Springers' Summer Learning

Learning doesn't stop just because it's summer! SSFS students pursued their passions and interests throughout the summer months, participating in various academic, leadership training, language immersion, and arts programs here in the DMV region and around the world. As lifelong learners, our faculty and alumni shared accomplishments, too. Read more, below:

National Hispanic Institute’s Collegiate World Series (CWS) Program: Melanie Benperlas ‘26 and Antonio Cazón Traini ‘26

SSFS seniors Melanie Benperlas and Antonio Cazón Traini participated in the Collegiate World Series (CWS) at the Regis University in Denver, Colorado, hosted by the National Hispanic Institute. The CWS program supports students in preparing for college and developing leadership skills. This includes working on college applications, writing resumes, preparing for interviews, and learning about financial aid. The program also includes case studies and addresses potential challenges students could face in leadership roles. At the end of the program, Melanie and Antonio were recognized as “Graduates of the National Hispanic Institute” and were offered a scholarship to Regis University, if they choose to apply to this institution. Congratulations, Melanie and Antonio! See more about the program online: https://www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org/cws

Summer Modern Dance Intensive: Jonathan ‘26 and Amisa ‘27 Humphrey

In August, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company launched its first Summer Modern Dance Intensive at Maryland Youth Ballet, welcoming dancers ages 14-18 for an unforgettable four-day experience. Participants included SSFS students and siblings Jonathan ‘26 and Amisa ‘27; Jonathan and Amisa trained daily with members of the acclaimed DTSBDC, engaging in modern dance technique and improvisation classes, learning dynamic choreography from the company’s repertoire, and exploring the rich history of American modern dance. The intensive culminated in a performance demonstration alongside company members, offering young dancers a unique opportunity to perform and grow within a professional setting. Jonathan and Amisa are excited to bring back the techniques and choreography they learned as part of this program to their SSFS Advanced Dance class with Priscilla Williams this year.  

 

 

Monteverde Friends School Teen Adventure Spanish Immersion Program: Ian Donahue ‘26 

Senior Ian Donahue participated in a 10-day immersion program in Costa Rica. Below is the description of the program from MFS Teen Adventures:

As the first cohort of the Monteverde Friends School (MFS) Teen Adventure in the Cloud Forest wraps up their final week with waves and sunshine in the coastal town of Sámara, we are proud and grateful for the deep experiences this inaugural group has shared.

Over the past ten days, 11 students aged 15–17 from the U.S. have immersed themselves in the culture, ecology, and community of Monteverde, Costa Rica. What set this program apart was not just the breathtaking scenery or the thrilling zipline rides — though there were plenty of those — but the meaningful relationships formed along the way.

One of the program’s cornerstones was building friendships with eight local teens, primarily from the Escuela de los Amigos.Through team-building activities, shared meals, games, and artistic collaboration, students transcended language barriers and connected authentically. While the participants may not have arrived fluent in Spanish, they practiced their second language together with the spirit of openness. From pizza-making and square dancing to service projects and quiet moments in Quaker Meeting, students found countless ways to grow personally and interculturally.

Highlights of their time in Monteverde included:

• Tree climbing workshops with Palo Vivo
• Service learning through volunteer work on the MFS campus
• Adventures to El Tigre Waterfalls and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Reflective evenings with sunsets and storytelling of Monteverde’s history

SSFS Alumni and Faculty

SSFS Alumni and Faculty were also busy this summer:

• SSFS Upper School Photography teacher Kris Morse had her article about "greener" photographic processes (such as Anthotypes, Chlorophyll Prints, and digital photography) published by the United Plant Savers this sumemr in their 2025 Journal of Medicinal Plant Conservation. Kris's four-page article describes these processes, which she uses in her personal artwork and teaches to her students in Upper School Photographic Arts and Digital Photography classes, and showcases some examples of Kris's beautiful photography! 

• SSFS alum Jack Thompson '20 published Hellbent: Coyote, the first issue in a seven-book graphic novel series, written and illustrated by Jack. Find out more and get your copy online: https://tinyurl.com/4fretddf (also available via Amazon and Barnes and Noble). Congratulations, Jack! 
  
  Jack credits Sandy Spring Friends School and the incredible teachers he had there with his deep and abiding love for stories and storytelling. His years at SSFS taught Jack many life lessons, including the belief that the process is more important than the result, that creative work is essential for developing empathy and understanding, and that the Quaker SPICES (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Stewardship) can be applied in every situation - personal, professional, and political! Jack is happy to talk with aspiring filmmakers or writers about their hopes and dreams, and about his own creative journey.