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Life 101: Equipping the Class of 2026 for a Journey Beyond the Gates
At The Baldwin School, our mission is to develop "talented girls into confident young women with the vision to make significant and enduring contributions to the world." As the Class of 2026 prepares to embark on their three-week externship experiences and eventually walk through the gates as graduates, Baldwin ensures they are prepared for the "small and ordinary moments" of adulthood, as well as some of the bigger moments, through its comprehensive Senior Life 101 program.
Practical Skills for a New Chapter
Senior Life 101 is designed to navigate the practical challenges and opportunities of life beyond our campus. This year’s sessions included hands-on workshops in car maintenance, where students learned to change a flat tire, check fluids, and charge a battery under the guidance of Director of Technology Dr. Thomas Heverin and Maintenance staff member John McClafferty. Complementing these mechanical skills was a self-defense session focused on personal safety and situational awareness.
The program also addressed the complexities of the legal landscape. Attorney Ashley Shapiro led a workshop titled “Avoiding Life’s Pitfalls,” providing crucial advice on navigating encounters with law enforcement and making smart choices during the transition to college. Notably, the session also covered modern challenges, such as insight into artificial intelligence (AI) discipline cases in higher education.
Alumna Dr. Florencia Greer Polite ’93, Professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology at University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine, returned to Baldwin to ensure our girls head off to college with valuable knowledge about available contraceptive options and the importance of informed consent.
And to prepare for their professional journeys, the seniors participated in a LinkedIn workshop with alumna Ricki Weisberg ’98, where they learned how to tap into the powerful Baldwin alumnae network. Following the workshop, every senior had a professional headshot taken to ensure they are ready to present their best selves to the world.
Wisdom from the Sisterhood
A highlight of the program was the “Beyond Baldwin” Alumnae Panel, a powerful reflection of the school’s vibrant sisterhood. The panel featured a diverse group of leaders, including:
- Justine Karp '06, a Vice President at MediaLink, where she works with brands to define growth strategies that translate attention into measurable business outcomes. She is actively building out the firm’s artificial intelligence (AI) go-to-market strategy, helping clients navigate how to operationalize AI across marketing and media.
- Jennie Kerson Pritzker '96, owner of Jennie Pritzker Interiors, a residential interior design firm in Philadelphia.
- Dr. Jamillia Kamara Covington '06, Senior Program Officer for Education at The Pittsburgh Foundation, where she influences investments in K-12 education, post-secondary access, and juvenile justice nonprofits with an emphasis on emerging organizations.
- Dr. Sara Katz Ward '86, a dermatologist with nearly three decades of experience, working in Chicago.
These women shared personal stories of their time at Baldwin and the paths they took to get where they are now. They discussed how their goals changed over time, and the twists, turns, and challenges they overcame in their careers. The women shared lessons learned and advice for our students who are about to embark on their college careers and beyond.
A Community of Care
While the workshops provided intellectual and practical insights, the spirit of generosity and grace was felt throughout the two-day event. The Alumnae Office provided a celebratory lunch from a Mexican food truck, and the students closed out their last day of classes with a Senior Sunset at Head of School Lynne Macziewski’s home. Gathering around a fire pit for s’mores, the seniors had a final moment to reflect on the bonds that make Baldwin their second home.
Baldwin’s Life 101 programming ensures that when the Class of 2026 steps out into the world, they do so with the unshakable confidence to define success on their own terms.
