St. Margaret's School Thistle 2016 by St. Margaret's School

THE Belong. Believe.

An annual magazine for alumnae and friends

Lots to Celebrate in Athletics

2016

Tappahannock Taken by Storm |

Become.

Teens & Technology

| Belonging Challenge

Alumnae Board

Board of Governors

President: Beth Crowther Angle ’97

Blue/Grey Connection Chair

Chair: Charles Griffith ’81

Vice President: Sarah Weakley ’04

Mary Emery Leipertz ’00

Bette Jones Albert ’68

Secretary: Cabell Edmunds ’10

Members at Large

David Arias P’14

Treasurer: Carter Holloway Fitch ’02

Jenni Booker Baker ’93

Carrie Baldwin ’81

Past President: Patti Webb ’03

Mary Liz Bergstein ’81

David Colón

Michelle Burch ’07

Carter Holloway Fitch ’02

Catharine Jones Owen ’70

Patricia Gallagher

Peyton Scott ’14

L.H. Ginn III

Golden Thistle Chairs

Tina Hopkins Spain ’97

Jean Roy Jones ’81

Ann Norvell Gray ’65

Kate Taylor ’83

Richard Lewis, MD

Betty Rose Townsend Sexton ’61

Angie Tucker ’93

Sarah Dillard Pope ’86

Young Alumnae Chair Meghann Dintino ’14

Kendall Stoneham P’13

River Run Chair

Carl Strock

Bowdre Fortson ’08

William Tyson P’11 Heather Wood ’87 Alumnae Representative Beth Crowther Angle ’97

Foundation Board

Parent Council

Parent Representative

Chair: Jane Whitt Sellers ’71

Co-Chairs: Cliff and Kathy Ogg P’18

Dr. David Charlton

Kathy Miller-Wilson P’17

Governors Emeritae

John Lawler P’09

Hannah Overton Tiffany ’79, P’17

George Longest, Jr.

Kelly Niedzwiecki P’18

Lucile Ware McCarthy ’82

Rob and Diane Pierce P’18

John Muller P’01

Donna Marie Murphy P’19

Jane Whitt Sellers ’71

Sarah Belle Eason Parrott ’68

Karen Berry P’19

Ex Officio

Ann Peck ’75

Shannon Tignor Ellis P’20

Cathy Sgroi P’00, Head of School

Maria Skuratovskaya ’94 Ex Officio: Nancy Smith P’04

Kathy Ogg P’18

Charlotte Haile Frischkorn ‘58 Margaret Shepherd Ray ’61 Foundation Board Chair

President, Church Schools Dr. David Charlton, President, Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia

Administrative Cabinet Cathy Sgroi P’00, Head of School Boyd Spencer P’96, Assistant Head

of School for External Affairs

Nancy Smith P’04, Chief Financial Officer The Rev. Anita Braden, Chaplain Stephen Davenport, Director of Development Lindsay Knight, Director of

Communication and Marketing

Cameron Sgroi Tuebner ’00, Director

of Enrollment Management

Cynthia Walker ’99, Athletic Director

faculty and staff, 2016 – 2017

THE

The Thistle is published annually by St. Margaret’s School. Questions and comments should be directed to the Director of Communication and Marketing. Head of School Cathy Sgroi P’00 Director of Communication and Marketing Lindsay Knight Director of Development Stephen Davenport Director of Alumnae Relations Fran King Director of Annual Giving Joycelyn Blizzard Development Office Manager Cheryl Ellis Brooks ’82

ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL P.O. Box 158, Tappahannock, VA 22560 (804) 443-3357 fax (804) 443-6781 develop@sms.org admit@sms.org www.sms.org

2 A Message from the Head of School 3 Open Forum – Alumnae Q&A 4 Along the Banks 6 Tappahannock Taken by Storm – EF3 Tornado & Relief Efforts 8 Lots to Celebrate in Athletics 12 Faculty Perspective – Teens & Technology by Keith Krusz 13 New Faces at SMS 14 A Salute to Our Parents 15 Faculty Scoop – 25 Things You Didn’t Know About Athletic Director Cynthia Walker ’99 16 Commencement 2016 Awards & Prizes 18 Independent Study Projects & Senior Speech with Honors 20 Alumnae Weekend – Reunion 2016 22 Distinguished Alumna Award & Alumnae Service Award 24 The Annual Fund – Belonging Challenge 25 Class Notes 40 Transitions

a message from the head of school

Dear St. Margaret’s family,

MISSION STATEMENT St. Margaret’s is committed to the growth of young women in every area of their lives: intellectual ability, physical well-being, social responsibility, and spiritual maturity. We offer a diverse student body a sound college-preparatory curriculum, challenging to each individual. In a Christian environment, founded on the Episcopal tradition, both honor and character are developed. St. Margaret’s seeks to inspire each student to make the best of herself, and in so doing, make a better world.

I am honored, proud, and excited to be the 12th Head of St. Margaret’s School. When I came here forty years ago as a very young teacher, I knew nothing about the School, but immediately after teaching my first Algebra II class, I knew this was where I belonged. The girls listened intently, took notes, and asked great questions. I thought to myself, “This is what every excited new math teacher wants—girls who want to learn math!” But by the end of that year, I realized that St. Margaret’s was so much more. And as I became familiar with the mission, I saw how the School lived that mission in every move it made. Now, decades later, I find that St. Margaret’s has changed some but remains true to our core values and foundational goals. We have the same mission but are different in the moves we make to execute our mission. As time passes, we experience cultural shifts and environmental influences at an ever-increasing rate. But in spite of these, whenever we gather to plan, our mission remains our guide. St. Margaret’s raises girls, and we do it well. We offer a curriculum that accepts girls where they are and truly pushes them to their potential. But that’s not all. We help them to see their potential by challenging them to be their best in every area of their lives—in the classroom, on the playing fields, in the halls, and beyond. This challenge, coupled with loving support and encouragement, helps them to realize their gifts and share them with the world. Along the pathway to growing in age and grace, girls face personal dilemmas and may even misstep. The St. Margaret’s community stands ready to put our arms around our girls and help them learn from these struggles. Our structure, clear expectations, and emphasis on integrity allow the girls to concentrate on taking responsibility for the full scope of their actions and rising above. In this way, we ensure our girls are strong and resilient, ready to face the ups and downs that life will surely throw them. I am often asked what makes us special. We do what we say we do because we have the perfect formula for raising girls: an accepting community that instantly makes them feel like they BELONG, challenges that prepare the way for them to BELIEVE in themselves, and opportunities for them to BECOME their best selves. When I meet alumnae from before my time here and reconnect with those who were here with me, they consistently say to me, “St. Margaret’s made me who I am today.” Wow, that is powerful and living proof that St. Margaret’s is the real thing! As you read this issue of The Thistle, you will see what I am talking about. Those tangibles and intangibles that students, past and present, share make them who they are as individuals and as members of this special community. I ask you as alumnae, parents, and friends of St. Margaret’s to stay connected to us. If you want to have a remarkable day, come and have lunch with our girls. Let us know what you are doing, offer your talents to share with our girls, and help us find more St. Margaret’s girls! On behalf of every one of you and every student here now, I also ask that you regularly donate to our Annual Fund to show your support of St. Margaret’s, the real thing, the School that prepares girls for the pathway of life. With heartfelt appreciation,

Cathy Sgroi P’00 Head of School

THISTLE | 2016

open forum

Alumnae Questions

You Asked, We Answered. What is the status and future of the boarding school marketplace in the U.S.? Boarding schools all across the country are facing uncertain times right now. Industry trends show boarding enrollment at a gradual but consistent decline and millions of dollars lost in net tuition revenue each year. Challenges are even greater for small, single-sex schools. St. Margaret’s is one of only 17 girls’ boarding schools in the United States; there were hundreds of us just a few decades ago. Competition for students is at an all-time high, and a combination of various economic, demographic, political, and cultural challenges exists. Given these factors, it’s hard to predict what the future holds, but we know that those schools with a strong sense of self, solid student recruiting model, committed group of faculty and staff, generous donor pool, and bold yet adaptive strategic plan will be in far better shape.

Is St. Margaret’s in danger? Sure, you could say St. Margaret’s, like all independent boarding schools, is at risk. Marketplace factors facing boarding schools will clearly have negative impacts on the industry as a whole. A strong contingent of both domestic and international students is essential to the future of St. Margaret’s. We must get back to a healthy enrollment and become financially sustainable. We refuse to be overlooked as a valuable educational option for young women today and have no intention to stray from our mission or who we are as a community. In the last 95 years, we’ve overcome similar serious challenges. And, we fully intend on seeing this through as well.

What can I do to help? Simply support the School in every way imaginable. Stay informed about what’s happening at St. Margaret’s, and share our online news stories and social media posts with your network of family and friends. Help us to spread the good word about St. Margaret’s. You, as alumnae, parents, and friends, are our best marketing tool. We need more St. Margaret’s girls just like you, and they can be found almost anywhere—in church, at the neighborhood cookout, on a three-hour flight, or through your professional relationships. Many tuitioncapable families are simply ill-informed about boarding school in general and have never considered it for their daughter(s). If you can get them to campus, our Office of Admission will handle the rest. Increasing our applicant pool will only make us stronger. And of course, regularly donate to the Annual Fund. It is, after all, an annual fund, and we rely heavily on it in order to meet the growing demands of the School.

THISTLE | 2016

along the banks he encouraged students to get active by hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other activities, through the trimesterlong afternoon activity, SSOAK (Science, Service, and Outdoor Adventure Klub), and on weekends or during free time. Goff believes that by exposing students to their natural environment and its majesty, they are more likely to have an appreciation for the outdoors and become lifelong stewards of its preservation.

Students present research at VIMS.

On River Time at SMS Now that a Director of the River Program has been named, the integration of the Rappahannock River into life at St. Margaret’s is taking flight. Kevin Goff has not only resurrected the award-winning River Days program, he has also found ways to include it in the School’s science curriculum, afternoon activity time slot, Minimester program, and students’ free time. River Days is a favorite memory for many alumnae and has been recognized by Virginia Living magazine as a top innovative program. Its original structure was revived this year in an effort to encourage students to interact with their natural environment and one another, and to bond as a class. Goff took each class on field trips, where they examined different parts of the river and had fun along the way. In the classroom, his unique approach to inquiry-driven teaching and valuable community connections granted students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present research at VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Science). The Environmental Issues class was challenged to identify a problem (real or imagined) and to work through potential solutions over the course of the trimester, heightening students’ criticalthinking, leadership, and team-building skills. Following the presentation, students had engaging interactions with several enthusiastic young female scientists, further building STEM self-efficacy in girls’ education—one of many ultimate goals. Because Goff is passionate for recreation on the river and physical fitness,

THISTLE | 2016

It’s a Small World After All For decades, St. Margaret’s has offered one of the oldest and best-established international programs among American boarding schools. Here on the Rappahannock River sits a global representation of bright, young women. The entire school community benefits by learning from our international students and becoming more culturally aware. Due to the success of the International Festival for the past several years, a new Global Enrichment Program was developed in an effort to celebrate St. Margaret’s diversity year-round and to give each cultural group a dedicated time to educate the SMS community on the geography, history, and culture of their home country or countries. In addition, faculty and staff had the opportunity to serve as sponsors. Each month, a different cultural group shared personal experiences, performed native dances, and prepared interactive presentations featuring food, fashion, music, and more. Together, the St. Margaret’s community journeyed in spirit to the Caribbean, Chile, Mexico, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Ghana, South Korea, and Vietnam. The greater community benefited from St. Margaret’s international population as well, particularly local Girl Scouts, who spent time with students at a passport-style event. Scouts were encouraged to travel to and from different cultural stations, each with an educational component and interactive activity or game. By the end of the event, Scouts were exposed to a variety of cultures and inspired by St. Margaret’s true global community.

Through the ESL (English as a Second Language) curriculum, students strengthen their English skills, take challenging academic courses, and fully immerse themselves in American culture. Oftentimes, experiences that take place out of the classroom can be helpful to an international student’s understanding of content and appreciation for language. A perfect example is the students in this year’s American Culture class, who visited a local assisted living facility to conduct interviews with long-time residents. Students listened to stories of the residents’ lives in Tappahannock and other parts of Virginia and were able to connect the stories to what they learned in class. Thanks to the Director of the International Program, Jordanna Ailor, and her guidance, these students not only benefited from practicing their conversation skills, they formed the beginnings of yet another community partnership.

Virginia’s Summer Residential Governor’s School for Humanities Senior Lauren Harter of Tappahannock represented St. Margaret’s as one of 200 participating students across the Commonwealth in Virginia’s Summer Residential Governor’s School for Humanities. Lauren is the daughter of Dale and Tracy Harter, former SMS faculty members, and has been a student at St. Margaret’s since her 9th grade year. Summer Residential Governor’s Schools provide gifted high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences in visual and performing arts; humanities; mathematics, science, and technology; or through mentorships in marine science, medicine and health sciences, or engineering. Students live on a college or university campus for up to four weeks and are involved in classroom and laboratory work, field studies, research, individual and group projects and performances, and seminars with noted scholars, visiting artists, and other professionals. This year’s

Governor’s School for Humanities was held at Radford University. An invitation to this highly selective academic program is offered after an incredibly thorough and intensive application process. First, students are nominated by region. St. Margaret’s School is a member of the Region Five Peninsula, which includes independent schools in Hampton, Newport News, the Northern Neck, and Williamsburg. Lauren was one of only eight nominees from the region. Then, student nominations are weighed by various committees. Several criteria must be met in order to be considered. Applicants must be residents of Virginia and are asked to submit their academic records, test scores, extracurricular activities, honors and awards, an original essay, and teacher recommendation for evaluation. St. Margaret’s Director of College Counseling, Rachel Wyant, nominated Lauren and had this to say about her and the experience: “The application and selection process can be grueling, but the reward is well worth it! Lauren is one of the most dedicated students I have come to know, and that dedication stems from her genuine love of learning. She’s hard-working, naturally inquisitive, outrageously creative, and confident—each of these qualities made her an ideal program candidate.”

Lauren Harter ’17 attends Governor’s School.

Student Art Exhibits on Campus Talented Scotties have worked tirelessly this year under the direction of the KonKons to decorate campus with student artwork. What began as a simple beautification project and some minor campus renovations has evolved to create a great deal of intrigue, inspire innovative thinking and expression, and even help with admission tours! Officially known as St. Margaret’s Student Art Display Program, the SMS Art Team, in close collaboration with the exhibition committee, was asked to use art to liven up some rather ordinary spaces. The project developed in phases; each art class was assigned a dedicated exhibit space with a distinct vision. Right away, favorite pieces by alumnae and students in Advanced Art were displayed in the basement of St. Margaret’s Hall and on the first floor of Latané Hall. Soon after, students in Art History uncovered the past with “Ancient Egyptian Portraits.” Then, colorful storytelling pieces to the “Fisherman’s Tale” collection hung proudly in the lower level corridor of the Community Technology Center while other river-themed paintings and multimedia pieces found their place elsewhere in Latané and SMS Hall. Studentartists in Digital Photography, Ceramics, Watercolors, Fashion Design, and Black and White Graphic Design also contributed impressive works which were displayed in buildings across campus. The feature piece, “Spiritual Heart,” debuted in May. It consists of one hundred thirty-six, 5"x 5" cardboard blocks, each with its own artist and concept. The idea, the media, and the theme were entirely up to the participant’s imagination. The piece recognizes the individuality of each studentartist while celebrating the community’s collaboration. This colorful masterpiece in the shape of a heart has become the symbol of St. Margaret’s collective synergy and of the large spectrum of beliefs as a multicultural community. SMS is a community in which everyone’s spirituality is accepted and respected; therefore, it is fitting that the “Spiritual Heart” can be found at the entrance to chapel—a shared place of worship and now powerful display of community art.

Students donate supplies to The Haven.

