Purple and White | Fall 2016

The Purple and White news from ashley hall FALL 2016

1946 Weekly evening tea with Headmistress, Miss McBee, and boarding students in the Drawing Room.

2016 Head of School, Jill Muti, meets with 2016–2017 Senior Project participants in the Drawing Room.

The Purple and White

www.ashleyhall.org Follow along:

FALL 2016

TABLE

of

CONTENTS

01

Ashley Hall Greetings

02

The Journey Begins: 2016-2017 Senior Projects

04

Putting the Student First

05

Fostering a Healthy Campus

06

Exploring New Paths

08 5 Things to Know About the Ashley Hall Global Studies Program 10 Wanderlust: Global Studies Map & Program Highlights

BOAR D 2016-2017

of

12

Ashley Hall... and Away Introducing the Class of 2016

15

Student Photo Gallery

16

Distinctly Ashley Hall

17

Creativity at Work

18

Alumnae Weekend in Retrospect

19

Through the Gate: Alumnae News

20

Class Notes

JI LL M UTI Ashley Hall Head of School

Ashley Hall GREETINGS This past June, Ashley Hall had the privilege of hosting the summer board meeting of the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, an organization that promotes “all girls” education in both independent and public schools, nationally and abroad. The Board was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit our fair city, and they were completely enamored with the historic beauty of our campus. It is always a pleasure to give our special guests a tour, but what I enjoy most is sharing the success stories of our students and the strength of our extraordinary program!

TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

Karen Jenkins Phillips ‘79

Chairman | Brett Hildebrand

Anne Tamsberg Pope

Vice Chairman | Artie I. Richards

Barton A. Proctor

Secretary | Heidi Ward Ravenel ’74

Jerry Reves, MD

Treasurer | Hugh C. Lane, Jr.

Kaye Smith

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Susanne Buck Cantey ’95

Emily Molony Swanson John E. Thompson

The juxtaposition of this issue’s cover photo with the

they have to develop their passions in co-curricular

inside photo spread speaks directly to the evolution

activities. Clearly much has changed, but the one thing that

of our curricula and our student body. Seventy years

has remained constant throughout the decades is Ashley

separate the pictures—1946 to 2016—and it is clear that

Hall’s ability to clearly translate its prescient mission to

more than just fashion has changed. Formally dressed

“produce young women who are independent, ethically

Upper School girls having tea after dinner with Miss

responsible and prepared to meet the challenges of society with confidence.”

Emmie Aichele Dawson ’70

TRUSTEES EMERITI

McBee have been replaced with today’s students in

Ann W. Dibble ’70

Mary Agnes Burnham Hood

comfortable uniforms engaging in a conversation around

Ceara Donnelley

Martha Rivers Ingram ’53

Elizabeth Powers Goltra ’67

Patricia T. Kirkland

Kenneth W. Harrell

Elizabeth Rivers Lewine ’54

Philip L. Horn, Jr.

J. Conrad Zimmerman, Jr.

Laurie A. Host ’73 Kevin W. Mooney Wade Scott Parker (Immediate Past Chairman)

their endless opportunities to lead and excel. They are

I look forward to seeing the year continue to unfold for

challenged by academic programs that are authentic

our students in the classroom, in the athletic arena and

to our school like Senior Projects, Junior Internships,

on the stage. One day, future generations will look back

courses in International Law or Chaos Theory, and Oral

at this time with nostalgia, just as we do now with the

Defense Projects. Many of them have had the benefit of

1946 images. Let’s do all that we can today to ensure we

a long tenure at the school and manifest the intellectual

are painting a powerful picture of what it means to be an

HEAD OF SCHOOL

curiosity that is a natural outgrowth of our Reggio

Ashley Hall girl.

Jill Swisher Muti

Emilia approach in the Early Education Center, our well

Sunil J. Patel, MD

articulated curriculum spiral through our Lower School

With kind regards,

and Intermediate Program, and the numerous chances

Jill S. Muti

The Purple and White Editor: Paula Edwards Harrell | harrellp@ashleyhall.org Graphic Design: Stitch Design Co. | stitchdesignco.com Photography: Meredith Adkins, Naoko Dionne, Kelly Grace Photography, Anne Jervey Rhett Photography, Elizabeth Shepherd

ASHLEY HALL

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ASHLEY HALL

1

CA RT E R B I TT E R

L AUR E N M A R S H A L L

HUM AN T RAFFI CKI NG

M I ND -B O DY CO NNE CTION I N T RAUM A RECOVERY

According to the U.S. State Department, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, of which 80% are female and 50% are children. Carter will focus her Senior Project work on better understanding the complexities of human trafficking, in particular why women and children are more frequently sold as sex slaves in many parts of the world.

Lauren will spend her year examining the link between psychological and physical recovery after a trauma, which would ideally culminate in the development of new ideas for more comprehensive, all-encompassing treatment solutions.

Lauren hopes to create a recovery program that navigates the challenging process of physical recovery through increased psychological awareness.

