Chat Spring 2022

CHAT THE MAGAZINE OF CHATHAM HALL

Featuring: January Term, Global Scholars, and a Tribute to Cathy LaDuke

SPRING 2022

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LETTER FROM THE RECTOR

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800 CHATHAM HALL CIRCLE: CAMPUS NEWS

20 ALUMNAE AWARDS 26 JANUARY TERM 30 GLOBAL SCHOLARS 34 A TRIBUTE TO CATHY LADUKE 42 CLASS NOTES 48 FROM THE ARCHIVES

COVER This year’s January Term options included Engineering with Rube Goldberg, which allowed students to design, build, analyze, and write while exploring engineering. Students worked in teams to study and build mechanical, electromechanical, and automated systems with a grand finale of a demo of a Rube Goldberg machine playing music!

CHAT SPRING 2022

ADMINISTRATION

Beth Stefanik, Editor

Rachel Avery Connell, Rector

Laura Benjamin Chappell P’22, Designer

Beth Barksdale, Chaplain

Rachel Balsley, Photographer

Deborah Glymph, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Printing by Collinsville Printing Company, Martinsville, VA

Martha Griswold, Dean of Academics Jennifer Hiltwine, Chief Financial Officer Christine Cutright Knight P’19, Chief Advancement Officer

Dr. Erin McHugh, Dean of College Counseling Marin Miller, Dean of Students Wynne Overton, Chief Enrollment Officer Beth Stefanik, Chief Communications Officer

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Alison Carter-Cady ’91, Chair Michelle Thomas Supko ’02, Vice Chair Jennifer Gammill McKay ’84, P’20, Secretary Andy Lee P’20, Treasurer Nina Johnson Botsford ’72 Katharine Bulkley ’77 Judy M. Carter ’63 Clay Dunnagan P’23 Jane M. Garnett ’73 Melanie Kirk Holton ’87 Mary Kay Karzas ’71 Sarah Monarchi Longpré ’84

Adair Hendrickson Ravencraft ’02 Mary Reynolds ’84 John Runnells P’19 James Secor, III G’25 Robin Peake Stuart ’69 Kimberly Daniels Taws ’02 Hunt Whitehead P’22 Ex-officio member The Rt. Rev. Susan B. Haynes, Bishop, Diocese of Southern Virginia

Trustee emerita Robin Tieken Hadley ’57

The Chat is published semiannually by Chatham Hall. For comments, suggestions, or to request a copy, please email communications@chathamhall.org.

Designated representatives Danielle Thomas Kimmel ’04 Alumnae Council President Amy Midkiff P’22, Parent Advisory Committee President

Chatham Hall complies with applicable federal and local laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, disability, religion, national origin, or any other legally protected category.

800 Chatham Hall Circle Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-2941 www.chathamhall.org © 2022 Chatham Hall

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LETTER FROM THE RECTOR Dear Chatham Hall Community, As our Chatham Hall girls know, I never tire of reminding them that their paths to leadership will not look like anyone else’s. These paths will be as unique as they each are, with twists and turns not one of them can imagine yet. Whether it is to run for class office, captain a team, edit a publication, chair a fundraiser, or steer a class conversation, the opportunities for leadership at Chatham Hall are myriad and truly allow students to step outside of their comfort zones to learn the power of their potential. Potential that will, with time, build into lives of impact.

When I think about the journeys to leadership our teens today will undertake, I no longer feel a sinking in my stomach that their lives were inexplicably interrupted by a global pandemic, that they somehow missed out while the world and our lives felt suspended.

Instead, I see the determination on their faces and think of one of my favorite quotes.

“I am thankful for all of those who said no to me.

It’s because of them I’m doing it myself.”

– Albert Einstein

In the past five semesters, our Turtles have been told no. A lot. They have been told no by external forces, by their parents, by Chatham Hall. Yet they have kept moving forward.

They’ve returned to campus again and again with questions to answer, passions to explore, lives to live. They’ve adapted to a new daily schedule, joined our faculty-designed Advanced Classes, and led the way with our inaugural January Term. We’ve asked a lot of them, often while telling them that circumstances necessitate that they can’t do it the same way others did, and they’ve delivered. They’ve taken what they were given, built on it, and created more than we could have imagined.

Building on our past to create a brighter future is a trait displayed by Chatham Hall alumnae whatever their ages or graduation years. It requires an internal spark to look up from the mundane and truly see the world around us, and to ignite that same light in others. When students arrive at Chatham Hall, we know this spark is already there.

Simply by arriving at a boarding school we know the curiosity we have been gifted in each girl. It is this curiosity, this boundless potential, that guides each on their journeys. It is remarkable, really, and a gift that we treasure.

To today’s students and our decades of alumnae, I say thank you. Thank you for entrusting us with this gift, this potential, this spark. And thank you for allowing us to walk with you on your journey, even in the hard times when it feels like all you hear is no. We’ve walked together for many semesters now, and I know that you will build lives of your own because I’ve been watching you, and you already are!

Esto Perpetua,

Rachel A. Connell Rector

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800 CHATHAM HALL CIRCLE

campus news

Xu ’23 Wins Gold Key Scholastic Art & Writing Award Sunny Xu ’23 recently won a Gold Key Scholastic Art & Writing Award presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.

“I feel very honored and excited to be awarded a Gold Key because I never thought of getting such prizes,” said Xu. “When drawing, I feel energized, and after completing it, I feel a sense of accomplishment.”

Xu expresses herself creatively on campus in Art & Design classes, the Silk Screening January Term course, and by leading a digital art club. Her submission, “The Dancer in Fire,” was among 420 in the Southwest Region of Virginia coordinated by the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley.

Students Featured on NCGS Podcast Three students were recently featured on the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) podcast On Educating Girls.

Seniors Alexa Keating and Lizzie-O. Blackburn, as well as sophomore Maddie McCoy, spoke with host Trudy Hall, former NCGS board chair, about their thoughts on and use of social media. Hall also interviewed Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, a clinical psychologist, author and practitioner who has committed herself to minimizing the substantial social media risks for teenagers. The episode, “Girls as Happy Healthy Individuals,” is available at https://www. ncgs.org/advocacy/blog.

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Winter Musical Brings Classic Characters to Life In February, the Winter Musical cast and crew performed their rendition of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This musical comedy, written by Clark Gesner, is based on the beloved characters of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic Peanuts comics. It features songs about school and friendship.

“I chose You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown because I’ve always loved the show. It’s funny, it has tons of great earworms, and it has so many opportunities for our students to make these classic characters their own,” noted Dr. Francis Yun, director of music and co-director of the production. “Sometimes it’s just silly for the sake of silliness and I love any excuse to go silly.”

The cast of nine students was joined by backstage crew members who were responsible for set and prop creation, lighting, choreography, and much more. Students were also joined by Yun and Mr. John Kingery at the helm of the show.

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800 CHATHAM HALL CIRCLE

Student Passions Shape GIRLS’ Day For the fourth year, Chatham Hall’s annual GIRLS’ Day saw students take on the role of teachers to share more about their passions. With workshops ranging from the cultures of the Tang-Song dynasties in China, to the causes of animal homelessness, to repurposing plastic bags, students taught each other and faculty members about their various expertise.

“GIRLS’ Day is such a unique opportunity for our students to really explore their own interests and share their knowledge and skills with the community,” noted Rector Rachel A. Connell. “It’s just one of the ways we equip curious thinkers to lead lives of impact, and one of my favorites!”

This year, following a special schedule that included a late breakfast as well as morning and afternoon workshop sessions, the community gathered to hear a keynote address by Dr. Martha Ann Keels ’75, winner of last year’s Distinguished Alumna Award, and recipient of the NIH Dentist-Scientist Award; creator of the Pediatric Dental program at Duke University; founder and owner of Duke Street Pediatric Dentistry in Durham, NC; member of the ADA Council of Scientific Affairs and the Science Committee of International Association of Pediatric Dentistry; and recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“Dr. Keels has had many amazing experiences and accomplishments to share with our community, including going to dental school, establishing the pediatric dental program at Duke, and so much more,” said Kirsten Blaesing, coordinator of GIRLS’ Day. “I hope that our students feel inspired knowing that Dr. Keels attended the same school they are attending and all that she has accomplished over her career, and continues to accomplish.”

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Mission: Valentine Delivers More Love to Chatham

Rector Connell Quoted by U.S. News & World Report

One hundred and fifty-five Valentine’s Day cards were delivered to the residents of Chatham on Feb. 13 and 14, courtesy of the Chatham Hall community. For the second year in a row, the Spiritual Life League organized Mission: Valentine for the School community to make, and deliver, cards to their neighbors.

Rector Rachel Connell was recently quoted as an expert source by U.S. News & World Report in articles on preparing for boarding school and the pros and cons of single-gender education! Both articles are available on www.usnews.com.

“I think it’s important that Mission: Valentine builds more connections between students and our local community,” said Ellie Larsen ’22, who leads the Spiritual Life League.

“Some of the people we deliver valentines to are senior citizens who can feel isolated, especially during COVID, so it’s an awesome way to reach out and show we care. It’s great to make sure people in our community feel loved on Valentine’s Day.” Larsen, along with project leaders Krystal Lin ’24, Olive Ye ’24, and Ellery Blurton ’24, not only oversaw the creation of this year’s cards but also organized the delivery and even had prizes available for those students and employees who participated. Ms. Overton, Mrs. Eggstein, and Chaplain Barksdale led delivery groups on Feb. 13 while on Feb. 14 Coach Jake Miller led non-competing sports teams in delivering cards as part of their conditioning and exercise.

