For Anna Yon '09, Washington College is truly a family affair. As the ninth member of her family to attend WC, she is part of a sprawling legacy that transcends three generations and both sides of the podium.
When her grandfather, Professor Andre Yon, came to Washington from Harvard to chair the French Department, the College soon became intertwined with the Yon family. Professor Yon's three children, Michelle, Collette and Anna's father, Andre Yon '85, grew up on Washington Avenue, across the street from the College, and when it became time for him to choose a school, they did not travel far from home. This pleased the Washington athletics department, which had been recruiting Andre to play lacrosse. The College also played matchmaker, as met his wife and Anna's mother, Maria-Luisa Arrivillaga '83 while they were both students. Arrivillaga family also had deep roots in the community, as two of Maria-Luisa's brothers, Pedro and Guillermo, were students and well-known soccer players. On top of that, Maria-stepfather, Ambassador Dean Hinton, delivered the commencement address at her graduation. These two legacies combined when Andre married Maria-Luisa.
Although she grew up in Colorado, Washington College still played a large role in Anna's life. She had a Shoremen flag in her bedroom, and she vividly recalls attending alumni crab feasts and being the only child. She visited her grandfather often and spent summers in Chestertown at lacrosse camps. "It made sense," she says of her decision to choose Washington College. "It was comforting to know that my family went here, and there are several teachers who knew my parents, and even attended their wedding." Despite all the comforts that her family's legacy has brought her, there are times when she is not so sure. She recalls a faculty member who, upon seeing her name on a class roll, said in an exasperated voice, "Yon? There's another one?!"
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