Thistle 2022

THISTLE

ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL

Table of Contents

Alumnae Boards Officers

and Members

Patti Webb '03 - PRESIDENT

Mary Catherine Boyd '90 - VICE PRESIDENT

Erika Sheldon Gibson '07 - SECRETARY

Bette Jones Albert '68

Deborah Northern '76

Regina Esposito Morgan '84

Lavinia C. Jackson '90

Emily Fisher ‘02

Nicole Lane ‘03

Kristan Price Mason ‘06

Michelle Hummel Ruff ‘07

Linh Tran ‘10

Miatta Kingg ‘12

Board of Governors

Elizabeth Hinton Crowther ’75 - CHAIR

Carl A. Strock - VICE CHAIR

Ellen M. LeCompte ’71 - SECRETARY

Bette Jones Albert ’68

Elizabeth Michael Crowther Angle ’97

David Arias P’14

Margaret Broad - HEAD OF SCHOOL EMERITA

Jack Broadway - TREASURER, CHURCH SCHOOLS

David H. Charlton - PRESIDENT, CHURCH SCHOOLS

Charlotte Haile Frischkorn ’58 - GOVERNOR EMERITAE

Patricia Hall Gallagher

Clinton Gulley II P’22

Mary Anne Townsend Hopkins ’69 P’97 ’03

Dana G. Jones P’22

Natasha Kollaros Laster ’93

Kelly Williams McCaskill ’92

Sarah Belle Eason Parrott ’68 - FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR

Sarah Dillard Pope ’86, P’21

Margaret Shepherd Ray ’61 - GOVERNOR EMERITAE

Jane Whitt Sellers ’71

Kate- Rucker P. Taylor ’83

William L. Tyson P’11

Patricia A. Webb ’03 - ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE

Foundation Board

Sarah Belle Eason Parrott ’68 - CHAIR

George Longest Jr.

Lucile Ware McCarthy ’82 P’13 - SECRETARY

John Muller P’01

Ann C. Peck ’75

Maria Skuratovskaya ’94

Heather Wood ’87

From Our Leadership

It is a daily ritual as they walk as a pair up and down Water Lane. It always includes a turn onto the St. Margaret's campus. They live down the street in the house built by St. Margaret's perennial headmistress Viola Woolfolk and remain very much part of St. Margaret's School. They are Louise Velletri and Shannon Spears, and they are one of several expressions of Grace at St. Margaret's School.

With this anecdote, I welcome you to this edition of The Thistle as not only head of school but a devoted admirer of St. Margaret's School. In her Centennial year, we take a breath and consider the school's ten decades, encompassing the Great Depression, a World War, and the ever-evolving globalism with its complexities. One student said to me recently, "it's hard to think about grace where so much of human nature is awful." My response was simple, "That is why you are here ... to learn about grace while witnessing hardships and strife in the world." The small girls' school tucked away on the banks of the Rappahannock River in Tappahannock, Virginia, is still here. As we grow in age, St. Margaret's speaks to what we mean by grace heading into our second century.

We harken to Church of England bishop John A.T. Robinson as he spoke of holding to "a firm center of conviction of faith with soft edges of openness to a new understanding." This has served as the undergirding for a Church School still holding to its original mission: a girls' Episcopal School for boarding and day students. The Centennial marks the regeneration of the school's mission; the soft edges of openness are informed in scripture, liturgy, scholarship, and experiences.

Our next century is one where mind, body, and spirit return to St. Margaret's. As many know, we are launching the nation's only S.T.R.E.A.M. program that melds the river across Science, Technology, River, Engineering, Art, and Math. There is as much poetry, history, and prose as science and math, technology and engineering, art and music in the Rappahannock. This summer we are constructing a brand new outdoor classroom and dock

that will take our studies beyond the confines of a classroom and to the water. Coming this fall, the curriculum will be led by several returning faculty members who are adamant about the holistic development of young women with an equal commitment to the school's mission.

St. Margaret's command of the riverfront in Tappahannock will find the school an essential partner in the stewardship of the Rappahannock. Future graduates will carry as much affection for their friends as for nature and "nature's God." The hands-on studies of marshes and microbes, wildlife and weather, tides, and turbidity will invigorate their curiosity. It is time to break free from the COVID conditions of isolation and digital exhaustion. It is time to recover and build relevance to our college prep program as we refortify the learning experiences on the river.

In the late afternoon in Tappahannock, two master teachers whom Viola Woolfolk brought here continue their walks and the ongoing edification of the present caretakers of the school. In our capacity, they remind us that St. Margaret's does not belong to us but to the students and alumnae. Our contemporary work is focused on the school’s institutional resurrection as I write this Easter Weekend. Our descent in the COVID experience is over; we shall, Lazarus-like, stand and walk to dip our hands into the Rappahannock, expand our outlooks, and grow in grace.

