CHATHAM HALL NEWS

Fall Convocation

Convocation is a moment where we unite to celebrate, inspire, and set the tone for the year ahead. In the spirit of new beginnings, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, we welcomed the Chatham Hall community to the 2024-2025 school year with blessings, words, and songs as we embraced the energy, enthusiasm, and endless possibilities that lie ahead. As we enter our 130th year, may the blessings from the evening be ever in our hearts.

Held in St. Mary’s Chapel, the ceremony featured remarks from Chaplain Beth Barksdale and Rector Sara Stephenson, along with the recognition of students who earned Rector’s List, Dean’s List, and Scholastic Medals for the highest GPAs of 2023-2024. Scholastic Medals were awarded to Anne Rachel S. ’27, Sophia S. ’27, Chrisette J. ’26, and Isabella C.P. ’25.

The Virginia Henry Holt Award, presented each fall to a Junior who, as a sophomore, demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and embodied the qualities of former Dean Virginia Holt, was awarded to Ana C. ’26. This award is extended to students who display exemplary character, diligence, determination, kindness, purpose, precision, and grace, as well as a good sense of humor.

LEE-YARDLEY DAY

On Tuesday, September 24, the Chatham Hall community gathered to celebrate service and honor individuals who have greatly impacted the school on Lee-Yardley Day. Named in remembrance of Rectors Dr. Edmund Jennings Lee and Dr. William Woolsey Yardley, whose combined 43 years of leadership shaped Chatham Hall into a nationally recognized institution, this day reflects their lasting legacy.

In this spirit of service, the Alice Overbey Award was presented to Susan Bower, a longtime community member known for her warm hospitality at The Bower House. Rector Stephenson highlighted Susan’s impact, recalling how her kindness eased the nerves of Stephenson’s young sons during their first visit to Chatham Hall. Susan’s contributions extend beyond her home, as she supports new employees, welcomes families, and serves as a leader a the local church. As we celebrated Lee-Yardley Day, we were reminded of the enduring dedication that continues to shape Chatham Hall. Susan Bower’s generosity and commitment reflect the legacy of Dr. Lee and Dr. Yardley, and we are grateful for her presence in our community.

Susan Bower is pictured with Alice Overbey’s daughter, Terry Stafford ’68, and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Stafford ’25.

International Day Of Peace

OCTOBER 4, 2024

Chatham Hall’s Peace Garden, dedicated in 2020 as part of the “Peace Pole Project,” is a space for reflection and unity. Chatham Hall celebrated the International Day of Peace on Friday, October 4, with a special service in the Peace Garden, led by Chaplain Barksdale and community members. The event included a flag procession by community members representing their home countries, an invocation by the International Student Association President, and readings by Model UN students.

Participants planted flower bulbs to symbolize peace and joined in a communal prayer for nonviolence. This meaningful tradition unites the community’s diverse voices in a shared commitment to peace and reflection on our role in fostering a more peaceful world. Chaplain Elisabeth Barksdale shared, “The four Peace Poles serve as monuments to peace, while the blooming flowers symbolize reconciliation.” The poles are inscribed with “May Peace Prevail” in 14 languages spoken by the community. This year, two additional poles, handcrafted in the MakerSpace, will join them, highlighting the school’s commitment to peace and diversity.

Monthly Chapel Themes Revealed

Chatham Hall is excited to share the themes for our chapel services this year. Chaplain Barksdale and Rector Stephenson came together to build our monthly themes that will be woven through all that we do. Join us each month as we celebrate the love and community of Chatham Hall.

September: New Beginnings

October: Hope

November: Gratitude

December: Joy

January: Perseverance

February: Compassion

March: Empathy

April: Legacy

“In my first year as Rector, it’s important to me to have the chance to guide our monthly themes, which will, of course, be remembered, recognised and celebrated, I hope, in all corners of campus.”

