We joked that Jesse wearing 30 layers of clothing would look like the Michelin Man, but to everyone’s surprise (and delight), he turned out more like Strega Nona! Thanks to your incredible generosity, this moment—along with so many others—will be forever memorialized as part of our legacy!

FSW Friends,

As we move into the heart of Giving Tuesday, we’re pausing to honor the heart of our school: our incredible faculty. In this email, we’re celebrating 30 Longtime Faculty Members—the teachers and staff who have shaped FSW into the community we know and love today.

These are the educators who have guided students through their first days of school, inspired confidence in themselves, and supported their successes (and stumbles) along the way. 

Whether it was a science lesson on the Pine Grove playground, a quiet moment of encouragement, or decades of dedication to our mission, their impact is immeasurable. Your Giving Tuesday gift helps us continue attracting and supporting exceptional educators like these who make such a lasting difference.

Thank you for spending this meaningful day with us. We couldn’t do it without you!

1. Chas Sanders: graduate of both a Quaker high school and college, Chas was one of FSW's first science teachers and who the 1998-1999 yearbook is dedicated to. (1997-1999) 

2. Laura & Keith Cooper: Language Arts and Social Studies teachers, Laura and Keith were praised for helping to shape the early character of the school. (1999-2003)

3. Chris Yermal: Now a parent alum and the President of Wilmington-based Old School Rebuilder & Co., Chris was also once the Middle School science teacher. (1999-2004)

4. Amy Williamson: FSW's first Seahorse teacher, Amy then served as the Elementary Division Head, dedicated to students' academic and spiritual growth.  (2002-2007)

5. Ursula Flugel: Longtime Stargazer teacher, the 2008-2009 yearbook reads, "vielen dank das du unser leben in vielerlei hinsicht bereichert haben," or "thank you for enriching our lives in so many ways." (2002-2009)

6. Ethan Williamson: One of FSW's first Heads of School. Alumni parent Dana Sachs wrote, "Ethan, when I see the warmth between the students and their excitement about learning, I feel great gratitude for everything you've done for FSW over these many years." (1997-2012)

7. Sharon Ely: FSW's first Lower School art teacher who served the school for nearly a decade. She is credited as an early influence for student alum and pottery studio owner Emma Brinkley. (2004-2013)

8. Erin Johnson: An 11-year veteran teacher and a tremendous proponent of outdoor education. She is described as a "true source of guidance, inspiration, humor, and love." (2003-2014)

9. Sarah Howard: Now an award-winning Kindermusik instructor here in town, Sarah began as the school's music teacher and was a constant source of love and laughter. (2006-2015)

10. Ann Souder: A woman of many talents, she served as Assistant to the Head and Admissions Director for 15 years. The 2015-2016 yearbook states that "her service to the school knows no bounds, always ready to listen with an enthusiastic ear." (2001-2016)

11. Laura Williams: Dedicated Business Manager whose decade of service ensured FSW's financial stability and operational excellence. (2007-2017)

12. Holly Renton: Preschool and Kindergarten teacher whose warmth and creativity enriched the lives of FSW’s youngest learners. (2012-2018)

13. Bruce Kenney: Longtime math & science teacher known for seeking and honoring the Light in every child. He is now a beloved substitute teacher for students and faculty alike. (2004-2019)

14. Liz Simmons: Energetic and light-filled 4th grade teacher, she brought boundless energy and joy to her classroom where she was deeply adored by her students. (2012-2019)

15. Jane & Richard Lawrence: Synonymous with Friends School of Wilmington, Jane and Richard were the heart of the community. Jane began as a preschool teacher before becoming the administrator of the Pine Grove campus, while Richard tended to the grounds with dedicated precision. Together, left an indelible mark on the school. (2002/2010-2021)

16. Marianne Nutt: Dedicated Administrative Assistant whose decade of service brought efficiency, kindness, and warmth to the FSW community. (2011-2021)

17. Cameron Francisco: A 19-year cornerstone of FSW, Cam began as a Middle School social studies teacher, later served as Director of Student and Academic Life, and then as Director of Communications. His laughter, charm, and unmatched love for the school have left an enduring legacy. (2004-2022)

18. Brenda Esch: Deeply rooted in her Quaker values, Brenda's tenure as Head of School fostered a culture of belonging for this Beloved Community. Her devout leadership and vision left a profound and enduring impact on the school and its legacy, and it continues on today in her Esch Endowment for DEIJB. (2012-2023)

19. Jesse Jones: Since 2001 (with a quick detour to WWAY), Jesse has been making math fun and teaching kids to think outside the box for 15+ years. He’s living proof that math can actually be cool. (2001-2006; 2016-present)

20. Susan Willis: The school’s longest-serving employee, having worked in preschool, kindergarten, and now an administrative role. She is the first smiling face to greet everyone on campus and embodies the spirit of the school. We simply wouldn’t be the same without her. (2002-present)

21. Karen Linehan: With her gentle demeanor and sharp wit, she began as Pine Grove's 2nd grade teacher and now leads Longleaf as our Environmental Education Coordinator. She embodies the very best of environmental education and inspires students to discover the endless opportunities that nature offers. (2004-present)

22. Tracy Tertzagian: Love. Faith. Light. Joy. She has served as PE teacher and Director of Athletics for two decades, bringing boundless energy and positivity to everything she does. Truly sunshine personified, she brightens the day of everyone around her. (2004-present)

23. Martina Jonsson-Boykin: FSW’s dedicated Spanish teacher and the driving force behind our annual Dominican Republic service-learning trip. Deeply intentional and committed to nurturing the whole child. (2010-present)

24. Amy McGlinn: Longtime art teacher and Middle School Director, she is a trusted mentor and fierce advocate for her students, always championing their growth and creativity. (2010-present)

25. Sheri Lumpkin: Lower School art teacher since 2012, she is known for her vibrant energy and imaginative projects, creating a space where students’ confidence can flourish. (2012-present)

26. David Hoolahan: As Director of Admissions, David is well known for his warmth and guidance. Deeply intentional and detail-oriented, he nurtures and supports families from application to graduation. (2013-present)

27. Marsha Rouse: Now the Lead Stepping Stones teacher, Marsha is a champion of our preschool program and a fierce advocate for the school. She believes deeply in our mission and defining values. (2013-present)

28. Julie Smith: Our dedicated 1st/2nd Assistant Teacher with an unwavering commitment to environmental education. She has inspired generations of Seahorses to explore the natural world with gentle curiosity. (2013-present) 

29. Nancy Gross: Preschool Assistant turned Business Office Assistant, her quiet humor and calming presence makes everyone feel joyfully at ease. (2014-present)

30. Anna Ritchie: FSW’s all-school music teacher, she is a beautiful person inside and out, guiding students to discover the musical beauty woven into everyday life. (2015-present)

Just because some of our faculty have been here for decades doesn't mean they're out of touch with the current generation. If we get to $20,000 by 3:00PM, Director of Admissions David Hoolahan will give a 30-second campus tour, using ONLY Gen Alpha lingo. It's giving rizz, no cap.

Progress Check-In

Our faculty believe deeply in the mission of the school and truly love each student for their most authentic self. How do we know? Because this year, 100% of our Board of Trustees, 100% of our administrative team, and 100% of our teachers have pledged or donated to the Annual Fund. Now THAT is how we celebrate 30 years of Friends!

Psst. Missed some of our earlier emails? Check out the these others 30s: