Our Wildwood, Volume 47

GIVING VOICE A conversation between community members

Christina Kyong and Dr. Joanie Banks-Hunt

Christina Kyong joined Wildwood prior to the 2020-2021 school year, immediately taking the reins as the K-12 lead pandemic coordinator along with her official role as associate head of school. Dr. Joanie Banks-Hunt is in her first year at Wildwood as director of upper school. Here, the two leaders reflect on what drew them to Wildwood and the school’s vision for its future.

OWW: We recently launched a new website aimed at prospective families highlighting the key factors of what makes us Wildwood. In your own words, what do you think makes us Wildwood? DR. BANKS-HUNT: I think what makes us Wildwood is the community. It’s not just something we talk about —it truly is the culture of the school. As you walk the hallways, you see students and faculty working together, engaging in project-based learning. You can feel the energy around education at every level, and that’s exciting. CHRISTINA: Typically, mission statements are something that institutions strive toward, but at Wildwood, it feels like we’re already living ours. There’s bold innovation, leadership, and compassion. Our kids are doing things that are way beyond what you would normally see middle and upper school students doing, especially when it comes to taking initiative and thinking about ways to solve problems. OWW: Officially, there are four pillars that describe what makes us Wildwood: a commitment to mastery and skill building, a participatory adventure, a vibrant home in the world, and a lab for the future of education. Of these, is there one in particular that resonates with you?

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