Faithfully yours,

Colley W. Bell III Head of School

Head of School, Colley Bell III, has just ordered our new School dock! This structure features a covered classroom and VIMS-linked environmental testing facility, as well as launching facilities for rowing sculls and other School boats. This is the first of several buildouts that are propelling the St. Margaret’s River Program, a distinguishing component of the School’s ST“R”EAM curriculum. You don’t have to simply imagine the excitement about STREAM at St. Margaret’s, just come for Commencement and Alumnae Weekend on June 3-5 and you will hear the dock pilings being driven and be able to see the girls’ excitement. This is one manifestation of the renewed focus and energy at St. Margaret’s.

For 100 years, St. Margaret’s has embraced the River, where our memories developed through study and play. For 100 years, the School has been sustained by families and alumnae. It is now our turn! We need annual fund support, and we need your excitement about our School. Because I believe in the School’s values, direction, and leadership, and because St. Margaret’s has been impactful to my family, I’ve made St. Margaret’s my philanthropic priority. I want you to do the same. Our School deserves your attention and affection. Let’s all go back to the River!

Elizabeth Hinton Crowther ‘75 Chair, Board of Governors

Candine Johnson Returns

THE REV. CANDINE E. JOHNSON REJOINS ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL AS SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

Last August Head of School Colley Bell asked Reverend Candine E. Johnson of neighboring St. John’s Episcopal Church to rejoin St. Margaret’s School as School Chaplain. “Candine” as she prefers to be called recalls that conversation as God’s work since she had just received disappointing news about another position. “Sometimes moments of great disappointment turn out to be the best things for us,” she explains. “God has something else planned for us.” Candine is a familiar face on St. Margaret’s campus, because she served as School Chaplain 2004-2012.

“When I arrived at St. Margaret’s School in 2004, I was called here by God. And when I left in 2012, I thought my work at the school was done…I was mistaken,” said Johnson. “We are all called to follow God’s way, so it must be that God knows my work at SMS is not yet complete.”

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Candine is known as a “no-nonsense” theologian. Asked how she prepares for her sermons; she explains the week-long process where she lets the readings “roll around in my head” and adapts them to what’s going on at St. Margaret’s and the world. She researches scripture and prepares nearly 150 index cards. “The Holy Spirit writes the sermon, not me,” she says. “I’m just a mouthpiece. What you get is in the moment.”

As one of Virginia’s six church schools, St. Margaret’s School is preparing the future of the Episcopal faith. “As a priest I think it’s important to recognize that these girls are at an age when they may be questioning their faith and they should not be forced to pray. Instead, St. Margaret’s gives them structure where they are in the presence of prayer and people of faith who are positive role models. That is extremely important to the development of these girls.”

Current students attend chapel twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, along with Compline on Sunday evenings.

Outside of church, Candine is an expert woodworker. Her shop is filled with old boards from 1850 that lined the outside of St. John’s Episcopal Church. She has transformed them into nativity scenes and Christmas ornaments which she sold at the Tappahannock Farmers Market raising $3000 for Essex County’s Foster Children.

As St. Margaret’s celebrates its Centennial, Johnson’s appointment signals a reinvigoration of the school’s core mission. The school’s motto rises from prayer, “as we grow in age, may we grow in grace.” Head of School Bell notes, “Candine helps us instill our motto in the hearts and minds of the faculty, staff, and the girls. Our inclusivity rises from our faith and the education to which it is affixed.”

Cupper Dickinson Returns

CUPPER DICKINSON P’06 RETURNS TO ST. MARGARET’S AS DEAN OF STUDENTS, ATHLETIC

DIRECTOR

The 2021-22 school year kicked off with a familiar face returning to campus when Head of School Colley Bell appointed Myra “Cupper” Van Patten Dickinson as St. Margaret's School's Dean of Students and Athletic Director.

Dickinson had served at St. Margaret's in a similar capacity for over a decade, helping with activities, dorm supervision, and coaching several sports, including crew. She left for only a year because she felt it was the best thing to do at the time. “I really the missed the students and the energy of a place like St. Margaret’s School. It’s hard to be away from that,” she shares.

“St. Margaret’s is a special place for girls because they can come here as a blank slate and become whoever they want to be,” she said. “We provide them with experiences and the framework to grow. The Honor Code is especially important at St. Margaret’s.”

"The girls who know her adore her and are well aware of the high standards she sets," said Bell. "I believe the role of Dean of Students requires a particular moral strength of character, and Ms. Dickinson commands the high ground in that realm." She works closely with Bell and the student leaders.

As Athletic Director, Dickinson is building a program that sets an expectation for all students to be involved in sports. “We want our girls to try something new, even if you think you aren’t good or are new to a sport. St. Margaret’s allows girls to learn a sport and to be part of a team. Being on an athletic team is crucial for girls to develop into strong, capable leaders.” Look for club crew to return to campus as Dickinson works to build back a full-fledged rowing program.