Day of Service Leads to Life of Service On Monday, January 18, 2016, the St. Margaret’s community memorialized The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a school-wide day of service. Because MLK Day is a federal holiday in the United States, most businesses and schools close in its observation. Although St. Margaret’s held classes, a special schedule allowed time to honor his legacy by serving others. Students and faculty gathered in the Margaret Robinson Broad Dining Room for a dedicated chapel service, where a photo slideshow of the Civil Rights Movement was shown as Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech played over the sound system. Soulful Voices, St. Margaret’s a cappella Gospel singing group, moved the congregation with a heartfelt performance, and Mother Anita called on the community to have the strength to build a better future. St. Margaret’s mission, after all, is to inspire each student to make the best of herself, and in so doing, make a better world. Following chapel, students participated in a service project to benefit long-time nonprofit partner, The Haven Shelter and Services in Warsaw, Virginia. The Haven provides assistance to victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence, or other related types of trauma and their families (www.havenshelter.org). Each member of the student body was assigned an individual served by The Haven and tasked to fill a bag with items needed—for babies: diapers, wipes, and socks; activities and books for children; and basic toiletries for adults. St. Margaret’s is proud to have participated in The Martin Luther King Day of Service, a day of citizen action, volunteer service, and to encourage a lifetime of living the St. Margaret’s mission. THISTLE | 2016

community spotlight

TAPPAHANNOCK

TAKEN BY

STORM

EF3 TORNADO & RELIEF EFFORTS On the evening of February 24, 2016, a vicious tornado ripped through Essex County, conquering everything in its path and forever changing the lives of some local residents. The main area of impact stretched from Miller’s Tavern to the mouth of Mount Landing Creek. Over 70 structures incurred damage and 27 were destroyed. There were 25 injuries reported, about half of them critical—but miraculously, no fatalities.

The tornado was classified as an EF3.

with an outpouring of support and

devastation occurred only minutes away.

With 140 mph wind speeds across a

volunteer efforts. The community’s focus

Naturally, the girls wanted to help.

28-mile track, it cleared a path as large

became taking care of citizens impacted

as 500 yards wide in some locations. The

by the storm. Residents and businesses,

at a local collection site, organizing

mighty storm leveled homes, snapped

in partnership with the American Red

donations and rallying support.

trees into pieces, collapsed power lines,

Cross, helped to collect and distribute

Others shopped for goods for the first

and completely displaced animals,

donations to tornado victims.

responders, who needed energy bars,

vehicles, equipment, and far more.

water, and granola, in order to keep up

In the immediate aftermath, friends

President of Eastern Virginia Bankshares,

their strength and continue their tornado

and neighbors rushed to remove debris

Inc. and Tappahannock branch manager,

relief efforts.

so the injured could be reached. First

and her EVB team were a large part of

responders were quick to the scene,

the volunteer force. She explained the

community even contributed from

rescuing then transporting patients to

closeness to the victims and the heartfelt

afar. Nicole Lane ’03, an alumna and

medical facilities and temporary shelters.

community outreach. “Everyone was so

former Basic Needs Chair, coordinated

Within 24 hours, Essex County

emotionally involved. The Tappahannock

a clothing and supply drive remotely

Emergency Services received assistance

victims are our customers. We know them

among colleagues and friends—

from a variety of state agencies and first

personally. We live and work with them.”

a shining example of living the

responders in surrounding counties.

St. Margaret’s mission.

Public servants closed roads and

for St. Margaret’s. Tornado warnings led

assessed the damage while recovery

on-campus students and staff to gather

heartbreaking, terrifying, magnificent,

centers, restoration projects, demolition

in a secure shelter until the ”all-clear”

and unimaginable all at once. Above all,

crews, and cleanup assignments began

was issued by the National Weather

though, the overwhelming outreach and

taking shape.

Service. Although campus and the

support has made the Tappahannock

SMS community were left unscathed,

community even stronger.

The days that followed were filled

THISTLE | 2016

Rebecca Coggin Hubert ’79, Vice

The event, too, hit close to home

Groups of students lent a hand

Members from the St. Margaret’s

The destruction was real. It was

SMS CAMPUS

Students shop for items need ed by first responders in tornado relief efforts.

THISTLE | 2016

athletics

Lots to Celebrate in Athletics

To say it was a big year in athletics is a bit of an understatement. Award-heavy seasons landed

St. Margaret’s on the top of regional and state polls, repeatedly broke school records, and heightened community support and interest in both the athletic program and the School. Leading the helm is Athletic Director, Cynthia Walker ’99, a St. Margaret’s alumna and former student-athlete, who coached all three seasons this past year and claimed the second consecutive LIS (League of Independent Schools) Volleyball Coach of the Year title last fall. She is as humble about her history as a decorated athlete as she is about her professional success and that of the athletic program at St. Margaret’s School. Walker’s attitude, one of great appreciation and unwavering passion, has carried over to our girls. There is an undeniable bond between “Coach” and her student-athletes. They respect her, and they want to make her proud. She jokes, “They watch me like a hawk. And so, I’ve got to be extremely thoughtful in all that I do. If I can be a role model to these girls, I want to be sure that I am setting the absolute best example and meeting the expectation that I set for my student-athletes.” As for the program, her philosophy is simple: Be St. Margaret’s. The athletic program is about more than developing better athletes; it’s about developing better people. That means living the St. Margaret’s mission as expressed 8

THISTLE | 2016

Walker and Academic Dean, ViAnn Farmer, recognize scholar athletes.

by the three-word phrase: Belong. Believe. Become. Walker translates its meaning with an athletic mind-set. Belong, as if to a team, is to understand that it’s a privilege to be a part of a group larger than yourself. It has nothing to do with you as an individual but everything to do with you as a team. Believe is daring to beat the odds, trusting completely in yourself and having confidence in your teammates. Those who say they can’t and those who say they can are usually right. Become is that moment, once the season has ended, when you realize that the path you took with your teammates made you who you are today. The emphasis is not placed on the athletes, the coaches,

St. Margaret’s swim team makes a name for itself.

or even the teams themselves. Instead, Walker takes a unified approach, where all hands are on deck, working as one. “In an effort to create the best athletic program possible and give our girls the best experience we can, it takes a village,” she says. “We need to be a family who supports one another, recognizes our strengths and weaknesses, and wants to contribute to the greater good.” New this year, she adopted a co-coaching system, where coaches split the decision-making and work together toward a common goal. This seemingly small adjustment has made the coaching staff reevaluate their expectations for themselves, the girls, and the team. Athletics are about more than the outcome of a practice or game; it’s about coaching our girls for life. The building of one’s character through teachable moments on the field, on the court, in the pool, or in the locker room is how you Be St. Margaret’s. It’s where qualities like self-confidence, resiliency, teamwork, empathy, mental toughness, self-control, and respect for others are developed—almost identical to the School’s To Be Statements, further supporting St. Margaret’s long-standing mission and philosophy. That’s the big picture. As is always the case, St. Margaret’s girls say it best. At an alumnae event in Richmond, Virginia, a group of students were asked to share their St. Margaret’s experience, both how they came to know the School and what they’ve taken from their time here. Two students happened to be athletic standouts and chose to share what they learned from teachable moments of character building, rather than what was posted on the score board. “I learned that if I can’t be a student first, then I can’t be an athlete either. In addition [...] St. Margaret’s taught me how to become a better leader in the community as well as on the playing field. I have learned to channel my aggression [...] and become a better team player. And, because of the small, closeknit community, I now have many sisters whose friendships will last a lifetime.” Coach Walker says that it’s because of the athletic program’s refocus on unity, attitude, and striving for

excellence, not to be confused with perfection, that our teams have seen tremendous success. It was a record-breaking year for St. Margaret’s athletic program as it was the first time in the history of the School that four teams made state appearances: volleyball, basketball, swimming, and softball. This is especially impressive if you consider the size of the schools St. Margaret’s competes against, some with a student body triple in number. In the fall, volleyball went 13-13 and advanced to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) state tournament, the first time competing on that stage since 1999. The second trimester saw basketball and swimming at states. Basketball prevailed with an injury-stricken team almost all season long and hosted Highland School in the first round of state play. Swimming made a splash in the 50 Free, 100 Fly, 200 IM, and 400 Free Relay on the state level. Proving again that the athletic program is about more than winning, the swim team also swam over one million yards during the season in support of the One Love Foundation, a non-profit that brings awareness to the issue of relationship violence (www.joinonelove.org; #yardsforyeardley). And in the spring, softball took everyone by storm with a nearly undefeated season coupled with a VISAA state championship showing, making history as the first team of any sport at St. Margaret’s to compete in the state finals. Softball’s state championship game topped off an outstanding season, which included regular season and league tournament titles, a second-place ranking in the state, and players being named to the both the All-LIS Team and AllState Team. As a team, the Scotties hit 20 home runs in 22 games—another school record. One player led the state, all private and public schools, both in runs scored and stolen bases. Defensively, the pitching staff threw five no-hitters. “This team is full of girls who love and respect the game but who also love and respect one another,” said Coach Philip Belfield after the championship game. “They believe in

Swim team supports One Love Foundation by swimming over one million yards. THISTLE | 2016

athletics “ We are not just here for the experience; we’re here to compete, and we should not be taken lightly.” – Cynthia Walker ’99, Athletic Director

Scotties celebrate one of 20 home runs this season.

each other and that anyone in our lineup is capable of getting the job done. That’s why we made it as far as we did.” In a postseason softball celebration, where players, coaches, families, and members of the St. Margaret’s community gathered in honor of the team’s top-notch season, Walker spoke again about the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship on the playing field, but also acknowledged that the team’s success this season paved the way for St. Margaret’s athletic program. “This is a big deal for ‘our little school on the river’,” said Walker. “I hope people will finally take a second look at St. Margaret’s. We are not just here for the experience; we’re here to compete and should not be taken lightly. Our studentathletes are the best of the best, and I am immensely proud.” Also in attendance was former St. Margaret’s softball sensation and current ace at Longwood University, Elizabeth 10

THISTLE | 2016

“Biz” McCarthy ’13, who had just been named Big South Pitcher of the Year for the second year in a row and led the Lancers to the NCAA regional championship only two days after St. Margaret’s VISAA state championship game. She is tied for the most strikeouts (203) in a single season at Longwood and second for the all-time career record, with only 49 to go— and she fully intends on capturing that title, too. Most recently, McCarthy became a Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) first-team All-State University selection. She came to the St. Margaret’s hurrah to show her support for the girls but also to share some words of wisdom. Her message, though, was not about the wild ride she’d been on the few weeks prior, or the trophies and accolades she’s collected over the years. Instead, she talked about sisterhood and her appreciation for St. Margaret’s. McCarthy encouraged the girls to not take for granted this moment nor the people with

McCarthy ’13 gives words of wisdom at St. Margaret’s postseason softball celebration.

Members of the SMS softball team visit Biz McCarthy ’13 at Longwood University.

whom they have shared the experience. Earlier in the season, the St. Margaret’s softball team went to watch McCarthy pitch at Longwood and got a glimpse of what life would be like as a college athlete. McCarthy literally rolled out the red carpet for her St. Margaret’s sisters, giving them the grand tour and introducing them to her teammates. It was a dream-come-true for some of the younger girls, especially. Walker also made the trek to see McCarthy play this season. At the NCAA regional tournament, she watched in admiration as McCarthy’s character shined through the dirt and sweat. “Biz is kind-hearted, hard-working, and positive,” noted Walker. “She’s the first one out of the dugout to give her teammates a high five and the first one back from sprinting to and from the foul pole in between innings. She is what you wish for all of your players to be and a perfect representation of not only the type of athlete but the type of young woman we develop here at St. Margaret’s.” McCarthy graciously shared the limelight with a younger pitcher this season. She said she enjoys success more when it’s celebrated with others, and she credits St. Margaret’s with showing her that being a good leader is knowing when to follow and when to take charge. Sure, McCarthy is an award-winning athlete, but she’s more recognized for the type of person she is both on and off the field. How lucky is St. Margaret’s that McCarthy is not

only an alumna, but the daughter, granddaughter, niece, and cousin of fellow alumnae. Now that’s a legacy! There are plenty of other success stories among studentathlete alumnae (see sidebar) and current Scotties. Some are more transformative than others—think struggling student to scholar athlete—but all are examples of how St. Margaret’s truly changes girls’ lives. Walker says that’s the real reason she’s here. To her, it’s about far more than building an athletic program. St. Margaret’s seeks to inspire each student to make the best of herself, and in so doing, make a better world.

RECENT COLLEGE ATHLETES* Cynthia Walker ’99: University of Florida: Volleyball Patti Webb ’03: University of Florida: Crew Betsy Joslyn ’10: Bridgewater College: Field Hockey Megan Sisk ’10: Clemson University: Crew Heather Chastain ’11: Western Carolina University: Softball Renee Greenslade ’12: Randolph Macon College: Field Hockey Katherine Lecce ’13: St. Michael’s College: Swim Solene Ndahiro ‘15: Becker College: Basketball * This list is only a sample of St. Margaret’s alumnae who have gone on to enjoy careers as college athletes. Please contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at (804)443-3357 to be added to the directory.

THISTLE | 2016

faculty perspective

TEENS & TECHNOLOGY “There are lots of theories on how to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by our device-smitten students. A popular belief at St. Margaret’s is a simple, age-old adage—talk to your kids.” by Keith Krusz, Dean of Faculty

With the ever-changing technological climate and digitally saturated reality of today’s teenagers, the impact on a boarding school environment is inevitable and most certainly complex. One must realize that technology not only affects the emotional health of young people but also a school’s policies and procedures, curriculum, and even spiritual life. In many cases, our students are just a mouse click, swipe, or send button away from disaster. As a parent and an administrator, this is both terrifying and exhausting. First, it is important to understand technology and also how it fits into the lives of our students. Are our youth so obsessed with technology that they will lose the ability to communicate and interact in person? Do teenagers care about nothing but “impression management” within their online communities? Is popularity based on the number of Snapchat followers? Psychologist Lisa Damour argues that teenagers are really no different today than they were decades ago; they are not addicted to technology, but like teens from previous generations, to one another and are now able to stay more connected because of technology. Young people use social media as Keith Krusz and his little princess, part of their everyday practices. There is Emma Krusz ’16 nothing wrong with this necessarily—teens are merely using resources available to them to engage in their broader social world. However, with this engagement comes an element of risk. There are lots of theories on how to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by our device-smitten students. A popular belief at St. Margaret’s is a simple, age-old adage—talk to your kids. Talk with them 12

THISTLE | 2016

about manners, risk-taking behavior, boundaries, self-respect, privacy, identity, and personal safety. Every year in chapel, I deliver what the girls call the princess sermon. The direct message is a pointed discussion of the technology code of conduct at St. Margaret’s and a warning against potential violations through examples of inappropriate and potentially illegal selfies and real-life consequences for sexting. The underlying message, though, is to empower students to resist what seems okay in the current climate, and to build a strong character and sense of self-respect. I tell students when confronted with a request seeking an inappropriate response to pause and reply “Sorry, I’m a princess.” The last five graduating classes know the full backstory, but here is the most important part of what I share each year: “Each and every one of you is someone’s little princess. Sure you may be grown up or close to it. If you are very fortunate, that person may be an active part of your life and may even be here today, but wherever that person is, as sure as I’m standing here in front of you as a parent, I can share with you that you are still somebody’s little princess. That is how you need to think of yourself, that’s the kind of respect you need to have for yourself, and how you should think about each other. Wearing a tiara at May Ball is completely optional.” The spokesperson for the first-ever National Princess Week, Dame Julie Andrews, said this about being a princess: “Nothing should be dictated and there is no form you should follow—except perhaps begin decent, having grace, and not treading on people on the way.” What a great suggestion for an SMS girl. #sorryimaprincess #thequeenwouldnotapprove

administration: new faces

NEW FACES ON CAMPUS Rachel Wyant

Director of College Counseling Before coming to St. Margaret’s a little over a year ago, Rachel was a Mid-Atlantic Regional Admission Counselor for The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she was responsible for the recruitment and enrollment of students in the region, including Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Prior to her work at UT, she was the Assistant Dean of Admission and Assistant Director of the Annual Fund at the University of Mary Washington. Rachel has a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Mary Washington and a master’s degree in social foundations from the University of Virginia, Curry School of Education. In Rachel’s time as a college recruiter and admissions counselor, she gained a broad understanding of applicant profiles and read thousands of applications from high school students. She also ran application boot camps with a focus on college essay writing. Rachel has this to say about the past year, “As I reflect on my first year at St. Margaret’s, I am amazed by the diversity among our students, especially in the Class of 2016. An outsider looking in will see the obvious diversity in the fact that half of the graduating seniors represent eight different countries. But I am more intrigued by the pathway that each girl has taken to

accomplish her goals. For some, their path has included remarkable tenacity in the face of adversity. Their stories are unique and I feel privileged to be a part of their journeys.” At St. Margaret’s, we often use the analogy of “the train” to describe the full momentum of the school year. Rachel has used a similar analogy in describing the application process; in this case “the train” is college. While each student has the support of her family, teachers and peers, the act of going to college is purely individual. The college process is owned by the student, and thus, it looks different for everyone. Some girls may arrive at the station very early with their bags packed, while others take their time getting there. The St. Margaret’s Office of College Counseling seeks to provide resources and support for each individual to ensure that she embraces the adventure ahead with confidence, and of course, grace.

