New Parent/Caregiver Welcome Dinner


July 6, 2026

Last month, we were thrilled to welcome our newest B.E.S.T. parents and caregivers to The Bryn Mawr School for an evening of connection, community, and celebration as they prepare to begin their Independent School journey at one of our 17 Member Schools this fall.

The evening began with a Summer Scholars orientation led by Co-Directors, LaShanda Lawrence and Peggy Bittner for families of students participating in our five-week summer program for newly enrolled rising middle and upper school students.

Families were also introduced to the B.E.S.T. team and learned about the year-round programs, resources, and support available to help them thrive throughout their Member School experience. Executive Director Jess Suriano shared how B.E.S.T. creates meaningful opportunities for families to build connections, stay engaged, and feel supported every step of the way.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was watching families connect with others whose children will be entering the same grade or school this fall. Current parents shared their experiences and offered encouragement as they reflected on finding community and becoming active members of their school communities.

The evening concluded with inspiring remarks from B.E.S.T. Trustee and Gilman Alumnus Darius Jennings ’11, who reflected on the lasting impact of the relationships he built through B.E.S.T. and at Gilman. He shared how those connections have supported him from school to college, through his professional football career, and now in real estate.

We are grateful to Sue Sadler and The Bryn Mawr School for hosting this special evening, and to our Current Parent volunteers for generously sharing their experiences. Most of all, we are honored to welcome our newest B.E.S.T. families and look forward to walking alongside them as they begin this exciting new chapter.

Director of Enrollment Management Alecia Pridgen with a new B.E.S.T. parent

B.E.S.T. Trustee and Gilman Alumnus Darius Jennings ’11 chatting with a new B.E.S.T. family

Co-Directors LaShanda Lawrence and Peggy Bittner providing our newest B.E.S.T. families with an orientation of our five-week Summer Scholars program