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Celebration of Black Voices: From Hillsboro to Wellington
Students across all divisions participated in Wellington’s annual Celebration of Black Voices, a day dedicated to learning about Black leaders and changemakers past and present. Middle and upper school students heard from Dr. Carlotta Penn about the Hillsboro mothers and the persistence required to turn a Supreme Court ruling into lived reality. Younger students explored figures in science, literature, athletics, music, and public service, engaging with stories that continue to shape our world. See what students discovered across all grades.
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Three Wellington Seniors Named National Merit Finalists
Three Wellington seniors, Claire Shen ’26, Annie Shen ’26, and Isaac Xiu ’26, have been named National Merit Finalists, placing them among the top 1 percent of students nationwide. While the honor begins with PSAT performance, their accomplishments reflect something deeper: sustained curiosity, disciplined thinking, and meaningful engagement across academics and campus life. Together, they represent the many ways Wellington students rise to challenge and opportunity. Meet the finalists and explore their journeys.
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More From the Well Said Blog
Want to read more stories from Wellington? Check out these recent posts:
Find more at wellington.org/blog.
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WPA Pre-Loved Apparel Sale
Friday, March 6, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Jag Friday (Dress Down Day)
Friday, March 6
Upper School Theatre Presents - “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
Thursday, March 12 - Saturday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Parent and Caregiver Coffee With the Head of School
Tuesday, March 17, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent/Teacher/Advisor Conferences
Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20
No School
Friday, March 20
Spring Break
Monday, March 23 - Friday, April 3
Classes Resume - Regular Schedule
Monday, April 6
Save the Date: ReWilding Family Service Opportunity
Saturday, April 11, 1-4 p.m.
Register to volunteer
Save the Date: Alumni Celebration
Friday, April 17, 6 p.m.
RSVP
Save the Date: Sunday Supper
Sunday, April 19, 5-7 p.m.
Save the Date: Middle School Theatre Presents - “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”
Friday, April 24 - Saturday, April 25, 7 p.m.
Tickets
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We are excited to celebrate two extraordinary alumni honors: Dorina Yessios ’92 has been named the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, and the 2018 boys tennis team will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Both will be recognized at the Alumni Celebration on April 17.
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Wellington was represented on the national stage at NAIS Thrive 2026 in Seattle, where Head of School Eliza McLaren, Head of Middle School Louis Frank, and Sarah Allen, director of business development for The Wellington Initiative, led a three-hour workshop titled “Engagement Mapping: Designing for Engaged Learning.” Their session highlighted the Wellington Engagement Index and guided independent school leaders in analyzing engagement data, mapping instructional strategies, and designing more intentional learning experiences.
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Congratulations to Jack Mahaffey ’27 on winning the 100-yard backstroke at the state meet with a new school record time of 48.38. He also placed seventh in the 50-yard freestyle final, capping an outstanding season.
We are so proud of Jack and the dedication, focus, and perseverance that led to this accomplishment!
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Bravo to Zac Barton ’26, who composed “The Voyager” for the full band and performed it on piano at the Upper School Winter Concert and again at State of the School 2026. Zac spent hundreds of hours crafting the piece, and during the Learning Showcase and the State of the School, he shared insights into his creative process. We are proud of the vision, discipline, and artistry behind this remarkable work. Listen to “The Voyager.”
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Shelley Brown, assistant head of school for academics and head of early childhood and lower school, and Sharla Starker, upper school academic dean, recently attended Strategic AI for K–12 Schools at Denison University, where independent school educators explored practical and ethical approaches to integrating AI in teaching, learning, and school operations. They returned energized and are continuing the conversation about thoughtful AI use at Wellington.
