Special Commencement Bulletin (Summer 2015)

Special 2015 Commencement Bulletin

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

The weather could not have been more perfect

nor the ceremony more lovely on Friday, May 29 when the Class of 2015 walked through Miss Charlotte’s Garden and Head of School Catherine S. McGehee presided over her first Commencement – Foxcroft’s 101st.

Stephanie Knapp, Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Foundation Board member and mother of Whitney Knapp ’99, gave the invocation.

Award-winning photographer Diana Walker ’59 shared insights and advice from 20 years of covering politics, presidents and the White House for Time Magazine, and Class speaker Gabriela Panettiere talked about Foxcroft’s transformational effect on her and predicted great things for her classmates.

“The growth that I have experienced is thanks to everyone in this community,” Gaby said. “Now I see before me people who can and will change the world. The minds of the Class of 2015 are not only intellectual, but caring and kind-hearted. The world will become a better place with all of you.”

McGehee celebrated the Class of 2015’s gracious acceptance of a new leader and its many accomplishments by awarding the Head’s Prize to the entire Class. “While they could have been upset that during their senior year they got a new head, who didn’t know the traditions and who made changes, they were not,” she said. “Rather they were generous of spirit and welcomed me.”

Meredith Dietz, who served as class president for four years, collected the Head’s Prize on behalf of her classmates. That gave the

Fox captain, two-sport athlete, and class salutatorian quite an armful of prizes: She had received the Charlotte Haxall Noland Award, voted by the faculty, moments earlier.

Anne Michele Lyons Kuhns ’87, Vice Chair of Foxcroft’s Board of Trustees, assisted McGehee in bestowing diplomas on the girls, who hail from seven states and four countries and have been offered 128 acceptances and almost $1.3 million in merit scholarships from 85 colleges and universities.

Walker, who covered Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton in the White House, focused on the possibilities ahead for the confident, young women receiving diplomas.

“Take risks!” she advised. “Know that you have the ability to write your own future from here on out.” Walker warned that as “women who want to change the world,” they will be challenged, but urged them to persevere. “Believe in yourself – be true to yourself,” she said. “Don’t ever give up on yourself ever. And don’t forget to enjoy every day.”

It wasn’t hard to start following her last piece of advice immediately. Oh, what a beautiful morning it was! n

Stephanie Knapp (above) set the tone with a lovely invocation. Speakers Diana Walker ’59 (far left) and Gaby Panettiere ’15 followed.

!

Class President Meredith Dietz received the Noland Award and also accepted the Head’s Prize on behalf of the Class of 2015.

Board Vice Chair Anne Michele Lyons Kuhns ’87 handed out the diplomas.

It was a proud day for Maleia Meadows and her mother, Debbie Rivers Meadows ’74, who was one of Foxcroft’s first African-American graduates.

Valedictorian Amy Zhang celebrated with family members from Beijing.

For more on speeches, photos and videos, please use the QR code at left.

For more photos and video, go to http://bit.ly/FXC_mg

Awards & Accolades

The Foxcroft community took time to acknowledge achievements and honor students and faculty alike during the year’s final days.

Mary Louise Leipheimer Award for Excellence in Teaching The inaugural Mary Louise Leipheimer Award for Excellence in Teaching went to Dr. Maria Evans Eagen, an aerospace engineer who brought endless energy and enthusiasm along with a love of science and teaching to campus in 2010. Established by the Board of Trustees last year, the award recognizes a classroom teacher with at Dr. Eagen’s classroom is a lively and least three years tenure who inspirational place for students. “connects with and challenges each student to develop her analytical ability, critical and independent thinking, communication skills and personal integrity.”

Maria, who spent 25 years designing satellite orbits and launching rockets, now helps to design exciting new programs and launch girls

into the crucial science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. She has taught several levels of math and science, plus engineering and computer science, utilizing project-based learning and diverse technology tools to engage students daily.

