THE ARTS AT GFS
On the stage, in the studio, and beyond, creative expression is a key component of the GFS experience.
The Upper School Spring Dance show, Humanity
The Applied Music program offers lessons in piano, drums, violin, vocal performances, and more.
Briana W. ’25 showcases her work during the annual all-school ArtWalk.
The Middle School musical, Willy Wonka, Jr.
Lower School closes out the school year with a jazz cabaret.
The Nutcracker in the Forest has become an annual tradition.
ON THE COVER: Untitled by Kendall Adams ’26
Kendall joined Garrison Forest School in her Junior year and quickly became an active member of the school community. In her first year, she played on the Varsity Volleyball team and became involved in the Girls Advancing in STEM (GAINS) club. After participating in the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program with Johns Hopkins University, Kendall realized her interest in engineering. Her experience in WISE led to co-founding SWENext, an engineering club starting in the fall. Her cover piece began as an assignment in her painting class, where she was tasked to create a mosaic inspired by her childhood. Drawing from her early years in Washington State, a place she remembers fondly, she crafted a mosaic of a salmon, modeled after the silhouette on the Washington state quarter. The artwork reflects both her love for the Pacific Northwest and the meaningful memories it holds for her.
EDITORIAL STAFF
Michelle Placek
Director of Communications and Marketing michelleplacek@gfs.org
Emily De Jesus
Associate Director of Communications and Marketing; Class News Editor emilydejesus@gfs.org
DESIGN
Mid-Atlantic Custom Media
Jeni Mann Tough, Director jmann@midatlanticmedia.com
Ebony Brown, Art Director
Steve Burke, Designer
PHOTOGRAPHY
Emily De Jesus, Taylor Herzog, Wendy Hickock, Quin McCraw, Michelle Placek, Steve Ruark, Melvin D. Smith II, David Stuck
DEAR GARRISON FOREST COMMUNITY,
It has been a privilege and a true honor to serve as Garrison Forest’s 12th Head of School. By the time you are reading this, I will be fully immersed in my new role in New York and the school will be in the good hands of Ann Teaff, but please know that I will be thinking fondly of the Forest and the many, many wonderful students, parents, alumnae, and colleagues I got to know in my seven years there.
In my first letter to the community in this magazine in 2019, I reflected on four lessons I gleaned in my first year at GFS. For this final letter, I thought I would share four lessons that shaped my time at the Forest and that I hope remain central to who the school has been and always will be.
Lesson #1
There has always been a sign on my desk that says “Teach How To Think, Not What To Think”; my wife gave it to me when I first started teaching many years ago. Today, as much as at any point in recent history, the ability to think critically and independently is a vital tool for success in every field and in navigating life in general. From the influences of social media to the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence, we are bombarded with expectations about what we should think on every topic. A Garrison Girl should always be able to step back, analyze an issue, and clear away the cacophony to generate her own thoughtful, moral, and authentic response.
Lesson #2
There is brilliance in every chair. This has been one of my mantras at Garrison Forest—every student has brilliance within her, and part of the job of the school is to help her find, understand, and hone that brilliance. Whether it is in her passion for STEM, her dance, her painting, her penalty stroke, her poetry, or any other field—and most often a combination of several of these—every student has something
vital to share with the community, and every student should be celebrated for those gifts.
Lesson #3
The Power of Belonging. Each year I named a theme for the year to help organize the school’s approach to community connections for that year, and while “Belonging” was the theme for my final year, it could just as easily have been every year’s theme. The power of belonging is well-documented; it is a vital element of success for people in every endeavor, including school. Garrison Forest is a place where every member of the community should know that they truly belong, where their voice and their presence make a positive difference every day.
Lesson #4
Blue goes with everything! OK, maybe this one is a little lighter, but now that my wardrobe is almost exclusively blue—light blue, dark blue, shades in between, and with an extraordinary amount of grizzlies sprinkled throughout, I have come to embrace the fact that I will, in fact, be Garrison Blue for life!
Thank you all for seven extraordinary and wonderful years—I wish you all the very best.
With warmth and affection,
Christopher A. Hughes Head of School, 2018-2025
Hanging out with Preschoolers on Manor House porch
An annual favorite, hosting Halloween at Lochinvar
Touring F.E. White during renovations
A Fond Farewell
Throughout the spring, we celebrated and honored the contributions of Chris and Farida Hughes:
At
of
The GFS Dance department recognized Mr. Hughes at their spring concert.
Preschool Prom
The GFS Board of Trustees announced the installation of a bench at the campus pond to honor the Hugheses.
the conclusion
our second annual Forest Day, student leaders presented Mr. Hughes with a tree that featured fingerprints from every student on campus.
Faculty and staff shared their thanks through personal, handwritten messages that were given to Mr. and Mrs. Hughes at the year-end meeting.
Taking in the solar eclipse last year
Reading to Kindergarteners during the holiday season
Having some fun on the first day of school in 2021
A special visit from our partners at Kenya Connect
Learning
Senior “lifers” during the 100 Days celebration
how to adult during “Grizzly Grown-Ups,” a Middle School elective
Cultural Celebration Day, envisioned by FiolaJesurera Orelaja (Fifi) ‘25
RING!
Awe-inspiring experiments in the Lower School
Getting our hands dirty during Forest Day
Preschoolers learning about Lunar New Year from Upper School teacher Ms. Tsang
Cheering on the Grand Slam event, the Parent Association
This Year
The Daycare at Garrison Forest
Last August, the Daycare at Garrison Forest, previously reserved for faculty and staff, opened to the community, offering care for children ages six weeks to two-years-old. It’s been a year of smiles, milestones and lots of love with our littlest Grizzlies!
at the Forest
The Upper School Blues perform
Dancing the night away at Preschool Prom
Kicking off the year with Spirit Team sorting day
Orioles at the event, hosted by Association
GRIZZLY HIGHLIGHTS
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TENNIS
B Conference #2 Singles Champion, Lisa S. ’25
TRACK & FIELD
1st Place in 200m and 400m, including a Meet Record, Kennedy M. ’25
FALL
SIGNING DAY
Last fall, we recognized 12 Senior studentathletes who will continue their athletic careers in college.
VOLLEYBALL
Second-straight B Conference Championship
RIDING
GOLF
Conference Individual Champion, Sophie E. ’27
BADMINTON
A highlight for our elite riders is competing in Ocala each year. This year at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, one of the many ribbons coming home was Circuit Champion for Kinley M. ‘30 and Brighton Heartbreaker.
Our Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team had another busy year competing at shows near and far. Among their many accolades was IEA Reserve National Champion honor for Anila J. ’27!
Our Riding staff partnered with College Counseling to host their first-ever Equestrian College Fair, welcoming representatives from nearly 20 institutions and riders from all over to campus to learn more about equestrian opportunities beyond high school.
POLO
Polo at GFS hit the road this year, taking several trips to California to visit and play at polo clubs there.
Back at the Forest, they hosted two Middle School tournaments, bringing in players from across the country.
Singles Champion, Gracie K. ’25
Ensuring Students Thrive at Garrison Forest School: Year One of the Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving
It’s 3:30 PM on a Wednesday, and the Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving is bustling. In one room, two students are with the Math Department Chair, working through a complicated problem from their calculus class on a whiteboard wall. In the next room, a Middle Schooler goes over an outline for her essay. Another student talks through opportunities to do more in-depth work in cybersecurity, which has recently become a passion of hers. Laughter rings out from the commons area in the center of the offices, where several students are gathered to hang out and do homework. It’s a typical afternoon in the Boyce Center.
Opened in fall 2024, the Boyce Center was envisioned as an innovative approach to student success. Its three pillars—academic success, growth and enrichment, and wellness and wellbeing—recognize every student’s student’s academic and social-emotional journey as they grow. Housed in a warm and inviting space on campus and with a satellite space in the Lower School, the Boyce Center has quickly become a hub for Garrison Forest students of all ages and grades.
At the core of the Boyce Center are three dedicated educators with over 70 years of experience between them: Reading Specialist Julia Holt, Math Specialist Margaret Bitz, and Boyce Center Director Shannon Schmidt. While parts of their day are spent welcoming students to the Boyce Center, they also log plenty of steps traversing campus to meet with students and teachers in every division.
“The initial concept of the Boyce Center was to be an innovative way to recognize and enhance the brilliance in each student,” said Center Director Shannon Schmidt. “I always tell parents and students that the path from ‘point a’ to ‘point b’ isn’t a straight line; it’s a journey that looks different for everyone. Our focus is on making sure students have the right tools for their individual journey—here at Garrison Forest and beyond.”
At different points during a student’s time, that could mean academic success: tutoring individually or in small groups, skills-based classes or special sessions on time-management, study skills, or executive functioning; growth and enrichment opportunities: travel abroad and connecting students with outside academic programs; or providing a wellness curriculum that helps them learn more about nutrition, self care, and mental health.
A vital piece of the Boyce Center’s success is building cross-campus connections that include the divisional Counselors and Learning Specialists, the Health Center team, Athletics, teachers and parents.
In its first year, the Boyce Center hosted several speakers for students and parents—including a three-day engagement with nationally known author and researcher Rachel Simmons, who led workshops for students, parents, and faculty during her time on campus—and held parent education sessions on navigating social media and technology, a different approach to supporting students with anxiety, and building friendships. They’ve launched a monthly “Wellness Wednesday” with themes around mental health awareness, nutrition, and the power of play. Most importantly, they’ve positioned the Boyce Center as a space where students can connect with the resources they need to thrive.
“I’m excited to build on the great momentum we’ve had already,” Schmidt said. “We will continue working together to celebrate the strengths of each student and provide them the toolbox to build upon their capabilities and passions that will serve them throughout their educational journey—and in life.”
Visit gfs.org/boycecenter for more updates!
“Graduating from an all-girls school is not a coincidence in our story; it is a cornerstone.
It means we were educated in an environment that didn’t just make room for our voices, but raised them. We were taught to lead not in competition with one another, but in collaboration. We learned to support each other’s strengths, to amplify each other’s ideas, and to never apologize for taking up space. This kind of education is rare. And it is powerful. In a world that often tells women to quiet down, to wait our turn, to blend in, we were taught to speak up, to step forward, and to stand out.”
— Kennedy Jade-Watkin Myrie ’25, 2024-25 School President
Oh, the Places They’ll Go!
�� This year, our 64 Seniors will enroll in 49 different colleges across 20 states, the District of Columbia, Spain, Scotland, and three U.S. time zones.
�� 12 students will compete in four different sports—lacrosse, field hockey, track, and volleyball—at the collegiate level in Division I, Division II, and Division III programs, from Colgate University to Salisbury University.
�� Our Grizzlies will be spread across the map: from the University of California-Los Angeles on the West Coast to Smith College, Princeton University, and Johns Hopkins University on the East Coast, Spelman College in the southeast, and University of Denver and University of Colorado-Boulder in the Mountain States.
�� Students will pursue a wide range of interests like neuroscience at Washington and Lee University, marine biology at University of Miami, architecture at Virginia Tech, and law at the University of Edinburgh.
See the full list at gfs.org/colleges!
The Class of 2025 Joins Our Alumnae Community!
CLASS OF 2025 COMMENCEMENT AWARD WINNERS
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2025 LEGACIES
True Blue: A Legacy of Spirit
A deep sense of connection unites generations of Garrison Forest alumnae, and rarely is that more present than during Commencement, when alumna parents can share with their children some of the beloved traditions that mark the end of their student journey—and the beginning of their time as a proud GFS alumna.
THE LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: BOARDING AT GFS Garrison Forest offers two renewable merit-based legacy scholarships for any new or current day students entering Grades 8-12 to board at Garrison Forest. Alumnae daughters, granddaughters, sisters, or nieces are eligible to apply. For more information, visit gfs.org/legacy or contact Catie Perich, Director of Enrollment Management, at catieperich@gfs.org.
FACULTY AWARD
Maia Adolphus
ALUMNAE AWARD Jaylin Gooden
GEORGE M. SHRIVER AWARD Vivian Almeter
PHILIP J. JENSEN AWARD Kaitlyn Hummel
Dominique Ray ’25 and Stacy Garrett-Ray ’92
Betsy Michaels Willett ’61, Grace Santarelli ’29, Augusta Santarelli ’25 and Katie Willett Santarelli ’95
Macy Hill ’25 and Tiane Hill ’03
Jennifer Wilson ’00 and Briana Wilson ’25
Tina Polvinale Kothari ’94 and Gracie Kothari ’25
HOMECOMING
Ann Teaff Returns to the Forest as Interim Head of School
Ann Teaff returned to Garrison Forest this summer, taking the helm as Interim Head of School on July 1. Though this is a new role at Garrison Forest for her, she is well-known and loved by generations of Garrison Girls, having served the school for 18 years, first as a teacher and chair of the history department and then for a decade as Head of the Upper School. In 1998, she became Head of School at The Harpeth Hall School, a college preparatory girls’ school in Nashville. Ann was instrumental in transforming Harpeth Hall into one of the most highly regarded girls’ schools in the country. Upon retirement after 16 years at Harpeth Hall, she and her late husband, Don McPherson, returned to Baltimore.