“I have loved being a part of Mission: Valentine particularly during this pandemic time,” said Dr. Mary Edmonds, chair of the English Department. “Making valentines for the Chatham community allows our students to be thoughtful and creative. It brings them joy to make something special for others. If we can do anything to help others feel less alone and more loved then we have done some good in our part of the world.”

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800 CHATHAM HALL CIRCLE Winter Teams See Record Numbers & New Opportunities This winter season saw a record number of students participate in basketball, the addition of diving as a sport, the swim team head to the Blue Ridge Conference (BRC) Championships and the state meet, and one of our beloved community members honored through our robotics team.

Basketball saw good progress made in all phases of the game, which will allow the program to have a good base for next season.

Swimming showed progress as each member of the team helped relay teams cut time to qualify for the VISAA State Championships in Northern Virginia.

Diving made tremendous strides as Faye Souza ’23 qualified for the VISAA State Championships in Northern Virginia. Competing against 44 divers, Souza finished 16th overall.

Robotics dedicated its robot to beloved faculty member Cathy “La” LaDuke to honor her memory and her commitment to Chatham Hall. The team competed with the fire and passion displayed by La for many years in athletics.

The team also won a design award for their robot.

campus news

spring 2022

Two New Sports Join Competitive Lineup Chatham Hall has added two new competitive spring athletic programs. Golf, now competing at interscholastic events, and track & field have joined the spring lineup with lacrosse and soccer.

Golf is being led by Head Coach Zack Smith who serves as a history teacher and head JV tennis coach. Track & field is being led by Head Coach Jake Miller who serves as a parttime teacher and head cross country coach.

“We are very fortunate to have them in our community,” said Director of Athletics Jeremy Eubank. “I am excited for our students to have this opportunity as we are always looking for a way to promote our nine dimensions of Living Well at Chatham Hall.”

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800 CHATHAM HALL CIRCLE

campus news

Riding Team Regional Champions for Fourth Consecutive Year This winter, riders of all levels participated in winter riding as their full-time sport, meaning time was well spent on honing skills and building partnerships with new horses ahead of the spring show season. The program welcomed local trainer Zach Parks for a clinic during the Winter Long Weekend and as the weather warmed up lessons began to take place out of the ring in the two fields on campus to allow for a change of pace for both riders and horses. The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team had a successful end to their season in March, and hosted two additional horse shows throughout the winter. The riding program hosted the first South West Virginia Horse Show Association show of the season in February.

The IEA team consisted of 12 riders this year, hosted three horse shows throughout the year, and traveled to six off campus shows from September through January. The team was Champion or Reserve Champion an impressive four times throughout the season, including back to back wins at Townley Equestrian Center in November. Chatham Hall hosted Region 8 Finals in February in the Mars Arena.

The team was Champion of the region for the fourth consecutive season, and progressed to Zone 3 Finals in March. Additionally, both Annabele Whitehead ‘22, and Sophie Croker Poole ‘23 qualified as individuals by winning their classes at Regional Finals. At Zone Finals, the team took home ribbons in six out of seven team classes and finished ninth overall.

Additionally, the Riding Program hosted a successful SWVHJA show in February with riders from barns throughout the region coming to participate and has another on the schedule for April alongside several off campus horse shows including Triangle Farms Outdoors Spring Fling, and the Lexington Spring Encore “A” show. Both riders with their own personal horses and those on Chatham Hall horses have the opportunity to horse show at both of these venues.

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Phil Kaye Shines as 2021-2022 Writer in Residence Spoken-word poet Phil Kaye was on campus in April as Chatham Hall’s 2021-2022 Writer in Residence. His visit included workshops with Advanced English students and the Classes of 2024 and 2025, a session with theatre students about performing on stage, and a keynote presentation.

After an introduction by Carrie Midkiff ’22, Kaye performed multiple poems that immediately gripped the audience, including works about a puppy he got during the pandemic and family tension between his Jewish and Japanese heritage in the context of World War II events. Kaye offered heartfelt stories about the inspiration for each of his poems which allowed students and faculty to better understand them as well as his creative process. Before his final poem, Kaye took several questions from students about his career in writing, inspiration, and his books.

Kaye received a standing ovation before signing books for audience members.

Kaye is the author of two books, A Light Bulb Symphony and Date & Time, and his work has been featured in a range of settings from The New Yorker magazine to the

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Museum of Modern Art in New York City. He has performed his original poetry in 20 countries and was invited to open for His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the celebration of his 80th birthday. He is the co-director of Project VOICE, an organization that partners with schools to bring poetry to the classroom.

The Writer in Residence Program is a highlight of the Chatham Hall curriculum. Stewarded through the English Department, each year a noted writer visits campus to share their work with students. Program alumni include Grammy and MacArthur award-winning songwriter Rhiannon Giddons, Poet Laureate of the United States Joy Harjo, and National Medal of Arts-winning author Tobias Wolff, among many others.

Support for this signature program is provided through the Chatham Hall endowment. When fully funded, the program will be named the “Claudia Emerson ’75 Writer In Residence” in tribute to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Chatham Hall Trustee, alumna, former dean and faculty member, and Chatham native who twice served as a writer in residence. For more information, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Christine Knight at cknight@ chathamhall.org.

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800 CHATHAM HALL CIRCLE

campus news

Zhang ‘23 Accepted to Wharton Global Youth Program

Larsen ’22 Named National Merit Finalist Ellie Larsen ’22 has been named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit®Scholarship Corporation due to her outstanding high school academic record, endorsement and recommendation by Chatham Hall leadership, and SAT score. She was one of 16,000 fall semifinalists who will now be considered for one of 7,500 National Merit Scholarships which total more than $31 million.

More than a million juniors across the country entered the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This national pool of semifinalists included the highest scoring entrants in each state and represented less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors.

Zhaojiayi “Tina” Zhang ’23 has been accepted to the Wharton Global Youth Program, a summer program hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. The program offers seven on-campus business experiences, and Zhang will be attending Leadership in the Business World (LBW).

“I felt like this program would allow me to learn more about myself as a leader, and I’m hoping to learn how I can apply leadership skills, for example, to the Money, Money, Money Club when we face a challenge,” said Zhang.

Offered only to rising seniors, LBW provides an introduction to undergraduate business education and the opportunity to hone leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Since 1999, students from six continents and almost every state have participated in LBW. Throughout the program, LBW students attend lectures and presentations from both Wharton faculty members and guest speakers; participate in classroom discussions; apply business practices through digital simulations and case competitions; and conduct research on business enterprises. All students who successfully complete the program are awarded a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.

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Sustainability Course Uses Campus as Laboratory Sustainability, a new one-semester science elective, not only brings environmental science to the Chatham Hall curriculum but was designed to use the School campus as the students’ laboratory.

“Overall we break sustainability into resources we can see on campus like soil, fresh water, standing timber, and wildlife. We look at the baseline of these resources, how they are being used or misused in our country, and we talk about positive solutions to some of those situations that are challenging,” said Jake Miller, the course instructor and a previous farm educator.

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natural resources. Students also explore population growth, globalization, and eco footprints, and in doing so analyze trends and make predictions about things like water, fossil fuels, and garbage. They have also taken on the task of upgrading the McKay Greenhouse, a gift of Katherine McKay Belk Cook ’44, P’72 given in honor of Chatham Hall parents and former Trustees Lillian Lineberger McKay ’48, and Hamilton W. McKay, Jr. The hands-on restoration of the McKay Greenhouse also provides another service to students, that of tying the idea of environmental wellness to holistic wellness. Chatham Hall recognizes environmental wellness as one of nine dimensions of Living Well, the philosophy emphasizing holistic health, wellness, and balance for all community members.

“We have a big emphasis on using our own campus as a lab.

“Just by offering this course we’re expanding our students’ When we do our soil unit, we’re sampling from campus.

When we do forestry, we’re measuring stands of trees. A big idea of wellness and giving them the opportunity for being involved in this aspect of it. I hope that in the future we part of my education was outdoor field work so that’s what can grow plants for people to plant in their gardens, and I like to do with students — get them outside with hands in write instructions and use that as a teaching model of the the dirt.” cost of food production and how individuals can do one small step to make things a little better,” said Miller.

While using data from Chatham Hall as a foundation, the course is a launchpad that introduces students to discussing the world’s population, globalization, and

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800 CHATHAM HALL CIRCLE WNBA Superstar Lisa Leslie to be 2022-2023 Leader in Residence Four-time Olympic gold medalist and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) superstar Lisa Leslie will serve as Chatham Hall’s 2022-2023 Polly Wheeler Guth ’44 Leader in Residence. Leslie will visit campus Oct. 18 & 19 and give a community keynote address at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 18. Her visit will also include class visits, lunches with students, small group meetings, and more.

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the playoff MVP in the same season. That same year she also led the Los Angeles Sparks to their first WNBA Championship. In 2002, she became the WNBA all-time leading scorer, was named MVP of the regular season for the second year in a row in leading the Sparks to their first back-to-back championship, and shocked the world with the first slam-dunk in WNBA history. Leslie would go on to win her third MVP trophy of the WNBA in 2006. Leslie is the first woman to slam-dunk in a professional game.

Leslie was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2015.

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome Lisa Leslie to campus as our next Leader in Residence,” said Dean of Academics Martha Griswold. “Her impact on women’s sports as a high school and college athlete, let alone her being a founding player in the WNBA, make her the perfect person to speak to Chatham Hall students about strength, perseverance, and achieving goals. Students will be energized by Lisa’s visit and gain insight into making dreams become reality.”

Leslie became a commentator for ESPN in 2004, and has since been an in-studio sports analyst for ABC, Turner, Fox Sports Net, Fox Florida, and NBC. She is currently a co-host of CBS Sports’ We Need To Talk, and the reigning Coach of the Year of the BIG3. Leslie also starred in the Lionsgate film Uncle Drew alongside NBA superstar Kyrie Irving and NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Reggie Miller, released in June 2018.

