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AFS Community Celebrates Athletics Center Grand Opening

The entire Abington Friends School community has watched in anticipation as a new athletics center took shape, transforming the campus and building on the momentum of a flourishing athletics program. Despite rainy weather, the community showed up, arriving in droves for the Grand Opening of the Richard N. Berman Athletics Center on Friday, September 6. Following remarks from AFS Head of School Rich Nourie, School Committee Clerk Margaret Sayers, and Campaign Co-Chairs Marc and David Berman, the Berman family, together, cut the ribbon to officially open the state-of-the-art facility.

Marc Berman P’19 P’20 gave a touching speech about his gratitude for AFS and his belief in its mission. He also shared fond memories of his late brother Richard, a devoted family man and successful businessman, in whose memory the building is named. A plaque at the entrance of the building honors Richard and his legacy of kindness and generosity.

Head of School Rich Nourie shared his heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals who made the transformative athletics center possible. He warmly thanked the Campaign Leadership Committee, who have been working since late 2016 to advance Now More Than Ever: The Campaign for AFS. In addition to Marc and David Berman P’19 P’20, campaign leaders include: Susan Salesky Rudin ’57, Cindy Balick P’13 P’19 P’19, Amy Brantz Bedrick P’15, Carolyn Jackson P’27 P’27, Margaret Sayers P’16 P’18, Ross Shanken P’17 P’20 P’24, and Sue Tressider P’18.

Following the ribbon cutting, the crowd was encouraged to explore the building and the 4th Annual Family Barbecue commenced. Upwards of 1,300 people were present for a spirited celebration of the start of a new school year together. Families, faculty members, staff, alumni and friends of AFS poured inside the spacious gym for a barbecue-themed meal. Nearby, students eagerly lined up for face painting and in the lobby a magician mystified onlookers. Over in Stewart Lobby, Rita’s was served at the entrance with a photo booth and an abundance of AFS Spirit Wear for sale inside. Though there was rain falling outside, the mood was not at all dampened and the excitement for the year ahead and the overall warmth of the AFS community was felt. Go to the AFS Facebook page for a photo gallery.

Abington Friends School will honor the storied history of boys and girls basketball coaches and educators Steve Chadwin and Debbie Stauffer at a special dedication ceremony for the Chadwin-Stauffer Court on Alumni Day, Saturday, October 5.

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