E L I SE C OL E M A N

the

J OU R N EY

BEGINS

T HE LO NG-T ERM EFFECTS O F SLAVERY

Unsettled by the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting in

E M I LY O C K E R M A N

Charleston, among other recent events, Elise takes a close look

M EAT CO NSUM PT I ON IN TH E UNITE D STATE S

at the link between racism and the practice of slavery in early America. Her project began this summer with volunteer work with underprivileged girls living in the eastside of Charleston and extensive historical research on the institution of American

National Geographic has referred to beef as a “cigarette and a Hummer rolled into one.” In her Senior Project, Emily seeks to answer the question: If meat is so bad for us, why is America still such a carnivorous society?

slavery during the 18th and 19th centuries.

This year’s Senior Project roster covers a vast array of topics; from human rights issues and healthy eating, to diversity in literature and America at large, topics are as varied as the girls themselves.

To the right, you’ll find a brief overview of current

E R I N GO E D EC K E

HI STO RY O F CHARLE STON

Senior Project topics. We plan to follow the girls’ work

PREVENT I NG SPO RTS I NJ URI ES FO R AD O LESCENT GI RLS

a special place the Lowcountry holds in America’s past. Elizabeth

throughout the year via social media and various school communications pieces so stay tuned to learn more.

Through its Senior Project program, Ashley Hall seeks to provide each girl with a head start on the hard work of preparing her for the college experience and the journey

Senior Project at Ashley Hall is one of the school’s most

beyond. It’s a time for her to shine!

distinguished programs. This student-directed, year-long class is a synthesis of intense research, critical thinking,

“Though individually focused, Senior Projects are also

and targeted community outreach allowing students to

collaborative in structure, so our students not only gain

delve deeper into a specific topic of interest.

knowledge in their own research areas, but exposure to their peers’ research, allowing for opportunities of growth in areas

Selected through a competitive application process the prior spring, Senior Project girls begin researching their proposed topic over the summer months. This research

outside of their own topics.”

– CA R R I E SI N GH, DI R ECTOR OF STUDEN T LI FE A N D SEN I OR PR OJ ECT A DVI SOR

plans to look behind the Lowcountry facade of magnolia trees and

to therapeutic and orthopedic physical therapy sessions. This

cobblestone streets to discover a deeper connection to this place

personal experience sparked the idea for her Senior Project—

she calls home.

further research on how sports injuries affect girls who are transitioning through adolescence and how to prevent these injuries from happening.

Z O E WAT S O N D I VERSI T Y I N LI T ERATURE

A N N A HI L D E B R A N D

Zoe believes in the power of stories and the lens they create through which to view the world. She will base her Senior Project

SUSTAI NAB LE T ECHNO LO GY

on the concept of diverse character representation in fiction and

For many years over summer break, Anna has traveled with her

plans to self-publish her own book.

family to La Absinia, Honduras to participate in various volunteer work projects. During one of her last visits, Anna observed some of the socio-economic effects of poor prenatal and neonatal healthcare. After completing her junior year internship at the Medical University of South Carolina’s neonatal unit, Anna’s interest in this topic was piqued even more. Her project will

as the projects evolve. During April of the following year,

research and explore viable solutions to obstacles that affect poor

the girls present their Senior Project research findings

women related to their prenatal and neonatal healthcare.

distinguished guests.

Charleston is a city rich with history, yet many locals forget what

As a young athlete, Erin experienced numerous injuries that led

then fuels their work over the course of the school year

to the Upper School student body along with other

E L I Z A B ET H P UCK ETTE

S O PHI A YAO CY B ER SECURI T Y

Delving first hand into the issue of cyber crime, Sophia intends to create a computer virus which she will infect into her own laptop in order to gain deeper insight into cyber crime, leading ultimately to potential protection options. In preparation for this experiment, Sophia spent her summer interning at Dalian University of Technology’s School of Software in her home country of China.

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2 0 1 6 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

ASHLEY HALL

3

Putting the Students

fostering a

HE A LTHY CA MP US Responding to the unique developmental needs of the upper elementary child, Ashley Hall’s Lower School now features an enhanced Intermediate Program.

2 0 1 6 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

With a vast array of healthcare knowledge, including 10

Ashley Hall’s new school-based Health Center like

years of experience in emergency medicine working as a

In keeping with our mission to

most especially with all matters

the proverbial kid in a candy store showing off newly

paramedic and emergency nurse, Tiffin comes to Ashley

“produce educated women who are

pertaining to language arts. Working

equipped examination rooms, a fully stocked medications

Hall as a board certified family nurse practitioner—a

independent, ethically responsible,

closely with Director of Lower

dispensary, and a dedicated lab area. As a family

Registered Nurse who has received additional advanced

and prepared to meet the challenges

School, Lois Ruggiero, Polly will be

nurse practitioner and Director of Ashley Hall Health

training in the diagnosis and management of chronic and

of society with confidence”, Ashley

dedicated to insuring the academic

Services —and alumna!—Tiffin is thrilled to launch a

acute health problems. With the exception of surgery,

Hall never stops considering ways to

and social well being of each and

new, comprehensive, high quality healthcare program for

nurse practitioners are allowed under state regulations to

improve the student experience. In

every individual student in grades

students, faculty, and staff.

provide many of the same services performed by family

response to the School’s continuing

five and six.

