Barbara Kraus-Blackney Visionary Service Award 
2024-2025 Recipients

Honoring Sandy & Dorothy: Pioneers in Education

In 1976, Dorothy Flanagan and Sandy Howze founded Stratford Friends School to serve bright students who needed a specialized, nurturing environment to reach their full potential. Their unwavering commitment to student success led them to develop tailored instructional approaches that met the unique needs of children with learning differences. Through their leadership, they built a school culture where educators had both the knowledge and creativity to truly understand and support their students. As a result, Stratford Friends opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed, empowering hundreds of children with the skills and confidence to pursue brighter futures.

Beyond Stratford Friends, Dorothy and Sandy recognized the broader need for schools dedicated to supporting students with learning disabilities. They actively collaborated with

 institutions such as Delaware Valley Friends, Quaker School at Horsham, and The Mary McDowell Friends School, providing guidance, resources, andcurriculum support. Their contributions helped shape safe, engaging, and effective learning environments for countless students beyond their own school’s walls.

Their dedication extended into their service within the broader educational and Quaker communities. As active members of the Lansdowne Friends Meeting and the Chester Quarterly Meeting, as well as PBIDA and IDA, they worked to advance best practices in education and advocacy for students with learning differences.

Dorothy and Sandy exemplify the core values of independent education—creativity, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on student needs. Their visionary leadership and collaborative spirit have not only transformed the lives of the students they served but have also uplifted educators and institutions striving to do the same. Their legacy is one of innovation, inclusion, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every child.