Featured Alumnus: Lauren Bradley

By Leslie Connor


Imagine spending your summer thinking about a horse. One horse and only one horse. And, not a horse that gallops, neighs or eats oats. This horse is referred to as “Number 28,” and is part of a collection of carousel horses owned by the Shelbourne Museum in Vermont. Number 28 needs some work and it’s the job of Lauren Bradley, WMS graduate, to restore with meticulous detail the appearance of this antique collectible. It not only takes patience for a job like this one, it takes a passion and the kind of training Lauren, 22, is getting in her summer internship in Vermont.

A 2008 graduate with Honors from the University of Delaware, Lauren double majored in Art Conservation and Art History, with two minors in Studio Art and Ancient Greek and Roman Studies. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and was given the Outstanding Senior Award in Art History. No wonder she’s one of only 10 students selected for a 3-year Master of Science Program in Art Conservation through the University of Delaware, in cooperation with Winterthur Museum.

Her academic abilities and her love of art were both nurtured in her 9 years at WMS.

According to Lauren’s mother, WMS Kindergarten teacher Trish Bradley, Lauren’s academic training prepared her to be an independent learner. She understood a “work cycle,” i.e., getting the work out, doing it, and putting it back. She and Lauren credit WMS with teaching her time management as well. Through the Montessori method, Lauren became a daughter who never had to be told to do her homework. Trish also feels Montessori gave her daughter tools for her future academic work, including study skills and the mechanics of writing papers.

Lest you think that solid academic training was the only take-away for Lauren, just ask her proud mom. “First and foremost,” says Trish, “was the character development, drive, sense of self, and social/emotional focus that WMS offered. She was known by her teachers such that they understood her nature and her challenges. Plus the teachers knew what they were doing.” As a parent who only started teaching at Montessori once her children, Lauren and her sister, Lena, attended, Trish appreciated the lessons in parenting that she learned – how to give choices, problem solve and teach compromise, among many others.

Known for her love of art even as a young child, Lauren is grateful to WMS Art Teacher, Laurie Muhlbauer, for nurturing her passion. She made many art projects with Laurie, including a mold of her own face that she still owns. Lauren confides that she still thinks of math in colors and parts of speech in shapes. What a perfect way for a young girl with a love of art to learn the math and language skills that have served her so well in her chosen career!

Featured Alumnus: Adam Brown

It takes an exceptional teenager to become an Eagle Scout – according to Boy Scouts of America, only about 5% of all Boy Scouts move up to this ultimate achievement. Wilmington Montessori School alumnus, Adam Brown, age 15, is one of those rare young men.

In addition to earning 21 merit badges each with demanding tasks (10 to 20 requirements for each badge!), an Eagle Scout applicant must design and complete a service project for the community. The beneficiary of the service project is decided on by the Scout, and is usually an organization that has meaning to the Scout. In Adam’s case, he has chosen WMS as the recipient. His vision? A classroom in the woods where teachers can bring their students to explore the woods, learn about local plants, and rest on benches that line the short, inviting trail. In the Spring of 2008, Adam and many volunteers will join together to create his vision in the woods.

Adam attended WMS from age 2 through 3rd grade. He remembers some things clearly (like the Pink Tower and his joy in using it as often as he could), while other things are more vague (like the names of his classroom pets). What he does know is that his 7 years at WMS greatly impacted his future as a student, even at this young age. Adam knows that his love of learning was cultivated in the kid-friendly Montessori classrooms that he called home. He remembers how inviting and tactile the activities were, and attributes his appreciation for education to the messages he learned early on. He describes himself as an organized student whose curiosity was sparked by his Montessori education. And for that he is grateful.

His choice of WMS for this signature project was something he considered for many years. He knew 2 things for certain. First, as a Cub Scout, he knew early on that he wanted to achieve the Eagle Scout badge, and secondly, he wanted to find a way to give back to a school that gave him a secure start to his education.

WMS and his original Cub Scout Pack 1313, sponsored by WMS, are equally appreciative of Adam’s gift. To support his endeavor, WMS has generously allowed Adam to utilize some of the grant money received from the Welfare Foundation, money that has been earmarked for improvement of the woods around the school. Adam’s project dovetails nicely with WMS’s goal to better use the woods around the school for education. Pack 1313 has generously given Adam a check for $500 to help purchase native plantings and scouts will help with the installation. As part of his Eagle requirements, Adam has to manage a group of volunteers . In addition to supervising scouts, he will work with WMS parents on May 3 during a special Co-op Woods Day. This has become a real community project.

Adam now attends Cab Calloway School for the Arts in Wilmington, majoring in Visual Communications. While a few years away from graduation, he aspires to major in Math as an undergraduate (it all started with the pink tower!) and hopes to continue on for graduate degrees in either Physics or Economics. With the determination and capability of an Eagle Scout, we know he’ll succeed in whatever he attempts. Congratulations Adam!

Photo: Adam and Linda Zankowsky, Head of School, accept a check for $500 from Cub Scout Pack 1313 in support of Adam’s Eagle project.

WMS Alumna in the business world: Elizabeth Nolan

WMS aluma Elizabeth Nolan (daughter of former computer teacher Maryann Nolan) and two of her friends have a new business selling homemade, all natural dog treats. Known as "Waggies by Maggie and Friends," (named after dog treat baker Maggie Corrigan) the company produces all natural peanut butter dog treats. While dogs love the flavor, owners like the freshness, all-natural ingredients, and attractive packaging. More importantly, the treats are baked with a lot of love from 3 young women and their support team.

According to Maryann, "There is a lack of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Those who are employed are not given much in the way of job security." This business has helped the bakers to develop a variety of skills they would not otherwise get. Nolan's hope is that this model will not only be successful in Wilmington, but can also but can be replicated in other communities.

How are Elizabeth’s products being received? According to Liza Conces, mom of well-known Montessori weiner dog, Pedrick Conces: “Pedrick thinks they are delicious. He is partial to their newest flavor--chicken—since it does not bother his brother Andrew’s peanut allergy.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Elizabeth’s company visit the “Waggies by Maggie and Friends” website at http://www.waggies.org/.