Along with her civic involvements in Baltimore, Ann is a member of a number of national education organizations, and she worked as a Leadership Coach for new heads of independent schools through Carney Sandoe & Associates’ Leadership Coaching Practice.
Ann will serve as Interim Head for one or two years, depending on the timing of the search for a new Head, which is underway. Just a few weeks into her interim headship, she shared her thoughts and hopes for the year to come
WHAT BROUGHT YOU BACK TO GFS?
I have always held the school close to my heart, and I am proud and honored to come back. So much of the educator I have become traces back to my time at Garrison Forest School. Working each day alongside my faculty colleagues at Garrison Forest and seeing the skill with which they approached their work, I became a better history teacher. I was inspired by the teacher mentors I had around me every day.
I had outstanding opportunities during my time here. I was the faculty advisor to Service League and a part of the exciting expansion of that program. I was advisor to the Georgetown University Model United Nations. I took students on trips to Europe and the Soviet Union. Those trips to the Soviet Union in the 1980s were at a time when few Americans were traveling there. I look at pictures from those trips and marvel at all we saw of the Soviet Union and the
people we met. Glasnost allowed Soviet students and their teachers to come to visit Garrison Forest and that was remarkable at that time.
Through the years, I continued to come back to campus for Reunions and other events. I loved being invited to reconnect with alumnae and faculty. The opportunity now to go full circle and be at Garrison Forest with the children of my students is aweinspiring—walking with them through the same halls I walked with their mothers! Seeing my former students as parents of Garrison Forest students and volunteers in many important areas of school life is nothing short of thrilling and a rare opportunity for an educator.
Ann with students on a trip abroad in 1989.
HAS ANYTHING SURPRISED YOU AS YOU HAVE COME BACK TO THE FOREST?
Garrison Forest has always been a school on the leading edge of education. We continue to educate our students to be future-ready. The rich hands-on learning in our Early Childhood program, the financial literacy program in the Lower School, the Aspiring Leaders program in the Middle School, and in the Upper School, the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, the Jenkins Fellows Program, the Public Health Fellows, the Gateway Scholars program, and the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) program provide experiential learning with a public purpose, designed to help students explore, engage, and contribute. All are exemplary programs that set Garrison Forest School apart.
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN FOCUS FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
An interim head continues to lead the school forward in the periods of transition that are inevitable in schools. There may be times to pause and think, but you never stop moving the school forward. We will focus on building culture and community and continuing the joy that has defined this school for decades. We will find opportunities to bring the entire school together, from our youngest learners to our Seniors as the leaders of the school, to celebrate and have fun together. This year is the school’s 115th year, and that’s something we need to celebrate together, including kicking off the school year by bringing back Convocation.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
I am excited just to be here! Garrison Forest School is a beautiful place in the world to learn and grow and thrive—whether one is a
from Maryland and all across the country and the world, and hosting parents, students, and others for various events throughout the year. It has been wonderful to rediscover memorable physical spaces on campus. The heart of Garrison Forest has always been Manor House, and I believe it is good that the Head's office is now in what was once the sunroom. I am thrilled to be in Manor House to greet our students, faculty, and alumnae coming into Manor House, as well as prospective students and their families. I was here when the Juniors held the first Ring Dance. I look forward to seeing how that dance has evolved over the years into the beloved Ring Week tradition. It was exciting to experience the fun and energy of new students learning if they are Dark Blue or Light Blue. Thanks to Harry Potter, that event is now more fun than ever as Sorting Day! I am eager to hear the Ragged Robins perform -- and the new musical groups I hear so much about like the Blues Band, the Upper School modern rock band; the Blue Birds, the Middle School band; and the Blue Gems, the Lower School choral group.
Across all divisions, innovative experiential programs are meeting students in their developmental moment, expanding their view of the world and their interests and strengths. As Garrison Girls have for 115 years, I can see that they are growing and thriving through connection and collaboration with their classmates, through the fun and joy they find in exploring and learning together and supporting each other all along the way. That is GFS.
My focus is also on supporting the students, the parents, and the faculty and staff, and just being a part of the everyday life of the school.
student or an adult. I am excited to experience again the magic of the school year at Garrison Forest School. I am excited about living on campus at Lochinvar and being a part of our residential community, welcoming students
Above all, I am excited to meet every student and parent and to greet every alumna who comes back to campus and to relish all the delightful full-circle days for me this year at our beloved Garrison Forest School.
Seniors escorted Kindergartners into Convocation this fall to celebrate GFS’s 115th year.
Ann and the Spirit Captains kick off Spirit Sorting.
Groundbreaking, Life-Changing
Whatbegan in 2005 as an innovative way to introduce more young women to opportunities within STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields has evolved into a cross-divisional, industry-spanning, defining experience for many Garrison Forest students. What hasn’t changed since the inception of Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) is the unique opportunity this program provides students to work in Johns Hopkins University labs, experience life on a college campus, and delve deeper into forward-facing projects and fields of study. Housed within our James Center, WISE is one of many initiatives dedicated to giving students substantive experiential learning opportunities that link academic content to action and classroom to civic engagement.
In the past 20 years, WISE has expanded to include placements in the social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary endeavors. In addition to presenting their work to their mentors, peers, and others at Johns Hopkins each semester, students also showcase their projects on campus every spring.
Since 2005, the GFS WISE program with Johns Hopkins University has included:
115 Years of
Service Excellence OPPORTUNITIES Spirit Achievements{
As Garrison Forest School celebrates its 115th year, we remain grounded in providing a comprehensive and innovative academic experience that prioritizes preparing students to enter a complex, dynamic world beyond our campus. Though the classrooms, campus, and programs have evolved, key components of the educational experience still call back to the school’s founding mission: to provide an excellent academic experience in a warm and spirited community.
Innovative Programming: Harkening back to GFS’s founding as a college preparatory school for young women, we continue to find bold ways to inspire and empower our students. Experiential programs meet students in their developmental moment and expand their views of the world, their interests and strengths, and their futures. In the Upper School, Jenkins Fellows pursue service work in Baltimore and beyond, Public Health Fellows work with graduate student mentors through our partnership with University of Maryland’s School of Medicine and the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE)
Mentor Program immerses students in real-life design challenges. In the Middle School, grade-level Signature Projects include STEM Day with Boys’ Latin, Teen Activism, Project Innovate, Architecture Expo, Food Justice, and Women’s Health.