Maria also has forged partnerships with several companies and nonprofits, through Purdue University’s Engineering Projects in Community Service course, the K2M STEM Summit, Kashmir World Foundation’s DaVinci Challenge, and other initiatives. A teacher in and outside the classroom, Maria has served as a volleyball coach and PE teacher, faculty sponsor to student clubs ranging from Banneker Buddies to Robotics, and as a wise and warm advisor to students. “[Maria’s] real-world experience allows her to engage her students with hands-on applications that are relevant to careers in STEM fields,” said Head of School Cathy McGehee during the May 28 Awards Assembly presentation. “She helps students see STEM subjects as accessible and fun, and encourages girls to gain confidence to pursue what are still male-dominated career fields.”

Jane Lockhart Service Award to and understanding of all of our students, with an emphasis on all.”

Patty came to campus in 1990 when her husband, the late Earl Boswell, joined the staff. She soon began working part-time in Schoolhouse and, by 1994, she was registrar. “Bos” became the Hound Backer in 1999 and a year later she added housemother to her busy life.

The whole family, including daughter Kelli Boswell Hawes ’03 (center), was on hand when “Bos” received the Lockhart Service Award.

With a trio of prominent positions, Patty Boswell has enhanced Foxcroft’s academic, residential and extracurricular life for more than 20 years. It’s not just her involvement in so many aspects of Foxcroft life, however, but her exceptional care and concern for each girl with whom she interacts that make her a worthy recipient of the 2015 Jane Lockhart Service Award. At the Awards Assembly on May 28, Patty became the fourth recipient of the award, which honors a staff or faculty member who “exemplifies a personal commitment

“In her office, she is a touchpoint for faculty, current students, past Patty has been a spirited students, parents, and even other Houndbacker since 1999. educational institutions,” said Head of School Cathy McGehee. “As housemother, she helps girls feel at home, known and valued, even when they are far from home . . .

Like a good mother, she holds them to high standards, while showing them unconditional love and accepting them for who they are.”

In the time-consuming and sometimes tricky position of Hound Backer, Patty has mentored student leaders and fostered school spirit and a deep connection between current students and Foxcroft’s most beloved tradition. She is, indeed, a worthy Lockhart Award recipient.

A Smile, A Snack, and Letters from Home . . . . . . Brenda Trussell has been serving up all three in abundance from her post in the School Store for the past quarter-century. She has driven girls to appointments, and kept students and teachers alike in supplies ranging from poster board and pens to printer cartridges and pullovers. At the May 25 Morning Meeting, Head of School Cathy McGehee honored Brenda for her 25 years of dedicated service by presenting her with a special Foxcroft chair!

Foxcroft bid a fond farewell to (from left): Callie Hughes (Math, Athletics), Christine Thomas (Housemother, Covert, Development), Denise Simms (Math), and Brenda Hafner (Library).

Student Honors Valedictorian/Pillsbury Prize ...............Zhiruo (Amy) Zhang ’15 Salutatorian ......................................................Meredith Dietz ’15 Junior Award for Scholarship .................................Patia Fann ’16 Charlotte Haxall Noland Award ....................Meredith Dietz ’15 Miss Ida Applegate Award .............................. Molly Murphy ’15 Dudley Prize ........................................................Lillian Potter ’15 Josie Betner Mallace Award ......................Gabriela Panettiere ’15 Mildred Greble Davis Award ..................................Lilly Savin ’16 Becky Award ............................................ Mary Park Durham ’17 Elebash Award.....................................................Yiming Zhao ’18 Head’s Prize........................................................ The Class of 2015 Studio Art Award ...................................................Ja Yoon Lee ’15 Athletic Awards Teresa E. Shook Award ..............................Victoria Weber ’15 Peabody Tennis Trophy ............................... Ann Mickum ’16 Best Older Girl ............................................Emma Rogers ’15 Best Younger Girl.............................. Allison Buffenbarger ’17 CAP Award............................................. Christine (Lee) Muse ’15 Community Service Award............................... Emily Cooley ’15