YOUR HELP. The Admission Office Needs

Do you know a friend or family member who is looking for an Episcopal education? As a part of St. Margaret’s Alumnae Network you can help spread the word about the school to prospective families.

HERE ARE THREE WAYS TO HELP:

REFER A FAMILY

Encourage family and friends to visit www.sms.org where they can register for our Admissions Open House events and schedule a campus tour.

SUBMIT AN ONLINE REVIEW

St. Margaret’s is an Episcopal girls’ school for boarding and day, grades 8-12, and postgraduate, on the banks of the Rappahannock River in Virginia. 2/ 3/

QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE ADMISSION OFFICE: 804.443.3357 / admit@sms.org 1/

Share you experience at St. Margaret’s by posting a review on Google, Boarding Schools Review, and Niche

FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

Make sure you are following St. Margaret’s School on Facebook and @scottiepride on Instagram. Share our posts to your friends!

Student Profiles On Campus

St. Margaret’s School is evolving into its next century of educating young girls with a focus on STEAM education and a revived River Program. Our school motto of “as we grow in age, may we grow in grace” continues to govern us and guide our students as the grow to take on the world. Take a glimpse at some of our current Scotties.

KAYLIN SEBETZKI ‘22 / GREY TEAM (TEAM CAPTAIN FOR 3 YEARS)

I participate in field hockey, cross country, and indoor/outdoor track. I enjoy any chance I am given to hangout on the river - kayaking, tubing, and paddle boarding. When I am not in my room, I can be found relaxing in the student faculty center with friends. If I were going to teach a class on campus, it would be “Reading and Writing for College.” I was taught this course by Mr. Colonna. I loved the books he chose and that they related to current events. If I had just met someone who does not know about St. Margaret’s, I would explain how my time here has prepared me for the future, tell my favorite stories/ traditions, and show them pictures and memories I have captured.

JADYN COURTNEY ‘23 / GREY TEAM

I participate in softball and basketball. My favorite thing to do on the water is kayak. If I were to teach at St. Margaret’s I would teach Anatomy. After college I want to be an FBI agent and maybe later go into the CIA. St. Margaret’s has a beautiful campus with friendly people.

AYESHA TAYLOR ‘24 / BLUE TEAM

I played on the volleyball team last year and I am tennis manager this year. My favorite place to relax on campus is the library. It’s peaceful and I like to be surrounded by books, one of my favorite pastimes. I also love to sit on the dock with my friends and watch the sunset. After college I would like to become a psychiatrist or a high school English teacher. St. Margaret’s is an all-girls boarding school with a close-knit community where we all support one another. We like to laugh and have fun but also know how to be serious, get things done, and help each other find success on our journeys.

Year In Review

IT’S ALWAYS BUSY ON ST. MARGARET’S CAMPUS. HERE IS A GLIMPSE OF STUDENT LIFE AND FUN OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.

Fall 2021 Volleyball

Our Beloved Judy Preston

Christmas at St. Margaret’s Actors in the Winter Play

Bailey S. Commemorating 9/11 at St. Johns

Barrymore Bell Getting Washed

Annual Honor Roll Tea

Olivia E. Playing Basketball

Maddie H. Signing Honor Code

Winter Sports Awards

SMS Students Celebrating STEAM Week

Students Performing

The Step Club Car Wash Fundraiser

Boarding Faculty on Campus

Fall Family Weekend

Mr. Bell and His Advent Friends

Martin Luther King Day Commemoration at SMS

New Tradition of Advent Friends

Blue/Grey Days

SMS

at the National Cathedral

Fun on the River

Dorothy M. ‘69, Patricia G. and Bette A. ‘68

WOMEN FOR LIFE. Celebrating a Century

of Educating Young

A SCHOOL ROOTED IN EPISCOPAL TRADITIONS

“Our alumnae are the past, present and future of St. Margaret’s School.”

-

Colley W. Bell III, Head of School

Since 1921, St. Margaret’s School has prepared girls for college and a lifetime of leadership.

In 1921, when opportunities for secondary school education were rare in the rural South, the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia established St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, Virginia. As the school celebrates its Centennial year, our students move through the historic halls of a school dedicated to the holistic development of the girl, including the provision of college preparatory academics.

The same hallways are filled with voices of a committed faculty who have an endearing passion for working beyond the classroom, on the fields, stages, and our noble Rappahannock River. All are informed by our Episcopal heritage and pledge to an honor code that binds the community to a higher purpose.

Through your Centennial giving, another generation of young women will be empowered to face their futures with honor, grace, and integrity.

Our school’s motto rises from our school prayer, “as we grow in age, may we grow in grace.” Our culture of inclusivity stems from our faith and the education to which it is affixed. Girls continue to attend church services weekly and the Rev. Candine E. Johnson, Ph.D. of neighboring St. John’s Episcopal Church serves as school chaplain.