Leslie carried the gold-winning Team USA in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. With the 2008 gold medal, she became the first team sport athlete to win four consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. In 2001, Leslie was the first WNBA player to win the regular season MVP, the All-Star Game MVP and

Leslie authored her own book Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You in 2008, and in 2010 became the first WNBA player turned co-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks. In 2012, she received her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix as well as launched the Lisa Leslie Basketball & Leadership Academy.

Dunn ‘24 Igniting the Light for Others Bella Dunn ’24 has founded a new club at Chatham Hall, LIGHT. “Chatham Hall is all about light and igniting the light for others,” explained Dunn. “I want Light to be a service league, of sorts, for children’s organizations. It’s really cool that Chatham Hall is so open to different ideas students have and allowing students to manage those ideas.”

LIGHT, which stands for “Living and Igniting Genuine Hope for Tomorrow,” has taken as its first project to partner with Isaiah House, an organization based in Lynchburg that acts as a temporary home for children awaiting placement with foster families. The house is managed by volunteers and stocked with clothes, toys, and blankets.

Dunn’s plans for LIGHT include one major fundraiser per year, as well as several service projects including clothing drives, diaper drives, care packages for families and social workers, and more.

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BY THE NUMBERS: TUTU TURTLES 2011-2012

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Competitions

Year Founded

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2022 TuTu Turtles

Team Members Since 2011

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Robots Built

Snappy, Terrorpin, Crush, Gameron, Shelldon, Sköldpadda, Enginurtle, Master Wugui, ShellShocker, Fireflies, Bumble Botz, La

Affiliated Club

∞ FTC Team Number

Love for Robots

5086 26

Team Motto

Trophies

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Tools Used

Band Saw, Sanders, Drill, Chain Breaking Tool, Laser Cutter, 3-D Printer

Tulle Belt Time!

Countless Hours Spent in the Makerspace

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5 QUESTIONS WITH STAFF CIERRA FITZGERALD WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CHATHAM HALL? I initially came to Chatham Hall in 2014 while working for a private security firm.

Soon after that, I developed a sense of belonging and admiration for the School.

Even though I was not directly employed here, I never felt like an outsider.

The community soon became family and it felt amazing to be a part of that. There are several people with whom I grew especially close, and I will always give many thanks to Cathy LaDuke who was not only a mentor but a dear friend. I continue to cherish the connections that I have made with faculty, staff, and students. A couple of years later, an opportunity became available for me to officially become part of this wonderful community that I love so much - and of course I took it!

WHAT DO YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT BEING DIRECTOR OF SECURITY? This particular role comes with many challenges and the work that has to be done never stops. It is 24/7 and year-round. In recent years, our community is moving to be as prepared as we can possibly be in the event of any kind of emergency. My ultimate goal is to make security second nature to our community.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF THE JOB? Definitely the improvements to safety and security that we strive to make each year in order to keep our campus safe. This year in particular, we focused on technological security upgrades as well as building relationships with local emergency responders.

Local responders received the opportunity to come to our campus for lunch, a student-led tour, and a Q&A with our Crisis Management Team. As far as I know, this type of event has never been done before, but I think it is safe to say that it will be an annual event from now on.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHATHAM HALL? The community itself! We build relationships and bonds that last a lifetime and at the end of the day, we are an extended family.

No matter where our previous students are, no matter where our current students go, no matter what challenges we face, we can always count on each other for support and comfort. I have never experienced this anywhere else and I would not trade it for the world.

I personally feel that it is rare to find a career that you love at a place that you love, so when you find it, you definitely cherish it!

GO GOLD OR GO PURPLE? Only the best of course, Go Purple!!!!!

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5 QUESTIONS WITH FACULTY JOHN KINGERY WHY TEACH AT CHATHAM HALL? I had a passion for Chatham Hall the first five minutes after stepping on campus. The atmosphere is steeped in tradition and a sense of belonging. Hearing the faculty and staff express their love for what this community offers made me realize Chatham Hall was a special place.

But, what really convinced me that Chatham Hall was the place for me was its students. The scholars here are eager to learn, curious to share and explore their own interests, and thankful for what I have to share with them. You cannot ask for a better teaching experience than that.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT TEACHING HISTORY? In my classroom, we study history as a means to making the present a better place. Making connections to what is happening in the now, nationally and internationally, to the events of the past is a rewarding experience. Offering a history that is inclusive in its perspectives, while presenting it in a way that gets scholars thinking, not memorizing, gives each member of the class a stake in material. They have ownership. The best part about teaching history is knowing that those lessons will be taken with them into a larger world, and that they will apply them to their own passions and whatever challenges they may confront.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING IN YOUR CLASSROOM, AND WHY? Besides my coffee maker, my favorite things in my classroom would have to be all the gifts scholars have presented with me over the years. From handmade art projects to coffee mugs, they serve as reminders of why I went into teaching in the first place and that I have made some difference in their lives.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHATHAM HALL TRADITION, AND WHY? Our Senior Chapel Talks have to be one of my favorite traditions. The personalized messages they share, from the music to the readings, is a marker of their contributions to this community and a statement of their growth.

While providing our soon-tobe graduates with a time to share their experiences, the service allows me to reflect on the contributions each individual scholar made while here and on my growth as a teacher and Advisor. I thank them for that.

GO GOLD OR GO PURPLE? Purple to the core!

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Before kicking off Reunion Weekend, the Alumnae Council officially welcomed the Class of 2022 as Chatham Hall’s newest alumnae with a dinner and reception.

Chatham Hall Class of 2022 Our 39 seniors were accepted into 138 colleges and universities, and we can’t wait to see what each of their individual paths hold for them on their journeys after Chatham Hall.

Congratulations!

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2022 ALUMNAE AWARDS

Young ‘57 & Brooks ‘16 Honored with 2022 Alumnae Awards The Chatham Hall Distinguished Alumna Award was established in 2010 to recognize distinguished graduates representing diverse professions and interests, and who embody the characteristics and values of Chatham Hall, such as honor, respect, and integrity. Recipients have included: 2022 Sherley Young ’57, Educator 2021 Martha Ann Keels ’75, Pediatric Dentist 2020 Jane Sherron DeHart ’54, Historian and Scholar 2020 Claudia Emerson ’75, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Poet and 2008 VA Poet Laureate 2019 Laura Brown Cronin ’72, Business and Finance 2019 Anne Blodget Holberton ’69, Finance and Community Advocacy 2018 Kathy Reynolds Chandler ’68, Hall of Fame Skier 2018 Helene “Lanie” Zimmermann Hill ’46, Radiation Biologist 2017 Kate Bulkley ’77, Journalist 2017 Sarah Morris ’72, Archaeologist 2016 Gloria Bond Clunie ’71, Playwright 2015 Nina Johnson Botsford ’72, Community Activist 2014 Polly Wheeler Guth ’44, Philanthropist 2014 Povy LaFarge Bigbee ’51, Rancher and Agriculture 2013 Leila McConnell Daw ’58, Artist 2013 Frances “Hallam” Hurt ’63, Neonatologist 2012 Anne L. Bryant ’67, Educator 2011 Diane Heiskell Schetky ’57, Forensic Psychiatrist 2010 Elinor R. Greene II ’70, Minister 2010 Penelope Perkins Wilson ’41, Philanthropist

Our newest accolade is The Leader on the Rise Award which recognizes Chatham Hall graduates from the last twenty years who have distinguished themselves through creativity, achievement, and/or innovation either in their profession or through commitment to an issue, project, or cause. This year’s recipient: 2022 Imani Brooks ’16

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Congratulations to Sherley Young ’57 on being selected as the 2022 Distinguished Alumna Award recipient and Imani Brooks ’16 named the inaugural Leader on the Rise Award recipient!

Young, who received her B.A. in history from Smith College and her M.S. in education from the University of Pennsylvania, has dedicated her life to empower women and has more than 50 years of teaching experience and extensive experience on educational boards as well as as a visiting lecturer. She has also led 14 international trips for Habitat for Humanity including to Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Botswana, Mozambique, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Australia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Nepal. As a leader, she encourages local participation with project teams so that the methods used and learned by the community members will continue to empower the residents after participants have returned home. In 2014, she became involved with the SEGA Girls’ Secondary School in Tanzania where she developed and implemented a two-week oral fluency program.

Truly, she has been involved in local, national, and international affairs for more than half a century in myriad ways.

“Sherley Young has empowered women from around the world to choose courage over comfort,” said Danielle Thomas Kimmel ’04, president of the Alumnae Council. “During her sixty-fifth reunion in 2022, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize Sherley for her global service and leadership.”

Congratulations Sherley!

Brooks attended Emory University and earned a B.A. in international and global studies following her graduation from Chatham Hall, and is currently enrolled in American University’s College of Law. While a student at Chatham Hall she founded a Girl Up club and spoke about the experience as a member of the keynote panel of the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) 2020 conference Stand Up, Speak Up: Girls Using Their Voices to Engage, Empower, and Enact. In 2021 she served as the keynote speaker of Chatham Hall’s GIRLS’ Day, where she discussed her involvement with Girl Up and the stepping stones of her life.

During her first semester at American University Washington College of Law, Brooks was awarded the J. Franklyn Bourne Annual Scholarship from The J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, Inc. and she is a “My Life as a Lawyer” scholarship winner of the Corporate Counsel Women of Color.

Brooks also has served as a judicial extern at U.S. District Court Maryland, Southern Division and a legal intern with The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

“Imani is the definition of a leader on the rise,” said Kimmel.