effort to address the specific

4

Tiffin Dowling Lamoreaux ’01 bounces around

physicians. These services include diagnosing and treating “Think of it as Ashley Hall’s Urgent Care Center,” says

health problems; well-child, and adult care checkups;

developmental needs of girls in

This intimate, nurturing

Tiffin. “Research shows that more students return to class

diagnosing and managing minor trauma, including

kindergarten through sixth grades,

environment will continue

after visiting a school-provided nurse practitioner versus

suturing and splinting; prescribing medications; and

and our determination to ensure

to encourage self discovery,

a school nurse. There are many medical conditions that

teaching health promotion and disease prevention. Also

a more seamless and confident

independence and increased

may have previously required a parent to take their child

making Tiffin uniquely qualified for this position is her

transition for fifth and sixth graders

intellectual curiosity within every

to their primary care provider that can now be managed

personal history with the school as a “12-year” Ashley Hall

into the rigors of the Upper School

student. With a precisely calibrated

on campus thus allowing the child to remain at school.

girl and the mother of two young students currently in the

program, Ashley Hall has integrated

focus on this critical time of

Tiffin will work closely with primary care providers to

Early Education Center. “The time I spent at Ashley Hall

the Intermediate School into our

childhood development, Ashley

ensure that there is continuity of care. “With a focus on

provided me with a firm foundation on which to build my

elementary curriculum. Beginning

Hall and the dedicated faculty of the

preventive care and health maintenance, the goal is to

life and realize my goals. Since graduation, I have always

this year, students in Lane Hall

Lower School are determined to let

keep our students healthy, so they can thrive in class.” The

felt the desire to give back to the school that gave so much

will be under the guidance of a

nothing get in the way of a pre-teen

benefits of a school-based health center also extend to

to me.”

new Dean of Student Affairs for

girl’s success.

faculty and staff. By providing routine and preventative

the Intermediate Program. This

health maintenance as well as acute care, Tiffin can reduce

Supporting Ashley Hall’s directive to produce independent

position has been taken by former

faculty and staff health-related absences and see lower

women, the Ashley Hall Health Center will offer students

Lower School instructor Polly

out-of-pocket medical costs. It’s a winning proposition

the opportunity to be proactive in independently managing

Rainey. Polly is well acquainted

campus wide.

their own health and wellness under the supervision

with both the Lower School and

of a supportive and confidential healthcare partner.

Intermediate Program curricula,

Welcome, Tiffin!

ASHLEY HALL

5

Ashley Hall Junior, Allison Drennan, used her summer to learn about careers in neuroscience, lobby on Capital Hill, and attend Harvard University.

E X P L O R I N G NEW

P A T H S

Allison Drennan ’18 began designing her summer

his daily routines, Jack looks like any other College of

experience back in December. “It was during the

Charleston student, yet he has a very serious disease. I

Christmas holidays last year when I started thinking about

feel compelled to spread awareness about CF and hope

summer break and what I wanted to do,” said the Ashley

to emphasize there’s a cure on the horizon with proper

Hall Junior. “I researched national summer program

research funding. Approximately 40 new clinical trials are

offerings, and Harvard’s Pre-College Program piqued my

currently taking place and life spans of CF patients are

interest. The program is competitive but I applied and

increasing each and every year. At some point a cure will

got in.”

be found.”

Designed for rising 11th and 12th grade students as an

Through her work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,

immersive introduction to college life, the Harvard

Allison’s interest in genetics and medicine has begun

Pre-College Program offers challenging college-level

to grow. In late June she participated in Ashley Hall’s

coursework coupled with the opportunity to study and live

Summer Neuroscience Institute. Each summer—in

with students from around the world. “My program track

partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina

was Speaking with Power, Passion, and Purpose and was

and under the keen direction of Ashley Hall Upper School

taught by a Harvard faculty member. We focused on how

faculty member Meghan Ward as well as Ashley Hall

to use the physical voice to make an impact. I presented

Board member and MUSC neuroscientist, Dr. Sunil

four different speeches which were then constructively

Patel—the Neuroscience Institute aims to introduce young

critiqued by my peers and the professor. In Upper School,

female students to career opportunities in neuroscience.

public speaking is emphasized through Harkness Class

From rehabilitation work and clinical research to complex

and student-led assemblies. I know this program will serve

brain surgery procedures, there are many facets to

me well here and beyond graduation.” When asked what

neuroscience and career paths for the girls to consider.

experience at Harvard she most enjoyed, Allison quickly

Ashley Hall’s close proximity to MUSC and its renowned

spoke to the diversity of the participants. “Everyone had an

neuroscience program makes this a natural partnership.

opinion which seemed to stem from their background and

“We actually observed brain surgery where an aneurism

unique world view. An interesting debate could pop up at

was being clipped. It was a procedure where the patient

any time or place. I feel as if my perspective truly changed

walked out of the hospital that day. It was fascinating,”

during my time there.”

Allison said.

Before heading to Cambridge, Allison made a brief stop

With two more years ahead of her at Ashley Hall, Allison

in Washington, DC and the halls of Capitol Hill. Working

still has time to refine her college choices and eventual

closely with the South Carolina Chapter of the Cystic

career path. She looks forward to what next summer holds.

Fibrosis Foundation, Allison served as teen advocate for

“As for future endeavors next summer, I hope to build off

the Chapter, lobbying SC Congressional members on the

this summer’s experiences. I have Ashley Hall to thank for

need for additional national funding for CF research. She

helping me create a strong foundation of inner strength

has a personal connection to this often called “invisible

and for fostering a desire to stretch my limits.”

disease”—her 20-year old brother, Jack, has CF. “From

ASHLEY HALL

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L

T UD

THE A SH

Y

LL GLOBA L

S

E

HA

UT

IES PROGR

THINGS

M

A

A

B

O

TO KNOW

Reflections on completing the Global Studies Program Initiative from Jerry Reves, MD, Ashley Hall Board of Trustees member and former Board Chair.

Signature Program Reaches New Heights

1.

Worldly is one of

3.

A vital and integral

5.

We did it! With the help of our

seven unique hallmarks that

component of campus life, 15

personify an Ashley Hall girl and is

international boarding

Ashley Hall is proud to announce the

purposefully woven into the fabric

students live in The Rutledge

successful completion of the $4

of campus through programmatic

House for Global Studies and bring a

million Global Studies Program

initiatives, such as the Global

unique worldly perspective through

Initiative. This campaign provided for

Studies Program and the school’s

the lens of their home country to our

the acquisition and renovation of The

International Boarding Program.

student body.

Rutledge House for Global Studies,

of the Board of Trustees in 2013 during the launch

4.

home to our international boarders,

of the campaign and proved a tireless, enthusiastic

and will continue to financially support

supporter of the new program. “Head of School, Jill

ongoing programmatic needs. We thank

Muti, and the school’s administration had the vision

our generous donors, the members of

for the program. We only needed additional space,

the Board of Trustees and our Head of

and when 179 Rutledge Avenue became available

School for their foresight and vision,

adjacent to campus, we purchased the property. This

This hallmark instills a beautiful sense of wanderlust in our students that inspires them to consider new cultural perspectives.

2.

Now in its second year, a

robust English-as-a-SecondLanguage Exchange Program is offered on campus during

Nearly 40 countries

summer break. This year, girls

have been explored through Ashley

from the Showa School in Japan

Hall students traveling abroad

and Gymnasium Marienberg in

and girls from other parts of the

Düsseldorf Germany participated in

world visiting our campus. Recent

a unique two-week program focused

curriculum-based trips have been

on English proficiency and cultural

taken to Russia, India, Ireland,

immersion. A select group of Ashley

Cambodia, and Thailand. Students

Hall girls served as mentors and

venturing to Charleston for year-

American hosts during their visit.

generous philanthropic community,

and everyone who devoted efforts to this campaign.

“I had countless takeaways from the [BEYOND:India] program, one being the realization that I ultimately—as one human—cannot change the world with one two-week trip to India. Therefore, we had to use this opportunity to explore how to

Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Paraguay

discover and to help ourselves to become more effective leaders in our communities in order to lead change.”

– EMI LY OCKER MA N ‘ 1 7

8

2 0 1 6 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

Global Studies Program, Dr. Reves says, “It was a natural addition to what Ashley Hall already offered, a superb, well-rounded education, and speaks directly to the mission of preparing students to meet the challenges of society.” Dr. Reves served as Chairman

splendid acquisition helped Ashley Hall realize the curriculum’s full potential, and houses our international boarding students so they have easy access to school. The amazing thing about fundraising for this

long exchanges have come from and England, among other countries.

When asked what attributed to the success of the

initiative was that when people were asked, absolutely no one said no to financially supporting the program.

All agreed that preparing our girls to compete and succeed in a global society was not only our desire, but our responsibility.”

Top Photo: Ashley Hall students play host to participants in last summer’s English-as-a-Second-Language Program.

Bottom Photo: Upper School Humanities students explore the ancient ruins of Greece.

ASHLEY HALL

9

In January 2016, Upper School students traveled to Russia after winning the International Project School Winter Session Competition.

They collaborated with other student teams from China and Russia to address global concerns with water and the spread of international terrorism.

McKenna Hardy ’18 was one of two Ashley Hall students who studied abroad her sophomore year. She selected Japan as her homestay for the International Rotary Program. In addition, a partnership has developed with Showa High School in Tokyo with their students participating in a two week English-as-a-SecondLanguage summer course, staying in the Rutledge House for Global Studies.

Adult members of the Ashley Hall community enjoyed an opportunity to explore the rich landscape of Cuba during the fall of 2015 with Head of School, Jill Muti. During their stay, guests were hosted by a variety of local scholars and artists who offered in-depth commentary on art, history, architecture and religion.

Lower School students participated in the philanthropic project “Crayons Matter ” where basic school supplies like pencils, crayons and backpacks were collected for a school in Ghana.

During this partnership, the girls learned about students in other countries and how we can help those in need.

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2016 5 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

ASHLEY HALL

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Ashley Hall...

And Away!

In a ceremony steeped in tradition and beauty, the Class of 2016 took their place as the newest members of the Ashley Hall Alumnae sisterhood.

WITH A CLASS TOTALING

CLASS MEMBERS WERE ACCEPTED INTO HONORS

PROGRAMS

OUR GRADUATES

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Morehead-Cain Scholar), University of Alabama, Clemson

ARE ATTENDING

University, University of South Carolina

N

E A R LY

and College of Charleston

Our motto Possunt Quae Volunt—girls with the will have the ability—will ACCEPTED MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ACADEMICS

continue to inspire tenacity and gumption. We have been taught that there is imagination without limits; we

Many more students earned

can do anything we set our minds to.

DIFFERENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

scholarships but chose to attend other institutions offering a better fit, substantial needs-

– Elizabeth “Lizzie” Russler,

based aid or instate tuition.

1st Honor Graduate

CUMULATIVELY, THE CLASS GARNERED MORE THAN

$3,100,000 IN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY

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2 0 1 5 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

Congratulations to the Class of 2016. We could not be more proud of these young women and all they have accomplished at Ashley Hall. Look out world, here they come.

ASHLEY HALL

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student

2016 C OL L E G E AC C EP TANC E L IST

P HOTO G ALLERY

B O LD: ST U DE NT S ATT E N DING S C HOOL

14

The University of Alabama

Dartmouth College

University of Pennsylvania

American University

Davidson College

Queens University of Charlotte

Appalachian State University

DePaul University

Rhodes College

Auburn University

Durham University

University of Richmond

Bard College

Eckerd College

Ringling College of Art and Design

Barnard College

University of Edinburgh

Roanoke College

Bates College

Elon University

Saint Joseph’s University

Baylor University

Emerson College

San Francisco State University

Belmont University

Emory University

Sarah Lawrence College

Berklee College of Music

Flagler College

Savannah College of Art and Design

Boston College

Furman University

Sewanee: The University of the South

Boston University

The George Washington University

Skidmore College

Brandeis University

Georgetown University

University of South Carolina

Bucknell University

Georgia Institute of Technology

University of South Carolina,

California State University, Long Beach

Georgia Southern University

Honors College

University of California, Berkeley

The University of Georgia

Southern Methodist University

University of California, Davis

Gettysburg College

Spelman College

University of California, Irvine

Hollins University

University of St. Andrews

University of California, Los Angeles

Kenyon College

St. Lawrence University

University of California, San Diego

Lafayette College

Suffolk University

University of California, Santa Barbara

Lehigh

The University of Tampa

University of California, Santa Cruz

Lewis & Clark College

Temple University

Carnegie Mellon University

Loyola University Chicago

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Case Western Reserve University

Loyola University New Orleans

Texas Christian University

College of Charleston

Mary Baldwin College

The New School

College of Charleston, Honors College

McGill University

Trinity College

University of Chicago

University of Miami

Vanderbilt University

Claflin University

University of Michigan

University of Vermont

Clark Atlanta University

University of Mississippi

Villanova University

Clemson University

New York University

University of Virginia

Clemson University, Honors College

University of North Carolina at Asheville

Washington and Lee University

Coastal Carolina University

The University of North Carolina at

Washington University in St. Louis

Colby College

Chapel Hill, Honors College

University of Washington

Colorado State University

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Wingate University

Columbia College Chicago

North Carolina State University

Wofford College

Connecticut College

Northeastern University

The College of Wooster

2 0 1 6 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

Congratulations to Lillie Sauls and Gwyn Niemann, both members of the Class of 2017. Their photographs, shown here, were recently recognized by the American Association of Physics Teachers. The girls provided essays to accompany their image explaining the physics behind the photograph’s subject matter. PQV to these bright and artistic scientists!

Lillie Sauls ’17

Gwyn Niemann ’17

ASHLEY HALL

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Creativity AT WO RK

Campus creative spaces encourage play, ignite curiosity and empower girls to tinker.

distinctly

A S H L E Y H AL L

Lower School Art Teacher, Tina Hirsig, and Kristen Callahan,

T H E L E G O WA L L

Director of Technology, Innovation and Education have

Located on the second floor of Lane Hall, the Lego Wall

teamed together to create several dedicated “tinkering”

takes learning beyond the traditional classroom by utilizing

spaces around campus which promote unique collaborative

hallway space as an alternative teaching environment. This

opportunities. Tina and Kristen believe that shaping

interdisciplinary space provides a place for students to

and reshaping the world around us through the process

design imagery, build letters, react to literature, solve math

of creative play promotes, supports and fosters critical

problems and more!

thinking, curiosity, collaboration, problem-solving,

THE LOYALTY FUND

S E L F D I S COV E RY

in support of self discovery, scholastic excellence, service and sisterhood

- Health and Wellness Program (PAWS)

- Ross Early Education Center’s Reggio Emilio Curriculum - Athletics Needs – field upkeep, uniforms and equipment - Humanities Classes Encompassing Class, Race, and Gender

Each installation—Earth Loom, Lego Wall, and Chalkboard Wall—incorporates our school Hallmarks: Worldly, Compassionate, Discerning, Creative, Intelligent, Purposeful, Collaborative which serve as guiding principles. Teachers

The Loyalty Fund, the school’s annual campaign,

S C H O L A S T I C E XC E L L E N C E

bring their disciplinary knowledge to the installation in

is gaining momentum like never before. A record

order to expand and elaborate on their curriculum. These

breaking $1,133,210 was gifted to the school this

- STEAM Programming featuring Lego Mindstorm, Robotics, Coding and Arduino Projects

past year and over 1,500 of you participated! Of

- Model United Nations

on what is already being taught in the classroom, in turn

those gifts, 289 were from first time supporters, and

- Faculty Professional Development

extending what students are learning academically, socially,

199 gave at the 1909 Society leadership level. PQV

- Required 7th and 8th grade Classics Classes

and/or creatively.

