Stephanie Turkington Byrne ’65 studied in Bogota, Madrid, New Jersey and Miami all before she turned 21, yet she believes her years at the Everglades School for Girls provided the strongest foundation for her future. She recalls immersing herself in sports, getting involved with the local community as a volunteer in the 1964 presidential campaign, developing her language skills – she received the Spanish award as a senior – and feeling empowered by the small but ambitious community of 17 girls that made up Everglades' 10th graduating class.

Stephanie Turkington arrived at the Everglades School for Girls in 1959. The daughter of an international business executive, her early years were spent on the north shore of New Jersey and in Bogota, Columbia.  After graduation, Stephanie went on to attend Bennett College in upstate New York, enrolling in a three-year program in international studies, where she played on the tennis team and completed her final year in Madrid, Spain. She remained overseas for one year, employed as an intern at Merrill Lynch, before returning to the States to work in New York City.

A chance visit to San Francisco to see Everglades classmate, Carol Ann Norton Rogers ‘65, convinced her to move west, where she joined the trust real estate department at Wells Fargo Bank. After meeting her husband, Bob Byrne, the couple moved to Palo Alto and she continued working in real estate as a commercial property manager.

Stephanie and Bob have since retired to Carmel Valley, enjoying a varied lifestyle of outdoor activities, cultural events, volunteering and travel. Stephanie has chosen to include Ransom Everglades in her will, recalling the outstanding education and close friendships that tie her to the school.

“I was very fortunate to attend Everglades. Then, as the school continues today as Ransom Everglades, it continues to provide an excellent education and a promising future for each of its students.  I am happy to see that legacy continue into the future.”