HOCKADAY COMMENCEMENT: Lasting Memories, Lifelong Friendships
SUMMER 2026
y a d a k c o H
THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IS A PERFECT TIME TO REFLECT AND REMIND US WHY WE ARE PROUD AND GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF THIS COMMUNITY. As we reach the close of another remarkable
Our faculty and staff create the defining
year, I find myself filled with gratitude and pride
Hockaday experience for our girls, and we are
for everything our community has accomplished
delighted to recognize those who have received
together. From our youngest learners spending
awards this year.
their first days in our classrooms to our graduating seniors stepping boldly into the world beyond Welch Road, this year has been a testament to the curiosity, resilience, and achievement that define who we are as a School. To our students, faculty, staff, and families, thank you for making Hockaday something truly special, each and every day. This year’s admission season saw the highest number of applications to date, and we will welcome 160 incredible students and their families into our community this fall. Our new students join us from 83 different schools, and we look forward to having them on campus soon. Additionally, we are excited to welcome 16 new members of the Class of 2035 as we add an additional section of Fourth Grade to our Lower School next year.
This year, Hockaday continued its Research Fellows program in collaboration with Dr. Jeanna Wieselmann and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University. Through this initiative, our Research Fellows explored action research as a powerful method for evaluating the impact of new pedagogical approaches in real time. Additionally, we celebrated 13 retirees this year. I am grateful to Katie Barnes (Nurse, 13 years); Lucio Benedetto (Upper School History Teacher, 18 years); Christina Brandt (Lower
Board of Trustees Chair David Roosevelt, the 112th Commencement Speaker Kate Burch Canales '96, Eugene McDermott Head of School Dr. Laura Leathers, and Head of Upper School Lisa Culbertson ’96.
School Art Teacher, 18 years); Wendy Branson (Administrative Assistant to the Head of Lower
Wilensky (Third Grade Teacher, 26 years);
School, 36 years); Gretchen Chrane (Lower
Dr. Jim Wohlgehagen (Middle School Math
School Reading Specialist, 19 years); Carmen
Teacher, 15 years) for their many years of
Doubrava (Private Music Instructor, 27 years);
service to the School.
Angel Duncan (Director of the Ann Graves
I wish you all a restful summer, and I can’t wait
We are proud to send the Class of 2026 off into
Child Development Center, 29 years); Judith
the world, confident they are prepared to lead
Finegan (Gift Manager, 19 years); Alexa Heck '78
lives of purpose and impact in their communities
(Administrative Assistant to the Head of Middle
and beyond. The Class of 2026 is attending
School, 25 years); Cyndi Lewis (Director of
68 outstanding universities nationwide and
Enrollment Management, 27 years); Dr. Christine
internationally, and we are so proud of our
Rewolinski (Private Music Instructor and
Dr. Laura Leathers
newest alumnae.
Lower School Orchestra, 4 years); Mary Ellen
Eugene McDermott Head of School
to see everyone back on campus this fall! My best, Believing in the limitless potential of girls, Hockaday develops resilient, confident women who are educated and inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
Featuring: THE CLASS OF 2026 • SENIOR TRADITIONS • RING DAY • LOWER SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS • MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT • FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS • ALUMNAE WEEKEND • And More!