Senior Profile: Barak A. ’26

As we count down to the end of the school year, we asked some of our seniors to tell us about their interests at Friends and how their experience has prepared them for the next step.

Barak A. ’26

Up Next: University of Pennsylvania | Major: Finance

Activities at Friends: Black Student Union, Finance Club, Friends School Investment Committee, Peer Educator, Student Representative to the Board of Trustees, Basketball, Volleyball

Programs/Honors: FSAA Award: Most Improved Player, Sophomore Year Volleyball

What is/has been your favorite subject at Friends?

Mr. Schlenger's Accelerated Algebra 2 was the class that challenged me the most in my life up until that point. I grew in the struggle, though. It prepared me to push through, not only in that class but in my life in general. Mr. Schlenger supported my classmates, who felt like cousins, and me all the way through. All going through it together like family.

How do you think Friends has prepared you for your next step in life?

Friends first and foremost allowed me to be myself. Through that, I started to find my identity and grow into the man I wanted to be. Being so close to my classmates and having so many opportunities to spend quality time with them helped me figure out the type of people I want to surround myself with going forward in life.

Without this school and the multiple leadership positions it has allowed me to experience, I would not be where I am today, attending the university I am attending. It was all possible through the grace of God, the support of my family, and my home at Friends.