“In a short amount of time, she has accomplished so much and we are looking forward to watching her ignite the light for others. We know she has a bright future ahead!”

Congratulations Imani!

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ALUMNAE REUNION RETURNS TO CAMPU From April 29 - May 1, more than 100 alumnae from the Classes of 1957-2017 returned to Chatham Hall for Reunion 2022.

“We were thrilled to be able to be back on campus this year after two years of virtual Reunions,” said Director of Alumnae and Parent Relations Carmen Garcia. “Our program offered events in all locations and even a little rain couldn’t wash away the fun.”

This year’s Alumnae Award winners included Sherley Young ‘57 receiving the Distinguished Alumnae Award and Imani Brooks ‘16 receiving the inaugural Leader on the Rise Award.

Other award winners included Muffin Grant ‘66 receiving The Nancy Gwathmey Award as an alumna who demonstrates superior skills in fundraising, Mary Kay Karzas ‘71 receiving The Ellie MacVeagh Award as an alumna who best represents the School’s goals for fellow constituents, and Annette Kirby ‘80 receiving The Mildred Harrison Dent Award as an alumna who demonstrates an enthusiastic long-term commitment and devotion to the ideals of Chatham Hall.

This year, a number of events were included in the schedule to celebrate beloved teacher, coach, advisor, mentor, colleague, and friend Cathy “La” LaDuke. Her posthumous VIAAA coaching honor was officially presented to Dean Griswold, while a Celebration of Life took place in St. Mary’s Chapel. A Lantern Ceremony conducted by the Class of 2022 was also held in honor of La. Turn to page 40 for photos.

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Alumnae Speaker Series On March 23, the Living Well Alumnae Speaker Series officially debuted with a talk about women’s health from Taylor Nyberg Taliaferro ’06, M.D. Dr. Taliaferro currently serves as an OB/GYN resident physician at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health.

“At Chatham Hall we know that Living Well encompasses all nine dimensions of wellness and balance, and this speaker series will highlight each of them with a different alumna speaker,” noted Director of Alumnae and Parent Relations Carmen Garcia. “We kicked off with physical health and plan to have upcoming sessions on emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, occupational, environmental, financial, and inclusive wellness so we encourage alumnae to keep an eye on their email accounts and our social media for more information!”

Living Well at Chatham Hall is an underlying philosophy that aligns the School’s belief and commitment that health, wellness, and balance should be at the center of everything.

This mindset allows the School to infuse nine dimensions of wellness into campus life to develop exciting opportunities in curricula and academic programs, initiatives for afternoon activities, priority points for Advisory chats, and themes for grade-level programs.

“On campus, Living Well grows alongside us as we learn more about ourselves, our communities, and ultimately our world,” said Garcia. “With the Alumnae Speaker Series we hope to bring these same benefits to the lives of our former students wherever they may be.”

For more information on Living Well at Chatham Hall, visit www.chathamhall.org/livingwell. For more information on the Living Well Alumnae Speaker Series, contact Carmen Garcia at cgarcia@chathamhall.org.

Taylor Nyberg Taliaferro ’06

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wellness.

partnership.

empowerment.

connection.

Living Well inspires our community members to reflect on the multidimensional nature of their lives and the holistic nature of overall health.

At Chatham Hall, it is our mission to equip curious thinkers to lead lives of impact every day.

From longtime donors to dedicated volunteers, members of the Esto Perpetua Society are confident in the mission of Chatham Hall and are committed to igniting the light for future generations.

During the 2020-2021 school year, we brought our global community together for several meaningful conversations.

The generosity of Esto Perpetua Society members elevates our campus and community by ensuring the longevity of the Chatham Hall experience.

Wellness, partnership, empowerment, connection, and inspiration are just some of the pillars of impact made possible by a planned gift.

inspiration.

Dedicated faculty and staff share their passions every day, illuminating new possibilities for intellectual growth and curiosity.

Learn more about leaving a legacy at Chatham Hall and connect with a gift planning officer today. www.chathamhall.org/plannedgiving

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Starr Brooks ’22

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hatham Hall students and faculty spent the first month of 2022 exploring a host of new subjects during the School’s first January Term.

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said Dr. Francis Yun, lead January Term coordinator.

On the final day, students presented their new found knowledge and skills at an across campus expo. Some groups held interactive demos while others showcased projects completed during the term.

Designed to allow students to expand their learning on topics not currently part of the School’s semester curricula, January Term “Women & War just stood featured 18 courses on out to me because it’s subjects chosen by faculty. something I’m really Courses ranged from interested in. I’ve enjoyed Biochemistry Techniques the class a lot. For my final to Reading Like a Writer, project I made a timeline of Writing for Readers, to women’s rights throughout Italian Language Bootcamp, history related to war,” said to Quilting.

Whitley Younger ’24.

“January Term has been “January Term gives exciting from its inception. students more time to focus, It was wonderful to see the especially on a class they faculty embrace this new are very interested in. Being program as they pondered able to take an in-depth, what they would teach,” month-long class can really said Dean of Academics open your eyes to things Martha Griswold. ”We have you might not have even a blend of hands-on and known you were interested skill-based classes as well in. I’m glad that Chatham as more content-based Hall decided to do it.” areas that all have attracted a good number of students.”

“January Term was In addition to their really fun, there were afternoon courses, students so many great class participated in gradeoptions.

I’d never level programming about had a chance to take specialized topics such as anything like Codes personal health, personal & Crypts before, and I finance, citizenry, and life preparedness. All students hadn’t even expected also participated in Living to be able to take it Well Wednesdays led at Chatham Hall. I by faculty about topics loved learning new important to everyone things that I probably including basic home and wouldn’t have ever clothing maintenance, yoga learned otherwise. For and Pilates, meal planning, example, I didn’t know study skills, and more. what a Caesar cipher “January Term is an was before this, and important time for now I do. It was a lot Chatham Hall students of new experiences, to reflect on Living Well. and very cool. I’m It is an opportunity for really looking forward the student body to learn to next year’s January valuable life skills not Term.” usually taught in the - Maeve Raible ’25 course of an academic year,”

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JANUARY TERM LIVING WELL WEDNESDAYS Each week of January Term, students and teachers took part in Living Well Wednesdays that focused on wellness and life skills.

“These are things that students need to know for their lives that may be outside of traditional academics,” said Wednesdays coordinator Kirsten Blaesing. “We focused on topics that will be essential for students when they graduate and leave us and go out into the world.”

Examples of Living Well Wednesday workshops included meal planning and couponing, yoga and Pilates, resume writing, clothing, and house maintenance. Over the course of both Wednesdays, students were able to rotate through all eight workshops.

At Chatham Hall, Living Well is an essential philosophy built on the belief in the multidimensional aspects of life and the holistic nature of overall health. All of campus life, including the Living Well Wednesdays workshops, is built on the foundations of nine dimensions of wellness: intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, occupational, environmental, social, and inclusive.

“When we move into adult life, there are things we all need to be able to do ourselves,” said Blaesing.

“We need to have the confidence to do things on our own. Of course we can rely on others for support, but we’re trying to help all of us become more independent and able to do for ourselves with this programming.”

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GLOBAL SCHOLARS

Piloted in the 2019-2020 school year, the Global Scholars Program has seen rapid growth since its inception. From three students obtaining the Global Scholars Certificate in the first year, to one the second, the program is now on track to have six graduating seniors this year with 10 juniors and two sophomores involved as well.

“We’ve seen some real growth despite the fact that the program launched and has only been offered during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Director of Global Initiatives Melissa Thompson. “Our first two years we were smaller, and this year we really exploded in terms of student interest and applications.”

Designed to give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in globally minded pursuits, the Chatham Hall Global Scholars Program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Unlike programs in other schools, in which coursework alone suffices to obtain a certificate, the Chatham Hall program has myriad requirements.

Beginning with the application process, students must submit a 500-word essay outlining their interest in becoming a Global Scholar. Within this essay, students must include personal experiences (or lack thereof) which have sparked their desire to become global citizens.

Once accepted, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA for the entirety of their program participation; complete four years of study of a world language; complete at least 5.5 credits of courses determined to have a global component; actively participate in an internationally focused club for at least two years with one year in a leadership role; participate in community service linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals; and complete a 25-page capstone thesis as well as present it to the public in a symposium in the spring of their senior year.

“I think something that really inspires students to join the Global Scholars Program is the fact that they can research a topic that they are really passionate about,” noted Thompson. “If you ask the students in the program to describe their research they just get so excited, a light comes into their eyes and they just go off on tangents about their topics.”

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Currently students are researching a variety of topics including women’s access to education in various countries, the use of the Confederate battle flag in countries other than the United States, women’s access to healthcare, and much more.

“I was very interested in the ability to research a brand new topic, one that forced me to look at the world with a new perspective. It was really exciting to me that I could try something new, that was a big motivator,” said Catherine Malone ’22 who is researching how the ‘Korean Wave’ of popular culture has impacted socioeconomic status in South Korea.

“I wanted to look at which people actually received money, and how they live today. I actually got the idea from watching the Oscar-winning film Parasite. It is a commentary on South Korean social classes, and I could see how that tied into socioeconomics. I’d seen the popularity of South Korean culture impact the world, so I thought I’d look at how it all tied together.”

For Eva Melendrez ’23, the Global Scholars Program has offered an opportunity to dive deeply into her family’s history.

“I realized I would have the opportunity to research more topics and issues than I would be able to in a classroom setting. Issues that are dear to my heart, that I want to be able to research more fully. I’m interested in feminism and immigration because I’m a second generation American, my grandparents immigrated from Mexico. I have been dying to research that for the longest time because in school we don’t always get the opportunity to research that history — my history,” she said.

