Letter from the RECTOR & HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear families, alumnae, and friends,

As we open this new and exciting chapter of Chatham Hall’s story, our first monthly theme of the year was new beginnings, closely followed by hope. These two concepts have been at the forefront of my mind as we welcomed our community back to campus, settled into our school traditions and rhythms, and looked ahead to our bright and exciting future. They have never been more resonant with me as I begin my tenure as Rector and Head of School.

While each school year offers a fresh start, a renewed sense of purpose, and a recommitment to community values, this particular year stands out for me as a highlight among the 29 “back to school” seasons of my career and the 16 student seasons of my childhood and adolescence. While I love every part of a new school year, this one stands out for feeling most palpably that I have come home.

I attended the same girls’ school in North London for fourteen years, and its motto, Alta Petens (“Seeking the Highest Things”), is still close to my heart. While it felt like home in many ways, Chatham Hall has already surpassed that sense of connection, even though my time here is still young.

I felt the immediate bond to Chatham Hall on my very first visit. I quickly began to refer to it as home long before I moved to Virginia. The Chatham Hall community is like no other. I know that many of you share this same sense of connection, tethering, and engagement when you think of Chatham Hall. Whether you come to campus frequently or it’s been some time since your last visit, I encourage you to return to see us soon and often. Incredibly exciting things are happening on campus each and every day, and a warm welcome awaits all of our beloved friends, family members, and alumnae. Please enjoy reading about the depth and breadth of programs, plans, and personalities that are filling our Chatham Hall days with joy, laughter, and hope.

Esto Perpetua,

Sara Stephenson Rector & Head of School

THE INVESTITURE OF SARA I. STEPHENSON

as Rector and Nineteenth Head of School

Thursday, the 10th of October

Two thousand twenty-four Five o’clock in the evening

On October 10, 2024, Chatham Hall celebrated the investiture of Sara I. Stephenson as the nineteenth Rector and Head of School in a momentous ceremony. The event, held on the school’s historic campus, brought together students, faculty, families, alumnae, trustees, and community members to mark this important occasion in the school’s 130th year. In the spirit of Chatham Hall’s rich tradition of empowering strong women, the day paid tribute to the generations of students, teachers, and leaders who have shaped its legacy.

The ceremony featured heartfelt remarks from several prominent speakers, including Sue Sadler, Stephenson’s longtime friend and Head of The Bryn Mawr School, the Right Reverend Susan B. Haynes, the first female diocesan bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, and Stephenson herself. Their words captured the gravity of the occasion and reflected on the past, present, and future of Chatham Hall.

During her address, Rector Stephenson spoke poignantly about “defining moments” in life, encouraging everyone in attendance to reflect on their own. She shared her personal milestones: becoming a sister, wife, mother, godmother, and educator, as well as facing the loss of her parents. She described her journey as one that led her to this pivotal moment, saying, “And committing my whole heart to this beloved school and this defining moment that is happening right now.”

In her speech, Stephenson revealed the deeper significance behind these life-changing experiences. She reflected on the threads that tied them all together, stating, “I clearly saw two threads running through the defining moments of my life, and I like to think that of those two binding threads, one was purple, and one was gold.” These colors, representing Chatham Hall’s rich history and tradition, symbolized the core values that have shaped her path.

Stephenson emphasized authenticity as a guiding principle throughout her life, describing the school’s motto, Esto Perpetua (let it be perpetual), as central to her journey and her role at Chatham Hall. “In all of these distilled moments of clarity and definition, my authentic self was always present,” she reflected. “Chatham Hall fosters, nurtures, and celebrates the authenticity of every girl, in all of her roles, and propels her to authenticity in all of the defining moments of her future.”

Her words resonated deeply with the audience, offering a vision for the future of Chatham Hall rooted in tradition, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering young women. As the community celebrated Stephenson’s investiture, it also embraced the continuity of leadership and the bright future she is poised to shape.