Ashley Hall!

SERVICE

Ashley Hall provides an education that is unsurpassed, and your support through the Loyalty Fund makes that possible. Your gift of appreciation, no matter the size, directly supports the four basic elements sustained by the fund. Without the Loyalty Fund, these unique and important programs would not be possible. Together with both pride and deep appreciation, we are distinctly Ashley Hall.

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exploration, and self discovery.

2 0 1 6 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

- Kindergarten Sea Turtle Hospital Partnership - Lower School Bee Cause Program - Intermediate Program Clean Water Ways Initiative - School-Wide Partnership with Meeting Street Academy SISTERHOOD

- Big Sister/Little Sister Events - Championship Athletic Programs - Intramural Purple and White Activities - Alumnae Life-Long Learning and Volunteer Opportunities

spaces serve as an incubator for new ideas with emphasis

T H E C H A L K B O A R D WA L L T H E E A R T H LO O M

The Chalk Wall is a creative space located in the heart of

Built from a tree that needed to be removed from campus,

Ashley Hall’s campus—at the far end of the Sports

the Earth Loom is a unique tool that weaves together

Court—that promotes collaboration and community

themes and inspirational provocations from students,

building. The Wall provides an open forum for individuals

faculty, staff, and parents. For example, debris from recent

to express themselves. The idea encourages the community

tropical storm Hermine, (all natural objects) were recently

to think before writing, drawing, even water painting, and

woven together to see the potential in “trash.” Each

to think before interacting with other people’s work.

collaborative weaving project is ongoing for approximately

Teachers incorporate the Wall into curriculum and/or

two months.

campus events.

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ALUMN A E W E E KE N D in RET R O SP E CT What a wonderful time we had celebrating the Ashley Hall sisterhood last April.

Generations of graduates came back to campus to see old friends, explore campus, and reminiscence about their special time as Ashley Hall girls. For the full photo gallery from the weekend, please visit www.ashleyhall.org/alumnae.

T HROU G H the G AT E S : Alumnae News

Director of Alumnae Relations, Amy Jenkins ’82, looks forward to the year ahead.

I am fortunate. I walk through the gates of campus daily and am constantly reminded of all that is special about Ashley Hall. While many gates could be considered The Class of 1966 was inducted into the Jubilee Society, alums who graduated more than 50 years ago.

The 2016 Ashley Hall Alumnae Award Winners from left to right: Fern Karesh Hurst ’64 Community Volunteer Award: Helen C. Pratt-Thomas ’92 Martha Rivers Ingram ’53 Excellence in the Arts Award: Midge Midyette Peery ’59

The Class of 1976 enthusiastically endowed the Mary Webb Alumnae Scholarship in honor of beloved classmate and long-tenured Ashley Hall faculty member, Mary Webb.

Dewar Gordon Holmes ’26 Distinguished Alumna Award: Margie Davis Barham ’86 Crandall Close Bowles ’65 Professional Achievement Award: Nancy Blair Chaddick Parr ’86

S AV E T H E D AT E !

Ashley Hall Alumnae Weekend APRIL 21 & 22, 2017 The Class of 1991 celebrated their 25th reunion year.

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confining, ours have always been a welcome mat…

Your stories and journeys inspire me and one of my

a coming home… a return to this family of fellow alumnae.

primary goals this year is to journey to you! Last year,

It doesn’t matter whether you were an athlete or a reciter

I was able to visit alumnae in Raleigh, Richmond,

of Shakespeare, lived in McBee House as a boarder or were

Charlottesville, New York, and Seattle. Not surprisingly,

a day student, we all share common bonds, values, and an

we have a large number of alumnae in North Carolina,

indescribable connection.

Virginia, and New York City; did you know we have 10 alumnae in and around the Seattle area? Ashley Hall

In my early years as a young alumna and certainly

Alumnae live in 47 states and over 20 countries! By

continuing through my many volunteer roles on campus,

traveling to your hometown, I hope to promote the

I found myself trying to explain this bond we share. I am

Community App and learn how Ashley Hall influenced

constantly searching for a descriptor of what it is about

your life journey. During each visit, I find the ever present

Ashley Hall that creates this indelible tie between us. This

bond among alums. Our conversations are always filled

bond defies time and distance; a prior meeting is not even

with laughter, inspirational stories, values, and connections

required to feel the connection. It’s just there.

that transcend time and distance.

The stories I am privileged to hear as Alumnae Relations

Most importantly, I want to bring Ashley Hall to you. I

Director have taken me—vicariously—around the globe

want to learn from you and help connect our alumnae

and into as many alumnae careers as I can imagine.

together in as many ways as possible. If you have an idea

Our journeys obviously define us as individuals. Each

or an upcoming event in your city which would be a good

alumna’s life journey also highlights the history and

opportunity for alumnae to gather, please let me know. I

importance of the school and impacts our future. As

am here for you — to be your voice and ensure you know

alumnae, we each have the opportunity to use our

how important each of you are to Ashley Hall. There is not

experiences, our talents, our passions to ensure our

a bond like the bond of sisterhood and I am honored to

beloved school continues its mission.

share this alumnae sisterhood bond with each of you!