Jane Harrington

Coordinator of the Wheat Center for Innovative Learning Jane grew up in a small mountain town, similar in size to Tappahannock, in the “toe” of Virginia. She has a bachelor’s degree in family and child development from Virginia Tech, and a master of education degree in evaluation and research, as well as reading, from the University of Virginia. Her professional experience stretches over twenty years in public education,

Farewell, Cookie

Every day for 15 years, Cookie Evans walked across Water Lane to her second home. She was the voice behind the phone, the face at the front door, and the heart of St. Margaret’s School. Those who dropped in, those who visited campus regularly, and those who work at St. Margaret’s agree that Cookie’s presence brightened each day. But Cookie not only welcomed all to St. Margaret’s, she also supported the Head and Assistant Head with many administrative duties, allowing them to focus on other responsibilities. Members of the faculty and staff appreciated her willingness to help, especially the condensed weekly schedule she compiled and shared with all. Cookie is a master at organizing information

teaching general education in Richmond City Public Schools and serving as a reading specialist in Orange County Public Schools, Charlottesville City Public Schools, and Chesterfield County Public Schools. Jane’s longest tenure was in Chesterfield County, where she supported and coordinated literacy instruction, managed a multitude of programs, conducted workshops and training, performed testing, and offered assistance and remediation to students who had difficulty reading. Jane has worked with students in kindergarten through high school and is most passionate about sharing her love of reading with others, no matter the age. Jane is eager to join the St. Margaret’s team in building the Wheat Center for Innovative Learning. Her enthusiasm and expertise bring great promise to the program. Jane’s daughter, Anne Preston, has just entered St. Margaret’s as an 8th grader, and they are excited to be in Tappahannock as they have family and a number of close friends in the area. In her spare time, Jane says she enjoys… well, reading… but is also looking forward to spending time on the water. “Our family is over the moon about this opportunity at St. Margaret’s and I am ready to hit the ground running. I believe so deeply in the vision for the Wheat Center: to foster a learning culture that is engaging to each individual student and promotes curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. There is much to be done throughout the developmental phases of this program, and I am thrilled to be a part of it all.”

and loves to learn new things. Using her past wedding planning talents, Cookie added her special touches to May Ball, the Academic Awards Banquet, Commencement, and Honor Roll Teas. Her edible treats are as delicious as they are beautiful, and her decorative eye enhanced St. Margaret’s natural beauty time and time again. Over the years, the girls shifted from calling her Mrs. Evans to Mrs. Cookie (and even began calling her husband, Mr. Cookie). Perhaps that’s because Cookie is such a fitting name for a lady so sweet and comforting. Although she will be missed by all, we know that she will make every day of her retirement special not just for herself, but others, because that’s what Cookie does. THISTLE | 2016

parents

A SALUTE to OUR PARENTS The strongest independent schools rely on With the help and leadership of the 2015charitable giving in order to thrive; others to 2016 Parent Council, St. Margaret’s is pleased The reality in survive. St. Margaret’s refuses to be weak, and to report that parent participation has more independent school life so do its parents. So often in the past, parents than doubled in the past year, increasing from would consider the tuition and fees associated 24% to over 70%. This renewed commitment is that supporting the with St. Margaret’s, and yet forget that in and emphasis on annual giving by the Parent Annual Fund allows a order for the School to excel, pioneer, and be Council has dramatically helped reshape the school to enhance the a leader among girls’ schools, these baseline culture around the parent giving program. educational experience expenses simply did not suffice. The reality in Calls throughout the year by Parent Council students enjoy. independent school life is that supporting the representatives asking current parents for their Annual Fund allows a school to enhance the support have revitalized the spirit of giving at educational experience students enjoy. St. Margaret’s. This April, while on campus For this reason, St. Margaret’s has placed a premium on for Spring Family Weekend, parents enthusiastically approached rallying current parents around Annual Fund participation. the Office of Development and administration, sharing that Perhaps no group has a better pulse, understanding, and sense they wanted to do their part in support of St. Margaret’s. of how an institution is faring more than its parents. Similarly, While the community is pleased with the progress made in no one is more invested than parents who are currently sending both parent giving and participation, the Parent Council will daughters to St. Margaret’s—yet, it is incumbent upon the remain committed to promoting annual giving. St. Margaret’s School to make sure parents are asked to make an additional will continue sharing the value and benefit of supporting the commitment to St. Margaret’s by supporting the Annual Fund. Annual Fund, placing even more of an emphasis on working At any independent school, the Annual Fund ask is part and stewarding the international families of this community. of the essential fabric of the institution. By making a gift to Every school should strive to achieve 100% parent participation the Annual Fund, parents are saying, “We understand the to the Annual Fund, and St. Margaret’s is no exception. challenges and costs associated with excelling as an institution, Thank you to the parents of this community who and we are committed to doing our small part in enhancing understand the value of a St. Margaret’s education, especially this educational experience for our children.” In the 2014those who supported the 2015-2016 Annual Fund. 2015 fiscal year, St. Margaret’s parents made Annual Fund Additionally, thank you to the Parent Council members who gifts ranging from $50 to $50,000. While the School was tirelessly made phone calls, sent e-mails, and had conversations pleased with the heroics displayed by many parents, widespread with other parents highlighting the importance of this selfless participation in the Annual Fund will have to take place if act. This remarkable achievement could never have been St. Margaret’s wants to move the needle. reached without your help. 14

THISTLE | 2016

faculty scoop

25 THINGS

YOU DIDN’T KNOW about

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

CYNTHIA WALKER ’99

1. 2.

Has had 8 surgeries

15.

14.

Doesn’t eat brown M&M’s, “Why color brown chocolate brown?”

Puts ice in her milk

16. B uilt docks with her dad

Color codes the clothes in her closet

Kind of obsessed with Ninja Turtles

Used to pray to be left-handed

17. Has never been out of the country

Afraid of the dark

18.

Likes wearing shorts year-round

19.

Favorite Disney character is Stitch

20.

Walked at 8 months old

The Wizard of Oz is her favorite movie

10.

Nickname is Bootsie

12. W as recruited to play volleyball 11.

Hit three deer in one year with her car

by 119 colleges

as her first job

If she could travel anywhere, she’d go to Australia Loves fishing

Went wakeboarding on Christmas day on the Rappahannock a couple of years ago

21.

Says a prayer before each game

22.

Admires Duke basketball’s Coach K

23.

Doesn’t like bananas

24. Favorite color is blue 25.

Secretly a pyro. THISTLE | 2016

commencement

COMMENCEMENT 2016 A time to honor, recognize, and congratulate our students for their hard work and diligence. The year’s top awards went to: WAITZER MASTER TEACHER AWARD Marshall Lloyd Presented annually to a member of the faculty who has demonstrated a consistent love of teaching and positive influence on students. The award, endowed by Edwin and Richard Waitzer, father and grandfather of Melanie Waitzer ’09, signifies the highest degree of dedication and service to the profession. The recipient is chosen by vote of the faculty and administration. JOHN T. RICE AWARD Sara Brooks ’79 Given to a faculty member who embodies a true love of teaching and a commitment to motivating and inspiring students, both inside and outside the classroom, to stretch their intellectual boundaries and expand their personal horizons. In addition, the recipient promotes positive life skills through his/her personal example in our community. The recipient receives a professional development stipend to be used in the coming year. The award’s selection committee consists of juniors and seniors who have attended St. Margaret’s School for at least two years. THE SCHOOL PRIZE Emma Krusz Given in memory of Rosa Arrington Heath Long Beckwith, who was a loyal graduate of the Class of 1931, the mother of a St. Margaret’s graduate, and an active and working member of the Episcopal Church. This prize is awarded to a graduating senior who has made the greatest contribution to the School through her dedication to high standards, trustworthiness, and leadership consistent with our mission as a Church School. THE SPIRIT OF ST. MARGARET’S AWARD Kashanna Knights Given by Mr. and Mrs. William Philpot, Jr., in memory of her parents, to a graduating senior who best represents the “Spirit of St. Margaret’s” and has shown true appreciation for the way of life symbolized by the School.

THISTLE | 2016

THE PATRON’S PRIZES Joie Affleck, Shelby Hill Given annually in the name of a particularly generous and devoted friend of St. Margaret’s School to graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves in special phases of school life. This year’s awards are given in honor of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. THE ALLEN MEMORIAL AWARD Qamar Nisa Mohammad Ayoub Given by Mrs. Joseph Jennings in memory of The Reverend Marshall Allen to a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the staff, has shown the greatest appreciation of St. Margaret’s School. D.A.R. AWARD Emma Krusz Given to a student who possesses, to an outstanding degree, the following: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. THE AYLETT PRIZE Lizzie Heinz Given in memory of Dr. William Roane Aylett to a student who has shown good sportsmanship defined as fairness, courteous relations, and graceful acceptance of results. THE HEAD OF SCHOOL’S PRIZE Kristy Li Given to a graduating senior who has been at St. Margaret’s for at least two years and who has attained the highest cumulative grade point average in her junior and senior years. THE VIOLA H. WOOLFOLK AWARD Lauren Harter Established by the staff to honor Miss Viola H. Woolfolk, Headmistress from 1950 to 1984, and awarded to an underclasswoman who has been at St. Margaret’s for at least two years and who best exemplifies those qualities so typical of Miss Woolfolk: compassion for and understanding of others, selfless dedication to duty and to the life of this School, and a sense of graciousness and poise.

THE MARY ELIZABETH KING PRIZE Victoria Tignor Given to a student who is to be commended for outstanding effort in her academic work during the year. THE MARY PERCIVAL PRIZE Logan Soles Given to a student who has shown the greatest amount of academic improvement throughout the year. THE BISHOP’S PRIZE Uyen Dao Given in memory of The Right Reverend William C. Brown to a student in grades 9 through 12 who has attained the highest grade point average for the school year. THE EDITH LATANÉ AMERICAN HISTORY AWARD Shelby Hill Given by the Alumnae Association of St. Margaret’s School to a student who showed both interest and outstanding achievement in the study of American History. FINE ARTS AWARD Angela Travis Given to a student who has shown a commitment to excellence, passion for the arts, and dedication to intellectual and artistic growth. WORLD LANGUAGE AWARDS Joie Affleck, Emma Krusz Given to graduating seniors who have shown excellence in one language to the advanced level while making significant strides in a second language. BLUE/GREY ACADEMIC AWARD Blue Team Given to the team that has earned the highest points for academic achievement based on honor and merit roll, induction in academic societies, and special academic honors. BLUE/GREY ATHLETIC AWARD Blue Team Given to the team that has won the most Blue/ Grey competitions throughout the year.

THISTLE | 2016

student awards

Independent Study Project and Senior Speech Honors At St. Margaret’s, a student’s senior year is often characterized by the Independent Study Project, better known as the “ISP.” The seniors who decide to pursue an ISP make a year-long commitment to plan, navigate, and implement a two-week professional experience during Minimester, gaining a broad understanding and appreciation for career opportunities beyond college. There are numerous moving parts involved in executing the ISP, not the least of which is the final presentation—a highlight for the entire school community. In evaluating the ISPs, higher marks are given for solid program content and polished presentation techniques. This year, three seniors received Honors for their Independent Study Projects.

EMMA KRUSZ ’16 Communications/Public Relations

ERIN JOHNSON ’16 Marine Biology

In an attempt to narrow her many career interests, Emma chose to perform her Independent Study Project with the communications

What began as a childhood fascination of the Great white sharks

department of a healthcare consulting firm in Richmond, Virginia.

on the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week eventually blossomed

VHQC (formerly Virginia Health Quality Center) is a nonprofit

into Erin’s career goal to study marine biology and to help others

organization dedicated to improving healthcare for patients

become more educated about marine life and how to protect it.

and providers. Communications-related business goals include

Combined with a passion for adventure, Erin had the amazing

increasing awareness of the company’s mission and services, and

opportunity to conduct her ISP at the Bimini Biological Field Station

engaging providers and stakeholders in important initiatives.

in Bimini, The Bahamas.

During her ISP, Emma reported directly to VHQC’s Vice

Erin spent 10 days living and working at the Bimini Shark Lab,

President of Organizational Growth and Communications, Jennifer

assisting in research alongside college students and scientists.

Brockman. Brockman’s responsibilities include writing grant

Her ISP began with a “Research Experience,” seeing first-hand

proposals for government funding, strategic planning, marketing

how research is conducted at the lab. During her stay, she learned

communications, public relations, and social marketing—a big

how to identify, measure, and safely capture sharks. She dove into

job! By shadowing Brockman, Emma observed all facets of

open water to observe Hammerhead sharks, swam with and caught

communications and learned a great deal about the acronym-heavy

Lemon sharks bare-handed in shallow water, and checked bait lines

industry of healthcare quality.

for data collection of Tiger sharks. When checking bait lines, Erin

came into direct contact with Tiger sharks—a potentially dangerous

Emma was also given assignments of her own, gaining true

experience during her time at VHQC. As a member of the “Comms

encounter. It is during this time when she most appreciated the

team,” she was able to contribute to project-based discussions among

work of a field researcher.

colleagues. Emma spent her time engrossed in research, writing,

editing, tweeting, proposal presentations, webinars, and meetings.

island with beach cleanup, rescue missions, and the removal of

She even had her very own press release published for Patient Safety

marine debris. Erin came across other marine life as well, such as

Awareness Week in March—one of the rewards for her efforts.

Bull sharks, Nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, Blacktip sharks,

Spotted eagle rays, Southern stingrays, and Sea turtles. Erin

Emma ultimately decided that, while she loved being a part of

During her time in Bimini, she also helped out around the

a Comms team and working in a business environment, she is not

finished her ISP experienced with a heightened interest in the field.

interested in specifically communicating healthcare quality. Because

She hopes to not only pursue a degree in marine biology, but to

of her positive experience interning with VHQC, Emma is pursuing

one day get her PhD in shark biology.

a major in communications at college. 18

THISTLE | 2016

In some cases, students may choose to deliver a senior speech about a particular passion or life-changing experience rather than investigate a potential career by way of an internship. One student, in particular, distinguished herself with a senior speech worthy of Honors recognition.

Ciao! CAMRYN TRAVIS ’16 Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Medicine

Bonjou

Deciding on an ISP was easy for Camryn; she has known she wants to

Salve

JOIE AFFLECK ’16 Lifelong Passion for Language Study

be a doctor since she was 7-years-old, and that she wanted to work with children since she visited a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the age of 10. With aspirations to one day become a pediatric

Joie cleverly revealed the topic of her senior speech by reciting

surgeon, she felt that shadowing both a neonatologist, the doctor

her opening in four different languages. She continued to share

on a NICU, and a nurse on the same unit but at a different hospital

with the school community her lifelong passion for language study,

would give her great insight into the pediatric medical field.

although she admits it’s a bit of a strange hobby, and encouraged

others to pursue a personal passion of their own.

Camryn divided her ISP experience between Henrico Doctors’

Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, and the University of Virginia

Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. At Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, Dr.

