In the final five weeks of the academic year, Friends’ Central’s senior class steps into the world. A definitive highlight of the Upper School experience, Senior Projects offer a unique runway for students to explore their passions and test-drive potential careers.
From international medical conferences to local political campaigns, here is a look at how just a few of our students spent their final weeks as FCS Upper Schoolers.
Industry Insiders
These seniors dove headfirst into highly specialized professional fields.
- Kalyan Satti ’26: Medical Research & Pulmonology Kalyan combined a medical internship with high-level research. His work on the variables that impact interstitial lung disease earned him a spot at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in Florida, where he presented his research poster. Kalyan is also looking ahead to his next academic milestone: a preliminary research paper regarding innovative techniques to treat subdural hematomas.
- Sammi Smith ’26: Entertainment & Comedy Development Sammi dove behind the scenes of Hollywood comedy development. She screened scripts for potential network pickups, learning how to organize screenplays and provide critical coverage notes. Her feedback was so sharp that industry professionals noted her critiques mirrored those of seasoned Hulu executives.
- Lisa Perini ’26: Communications & Progressive Education Lisa split her time working in the Friends’ Central Communications Office and as an assistant Spanish teacher at The Philadelphia School. At the Comms desk, Lisa learned the vital mechanics of school relations, while in the classroom, she experienced progressive language education in action. "I've been teaching the same lesson to multiple cohorts... which has taught me about adjusting the way something is taught to best match a group’s needs."
Creative Visionaries
FCS has no shortage of artistic talent, and several seniors used their projects to bring bold creative visions to life.
- Penelope English ’26: Filmmaking & Animation Penelope spent her time writing and developing an original animated short film titled Immortal Jellyfish. Moving far beyond a simple script, she built a complete universe by creating character designs, storyboards, moodboards, and a promotional poster.
"The plot centers on two girls: one who has had trouble connecting with her classmates, and the other who has drowned and has been mysteriously revived—but for how long?" - Olwyn Palumbos ’26: Theatrical Directing
Stepping into the director's chair, Olwyn took on the massive responsibility of directing Friends' Central's 9th and 10th-grade musical, The Lightning Thief.
"I’ve basically memorized every part of this show from a technical and artistic standpoint... I know everything that needs to happen down to the last minute detail for the show to succeed, which is both really nerve-wracking and incredibly exciting." - Daphne Yorks ’26: Public Art & Murals Friends’ Central Lower School has a vibrant new mural, thanks to Daphne. Her goal was simple yet impactful: "I just wanted to brighten up the space and make it more fun and magical for the kids."
Civic Leaders
In alignment with Quaker values, many seniors dedicated their projects to service, advocacy, and community.
- Greta Goldberg ’26: Political Campaigning Greta dove into local politics by working on Judy Trombetta’s campaign for state representative. From writing GOTV (Get Out the Vote) postcards to door-to-door canvassing, Greta got a crash course in grassroots politics. "I've learned a lot about how a campaign works and all the time that goes into it," Greta noted, appreciating the independence the project gave her to manage her own schedule.
- Evie Watkins ’26: Special Education & Classroom Support Evie spent her weeks volunteering with CADES (Children and Adult Disability & Educational Services), a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Providing a vital extra hand in the classroom, Evie supported children ages 7–9 in their daily learning and development.
The Next Chapter Awaits
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on completing your projects! If these endeavors are any indication of the future, our world is in incredibly capable and ambitious hands.
