28 recent decades have enjoyed Wardynski dogs and sausages donated by Skip, who graduated from Park in 1977 and now leads the local business with gratitude for lessons learned here. “Park gave me the tools to succeed,” he said. “I went through things in my years there that helped me be successful now in a tough industry.” Kasia graduated from Park in 1979, then from Denison University and onto Washington, DC, for her own career in banking, before becoming director of development for Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where her daughter received, “the closest option I could find to give her a similar experience to Park School!” In addition to school assemblies, sports, and the arts (Kasia specifically cited an enameling class as a favorite), Park’s campus is central to the Wardynskis’ reflections on their experience here. “How fortunate we were on that campus, having all that grassy, beautiful area outside to roam and play,” said Kasia. Of course, they all flowed with reflections on their favorite teachers, too. Paula still keeps in touch with her sixth grade math teacher, Mr. Widmayer. Kasia appreciated the care and compassion of Fr. Lawler. Skip is especially grateful for Patty Cohen Gelman '66, who both graduated from and taught at Park. Sue connected her children’s adventures to the framework set by foundational force Mary Hammett Lewis. “All of the teachers were wonderful characters,” recalled Paula. “Because the classes and the school itself were so small, we all knew one another well. The administration cared a great deal too, like Connie Eddolls, who was there the entire time I was at Park. It was such a joy to see her, to interact with her daily. Everyone cared." Paula connected the core values of Park with those of her other alma mater, Bowdoin. “Part of the mantra of the college is cooperating with others for the common good, the importance of which I believe Park established in me very early on." Through all these reflections, mother Sue beamed with satisfaction. “I think they’re three outstanding, wonderful citizens, and I think Park School had something to do with that,” she proclaimed. “If I had to do it all over again, it would be done exactly the same way.”
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