French, American Sign Language, and Latin. At St. Margaret’s, she

Currently, she is practicing four foreign languages: Spanish,

Arthur Shepard served as her site sponsor. There, she accompanied

studied Spanish for five years, where her work was of the highest

him on rounds, at meetings with nurses, and during family check-

caliber. She was consistently one of the strongest students in

ins. She was surprised to see that his daily schedule included so

Latin I last year. As for French and American Sign Language, Joie is

much paperwork: charting and updating patients’ status. The

self-taught. Last summer, she participated in a month-long French

most interesting cases she observed at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital

immersion program, her first taste of “living in a language versus

included a patient with a narcotics addiction and another with

just studying one.” She’s also gained a general knowledge of

pulmonary hypertension. When a baby goes through withdrawal

other languages during her time at St. Margaret’s, most recently

from a narcotic, there is high risk for seizures and other neurological

participating in the Minimester course, “That’s Italian.”

damage. Camryn explained that this was the hardest part of her

ISP. She enjoyed, though, learning about the medications used to

great deal about herself. In her speech, she explained why she

help babies in both cases. At the UVA Hospital, Camryn shadowed

found her characteristics of fearlessness, self-competitiveness, and

Elizabeth Heyl, a NICU nurse and parent of St. Margaret’s alumna,

open-mindedness to be essential when studying a language—or

Eliza ’14. While working with Nurse Heyl, Camryn helped to

trying anything new and different. Joie also said the skills she has

monitor patient conditions, witnessing feedings, the administering

strengthened through language learning even translate to her

of medication, and various forms of therapy (occupational, physical,

academic career and other interests such as music and dance. She

even speech therapy on a newborn with a cleft palate). During her ISP,

believes that pursuing this passion has given her a greater sense

Camryn was exposed to all the facets related to treating the smallest

of direction, of who she is, and of what she wants in life. Joie

and most vulnerable human patients, and came to reaffirm her calling

concluded her speech by again speaking in different languages,

to work in some form of pediatric medicine.

but first encouraging others to be unapologetically enthusiastic

Through her exploration of languages, Joie has learned a

about pursuing a passion and to push themselves to become better people by doing what they love. “It’s the most rewarding thing you can do,” she says.

Joie also received the Departmental Award for World

Languages at Commencement for excellence in the breadth of her studies. In college, Joie hopes to major in modern languages and communications and to continue her journey to becoming the global citizen she has always aspired to be.

THISTLE | 2016

ALUMNAE WEEKEND:

REUNION 2016 JUNE 10-12

Alumnae Weekend is always a fun time on campus as alumnae near and far return to the river to reconnect and share stories of their days at St. Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and since. Many bring their families, others fly solo, but all take full advantage of the diverse weekend offerings: sunset cruise, kayaking, awards luncheon, plein air painting, crab feast, Holy Eucharist, and more.

1. 2016 Hannah Mallory Perkins ’40 Alumnae Service Award recipient, Virginia “Biddie” Walker Shelor ’61, and Director of Alumnae Relations, Fran King

10. (clockwise) Alison Wasserman ’01, Alumnae Association President 20162017, Beth Crowther Angle ’97, Tina Hopkins Spain ’97

2. Plein Air Painting, a family affair: Elizabeth Buchanan Ledford ’86 and Sandy Tsalapatanis Milon ’86

11. Class of 1986: Kelly Wawner Cooke, Margaret “Meg” White Forsberg, Sarah Dillard Pope, Blair Gregory Blanks, Jennifer Stott Thomas, Wendy Humphreys deTorres, Polly Cutting, Sandy Tsalapatanis Milon

3. Class of 1971 (clockwise): Ceci Brown, Ellen Metzger LeCompte, Cyanne Yates, Patricia Brincefield, Janie Whitt Sellers, Robin Buell Whaley

12. Meghann Dintino ’14, Linh Tran ’10, Nichole Kennedy ’11, Rebecca Parker ’11

4. Director of Alumnae Relations, Fran King

13. Class of 1996 with then-Assistant Head of School, Cathy Sgroi

5. Class of 1996 (clockwise): Tara Nash Atallah, Kate Porter, Tara Pirtle Garner, Abby Schoeb Binter, Mary Stuart Haile Snyder, Laura Stokes, Ann Stephenson Pietrantoni, Cammie Osburn Vaughan, Steph Shelley, Sheila Loving

14. Development Office Manager, Cheryl Ellis Brooks ’82, and Elizabeth “Fitzie” Fitzgerald Wallace ’57 15. Sarah Weakley ’04 and Director of Annual Giving, Joycelyn Blizzard

6. Mary Biggers Fauteux ’63, Linda Shields ’63, Courtenay Tayloe Altaffer ’66

16. Mary Elizabeth King Hatcher ’54, Director of Development, Stephen Davenport, and Katherine “Kay” Waring Miller Pollard ’61

7. Class of 1991: Catherine Purdy, Megan Neely, Katherine Jenkins, Sarah Wood 8. Captain Thomas Cruise: Nancy Forsyth Sykes ’66 and Lynne Royston Wine ’66

17. Return to the River Dinner: Ann Stephenson Pietrantoni ’96, Cammie Osburn Vaughan ’96, Tara Pirtle Garner ’96

9. Kayaking at Menokin with Director of the River Program, Kevin Goff

18. Kay Brooks Carlton ’81 and Dean of Faculty, Keith Krusz 19. Class of 1976: Jeanette Day Loser, Miriam Payton, Debbie Northern 20. Class of 2006: Brooke Shafer, Kris Price, Abbey Potter, Sally Giles 21. Margaret Broad, former Head of School, and Sara Acree Brooks ’79 22. Annual Giving Award Recipients: Class of 1961 and Class of 1971 23. Class of 1981: Bryan Ferguson, Cindy Engelken Wagner, Pam Rumbough Tipton, Dianna Spence, Jean Roy Jones, Mary Miller Gentry 24. Class of 1973 (clockwise): Peggy Reigelman Babiarz, Anne Frost Waring, Marie Guy Williams, Beth Cumming, Georganne Banning Landis, Betsy Pinder ’75, Christine Glascock Bodendorf, Lizzy Hall Hargrove, Lisa Hamilton Buchanan 25. Newly Inducted Golden Thistles: Class of 1966: Mary “Molly” Humphrey Hobson, Courtenay Tayloe Altaffer, Rosemary Hynes Wallinger, Evelyn Sargeant Hutton

Make a gift online in honor of your class: www.sms.org/giving

22 25

alumnae awards

CELEBRATING our ALUMNAE Those Who Serve and Those Who Inspire Virginia “Biddie” Walker Shelor ’61 Recognized for Years of Service During 55th Reunion Remarks excerpted from the presentation of the 2016 Hannah Mallory Perkins ’40 Alumnae Service Award by Alumnae Association President, Beth Crowther Angle ’97

Each year the Alumnae Association recognizes an outstanding alumna who has displayed exemplary service to St. Margaret’s School and her community. This year’s recipient has been an active and involved alumna for all of her 55 years since graduating. During her SMS days, she was known for her athletic ability, her weakness for the Coast Guard, and was often heard saying “Ben.” While she may not have graduated and become the “honky tonk” piano player she dreamed of being, we are still honored to call her one of our own. Several years ago, when St. Margaret’s first experienced some serious challenges, the suggestion was made that the School should utilize its resources in new ways, both big and small, the most valuable of resources being alumnae. It would be tremendous, many thought, if alumnae were willing to pitch in to help with the landscaping of the Thistle House. As much as the maintenance staff works to preserve, repair, and enhance school buildings, faculty homes, and the grounds on campus, they found themselves stretched so thin that this wasn’t an unreasonable request at the time, and it was, after all, the official alumnae house (see sidebar). When the Office of Development reached out to local alumnae, one individual in particular from the Class of 1961 stepped up to the challenge: Biddie Shelor. For the last 22

THISTLE | 2016

Biddie with Director of Alumnae Relations, Fran King, (left) and Alumnae Association President, Beth Crowther Angle ’97 (center)

few years, Biddie has routinely been a presence on campus as she has tended to the Thistle House gardens by herself, and also recruited friends and St. Margaret’s sisters to join. She organizes a team of women to collectively pull weeds, tidy flower beds, lay mulch, prune bushes, and so on. What began as a small project has grown into a continued effort to both maintain and beautify the Thistle House grounds for passersby to admire and of which alumnae are proud. Although not often recognized, the improved landscaping has not gone unnoticed. We are so indebted to Biddie for her service to St. Margaret’s School, and we thank her for being a shining example of how alumnae can give back in support of St. Margaret’s. Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Hannah Mallory Perkins ’40 Alumnae Service Award.

The Class of 1971 Receives Distinguished Alumnae Award

Members of the Class of 1971 attending Alumnae Weekend

Established in 1996, the Distinguished Alumna Award is presented to an alumna of St. Margaret’s School to honor a lifetime of living the St. Margaret’s mission. This award is given each year to an alumna who has accomplished great professional achievements since her time at St. Margaret’s. Well, five years ago, the Office of Development and executive members of the Alumnae Board broke the mold on how this honor is presented by electing to name an entire class as the recipient, rather than an individual. As they began deliberation again this year and collectively pondered who would be awarded, they knew it was going to be a particularly challenging task—so many deserving women and far greater the list of accomplishments. After much discussion, the selection committee realized that they have another class whose dedication and loyalty to St. Margaret’s has been so incredible, they once again felt compelled to recognize a whole group. Since their graduation 45 years ago, this particular class has gone above and beyond for their alma mater. What is so remarkable about this group is that above all of their individual accomplishments and accolades, it is their collective spirit and generosity that binds them together and to St. Margaret’s. Members of this class have served as Board of Governor’s members, Foundation Board members, the Alumnae Association President, and have loyally attended the Rappahannock River Run as well as a number of other St. Margaret’s events. This group is almost always one of our classes who is most generous to the Annual Fund, both routinely scoring high marks for participation as well as dollars raised. Lastly, this class is the only graduating class of St. Margaret’s with three different classmates (Janie Whitt Sellers, Ellen Metzger LeCompte, and Cindy Lyon-Vaiden) who have previously won either the Distinguished Alumna Award or the Hannah Mallory Perkins ’40 Alumnae Service Award.

There is no better way of recognizing this group than by awarding the Class of 1971 the 2016 Distinguished Alumna Award. On behalf of the Office of Development and Alumnae Association, congratulations to you all: Mrs. Linda Wells Ammar Miss Joan Holt Garrity Ms. Dana Brookes Roeser Ms. Maile Sheeran Armstrong Miss Frederica Gibson Mrs. Janet Gouldman Rutherford Mrs. Jane West Bench Mrs. Mary Lisa Sheffer Gibson Mrs. Jane Whitt Sellers Mrs. Debra Sizemore Boyd Mrs. Margaret Woodin Hardy Ms. Victoria Elizabeth Selph Mrs. Christine Carter Bresett Mrs. Ellen Pettus Metzger LeCompte Mrs. Catharine Smith Spurlock Ms. Patricia Brincefield Mrs. Charlene Martin Lee Mrs. Nan Martin Stinnette Ms. Cecilia Brown Ms. Lucinda Lyon-Vaiden

Mrs. Blanche Carr Symons Miss Suzanne B. Brown Mrs. Meri Wood Moody Mrs. Susan N. Taylor Mrs. Bakel Wirsing Burnham Ms. Robin Gwathmey Nigro Mrs. Mary Gouldin Turner Mrs. Marianna Dornin Cross The Rev. Margaret Ann Peacock Ms. Gregory Tyler Mrs. Oneita Carlson Enoch Mrs. Margaret Hall Poole Ms. Robin Elyse Buell Whaley Mrs. Elizabeth Glascock Freshwater Mrs. Virginia Crowther Ritter Ms. Marilyn F. Williams LCSW Ms. Margaret Elizabeth Gant Mrs. Jennie Hill Robinson Mrs. Cyanne Yates

The Thistle House This beautiful, two-story home sits across from the Community Technology Center on Water Lane and was named the official alumnae house only a few years ago. The Thistle House is available to rent throughout the year and is a popular lodging option for St. Margaret’s families, board members, educational consultants, and visitors. It has a full kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and sleeps six. Rental packages are available at a discount to alumnae: $150 for the first night and $100 for subsequent nights. Contact Cheryl Brooks ’82, Development Office Manager, for more information at cbrooks@sms.org or (804) 443-3357, x3016.

THISTLE | 2016

a culture of giving

BELONGING Simply put, our Board members collectively agreed to match every donation made to the St. Margaret’s School Annual Fund for the 2015-2016 fiscal year with an additional gift of $100. Whether a donor contributed $25 or $25,000, the Board willingly decided to step forward with this aggressive challenge in the name of bolstering fundraising efforts. Such a charge came at an opportune time, as strengthening the Annual Fund has been a top focus and priority for the past several years at St. Margaret’s. In the 20142015 fiscal year, the Office of Development’s concentrated work to grow the Annual Fund enjoyed tremendous success, increasing dollars raised from $270,000 the previous year to $358,000. This surge of nearly 33% was thanks in large part to several leadership donors who generously gave. Recognizing this momentum, the St. Margaret’s Board of Governors knew that the fall of 2015 was the perfect time to launch the Belonging Challenge. Therefore, for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the Board’s hope was to capitalize and build on this upward drive by inviting mass participation from our alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends with the Belonging Challenge. At St. Margaret’s core is the notion of finding an acceptance and an understanding of oneself. On campus, on the field, or perhaps in chapel, this would most commonly be echoed through the three-word phrase that perfectly expresses St. Margaret’s mission: Belong. Believe. Become. Each girl’s

THISTLE | 2016

CHALLENGE

This year, the St. Margaret’s Board of Governors launched the Belonging Challenge in an effort to continue momentum generated from last year’s successful annual giving campaign.

quest for this sense of belonging at St. Margaret’s happens at a different pace. But ultimately, each girl finding herself and finding confidence in herself is an essential part of her St. Margaret’s journey. In this same spirit, the Board of Governors treasures the generosity of its donors and wishes to remind the entire St. Margaret’s family that making a gift to the Annual Fund is making a commitment to belonging to this community. Parents, alumnae, and friends have partnered in support of the School, and St. Margaret’s is now experiencing record giving. Schools traditionally have a wealth of priorities ranging from scholarships, faculty and staff salaries, offering students a range of options, and even facility maintenance. With so many areas of need, the power of an unrestricted gift to the Annual Fund gives the St. Margaret’s administration and leadership teams the ability to allocate those funds to the areas of greatest need. In challenging times especially, rallying around the Annual Fund offers St. Margaret’s much needed flexibility to prepare for the next step. St. Margaret’s School would like to thank the Board of Governors for generously launching this challenge. Additionally, the School wishes to thank each and every individual donor who willingly stepped up and supported St. Margaret’s during this critical time.

class notes

Class of 1949 Ms. Annielee Welch Bentley 11540 Rexmoor Drive Richmond, Virginia 23236 Emily Boyd Alexander and family enjoy life in Florida. She has a new dog to keep her entertained! She does not get to Virginia (or West Virginia) because of the long drive. Betty Smith Cox stays busy with her family. I often speak with Betty, though we do not get to visit much. Martha Bass Giovanelli and Bob recently enjoyed a Quantico reunion. They are planning a trip to Michigan soon and then will stop traveling as much as they have in the past. She has two grandchildren who graduated this year, one in Alabama and one from high school. Barbara Booker Hill is in the dry part of Texas so she does not worry about flooding! The Hill family is 31 persons now that their grandson married this spring. She and Collier have been married 65 years. They have 10 grandchildren. Jody Richardson Morrison is still in California near her children, well, and happy. Gerald Van Ottern, husband of Sally Wood, writes to say that Sally is now in a special facility for memory care. He visits her regularly and though she talks some, she does not understand conversation with others. She walks with a walker or is transported in a wheelchair. As for me, Annielee Welch Bentley, life is great! I don’t get around as fast as I used to, but I still keep going! Please keep in touch. I need to find Jeanne Simon Pitcher, Janie Davis Ovietz, and Nan Weir O’Conner.

Class of 1950* Class of 1951 Mrs. Martha Merz Horlebein 500 Spanish Boulevard Westminster Village Spanish Fort, Alabama 36527

Class of 1952* Class of 1953* Class of 1954* Class of 1955 Mrs. Jean Winslow Craig 3602 Bleak House Road Earlysville, Virginia 22936

Class of 1956 Mrs. Virginia Wickham Hayes 22 Clubside Drive Asheville, North Carolina 28804 2016—can you believe it? And we are still here! Only a few people sent me cards this Christmas, I am sorry to say, but I compensated by making some phone calls. As usual, I will alphabetize according to our maiden names, since that was how we all knew each other back in the day. Patsy Atkinson Robertson writes from Colorado that she and Richard sold their house which had been on the market for more than two years—and they are ecstatic. Their new, smaller home requires less maintenance and they are very much enjoying their free time. They both continue as active volunteers for their church and community.

bridge cards and knitting. She spends time with her shipmates, many of whom she knows from earlier trips. She also reports proudly that she is now a great-grandmother! Joan McCormack Bradshaw is very much the quilter. She is going on a cruise ship tour specifically designed for quilters. “Nearly everything, including cloth, is provided,” Joan reports, “so all we have to do is quilt and enjoy the scenery.” She and her two cats live in a separate house on the same property as her daughter and son-in-law, but she is often in her detached garage, which is her quilting workshop. Sally Townsend Hart’s husband, Jack, passed away in January. They were married 55 years. Marillyn Schuman Mulholland is at home in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Jim, who is in poor health. They are planning to move to a retirement community in the area, and they will be helped in that move by their daughters. As for me, Virginia “Ginny” Wickham Hayes, I am making progress. My husband of 55 years, Emmet, died last June, and with the help of my wonderful friends and my darling children, I am slowly adjusting to this new life. I have been writing this Thistle Epistle for around 30 years, I figure, and this is the first one that Emmet will not have read before I send it in for publication. In January, I had a delightful visit from Fran King, the new Director of Alumnae Relations, who drove down from Tappahannock to visit with me.