Excerpts from the Through the Gates blog. To read more, please visit www.ashleyhall.org/alumnae

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Class Notes

Ashley Hall Alumnae, we love hearing from you! ’57 Kitty Bryan Forbes was awarded a Tennessee Williams Scholarship in Poetry during the 2016 Sewanee Writers’ Conference.

Kay Wagener-Mathewes Holz is working on a book of literary fiction that involves two young women growing up in Charleston; Ashley Hall is one of the characters. ’58 Marshall Jupp Moore is currently volunteering, swimming, playing guitar and ukelele. She has a brand new greatgrandson, born September 26, 2015.

’66 The Class of 1966 prepared a reunion biography on classmates for their 50th reunion this spring. Below are random selections from the full collection.

Courteney L. Daniels has spent most of her career self employed organizing meetings for several corporations. One of the most enjoyable was the annual Global Business Leaders conference; as manager of the conference, she lived in the host country for two to four months including Singapore, Budapest, Hong Kong, Rome, Beijing, Bangkok, Paris and Barcelona. She currently lives in New York City.

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Submitting Class Notes is easy: 1. Submit news online through the alumna portal at www.ashleyhall.org/alumnae 2. Contact your class representative.

3. Write your news in the space provided on the remittance envelope included and mail it with your annual gift.

Heather McLaughlin has been married for 35 years and raised two children, both employed in technology companies. She credits their current coding abilities to rigorous Suzuki violin education. For 30 years Heather and her husband have run a shop-at-home business called The Window People. She plays the clarinet and tries to bike between 60 and 100 miles per week.

Susan Bedell McMahon retired from Deloitte and Touche in 2007 and bought a small cabin on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. She still loves horses and travel.

Grace Wilson Phillips has been happily married for 47 years, living in Macon, Georgia. She and her husband have raised three wonderful and successful daughters who have given them six grandchildren.

Grace lives on the family farm where they raise cotton and cattle; she also enjoys bridge, snow skiing, gardening, traveling and volunteering.

Sally Addlestone Regenbogen is living on Daniel Island, South Carolina after years in New York City and Dallas, retiring after a career as a school librarian. She enjoys volunteer work in the arts and playing tennis.

Kate Schlech did overseas work after college for a social welfare agency before becoming a federal criminal defense attorney in Washington DC, Atlanta and Dallas. She retired after 35 years and is now traveling and volunteering.

Louise Sherrill is retired in Denver after a career of teaching elementary school children, including as a reading specialist.

She and her husband of 39 years have two girls; one is living in Spain and the other in Los Angeles. She loves her life in Denver.

Elaine Berol Taylor has a new grandchild.

Her son and daughter-in-law, Austin and Rebecca, welcomed Gemma Jane. Elaine is an American Orchid Society accredited judge attending shows worldwide.

Lucy Sanders Wilson taught French at the University of South Carolina and Heathwood Hall prior to moving to Sumter, South Carolina with her husband, Bunt. She went back to school (after a “mid-life crisis”) earning a Masters in Counseling degree and spent 24 years as a School Guidance Counselor in Sumter. She is currently retired and enjoying her seven grandchildren. ’70 Debbie Lipman Cochelin was just hired as an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University, a Jesuit college, to teach the arts and the law course in its inaugural Arts Management BA program. She will have the responsibility of developing the first syllabus and teaching that class. ’71 Missy Craver Schenck wrote that the Green River Preserve received the Edie Klein Award for Program Excellence at the American Camp Association National Conference. Missy and her husband were invited to the White House two years ago as one of the Champions of Change; Engaging the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders. ’76 Monica Simmons Hammonds wrote that singing continues to be one of her passions.

She stays busy singing with “Lowcountry Voices.” Last year they sang at Lincoln Center in New York City and traveled to Bermuda for two concerts. ’78 Biz Rivers Heyl now works at the University of Virgina Hospital in Charlottesville as a Registered Nurse in the neonatal intensive care nursery.

Beth W. Settle joined Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice’s Charleston office as an attorney and partner. She has more than 30 years of legal industry experience; her practice areas include real estate acquisitions and development and financial transactions. ’85 Vida Robertson lives in Raleigh, North Carolina where she is working in Adolescent Psychiatry. ’90 Caroline Hairston Watson is living in Virginia with her husband and girls. She loves gardening, cooking and tennis! ’97 Emily F. Betts has two sons: Ashby Betts (born July 15, 2011) and Merrick Betts (born May 29, 2014). She works for Petaluma Transit and enjoys cooking, yoga, hiking, and being a mother. ’00 Courtney Parades Plotner was recently recognized by the Charleston Regional Business Journal in their “40 under 40” issue. Considered one of Charleston’s impressive young professionals, Courtney is the Executive Director of the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired of Charleston.

’05 Emily Hollings Carley graduated from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine on May 20, 2016. As the outstanding student in her class, she was selected to give the student remarks at graduation. She is now a dental resident at Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago.

Caroline Hay Robinson had her swimwear line, Citrone, featured on the cover of Women’s Wear magazine in June. ’07 Eliza Morrison helps provide assistance to students by connecting them with verified tutors. She is the co-founder of Tutor App which is a web-based tutoring application that allows students to search qualified tutors based on the subject they are struggling with. Students can choose from hundreds of tutors that are accessible either online or in person ’08 Lauren A. Holloway has been promoted to CoolSculpting co-ordinator at Germain Dermatology.

