Welcome, Vernard Abrams!
By Celia Ginesin ‘28 (Reporter)
Please welcome Vernard Abrams, a new history teacher in the Upper School. Mr. Abrams graduated from LaSalle University with a degree in marketing and earned his masters degree in education from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Prior to teaching, Mr. Abrams played football in New York, Louisiana, and Italy, and he coached college football for several years. After returning home, Mr. Abrams spent time in Institutional Advancement and Fundraising/Alumni Relations. He then began his first teaching job, which he held for eleven years. He also spent time in high school admissions and in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). After a break from teaching, Mr. Abrams decided to return and knew he wanted to work at a place with strong values and a good sense of communication. He heard great things about Friends’ Central, and during the hiring process, meeting with Lee and Elizabeth confirmed all the positive things he heard about FCS. Mr. Abrams appreciates everyone’s friendliness as he adjusts to a new work setting and is impressed by students’ autonomy and leadership skills and the warmth of his colleagues. Outside of his profession, he is interested in psychology and human behavior and enjoys listening to music and podcasts. He still finds time to play football, and he also has his own company where he is a personal coach for aspiring quarterbacks and receivers. Mr. Abrams believes FCS is an amazing place with the potential to be even better. He is happy to be a contributing member to the school community and looks forward to his students becoming better learners and better people who are ready to make a difference in the world.
Welcome, Kate Carlyle!
By Ayla Fratus ‘27 and Soraya Obeid ‘27 (Reporters)
Kate Carlyle, one of the new outstanding members of our Friends’ Central community, has made a big impact on her students. Ms. Carlyle teaches French and Spanish to Upper Schoolers and is passionate about her work. Growing up in central California, she was taught Spanish for most of her childhood, until her junior year when she grew interested in taking French. When she was accepted into Swarthmore College, she was elated to broaden her study of languages and pursue her love of writing. Ms. Carlyle began tutoring in both languages and found it rewarding to see her mentees begin to love their language of choice. After college, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Linguistics, specializing in French and Spanish, from Swarthmore College. Right after college, she interviewed to work at Friends’ Central. Ms. Carlyle's initial impression of our school was that all her fellow faculty members were supportive and welcoming. As she began working here, she has enjoyed teaching every one of her students and says that the most rewarding part is seeing her students, “have fun and grow more confident in their language abilities.” Ms. Carlyle is passionate about songwriting, crafting, and other artistic activities in her free time. She incorporates these into her classes by making them interactive and engaging. As her students, we believe she is a positive addition to the Friends’ Central community who will continue to inspire students to grow in languages and will make an impact on many.
Welcome, Kevin Dlugos!
By Teddy Lohse ‘28 (Reporter)
One of the many new faculty here at FCS is Kevin Dlugos, 9th and 11th grade history teacher. He teaches two sections of Religions and Revolutions, which is the required 9th grade history class, as well as two sections of 11th grade Advanced US History. He is also the faculty advisor of Mock Trial, which he is very proud of. He said that “even if you aren’t in a mock trial, you have to hop on the hype train because this year is our year.” He actually was a part of the 2011 Mock Trial State Finals for his high school, where his school came in second place. He went to the University of Wisconsin for his undergrad in political science and history. He then got his master's degree in education at the University of Michigan. He is originally from the Philadelphia area, but just came back, after living in Rhode Island, where he taught at a Quaker school. He was very excited when he saw there was an opening at FCS. He loves that the students here ask very attentive questions and how they recognize particular details. He also loves how the kids are so passionate about mock trial — as you can see, he really loves mock trial, so you should join! He also loves to run, watch sports, and cook. He has two cats, one named Sisu and the other Susie. If he wasn’t a teacher, he thinks it would be cool to be a national park ranger and likes the idea of him being a ranger at Acadia National Park in Maine. We are glad to welcome Kevin Dlugos to our FCS community, and make sure to support mock trial this year!
Welcome, Kyra Spence!
By Mia Queenan ‘27 (Reporter)
Please welcome Kyra Spence, one of the newest additions to the FCS community and the English department. Ms. Spence grew up Quaker and went to George School. She then studied English at Barnard College where she met her mentor, Saskia Hamilton. Ms. Spence spoke with adoration for her late professor, calling her an “amazing contemporary poet who really opened up my eyes.” Her passion and desire to create her own poetry blossomed there, and she went on to get her Master of Fine Arts in poetry at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Ms. Spence has previously taught in Miami, Florida, at the University of Iowa, and was a poetry teacher for Mighty Writers, a non-profit organization that supports kids who cannot afford writing help. When asked why she decided to teach at FCS, Ms. Spence said, “The community was really powerful and palpable,” and she is excited to share her love for poetry and literature with “high schoolers who are at the beginning of discovering who they are.” Aside from writing, Ms. Spence enjoys going to museums and different visual art forms such as painting and photography. She also loves talking about poetry and books and is always happy to discuss literature with anyone!
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