A SISTERHOOD OF LEADERS, A SISTERHOOD OF GIVING

Join our Centennial Society with a gift of $10,000 or more made in honor of our 100 years of sisterhood or to honor a faculty member for excellence in teaching. Naming opportunities are also available. Your Centennial donation will ensure that many more girls benefit from a St. Margaret’s education founded upon Episcopal principles.

EMPOWERING GIRLS TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Our next 100 years lead us to a deeper commitment to developing adventurous and curious young women who are also interested in the natural beauty and opportunities a river presents to those on its banks. Our prime location on the banks of the Rappahannock River enables St. Margaret’s to offer crew, sailing, kayaking, and motor boating experience.

Your Centennial gift will fund a more robust River program. Girls will research nearby waterways and wildlife. Through science and extracurricular programming, students will learn the importance of environmental stewardship.

Janie Sellers ’71 and Patricia Gallagher Co-Chairs of the Centennial Committee, Members of Board of Governors

1970 in Grace.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS AT ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL.

Class Notes

CLASS OF 44-

Alice Taylor Spilman writes, “I may be the last one in my class still alive.” She just turned 95 and has three daughters, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren with two more coming. She has been living in a retirement home for 21 years.

CLASS OF 45-

Eleanor Pendleton Monahan is looking forward to resuming traveling with her children and grandchildren after Covid, having postponed a trip to France in the spring. She had 25 family members for Christmas and is “most thankful that good health makes it possible.”

CLASS OF 48-

Mary Louise Hinton Crowther writes, “I am still living at home and enjoy being on the farm.” She is happy to hear about all of the positive movements at St. Margaret’s with our leadership and misses her classmates and looks forward to hearing more of their news.

CLASS OF 49-

Martha Bass Giovanelli has three children and six grandchildren, who are all well. She has lost interest in long distance travel but “would like to connect with any of the 49ers who would be interested.”

CLASS OF 50-

Jean Teall Tuten “would love to hear from my roommates in the B-House, Joanie Parker ‘50, Martha Sue Wharton Eckert ‘50 and Priscilla White Lineker ‘50.” She writes that she enjoyed her time at SMS and is grateful for the experience.

CLASS OF 52-

Clarice “Ducky” Price Laughlin lives in an Alzheimer’s facility in Wilmington, NC. Her husband passed away in 2013. Her daughter writes that “she is physically fine, comfortable, and content. She doesn’t remember much of anything but is still as sweet and upbeat as she always has been.”

Coralee Duvall writes that her daughter, Elizabeth Everett has a Master’s in Architecture. Her grandson Will has a BS and is a surveyor, and her other grandson, Ben has a Master’s in City Planning.

CLASS OF 53-

Anne Solomons Parker is doing her best after losing her “super” husband after 66 years of marriage. She writes, “I remember my years at SMS as instructive, safe, fun, and all around a good thing for anyone!”

CLASS OF 55-

Dorothy Mundy Doumar writes, “My husband and I have spent the last 1.5 years hiding from Covid at our beach house, but will soon return to our senior living home. Bob is still on the bench at 91 and I am still golfing three days a week. Life is good!”

Alice “Cummie” Tappan York writes, “My husband, Bob, died February 15, 2013. I have two sons and five grandchildren; three are married.” She does not have any great grandchildren yet.

CLASS OF 57-

Gwynn Barefoot Litchfield had “dinner with Elizabeth “Fitzy” Fitzgerald Wallace ‘57 at Williamsburg Landing.” Her grandson Jarrell is at University of Kentucky doing his Family Practice Residency. Marissa is at University of Maryland in Medical School, and Michael has earned CFA in Finance in Philadelphia.

Virginia “Ginger” Sparrow Smith writes “to celebrate our eightieth birthdays and our sixty years of marriage, we took an around the world cruise visiting 55 countries! No, that is a joke!” They stayed home like everyone else, but did walk more than 700 miles to entertain themselves and keep fit.

Katherine “Kay” Gwaltney Remick has been at Westminster Canterbury for four years. She says it is a wonderful community and that she loves being on the flower committee, helping with pastoral care, and enjoying fantastic programs. She says, “my five grandsons are growing up fast!”

CLASS OF 58-

Laura-Stuart Taliaferro Taylor is involved with her church, civic business (or busyness), DAR, Garden Club, and Stratford. Her three children and granddaughter are nearby. Before Covid curse she enjoyed some great trips to Paris, Jerusalem, Spain, and London. “Health is also a blessing.”

Sarah Bird Beard writes “Still thriving here in Maine. Sailing every summer.” She and Doug have been married for 59 years. They have five grandchildren, with the last two in college. “Life is good.”

CLASS OF 59-

Mary Page deBordenave Jones writes, “after thirty three years in the west with time in Jerusalem, Geneva, Hawaii, and Pensacola; we have moved to Richmond. I’ll miss the mountains of Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona; however, I cherish being near family and friends.”

