School News
- Friends Seminary
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Annual Day of Concern Explores Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Access for All
Friends Seminary’s annual Day of Concern is a cornerstone event that fosters deep engagement with pressing social justice issues. This year’s theme, Reproductive Rights, Justice, and Healthcare Access for All, was selected by students, underscoring their commitment to ensuring that all individuals—regardless of background or circumstance—have the right to make informed choices about their bodies and well-being.
Throughout the day, students explored the complexities of reproductive justice and healthcare access through a series of panels, workshops, affinity spaces, and Meeting for Worship. Guided by faculty and student voices, the Center for Peace, Equity, and Justice (CPEJ) developed a meaningful program designed to encourage critical thinking, deep reflection, and action.
Each year, the Upper School sets aside regular coursework to engage fully in this immersive experience. This year, student committee clerks collaborated with the CPEJ team to curate a diverse range of nineteen workshops facilitated by faculty, staff, and invited experts. Topics spanned multiple disciplines, offering perspectives through the lenses of history, art, literature, philosophy, religion, and service. Workshops ranged from “Abortion: What It Is and What It Isn’t” to a “Reproductive Justice Tech Sprint,” ensuring students engaged with the issue from varied and thought-provoking angles.
The day culminated in a Meeting for Worship, centering on student-developed queries:
How can we take what we learned today and use it to create change?
Was your perspective shifted or challenged today? If so, how?
Additionally, Upper School students participated in a panel discussion featuring experts and activists who explored the intersections of identity and its role in the conversation around reproductive healthcare. Moderated by Elisa ’25 and Eli ’26, the panel featured:
Jamaal Clue, MD – Principal Medical Scientist at Gilead Sciences
Genay Jackson – Friends Seminary parent, doula, and public health advocate with an MPH from the University of Southern California
Alexandria Lane – Screenwriter and director
Sophie Mraz – Policy analyst at Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Clayton Raithel – Friends Seminary math teacher and philosophy instructor
Aviva Zadoff – Director of Advocacy and Volunteer Engagement at the National Council of Jewish Women New York
Students submitted questions in advance, leading to a dynamic and engaging Q&A session. The event provided an opportunity for students to grapple with complex ethical, legal, and societal dimensions of reproductive justice while considering their own roles in advocating for change.
Friends Seminary’s Day of Concern 2025 was a powerful reminder of the School’s commitment to fostering informed, compassionate, and action-oriented global citizens.
US Students Take on Capitol Hill for Economic Justice
Last month 13 Upper School students traveled to Washington, D.C., on the eve of the House vote on the budget to lobby in support of economic justice, Medicaid, and SNAP. In preparation for the trip, students spent a month engaging in the Quaker process of consensus to determine their lobbying ask, followed by in-depth research on their chosen topic. Partnering with Friends Place, a Quaker lobbying group under the FCNL umbrella, they developed their advocacy skills and learned how to effectively communicate with legislators. The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), FCNL Education Fund, and Friends Place on Capitol Hill are national nonprofit, nonpartisan Quaker organizations that work collectively to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship.
Lower School Animation Assembly
This year’s Lower School Animation Assembly celebrated the magic of stop motion. Judith gave a behind-the-scenes view of two recent stop-motion features: Del Toro’s Pinocchio and the new Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
We were thrilled to have Friends parent and alum Liev Schreiber '85 join Lower School Computer Science faculty member Judith Seidel for a truly inspiring Q&A. Liev, known for voicing the lovable canine Spots in Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs, shared behind-the-scenes insights about bringing a character to life. Hearing his stories—and seeing the actual Spots puppet from the film—made the whole process feel like pure magic!
Five years ago, Spots’ surprise appearance left everyone in awe. In this session, they took it up a notch by setting up a camera so all the kids could witness Spots in action as Liev demonstrated his signature moves and voice.
The assembly concluded with a charming wool-and-felt stop-motion film by Korean animator Jeon Seung-bae. With neither words nor dialogue, the film makes a strong (and hilarious) case for the importance of community.
Creative Minds Shine: Celebrating Our Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners!
We are proud to congratulate the following students for earning regional recognition in the New York City Scholastic Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. This prestigious honor highlights their remarkable creativity and dedication to the arts and writing.
Esme '25
Ezra '27
Imogen '26
Isabel '25
Janelle '25
Micaella '25
Rebecca '25
Sasha '26
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, established in 1923, is the nation's longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. The program has honored some of America's most celebrated artists and writers in their youth, including Tschabalala Self, Stephen King, Kay WalkingStick, Charles White, Joyce Carol Oates, and Andy Warhol.
A special congratulations to Rebecca '25, who was awarded both Gold and Silver Keys for her exceptional work. Rebecca has received recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards every year since she first entered as an eighth grader. Her Gold Key-winning mixed media piece, Ghosts (The Neighborhood), will be featured in Taking Up Space: Selections from the 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards’ Scholarships and Gold Medal Awards, an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Uris Center for Education from March 28 through May 18. Additionally, Rebecca was honored with a Silver Key Award for her portfolio, further affirming her exceptional artistic talent.
Congratulations once again to all of our honorees for this well-deserved recognition! We celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued creative success.
Owls Soar Through the Winter Season!
The Owls soared this winter, bringing home multiple championships and setting the stage for postseason success!
Back-to-Back Champs! Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Basketball Team on clinching the ACIS Championship for the second year in a row! The Owls delivered an impressive 56-45 victory over Packer in the ACIS Finals, securing the title and earning the #1 seed in Bracket C for the upcoming NYSAIS Basketball Tournament.
Dominating the Pool! The Boys Swim Team made waves once again, capturing the ACIS Swim Championship on February 4—their second title in the last three years. Their dedication and teamwork have been remarkable throughout the season!
Track & Field Excellence! A special congratulations to Ben '25, who took 1st place in the triple jump at the NYSAIS Championships on February 28! His outstanding performance has earned him a well-deserved spot at Federations.
For the most up to date sports news, follow Friends Athletics at www.instagram.com/friendsathletics for weekly team and senior features! Please enjoy live video from Friends sporting events here: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ny/new-york/organization/80015/friends-seminary-hig-high-school/video
Comments