50th Timeline: 1985 – The End of the Alex Horsley Years

In the last several entries, we have discussed the tremendous growth of the school during Alex Horsley’s tenure.  In 1985, sadly for many Board members, teachers, parents, and students, Horsley accepted a position as the Founding Head of School for an International School in Atlanta.  In 1992, Horsley reflected back on his time in Mullica Hill, writing that my “main recollections are of continual struggle to make the school a viable part of the community of Friends’ schools, viable from a financial as well as educational and spiritual viewpoint…. There were many moments of great satisfaction.”  Certainly, those who worked alongside him agreed. He also made a great impression on the students during his tenure. According to Andrew Dodson, who attended Middle School during Horsley’s tenure, “Alex’s mission was towards the cohesive, spiritual, and mutual respect of all students at Friends School Mullica Hill.”  Dodson remembered that his approach was to turn the many problems facing Quaker schools “into opportunities.”  Dodson affirms that Horsely “reached the light in me, and many others” and did so in a manner that gave us the tools we would need in the future to be able to recognize when “the way” was opening and, just as importantly, the ability and confidence to take those openings.  Decades later, he remembers this “incredible gift” as one of the most important moments in his life.