“My research is inspired by my grandmother, I see her as a feminist before her time. She came to the U.S. in her late thirties after having five of her children. She was interested in opportunities for better education and she left everyone and everything she knew, and I find that very inspirational.

So my thesis at this time is how feminism has affected immigration or continues to impact immigration today.”

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Melendrez plans to travel to Mexico during her time in the program to interview her aunts for her capstone project.

Thompson sees personal connections to research as a hallmark of the students who participate in the Global Scholars Program, and foundational to the growth she sees in students.

“One thing that I think connects everyone to their capstone is the personal connection to the topic,” she said. “Part of the capstone is a personal reflection, so there’s typically a personal reason they want to do this research. In other schools, global scholars programs are really just about taking certain classes and languages. There might be a senior year class. But our program has so much required of it that it really stands out to students as well as to colleges looking at what our students are doing. It’s a commitment, and it allows for real growth in our students, their thinking, and their roles as global citizens.”

Christine Leak ’22 has learned a great deal about herself during her time in the program and researching both women’s access to education in Afghanistan and the impact that women’s education has had on the economy of the country.

“When I started my research, I realized that I may be interested in pursuing a career as a women’s rights lawyer.

I’m actually going to major in international relations in college to help me on this route. I didn’t know this about myself until this past summer when I started to learn more with my project,” she said.

For Ellery Blurton ’24, the opportunity for this kind of self-exploration was a motivation to join the program as a sophomore.

“I became interested in Global Scholars because it opens doors not only in the future beyond high school but it allows individuals at Chatham Hall to learn more about their interests and what they want to apply in their future,” she said. “ I’ve already realized so much of what I’m interested in alongside my normal coursework.”

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EXAMPLES OF COURSES WITH GLOBAL COMPONENTS World History World Religions Comparative Government International Relations Genocide and Human Rights AP European History Advanced U.S. History African American Women of the 20th Century Economics Humanities Literature I English III Advanced English Language and Composition Myth and Literature Steel Magnolias Protesting for Social Justice The Woman Question in Victorian Art and Literature Advanced English Literature Anatomy Ceramics Statistics Global Competency Capstone (GCC): Global Citizenship

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2021-2022 Global Scholars

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Caroline Greganti ’24 “I thought it was a really unique opportunity that Chatham Hall offered. I’ve always loved research and saw this as an opportunity to really dig into a big topic: gender bias in medicine. I’m looking at how women are not often studied in medicine, and how it negatively affects them in terms of healthcare.

I’m hoping to study in Norway to see how they study women’s health and how that affects the way women are treated when seeing healthcare professionals.

It’s a really cool opportunity.

Even though it’s extra work, it’s a lot of fun and it really pays off in the long run.”

Catherine Malone ’22 “I would tell any student to think about what interests them, and if there is a topic that speaks to a more international scale and they think they will continue to be interested in it during their years at Chatham Hall, then they should join the Global Scholars Program! At the very least they’ll gain a lot of knowledge about something very few other people probably know about and you can always bring that out as fun facts later! There are really no drawbacks to the program. It’s all a lot of fun, and there are great advisors in the program that help make everything feel a lot easier.”

Eva Melendrez ’23 “It’s a lot of work and a time commitment, but if you are passionate about it then go for it. I came to Chatham Hall from a public high school and I never expected to have the opportunity to do this. So, take this opportunity, take this leap, you never know where it can take you!”

Ellery Blurton ’24 “Chatham Hall has so many great opportunities for global community engagement. For example, we have a lot of opportunities for global and domestic travel. There is the Hallam Hurt Award, as well as iQuest and Discovery Challenge, so students can use any or all of these for more specialized study.”

Christine Leak ’22 “Being a Global Scholar is definitely worth it. It seems like a huge project to write a twenty-five page paper, but Ms. Thompson helps you start early and stay on track.

I personally also like learning and writing about new things, and Global Scholars allows you to choose whatever you feel most passionate about — literally anything in the whole world. Now I get to spend a whole year learning more about it, and going more in depth than I would in any other class.”

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SUPPORT THE CHATHAM HALL FUND TODAY! We are endlessly grateful for your commitment to Chatham Hall.

For questions or more information, please contact Carmen Garcia at 434-432-5618 or at cgarcia@chathamhall.org.

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A Tribute to Cathy ”La”LaDuke We asked alumnae, friends, and members of the Chatham Hall community to send us their fond memories of La.

Erin McHugh, Faculty Member La’s last surprise birthday party in Willis back in September! Faculty members Martha Griswold, Shep Morrison, Erin McHugh,and Cathy LaDuke.

Christine Leak ’22 I met La almost 11 years ago in 2011. Somewhere in those 11 years, she coined the phrase “Team Leak” because on Family Days my family of six would always travel in a big pack. Whenever she saw us she would say “Team Leak!” Since then, La has been a part of some of my family’s major events. She was my older sister’s Advisor, celebrated two high school graduations with us, and just six months ago attended my oldest sister’s wedding. I am eternally grateful for the memories I do have with La, such as when she handed me my Purple Legacy Gift Bag and said “Welcome to Chatham Hall,” or when she drove me and Amy to Starbucks and then drove us around Danville showing us her favorite places, or my favorite memory when she sized me for my class ring that I had been waiting for for over a decade. What I love most about this memory is that I will always be able to look at my ring and think of her. Top and bottom: Sophie Leak ’23, Christine Leak ’22, Amy Leak ’20, Katherine Leak ’15, Cathy LaDuke

Wynne Overton, Faculty Member This photo was taken March 10, 2020 at the last soccer game before students left on Spring Break and COVID changed everything. Even though we had a tiny inkling of what was ahead, we had a fun and carefree afternoon cheering on the Turtles! Cathy LaDuke, Joan Walden Barnhardt, Bubba Overton, Violet Overton, and Wynne Overton

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Danielle Thomas Kimmel ’04 Memories of La are so interwoven with my time at Chatham that it is hard to pick! But the moments that stand out the most are the Saturday mornings when we would sit with La in Yardley and talk so long that we would still be there talking when lunch was served. Adair Hendrickson Ravencraft ‘02, Kimberly Daniels Taws ‘02, Cathy LaDuke, Michelle Thomas Supko ‘02 and Danielle Thomas Kimmel ‘04

Molly Thomas, Faculty Member Cathy LaDuke was a supporter of the Robotics team from the beginning, 11 years ago when the team started. She would come by the robotics room and check on our progress. As well as interest and support, La would take and post photos of our robot. She came by early this year and posted several times on Twitter about our progress. In her memory, the team named the 2021-22 robot La. The 2021-2022 robotics team.

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Kim Jackson, Faculty Member La and I lived next door to each other for 19 years. In that time, we became very close friends.

When La died, my mother said to my father, “Kim and La took care of each other. They trusted each other.” I will always miss our marathon conversations.

We would see each other in our carport or laundry room and then spend the next three hours talking - no exaggeration. We always had a lot to share with each other.

Jennifer Denny P’21, ’25 My favorite memories of La are related to sports. La knew our family loved sports and starting freshman year, she would text us videos of Emma playing for all the sporting events we could not attend. If Emma made a basket, I got to see it through La’s texts. When soccer season rolled around I knew I would either get texts or, if we could attend, La would be holding court on her bench at the top of the field.

Her kindness to our family, in the gym and on and off the field, and her love and care of our daughters are memories we will treasure.

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Bell Johnson ’12 There is no Chatham Hall without La. I came to Chatham as a freshman, excited for all the new opportunities I could explore. I left Chatham a young woman, still excited for all the new opportunities I could explore and yet better prepared for the future. La was a constant throughout my four years. She guided and mentored me on the field hockey field, in the classroom, and beyond. I’ll be forever grateful for having known her. Chatham will not be the same without her.

Jane Allen ’00 Well, how do you narrow down and pick one memory that stands out when you’ve known La for over half your life? She was a coach, mentor, friend, and so much more. So outside of the dinners, movie nights, ballgames watched, trips, and more here’s one of the life lessons that stands out...

It was after a field hockey game, and my parents had come up to watch. After cleaning up the field, I was talking with my mom, and of course we started discussing - okay, well arguing about - something. La drove by on the golf cart and just after she passed us she threw on the brakes, looked over her shoulder, and asked, “Do I need to put this golf cart into reverse?” And, of course, I immediately say, “No ma’am,” and then stop arguing with my mom, who also had an appreciative look on her face. So, thank you La for always looking out for me and making sure I didn’t step out of line, and I know that even as we move forward, even from heaven, she’s got that golf cart ready to go.

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Kimber Keating P’20, 22, 24 When I picture La in my head, I can see her smile and right hand extended for a handshake. As I do the same, her other arm comes up and we both drop the formal routine and wrap our arms around one another in the traditional hug we shared every time I came to campus.

La loved our family and the Keatings loved her back. It wasn’t always that way… our girls were intimidated by the Keeper of Traditions. “You better do it right!

La will be on you if you don’t!” they would tell me. When I told La our girls were nervous around her because they didn’t want to disappoint her, she laughed. The next thing I knew, I was receiving periodic emails with pictures to let me know that our girls were well and that they were in good hands. Top: La, Caroline Keating ’24, Ellery Blurton ’24, and Alexa Keating ’22; bottom: La, Maddie Keating ’20, and Alexa Keating ’22

John & Kathy Turnbull, P’07 This is a photo of Cathy LaDuke with Sandy Turnbull ’07 from October 2010 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. La traveled all the way to Troy, NY to see Sandy play field hockey for her college team. We (Sandy’s parents) were there as well, and words can’t describe how much this visit was appreciated – a very special memory for all of us.

Kathy Turnbull, Cathy LaDuke, Sandy Fishburn (nee Turnbull) ’07, and John Turnbull.

