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Giving Back: The Pancoe Family

 

Craig Pancoe and Deborra Sines Pancoe P’95, ’01, ’05 have witnessed the transformative power of Friends Select School in many ways. Deborra’s personal journey with the school began in 1986, when she joined the faculty as an upper school librarian. During her 18 years of service to the school, she served as upper school dean, taught Quakerism and history, and coordinated upper school service learning and city outreach programs. She also developed deep, lasting connections with colleagues and students alike. 

The couple also have the perspective of parents of Friends Select students—Adrienne ​​Pancoe Cormier ’95, Alycia Pancoe Young ’01, and Stefan Pancoe ’05—and believe their children’s experiences at the school deeply influenced their transformative years. “Our children became more inquisitive and formed meaningful relationships with their teachers, which have had a lasting impact on their lives,” said Deborra. “The relationship between teachers and students at Friends Select is unique and to be treasured.” 

Craig and Deborra’s appreciation for Friends Select extends beyond professional and parental roles; they have made a significant commitment to the school’s future through planned giving. By designating Friends Select as a beneficiary of their retirement funds, they aim to ensure the school’s financial sustainability and long history of providing excellence in teaching and learning. “It is a comfort to me to have that legacy gift in place. It lets me know that no matter what happens, a portion of the funds that I’ve saved over my career will be designated for Friends Select,” Deborra said. “The school’s values of seeking the Light in every person, working for peace, seeking equity and justice, and fostering community are worth investing in.”

The Pancoe’s planned gift will contribute to the school’s endowment, supporting faculty salaries, and providing financial aid to students in need. Deborra shared, “Leaving a legacy gift is very simple to do, and the professionals at the financial services organization that manages our retirement fund assisted us.” The family’s story is a testament to the profound impact of a Friends Select education and the importance of giving back, and their legacy gift ensures that future generations of students will benefit from the same nurturing environment cherished by their family. 

By contributing to the school through planned giving, supporters can ensure that Friends Select’s legacy continues for generations to come. 

For information on how to support the school through your estate plans, contact Christine Jefferson, chief development officer, at chrisj@friends-select.org or 215-561-5900 x3141.
 

Sat, 30 Nov 2024

Michael Gary Speaks: Fall 2024

By working together, we can provide future generations with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Wed, 20 Nov 2024

Integrating Green Spaces into Our Educational Curriculum

Philadelphia’s diverse green spaces are thoughtfully woven into programming at Friends Select School, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that leverage the natural environment for educational enrichment.

Tue, 19 Nov 2024

Making Major Strides as We Advance Friends Select

As the school looks to a future that includes continued increases in enrollment and
plans for a monumental transformation of the Parkway Building’s back lot, updates to Advance Friends Select ensure the school remains at the forefront of educational and institutional excellence.

Tue, 19 Nov 2024

Above Board: Lessons in Stewardship

With the feedback and support of the Sustainability committee and the administration, Friends Select's board of trustees enthusiastically and wholeheartedly approved the addition of Environmental Sustainability as the fifth pillar to Advance Friends Select this year. 

Mon, 18 Nov 2024

FSS Community Pantry: Serving Our Neighbors in the City

Friends Select School marked a significant milestone this year with the official launch of the FSS Community Pantry during the Family Association’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event.

Mon, 18 Nov 2024

Creating a Gender and Sexuality Curriculum for Lower School

An innovative lower school program is creating a foundation for understanding gender and sexuality for Friends Select’s youngest learners.  

Sun, 17 Nov 2024

Caring for Our Community: In Conversation with Recently Hired Employees

In the past four years, Friends Select has welcomed many remarkable employees who embody the school’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning and dedication to its students and alumni. 

Sat, 16 Nov 2024

Long-standing PMA Partnership Empowers Students to Study Art More Deeply

A nearly three-decade-long partnership between Friends Select School and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) fosters a unique educational experience for ninth-grade students.

Fri, 15 Nov 2024

Deepening the Alumni Experience: Q&A with Martha & Ben

Earlier this year, Martha Eisenberg ’85, P’22, ’24 and Ben Behrend ’12 became co-presidents of Friends Select’s Alumni Association. 

Thu, 14 Nov 2024

Giving Back: The Squires Family

When Fred and Stephanie Squires P’22 enrolled their daughters, Amelia and Madeline, in Friends Select School for kindergarten, they started a thoughtful tradition that was rooted in their family’s values.

 

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