Back to School Alumni Newsletter

Dear Southfield Alumni,

It’s officially back to school at Southfield, and the campus is absolutely buzzing with excitement! The halls are once again filled with the joyful chatter of friends reuniting, the smiles of teachers welcoming their students, and the happy hum of a new school year taking shape.

This year, we are thrilled to have 446 students walking through our doors—and among them, 105 brand-new faces joining our Southfield family for the very first time. The blend of familiar friendships and new beginnings brings such a special energy to our community.

There’s a sweet sense of anticipation in the air, and we can’t wait to see all that this school year holds—new adventures, great achievements, and countless moments that will shape our students’ stories for years to come.

Here’s to another year of learning, laughter, and the magic that happens when our Southfield family comes together!

With warmest wishes,

-Amanda Bunnett

Thirty-six new Pre-School 2 students are beginning their very first year at Southfield!

Pre-School 3 teacher Susie Collier jumped right in on the first day of school, joining her students in play and filling the classroom with her signature joy and energy.

We’re fortunate to have Officer Favis on campus—our students adore him, and we’re deeply grateful for the care and dedication he shows in keeping our Southfield family safe.

As we begin a new school year, we are thrilled to launch this year’s Pen Pal Project! This tradition began in 2008 as part of Southfield’s 75th Anniversary celebration. Originally created for 5th graders to complement their letter-writing lessons, the program’s incredible popularity and enthusiasm—both from students and alumni—has led us to expand it to include 6th grade as well.

The time commitment is minimal, and participation is possible no matter where you live—even if you’re out of town or overseas (just ask for details!). Past Pen Pals have cherished the connections they’ve built with our students and found the experience to be truly rewarding.

If you have any questions or would like to join in, please don’t hesitate to email Amanda Bunnett at abunnett@southfield-school.org.



Scenes from our Pen Pal Lunch! In May, students had the chance to meet their Pen Pals face-to-face for the first time. Some of our alumni hadn’t been back to campus in years and enjoyed a special tour of the school after lunch. It was a joyful day filled with laughter, reconnections, and new memories for all!



Southfield’s Class of 2021 is stepping into an exciting new chapter this fall. Whether they’re beginning their freshman year at universities across the country or embarking on a different path, we wish each of them the very best in this next adventure. We were so fortunate to welcome many of these seniors back to Southfield for the final flag ceremony—it was such a joy to have them on campus again!

📣 We Moved! This Southfield Alumni account was deleted on Thursday, August 21st — but don’t worry, the celebration of our amazing alumni will continue over on @SouthfieldSchool! 🎉

We’re streamlining all updates, stories, and achievements in one place so our entire community can stay connected. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow @SouthfieldSchool today! 💙

Alumni Spotlight: Michelle Khare

When you think of a daredevil, you might picture someone leaping from airplanes or racing down mountainsides. For Michelle Khare, Southfield alum and creator of the award-winning docuseries Challenge Accepted, pushing limits is more than a thrill — it’s her life’s work.

Since launching her self-titled YouTube channel, Michelle has built an audience of millions by taking on some of the most extreme physical and mental challenges imaginable. Nearly one billion views later, she has attempted everything from Harry Houdini’s deadliest magic trick to surviving a week inside the FBI Academy. What makes her story so compelling isn’t just the risks she takes, but the way she invites her viewers to grow alongside her.

This year, Michelle’s bold storytelling earned her a place on Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential Creators of 2025, a milestone she describes as both humbling and exhilarating. “It’s so special to get to make the show we make and to have an audience who watches it,” Michelle reflects. “Receiving the Time100 honor was a massive milestone, and our team was so excited to hear about it.”

Southfield Roots

Looking back, Michelle credits Southfield with laying the foundation for her fearless curiosity. “Southfield was such a formative place for me. The teachers were just fantastic — I felt so prepared going into high school and beyond,” she says. Some of her favorite memories include fencing club, performing in school plays, and competing in the science fair — experiences that foreshadowed her passion for both performance and pushing boundaries.

Words for the Next Generation

To today’s students and young alumni, Michelle offers advice that echoes her own journey: “Find something you love, and REALLY go for it! Give it your 100% all!” Her career is living proof that chasing a passion wholeheartedly can open doors you never imagined.

What’s Next

Even with her Time100 recognition, Michelle sees her work as only beginning. “I’m super excited for our upcoming projects with Challenge Accepted,” she shares. “We’re just getting started!”

For Southfield, Michelle’s story is more than an alum’s success — it’s a shining reminder of what happens when curiosity, courage, and creativity meet opportunity.



Life After Southfield

Our Southfield alumni continue to do extraordinary things long after they leave our school, and we love celebrating their many achievements. If you know of any recent milestones, please share them with us—we’re always eager to showcase our alumni on social media and in our summer magazine. Here are just a few highlights!

Southfield Magazine

We continuously work on the Southfield magazine throughout the year. If you know of any alumni who should be featured, please let me know. We like to know about new babies, wedding announcements/engagements, alumni deaths and memorials, and alumni notables- high school, college, and beyond. Please also let us know of any alum who has served or currently serving in our military.