The Ethel Walker School Heritage Society Spotlight: Mary Bebel Schinke ’81 And Amy Storrow ’81

As the Class of 1981 prepares to celebrate its 45th Reunion this year, classmates Mary Bebel Schinke and Amy Storrow reflect on how Walker’s shaped their lives and why they have chosen to give back to their alma mater through planned giving in our Heritage Society.

For Mary, an attorney from Roxbury, Connecticut, Walker’s was “one of the most important periods” of her life. She recalls the friendships, creativity, and encouragement that helped her grow. “I was given a great deal by the Walker’s experience and community,” she shares. “For me, making a gift to Walker’s in my estate plan is the best way to give in a meaningful way, ensuring future girls can have the same opportunities I did.”

Amy, a retired senior foreign service officer and writer who lives in Mystic, Connecticut, agrees. She credits Walker’s with instilling the confidence that carried her through a groundbreaking career. “I graduated in 1981 believing that girls could do anything, that I could do anything,” she says. When she joined the Heritage Society, she saw it as a way to pass that confidence forward. “How do you put a price on a mindset? My approach has been to designate a percentage of my estate. Can you spare at least 10% to help other girls grow their capabilities? Say you’ll join me!”

As they reunite with friends to celebrate this milestone reunion, Mary and Amy remind us all that Walker’s is a special place with a deep past. They are now leading by example, shaping Walker’s future in extraordinary ways. Their stories remind us why Walker’s holds such a special place in so many hearts. Their thoughtful planned gifts reflect not only gratitude for a cherished past but also confidence in Walker’s future. Mary and Amy demonstrate that the bonds formed here truly do last a lifetime, continuing to strengthen our community for generations to come.