CLASS OF 60-

Helen-Thomas Donnelly writes, “life has been good for me, slowly emerging from the pandemic isolation and finding re-entry, especially socially, reminding me of adolescent exploration. I have been doing voluminous reading, mostly biographies and art history. My writing efforts dried up, but now I am making another stab at that. I’ve adjusted to widowhood and continue my extensive cooking efforts.”

Susan “Susie” Robinson Mote writes, “Jane Hedgpeth Wells ‘60 and I took a Viking cruise to Iceland in July. Great fun! Jane is a wonderful traveling companion.” She began playing bridge again two years ago and now plays twice a week with friends. She is no longer in choir, but is still singing!

CLASS OF 61-

Nancy Winters Mullins writes, “it was so lovely how Colley and Edwina Bell welcomed my class back to St. Margaret’s for our 60th reunion at the end of October. We are all looking forward to coming back June 4th for the Centennial Celebration. I am happy that the workshops I staff on grief, loss, trauma, and childhood abuse have just been able to begin again. No workshops were held from March 2020 until October 2021.

Katharine “Kay” Waring Miller Pollard has become a great granny for the seventh time! She writes she is “blessed to live in my same house, tending a huge garden, and still be able to visit friends and family in my old Toyota. God is good.”

CLASS OF 62-

Carroll Stacey Garrett Fonville is “living in a little condo!” She has three children. Mahood who is married to Walker, Tyler married to Grady, and Charlie T married to Emily, and ten grandchildren. She writes she is “so blessed to have these children in my life.”

CLASS OF 63-

Elizabeth Trudeau Morgan writes, “we are nomadic FLA residents; summer on an island in northern Maine, fall in Pennsylvania.”

CLASS OF 64-

Sandra Spratley Mitchell writes, “2021 has been eventful having traveled 7,100 miles across the midsection of the country in my motorhome.” She will travel the southwest beginning mid December as far as Sedona. She is living the dream!

Kathryn Kasforf Purks writes, “Bill and I moved to Florida in 2017 and are thoroughly enjoying the milder winters.” In February they are joining their kids for a ski trip to Breckenridge. They will “keep the home fires burning while they are on the slopes!” In May, they are doing a Viking River Cruise from Prague to Berlin on the Elbe River.

Cora King Mueller has three sons, three daughters- in- law, and six grandchildren, three boys and three girls from seven to fourteen years old. She says she is “aging ungracefully.”

Mimi Allen Hernandez is still living in Sarasota. She writes, “her husband Al just retired from his medical practice so we are adjusting to this new life!” Her son lives near them, but her daughter and her family are in Fortworth, Texas. She has two grandchildren, a five year old boy and a three year old girl.

Ann Bruce DiStefano writes, “Martha Alsop Kent ‘64 and I share a zoom yoga class on Fridays. We started during the quarantine.”

CLASS OF 65-

Martha Frances Ayers Fortson is looking forward to Malcolm’s retirement in May, 2022, which will allow them to spend more time in Hilton Head where their retirement home is. Her daughter Anna Kathryn and family are in Alaska, and her son Rob is in Bluffton, South Carolina with his family. She writes, “We love living close to them and enjoy sailing at Hilton Head.” She is looking forward to traveling this year.

Martha Frisby Rasin writes, “Our geriatric household with Peter, one dog, and two cats, is downsizing to a condo about four blocks away.” She is not going to miss tenants, tree limbs, or broken pipes. She keeps busy through golf, reading, and travel. She presided over a wedding ceremony in Kosovo through Facetime. “What a world.” She hopes everyone is healthy.

Anne Trevilian Bland writes, “I have many fond memories of my two years at SMS with the great class of ‘65. Finley does a wonderful job keeping us in touch!”

CLASS OF 67-

Clara MacKenzie Smiley has lived in Texas for forty years, but spent the summer in Linville, North Carolina to escape the Texas heat. Her two children and four grandchildren live in Dallas and Fort Worth, so they get together as much as their busy schedules allow. She writes, “I am involved in church and am an avid Mahjong player and try to keep myself in shape, though my willpower is weak.” Her husband, Steve, is retired but still active at University of Virginia, Amon Carter Museum, and on the board of Sweet Briar, so they have opportunities to return to Virginia. She is grateful for what SMS did for her and what it is doing for the lucky girls who are there now. She sends her best wishes to all.

Jan Kinzer Calvert writes, “my husband and I began our married life in Nashville, Tennessee in 1970. I am still there living east of the city in Mt. Juliet. Our two sons and their families also live in the area. Nashville has become a very popular destination and I would love to see any and all of my SMS friends if you head this way.”

CLASS OF 68-

Bette Albert, Page Groseclose, Fella Dirickson, Tulley Raetz at Page’s 70th birthday!