Mary Byram Jones is living the quiet life in Richmond, Virginia, but attended her 60th reunion in June on campus in Tappahannock. “Last winter’s snow was beautiful,” she said, “but we kept hearing that we should not go out in it, so I enjoyed it from indoors.”

Class of 1957

Alice Temple Charnock Seward has moved back home to Warsaw, Virginia. She is delighted with her new home and thrilled that she will not have to think about moving again!

Elizabeth “Fitzie” Fitzgerald Wallace represented the Class of 1957 at Alumnae Weekend this past June. She shared a table with others from the 50s—even the reunion year of ’56 had only one representative. We can improve on that next year by a lot! Fitzie would love to have classmates who find themselves in Williamsburg, Virginia, to stop by her place on Moody’s Run in Kings Mill. Call first to make sure she is home! (757) 870-6386.

Frances Green Hull is still cruising to ports worldwide. There is little of the world that she has not enjoyed. And, to keep herself occupied on the ship between stops, she brings her

Mrs. Patricia Smith Pheris 107 Locust Lane Elkton, Maryland 21921

THISTLE | 2016

class notes was up to the challenge battling bureaucracy, stupidity, and unsympathetic neighbors. The final rehab to her property was completed in early summer. She has defeated cancer with the help of chemo, and is trying to manage significant arthritis and increasing incidences of falling. Alice says she’s “not going quietly.” Members of the Class of 1957, Pat Smith Pheris, Fitzie Wallace, Kay Gwaltney Remick, and Gwynn Bareford Litchfield, have a mini-reunion

Fitzie reports that Nancy Sjostrom Williams continues to play golf; in fact, she just competed in the Richmond Virginia Women’s Amateur tournament (no report on her score!) and continues to help brides with wedding flower arrangements. Her younger daughter is doing catering in the area. I had dinner with Anita Cardi O’Neill in May when she came to visit Wilmington, North Carolina, with several sorority sisters from The College of William & Mary. The weather was miserable for most of their trip but they were able to have one nice day at Longwood Gardens. Anita and John continue to split their time between homes in Vero Beach, Florida, (winter) and northern New Jersey (summer). Kay Gwaltney Remick says she is re-energized by new volunteer activities at Virginia Fine Arts Museum and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. June is family time at the river and she had tons of grandchildren and their parents in early July. Beverly Ambler Bradshaw reports her 5-yearold grandson has completed his leukemia treatment recently. He will be considered “cured” if no problems develop in the next eight years. He is a big sports participant, just recently competing in peewee baseball. She says that her collection of animals grows old, along with her, and that their medical needs often exceed her own. She would like to attend Alumnae Weekend next June if transportation can be arranged. Glaucoma keeps her from doing long-distance driving. Alice Lee Josey Lominack continues life in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In November 2015, she had a battle with an old oak tree that came down in the night and demolished her garage, car, fence, and walkway. Never fear, Josey

THISTLE | 2016

Gwynn Bareford Litchfield and her husband have just returned from a trip to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. She was again involved in the Wintergreen Festival in late July and August. I, Pat Smith Pheris, am hanging on in Elkton, Maryland, but my beloved bungalow is on the market. Have no idea where I’ll go, but not far, as kids are all nearby. Granddaughter, Sarah, worked at her college, Arcadia University, in the chemistry lab this past summer, while brother, Ryan, was a counselor at the local Boy Scout camp on the Elk River. My Chinese granddaughter is 12 and spent her summer going to enrichment camps and helping her mother who has bone cancer. Let’s try to have a great turnout next year for our 60th reunion. Let me know how I can help make this happen!

Class of 1958* Class of 1959* Class of 1960 Mrs. Jane Hedgpeth Wells 7622 Del Monte Drive Houston, Texas 77063 Well, I heard from and spoke with the usual suspects! It seems that we are refusing to “slow down” as some might expect us to do at our age. Instead we are, for the most part, still on the move! Peggy Gilkeson Junkin and husband make several trips a year from St. Petersburg, Florida, to the Dallas, Texas, area to visit children. Why don’t you go via Houston, Peggy? You could stop and visit me for a few days. That goes for all of you! Landon Morris McKinney and Mac took

a wonderful trip out west. San Francisco, California, was the starting point, then Yosemite, where they had snow. Then on to Bishop, California, to visit the Bristlecone pine forests, where the trees are 4,000 years old…yes, 4,000!! Landon and Mac have a granddaughter at The University of North Carolina and a great granddaughter who started at St. Margaret’s School this fall— keeping the family tradition alive! Brenda Angolia Goddin is keeping the home fires burning in Tappahannock while watching the grands grow up…too fast. Brenda volunteers at the local infusion center which she finds most rewarding. She says the big tornado that came through last winter spared them but did considerable damage in the area. She and GW did sneak away for a Caribbean cruise! Jackie Jackson Deeds is learning to “live with pain” and is doing it well, apparently. She decided not to have a second back surgery. She stays busy with grandchildren nearby who have the family artistic gene. A granddaughter and grandson dance with a local performance group. Another grandson is an honors graduate and quite an artist, winning awards in the local diocese! Jackie is a proud grannie! HT Ritchie Donnally is our star vegetable gardener and has a wonderful garden of goodies. Good news is that Russ’s leukemia is a thing of the past! They hope to gather the troops for a mini family reunion soon. Molly Holt is in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but spent some time in Maine to avoid the summer heat. She is devoted to her dog. Ashton Ingram Douglass is renovating a summer house in Maine with her husband. Otherwise, Ashton is still in the Washington, DC, area. She sees Bette Blesh Sargent fairly often. Konthip Prabshailakshana Loatman is in the Washington, DC, area. Konnie says her main message is that she considers her classmates as family and is most eager to keep in touch. She even hinted that she might host a mini Class of 1960 reunion... Susie Robinson Mote has really been on the move this year. She was in England last fall (but

alas, Downton Abbey was closed). She visited the Dominican Republic last winter and missed the blizzard in Richmond, Virginia. Next was Winchester, Virginia, for Apple Blossom time with daughter, Courtney, and family. Susie sings in the choir, leads birding trips, and still has time for spa trips! She met Lorraine Cocke Wright, Judy Cothron Erdman, and Nita Sanders in Williamsburg, Virginia, to celebrate Susie’s birthday. Judy and Bob enjoy their grandchildren and had various ones visit this summer before the whole family gets together on the Outer Banks during the fall. Lorraine took grands to New York City, New York, over Christmas. A blast was had by all. Skating at Rockefeller Center, The Lion King, and dining were great hits! As for me, Jane Wells, I’m having a quieter travel year this year. Florida in February, Cancun, Mexico, in April, and New Orleans, Louisiana, in July. Will finish in September with my annual trip to Emerald Isle, North Carolina, with five Salem College friends. I try to see my brother, Ned, on those trips, and just generally get my Tarheel “fix”! I was spared by the flooding in Houston, Texas…thank goodness. My welcome mat is always out! Wish you would come visit. Keep those oars in the water and keep paddling, ladies!

Class of 1961 Mrs. Virginia Walker Shelor 4962 Spring Cottage Road Newtown, Virginia 23126 It is hard to believe that it has been 55 years since we graduated! Nancy Winters Mullins, Margaret Shepherd Ray, Katherine “Kacky” Hudson Fox, Dorothy Quarles Chappell, Katharine “Kay” Miller Pollard, and I, Virginia “Biddie” Walker Shelor, represented the Class of 1961 during Alumnae Weekend and very much enjoyed visiting with everyone. We feel that we are still a very active group and have many more adventures to come. Nancy has found time for world travel over the past year to Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Margaret has taken on the care of her teenage granddaughter, even though it comes with many challenges and requires a great deal of energy. Dorothy keeps track of those of us in the vicinity and prompts us to get together for lunch.

Carol Collins Tyler, Betty Rose Townsend Sexton, and Jeanne Barrett Barefield were unable to attend Alumnae Weekend but send best wishes to all. Carol commented, “The last five years since we were together have disappeared in a flash!” Kathy Mason Dunn had hip replacement surgery and was disappointed that she could not attend Alumnae Weekend. Vicki Phillips Marchant, who lost her daughter, Kenly, late last year to cancer, was attending a memorial service for her in New York during Alumnae Weekend. Although Pegi Balderson Adam could not join us at Alumnae Weekend either, she shared some snippets from her “St. Mag’s memory bank,” four very colorful stories titled: “Can Aspirin Make You Drunk?”; Sunday Afternoon Boredom Breaker”; “Dessert After Bedtime”; and “Rules and How They Came About.” The last one goes like this, and is for those alumnae who attended the years in which the dress code was very strict: “Remember when the rule came down from on high that the stockings we were required to wear for dinner could have only an eighth-inch run? That came about after Alice Browning and I engaged in a silent contest during five o’clock study hall. We tried to see who could shred her stockings the most without them falling off. I don’t remember who won, but we went to dinner with our stockings in shreds, their threads sagging gracefully down our legs.” Last fall Carlie Cameron Collier held an exhibit in Richmond, Virginia, of black and white photographs that she hand-colored many years ago. She had note cards made with some of the images. Rosa Beckwith Sands writes that she has had some thrombosis issues over the past year, but they are nearly resolved thanks to a myriad of pills. She and her husband, Steve, visited Sun Valley, Idaho, this summer with their son and his family, who live in Seattle, Washington. Bonnie Trotter conveyed that she is still getting used to the differences between living in southeastern Tennessee, where she moved in 2014, and her previous home in western Montana.

As for me, Biddie Walker Shelor, kayaking is still an activity that I enjoy, especially when Kacky joins us. This spring, friends and family were dividing many varieties of perennial plants in their gardens and, of course, I said that I would take any excess. I forgot the preparation that goes into it and finally got them planted after about six weeks. In addition, I am busy working on projects for the King and Queen County Historical Society and its museum, and for the local garden club. Keep in touch!

Class of 1962 Mrs. Kathy Pollard Wood 7869 Chesapeake Drive East Indianapolis, Indiana 46236

Class of 1963* Class of 1964 Mrs. Mimi Allen Hernandez 1051 Bayou Place Sarasota, Florida 34236

Class of 1965 Mrs. Finley Jones Keller 12341 Woods Road Wilton, California 95693 Annette Ferrell Baum continues to enjoy life in Sun City Center, a bit south of Tampa, Florida. She tends to stay close to home to care for her mom and her four-legged companion, both of them feeling the aches and pains of age. Leila Raff Boyer and husband, Bill, had a bout with animal control over a dead rabid raccoon on their front porch last fall. This resulted in a six-month indoor quarantine for their two new Lab puppies, who had not yet had their rabies shots. There was also a 45-day quarantine for their older dog. The local health department officials dropped by monthly to be sure no one was foaming at the mouth! Leila continues as director of the local historical society, where she focuses on expanding the Calvert County African American archives, increasing outreach, and developing a kid’s history camp. Leila’s

THISTLE | 2016

class notes board nominated her to receive the Women of the World award in March. She still wants to write her book, and is now eyeing outbuildings on their property to convert into an office. Nora Butler Harrell writes that she has no news, which she opines is probably good news! Hedley Fletcher Ducoff’s husband, Mike, finally retired on January 29, 2016. They took a road trip straightaway, heading down the coast to her childhood home in Yorktown, Virginia, then to Florida, back to Yorktown, then back home in time for Mike’s retirement party. Last summer, their daughter, Amy, was married at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, to Jeff Cook. Daughter, Megan, is entering her second year as Executive Director of Hartley House, serving school-age, youth and seniors in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City. Son, John, continues as Executive Director at Covenant House Pennsylvania, which serves homeless youth in Philadelphia and young people in other places and other countries. Ann Rice Gray writes that after looking over her calendar since last year, she finds that she and Robert are dull as dirt! They had a whole-house inside paint job done, which was logistically interesting. The results were great and things are much better organized. Robert will not celebrate nor acknowledge his birthday unless it can be celebrated in a place like Italy! Ann is contemplating going back to work but hasn’t made up her mind quite yet. She and Robert tried retirement but it wasn’t a good fit for either of them. Ann sends her love to all! Liz Gyllensvard has moved permanently to Panama City Beach, Florida. She has a wonderful little pound puppy, a dachshund named Sophie, as her companion. Ann Lewis Vaughn didn’t have time to write a note but did help me (Finley) in my quest to confirm contact information. Thanks Ann!! Helen Calvert Wiley enjoys having all her family within 10 miles—daughters, Elizabeth and Sheila, Sheila’s husband, Martin, and their two children, Molly and Will. Elizabeth is an avid hunter/jumper competitor. Helen is very involved with the shows as a staunch supporter of her daughter.

THISTLE | 2016

Sally Henley has become the proverbial globetrotter. She returned from Morocco last June, barely in time for Alumnae Weekend. In September 2015, she went to Poland. May 2016 found her in Japan. She was off to the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania,) then on to St. Petersburg, Russia, in August/September to round out the year. Reen Harris Moore is very busy with her family, still volunteering at a granddaughter’s elementary school, enjoying family get-a-ways to the beach, and several “run-aways from home” with her sisters. Husband, Wayne, seems to spend much of his time with siblings who have not fared as well as he in the health department. Reen’s children and grandchildren are also living busy and “complicated” lives and she gasps occasionally when she realizes their ages— wondering, “How did the years pass so quickly!?” I, Finley Johns Keller, continue farm life and love it…and all the “animules”—horses, dogs, cats and chickens. A torn meniscus in my right knee played havoc for a long time, but surgery in early 2016 cleaned up the knee. I have written my ninth children’s story. I was in Virginia in June for my grandson, Sean’s, graduation. It was held the same weekend as St. Margaret’s Alumnae Weekend so there was no time to drop by the school. I started working dressage shows in 2015 as a Paddock Steward and am in full swing this year, having nine shows on the calendar. Husband, Bob, continues his Equine Massage & Body Works (cold laser, magnetic blanket and massage) and his client list keeps growing. We got a Lab/ Golden puppy last July, named Maile. One of the year’s highlights was when Bob and I finally got back to Hawaii. I had hoped to hear from more classmates but will get ya next year. Remember that everyone wants to hear from everyone. Let’s keep in touch. The school website did not have my correct e-mail address under the class agents page, but it has been corrected. I wish the best to all, may happiness and good health be your constant companions until we visit again! God Bless!”

Class of 1966 Mrs. Nancy Forsyth Sykes 3 10th Avenue Southern Shores, North Carolina 27949 It’s hard to believe that this past spring marked half a century since we went around singing “Monday Monday” (The Mamas and the Papas) in eager anticipation of graduating on Monday, 6-6-66! It seems like another lifetime ago, and those who attended our 50th reunion at Alumnae Weekend shared memories of what it was like at St. Margaret’s back then. We also recounted how (seemingly ancient) alumnae from previous generations would visit the campus in the 60s and exclaim how much things had changed since they had been there way back in the 20s and 30s. This year, it was our turn to observe the changes and indulge in reminiscence. Among those able to come were Courtenay Tayloe Altaffer, Mary Humphrey Hobson, Evelyn Sargeant Hutton, Jody Perkins Lewis, Nancy Forsyth Sykes, Lynne Royston Wine, and Rosemary Hynes Wallinger. One of the fun events of Alumnae Weekend was a private tour of Mt. Airy, the ancestral home of Courtenay Tayloe Altaffer. After the tour, we followed Courtenay over to Naylor’s Beach, across the river from St. Margaret’s, and enjoyed conversation in her charming yearround home overlooking the Rappahannock River. Thank you, Courtenay! Gathering classmates were so happy that Rosemary Hynes Wallinger could make it to Reunion. She had to rush off to get back home to Mount Jackson, Virginia, to prepare her house and extensive gardens for her youngest daughter’s wedding, which took place there only two weeks later! We were also happy that Mary Humphrey Hobson could attend. She and her husband, Jenks, had to split the weekend between St. Margaret’s and Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he had his own fiftieth reunion. Three days later, Mary and Jenks took off for several weeks of travel in Europe. Small world—it turns out that Mary’s son is married to Courtenay’s niece. The young couple recently had their first baby, Mary’s first grandchild!