RECTOR STEPHENSON

Family Day

OCTOBER 11, 2024

Chatham Hall’s annual Family Day Celebration was a heartwarming event that united students, faculty, and their loved ones in a spirit of community and gratitude. The day’s events blended music, dance, prayer, and reflection, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.

Rector Sara Stephenson delivered a warm address emphasizing the importance of unity and the power of family. Chaplain Elisabeth Barksdale shared a welcome and an introduction to the chapel. A particularly touching moment was the dance performance of Realm of Spirit, choreographed by Denise Dalton. This performance reminded us of God’s ever-present love and light. The invocation, led by students, called on the spirit of wisdom and openness, guiding the community to embrace the day’s blessings.

The processional hymn Shalom Chaverim, a Hebrew folk song, echoed the message of peace and goodwill, while the opening student-led liturgy celebrated the rich diversity of the Chatham Hall community. Reflections by students Mallory S. ’27, Rose W. ’27, and faculty member Dan Waters P’14 touched on shared experiences and belonging, inspired by the scripture passage, “Your people shall be my people.” The celebration also featured prayers for the Chatham Hall students and families, expressing gratitude for the nurturing community and the love and support of families.

The Family Day Celebration was a poignant reminder of the strength and warmth found in the community as attendees joined together in song, prayer, and reflection. The event honored the deep connections that bind the Chatham Hall family, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

“The Chatham Hall lived experience provides an environment that fosters respect, civility and appreciation for the goodness that we all bring to the table as human beings. The Family Day Celebration brought that ideal home to me in a very profound way.”

Venita Fields ’71 Board of Trustees

In The Community

The Community Service League has started the fall with initiatives to support our local community. Students volunteer at Chatham Elementary School on Tuesday afternoons, tutoring, helping with jobs around the school, and building connections with students.

Additionally, students have worked with Habitat for Humanity in Danville, helping at the ReStore, which supplies items to those in need and raises funds for future projects, and helping with their Brunswick Stew Fundraiser, which raises money for the organization each fall.

Upcoming projects for the Community Service League include raising awareness for an American Red Cross blood drive at Hargrave this fall and partnering with a local church to serve lunch to those in need.

HOPE IN BLOOM: STUDENTS RAISE SUPPORT FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

BY ANNIE W. ’25

At the beginning of October, I organized a school-wide fundraiser to show Chatham Hall’s support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In their lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 15% of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer. These jarring statistics are very close to home for my family. In

2020, my grandma passed away from stage 4 breast cancer, and we were devastated. Growing up, I was very close to her, and I couldn’t believe that she was taken away from us so soon. This year, I knew I wanted to honor her by raising money to fund ongoing research in breast cancer innovation. My goal was to create a way for our students and faculty to come together to show our support. I decided to sell small items like pink ribbons, stickers, and bracelets, ranging from one to two dollars in cost. All proceeds and donations from the fundraiser were donated to Susan G. Komen, a foundation that works to fight breast cancer. After three days of fundraising at lunch, I collected a total amount of $352. This well surpassed my goal and showed how strong our community can be when we work together. Thank you again to everyone who donated to show their support for such an important cause.

Cheers To Chatham Hall Bringing Our Community Together

At Chatham Hall, we’re all about building and celebrating connections, and our Cheers to Chatham Hall events are a perfect way to do just that! These fun and inclusive gatherings are designed to bring our beloved Rector, Sara Stephenson, on the road to meet with alumnae, current and past families, grandparents, prospective families, and friends of the school. Whether reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, Cheers to Chatham Hall offers the perfect opportunity to stay engaged with our vibrant community.

Since our first event in Atlanta on July 13, Cheers to Chatham Hall has traveled to Charlottesville, VA; Richmond, VA; Greenville, SC; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; New York City; and the Washington, DC Metro area. At each stop, participants enjoyed warm camaraderie while learning more about what is happening on campus and the exciting future ahead.

Don’t miss out on future Cheers events coming in 2025! Stay tuned for announcements, as we could be coming to a city near you. Join us to toast to the school’s continued success, stay connected, and be part of this wonderful journey. We look forward to seeing you soon!