Grants Create Opportunities for Growth

Every year the Richard Eldridge Lifetime Learners Fund supports continuing educational opportunities for faculty and staff. This endowed fund was established in honor of Richard, who was Principal from 1989 to 2002. It advances his deeply held belief that everyone who works at Friends is both a teacher and learner. Three members of staff received grants during the 2021-22 academic year. Head of School Bo Lauder comments, “We are especially thrilled to support our staff, who in expanding their own horizons, expand those of the School.”

Adrienne Almeida, Director of Middle School & Upper School Library Services, used her grant to attend Loophole of Retreat, a gathering of more than 700 Black women artists and scholars convened by acclaimed sculptor Simone Leighand curator Rashida Bumbray as part of the Venice Biennale. Over three days, a remarkable group of women representing the African Diaspora celebrated their shared intellectual labors and creativity. Adrienne comments, “This was a life-changing opportunity for everyone who attended. A day has not gone by that I haven’t reflected on this experience. As an anti-racist feminist educator, I am grateful to be a part of a larger community of writers, researchers, and creatives who are doing liberation work.”

Director of Extended Programs, Laura McGinley, enrolled in an art writing course at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. The six-week on-line course was a perfect match for Laura, who sees writing about visual arts as a way to engage her curiosity, hone observation skills, ask questions, and then translate that experience into a compelling piece of writing. She comments, “The opportunity to submit work via this program offered me the space to incorporate humor, creativity, and un-finished ideas into something that resulted in positive and validating feedback. It was fun and fulfilling to bring other aspects of myself to something that has tangible benefits for the professional parts of myself. This was an inspiring experience that I carry with me.”

Claudine Zamor, Senior Associate Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, traveled to Maine to attend a program at the Erdmann Institute, which is committed to advancing knowledge, skill, leadership, and collegiality among senior and mid-career independent school admission professionals nationwide. They seek to broaden the conventional understanding of enrollment leadership through meaningful conversations and workshops that center on problem solving, strategic planning, and innovative practices. Claudine comments, “This was so collaborative. It was helpful to hear what other schools were doing in different areas of the country. I valued this experience tremendously and know that I can reach out to my fellow attendees at any time.”

Adrienne Almeida, Director of Middle School & Upper School Library Services, attended Loophole of Retreat, an event that together Black female thinkers, performers, writers, and artists from around the world. Pictured above: Simone Leigh: Façade, 2022. Courtesy of the artist and Matthew Marks Gallery. Photo by Timothy Schenck.