B.E.S.T. Member School Networking Breakfast

August 18, 2025

Last Friday, colleagues from Admissions, Development, College Counseling, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Financial Aid, and other administrators across our 17 Member Schools gathered for the annual B.E.S.T. Member School Networking Breakfast. This highly anticipated event provided an energizing space to reconnect, meet new colleagues, share updates, and prepare collectively for the 2025–2026 school year. The focus, as always, was on our outstanding shared B.E.S.T. students.

The morning began with a warm welcome from Jessica Suriano, B.E.S.T. Executive Director, and Ann Teaff, Interim Head of Garrison Forest School. They expressed gratitude for the commitment of our Member Schools and the value of coming together ahead of a new academic year.

Jessica shared an overview of the admissions timeline, highlighted community partners, and shared the key dates within the B.E.S.T. Admission timeline while also introducing B.E.S.T.’s newest team member, Charlotte Butcher, Admissions and Advancement Associate. Peggy Bittner, Director of Programs and Alumni Relations, outlined B.E.S.T.’s programmatic focus areas. These include community building, college readiness, student transitions, leadership development, and access to external opportunities—all designed to support students and alumni in meaningful ways. Her remarks were followed by Crystal Lee ’96, a B.E.S.T. and Garrison Forest alumna and B.E.S.T. Deputy Director, who outlined new and ongoing funding initiatives aimed at meeting the needs of K–12 students throughout the network.

Before closing the main program, Timika Tyson, Director of Co-Curricular Programs and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Calvert School took a moment to acknowledge the collective efforts of the B.E.S.T. community by announcing a generous gift from Member School leaders and Diversity Practitioners who planned the annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference. This contribution serves as a powerful testament to the strength of our shared mission and the impact of a united community working to support B.E.S.T. students across our Member Schools.

Following this announcement, Jessica Suriano offered a compelling closing message, reminding attendees of our shared responsibility to advocate for and uplift B.E.S.T. students. She urged the community to remain steadfast in removing institutional barriers and creating spaces where students are fully seen, heard, and supported. Her call to action reinforced the importance of leading with unity, purpose, and a deep commitment to equity.

The morning concluded with remarks from B.E.S.T. Board President, Karlo Young, who reflected on rising above the noise and focusing on the signals in life that lead you and keep you focused on your goals and aspirations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Garrison Forest School and Ann Teaff for hosting this year’s event, and to all our Member School colleagues for their unwavering support. Here’s to a strong start and an inspiring year ahead for the entire B.E.S.T. community.