Clara Maria Dill Godel writes, “to escape “the swamps” (i.e. Washington D.C.) Gilles and I frequently go to Southern Maryland or eastern Tennessee.” She misses Lowery’s even though it had deteriorated, delightful memories.

Nancy McClement Waage moved from Long Island to the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband two years ago. She writes, “we are very happy to live on a beautiful creek and listen to fish jumping instead of traffic.” She recently visited with Lyn Croxton.

Della Haden Dirickson writes, “All is well. I just got back from visiting my son and granddaughter in Dallas. My daughter and two grandsons are here in Charlottesville. Life seems like one medical appointment after another.”

Page Allen Groseclose is hoping to retire when their business sells. Her daughter Whitney was engaged last spring and will be married on April 30, 2022. She writes, “I spent my 70th birthday celebrating with my family and three best friends from SMS, Bette Albert ‘68, Della Dirickson ‘68 and Elizabeth Pifer Raetz ‘68 at Capon Springs Resort.

Lyn Croxton Meushaw lives in Eastern Maryland and her son Tyler is still in Wisconsin. Her daughter Abbey had her third child on October 16, 2021. Abbey’s daughter turned one in July, and Lincoln, her oldest turned six in March. She writes, “my kitties are well and so am I.” She visited Nancy Waage ’68 recently; she just moved down the road!

Laura Smith Ware writes, “Tyler and I are fine. Still wake up to our view of the Rappahannock River. Have the travel bug now that we are fully vaccinated. Both of our children are in Charlottesville. Palmer and Brett have 2 children: Nelson who is five and Simone who is two. Robert remains single but loves his nephew and niece nearby and babysits. Best to all.”

Mary Rose Boswell writes, “I retired from the museum field, and Tom and I moved from Frederick, MD, where we had been since 2014, and returned to New Hampshire, where we still have two houses. All summer we tended our flower garden, made day trips with friends, and celebrated our 45th anniversary in Vermont, Maine, and Greece! International travel (Boston-London-Santorini-Athens-Delphi-AthensBoston) was a “trip” during the pandemic. We had to produce our passports, vaccination cards, locator forms, masks, and Covid tests in most places. Thankfully we are Covid free! Will celebrate my 50th anniversary from William and Mary in September of 2022. Best wishes to my SMS classmates!”

CLASS OF 69-

Margaret Baldwin Marks writes, “moved to Charlottesville from Franklin, Virginia two years ago.” John has retired and her daughter Kate will be married in December in Charlottesville. Her daughter Clara lives in Richmond and has two children.

Mary Anne Townsend Hopkins retired in February of 2020; then Covid hit. She has five grandchildren from 8 months old to nine years old. She is “busy helping church Thrift Shop and helping St. Margaret’s School.”

Nancy DeShazo Tignor writes, she is “now retired!”

CLASS OF 71-

Ellen Metzger LeCompte writes that she is “Semi-retired from Travel business, having passed that baton on to son, Howard.” She keeps busy with The Order of St. John, which provides

eye care to Palestinian children in Israel. She is excited to have collaborated on a book for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, The Queen and the USA.

Jane “Janie” Whitt Sellers and her husband David live in Burlington, North Carolina, his hometown. Her son Whitt, who was born on December 25, 1992 lives in New York City and is currently in a Master’s program at Parsons studying Design and Technology. She retired in 2020 after forty years as a corporate and securities lawyer with McGuire Woods LLP. Since retiring they have spent more time in Blowing Rock, North Carolina where they have a vacation home. She is “enjoying golf, pickleball, reading, and several boards, including St. Margaret School.”

Cecilia “Ceci” Brown writes, “as everyone else trying to survive the pandemic and dreaming of a brighter tomorrow!”

CLASS OF 72-

Margaret “Peggy” Hilton Martin writes, “it has been a hard year for the Hilton sisters. We lost our beloved baby sister Jennifer Hilton Vaughan, who was in the class of ‘82, very unexpectedly.” Jennifer was the owner of Crying Shame Shop in Tappahannock and a valuable member of the community. “The loss is tremendous.”

Spencer Harris Wright has two grandchildren to keep life interesting. She is semi-retired. She works part time and spends summers at a girl’s camp teaching weaving. She is “looking forward to the reunion!”

CLASS OF 73-

Butler Stubbs Knight writes, “Dennis and I continue to live on the beautiful Piankatank River, where I enjoy the array of colorful eggs from our little flock of chickens.” She enjoys oyster, flower, and vegetable gardening and occasionally bee keeping. Her son and his family live in Madison, Wisconsin and her daughter, Coleman lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, both a journey away.

Susan Motley writes that she is “enjoying spending winters in the Riverside Condominium, where I overlook A House.”

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hall Hargrove writes, “Frank and I are not retired yet. I continue to play the organ and piano for church, which started way back at St. Margaret’s School! She is happy they remain healthy so far.

Christine Glascock Bodendorf writes, “we bought a small RV and are enjoying traveling in it to some beautiful state parks.” They are planning a big trip out west next year.