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Gary Fountain, Rector 2003-2014 While I was at Chatham Hall, and for a few years after, my yearly gift to La was a subscription to mlb.com, so that she could watch every Red Sox game online. I also had a subscription, and La knew that every Saturday afternoon I watched the Yankees, with the sound muted, while I listened to the weekly broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera.

Kerrington Ramsey Molhoek ’93 I’m grateful to La for teaching me not only about sports, but using them as a platform to teach me life lessons on how to lead as well as how to be a great team player. I was truly blessed by her presence in my life. Elizabeth Blocker ’92, Cathy LaDuke, Kerrington Ramsey Molhoek ’93 in 1992.

Those afternoons, while she watched the Sox, checked on games around the league, and worked on her photography, she emailed me. “Yanks are doing well. Hope the opera is great.”

“Jeter is having a bad day. Hope that the opera is better.” Back and forth we went.

One Saturday afternoon last summer, seven years out from Chatham Hall, I was broadcasting live one of my programs of classical music on public radio when an email from La popped up: “Watching the Red Sox, with the sound muted. Listening to your program. Perfect day.”

Amy Hendricks ’10 This picture was at Commencement in 2010—as I recall, one of La’s favorite days of the year. Amy Hendricks ’10, Nicole Davis ’10, and Cathy LaDuke.

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Elizabeth Parr-Campola ’96, P’22 One of my favorite Chatham Hall memories includes La. Leigh Halso ’96 and I were your average Chatham girls, joking and laughing. One day we saw the industrial size vacuum on second Pruden. I hopped on the front and Leigh got behind and pushed me through the halls while we screamed and laughed. La heard us, came out of her room, and we locked eyes. I jumped off of the vacuum, Leigh and I ran into my room, and we hid in the closet.

Then we heard a knock on the closet door. We were found! I opened the closet door, said, “Hello” – I still don’t know why I answered normally like she had just come to the front door! She said, “You two shouldn’t take the vacuum and ride on it. Next time, don’t do that, ok?” We escaped with a warning!

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Mary Katherine Evans ’03 La was a constant champion, friend, and source of support during my time at Chatham and beyond. She loved Chatham Hall fiercely, and believed strongly in its value for our lives. I feel so fortunate to have known her. What a wonderful legacy and example of love she set for all of us. Cathy LaDuke and Mary Katherine Evans ’03

In a more serious story, my daughter, Sarah ’22, had an accident on the field hockey field this fall. She tore two ligaments in her ankle and couldn’t walk.

La was the coach and helped her on the field, and after Sarah went home to see an orthopedist, and came back in a walking boot, La gave her a hug and said, “I didn’t know you were going to have a boot, I’m so sorry, but we will get you back out on the field.”

La passed about two weeks later.

Her care and concern for Sarah, and all of the students at CH, are what we will always remember of her.

Mary Giddings Dunlap ’03 I am so heartbroken grieving the loss of a dear loved one, Cathy LaDuke, lovingly known as “La” amongst our little school and Chatham Hall family. La loved and influenced hundreds of young women to be good and kind, to work hard, to laugh, to lean on other women for support. She was my coach, my Advisor and mentor, my photography teacher, a role model, but mostly, a dear friend. She loved me, but she loved ALL of us. Her warm and enveloping hugs were what I most looked forward to coming “home” to after breaks.. And I saw her give the same love and hugs to so many others. La left a small campus in a small town in Virginia, but she left an immeasurable mark on so many of our hearts. God Bless you La, and thank you. I love you.

Mary Giddings Dunlap ’03 and Cathy LaDuke

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Ann O’Brien Singh ’07 At our championship field hockey games, La would encourage us to do our best and represent Chatham proudly.

She would say it wasn’t about winning or losing, it was about winning or learning. That stuck with me. Thank you La for four incredible years playing field hockey with a team I will never forget.

Brett Mason P’23 Cathy was always first to greet us on Family Day. I will miss her warm greeting next year.

Caitlyn Bishop Kroboth ’07 Whenever I was back in Chatham to visit family I always made an effort to see La. I would love her dropping by the house for a chat. I am so glad I got a chance to see her this past June; I just wish I had taken a picture! Cathy LaDuke, Betsy Kroboth, Caitlyn Kroboth ’07 in June 2018

Jane Hawthorne ’16 It’s hard to pinpoint one memory of La — she was integral to so many of my favorite experiences at Chatham. She came to every soccer game, every horse show.

She stuck around in Yardley for long chats and trips to Jack’s down the road. She was part of the big things (my college decision) and the small (my first attempt at carving the Thanksgiving turkey). Even after graduating, La remained a friend and trusted mentor. It’s hard for me to imagine returning to Chatham knowing that La will not be there. La was home, and La was what made Chatham a home for me. Jane Hawthorne ’16 and La

Sridha Chadalavada ’20 My family has known La since 2011, so when I think of Chatham Hall, I think of La. She taught me the importance of tradition, and she cared deeply about the values that make Chatham the nurturing environment that it is. La will forever live on in our hearts. We miss you La!

Whitley Younger ’24 I remember every day at field hockey, La would stand at the top of the hill watching us at the beginning. And at 4:00 on the dot, if we were running, you were sure to hear “it’s four o’clock, you better start running!” It became part of the daily routine.

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Celebration of Life for Cathy “La” LaDuke

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CLASS NOTES 1943 Edith Bettle Gardner I’m 96 - no cane or walker.

1946 Arvia Crosby Morris It’s been my very good fortune to still live and manage my apple farm in Rhinebeck, NY and spend the winter with family in Warren, RI. My roommate Eleanor Earle ’46 is nearby and in Rhinebeck, a close pal is Serita Winthrop ’61. Luckily, excellent Pilates classes are available. More important, the family is well and I wish the same to all of you Chathamites. We got a great start now “way back when.”

1946 Nancy Howland Washburne Though there are no Chathamites in my life, I am truly blessed as I still wake up with joy every morning, have three happy kids, four happy grandkids, and two greats. I am blessed that I still drive and so am able to get to senior centers and friends’ homes for games: Rummikub, Hand and Foot (a Canasta game), Bridge, Bunco, Mahjong, and Bingo!! Games permit me to be with and support other people and have fun doing it.

I live in a first floor, wonderful one-bedroom apartment in a complex with many two floor buildings with all entrance doors to the outside and all ages and backgrounds as neighbors, and my younger son and his wife across the parking lot. The Good Lord is my faithful companion and I not only feel but am truly blessed! I remember my days at Chatham and my classmates well, Class of 1946! In our day the love of God and the daily services at St. Mary’s Chapel

were important in our lives and gave us the light to follow. I have never taken my eyes off of that light - Jesus who taught us of God our Father and His love for us. My best wishes to all.

1950 Ellen Childs Lovejoy Westy Childs Lovejoy is dealing with some physical problems — aren’t we all — and is appreciative of her good neighbors who give her a hand at times.

Kathleen Herty Brown This past winter I was lucky enough to be on the Screen Actors’ Guild Nominating Committee for the SAG Awards.

The Power of the Dog, to me, was the all-around stunner.

Although I enjoyed Jockey (and Chatham riders would too), The Hand of God, Cyrano, Passing, and Parallel Mothers. There’s nothing like sitting at home and watching movies during a pandemic. Singing is out for now, but hopefully by the spring choir, Mixed Blessings, and Elder Moments will be back in rehearsal. I miss the camaraderie and harmony.

Hope everyone is staying safe and well.

Cynthia Murray Henriques Cynnie Murray Henriques is still in her cottage at Ocean View Retirement Community in Falmouth, ME with her

16.5-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. Managing to stay on her feet and enjoying her time at Skyline Farm where, recently, there was a wonderful Sleigh Day. Enjoying being a docent in the Skyline Farm Carriage Museum occasionally.

So, on we all go as best we can and when people ask me how I am I say, “Fine, if you don’t ask the details.”

Ellen MacVeagh Rublee celebrated her 90th birthday on a snowy January 31 in Dublin, NH. She is doing okay, even after having to leave her cottage where she had a lovely garden.

Mary Griswold Horrigan Clif Griswold Horrigan is in assisted living and chugging on.

Nancy Gwathmey Harris was able to enjoy her place in Maine this past summer.

1951 Ann Cochran McCandless Susan Fair Boyd ’51 and I keep in touch, and I have my first great-grandchild named Eleanor Easton Fisher.

Dulcinea Lee Green Still live in The Commons in Mendham NJ. A nice townhouse community where they take good care of the grounds (plow, shovel

Ellen MacVeagh Rublee, above.

sidewalks, driveways and walkways, etc). We have monthly cocktail get-togethers as well as different groups including bridge, knitting, and books. My two daughters Niki and Alicia live with me, which is a blessing as I don’t drive. They shop, cook, help with finances, etc. and are very caring. One son lives in Thailand. He’s in the energy business. The other is in the movie business in Los Angeles.

They come for a week or so for Christmas or spring when they can. One granddaughter is in France, another in Virginia, the third in New York City. See them from time to time. About to be 89. Sadly, have lost many friends but feel very lucky! Life is good!

Sarah Shartle Meacham Last year was our 70th reunion, screwed up by COVID, although who could have limped or staggered to Virginia then is moot. Some of us are keeping retirement communities busy; others keep active where they live. Our time at Chatham, in my case, was life-setting and directing.

Today I will work on a voter registration list and see if good change can ensue. All hands to the tiller!

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age of 85, I find myself trying to figure out what I can do to reclaim a sense of purpose in the event this back problem remains resistant to treatment at a time when so many other sources of gratification have been curtailed by COVID. I remain hopeful that 2022 will bring better days for us all.