Four days following Reunion Weekend found Evelyn Sargeant Hutton and her husband, Church, celebrating the birth of a new grandson. For them, he was grandchild number six! After teaching English for many years both at Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia, and at St. Margaret’s, Ann Brooke “Jody” Perkins Lewis is now enjoying retirement. She and her husband, Shepherd, keep their home overlooking the Rappahannock River and spend winters in Richmond at Westminster Canterbury retirement community. Lynne Royston Wine came to Alumnae Weekend with news that she, too, has retired from a long career of teaching second grade. Stephanie Stock Sowers was hoping to come by for the Alumnae Weekend luncheon, but prior family commitments took her to the beach instead. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, and three of her four grown children are nearby; the daughter who has flown the coop lives in Denver, Colorado. Teddy Cogbill’s daughter also lives in Denver, as does mine, so maybe the three of us can meet up in Denver! The Mile-High City tugs at Teddy’s heart because she has a new grandson there; her first grandchild, Hunter, was born in August 2015. Mary Cato lives in Arlington, Texas. She missed Alumnae Weekend as she was still recovering from an accident she suffered in late April that left her with a few injuries. While standing at the mailbox on her street, she was hit by a car! Her doctors are optimistic that there will be no serious long-term damage. Margaret Roper was unable to attend Alumnae Weekend because she and her husband were traveling in Alaska. Judith Pratt was sorry not to be able to come to Alumnae Weekend but wants everyone to know she plans to attend our 75th! Her health has improved tremendously over the past year, and she writes that she feels very well most of the time now. Her lymphoma continues to be in remission, all her dental surgeries have been completed, and her knee replacement was a success! She reports that her volunteer

activities with the PTA at her grandson’s school in Jacksonville, Florida, keep her happy and busy. In late winter, she started working with the new Alpha Phi sorority chapter at the University of North Florida, and in the spring she joined Panhellenic. She also volunteered for a couple of local political campaigns. Lizzy Gawen Johnson continues to enjoy life in the Big Apple and her job at Rockefeller Center. She and long-time friend, Bryan Davenport, drive down from New York to her condo in Tappahannock for R&R as much as they can. She had planned to come for Alumnae Weekend, but work obligations prevented her from making the trip. Keith Richardson and Molly Ryan Howle also wanted to attend Alumnae Weekend, but family matters trumped: a wedding in Keith’s family (her son) and a family rendezvous for Molly in Los Angeles, California. Fran Jeanes Vine writes from Chattanooga, Tennessee, that she and Catherine Baer Ambrose have been in recent contact. Fran and her husband have lived in Chattanooga since 1980. Since both their children also live in Tennessee, they are able to see their three grandchildren frequently. Catherine has lived in Knoxville, Tennessee since the 1970s. They were both sorry to miss Alumnae Weekend. Catherine’s daughter lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has four children, and her son lives in Boston, Massachusetts, and has two children. Fran has also made contact with Nancy Root Troxler. Nancy is now retired and lives a quiet life in Asheville, North Carolina, near her two children. Sally Steptoe Hazard says “hello” and looks forward to seeing pictures from Alumnae Weekend. Family commitments at home in Charleston, West Virginia, kept her away. Ann Beverley Hundley Eubank continues painting and showing her work at the Tappahannock Art Guild. Zann Nelson, a freelance writer, was unable to attend Alumnae Weekend because she had a project to cover in Buffalo, New York. In late spring, Alexandra “Missy” Odell moved from California to the Atlantic coast of

Florida. She bought a 110-year-old house in Melbourne, and was busy getting settled at the time of Reunion Weekend. She writes, “Since I am now in Florida, I would love to see you all!” Melissa Salisbury Bristol sends her best wishes to all our classmates. They have a new grandchild, their fourth. She and husband, Bill, have a second home on Cape Cod that they rent out for the summer. Early June found them busy enjoying their last few days on the shore and preparing the place for soon-to-arrive vacation visitors. I, Sally Robertson Jacobs, came the longest distance (2,300 miles from Phoenix, Arizona), but I think Nancy Forsyth Sykes wins the prize for biggest sacrifice! She and husband, Bob, gave up the ocean in Southern Shores, North Carolina, for the river. My term as Class Agent has expired, and Nancy will be our new Class Agent. It’s been wonderful keeping in touch with all of you these last few years! I know Nancy will add a lot of spunk and fun to the class notes, as only Nancy can do!

Class of 1967* Class of 1968 Ms. Antonia Day Davidson 1311 Delaware Avenue SW, S830 Washington, D.C. 20024

Class of 1969 Ms. Mary Gwathmey Michaux 2227A New Garden Road Greensboro, North Carolina 27410 Margaret Delk Moore writes that she is still in Tucson, Arizona, at St. Michael’s Episcopal School. She said that it’s been quite the ride, and she still loves it (see page 31). She and Bill also love being grandparents to Garrett, who is an active 2-year-old. This explains their trips east as often as possible to see all of their chicks. Margaret Baldwin Marks writes that she and John are still in Franklin, Virginia. John is still with Davenport and Co. They are trying to finish building a little cottage in Manteo,

THISTLE | 2016

class notes

Orly, granddaughter of Linda Adams Parker ’69

North Carolina. They are also running back and forth to Richmond and Virginia Beach, where Clara and Kate live. Clara and Kevin have Bo, a 4-year-old. Kate is busy selling real estate with ACRE Realty. She sends love to everybody at St. Margaret’s School!! Susan Bundy writes that she broke her left wrist in May. It’s healing, but they had to put in a metal plate, and she is still in a brace. As a leftie, she’s adapted pretty well, and is surprised at what she can now do with her right hand. They are still in Norfolk, Virginia, at East Ocean View and thoroughly enjoy long walks on a beautiful and uncrowded beach. There are wonderful local restaurants and they are only a few minutes from the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. She would be happy to serve as tour guide for anyone who’s coming to Hampton Roads. She works part-time at Talbot’s. She feels so lucky to be home and to still have both of her parents who, in their late 80s, are still independent, and to be able to spend time with them. On a sad note, her middle sister, Anne, lost her battle with cancer last October. They all miss her terribly but take some comfort in the fact that she enjoyed life until the end and was able to dance with her son at his wedding. Jane Carrow writes that when summer hit Mississippi, it was very, very hot! She retired in 2015 and is having a wonderful time doing just what she wants. She has been on a few trips with friends and family. She thought retirement might be boring but now she doesn’t know how she had time to work. Every day brings something wonderful. She is living in Diamondhead, Mississippi, which is about an hour from New Orleans, Louisiana. Linda Adams Parker writes that on May 7, 2016, they welcomed their granddaughter, Orly, into the world! They feel so lucky to have

THISTLE | 2016

her nearby—three blocks away. Douglas and Alicia show all signs of being wonderful parents and they are already completely besotted with this precious little girl. She and Steve are both well and enjoying his retirement. After a fairly quiet winter, they have been going back and forth to their house in Maine. The ocean, as well as the quiet, make for a nice change from the hectic pace of New York. Mary Anne Townsend Hopkins writes that she is still working full-time with plans to retire soon, and that all is well with her children and three adorable grandsons. She lunched with others at the Annual Alumnae Meeting in February at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia, and had so much fun talking and laughing. Mary Anne’s girls were at Lewis Ginter, too.

Catharine Jones Owen shares that Paul has not had a good year so far, so she is busy being his caretaker. They surprised the grandkids with a trip to Disney World (their parents came along, too) on April Fools Day. Spent a week and made a lifetime of memories! Son, Tom, is a full-time chef at Wharf Hill Brewery, and son, Army, is living with them, studying graphic art and being a great help to Catharine. She and her sister, Jean Roy Jones ’81, and I had lunch a couple of times this year when Catharine came with her husband to an electric co-op. I, Terry Long, took a 12-day cruise to Spain, Gibraltar, Monaco, France, and Italy. As always, I had a great time. For the most part the weather was good. My favorite place was Eze between Nice and Monaco. While on that trip, I found out about a group trip through Catholic University to Ireland in November, so I plan to go. In July, I spent part of a week with my mother and sisters at Pine Knoll Shores, near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. They said no men allowed—not even my father. I am still working and have no immediate plans to retire.

Edith Spencer Benton writes that her five grandchildren keep her busy, especially with the new baby boy, who is 16 months old. Her beloved Butch died last September of lung cancer. She misses him dreadfully and is trying to find her way. She thanks God for friends and family who are trying to keep her busy and getting her to travel some.

Class of 1971

Don’t forget to put JUNE 2019 on your calendar. We all need to gather at the river for our 50th reunion.

Ms. Cecilia Brown P. O. Box 160 Gloucester, Virginia 23061

Class of 1970

This year m arked our 45th St. Margaret’s reunion. It’s odd to think it has been s o long. Wasn’t it only yesterday t hat we graduated? Only six members attended Alumnae Weekend in June: Patti Brincefield, Ellen Metzger LeCompte, Robin Buell Whaley, Janie Whitt Sellers, Cyanne Yates, and myself, Ceci Brown. We were muchsurprised atthe luncheon, when our class was presented the Most Distinguished Alumnae award as well as most class participationto the Annual Fund! Let’s keep up the good work! Plus, let’s all make an effort to get back for our 50th in 2021. By the way, it will be St. Margaret’s 100th anniversary. Please mark thedate on your calendar and think of special ways we can participate together.

Ms. Elizabeth Terry Long 3711 Patterson Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23221 Katherine “Kitty” Stark Caldwell says she has no big news, just lots of wonderful small things happening. She spent time with her sister, Hilda, in San Francisco this spring on a sisters’ trip. Sorry to miss Nancy Robertson who was back east when we were visiting. Most of the summer was whiled away in the North Carolina mountains at their summer home. She enjoyed a grandmother/granddaughter trip to London, England, with 9-year-old, Grace, for a week in the summer. It’s exciting to travel with the next generation.

Class of 1972 Mrs. Jennifer Little Setterstrom 1695 Anne Court Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Class of 1973 Mrs. Christine Glascock Bodendorf P.O. Box 1276 Orange, Virginia 22960 Mrs. Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hall Hargrove 319 South James Street Ashland, Virginia 23005 Mrs. Cheryl “Missy” Brayford Swajkoski 3989 S. Old Oak Avenue Boise, Idaho 83706 Mrs. Vivian Scroggs Pierce 2292 Monore Road Moselle, Mississippi 39459 Lizzy Hall Hargrove writes, “It was my great pleasure to have spent time during Alumnae Weekend with nine of my SMS classmates. We enjoyed a beautiful lunch on the St. Margaret’s campus, then gathered down in Heathsville, Virginia, to continue catching up on 43 years of being apart. It was an easy and familiar reconnection, using yearbook pictures as reminders of our years together. It was so great seeing Anne Waring, Peggy Reigelman Babiarz, Lisa Hamilton Buchanan, Marie

Guy Williams, Georganne Banning Landis, Christine Glascock Bodendorf, Beth Cumming, and Betsy Pinder, who we adopted from the Class of ’75. We all agreed that we were so grateful to St. Margaret’s for introducing us to such amazing women, whose careers ranged from teaching Head Start to recruiting economists and mathematical statisticians to managing real estate portfolios. All are dreaming of retirement following meaningful careers and raising families. Christine and Rob, in particular, have retired and have their eyes on a move south to be closer to family. Although it has been 43 years, our connection is special, and we have Vivian Scroggs Pierce to thank for spearheading our get-together while at Robin Griggs Reilly’s funeral. As Vivian continues to fight her cancer, we all need to send her our prayers. Special thanks go to Missy Brayford Swajkoski, our most technologically savvy Class Agent, who tirelessly communicated with our class and planned our meeting. We missed Missy, who lives in Ohio, as her plans changed to be present for her husband’s two hip replacements.

Katherine Graves Fichtler writes that Sarah Olson and her husband came to their valley for a fishing trip last summer and got together one day during their visit. It was a wonderful catch up! Her second grandson was born in January, Alexander and Cait’s second boy. Cait and the children visited this summer. When Alexander is finished with the military, they will all move to Bozeman, Montana. Ken is doing very well, and loves living in Bozeman. He stays super busy with his full-time marketing job, marketing two other inventions and producing TED-X Bozeman for the fifth year in a row. Andrew is at the top of his class in Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal training at Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola, Florida. If anyone is headed out Montana way, let Katherine know. She’d love to see you! Brent Williams was recently hospitalized and missed Alumnae Weekend as she was saving up strength to attend her niece’s (and godchild’s) wedding. She greatly missed seeing everyone but did so appreciate the card everyone signed and sent. In closing, we trust that we’ll see both Missy and Vivian and our other classmates, along with Betsy Pinder ’75, in 2017 as we gather at St. Margaret’s and in Heathsville for our new annual event!

MARGARET DELK MOORE ’69 Head of School at St. Michael’s Margaret Delk Moore ’69 can hardly believe she’s been a head of school for 15 years, now serving her fifth year at St. Michael’s School (stmichael.net) in Tucson, Arizona, an Episcopal parish day school with approximately 315 students in grades K-8. She never thought she’d end up here, she admits, but reminds herself that God has a mysterious way. Before St. Michael’s, she served as Head of School at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Newport News, Virginia, for nine years then took a one-year interim position at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School in Severna Park, Maryland. During this time, she also served on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). A lifelong Episcopalian with a master’s degree in Christian education from Virginia Theological Seminary, Margaret says that her Episcopal identity has shaped her and been an integral part of her life. “But beyond myself, I believe in the mission of Episcopal schools, where academic rigor, a belief in inclusion, a celebration of diversity, and the commitment to the moral and spiritual formation of students is foundational.” This philosophy, as one may notice, greatly resembles that of St. Margaret’s and consequently answers the question of whether her experience as a student here nearly 47 years ago influenced her decision to pursue this career path. She laughs, “When I came to St. Margaret’s, I was not a particularly strong student […] At St. Margaret’s, I learned how to think, to express myself, to set goals, and to work to achieve them. I was encouraged to do more than I had confidence to do, both in the classroom and beyond. St. Margaret’s taught me to be a student and to believe in my own abilities. Because of what so many of the teachers and administrators did for me, I wanted to do for other students myself. The intangible values that were instilled at SMS set me on the course I follow today.” And so, her advice to current and future students: “Believe in your dreams, be willing to take risks, and know nothing is impossible. God opens some amazing doors and is full of surprises. Bottom line: be yourself, not something others believe you should be.” For Margaret, she hopes to one day soon return to the East Coast to be near her growing family. Until then, she will continue to enjoy the days of sunny golf and beautiful mountain hikes, and to be entertained by her two Australian shepherds as well as hundreds of outrageously creative students. THISTLE | 2016

class notes One further, and most important, message is to remember to give back to SMS in return for all it has given to us.

Class of 1974 Mrs. Jane Bowman Fain 9904 Kingsbridge Road Richmond, Virginia 23238 Ginny Rand Bowman and her husband, John, are new grandparents to Callum “Cal” Bowman, who was born on May 30, 2016. Catherine Stuart Partrick reports that she retired from the Arts of the Pamilico in Washington, North Carolina, in October after 26 years. She also says her tennis team won the Eastern North Carolina bracket and competed in the state finals in Greensboro, North Carolina. She and Neal have two children who both live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They try to visit every chance they get. Neal is still working and playing golf. Catherine says, “I love hearing from my St. Margaret’s friends. I stay in touch with Margie Scott Workman, Mary Alice Parrish Passagaluppi, Sandy Richardson, Molly Fray Sanford, Kim Farrell Sawyer, and Caroline Long in our class.” Jane Bowman Fain and husband, John, celebrated the marriage of their youngest son, Gray, to April Patterson on October 3, 2015. They live in Richmond, Virginia, along with their daughter, Courtney. Their older son, JC, and his wife, Courtney, live in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both Jane and her husband have retired and have been doing a bit of traveling the past few years. Jane still substitutes as a preschool teacher, and John is a director on a public board. Jane says, “I would love to hear from more classmates of 1974! I hope to see lots or all of you at our next reunion.”