CLASS OF 74-

Connie Rogers Rea writes, “Grandmother of four boys and married to Michael Rea for thirty seven years.” She has been the owner of Centre Stage On Main dance studio for seventeen years. She taught dance for forty-three years and has a BFA and BS Degree in Dance and Education UNC-G.” She retired from teaching Dance and Theater in High School23 years.

Jane Bowman Fain writes, “life is good! Retired preschool teacher. We now have four grandchildren.” She is hoping to get some traveling in now that the world is opening up.

Virginia Rand Bowman writes, “To celebrate our 65th birthdays, Jane Bowman Fain ‘74 and I went hiking with our husbands in Acadia National Park. It was an amazing trip with gorgeous scenery, good food, and great company.”

CLASS OF 75-

Brooke Trible Weinmann will be a grandmother in November! Her second daughter will be married on June 18, 2022. She writes that she has been “married to Winston, love of my life, for 35 years.” They have a home in Atlanta and a summer cottage on Lake Michigan. Come visit!

Suzanne Bowman Miksch writes, “We sold our house in Richmond and moved full-time to the river. I now shop in Tappahannock! We are doing some traveling with our Airstream trailer, and spend winter in our condo in Naples, Florida. No grandkids yet!”

Elizabeth “Sissy” Hinton Crowther is two years into retirement. She writes, “I am happy and enjoying serving on industry and other boards, revitalizing the farm, and spending time with my mother (Mary Lou, class of ‘48) and friends. It has been fun raising funds for our Rappahannock General Hospital and seeing a resurgence of activity and engagement at St. Margaret’s. What a pleasure to serve on the SMS board and be involved with friends and alumnae from many classes. I can’t wait to see you all here! While I stopped traveling during Covid, I am still racing sailboats, working on the farm, and enjoying very amusing animals.”

CLASS OF 76-

Lisa Grant Tillman is looking forward to ‘76’s 50 year reunion! She writes, “I have an awesome job as a contracting officer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision (FERC), a beautiful daughter Christine, and granddaughter Victoria who is 7 years old.”

Lisa Olsson Everett writes, “I am the Chairman for the International Women’s Fishing Association Scholarship Trust, and am very proud of the marine scholarships we have awarded. Fishing has been a passion of mine for many years, and I have enjoyed touring the world doing it!”

CLASS OF 77-

Lesley Moore has lived in Greenville, SC since 1988. She writes, “I’m still practicing law, but I’m thinking about my five year plan. I have two grown children who are married and a very cute grandson. Mary Katherine and I take an annual trip and we’d love to have classmates join us!”

Dana Few Pope writes, “In November of 2019, I became a grandmother for the first time when our oldest daughter blessed us with Jack, and in May, he will have a baby sister. We are very excited! Todd and I have been living in downtown Durham for the past 4 years and have loved it, but we have built a house, still in Durham, but will be closer to North Carolina. Our oldest and youngest live in Durham and our middle daughter lives in Wilmington. We are so lucky to have them so close. Our 45th reunion is in June 2022.I am hoping we will have a big turnout!”

CLASS OF 79-

Fay Spence is doing well. She writes that she is, “Working for the federal court now, writing opinions for the judges in cases filed by state prisoners challenging state court convictions.” Her oldest daughter, Amy, has been working as a veterinary assistant and will be finishing her Vet Tech. degree soon. Alison graduated from George Mason in May, forensic science major. Anna is in the 10th grade and recently got her driver’s permit. Kathy stays busy with hobbies and wants her to hurry up and retire.

Katherine Kay May writes, “Mike and I have been enjoying spending more time at our place at Lake Anna and having family and friends visit.”

CLASS OF 80-

Mary Carol Sisson writes, “I live with my husband and our cat Bryan in the country in Powhatan, Virginia. We make trips down to the river to visit my sweet Mom and enjoy time together as a family. I finished my career in addictions counseling and now only talk and listen to plants! Much love to all my SMS friends.

CLASS OF 81-

Susan Tivey Duncan currently resides in Versailles, KY with two golden retrievers. She writes, “I work as an operating room pharmacist in Lexington, KY.”

CLASS OF 82-

Jessie Duncan Rice writes, “after working in a hospital pharmacy for 24 years, I was blessed with an at home pharmacist position. I have been doing the computer based home position for 10 years. I’m still in Kentucky. My children are Ben who is 27 and Amy is 25. Hello to all my fellow schoolmates!”

CLASS OF 85-

Hope Freeman Philbrick writes, “My husband, Rich, and I celebrated our 30th anniversary this summer. We live outside of Nashville with our youngest of 4, now 16, and 3 foster siblings, ages 6-12, we’ve had for over a year.”