Interdisciplinary By Nature: Learning comes alive when students can make connections between ideas and subjects. In the Lower School, grade-level projects combine aspects of social studies, art, music, English, and more to help students fully dive into what they’re learning. In the Middle School, students often extend their classroom lessons into art class, Digital Thinking, or even field trips that help them add a real-life context to what they’ve read about.
Leadership: Student leadership takes many forms among today’s students, from Spirit Captains to club leaders to elected positions. In the Middle School, students can apply to join the Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP), a skill-based leadership initiative that offers meaningful opportunities to
Upper Schoolers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program
8th Grade Food Justice Signature Project Lower School research project Middle School Aspiring Leaders Program
develop essential leadership skills such as communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving. In Middle and Upper School, student members of Forum play crucial roles in planning campus events and fostering cross-campus connections and spirit.
Confident, Curious Scholars: Several enduring hallmarks of a Garrison Girl are the ability to speak with confidence, listen with empathy, and engage critically. The seeds of these vital skills are planted as early as Lower School, where students enthusiastically take on research-based projects and learn how to present their findings. 5th and 8th Grade culminate with Capstone presentations, and students in all grades routinely share their work with their peers–including Junior Passion Projects, where students present a topic of their choice.
Campus as Learning Lab: From the school’s earliest days, the campus has served as an extension of the classroom (read more about the Wild Flower Cup on pages 106-107!), and that
FINANCIALLY SOUND
For a decade, 4th Graders have been running a branch of M&T Bank on campus as part of their financial literacy initiative. That program has grown to include lessons on the stock market, investing, and the basics of being good financial stewards. New this year, 5th Grade will extend that lesson into philanthropy, nonprofits, and advocacy. In the Middle School, 7th Graders take a financial literacy class aimed at fostering financial awareness and building practical skills to navigate real-world financial situations
STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR A LIFETIME OF JOYFUL LEARNING: EARLY CHILDHOOD
Just as young pupils once found their love of learning and appreciation for the arts and outdoors in the Infantry, today’s littlest learners find a loving home base in the school’s Preschool and Daycare programs. They develop friendships and build social-emotional, early math, and literacy skills while following their natural curiosity all around campus.
appreciation has only grown. From daily walks across campus for our Preschool and Lower Schoolers to our 6th Grade Forest Scholars class, which encourages exploration and environmental inquiry students across divisions continue to utilize our campus as an outdoor classroom.
with confidence and responsibility. In addition to a financial wellness course, the Upper School also offers the Real World Finance club, which welcomes guest speakers and last year visited the New York Stock Exchange and JP Morgan
Chase in New York City. While there, students heard from Kit Jackson ‘83, Angele Seriki ‘07, Kate Schroeder O’Neill ‘93 and Amie Boyce James ‘70 about their careers in finance, then visited the floor of the NYSE and witnessed the closing bell.
Spirit Captains
11th
Grade Passion Project 5th Grade Capstone 6th
Grade Forest Scholars Preschoolers at the pond
Faculty at the Forest
Our faculty and staff are at the heart of the Garrison Forest community, showing their dedication and passion every day as they support, inspire, and care for our students and families. Join us in celebrating the 2025 award recipients and other milestones.
20-YEAR SERVICE PIN
Each year since 1992, Garrison Forest School has honored faculty and staff who reach 20 years of service to the school, a recognition of remarkable loyalty and commitment.
Celebrating 20 years at GFS this year are (from left): Financial Aid and Enrollment Management Coordinator Trisha Patel, Facilities Operations Manager Debbie Ruark, Director of Information Technology Robert Ammons, Director of Counseling and Preschool/Lower School Counselor Shondra Cowling, and Security Guard Michael Kelly (not pictured).
KRISTEN MILLER
UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER
2025 DISTINGUISHED TEACHER AWARD
The Distinguished Teacher Award was established by Elinor Purves McLennan ’56 and Courtney McLennan Myhrum ’79 in 1980 to recognize excellence in teaching at Garrison Forest.
“Kristen’s goal is to help each student become enriched by literature. She endeavors to cultivate and deepen her students’ love of literature and writing. … It’s about helping students discover a lifelong love of story, of voice, of language—and about doing so with an extraordinary level of commitment. Kristen’s work reflects the best of what teaching can be: a blend of passion, patience, and profound purpose.”
—Excerpt from remarks at Commencement
Kristen Miller and her family, including Josie Miller ’23 and Lucy Miller ‘21, at Commencement
2025 IRVIN D. MCGREGOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
STACEY COYNE ADVANCEMENT ASSISTANT
“Stacey joined the GFS community in the Advancement Office in 2012, and from day one, she has embodied the true spirit of our school motto
Esse Quam Videri— To Be Rather Than to Seem. Her colleagues describe her as the backbone of the Advancement Office—the glue that holds it all together. Stacey approaches every task, no matter how large or small, with expertise, care, and unwavering dedication. … The mark she has made on this community is lasting and profound. Stacey, thank you for being the heart, the hands, and the behind-the-scenes hero of so many joyful moments at GFS.”
—Excerpt from remarks at the Faculty/Staff Milestone Celebration
RETIREES
Stacey Coyne, Advancement Assistant (12 years)
Gail Hutton, Head of Lower School (21 years)
Kathie Krieger, Upper School Registrar/College Counseling Assistant (5 years)
HONORING 21 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO OUR LOWER SCHOOL
Each year, we celebrate retirees with 20-plus years of service to the school with a special tea. During that celebration, Chris Hughes shared these words thanking Gail for her 21 years at GFS: “For all that you have brought to this place and the people here, for the generations of students—and teachers and parents —you have touched and influenced, for the joy and laughter and dedication that you have served out in equal measures for 21 years, Gail, we thank you … As one of your colleagues wrote, ‘We wish you a retirement filled with the same warmth and kindness you’ve shared with us.’”
Stacey Coyne and her husband, David
The Irvin D. McGregor Distinguished Service Award honors a staff member who has shown an extraordinary level of dedication, commitment, and excellence in service to Garrison Forest.
Celebrations and Connections: Reunion 2025
We were thrilled to welcome back alumnae for a full slate of events, including polo and pickleball, Trailblazing Women, Career Day, celebrating the Class of 1975 at their 50th Reunion Celebration Brunch, the True Blue cocktail party on Friday evening, a Mimosa Mingle on Saturday, and campus history tours. Many thanks to all who joined us, and a very special thank you to the many volunteers who made this Reunion a success!