Class of 1975 Ms. Ann Peck 15641 East Sunflower Drive Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268

THISTLE | 2016

Class of 1976

Class of 1980*

Ms. Deborah Northern P.O. Box 307 Maryknoll, New York 10545

Class of 1981

Debbie Northern writes in to say, “Miriam Payton, Jeannie Day Loser, and I attended our 40th reunion over the weekend of June 10-12. The weekend began with dinner and a cruise on board the Captain Thomas. Jeannie’s husband, Bill, also joined us for the cruise. On Saturday, we had a lovely lunch, campus tour (there are several new buildings, such as the library and a new dorm!), and a great crab and barbecue dinner. Hopefully more of our classmates can join us for the next reunion! I am still living in New York and with Maryknoll Lay Missioners. I have been volunteering at Sing Sing prison for four years, working with Hispanic Catholic and other Catholic prisoners, doing bible study and meditative prayer.” Elizabeth Graves Vitu was in the United States to attend the Guild of Carillonneurs North America Congress at Yale University and to visit her family. Ann Hundley Lee-Sensibaugh has moved from the Outer Banks to Asheville, North Carolina, and is now working at the Biltmore Estate. Beth Ware Katona’s daughter, Neillee, was married the same weekend of the 2016 Alumnae Weekend.

Class of 1977* Class of 1978 Mrs. Wendy Adcock Charlton 8557 Kim Marie Court Pasadena, Maryland 21122

Class of 1979 Mrs. Hannah Spencer Overton Tiffany 30 Sturnman Lane Warsaw, Virginia 22572 Ms. Cyane Williams 108A Oakhurst Circle Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

Mrs. Elaine Flack Garner 128 Baron Circle Youngsville, North Carolina 27596 Mrs. Mary Miller Gentry 909 Brandon Road Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Class of 1982 Mrs. Meg Stewart Mason 40 Red Bird Lane Raphine, Virginia 24472

Class of 1983 Ms. Patricia Coffey Turrentine 3425 Lovers Lane Dallas, Texas 75225

Class of 1984 Mrs. Mary Katherine Straughan Kienzle 56 Sunnyside Lane Orinda, California 94563 On June 4, 2016, Leah Epps received a master’s of divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Soon, she will be doing CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) at MCV (Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center) in Richmond, Virginia. In early 2017, she’ll be ready to receive a call as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church.

Class of 1985 Mrs. Kimberly Harris McInnis 737 Arjean Drive Wilmington, North Carolina 28411

Class of 1992 Mrs. Catherine Tanner-Stuber 301 Cashwell Drive Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534

Class of 1993* Sarah, daughter of Jenni Booker Baker ’93

Class of 1986 Mrs. Margaret White Forsberg 1353 Cornwall Place Norfolk, Virginia 23508

Class of 1987 Mrs. Amy Taylor Avery 8 Jay Circle Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043

Class of 1988

Margaret Jennings “Jenni” Booker Baker has had a very full year or so. She married Stephen Baker on October 11, 2014, down in the Northern Neck with many St. Margaret’s School girls as bridesmaids: Michaux Tayloe Chopski, Natasha Kollaros Laster, Danni Walker Spradlin, Angie Tucker, Heather Trice Gribble ’92, and Kate Taylor ’83 as the crucifer. Dawn Crowther Biddlecomb served as Mistress of Ceremonies. On June 30, 2015, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Sarah Jennings. Jenni and Stephen live in Richmond, Virginia, with Sarah and their two dogs. Jenni is the Director of Advancement at Richmond Montessori School and Stephen is a senior scientist at PPD, a pharmaceutical research company.

Class of 1994*

Mrs. Margaret Tompkins Asbell 10137 Elliston Court Bristow, Virginia 20136

Class of 1995

Class of 1989

Mrs. Leslie McBride Payne 15447 Asterwind Court Charlotte, North Carolina 28277

Mrs. Amylynn Dodd Richards 354 Stillaguamish Place La Conner, Washington 98257

Class of 1990 Ms. Catherine Boyd 1035 Wood Lane – Cottage Charlottesville, Virginia 22901

After three wonderful years in New Hampshire, Elizabeth Taliaferro Accashian and her family, James (5) and Lucy (3), are moving back to Richmond, Virginia, for her husband Chris’s new job at Bon Secours, St. Francis. They are all really excited to be back home in Virginia. Molly Nicholson Peacock and her family continue living the dream in sunny McLean, Virginia. Molly and her husband have three

Class of 1991

Merry Meger Ramsey lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her husband, Bob, and twins, Emily and Parker, who recently turned 6 years old. She teaches piano lessons and is working on a master’s degree in piano pedagogy at George Mason University. Deborah Fair Languasco lives in Vermont with her husband and son. She is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Edge. When she is not working, she is driving Leo around to hockey games and practice, or spending time outside. Junko Eta Ega recently moved back to Japan. She wonders, “How are we all entering our forties?!” Emily Gosse Kallaur, her husband, and family are enjoying life in Washington, DC. Emily says she is determined to make it to her 25th class reunion! Leslie McBride Payne and her husband, Kevin, welcomed their daughter on November 25, 2015. Ellie Grace has brought so much joy to their lives! In February 2016, Leslie began as a staffing consultant with Sherpa LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Class of 1996 Ms. Kathryn Porter 8587 Southwestern Boulevard Apt. #2418 Dallas, Texas 75206 The Class of 1996 celebrated their 20th reunion in June 2016. Several boarding students and almost all of our day students were able to participate in the festivities. Classmates had a blast catching up!

Ms. Meghan Neely 1515 Country Lane Durham, North Carolina 27713 Ms. Sarah Wood 60 N. Market Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801

sons and the whole family tries to pack in as much shenanigans and tomfoolery as they can between swim meets, flag football, school, Sunday School, occasional trips, oh—and work. Molly’s law firm of Peacock PLC was acquired on July 1, 2015, by the firm of Rees Broome, PC, where Molly is counsel, serving community associations in Virginia and Washington, DC. Molly delights in gettogethers with Lauren Block Bauer ’97.

Leslie McBride Payne ’95 and daughter, Ellie Grace

THISTLE | 2016

class notes Tara Nash Atallah resides in Hendersonville, North Carolina, with her husband, Joe, and loves being a mother to her almost 2-yearold daughter, Amelia. She has been a nurse practitioner with Minute Clinic in Brevard, North Carolina, for three years.

Class of 2000

Michele Morgan started a master’s program for nursing education in June 2016. She and her wife, Jenny, are busy raising their two boys, Jack, who is 5 ½ and just starting kindergarten, and Leo, who turned 1 in May.

Mary Emery Leipertz says, “Keeping busy is no problem for me. I have two sons, Robert (5) and Will (1). I am loving spending time with them.” She works at Carreras Jewelers as both a marketing and event manager and a sales associate. They have a new, adorable basset hound puppy, Eleanor.

Chrissy Stickler Oliphant is an operations manager at Comfort Keepers, a company that provides in-home care to Northeast Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Will, purchased a home in June 2016. Their daughter graduated fifth grade and turned 11 this year. Their son is a sophomore. The family had to put down their family dog down due to stage five cancer at only 7 years old, but they rescued a 9-month-old Rottweiler who needed a forever home. Ann Stephenson Pietrantoni lives in Richmond, Virginia, and works as an accountant, winding down the Circuit City bankruptcy estate. Her son, Henry, just finished kindergarten and loved spending time on the Rappahannock River with his grandparents this past summer. Ann and her husband, Jim, celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary in June 2016. After working in a local public school division for 16 years, Tara Pirtle Garner recently accepted the role of Head of School at Aylett Country Day School.

Ms. Garnett Ashworth 7400 Woodman Road Richmond, Virginia 23228

Rhett, son of Lisa Bruning ’00

Booker Clay Perkins works in the adult and pediatric emergency room at MCV (Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center). She and her husband, Mike, are enjoying being first-time parents to Hannah, born on January 5, 2016. Kate Porter lives in Dallas, Texas, where she is an executive assistant for Hunt Mortgage Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hunt Companies; providing commercial real estate financing nationwide. She was recently elected Bylaws Committee Chairman for the Genesis Alliance Board serving Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas, which provides shelter, safety, counseling, and expert services to battered women and their children.

Class of 1997 Mrs. Elizabeth Crowther Angle 373 Warrington Drive Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L2P7 Mrs. Christina Hopkins Spain 515 Greenside Terrace Chester, Virginia 23836

Class of 1998 Mrs. Jennifer Fauteux Eberline 1124 Meriwether Street Charlottesville, Virginia 22902

Class of 1999 Sheila Loving ’96 and Ann Stephenson Pietrantoni ’96 on the front porch of St. Margaret’s Hall

THISTLE | 2016

Mrs. Anne Worthington Aycock 600 Pembrooke Avenue North Ahoskie, North Carolina 27910

Louisa Bowen Hammond Magee just finished her ninth year of teaching seventh grade at Essex Intermediate School. Her son, JT, is almost 7 and, “We enjoyed the summer filled with pool days, the beach, and reading fun at the library.” Amy Laskar Ung has opened her own optometry practice in Alexandria, Virginia. She has two daughters, ages 3 and 6 months. Sara Pirtle Robinson says, “I continue to be a licensed professional counselor in Charlottesville, Virginia. This fall, I started a new job as the program manager of the child and family outpatient team at Region Ten Community Service Board. In addition to overseeing the clinic and providing supervision and therapy, I’ve spent a lot of time this past year training clinicians, school staff, police officers, and other community members about trauma and the brain. I continue to see a few clients in my private therapy practice, as well as photograph weddings on the weekends with my husband, John, for his photography business, Robinson Imagery. Our daughter, Ellery, just turned 3, and we were so happy to welcome our second daughter, Hollis, in May.” Alexandra Cornwell lives in Richmond, Virginia, and works in economic education at the Federal Reserve Bank. On the side, she is a freelance writer for a Houston, Texas-based company. Lisa Bruning lives in Colorado and writes, “My fiancé, Ryan, and I just celebrated the birth of our son, Rhett James Redman, on April 21, 2016. I am in sales as a cybersecurity consultant. We enjoy our time outdoors camping, snowmobiling, fishing, and hiking. We also enjoy traveling all over the country. We

look forward to getting Rhett out and about on some serious hikes and excursions.” Yin Chin “Kasey” Hou is at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland working on a master’s degree in product design. Jamie Shelor Brown is a stay-at-home mom of 2-year-old son, Taylor. She says, “God is great and nothing is ever boring!” Lacey Wright Sliger writes, “I am currently living in Bel Air, Maryland. I moved here from Florida in 2013 after I reconnected with a fellow Lynchburg College grad on Words with Friends. He beat me at Scrabble, but I won his heart. While in Florida, I went back to nursing school at Palm Beach Atlantic University where I got my BSN. I am currently a critical care nurse for University of Maryland Medical Center. I have been happily married for two years to Russ. We celebrated our daughter Abigail’s 1st birthday in June. Life is good these days!”

Rebecca Dix writes, “I just finished my second year of teaching at the Nightingale Bamford School in the upper east side of New York City. I am still teaching fifth and sixth grade science and am also a sixth grade advisor. I cochaperoned the seventh/eighth grade Costa Rica trip, and I work with the drama department, caring for the costumes during the run of the middle school and upper school shows.” Cameron Sgroi Tuebner says, “My first year as Director of Enrollment Management at our beloved St. Margaret’s was wonderful! It was so great being back on campus working with many of the veteran staff and teachers who were here when we were here, and getting to know the girls. The girls are my most favorite part, of course! If you haven’t been back in a while or you just need a little boost, I encourage you to return to campus during the school year and meet some of the girls—you won’t regret the time spent!”

As for me, Garnett Ashworth, I’m living in Richmond, Virginia, with my pup, Annabelle. I recently adopted a kitten named Mr. Darcy, due to his curt manner but now loving affection. I’m still working at Virginia Commonwealth University Health and running my side business, Vintage River City.

Class of 2001 Ms. Dwann Cutler 5669-A Craneybrook Lane Portsmouth, Virginia 23703

Class of 2002*

ALISON WASSERMAN ’01 Excerpts from her 2016 Baccalaureate Address [...] The lessons embodied by the St. Margaret’s mission, which are now formalized through the “To Be” statements regarding intellectual honesty, respect, responsibility, being engaged, self-motivation, flexibility, and confidence, are universal to all of us, and for my baccalaureate address, I would like to share a few of my “To Be” moments with you. [...] The first set involves responsibility and being engaged. St. Margaret’s has a number of really wonderful service opportunities and I signed up for them all. My favorite options were those that involved physical labor, like working at food banks or building houses for Habitat for Humanity. I still have t-shirts from a couple of those community service projects, including one from a blood drive we hosted here that says, “Don’t be a fool, donate blood on April 1” [...] [...] As for my experience since St. Margaret’s, in college and law school, and now as a working adult, service opportunities have allowed me not only to give back to society, but also to meet people from every walk of life. It gives me a sense of purpose and passion that just can’t be found inside an office building or a courtroom. [...] I ran the Boston Marathon this year to raise money for Back on My Feet, an organization that provides job training and housing resources to those experiencing homelessness [...] Despite the fact that I was nervous, and that a recent job switch meant that I did not have sufficient time to train, I laced up my running shoes, put on my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle leggings and my St. Margaret’s cap, and toed my way to the starting line. Whenever I felt like giving up, which was about every half-mile, I took a deep breath and remembered that I was running for a cause other than my own crazy desire to push myself past the breaking point. [...] The values encompassed by the St. Margaret’s mission continue to sustain me to this day. Your ability to have a happy and successful life is dependent in large part on your ability to be grateful, be adaptable, keep your heart and mind open to the endless possibilities that surround you, to not be afraid to ask for help, and be willing to put in a lot of long hours and hard work to accomplish your goals. If you keep these things in mind, with practice, you will find that you are better for appreciating how messy and beautiful life can be. In other words, “as you grow in age, may you grow in grace.” [...]

THISTLE | 2016

class notes Merritt Allaun completed the paralegal program at Georgetown University last year and went on safari in July.

Kaoru Hoshino ’03 and Patti Webb ’03 in Tokyo, Japan

Class of 2003 Ms. Claire Hopkins 1725 Port Place #103 Reston, Virginia 20194 Rachel McDonald and her husband, Shaun, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Lena, in July 2015. They live in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Rachel feels lucky to be a stay-athome mom to her two little ones. Lindsay Neist got married in August 2015 and is working as an equine veterinarian with her husband in Manakin Sabot, outside of Richmond, Virginia. Emily Chang had a son, Anthony Siwon Kim, on May 12, 2016. She and her husband are sleep-deprived, but enjoy every precious moment with him. Michelle Sylva Hence is working as a nurse educator and will soon complete a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on nursing administration. She has a 2-year-old wild little boy who keeps her busy and a second little boy who was born in June. She and her family live in Tappahannock, Virginia. In February, Patti Webb ran in her first half marathon, the Disney Princess Half and 10K at Walt Disney World. Shortly after, she traveled with her husband to Tokyo, Japan. She says, “It was a great trip, made better by getting to visit with Kaoru Hoshino ’03. We haven’t seen each other since graduation, but it was like no time had passed.” Patti also met up with other St. Margaret’s alumnae in the past year: Nicole Lane ’03, Merritt Allaun ’03, and Linh Tran ’10. In her eighth year working at Stylus Publishing, she is now the marketing manager for higher education titles. She is currently the Alumnae Council Past-President and Fundraising Chair at St. Margaret’s. 36

THISTLE | 2016

Claire Hopkins lives and works in Arlington, Virginia. She is a government contractor for an IT company and works as a deputy project manager on veterans affairs projects. She completed her seventh Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Chicago, Illinois, and looks forward to venturing to other cities, raising more money and awareness.