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Middle School Artwork on Display at the Concourse Gallery
Artwork by 33 middle school students will represent Wellington at the Upper Arlington Concourse Gallery Middle School Art Show, March 4-27. The gallery is located at 3600 Tremont Road. There will be a gallery reception on Sunday, March 8, 2-4 p.m. Congratulations to Raighean Chen ’33, Annie Croasmun ’33, Nicholas Bertolini ’30, Lincoln Brown ’32, Drew Buechel ’31, Catarina Carrau ’32, Ollie Depew ’33, Brayden Effler ’32, Grace Ferguson ’30, Victoria Fernandez ’32, Elle Green ’32, Jayleen Gunal ’32, Barbra Hammett ’31, Harrison Hart ’32, Clayton Hudson ’30, Madeline Kelly ’31, Mary Lewis ’32, Marco Littleton ’32, Emma Lumbley ’30, Ainsley Merl ’31, Delaney Miller ’30, Nevaeh Monroe ’30, Biko Musindi ’30, Tess Ndango ’33, Simi Patel ’33, Nathan Pham ’31, Connor Skillman ’30, Emma Skillman ’33, Marc Sullivan ’31, Evelyn Tozbikian ’31, Korinne Whitmore ’31, Alexis Wilhelm ’30, and Elizabeth Wood ’33. You can view their art here.
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Nicole Franks, assistant head of early childhood and lower school; Louis Frank, head of middle school; Aaron Frim, assistant head of upper school; Shelley Brown, assistant head of school for academics and head of early childhood and lower school; and Marty Frazier, incoming head of upper school, attended the ISACS Division Heads Conference. Sessions with diversity practitioners focused on building community through collaboration and shared leadership. They returned with practical strategies for leading with openness and trust and strengthening relationships across the school.
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Students in grades 3 through 8 welcomed acclaimed author Saadia Faruqi to campus for a powerful conversation about courage and resilience. Inspired by her novel “Some of Us Are Brave,” Faruqi shared that bravery begins with naming your fear and choosing to move forward anyway. She encouraged students to embrace revision, teamwork, and persistence as daily practices of growth. Step into the conversation about courage.
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Upper School Theatre Presents: "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - March 12-14
Tickets are now on sale for the upper school musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Join us for performances on March 12, 13, and 14, at 7:30 p.m., in the Blanchard Performing Arts Center (BPAC). With charm, wit, and heart, this beloved musical is sure to delight audiences of all ages — get your tickets today!
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Parent & Caregiver Coffee With the Head of School - March 17
Join us on Tuesday, March 17, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Doerschlag Den, for coffee and conversation. Head of School Eliza McLaren and Assistant Head of School for Academics Shelley Brown will share school updates. We look forward to seeing you there.
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Summer Program 2026 Registration Is Open!
The 2026 Wellington Summer Program is just around the corner, with eight weeks of incredible offerings for students in prekindergarten through grade 12. Enter the session password WellySummer26 when prompted. Explore the guide here. For more information, visit www.wellington.org/summer.
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Lost and Found
Missing items? Encourage your child to look at the lost and found items displayed outside the Sokol Store. Parents are also encouraged to check in during parent/teacher/advisor conferences on March 19 and 20. All items will be cleared and donated over spring break!
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Save the Date: ReWilding Wellington Service Opportunity on April 11
ReWilding Wellington is celebrating our fourth Earth Day with a family service day on Saturday, April 11, from 1-4 p.m. This year, we'll focus on planting native plants and shrubs along the walking path from Reed Road to the tennis courts. The plantings will attract bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife students will study and enjoy. Sign up here.
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Save the Date: Alumni Celebration - April 17
Join us in Croft Commons for an evening of connection and celebration as we honor our 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award winner, Dorina Yessios '92, and Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, the 2018 boys tennis team. Enjoy appetizers, beverages, and remarks from Head of School Eliza McLaren and the honorees. All parents and students are invited — this celebration is open to the entire Wellington community. Learn more and RSVP by April 8.
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Save the Date: Sunday Supper - April 19
Sunday Supper is a cherished tradition in many cultures—a time for families and communities to gather, share stories, and enjoy a meal together to start the week feeling centered and connected. We are honored to be part of such a close-knit community here at Wellington and excited to continue this new tradition with our second Sunday Supper on Sunday, April 19, from 5-7 p.m., in the Thomas Family Dining Room. More information is coming soon.