1957 1954 Jane De Hart The past year has been relatively uneventful in that my husband, Benjamin J. Cohen (Jerry), has had to twice cancel trips because of COVID and has stayed home, rigorously observing pandemic precautions. One welcome respite occurred in September when we celebrated our 35th anniversary with a grand party on the patio of our club (Birnam Wood Golf Club in Montecito). Everyone was so excited to be at a real “dressup” party with so many guests and live music, sans masks once we were seated, that the occasion was a huge success.

We had deferred our usual tickets for several concert and theater series until spring, hoping the Delta Variant would weaken, only to have the highly infectious Omicron appear from which neither of us escaped. In the meantime, Jerry finished a new scholarly

book which will appear in February and a humorous short memoir, Lucky Jerry, available on Amazon which has truly delighted friends who have read it. Although he retired in June, he continues to supervise his graduate students and to be professionally engaged. I haven’t been so fortunate in that a back problem created by some highly arthritic lower disks has caused a great deal of pain that leaves me unable to sit at the computer for more than a couple of hours.

Surgery has been ruled out and all the various procedures tried over the past two years by pain management physicians have failed to date, leaving me unable to write and unable to travel in that I can’t sit comfortably in a car for more than an hour and a half. Fortunately, I continue to be able to use a recumbent bike for four-mile rides several days a week and two workout sessions a week with a trainer.

However, at the newly arrived

Ann Hay Reeves My most exciting news is that my granddaughter, Elle Wellington Reeves ’25, is a first year student at Chatham Hall and she loves it. I hope to see many of you at the reunion.

1958 Jane Clark Warren Jane Warren has been volunteering for the central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the International Service Center, the local agency which is resettling Afghan refugees, in addition to caring for her two dogs and octogenarian husband, the latter a big job!

1959 Daphne Crocker-White Like everyone else, there has been a lot of Zooming to stay in touch with friends and I do stay in touch with Lisa Rosenberger Moore ’59. As for myself, I sit on

Chatham Hall first year student Elle Wellington Reeves ’25, grandaughter of Ann Hay Reeves ’57, left.

Daphne Crocker-White ’59, top with her Maltese, Annie.

the university board of the California Institute of Integrated Studies, am a facilitator for an organization called Attitudinal Healing, am painting and have been selling quite well and giving the money to nonprofits, spend time with my family of four grandchildren and grown children and their spouses, and am also devoted to my Maltese, Annie. I have been slowly learning how to cope with being a widow, a difficult path, since I was married for 58 years. I have become deeply committed to Ashram and the monk who heads it, and meditate and exercise a reasonable amount for an 80-year-old.

Priscilla Mapes Maresi Henry and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary last September. Ann Weir ’59, Bird Fishburne Heuchert ’59, and Robin Lee Hellman ’59 were in our wedding. We have been blessed with four daughters, 10 grandchildren, and many wonderful dogs in our family.

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Caroline Tate Noojin The latest is that I broke my neck in fall!

1960 Adelaide McKenzie Moss Just getting over COVID, I guess it ís the variant. Nothing much to report since we live in an area where many people won’t get vaccinated.

Be wary of the bug, it’s super contagious. Luckily we survived!

Anne Doyle Cross Here in Beaufort, SC life goes on on the porches and in the street. All the regular problems exist amidst a flood of COVID and its auxiliary bits. We all look after each other and that is a blessing. I do live alone but I am not lonely because I am surrounded by people and animals and nature.

Carol Harkey Garner P’85, ’86 February 5 holds a special place in our hearts! At a yacht club dinner dance last night, we were celebrated as the DJ played “May I Have This Dance

For the Rest of My Life”, and we waltzed. We were married before some on this cruise were born! Cheers to 58 great years!

Audrey Sawtelle Delafield Not much to report, really.

I turned 80 on December 8 — a sobering thought! Joe and I keep busy with various committees here at Piper Shores. We also play Bridge every week and read a lot! We are planning a trip to England in June but who knows if that will transpire; it all depends on what this virus decides to do. We are lucky to have good friends here and are able to get together carefully for drinks now and then. The main dining room is still closed which is really sad, as that was the hub of this place. Hopefully it will open soon, but they are having a hard time finding staff which is a common thing these days.

We miss our trips to New York City to visit our son and his family, but have not been traveling.

Lucy Wise Iliff Frances just shamed me into this, so here goes a short synopsis of my past year. We’ve been pretty much staying at home with visits from the grandchildren on the weekends and a few days a week going to the office. I’m still copy editing for all three magazines.

Thank heavens. That’s keeping my brain hopefully somewhat alive. Oh and tennis two days a week, too. And gardening when the weather warms up, which can’t be soon enough.

We’re planning a family birthday party for my 80th.

At my request we’re all going on a bike ride along the C&O Canal, stopping to picnic on the way. One way to look forward to turning 80! Two books I’ve read recently and recommend are Robert E. Lee and Me by Seidule and How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith, both real eye openers about the South and slavery and something we did not learn at Chatham.

Sharon Rafferty Patterson I haven’t responded earlier as I felt my very quiet life was not of much interest to others but perhaps some of the rest of you are leading

Carol Harkney Garner ’60 and her husband, left.

Signe Shambaugh Mayfield’s ’60 Tibetan Terrier puppy, Nishi.

similarly quiet lives. The normal calm of a Fishers Island winter seems magnified by pandemic protocols. We have just hunkered down here. It’s a pretty easy place to do that as there’s not even a restaurant open in the winter and not many people. If COVID is still an issue come summer it will be trickier when things are in full swing. I work at one of the clubs in the summer and for the past two years I have done it from home with a computer and a telephone. I don’t know about this year yet. We slipped off to Dayton for a few days in October between surges of COVID. We hadn’t seen our family there in two years so I’m glad we snuck it in. Came home and have canceled all travel thoughts or plans going forward. We were supposed to be in St. Croix this week but it doesn’t seem to make sense to go anywhere right now. This is the year we all turn 80. A milestone for sure, not one I would’ve imagined in the late 1950s in southern Virginia. Realizing I am facing 80 has finally made me realize I am old. Older than both my parents lived to be. I know 80

spring 2022 is no longer as old as it was when we were younger but it is still startling to realize I am going to be that age, assuming I live until November. I hope everyone is well. Love to you all.

Signe Shambaugh Mayfield I feel fortunate that we have been able to see our daughter, son, and grandchildren who all live nearby. Approaching 80 and finally in full retirement, I have to keep up with our young, mischievous Tibetan Terrier puppy Nishi. I was fortunate to be among those whose book was published during the pandemic. Italy considered the press in Verona as an essential business and our designer Ron Shore worked incredibly hard to pull together 200 images into a 172-page format. This past fall, the beautifully-renovated Mingei International Museum in San Diego launched the book The Object in Its Place: Ted Cohen & The Art of Exhibition Design in conjunction with their exhibition Global Spirit celebrating Ted’s donation of a Folk Art Collection. Zahid Sardar’s brief book summary is spot on: “A new book, The Object in Its Place: Ted Cohen & The Art of Exhibition Design with texts by Signe S. Mayfield and others, and published by San Diego’s Mingei International Museum in association with Bay Area institutions, is a lavishly illustrated sourcebook of ideas and insights into the unique process by which Cohen, an inveterate collector with a magpie instinct, has distilled the vision of every curator he has worked with into more than 800 stunning exhibitions over a 60-year career. Personal stories and anecdotes also bring this self-styled Mr Fabulous’ life into vivid focus.

The Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco is currently presenting The Object in Its Place: As Designed by Ted Cohen that further honors his memory and stellar installation design.” All best wishes

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1966 Constance Flint West Consie Flint West is enjoying her “new” house, finished just before COVID hit. She is right next to a forest preserve so enjoys the wonderful outdoors and wildlife all year long. She continues to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bennington Museum and is pleased that the museum continues to do well. She has an electric car on order and is toying with the idea of taking off cross-country once it arrives!

Doriana Lehner Dori Lehner reported from the San Fernando Valley that in spite of the drought her California native plants are doing well so far. Dori is hoping to get back to tai chi and contra dancing as things are opening up after COVID. Florence Farwell Schmidt Rencie Farwell Schmidt and her husband, Peter, live in Charlottesville where she has a busy retirement. Between volunteering at the local soup kitchen, she also plays bridge “to keep her brain cells alive” and is part of a hiking group that enjoys weekly hikes on the trails of central Virginia, occasionally along the Appalachian Trail. Her latest event has been having her ear almost totally reconstructed after cancer was detected. Her plastic surgeon did a great job.

She looks wonderful!

Hilary Drorbaugh-Propst Hilary Drorbaugh-Propst says she is as busy in retirement as she ever was when she was working. She and her husband live near the Chesapeake Bay. She has achieved the distinction of being a Master Naturalist and tells a funny story about going to “frog school” where she had the

challenging requirement of identifying 23 different frog sounds. Now that she is certified she does a number of things to promote protection of the environment, including monthly testing of the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. She also enjoys bridge and kayaking.

Jill Sedlmayr MacMillan Jill Sedlmayr MacMillan is in Honolulu, HI, where they always enjoy the “best weather on the planet.” She continues to enjoy serving on the board of the Assets School serving gifted and dyslexic students and stays active with triathlons and other outdoor sports.

Louise Pugh Smith Weezie continues to teach/ tutor first through sixth grade students in reading. She sometimes thinks of retiring but is happy to teach as long as she’s needed.

Mary Shallenberger Mary Shallenberger is retired from a lifetime of public policy work on the environment and natural resources. She’s now riding and raising horses in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley of California. She is on the Chatham Hall Alumnae Council this year and is planning to be at Reunion and would love to see some of you there, too.

