Solebury School Celebrates 100 Years During Homecoming Weekend

SOLEBURY, PA — Solebury School celebrated the Centennial of its founding with parents, alumni, elected officials and the community on Saturday during Homecoming activities at the school.

Guests explored the rich history of the buildings and places on campus during a walking tour, attended a talk filled with stories and archival images that illuminated Solebury’s early years, and finished the day with a Centennial Exhibition Tour and opening reception.

Saturday arrivals were treated to brunch before a "Blueprints & Beginnings: The Early Days of Solebury" presentation with historian and architect, Andrew Alpern, Class of 1956, in the Barn Theater. He shared old portraits and architectural photos and told stories of how the founders purchased the old Michener Farm and transformed it into Solebury’s campus.

Historian and architect, Andrew Alpern, Class of 1956, spoke about the early days of Solebury School. (Tiffany Robinson)

Attendees viewing a timeline of the school. (Tiffany Robinson)

Director of Alumni Engagement Holly Victor, Class of 1989 and Head of School Tom Wilschutz. (Tiffany Robinson)

The day concluded with the Centennial Exhibition and reception. Attendees took self-guided tours of memorabilia and artifacts that shaped Solebury’s story before gathering for the ceremony.

Joshua Nay, Director of Advancement, served as emcee for the event. State Senator Steve Santarsiero and Seth McLean, from the office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, presented the school with citations to recognize the school’s Centennial. Others who shared inspiring remarks were Head of School Tom Wilschutz, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Josh Perlsweig, Class of 2003, Director of Alumni Engagement Holly Victor, Class of 1989, and current student August Chen, Class of 2026.

“On that day in 1925, Solebury School began a journey that culminates in this, our 100th year of delivering an education and offering a nurturing community to generations of students and families,” Wilschutz said. “We know that many independent schools never survive to see this anniversary. It's a special moment for the school and everyone gathered here who treasure this institution. Solebury School reached this milestone birthday because, for a century now, we have known who we are, and we have stayed true to the vision of the founders and the values that led them to establish Solebury School.”

Holly Victor thanked everyone who helped make the exhibit procurement and installation possible. She spoke about the school’s evolution over the years and how it remained aligned with the founders' philosophy.

“As we mark our Centennial, we’re not only celebrating a school. We’re celebrating generations of young people who made it what it is,” Victor said. “From those first four students in a farmhouse to the vibrant community today, Solebury’s spirit has always been defined by its students. In challenging times, it has so often been our students and alumni who carried Solebury forward, with resilience, creativity, and heart. And today’s students continue that tradition every day, in classrooms, performances, athletic contests, and acts of service.”

After previewing Solebury School’s new Centennial book, August Chen reflected on her experiences and how the past stories were familiar with what Solebury is today.

“I also found a quote in the book that Solebury offers ‘robust opportunities,’ and it really is true,” August said. "I spent four years playing violin in the Elite Ensemble, took Multivariable Calculus, and even got elected as one of the school presidents. Solebury School gives me, and every student here, endless opportunities.”

August also spoke about friendship bonds at Solebury. “My life is like a puzzle here, each kind of friend being a piece that fills my life. I’m a mosaic composed of all the people I know, and it has made my life here so much richer. Solebury School was always a place where everyone could be friends with everyone else. That is still true today."

Homecoming weekend was the perfect time to celebrate the traditional soccer games on Friday night, followed the next day by honoring the people and the special moments that shaped its history.

Head of School Tom Wilschutz accepts a citation from State Senator Steve Santarsiero. (Tiffany Robinson)