TRAILBLAZING WOMEN:
Jennifer Lawrence ’85 and 20 Years of WISE
Reunion formally kicked off with the Trailblazing Women: Celebrating 20 Years of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, featuring keynote speaker Jennifer Lawrence ’85. After her speech, during which she reflected on the tools she gained from GFS, as well as the impact the WISE program had on her own daughter, Josie Tidmore ’20, Dr. Lawrence joined current WISE students and Director of the James Center and Dean of Special Programs Andrea Perry for a Q&A and conversation.
Scan the QR code below for more photos and a recap of the weekend:
Career Day
The Class of 2000 toasts to their 25th Reunion and opens their time capsule!
True Blue Cocktail Reception
Catching up at the Mimosa Mingle
The Class of 1975 at the 50th Reunion Brunch
Pickleball and Polo
Other events
In addition to Reunion, alumnae and friends gathered for other events throughout the year:
Baltimorearea alumnae enjoyed an evening of reconnecting at the fall happy hour.
72 golfers and 20 pickleball players joined our annual Golf and Racquet Classic! Thank you to our many generous sponsors who made the event possible—see the inside back cover of the magazine for the full list of supporters.
Foster
Danielle Garten ’20 was this year’s Elsie
Community Service Lecturer, where she spoke about how to make an impact as a young person doing service work.
Young alumnae shared their wisdom with current Seniors during the annual “What’s the Scoop” event.
“Muffie”
Jenkins ’53
Members of the community came together for Sapphires and Denim, a sparkly evening of fun and fundraising hosted by the GFS Parent Association!
The 1910 Dinner: Celebrating 20 Years of WISE
In fall 2024, the 1910 Dinner welcomed major supporters of the school for a special celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) program at GFS. Special remarks included a reflection on the inception of WISE from former Head of School Peter O’Neill and a keynote address by Stacy Garrett-Ray ’92. Finally, Head of School Chris Hughes recognized Andrea Perry, Director of the James Center and Dean of Special Programs, who has been instrumental in developing and evolving the WISE program over the past 20 years.
“GFS stands for much more than Garrison Forest School; it stands for Girls Finding Self, Girls Finding Sisterhood, Girls Finding Science and Generations Finding Success. For, without more women in science who bring the educational background and are brave enough to explore and question the unknown and the undiscovered, we as a world will not become our best for the future generations to come.”
–Dr. Stacy Garrett-Ray ‘92
Leadership at the Forest
Join us in congratulating the 2024 leadership award winners and Hall of Excellence inductees. In addition, please welcome our new Board of Trustees members and thank departing members for their service to the school.
2024 H. Brian Deady Award
2024 Distinguished Alumna Award
REID BOYCE NICHOLS ’89
JULIE MARTIN MCALLISTER ‘92 AND KEVIN MCALLISTER
Established 20 years ago in memory of Brian Deady, who served as a devoted volunteer to the school for over a decade, this award honors the parent volunteers who best exemplify Brian’s extraordinary enthusiasm for and commitment to GFS. The 2024 recipients, Julie Martin McAllister ‘92 and Kevin McAllister, have been tireless supporters of the school. As parents to Catherine ’22, Anna ‘22, Julia ‘26, and Elizabeth ‘30, Julie and Kevin have jumped into every opportunity to be involved, from their endless support of athletics to chairing our annual Golf and Racquet Tournament for two years. Julie has served on the Alumnae Board, as Reunion Chair for her class, as a Class Fund Agent, and currently serves as the Chair of Athletics for the Parent Association. Kevin has consistently made it a priority to mentor Garrison girls as they navigate entering the workforce. Julie and Kevin’s incredible generosity as a family is a testament to their extraordinary commitment to Garrison Forest School.
Reid Boyce Nichols ’89 has been an unwavering presence in our alumnae community— serving as Class News Agent, Class Fund Agent, Reunion Chair, Career Day Panelist, Woman of Impact Speaker, and now, a valued member of the Garrison Forest School Board of Trustees. By day, Reid is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Nemours Children’s Hospital, where she co-directs both the Clubfoot Clinic and the Arthrogryposis Program. Her impact on young lives, her profession, and this community is extraordinary. Reid embodies our school motto, Esse Quam Videri—To Be Rather Than To Seem—in every facet of her life.
2024 Hall of Excellence Inductees
Established by the Class of 2000 parents and grandparents, the Hall of Excellence recognizes GFS community members who have made outstanding contributions to the school and broader community.
Britta Williams Brown ‘04: As one of the youngest women to lead basketball administration for an NBA team, the Detroit Pistons, Britta broke barriers and paved the way for future leaders in the industry. She is a creative visionary who excels in strategic thinking.
Jennifer Lawrence ’85: In addition to devoting her life’s work to improving the wellness of the members of her community in rural Georgia, Jennifer is an active contributor to the medical field and has held leadership positions with the Georgia Chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. She is also a passionate patient advocate through the Oxalosis and Hyperoxaluria Foundation.
Jody Johnson ’74: A fiercely passionate conservationist, educator, and advocate, Jody Johnson has tackled environmental global issues with creativity and innovation. She even found time to teach our very own Lower School students about bees, including a hands-on demonstration!
Kevin and Julie Martin McAllister ’92 were honored as the H. Brian Deady Award recipients at Sapphires and Denim.
Reid Boyce Nichols ‘89 was honored as the 2024 Distinguished Alumna.
This year’s Hall of Excellence Inductees were recognized at the True Blue Cocktail Reception at Reunion. From left: Jody Johnson ‘74, Jennifer Lawrence ’85, and Britta Williams Brown ’04.
Thank You!
THE FUND FOR GARRISON FOREST: BY THE NUMBERS
$3,352,415
overall for capital, endowment and operating support
3,000 volunteer hours given by alumnae, parents, grandparents and friends
1,100 generous donors
THE IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPY ON CAMPUS
Culture of Community
Together, we build bonds that last a lifetime. Support helps create a nurturing and inclusive environment for every Garrison girl— from classrooms to dorm life to traditions.
Spirit
Rooted in tradition, driven by heart.
Your gift fuels
vibrant student life, arts, athletics, and the enduring spirit that connects past, present, and future generations.
Bold Leadership
Inspiring leaders of tomorrow.
