Philanthropic Support Enriches Peace Week Programming
The week of January 20th marked the 20th annual observation of Peace Week at Friends Seminary. This year’s programming centered on the theme of the year Growing Together Through Science and Dialogue. The community welcomed award-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome to the Meetinghouse to speak to Lower and Middle School students. This prolific author, who has published more than 30 titles, spoke about the power of storytelling in fostering peace and her commitment to writing more complete, accurate and uplifting truths about people of color. These impactful experiences were made possible through the Isaac Rauch 'o8 Fund for Literature. The community is deeply grateful to Lisa Anderson and Marc Rauch who seek to provide a series of rewarding and educational talks by authors at Friends in memory of their late son.
For Friends students, who are surrounded by books at home and at School, meeting Lesa as an author whose books they have read, sparked excitement. Her ability to connect with young people in person, as on the page, was evident in the Meetinghouse as she shared her story that began with her Second Grade photo. Assistant to Head of Lower School Khairah Klein comments, “Students learned about the time and hard work needed to research and write a book and her collaboration with her husband, notable illustrator James Ransome. Our young readers were riveted and had lots of very specific questions. Meeting authors make their world of books feel more real!”
MS Actors Light Up the McCray Theatre
Under the direction of Middle School Drama Teacher Trent Williams, Grade 7 and 8 students delighted audiences with a performance of Shakespear’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in the McCray Theatre in January. Trent comments, “I am so proud of my students. Shakespeare is difficult but their willingness to meet the challenge made it easy!”
This performance, the first since the McCray was fully renovated over the summer, was enhanced by new Broadway-calibre lighting and improved versatility overall. Its relatively small size with seating for up to 70, provides an intimate venue where audience members can readily see the nuanced facial expressions and gestures of these young actors.
This contrasts with Upper School productions, which are performed in theatres at a much bigger scale. Trent comments, “This is one of the most advanced technical theatre spaces available to Middle School students in NYC.” During eight weeks of rehearsal, students were able to work with a professional set, costume and lighting designers. They had opportunities to see these dedicated professionals at work, whether taking costume measurements or experimenting with lights.
At the start, Trent explained to students that as actors they must fully understand their lines in order for the audience to understand. A lightbulb moment occurred during the final week's rehearsal when a few people watching started to laugh. At first, the actors were confused and slightly offended. Trent recalls, “I jumped in to congratulate them and remind them this was exactly the point – they understand and are understood!”
The McCray Theatre is named for Joyce McCray, the first female and non-Quaker Principal, who served from 1977 to 1989. The McCray Theater is an enduring reminder of her contributions and her personal love of theater. Head of School Bo Lauder reflects, “It is gratifying to know that this important resource for students, which came about through philanthropic support, has been fully modernized and continues to inspire performers and audiences alike!”
Honoring Community Support
In December, Friends Seminary issued the 2023-24 Annual Report that acknowledges community-wide support for advancing Friends Seminary’s mission and values. The School is deeply grateful for each and every gift and for every act of volunteerism – all of which make Friend Seminary a place where curiosity and friendship flourish. If you have renewed your support for the 2024-25 Fund for Friends, thank you! If not, click here to renew your support today. Every gift makes a difference! Special thanks to our anonymous alum who generously funded a $50K match that generated a total of $113K for the 2024-25 Fund for Friends.
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