Dr. Ferris first met Trey Whitfield when he was a student and she was the director of studies at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. In no time at all, the petit director and towering student-athlete formed a close bond. In 1986, Trey enrolled at Brewster as a sophomore and the following year Dr. Ferris moved to Wolfeboro to become Brewster Academy’s academic dean, a position she held until 1992. Their friendship and mutual admiration for one another continued.

Following her time at Brewster, Dr. Ferris served for 12 years as head of Senior School at Sewickley Academy near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Ferris holds a B.A. in English from Women's College, University of North Carolina, a master's in English from Cornell University, a master’s in theology and literature from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in English from Drew University.

In 1994, Dr. Ferris was named an All Star Educator in Pittsburgh. Her experience includes time as an exchange teacher in Seoul, Korea, and studying education in England. In addition to teaching English, her classroom experience includes work with ESL students as well as students with learning differences.

Most recently, Dr. Ferris began serving as the academic dean of the Wolfeboro Camp School. Her primary responsibility here includes leadership of the teaching faculty, development and monitoring of individual academic programs, and shared responsibility for communication with parents, schools, and consultants.

Dr. Ferris has traveled extensively – most recently to India. She continues to study international education, mythology and world religions, and Tai Chi. A long-time and dear friend of the Brewster and Trey Whitfield families, and in particular of Trey’s parents, A.B. and Janie, Dr. Ferris shared her memories and reflections of her friend, Trey Whitfield.

The annual lecture is named for and honors Trey Whitfield, a member of Brewster's class of 1989 who believed that everyone, regardless of ethnic background, should have equal access to the educational opportunities needed to reach their potential in life. Trey died just days before his Brewster graduation.

At the completion of Dr. Ferris’ remarks, the Brewster community was treated to the voices and spirit of the Trey Whitfield School Choir visiting from Brooklyn, New York. This celebratory performance was a much anticipated highlight within the Brewster community. (Photos)