Muffin Dalton Grant About a year ago I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer 10 years after my first bout with breast cancer. I’m so grateful that my treatment for this first year has been manageable and welltolerated. If I continue to do as well as I’m doing now, I plan to be at Reunion, too! Here in Charlotte NC, I continue to enjoy several Bible studies and volunteer with our local crisis pregnancy center.

Nancy Ruark Nancy Ruark reports that she has made it safely through COVID although she, like so

many others, has felt pretty isolated. She is really looking forward to in-person Bridge with her friends soon!

Rebecca Lee Becky has been building/ remodeling a beautiful house in Jamaica and hopes to eventually open it for yoga retreats. She continues to provide online counseling/ coaching to clients needing to detox from heavy metals.

Sally Whately-Smith Pilkington Sally lives in London with her husband Tom. They have been avid sailors for most of their married life. Sally is now providing full-time care for Tom who has vascular dementia. They enjoy visits from their children and grandchildren. Sally continues to enjoy singing with the Thames Philharmonic Choir.

Sarah Yardley Sarah stays busy in her area working to reduce wildfire threats by applying for grants and working with her neighbors to clear underbrush and to “harden” houses to defend against the fires. She says that one of the added benefits of this kind of work is getting to know your neighbors as you fight a common enemy.

Suzanne Shaw Spradling Sue Shaw Spradling reports from Oklahoma that she and husband Scott continue to enjoy the world of croquet as they travel to tournaments in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and more. They are looking forward to an upcoming international competition later in the spring, expecting the teams from the United Kingdom, Egypt, and Australia to be tough competition.

Sue also serves on the board in her area for The Order of the Daughters of the King, an international Christian organization of women and girls.

Lynn Kitson Williams P’91

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She is really enjoying a second career as sales manager of Virginia Business Magazine and just wishes she had discovered it sooner. She also serves on the Alumnae Council with Mary Shallenberger ’66.

Her hobby of growing heirloom vegetables from seed in that more-than-hilly part of VA helps keep her fit. And her friends are happy when she shares the harvest!

Carter ’72 while briefly back in Nashville in December.

We talked about coming to reunion!

1967 Anne Bryant As is true for millions of people around the world, 2021-22 has been unsettling, and for many, extremely painful. My family and I are very fortunate that the few COVID cases received were mild, so far.

We lost our dear friend and wonderful classmate Marney Ault Wasserman ’67 in April.

Several of us have kept in close touch with her and were devastated. Her husband Dave is doing okay and, fortunately, their family has surrounded him with love. My board work continues to keep me on my toes and inspire me.

I currently chair the Board of Directors of the National Student Clearinghouse, am a member of the Board of its Research Center, and serve on the Board of Trustees of the Education Development Center. Having retired from the National School Boards Association in the fall of 2012 these organizations have kept me very much in touch with the pulse of Education.

1972

Anne Whitaker As snow is falling on a great part of the country we are enjoying relatively mild weather in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Retirement here has proven to be everything but retirement.

Have opened a small antique business in Charleston after closing my shop in Nashville — could not just totally quit (as Virginia, my daughter, said I’m “detoxing”). But I have actually imported more from England for this go-round than my big shop in Nashville and that in itself has proven to be another challenge in this day and age. Yep, it’s hard to let go! Active at church and the local free medical clinic for the uninsured and love to fish for flounder in my kayak on the marshes. Travel plans have been curtailed but, hopefully, a trip to Egypt which was planned for 2020 will take place this year as well as one to the Chelsea Flower Show

in London. I have been asked to take a group to England antiquing and am seriously considering it once travel becomes a bit safer and easier.

After 35-plus trips over the years, I think that might be rather fun. Looking forward to the reunion, I cannot believe it’s been 50 years. I was cleaning out old files and pictures and came across a Chatham file and I had to just sit and pore over it. It was several hours of both great memories and sad thoughts, especially when seeing pictures of classmates now gone like Karen Eberle ’72, my senior roommate. When Virginia ended up at Bryn Mawr, where Karen went, I wished I could have called her — I certainly could not have gotten in but wa so proud of Virginia. And Benn Fass ’73, my lantern. I still have the locket she gave me senior year, yep sweet and sad memories. I am in contact with Sally Foscue Merrill ’72 and saw Jicki Tomlinson

Kate Johnson Nielsen Last fall Katie Belk Morris ’72 hosted us at her wonderful home on Figure Eight Island.

We were disappointed that Laura Brown Cronin ’72 was not able to join us as she was self-quarantining before the birth of her next grandchild, but Katie, Nina Johnson Botsford ’72, my sister, and Lili McKay Teigland ’72 had a fabulous time catching up surrounded by beautiful marsh views and ocean views. What a special place! We tried to behave so we would be invited back — hint, hint, Katie!

1973 Elizabeth Kirk Unger I was delighted to catch up with several Chatham Hall friends this past fall during travels to see my own children.

In October, Jane Garnett ’73 and her husband David hosted my husband Peter and me for dinner at their lovely home overlooking the water in Jamestown, RI. Then in November, I had a fun visit with Julia Morris Kashkashian ’75 and Sarah Martin Finn ’74 at Sarah’s home in Denver.

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IN MEMORIAM The Chatham Hall community extends its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the following alumnae and friends of the School who have recently passed away.

1986 Laura Myers Casellas My husband, Beto, and I are enjoying living in Dana Point, CA. We’ve played Pickleball and enjoyed time with a classmate, Shannon Lee Smith ’86, who lives nearby.

We also hosted Don P ’96, Gayla P 1’6 and Leigh Wood last year which was such a pleasure! Let me know if you are in southern California!

1998 Kerry O’Neill Irwin In May 2021, I moved law firms to Moore & Van Allen, PLLC in Charlotte, NC where I practice transactional law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions. I was recently elected as a member of the firm as of January 2022. My husband, Chris, and I moved to the Charlotte area in 2020 and have loved being closer to friends and family (and the mountains and the coast).

I’ve enjoyed serving on the Alumnae Council for the past few years and getting to know former Chatham students from other class years, and I’m looking forward to the Class of 1998’s 25th Reunion in 2023!

2005 Lelan Dunavant Davidson We welcomed Bennett Louis Davidson into our family on April 13, 2021. After several days in the NICU, Owen (3.5) finally got to meet his little

Anne Rose Hilliard 1939 passed away on September 18, 2021. She is survived by her daughter Melissa Hillard ’66, her sister Edith Rose Pyle ’44, and her cousin Christina Sawtelle Teale ’51. She was predeceased by her sister Gertrude Rose Prescott ’37.

brother. They are (mostly) equally enamored with each other, and we are enjoying watching them form a special bond.

Anne Carrington Wood 1941 passed away on November 1, 2021. She is survived by her sister Jean Little ’49.

2013 Cassidy Tebeau I’ve been living the dream in Austin, TX the past few years working in the gaming industry. My company’s first game, RPG Dice: Heroes of Whitestone, launched earlier this year which was an exciting moment for all of us.

2018 Lelia Carlson I made my debut this Christmas season surrounded

by Chatham Hall friends and family. Claudia Mohamed ’18, Rachel Hightman ’18, Guppy Utz ’18, Anna Gardner ’18, and Catherine Hare ’18 traveled to Alabama to attend the Debutante Club of Birmingham’s Black and White Ball. The second photo shows me with my mother, Donie Martin Carlson ’87, at the Redstone Club’s Christmas Ball.

Jane-Kerin Moffat 1948 passed away on December 10, 2021.

Elisabeth McGinty Laigle 1949 passed away on August 28, 2021.

Margaret Perkins Sise John Ager, Peggy Sise and Annie Clarke Ager ’68 enjoyed Wayne’s Subs in Fairview, NC in 2021, at left opposite page.

Anne Bryant ’67, Rosie Bryant Woodard ’62, Cynthia Bryant Parker ’61, and Alida Bryant ’76, opposite page middle bottom.

Lili McKay Teigland ’72, Kate Johnson Nielson ’72, Nina Johnson Botsford ’72, and Katie Belk Morris ’72 on Figure Eight Island, opposite page, middle top.

Harriett Dayton 1950 passed away on December 20, 2021. She is survived by her sister, Margie Ankeny ’51.

Alison Fennelly Siragusa 1950, passed away on December 31, 2021. She is survived by her daughter Irene Phelps ’71.

Alice Pack Melly 1952 passed away on February 11, 2022. She is survived by her sister Polly Rowley ’49.

Martha Loftin Snell ’03 with her husband, Adam, and their daughter, Janie. Martha Jane Snell was born on November 14, 2021, right, opposite page.

Louise Whitehead Abrams 1959 passed away on January 2, 2022. She is survived by her sister Lynch Anderson ’59, and cousins Elizabeth George ’66, Christine Maack ’58, and Harriet Whitehead ’58.

Bennett Louis and Owen Davidson, sons of Lelan Dunavant Davidson ’05, top left.

Erin Simanskis passed away on January 26, 2022. She is survived by her daughter Emily ’15.

Lelia Carlson ’18 at her Christmas debut, top right. At bottom right, Lelia is pictured with her mother Donie Martin Carlson ’87.

Robert Breck Denny Jr. passed away on January 17, 2022. He is survived by his mother Ninna Denny ’70.

The Riding Program at Chatham Hall started in the 1930s. Since then it has grown as the School has acquired more lesson horses and focused on developing the complete horsewoman. Strong riding skills, a deep understanding of how to care for our equine partners, and a sense of being a team and community at the barn are all key aspects of it. Today, almost a century later, the program has built a competitive IEA team that has won Regional Championship titles five years in a row, as well as a focus on schooling and “A” rated competitions throughout the year.

800 Chatham Hall Circle Chatham, VA 24531 USA

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Visit us today to learn more: chathamhall.org