Saylor Hart ’18

Ja Yoon Lee ’15 Dean’s Leadership Award ............................Dorothy Querolo ’15 .................................................................Madeline McNamara ’15 A Better Chance Award for Excellence.............Natalie Harris ’16 Hilary Somers Deely Drama Award .............. Molly Murphy ’15 English Prize ......................................................... Hannah All ’15 Eustis Prize ...........................................................Lillian Potter ’15 National French Contest ............................. Lindy Davenport ’17 French Award ..........................................Isabella Zimmerman ’17 Future Leader of Loudoun Award......................Lillian Potter ’15 Gunnell Poetry Prize ....................................... Molly Murphy ’15 L. Richard Weinbach History Prize ...............Victoria Weber ’15 Eleanor Schley Todd Prize for Government and Foreign Affairs ..................... Caryn (Maleia) Meadows ’15 Hollins University Book Award ...................Caroline Motley ’16

Latin Award .......................................................Erica Wyckoff ’15 Library Prize.........................................................Lillian Potter ’15 Mathematics Award .................................Wenyi (Phoebe) Fei ’15 Middleburg Library Scholarship............Carrie Cunningham ’15 Music Award.................................... Xinyu (Stephanie) Zhang ’15 Chorale Member of the Year ................ Caroline Mac Mahon ’15 Parents’ Association Awards (elected by their classmates) 9th Grade ................................................Trinity Patterson ’18 10th Grade ...................................................Leland Burke ’17 11th Grade ........................................................Lilly Savin ’16 12th Grade ..........................................Gabriela Panettiere ’15 Riding Awards Miss Charlotte’s Trophy (Best Rider) .......Chelsea Amend ’15 Best Younger Girl.................................Meghann Harmon ’16 Most Improved............................... Christine (Lee) Muse ’15 Good Hands ................................ Charlotte Scharfenberg ’16 Director’s Award ............................ Cortney Cunningham ’15 Junior Science Award (Bausch & Lomb)............. Isabella Zhai ’16 Rensselaer Medalist..................................................Patia Fann ’16 Haythe Science Award ..........................Zhiruo (Amy) Zhang ’15 Sewanee Book Award............................................Allison Gish ’16 Smith Book Award.............................. Charlotte Scharfenberg ’15 Spanish Prize ........................................................... Lucy Matz ’16 Starr Prize .................................................................Jean Kang ’15 University of Pennsylvania Book Award ...............Patia Fann ’16 Vanderbilt University Book Award............. Marina Shallcross ’15 Wellesley Book Award........................Sofia Careaga Gonzalez ’15 William & Mary Leadership Award................ Phillipa Steyn ’16

Meredith Dietz Wenyi (Phoebe) Fei

Cum Laude Society Class of 2015 Molly Murphy Xinyu (Stephanie) Zhang Victoria Weber Zhiruo (Amy) Zhang

Patia Fann

Class of 2016

Charlotte Scharfenberg

Unforgettable. . .

With more than 130 years of service in roles that touched the entire community, this departing quartet leaves quite a legacy.

Sheila C. McKibbin Positions: Associate Head, Assistant Head, Dean of Faculty, Dean of Students; cheerleader/den mother/hostess supreme When She Came to Foxcroft: 1994

Where She is Going: Pinehurst, NC

What We’ll Miss the Most: Her hugs, her hula, her generosity, her sense of fun, her willing ear and – most of all – her wonderfully wise and compassionate counsel

Sheila

She Said: Countless statements that became part of the Foxcroft lexicon, such as: “It is an honor and a privilege to be at Foxcroft.”

“Foxcroft is a community based on trust.”

“Foxcroft women aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.”

“Foxcroft is a place where every girl is known and valued.”

We Say: Foxcroft dedicated the Office of Student Life in Sheila’s honor and placed a plaque bearing the iconic phrase she coined on the door.