Caitlin C. Tuten-Rhodes went to Ireland to run her first marathon and ended up climbing a few mountains and making some great friends in travels afterwards.

Courtleigh R. Watson passed her NAVLE in November 2015, graduated on May 7, 2016 and will pursue an equine internship in June with Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital.

’00 Lindsay Lyman Skelton, former faculty member and Ashley Hall Athletic Hall of Fame member, recently joined the faculty at Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville teaching French.

’07 Katie L. Phillips joined the faculty of Ashley Hall as Intermediate Program Spanish Instructor.

A graduate of Wake Forest University (BA Spanish and Art History), Ms. Phillips has spent the past five years living and teaching in Spain, primarily in Galicia.

’12 Abbie M. Gibson had an exhibit at the Dog & Horse Gallery in Charleston which ran during July and August 2016. Gibson’s contemporary paintings of horses combine her grasp of horses and her spiritual connection with these animals. Her lyrical brushwork conveys each animal’s strength and grace. She recently graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York with a major in studio art and a minor in business. Abbie was a member of the Skidmore Equestrian Team and won 2nd and 3rd places at IHSA Nationals.

’10 Abby K. Grady is now an Alumni/ Development Coordinator at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Among other things, she works to plan alumni events, acknowledgement of gifts and maintains the social media outlets.

She graduated from the University of South Carolina in May 2014 with a BA in Public Health.

Wanderer by Abbie Gibson

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’12 Isabelle G. Luzuriaga recently graduated from Georgetown University. In keeping with the sailing tradition between Ashley Hall and Georgetown, Isabelle helped the Georgetown Hoyas win the Intercollegiate College Sailing Association’s National Championship in co-ed racing. Isabelle is a two-time member of the ICSA’s AllAmerican Sailing Team for 2016 and 2017. ’14 Halle L. Lipov is currently studying in Australia through Tulane University.

India A. Madisetti is currently pursuing a degree in education at Columbia University in New York. ’15 Annie L. Grimball is currently attending Wake Forest and had the opportunity to sing at the Vatican with the school choir.

IN MEMORIAM Patricia Creighton, long tenured Ashley Hall teacher, passed away on April 21, 2016. ’34 Lois Myers Jervey passed away on January 12, 2015. ’41 Margaret “Peg” Kidd Swan passed away on February 13, 2016. ’43 Frances Thornhill passed away on April 27, 2016. She was instrumental in starting the Ashley Hall Equestrian Team and the Ashley Hall Horse Show, both of which continue today. ’53 Jeannine Harris Green passed away on September 25, 2015. ’54 Carolyn Owens Miller passed away on April 16, 2016.

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’55 Frances Martin Oxner passed away on April 15, 2016. ’56 Barbara Bunn Vereen passed away on October 5, 2014. ’73 Bobbie Twitty Mattiske passed away on July 18, 2016.

M A R R I AG E ANNOUNCEMENTS ’67 Elizabeth Powers Goltra married Peter Seipp Goltra on March 12, 2016. ’98 Melissa Joseph Varnell married Jonathan David Varnell on January 16, 2016. ’01 Carnes Eiserhardt Campbell married Wesley “Benton” Campbell on February 22, 2014.

’02 Ann E. Rice Ervin and her husband, Tucker, welcomed a son, Beckett Rice Ervin, born October 6, 2016. ’02 Tricia Cole Ard and her husband, Mike, welcomed a daughter, Grace Evelyn Ard, born July 21, 2016. ’05 Annie Hutson McEwen and her husband, Rob, welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth Anne “Lizzie” McEwen, born May 5, 2016. ’05 Caroline Cutler Rowe and her husband, Chatham, welcomed a daughter, Eleanor “Ellie” Charlton Rowe, born on February 17, 2016.

MA RK your CA L E N DAR for these U P C O MI N G E VENTS For more details, and to purchase tickets, visit the Current Happenings section of www.ashleyhall.org.

COCKTAILS ON THE CORNER sponsored by the Parents’ Association November 3, 2016 | 6:00pm Sermet’s Downtown | 276 King Street For ticketing information, visit www.ashleyhall.org

PERFORMING ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE INCONTRI MUSICALI November 4, 2016 | 8:00pm November 6, 2016 | 4:00pm Sottille-Thompson Recital Hall at Ashley Hall

’02 Molly B. Waring married Joe Caughman on December 31, 2015.

Tickets: $20 Adults | Free for Students

’03 Cameron Widman married Justin Leyh on February 27, 2016.

LUNCH AND LEARN: RESILIENCE AND THE GIFT OF FAILURE

’09 McNair Rhodes Somheil married Christopher Somheil on July 9, 2016. ’12 Ellen Hudson Brown married Raven Howard on June 25, 2016.

For ticketing information, visit www.ashleyhall.org

November 17, 2016 11:30am: Lunch | Noon: Program Dining Commons Conference Room To RSVP, visit www.ashleyhall.org

THE CHRISTMAS PLAY BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

December 1, 2016 | 6:30pm

’01 Carnes Eiserhardt Campbell and her husband, Benton, welcomed a daughter, Eliza Grace Campbell, born July 30, 2015.

Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul | 126 Coming Street This event is free and open to the public.

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