60th Anniversary

As a refugee from Vietnam, I attended Carolina Friends School’s Middle School without knowing English. It was difficult at first, as I struggled to communicate with others during my first year. I was able to discover my passion for art, which helped me see the possibilities of creating while having fun. I received so much encouragement and creative opportunities from teachers. By building my skills in painting and drawing, I learned to be patient and work hard to achieve my goals. I’ve taken these lessons and applied them to all aspects of my life beyond creativity. Richard Nguyen Banh ’80

As a first year middle school kid, I remember learning that I could recognize the good in everyone—even some of the older kids I was intimidated by—because I had seen and heard their kindness and vulnerability and humor, gosh they were all so cool and funny. And of course this intimacy was nurtured by the small-school atmosphere and very engaged and loving teachers. Tim Wells '86