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Middle School Theatre Presents: "Alice in Wonderland Jr." - April 24-25
Wellington's Middle School Theatre brings Disney's wonderful "Alice in Wonderland Jr." to the stage this spring. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love, including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts. Showtimes are April 24 and 25, at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
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Grandparents and Special Friends Celebration - May 1
Grandparents and special friends will be back to celebrate together the morning of Friday, May 1, for breakfast, a special program, and visits to classrooms. Direct mail and email invitations will be going out soon. If you have questions or would like to update grandparent contact information, please email eggleton@wellington.org. Learn more about this event by clicking here. Online registration is open March 27-April 20!
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WPA Pre-Loved Apparel Sale - March 6
Join the WPA on Friday, March 6, from 7:30-8:30 a.m., in C147. Proceed down the lower school hallway and up the steps. Then, follow the sign to turn right at the Alumni Commons. C147 is the old athletics training room.
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Middle School Athletes Recognized
Middle school athletes were celebrated this month during Morning Meeting for the dedication, leadership, and team spirit they brought to the winter sports season. Coaches recognized student-athletes across grade levels, and the community also unveiled a new banner honoring Ben Austin ’30 for his cross country state championship.
Congratulations to Adriana Smith ’33, Quinn Brand ’33, Fallon Mermis ’32, Lauren Roginson ’32, Addison Fields ’31, Korinne Whitmore ’31, Brynae Harvey ’30, Emma Lumbley ’30, Jio Susie ’32, Cooper Borntrager ’32, Lincoln Brown ’32, Maddox Pedigo ’32, Andrew Harry ’31, Chase Duffy ’31, Grant Reams ’30, Cale Ivery ’30, Madeleine Scantland ’30, Noah Pham ’30, and Esa Gor ’32. Read more about the celebration.
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Winter Sports Update
Upper School:
All-League Honors:
First Team: Will Flinn ’28
Second Team: Blake Lewis ’26, Aaden Stromer ’28
Honorable Mention: Nick Shaver ’26
Girls Basketball:
First Team: Dea Singh ’27, Jeanie DeSantis ’26
Honorable Mention: Natalie Moore ’27
Swim and Dive:
Swimmer and Diver of the Year: Dottie Blackburn ’27 and Zac Barton ’26 (Divers of the Year), Jack Mahaffey ’27 (Swimmer of the Year)
First Team: Dottie Blackburn ’27 (1m diving), 200 medley and 200 free relays (Jack Mahaffey ’27, Karsten Applegate ’29, Charlie Armitage ’28, River Kaser ’27), Jack Mahaffey ’27 (50 free, 100 back), Charlie Armitage ’28 (500 free), Zac Barton ’26 (1m diving)
Second Team: Charlie Armitage ’28 (200 free), Karsten Applegate ’29 (100 breast), Enzo Corso ’26 (1m diving)
Honorable Mention: Liam Withrow ’28 (100 back)
Bowling:
First Team: Zaki Djafi ’26, Annie Shen ’26, Genevieve VanDixhorn ’26
Second Team: Andres Pagniano ’27, Phoebe Bong ’27, Micah Houston ’26, Annabeth Pan ’27
Girls Varsity Basketball:
The girls basketball team finished the year with a 16-7 overall record and a 10-4 Mid-State League record, finishing in second place for the second straight season!
Varsity Swim and Dive:
Jack Mahaffey ’27 won the DII State Championship in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 48.38, beating his own previous school record in the process! He also placed 7th in the state in the 50 freestyle. These two performances made Jack the co-swimmer of the DII State Championship meet!
Varsity Bowling:
The boys bowling team finished 13th overall at sectionals, missing qualifying for districts by 1 spot, and sent Zaki Djafi ’26 and Andres Pagniano ’27 as individuals. They performed well at districts.
Middle School:
Boys Basketball:
The 5th and 6th grade boys basketball blue team won the league championship, finishing with a final record of 11-1.
Girls Basketball:
The 6th grade girls basketball team won their league championship and sealed an undefeated season with a 12-0 record!
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Please send comments and submissions to bugle@wellington.org. To be considered for the next issue, content is due by 5 p.m. on the first Monday of the month.
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