From innovative programs to global learning, your generosity powers the drive and curiosity that define Garrison Forest students.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2025-26
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
George J. Sakellaris, President
Lila Boyce Lohr ‘63, Vice President
Catherine Schroeder O’Neill ‘93, Vice President
Helen Zeinrich Shafer ‘93, Treasurer
Emily Gardner Baratta ‘88, Secretary
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jaime Sopher Arnold
John F. Blair
Brooke Kirby Buppert ’99
August J. Chiasera
Devin Fitzpatrick Goetschius ‘97
Sarah LeBrun Ingram ‘84
Catherine Y. Jackson ‘83
Crystal Lee ‘96
Kristopher A. Mallahan
L. Reid Boyce Nichols ‘89
W. Brooks Paternotte
Charlotte Riggs ‘90
Erika Daneman Slater ‘88
Elizabeth B. Warfield ’73
William L. Yerman
EX-OFFICIO
Kristen Hill Brown ‘07
Anna Waters Gavin ‘00
Stacy A. Mohn
Bayley Mullan Murphy ’10
Alison M. Shao
Ann M. Teaff
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Frank A. Bonsal, Jr.
Amabel Boyce James ‘70
Robert S. Brennen
Diana Warfield Daly ’74
David M. DiPietro
Molly Mundy Hathaway ’61
Henry H. Hopkins
Elizabeth B. Searle ’74
Clare H. Springs ’62
DEPARTING TRUSTEES
Thank you to the following Trustees for their faithful service to Garrison Forest School:
Natalie Litz Bissonette ’98, Parent Association President Arabella Knox Brockett ’01
Cassandra Naylor Brooks ’85
Stacy Garrett-Ray ’92
Liz Kokinis
Peter Korzenewski
Jennifer Lawrence ’85
Monique Apollon Williams ’03, Alumnae Board President
NEW TRUSTEES EMERITI
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank you, Diana and Amie, for your many years of devoted service.
Diana Warfield Daly ’74: Diana Daly first joined the GFS Board of Trustees in 1983 and, during her four-year tenure, she served as Chair of the Fund for Garrison Forest. She rejoined the Board in 2001 and has since been a dedicated member of the Advancement Committee, as well as a long-serving Chair of the Trusteeship Committee. Diana also led the Centennial Campaign, which celebrated the school’s first 100 years in 2010. In recognition of her outstanding service and unwavering dedication, Diana received the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2004.
Amabel Boyce James ‘70: Amie James has been a dedicated and valued member of the GFS Board of Trustees since 1998. Throughout her tenure, she has played an integral role on the Development, Finance, and Executive Committees, and has served with distinction as Treasurer since 2003. In recognition of her exceptional commitment, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2000. A steadfast advocate for the school, Amie’s leadership, generosity, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on the GFS community.
NEW TRUSTEES
M O
Leaving a Legacy
ENDURING SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS: ANN JARECKI RUDICK ’55
Ann Jarecki Rudick ’55 came to Garrison Forest School in the fall of 1951. She was an avid singer and played the piano. While at GFS, she was a member of the Ragged Robins, the Choir and the Music Club. She was voted “Most Musical” by the Class of 1955 and, according to her yearbook page, her favorite pastime was “tickling the ivories.” Her passion for music and song continued during her time at Smith College and throughout her life in New York City where, along with her husband Dick, she was a patron of the arts.
Ann was a generous supporter of GFS over the years and continued that generosity by opting to include the school in her estate plans. When she passed away in 2019, Dick reached out to share the vision he and Ann had for the bequest. The E. Ann Jarecki Rudick ’55 and Richard S. Rudick Arts
Scholarship is a merit-based award to be given annually to a student with a passion for the arts, with a preference for students with an interest in music.
Ann’s legacy will live on in the voices of the students her generosity is supporting. Her favorite song at GFS was “With a Song in My Heart,” and through her ongoing dedication to the arts at GFS, she will forever be remembered in our hearts.
The Marshall-Offutt Circle is Garrison Forest’s legacy society for those who have named the school in their estate plans. We deeply appreciate the individuals who have informed GFS of their planned giving intentions. If you have included GFS in your legacy giving plans, please let us know so we may include you in the Circle and express our appreciation.
Please contact Kate Gugerty, Chief Advancement Officer, to leave your legacy today: kategugerty@gfs.org or 410-559-3139.
Brooke Kirby Buppert ’99
Kristen Hill Brown ‘07, Ex-Officio, Parent Association President
Bayley Mullan Murphy ’10, Ex-Officio, Alumnae Board President
Devin Fitzpatrick Goetschius ’97
Marshall-Offutt Cir cl e
Anna Waters Gavin ‘00, Ex-Officio, Fund for Garrison Forest Chair
“Nothing
Gold Can Stay” Ashley East Rogers ’97
Ashley East Rogers ’97 joined the Garrison Forest School community in Sixth Grade. During her years at GFS, she was an active and engaged student, participating in the Athletic Association, Spanish Club, and JV Soccer, and serving as captain of the Tennis team. At Commencement, she was honored with the George M. Shriver Award, presented to a Senior selected by the Upper School faculty who exemplifies leadership through integrity, reliability, a willingness to listen with empathy, and the courage to speak with thoughtfulness. The award also recognizes a student who embraces opportunities for growth both in and out of the classroom and who inspires others through humility and quiet strength.
Ashley embodied these qualities throughout her life. She was deeply committed to making a difference in the
world and dedicated her professional career to meaningful, mission-driven work. With a natural gift for relationship-building and a passion for intentional philanthropy, she spent 23 years helping to create lasting impact in the fields of arts, culture, science, journalism, education, and international development. Most recently, she served as the Director of Principal and Planned Giving at the Smithsonian Institution.
Ashley’s devotion to GFS never wavered. Over the years, she gave generously of her time and talents, serving as a Grade Fund Agent and Reunion Chair. In 2019, she became Chair of The Fund for Garrison Forest and a Trustee Ex-Officio. In 2022, she was elected to the Board of Trustees, where she served on both the Advancement and Trusteeship Committees. Her strategic insight played a critical role in the school’s fundraising success, and her commitment to strong governance left a lasting impact on board policy. She will be honored posthumously as the 2025 Distinguished Alumna recipient.
We are deeply grateful to her husband, Aaron, and her sons, Graham and Sebastian, for sharing her time with us. Ashley left an indelible mark on the GFS community. She was a truly remarkable and radiant person with a generous and compassionate spirit. She will be profoundly missed.
Nothing Gold Can Stay
By Robert Frost
Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.
“A Legacy of Leadership and Heart” Fred Whitridge
Fred Whitridge, a beloved and steadfast member of the Garrison Forest School community, passed away in October 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment.
