Donnan Stoicovy Joins State College Friends School as Interim Head

State College Friends School is very pleased to announce that Donnan Stoicovy has been hired as Interim Head of School for the 2018-2019 academic year. Donnan will oversee all aspects of administration while the school completes a national search for a permanent head.

Stoicovy, who retired in 2016, served as principal at Park Forest Elementary School in State College for more than 27 years. In that position, she was instrumental in cultivating a safe and rich learning environment designed to empower thoughtful, active, and engaged citizens. Under her leadership, Park Forest Elementary enjoyed recognition for environmental education and for an award-winning recycling/zero waste program.

At Friends School, Stoicovy will fill the position recently vacated by Dan Hendey, who pursues new career opportunities after nearly eighteen years of service. Hendey began his tenure at the school as a teacher and helped start the middle school program at Friends.  Subsequently, he served as business manager for several years before becoming Head of School.  As head, he was instrumental in making improvements to playgrounds and facilities as well as the curriculum. In 2010, Hendey added Pre-K to the school’s offerings, and prior to his departure, he facilitated the relocation of that offsite program to the school grounds at 1900 University Drive, where a PreK-4/K classroom will open this fall.

In her new position, Stoicovy will work with faculty and families to deepen community relationships and to help shape a new enrichment program for students of all ages, beginning this fall.  Donnan says she is excited to bring together her passion for stewardship of the environment and her commitment to building a strong, caring, loving community.  “I believe my experience and core values align very well with the Quaker values taught and modeled at Friends School,” said Donnan.  Donnan says she is looking forward to meeting both current families and interested community members adding, “I’m especially eager to learn from students how they embrace the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.”