINA-Emily Reick ’28 
  ARISTA- Leslie Jimenez ’29
  ATINA- Mary Chen ’27
  ADELA-Helena Gordon ’28
  ALANA-Angela Feng ’28
  FLOTSAM-Folasade Beckett ’27
  JETSAM-Alex Moschella ’27
  URSULA-Mari Villa ’27
  CHEF LOUIS-Leila Alobeidy ’28
  
  Fabulous Creatures of the Land and Sea (The Gulls, The Chefs, The Sea Creatures!) 
  Megan Mou ’28
  Felicia LiuChang ’28
  Mari Zakarian ’29
  Melodi Raymond ’29
  Bonnie Zhu ’29
  Olivia Hansen ’29

  The Crew
  Jackie Cogswell ’29
  Maddie Edwards ’27
  Shelby Kreiling ’29
  Noah Komarinski ’28
  Abby Sellers-Johnston ’29
  Kay Stephan ’26

  Enjoy the entire gallery of cast and crew photos here!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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  Lower School Spring Concert

  At the end of year, Lower School students entertained their families, faculty, and staff at the Lower School Spring Concert. From the fourth and fifth grade band and string ensemble…

  At the end of year, Lower School students entertained their families, faculty, and staff at the Lower School Spring Concert. From the fourth and fifth grade band and string ensemble to the third grade bucket drummers to the choral renditions of favorite songs by kids of all ages, students lit up the stage. Well done, everyone! Enjoy more photos of the concert here.

  

  

  

  

  

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  Middle School Spring Concert

  Congratulations to our Middle School musicians on their wonderful concert performance this week! A variety of groups performed, including the newly formed jazz band, choral ensembles, string ensembles, and band…

  Congratulations to our Middle School musicians on their wonderful concert performance this week! A variety of groups performed, including the newly formed jazz band, choral ensembles, string ensembles, and band ensembles. You can see more pictures from the performance here.

  

  

  

  

  

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  Spring College Commitments

  In addition to the student athletes who committed previously, new college commitments this spring included: Boys Soccer Callum Eager at Connecticut College Mariano Alonso at Hamilton College Clyde Felsen at…

  • In addition to the student athletes who committed previously, new college commitments this spring included:
    
    
  • Boys Soccer
  • 
    
  • Callum Eager at Connecticut College
  • Mariano Alonso at Hamilton College
  • Clyde Felsen at Kenyon College
  • Santiago Chacon Amaya at Bentley
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  • Girls Soccer
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  • Linnet Laiser at Elizabethtown College
  • Noelle Clabaugh at University of South Carolina
  • Field Hockey
  • Grey Sobel at The College of New Jersey
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  • Boys Lacrosse
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  • Hussein Koureissi at SUNY Oneonta
  • Dillon Javadpour at Canisius University
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  • Girls Lacrosse
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  • Payton Corp at Oberlin College
  • Emma McDonough at RPI
  • Catherine McDonough at Ohio Wesleyan
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  • Boys Basketball
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  • Adam Walker at Purdue Fort Wayne
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  • Baseball
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  • Coop Speacht at Ursinus College
  • Eb Ehigie at Franklin & Marshall
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  • Track & Field
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  • Reece Turner at Denison
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    Congratulations to all as they go on to college athletics! See more from the signing event here.
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  Boys LAX FSL Champions!

  Congratulations to boys varsity lacrosse team! They took home the Friends Schools League Championship this season, beating Academy of the New Church. Enjoy more photos of this game and their…

  Congratulations to boys varsity lacrosse team! They took home the Friends Schools League Championship this season, beating Academy of the New Church. Enjoy more photos of this game and their season here!

  

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  Sports Roundup

  In addition to the boys lacrosse team winning the FSL championship, there is a lot of sporting news to share from the spring season. Our girls lacrosse team advanced to…

  In addition to the boys lacrosse team winning the FSL championship, there is a lot of sporting news to share from the spring season.

  • Our girls lacrosse team advanced to the FSL finals for the first time since 2001 and were recognized by PASLA as the most improved lacrosse team in the state of Pennsylvania. This is a huge recognition for our girls lacrosse program, and the team was also ranked in the state for the first time in the program’s history. 
    
  • Our baseball team also advanced to the FSL finals for the first time in a decade. They advanced past league rival Friends Central in a closely contested FSL semi-final. The team once again traveled to Vero Beach, Florida, over spring break to train at the Jackie Robinson Baseball Complex. 
    
  • Our small but mighty track and field team placed third for the girls in the FSL and fourth for the boys. Laila Atkins ’27 and Ajana Patton ’28 both won FSL and PAISAA State championships in the discus and triple jump, respectively. For the boys, Lolo Joseph ’27 took home the FSL Championship in the discus as well.
    
  • Our golf, softball, and tennis teams had solid performances this year, and their ranks are filled with young talent eager to make their mark on the FSL in years to come.
    
  • We welcomed alums and current players for a Westtown Alums field hockey and soccer games on Alums Weekend. This event was well attended and was a wonderful opportunity for current players and alums to meet and play together, keeping the legacy of Westtown field hockey and soccer alive and strong.
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    Westtown student-athletes continue to be amongst the best in the FSL, and we took home 28 FSL All-League and Honorable Mention recognitions this spring.
    
  • And, finally, Westtown wins the Patterson Cup! It has now been a decade since Westtown has retained the coveted George School rivalry cup. Go ‘Town!
    

  

  

  

  

  

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  Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day

  Early this spring, Lower Schoolers were excited and proud to welcome their guests for Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day! They shared their classrooms, did special activities together, and introduced them…

  Early this spring, Lower Schoolers were excited and proud to welcome their guests for Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day! They shared their classrooms, did special activities together, and introduced them to their teachers. They concluded their time on campus with a special Meeting for Worship, always a highlight of the event for our guests. Thank you to all of our visitors for making the day so special! Enjoy more photos of this wonderful day here!
  

  

  

  

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  Alums Weekend 2026

  Alums Weekend was a wonderful success! The sun was shining across campus and the Westtown spirit was truly palpable. From the informative Annual Meeting to the faculty-led Explore Westtown Sessions, the…

  Alums Weekend was a wonderful success! The sun was shining across campus and the Westtown spirit was truly palpable. From the informative Annual Meeting to the faculty-led Explore Westtown Sessions, the weekend was packed with deep engagement and learning. We also shared plenty of fun and celebration—whether playing hard in the alums field hockey and soccer games on the turf fields, enjoying a peaceful afternoon canoeing on the lake, diving into our shared history at the Alum Storytelling Booth, or visiting with friends old and new at the Belonging is Sweet Reception. Thank you to all who brought their warmth, their stories, and their authentic presence back to Westtown! For more about Alums Weekend, stay tuned for the next issue of The Westonian! Check out photos from the weekend here!

  

  

  

  

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