Class of 2004 Mrs. Allison Smith Santos 5113 New Kent Road Richmond, Virginia 23225 Shahar McSalters recently joined The Harbor Bank of Maryland as the executive assistant to the CFO. In her spare time, she is a co-choreographer of RAZE, a youth dance ministry, at Kingdom Life Church, where she is a member. She is an active volunteer in the Washington, DC, area, helping with the White House Easter Egg Roll, White House Garden Tours, and National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony each year. Chelsea McDowell Duncan writes, “It has been a big year for the Duncans. We purchased a new home in September and have enjoyed making the house our home and getting to know our neighbors. My husband, Dan, was promoted to Deputy Director of Animal Industry for the Georgia Department of

Anna Reed ’04, Chelsea McDowell Duncan ’04 and Sarah Weakley ’04 at an 80s-themed party

Agriculture and I have been enjoying my job as an academic advisor at the University of West Georgia. I am a member of the Carrollton Junior Woman’s Club and have enjoyed serving my community over the past year. Our son, Jack, completed his first season of coach-pitch baseball this spring and graduated from prekindergarten. I had a chance to visit Anna Reed in New York City for her 80s-themed 30th birthday party last fall, where I was also able to catch up with Sarah Weakley. We all had such a great time seeing the city together. I hope all of my St. Margaret’s sisters are doing well!” Veazey Bobo Molica has been living in Charleston, South Carolina, for the past two years while her husband worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the deputy commander. They loved living there, but relocated to Fort Hood, Texas, in July for a new assignment. She and her husband welcomed their second daughter, Lane, on July 20, 2015. Veazey writes, “She is such a joy, and our older daughter, Audrey Grace, 3 1/2 years old, is really enjoying being a big sister.” Trevor, Gwathmey, and Sarah Copeland Wind welcomed Michael Owen “Elliott” Wind on June 3, 2016. They are adjusting to life as a family of four and Sarah is loving being the mom of two sweet boys! They live in Richmond, Virginia, and visit Tappahannock often to spend time with their families.

Gwathmey, son of Sarah Copeland Wind ’04, kissing baby brother, Elliott

As for me, Allison Smith Santos, I am enjoying married life in Richmond, Virginia, with my husband, Carter, and our Labrador retriever, Conway. I am in my fourth year as Director of Development at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond. In April, I received the Rising Star Award from the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives. This past spring, I had a great time catching up with Annie Arnest ’05 in Charlottesville, Virginia, while visiting for a wedding.

manager for the Central Virginia chapter of Dress for Success and currently serves on the board of the Virginia chapter of SMPS (Society for Marketing Professional Services).

Allison Smith Santos ’04 receiving the Rising Star Award

Class of 2005

This past summer, Jackie Brunk left her career in graphic design to begin full-time ministry with Young Life, an outreach ministry for high school teenagers in Houston, Texas. Laura Hubbell Higgins and her husband, David, welcomed their first child, Alexandria May, on March 17, 2015.

Mrs. Susannah Orem Jones 3533 Londonderry Lane Roanoke, Virginia 24018

Class of 2007 Ms. Michelle Hummel Burch 910 Forest Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23229 Antonia Dudley is a stay-at-home mom with a beautiful 2-year-old daughter. She invests in blue sapphires in Kenya, gold and diamonds in South Africa, and pearls in Indonesia. She recently purchased a house in Great Falls, Virginia.

Class of 2006* Katy Saunders moved back to Virginia in 2014 to be closer to family. She currently works as a marketing coordinator at BCWH Architects and is renting a house with fellow alumna, Sarah Reilly. She feels very blessed to be auntie to three beautiful nieces and four amazing nephews. She serves as a volunteer social media

Shahar McSalters ’04

Lane and Audrey Grace, children of Veazy Bobo Moilca ’04

Ligon Brooks has totally fulfilled her senior yearbook prediction to become the new Ms. Velletri: she teaches AP European History and Freshman Survey in Bradenton, Florida. Her summer wedding to Ryan Paleczny was held on the St. Margaret’s river lawn.

ALLISON RYAN ’06 Remembering Allison by Wanda Ryan Allison Virginia Ryan was a 2006 graduate of St. Margaret’s School. She loved St. Margaret’s… her teachers, her coaches, her friends, and the day-to-day activities that consumed her academic and sports experiences. St. Margaret’s was Allison’s home away from home, where she grew to become a young woman learning selfdiscipline and leadership. Allison “grew up” on this campus, and was an active, vital member of the St. Margaret’s community. She met and nurtured friends who she would love for her lifetime, though that lifetime was shortened by a cruel disease. Allison graduated from James Madison University as a health sciences major, and worked in a dermatology practice in Northern Virginia while pursuing her dream to become a nurse. She was in the third semester of an accelerated nursing program at Shenandoah University when she received a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer after a biopsy of a lump in her breast. No genetic evidence pointed to this; the news was heart-stopping. This disease has a high mortality rate when it occurs in young women under the age of thirty. Allison was twentysix years old when she was diagnosed in June 2014. Cancer takes so much from you: physical parts of your body, energy, your hair, appetite, taste, time, your privacy, opportunities, and your future. For Allison, cancer took all of those things, but it never diminished her as a person; it never took her desire to achieve and to keep trying to live in this life with the most courage that she could muster. I remember her “I can do this.” attitude; her determination to get through the many different chemotherapies, and three rounds of radiation therapy. Then came the surgical procedures, the transfusion, the scans, the constant blood work, and finally the clinical trials. Her hope never wavered, but the daily physical pain she bore took a devastating toll on her body. Still, she did not give up. On December 18, 2015, she graduated from the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing at Shenandoah University, despite the challenges she was experiencing. It took tremendous effort. Her beloved teachers and fellow students there honored her with a donation to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. On February 15, 2016, cancer took Allison from this world. We who love her face each day trying to live the way that she lived… with courage, compassion for others, a desire to help those less fortunate, and unconditional forgiveness. This is her legacy; this is what she taught us. She is our inspiration… every day.

THISTLE | 2016

class notes Rhiann Toner is working as a research assistant doing education research for Johns Hopkins University. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. She is a podcaster and avid rock climber.

Michelle Burch ’07 and her husband on their wedding day

Mary Beth DeLoache started her own business, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in July. It is a public relations, marketing, and branding firm specific to the interior design industry. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, and sees Graycie Overman and Molly Jones often. Laura Gorham lives in Lubbock, Texas, and is finishing her PhD in Agricultural Communications and Education. She has discovered a love for teaching college students and researching issues regarding the agricultural sciences. She was maid of honor in Michelle Hummel Burch’s wedding, where she caught up with some of her St. Margaret’s sisters. Taylor Miller has been living in Los Angeles, California, for the past few years. She is working on Nestle’s North American Agricultural Commodities team sourcing commodities and getting involved with the responsible sourcing initiative. She spends most of her free time at CrossFit, surfing, and planning her next travel adventures. She has enjoyed reconnecting with Kathleen Davis ’08. In January, Erika Gibson began a joint bachelor’s and master’s program at Chapman University. She is currently working on the first part of a two-year thesis, which explores how Thomas Jefferson used French cuisine to manipulate politics and society in Washington and set a precedent for White House entertaining. The second half of her thesis will explore how entertaining in the White House had to change during wartime. She will complete her BA in May 2017 and MA in the spring of 2018. She has recently been made the assistant director for instruction at the enrichment center where she works.

THISTLE | 2014

Hannah McKee Peterson married Adam Peterson last March. They live in Elkin, North Carolina. She is a medical transcriptionist and works from home. She is sure no one will be surprised that she has six cats and four ferrets. Courtney Gibson graduated in 2015 with a master’s degree in applied information technology with a post-baccalaureate certification in information security and assurance. She is currently a manager at Northrop Grumman, one of the largest federal contracting agencies that provides products to the government. Courtney’s baby is her dog, Benji, the sweetest dog ever. Keri Straughan Brooks currently lives in Rockville, Maryland. She left her job at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and became a part-time nanny for a 6-month-old girl while she pursues a master’s degree in gerontology: management of aging services. Keri’s goal is to become an activities director in an Alzheimer’s/ dementia unit and spark interest in creating a senior social sports league. She is having knee surgery on both knees in the fall and hopes to be back running and playing softball soon! Katie Neal lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she works for the Central Rappahannock Regional Library as an assistant in the assistive services department. Katie still enjoys spending time on the Rappahannock River. She sees a lot of Rachel Franklin, who is now Rachel Franklin Neal since marrying Katie’s brother last summer. Aubrey Sozer has been living in Toronto for the past two-and-a-half years working in a neonatal intensive care unit at a pediatric hospital. Four years ago, she went back to school at Johns Hopkins to become a nurse, where she ran into Courtney Gibson. She recently joined a research project as parttime clinical research nurse coordinator and bedside nurse. Aubrey married Graeme Hoit, a Canadian, whom she met traveling abroad during her junior year of college.

Class of 2008 Ms. Bowdre Fortson South Carolina

Class of 2009 Ms. Caroline Rollins Atlanta, Georgia Ms. Florence Snyder 931 Myrtle Drive Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730

Class of 2010 Miss Cabell Edmunds 4601 Four Seasons Terrace, Unit E Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Miss Linh Tran 2480 Kittredege Loop Drive, #0827 Boulder, Colorado 80309 Amelia Chen is currently working as an art designer at C&A Media, a company that publishes a design magazine, DFUN, and organizes many case based events in Taipei, Taiwan. Alex Coleman is currently applying for graduate schools while working full-time as an educational assistant for teenagers on the autism spectrum with emotional/behavioral disabilities. She hopes to get a master’s degree in social work, specializing in behavioral health.

Hannah McGhee ’07 and husband, Adam Peterson, on their wedding day

of London. In addition to her studies, she recently accepted a position on the business intelligence team for the Middle East and North Africa at a consultancy firm in London, England, where she will begin working fulltime upon completion of her degree.

Joan Ge ’09, Jessica Wu ’09, and Linh Tran ’10 together in Los Angeles, California

For the last two and a half years, Georgia Courson has worked for a women’s fashion company branding both All For Color and Sloane Ranger at the corporate offices in South Florida. She oversees the account and rep relations teams, coordinates flash events, and assists with apparel/gift shows. She fell into the job and loves working in the industry. Pepper Silliman majors in fashion retail management at the Art Institute of Houston and works as a sales associate at LOFT. Emily Wilson graduated from James Madison University in August 2015 with a BA in hospitality management and a minor in business. She currently works as the assistant tasting room manager for Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia. Linh Tran graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a master’s degree in education, concentrating in student affairs. She recently took a job as Hall Director for Baker Hall at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is excited to explore a new part of the country. She hopes to start a network of St. Margaret’s international alumnae. If you are interested, please e-mail linhhttran16@gmail.com.

Class of 2011 Miss Nichole Kennedy 1525 Lafayette Avenue Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803 Miss Rebecca Parker P. O. Box 177 Walkerton, Virginia 23177 Margaret “Maggie” Allen is studying Middle East politics and Farsi at SOAS, University

Madeline “Madie” Bolles left an organic offthe-grid goat dairy in New Mexico to attend boat building school in Pemaquid, Maine. She now resides in Belfast, Maine, with her fiancé, Timothy DiGeronimo, and their two lovely rats, Bebe and Kiddo. She also enjoys working at a farm-to-table restaurant called Chase’s Daily that sells their own produce and flowers. Kendall Gordon accepted the position of associate business consultant at Sapient Global Markets. During the summer, she traveled to Bangalore, India, for several months of training. Upon her return, she plans on expanding her family with a puppy. Nichole Kennedy will begin her second year of teaching special education in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She spent her summer as the assistant director of a residential summer camp in Kilmarnock, Virginia. She enjoys spending time with her dog, Rainy. Motunrayo “Tutu” Olaniyan is leaving her job at Genetic Alliance, a nonprofit health advocacy organization in Washington, DC, to begin a developmental psychology PhD program at Temple University. As for me, Rebecca Parker, I’m beginning my second year of teaching English at St. Margaret’s School. I enjoy being back in the wonderful St. Margaret’s community and living in Virginia near friends and family with my cat, Eloise.

Class of 2012

Linh Tran ’10 and Meghann Dintino ’14

Class of 2013 Miss Tiffany Sutton 26080 Sparta Road Milford, Virginia 22514 Miss Isis Daniel 908 East Tantallon Drive Fort Washington, Maryland 20744

Class of 2014 Miss Meghann Dintino 181 Colt Creek Lansing, North Carolina 28643 Miss Peyton Scott 135 West Main Street, Suite 200 Kingsport, Tennessee 37660

Class of 2015* * These classes do not have a class agent. St. Margaret’s School welcomes and encourages alumnae without a class agent to submit notes either through the online portal (www.sms.org/portal) or directly to the Director of Alumnae Relations, Fran King. If you would like to be a class agent, please e-mail fking@sms.org or call (804) 466-3129.

Miss Miatta Kingg 4108 Jewel Street Alexandria, Virginia 22312 Virginia Sawyer graduated from the University of South Carolina in December 2015 with a BA in experimental psychology. She began a master’s degree program in family counseling at The College of William and Mary in August.

THISTLE | 2016

transitions

TRANSITIONS Births A daughter, Alexandria May, to Laura Hubbell Higgins ’06 and David Higgins on March 17, 2015 A daughter, Lena Elise, to Rachel Kurtis McDonald ’03 and Shaun McDonald on July 8, 2015 A daughter, Lane, to Veazey Bobo Molica ’04 and Nathan Molica on July 20, 2015 A daughter, Ally Elizabeth, to Stephanie Hinson Fisher ’99 and Josh Fisher on October 11, 2015 A son, Samuel Battaile, and a son, Henry Gordon, to Carter Holloway Fitch ’02 and Andrew Fitch on October 17, 2015 A daughter, Ellie Grace, to Leslie McBride Payne ’95 and Kevin Payne on November 25, 2015 A daughter, Hannah Payne, to Booker Clay Perkins ’96 and Mike Perkins on January 5, 2016 A son, Rhett James, to Lisa Bruning ’00 and Ryan Redman on April 21, 2016 A son, Anthony Siwon, to Youn-Jung “Emily” Chang ’03 and Taewoo Kim on May 12, 2016 A daughter, Hollis Ruth, to Sara Pirtle Robinson ’00 and John Robinson on May 18, 2016 A son, Michael Owen “Elliott”, to Sarah Copeland Wind ’04 and Trevor Wind on June 3, 2016 A son, Christopher Dean, to Michelle Sylva Hence ’03 and Delvin Hence on June 21, 2016

Deaths Evelyn O’Brien ’58 on May 19, 2015 Marcia Kline Boney ’46 on September 19, 2015 Nancy Norris Foster ’40 on September 21, 2015 Helene Elmore Addington ’67 on October 5, 2015 Jeanne Quick Foster ’59 on November 13, 2015 Barbara Blair Bulkeley ’41 on December 5, 2015 Allison Ryan ’06 on February 15, 2016 Katherine Edwards ’40 on February 18, 2016 Barbara Lewis ’71 on March 2, 2016 Theo Waller ’39 on March 31, 2016 Michelle Tune Thompson ’83 on April 26, 2016 Mary “Bowie” Robertson Carpenter ’46 on May 3, 2016

THISTLE | 2016

scottiepride This is how I tell my story. #expressyourself

What are you passionate about? Develop your talent and discover new interests at SMS. To find out more, follow us on Instagram @scottiepride.

And while

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at it, schedule a visit at (804) 443-3357 or viewbook.sms.org.

Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Boarding and Day grades 8 through 12 Tappahannock, VA (804) 443-3357 www.sms.org

P.O. Box 158 Tappahannock, VA 22560 (804) 443-3357 address service requested

Development and Alumnae Events 2016 – 2017 *

October 15, 2016 Fall Family Weekend Fortson 5k / Rappahannock River Run St. Margaret’s School October 25, 2016 Golden Thistle Luncheon Westminster Canterbury Richmond, Virginia November 12, 2016 St. Margaret’s Day St. Margaret’s School

January 4, 2017 Young Alumnae Day St. Margaret’s School February 18, 2017 Annual Alumnae Association Meeting and Luncheon Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Richmond, Virginia April 28-29, 2017 Spring Family Weekend St. Margaret’s School

May 16, 2017 Senior Charms Chapel and Reception St. Margaret’s School June 3, 2017 Commencement St. Margaret’s School June 9-11, 2017 Alumnae Weekend: Reunion 2017 St. Margaret’s School * This calendar does not include regional events or travel. Please contact the Office of Development for those dates and locations.

St. Margaret’s School actively seeks and admits qualified students of any race, color, religious affiliation, national or ethnic origin.