A Message from Head of School Katherine Bradley

Theselast few months have provided me with many opportunities for reflection, and many opportunities to see the powerful connections between our current students and our alumnae community. In April, we welcomed alumnae back to campus for Reunion (page 33) and She Sails (page 28) events. Throughout the weekend, I connected with the Class of 1958, who marveled at the work taking place on our Classroom Building Project (page 20). They also attended our Wannamaker Lecture (page 8) and spent time in the Nina Heald Weber ’49 Archives, where they explored documents and photographs, including many of the original Classroom Building that opened in their Junior year at Dana Hall. I heard the sounds of laughter and delight as the Class of 1973 — with a remarkable 48 members in attendance — gathered for the 50th Reunion class dinner in a tent behind Grove House. What an impressive group of leaders and trailblazers. My admiration and pride grew even more during our She Sails event, when I witnessed alumnae from all decades connecting with each other and our current students and families during fascinating panel discussions or through organic moments when relationships were formed and networks expanded.

In early June, we celebrated the Class of 2023 (page 25), with a joyful, albeit chilly, Commencement ceremony. As I handed them their diplomas and watched them march confidently across the stage, I could not help but think of the 6th graders who began their Dana Hall journey the same year I became Head of School. I thought of the patience and flexibility they demonstrated when their high school experience was interrupted by an unprecedented pandemic. I admired their deep love of learning and great academic achievements, which we honored during Class Day (page 22). Their compassion, resilience, determination and positive outlook made them excellent leaders for our school, but perhaps even more importantly, I know they will be exemplary alumnae. I am eager to see what lies ahead for each of them, and I look forward to welcoming them back to campus, as we continue to ensure that the connections between our alumnae and our students remain strong and meaningful. F