“There is no replacing Miss McKibbin . . . May this plaque (right) remind us not only to talk the talk, but also to walk the walk as she did every day she was at Foxcroft.” — Cathy McGehee, Head of School

“She was always there for you whether she was helping you work through a problem with a friend, telling you a joke in the hall, or screaming like a maniac at one of your games.” — Hannah All ’15

Elizabeth K. (Beth) Lamond Position: Assistant to the Head of School (actually, five heads of school!); Red Cross blood drive coordinator/confidence keeper/miracle worker When She Came to Foxcroft: 1980 Where She is Going: Upperville,VA. But she will continue to come to help out with special events sharing her 35 years of expertise and wisdom.

Amazing Achievements: Once, she stopped a jet at Dulles Airport from taking off because she had to get a message to a trustee on board. Recently, she talked the DMV into letting her give her VA license plate (which says Foxcrft) to Head of School Cathy McGehee. And absolutely always, she kept confidential information that way.

What We’ll Miss the Most: Her encyclopedic knowledge of Middleburg people and places; her stories, especially Foxcroft’s legends and lore; her coy smile and kind heart; and her ability to work miracles

Beth

She Said: “I’m not going anywhere.”

We Say: “We are delighted to hear that!”

Beth received Foxcroft’s Anne Kane McGuire ’52 Distinguished Service Award in 1995.

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Isaiah (Mike) Brown, aka Mr. B.

Mike

Positions: Cook; Director of Dining Services (since 1987); flying pig launcher/master of all menus for many venues/purveyor of news to hear and holiday cheer When he came to Foxcroft: 1984

Where He is Going: Berryville, VA

A little history: Born in Baltimore; raised in Harrisonburg, educated at Johnson & Wales (Miami campus). Learned to barbeque while executive chef at a Holiday Inn. Owned and operated Mr. B’s BBQ & Catering in various Clarke County, VA, locations for 27 years.

Impressive Achievements: Received 12 “Be a Star” Awards for outstanding performance from Chartwells Dining Services. Had two Tally-Ho! yearbooks dedicated to him, in 1994 and this year. Somehow managed to serve crab legs, steak, lobster mashed potatoes, and fresh berries year round without breaking the budget!

What We’ll Miss the Most: His dedication to service, good food, and Foxcroft; his smile; his willingness to work with the girls (whether it was the International Club making bulgogi for the whole school or the Food Committee critiquing his menus, Mr. B. listened and ​tried to oblige them); and of course his wonderful recipes, especially for the barbecue and fixins’ that made the “When Pigs Fly BBQ” an annual highlight.

Speaking of recipes . . . Head of School Cathy McGehee wrote one for Mr. B in May. It​reads in part: “Directions: Marinate in Love, Faith, Dedication, Loyalty, Care, Concern for Others, Attention to Details, High Expectations, and Good Taste. Toss in a drop of Wicked Humor and a pinch of Hot Gossip. Mix with leftovers and freezer inventory until budget is met. . . . ” That’s Mr. B. all right!

He Said: “I guess I’m kind of like an automobile; after so many years, I just wore out.”

Louise

We Say: “You’ll never wear out in our hearts, Mr. B. We love you.”

Louise Arbogast

Position/Department: Switchboard, Business Office (1978); Steady presence for 44 years!

When She Came to Foxcroft: 1971 Where She is Going: Purcellville, VA Amazing Achievements: Always having a smile on her face and, her Business Office colleagues say, snacks in her desk What We’ll Miss the Most: Her willingness to guide folks patiently through any challenge. Whether it was a student in need of cash for the weekend, a parent with a question about her daughter’s school account, or an employee navigating the intricacies of employee benefits, Louise could be counted on to help calmly, competently, and compassionately.

She said: “Foxcroft has been a big part of my life. I’ll miss it.”

We say: “Good luck, God speed, and enjoy those grandchildren!”

Published by Foxcroft School • July 2015 • P.O. Box 5555, Middleburg, VA 20118 • 540.687.5555 • info@foxcroft.org • www.foxcroft.org Address queries to: Cathrine Wolf, Director of Communications • 540.687.4511 • cathrine.wolf@foxcroft.org

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Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

Members of the Class of 2015 were offered 128 acceptances and almost $1.3 million in merit scholarships by 85 colleges and universities.

See the complete list at www.foxcroft.org/classof2015_colleges