Fred’s connection to independent education ran deep. An alumnus and former trustee of Gilman School, he brought his visionary leadership to Garrison Forest in 1974, joining the Board of Trustees and serving as Chair from 1976 to 1981. In recognition of his enduring impact, he was named Trustee Emeritus in 2001.
Fellow Trustee Emeritus Molly Mundy Hathaway ’61 recalls, “Through our work together on the Board of Trustees, I admired Fred’s deep curiosity, his warmhearted caring, and the depth of his kindness. With a keen, analytic mind, his judgement was sound and his leadership reflected his incredible grace and honor.”
He was a proud Garrison Forest parent to daughters Wendy Whitridge ’78, Tina Whitridge ’80, and Lisa Whitridge ’83; uncle to Jeannie Merrick Maddux ‘78; and great-uncle to Catie Merrick ‘09. His presence on campus was always marked by enthusiasm, kindness, and a deep love for the school.
In 2007, after the heartbreaking loss of their daughter Wendy, Fred and his wife, Anne, Established the Anne Winslow Whitridge Scholarship Fund in Wendy’s memory. With the generous support of Wendy’s classmates, and the Whitridge’s many friends, the fund is providing generations of Garrison Forest girls with life-changing educational opportunities.
Fred’s legacy lives on not only in the lives he touched, but also in cherished places on campus such as the Outdoor Classroom and the Whitridge Pavilion at Hopkins Field. These are spaces that foster discovery, community, and joy.
His leadership, generosity, and boundless heart continue to inspire, ensuring that his spirit remains a guiding light for the Garrison Forest community for generations to come.
KAn Inspiring Mentor and Colleague: Douglas T. Oppenheimer
nown to his students as
“Mr. O,” Doug embodied spirit and compassion in his 13 years of teaching at GFS. An enthusiastic teacher, beloved colleague, and inspiring coach and mentor, he is remembered as a visionary who loved his students and being a part of the GFS community.
“Doug made learning an adventure,” reflected Lauren Misera Anderson ’02, who worked with him for many years. “He didn’t just teach history; he made it come alive. He inspired his students to not only learn but to love the process of learning. His students knew that no matter what, he would always be there for them, offering not just his knowledge, but his unwavering support. In every sense, Doug was not just the best teacher in the building; he was the best person in the building.”
Doug leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. One of the projects he was most passionate about, the 7th Grade Olympiad, will continue to delight generations of Garrison students to come; a memorial plaque will be presented to each year’s winning team.
Lifelong Educator and Community Builder: Carolyn L. Lewis
Carolyn Lewis, who served as the Director of Community Life and Inclusion, and then as Assistant Head of School for Community Life, Inclusion and Engagement, passed away in October 2024. A member of the school’s Leadership Team, Carolyn played a pivotal role in guiding students and faculty through challenging times as well as leading moments of celebration. Collaborating across all divisions and departments, Carolyn worked especially closely with student leaders and identity-based student groups in the Middle and Upper School.
Carolyn was a lifelong educator and administrator who worked tirelessly to create a more welcoming and equitable environment through community building. She brought a sense of warmth and humor to her work, creating space for dialogue and authentic connection. A beloved colleague to many, she is remembered as kind, funny, smart, and curious, an empathetic leader who drew inspiration from and truly enjoyed her work with students.
July 1, 2024-July 1, 2025
We feel the loss of every community member profoundly. As classmates, friends or colleagues, there are so many who value the impact that each member of our alumnae community has had. Each year, we take time to remember and honor those friends and classmates we’ve lost—in the following pages but also within the personal remembrances shared within Class News.
If you have treasured memories you would like to share, we encourage you to reach out to your Class News Agent to include your remembrances in next year’s alumnae magazine.
Please note: If we have inadvertently omitted anyone, please contact us at alum@gfs.org.
Laura Franklin Dunn ’47
Susan Catron Eisiminger ’63
Kingsley Barrett Brooks ’62
Diana Pike Harding ’54
Janet McNair Clark ’59
Bessie Appleton Alexander ’50
Kelly Luck Cushing ’87
Sandra Dixon Boardman ’57
Eleanor Shriver Cassilly ’49
Edith Pope Cook ‘56
Charlas Williams Wise ’53
Anne Moss ’66
Patricia Cunningham Jackson ’78
Audrey Nes Kuykendall ‘73
Susan Meek McCabe ’52 Kingsley Moore Mooney ’79
Constance Cook Moore ’50
Carolyn Wallop Walker ’57
Sydney Smith ’62
Sheila O’Keefe Todd ’60
Susan Humphrey Tracy ’62
Ashley East Rogers ’97
Audrey Riker ’53
Suzanne Perry O’Connor ’53
Beaumont Russell Martin ’65
FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Infantry Wild Flower Contest
By Dante Beretta, Ph.D., School Archivist, Upper and Middle School Latin
Between 1930 and 1946, the youngest students were taught in a building that was originally the stable for Manor House. Converted for use as a classroom building in 1930 and named by a Senior in a school-wide contest, the “Infantry” housed toddlers and children, both boys and girls, through fourth grade.
Rhoda Penrose, called Mrs. Penny by her students, was the head of the Infantry and ran it with a firm but loving hand. She taught elementary academic skills to her young charges with an emphasis on artistic and natural beauty. According to Nancy Offutt, Mrs. Penny instilled, among other values, “respect for nature—she was teaching ecology long before the word went forth.” Upon Mrs. Penny’s death
in 1975, alumnae honored her memory by creating “Miss Penny’s Garden,” where she had cultivated a garden years earlier.
According to Katherine “Kitty” Marshall Washburne ‘46, niece of Jean Marshall and a 14-year “lifer,” the genesis of the Wild Flower Club was the result of informal nature hikes and fishing expeditions with her brother Bennie–also a student in the Infantry— led by her great-uncle Ragan Spencer, called “Ragie” by children.
One of the most powerful experiences for Infantry students in the 1930s and ’40s was participating in the Wild Flower Club and vying for the fiercely competitive Wild Flower Contest. The winner would receive the coveted Wild Flower Cup, awarded at the end of each year from 1935-1945 to the student who had presented and correctly identified the greatest number of wildflowers.
The streams, ponds, quarries, and vast stretches of woods and fields in the Greenspring Valley provided endless opportunities for the study of nature under the tutelage of Ragie, a self-taught naturalist. When word got out among the rest of the Infantry students of Kitty and Bennie’s adventures collecting wildflowers and making scrapbooks with Ragie, they wanted in on the fun.
