OBSERVATIONS ON THE OVAL

Our mission “ is alive and well, and

Madeira women are flourishing. ”

LAUNCHING WOMEN WHO CHANGE THE WORLD:

THIS IS OUR MISSION.

As I look back on these past nine years, I can think of so many women I have met, young and old, students and retirees, trailblazing pioneers as well as young adults just starting to explore their paths. Our mission is alive and well, and Madeira women are flourishing as change agents, whether in the world, the country, or in local communities.

Lucy Madeira affirmed the importance of educating women, and she left a lasting legacy of empowering young girls to make their way in what—even in the second decade of the twenty-first century—is a challenging world where women’s voices need to be heard. Her vision continues to be our guiding light, and today it is as important as ever to focus on women as change agents. Our programs continue to evolve while staying true to academic rigor and personal best. Today’s Madeira classrooms reflect both traditional content that former students will remember, as well as innovative initiatives in the STEAM fields and in our approach to experiential learning.

Students today have the opportunity to delve deeply into civil discourse and the importance of responsible democracy through our exciting interdisciplinary approach to teaching history and experiencing five consecutive weeks on Capitol Hill. Our students are courageously representing us in all-girls’ robotics and computer programming tournaments, and, in the process, learning the importance of trying, sometimes failing, trying again, and sometimes succeeding. Museum-focused art

HEAD OF SCHOOL

classes allow students to discover small and large exhibits of traditional and modern art and to replicate their learning both in traditional painting and in digital work. Our virtual classrooms take learners on fantastic voyages to other times and cultures, and our STEAM classes empower them to provide creative solutions to complex engineering projects. At the same time, theatre arts classes hone both acting and public speaking skills, preparing future playwrights, and lighting and sound engineers. Madeira is the future. In our classrooms are budding politicians, scientists, and tech entrepreneurs; in short, women who will change the world and join generations of others who have paved the paths ahead.

KAR EN JOOSTEMA

Send comments to KJoostema@Madeira.org

FROM THE EDITOR

WE CELEBRATE THE 200TH ISSUE OF MADEIRA TODAY !

It has been fun combing through the archives to review past magazines. The history gleaned from the cover imagery is noteworthy. (As the current editor, I can’t help but notice how many different fonts we have used on our covers over these 200 issues!) We see glimpses of past students, teachers, and leaders. Changing hairstyles and uniforms make us reminisce. The arts, athletics, and academics are showcased over the decades. We observe Madeira students going to Co-Curriculum placements that, except for the fashion, resonate with today’s students heading to Capitol Hill and beyond.

One constant, from the early issues through to the present, is that Madeira has always celebrated women who are leading, growing, and making an impact. It seems fitting that our feature story in this 200th issue is “Women Who Change the World.”

Celebrating the women who have graced every page of our 200 issues— please enjoy Madeira Today.