Alumni Spotlight: Celebrating the Class of 2020
At Susquehanna Waldorf School (SWS), our mission is to nurture each child’s unique spirit, inspiring not only a love of learning but also guiding them toward a life of purpose, joy, and contribution. This education is rooted in the understanding that the journey matters as much as the destination. We strive to equip our students with curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of connection to themselves and the world around them.
It is a profound privilege to witness the paths our students choose after passing through our green doors one last time as students, carrying with them the gifts of self-awareness, compassion, and wonder. Whether they pursue art, science, service, or entrepreneurship, we see in each of them the enduring values of our community. We are immensely proud of our SWS alumni, knowing that wherever life leads, they are ready to shape their futures with wisdom, courage, and a love for humanity.
The Class That Overcame
2020 was a memorable year at SWS, defined by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. As schools closed and education moved online, our students were faced with a major shift in their eight grade experience. They had let go of the year they had envisioned and instead adjusted to a world of social distancing, masks, and remote learning.
Despite these obstacles, our graduating class showed remarkable resilience. Traditions looked different or were postponed, but our students found meaningful ways to connect. When our traditional Rose Ceremony couldn’t happen, first-grade buddies delivered flowers to the homes of our eighth graders to mark the end of their journey. Graduation was unconventional, yet our community still honored our grads in safe, heartfelt ways.
Our students rose to each challenge with dedication, camaraderie, and curiosity, finishing their year with the same spirit they began with. The class of 2020 may not have had the year they imagined, but they carried it with grace, forming friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Today, these graduates are making an impact, driven by purpose and passion. We are incredibly proud of them and honored to share an update for this class.
Leilani Richardson, Former SWS Teacher
Leilani Richardson, former SWS teacher, taught the class of 2020 and guided them through an unprecedented school year.
“[I’m] super proud of the class of 2020. Especially their resiliency in response to the 2020 shutdown and the uncertainty of their early high school years,” Ms. Richardson said.
“They drew on their strength and abilities and flourished. Their post high school education paths and adventures are inspiring!”
Leilani currently is working as the Executive Director at RegenAll, a local climate action nonprofit.
Maya Stauffer, Class of 2020
Maya Stauffer graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 2024. She has started her first year at Denison University and plans to double major in Music and Environmental Science or Psychology.
Marlo Houser, Class of 2020
Marlo Houser graduated from Manheim Township High School. She will be starting her college career at Northwest Mississippi Community College, studying Agricultural Business for two years. Marlo’s love of horses started when she was at SWS. Her eighth-grade project at SWS was centered around working with rescued horses and she plans to build on this foundation with her current program.
Ian Rivera, Class of 2020
Ian Rivera graduated from Manheim Central High School. Ian is starting his freshman year at the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.
Tophy Wann, Class of 2020
Tophy Wann graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School. During his high school career, Tophy played soccer, making it to the State Championships his junior year, and participated in the Student Ambassador Club and the Attollo Leadership Program.
Tophy is attending Franklin & Marshall College where he will pursue a degree in Business, Organizations & Society. He also plans to learn Italian and hopes to study abroad.
Sidney Brant, Class of 2020
Sidney Brant graduated from McCaskey High School with High Honors. She will begin her college studies in the fall at Vassar College.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We can’t wait to see what you do next.
