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.
Alum Spotlight: Jason Piperberg - Illustrating Dreams into Reality
Jason Piperberg
Jason PiperbergClass of 2004
Meet Jason Piperberg, an accomplished illustrator and comic artist whose journey from the halls of Susquehanna Waldorf School to the vibrant streets of Philadelphia has been nothing short of inspiring. Jason's artistic prowess and dedication to his craft have led to collaborations with renowned artists, making his mark in the world of comics and illustration.
Early Roots at SWS:
Jason's passion for art and comics was sparked at Susquehanna Waldorf School (SWS), where his journey began in the 4th grade. His desire to become a professional artist and delve into the world of comics took shape, supported by the Waldorf curriculum The process of illustrating Main Lesson books (now called Morning Lesson books) was pivotal, establishing the foundation for his future endeavors.
"My favorite part of the Main Lesson books was making the illustrations for what we were learning about, and that's essentially what I do now, every day," Jason reflects on his time at SWS.
From SWS to the University of the Arts:
After graduating from SWS in 2004, Jason continued his educational journey at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, a city that has become a significant part of his life. Philadelphia provided the backdrop for his college years, and the city's vibrant atmosphere sparked his creative spirit.
Artistry in Motion:
Since graduating from The University of the Arts in 2012, Jason has doggedly pursued his artistic dreams. He has stackled diverse projects, showcasing his versatility and creativity. Notable accomplishments include working on posters for the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing to Archie Comics' Sonic Universe and Mega Man titles, and creating all the art and book layout for the comic that was then made into the Netflix show Raising Dion.
Current Comic Projects:
Jason is currently immersed in three exciting comic projects, "My Neighbor Necromancer," a YA horror/adventure comic, and "Binary Sea," a captivating blend of Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek, and Master and Commander. Both demonstrate his storytelling finesse. The third project, "Doctor Livewell," tackles a unique theme – abdominal pain – and is a collaboration with Dr. David Suskind, a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Waldorf-Inspired Creative Process:
Jason's creative process begins with rough thumbnail sketches, and evolves into intricate line work and vibrant colors. While he acknowledges the absence of explicitly Waldorf-inspired elements in his process, he believes that the essence of his SWS education provided a firm foundation and continues to influence his approach.
Reflecting on SWS:
Looking back on his time at SWS, Jason credits the school for honing his ability to translate words into visual art, a skill that is crucial in his work today. Despite initially feeling different in the larger high school setting, his Waldorf background and the presence of other Waldorf graduates helped him navigate the transition and find lasting friendships.
Advice for SWS Students:
As Jason imparts wisdom to current SWS students embarking on their journeys, he emphasizes the inevitability of change. "Be aware that things always change," he advises. Jason encourages students to embrace the evolving phases of life, learn from challenges, and find their own pace.
In the dynamic world of illustration and comics, Jason Piperberg stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, education, and the unique journey each individual embarks upon. His story is inspiring for budding artists, illustrating that early interests, gifts and dreams nurtured in the classrooms of Waldorf education can indeed flourish into remarkable careers.
See more of Jason's work at: https://jasonpiperberg.com/