Ragie cut an unlikely figure as a children’s guide. His superpower, however, was his ability to mesmerize children with spontaneous storytelling and to share his encyclopedic knowledge of flora and fauna in a way that activated their sense of wonder. His family and neighbors
recognized his gift as a natural teacher and companion of children, someone safe who elicited love and goodness. However, when presented with the challenge of leading an entire troop of Infantry classmates on nature walks, Ragie balked. After much deliberation, in a moment of inspiration, he identified a perfect partner: Mrs. Penny.
In 1934, Ragie and Mrs. Penny put their heads together and launched the Infantry Wild Flower Club that fall. Members were issued small blue metal pins with blue ribbons, provided by Ragie and imprinted with Wild Flower Club, thus conveying the wearer’s official status. In addition, there would be a contest, with Mrs. Penny as the arbiter and score-keeper. Beginning in early spring, students would present specimens and identify them each school day as part of morning assembly, while Mrs. Penny would carefully record each correct submission. At the end of the year, the winner was announced, and the silver prize cup, also provided by Ragie, was awarded. Infantry alums recalled that having one’s name engraved on the school’s smaller version of the Wild Flower Cup was considered the pinnacle of achievement.
The contest continued for a decade, and members of the Fisher family established themselves as the ones to beat. Alison Louise “Ally Lou” Hackney Allstatt ‘45, won the Cup in 1937, and Kitty Marshall won it in the following year. Ally trained her younger brother Hap for the following year so he would have a fighting chance against the Fisher rivals: “I would send him to school each morning in the springtime, clutching a wilted bunch of wildflowers and a list I had him memorize. He won the Cup that year—the first boy to win it!” He was also the only boy to win the cup. Fisher girls went on to win the Cup three times in the remaining six years of the contest.
Beginning in the mid-1940s, the primary grades were gradually phased out and the Infantry building ultimately became home to grades 5-8. It would be almost three decades before the Valley School merger and the return of younger students—including boys—to GFS. Shortly thereafter, the Infantry building was torn down. After another four decades passed, the footprint of the Infantry building became, appropriately, the Outdoor Classroom in 2016 for use by the Pre- and Lower Schools. Utilizing the campus as a natural learning resource continues to be an important component for today’s students, from nature walks in the Preschool and Lower School to various events at the pond and, most recently, a school-wide Forest Day that takes place all around campus.
Acknowledgements: Katherine “Kitty” Marshall Washburne ‘46 and her 2024 book, Gifts Shimmering in the Ripples, provided many of the details about the origin of the Wild Flower Club, especially the contributions of her greatuncle Ragan Spencer. Thanks to her also for providing photos from her Infantry days. Julie Fisher Colhoun ‘51 was also instrumental in providing a photo of the Wild Flower Cup. Many thanks to Thomas Elder for presenting the Archives with the Wild Flower Cup that recorded all the annual winners; his deceased wife, Eugenia Fisher Elder ’55, was the final winner in 1945.
F. E. WHITE BUILDING
A Mission that Matters: Returning Home to the Forest
By Kait Gentry ’03
Back in the 90s, “screen time” meant waiting patiently for your Oregon Trail game to load on the classroom computer—only to die of dysentery three days later. We didn’t have “TeamSnap;” instead, a call home from a stairwell pay phone was the only notification of early practice dismissals. Our memories were captured on unfiltered disposable cameras or family VHS tapes, which garnered no subscribers or likes. It was in this blissfully analog era of overhead projectors and card catalogues at Garrison Forest that I first learned what it meant to be—not just to seem. Now, years later, I’m returning to that same beloved campus to help guide the next generation of Garrison Girls through a world far more complicated than ours ever was.
We need not look further than the data on anxiety in young women and the pressure to maintain effortless perfection to recognize that the concept of “Esse Quam Videri” means more now than ever, and in fact, serves as a counterbalance to the burdens of appearance over authenticity. Guided by this motto, our work with the young women of Garrison will continue to center on three key priorities—each one aimed at nurturing who they are, not just how they appear.
As we work to address the anxiety epidemic facing our young girls, taking aim at the myth of effortless perfection by normalizing discomfort is essential. Too often, children see struggle and failure as signs of inadequacies instead of growth and learning. A key component of “being” involves being wrong, being uncertain, and being in-process. It is only through the messy process of being can one uncover who they are supposed to become.
Garrison Forest has always provided opportunities for girls to engage in real-world challenges. Whether a student is connecting with our wider community or engaging in local activism, girls learn that success is measured by impact, not by hours on a resume. As girls engage with meaningful, purposeful opportunities, they develop the grit, intrinsic motivation, and collaboration skills needed to solve real problems. The value of “being” a change agent, far outweighs “seeming” accomplished.
But impact isn’t just about outcomes; it’s also about personal alignment. Garrison has always provided space for girls to explore what truly motivates and inspires them, not seeing passions as extracurricular but, instead, as guiding lights. When girls are given the space to explore what truly moves them, they uncover meaningful success on their own terms, potentially charting paths far beyond what we would otherwise conceive for them.
When our girls learn with resilience, act with impact, and pursue their passions, they’re not chasing the illusion of perfection—they’re embracing the courage to be. In a world that values appearance over authenticity, “Esse Quam Videri” isn’t just a motto—it’s a mission that matters more now than ever.
Kait Gentry ’03 is returning to her roots at Garrison Forest as the new Head of Lower School. With over 17 years of experience in education, Kait has served as a teacher, coach, mentor, and most recently, as Learning and Support Coordinator at Calvert School, where she founded and led the Lyceum Learning Center. She holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Teacher Leadership and Mind, Brain, and Teaching. Passionate about student growth and joyful learning, Kait is thrilled to rejoin the Garrison Forest community and help guide the next generation of Garrison Girls.
Kait Gentry ’03 returned to GFS as the Head of Lower School this fall.
Garrison Forest School
300 Garrison Forest Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117 gfs.org
Join us this fall for a tour of our 110-acre campus and learn how GFS combines tradition and innovation for the next generation of Garrison Girls.
Schedule a visit >> gfs.org/visit
Learn more >> gfs.org/admission
Contact us >> admission@gfs.org
DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL FOR OUR LITTLEST GRIZZLIES
Build the foundations for a lifetime of joyful learning with our co-ed early childhood education programs:
The Daycare at Garrison Forest Ages 6 weeks-2 years
Please remember to recycle.
The Preschool at Garrison Forest Ages 2 years-Prekindergarten
LEARN MORE >> gfs.org/ earlyed
Garrison Forest School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions and financial-aid policies, employment practices and other school-administered programs.