From the Early Learning Center all the way up to the Upper School, Wilmington Friends School emphasizes the Quaker “SPICES,” which push students to conduct themselves with simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. These testimonies, along with Friends School’s ideals of service, character, and scholarship, create contributing leaders in the Friends School community and global citizens beyond. At WFS, The Bush Award, named after former principal Charles W. Bush, is one of the most distinguished awards given. This award recognizes students’ outstanding efforts in many areas of school life and towards benefitting the community as a whole. The Bush Award typically acknowledges one Junior boy and girl who are excellent examples of fulfilling these ideals in each aspect of their school life. However, this year faculty members could not settle on only two recipients.These students are recognized for their determination in following the Quaker “SPICES” and ideals and being dedicated students and role models. Congratulations to Gustavo Silveira ’17, Hannah Kushner ’17, and Jayna Jones ’17 on winning the Bush Award!

Jayna has exceeded the requirements of a Wilmington Friends School student and is a model for accomplishing the Friends School ideals in all that she does. She has become a dedicated member of the Friends Community and significant contribution to all of her classes and activities. Mrs. Miller, Upper School Service Coordinator and Mathematics teacher, comments, “Jayna is a motivated and talented student with a great work ethic and a great sense of humor. She is a pleasure to teach and works very hard on everything she does. Whether it’s athletics, service for the school or the greater Wilmington community, Jayna’s positive attitude and cooperative assistance are true assets to our school. She approaches every assignment with openness, enthusiasm, motivation and inherent intelligence.” Jayna continues to demonstrate leadership and is a positive  role model for others.

Hannah and Gustavo have also shown exceptional effort and enthusiasm in their school activities. Mr Rashkind, Upper School English teacher, reflects on his students: “These two are both so deserving of this award. They have a tremendous work ethic and a thirst for learning. They are kind-hearted, inclusive individuals who really embody the values we hope to teach every day at Friends.” Mr. Rashkind has also worked with Hannah and Gustavo in their club,   “Poetry Out Loud,” where the two dedicated students serve as clerks.

Gustavo won the school competition, where Hannah did an amazing job as the announcer. Gustavo continued to win the state competition, and Mr. Rashkind reflects, “ In his typical selfless fashion, he has said that he will step aside next year so that someone else can represent Friends. When no one is looking, Gustavo is pushing chairs in after class to make cleaning easier for the custodians. Hannah is graciously welcoming a reticent student into a new club. These are people of excellent character.””Gustavo and Hannah are  role models for the members of the Wilmington Friends Community through their determination and humbleness.

Jayna, Hannah, and Gustavo have inspired others at WFS to follow in their footsteps. The Wilmington Friends School community congratulates these three on winning the Bush Award and for going above and beyond in their everyday lives.