Patricia Elliott Pryor writes, “My husband Chip and I still reside in Rock Hill. He works for Husqvarna and I for Staples Business Advantage as a furniture consultant. Our oldest daughter Mary is a senior at Sewanee, The University of the South and our youngest Maggis is a senior at Charlotte Catholic High School. We have 2 four legged daughters, Piper and Masey, our golden retrievers. I visit Tappahannock at least bi-monthly to visit family.

CLASS OF 86-

Margaret “Meg” White Forsberg writes, “the pandemic was a horrible time for all of us, but I felt it in the worst kind of way as I lost my husband suddenly to a heart attack after 28 years of being together. It’s been an adjustment, to say the least. I live in our home in Norfolk, Virginia, work in Marketing and enjoy spending time with my two dogs. I am an active volunteer for the Magnolia Circle of the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and also an active member of the Garden Club of Norfolk. We are gearing up for the Garden Tour of Norfolk 2022 on April 28th. Come visit!”

CLASS OF 87-

Amy Taylor Avery writes that she is “married to Stephen J. Landersman, has two daughters, Caroline,17 and Juliana,15 and one step-daughter Natalie who is 23.” She is the Clinical Director of Central Pennsylvania for Highmark Health.

CLASS OF 88-

Amy Guess Elliott writes, “after 30 years in the Richmond, VA area, she moved to Cary, NC in 2017 to start a life with Joseph

Daniel Elliott (Danny). They married in 2019. Danny and she grew up together in Tappahannock, Va but had not seen each other after he moved to NC for college and they ended up reconnecting through Facebook. She has been dedicated to public service for the entirety of her career that has been happily spent in different positions in Grants Management. She has been at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for almost 5 years. She is excited for the next chapter of her life- to move to the mountains in the near future as her husband is retiring from a long public service career in Procurement with the Town of Cary, NC. They shower all of their attention now on their beagle, Cody, and hope to add a few more rescue dogs when they have a little more room in the mountains!”

CLASS OF 90-

Baker Ellis Garber is excited to start a new chapter. She writes, “I got my real estate license and joined Kline May Realty last year! I celebrated 25 years with my hubby this year as well.”

Bekah Hughes Davis writes, “I live 4 miles from the corner of Rt. 360/30, which is Central Garage in King William County. My family still lives in Essex County, and are all doing well.”

Mary Catherine Boyd writes that she “eloped with Michael Blakely on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.” Sarah Wood ’91 was the Matron of Honor. Cathy and Michael celebrated their marriage with family, including Debi Boyd Krulak ‘87 and friends on Sunday, October 30. They live in the Charlottesville area.

Elaine Green writes that she “is a realtor in the Fort Worth area and spends a lot of time near her hometown of Amarillo, Texas.”

CLASS OF 92-

Mary Catherine Tanner writes, “ I opened my own real estate firm in November 2021 called Atlantic Coastal Real Estate.

Susannah Lewis Marais writes, “I’m living with my husband, David, and 3 children ages 16, 13, and 13. I teach kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade in a mixed age classroom.”

CLASS OF 93-

Jenni Booker Baker writes, “after almost 4 years, I left my position as the VP of Development at the Girl Scouts this summer to begin as the Director of Development at The Steward School in Richmond. My sweet girl Sarah, who is 6, was lucky enough to stay in school in person during the pandemic at Richmond Montessori School. She finished up

her Kindergarten year there and is now at Steward and in the first grade. She loves school and is living her best life! Stephen has moved up to an Associate Group Leader at a pharmaceutical research company. He’s been there for nine years and continues to enjoy the work for the most part. My parents are still enjoying life down in the Northern Neck. I am officially a part of the “sandwich generation” with a six year old and parents knocking on their 80’s! Lucky for us, everyone is relatively well health-wise. Stubborn, but well!

We haven’t really traveled at all since March 2020 and will be so glad when this pandemic quiets down, which seems to be close. This past spring and summer we were able to spend a week with Kate Taylor ‘83 in NC. Kate is Sarah’s Godmother, so these trips are a family tradition now! Kate and I were able to attend the June 2021 SMS graduation and see our girl Natasha Kollaros Laster ‘93, who was the graduation speaker. She was terrific and it really was full circle to see her on the stage almost 30 years after we graduated. The three of us met up briefly at the beach one short weekend last year. I see Danni on occasional walks and talk to everyone else sporadically at best. Danni and I had lunch with Dabney Richardson ‘93 in the spring and it was so nice to be in-person and catch up! I continue to volunteer where I can for SMS and look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary over the next two years. I miss you all so much and hope that everyone is doing well! Sending my love to you all!”

Nichole Louise Hartsock writes, “Rob and I are still living in sunny Sarasota, Florida with our dog Pickles and our cats. I am about to celebrate 5 years as the Director of Outreach and Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center. We work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assualt. It can be a very heavy job, but I’m lucky to be at such a great organization that makes sure staff are supported and take the time for self care. During football season I still love to attend the Tampa Buccaneers games. My mom now lives in Northern Georgia, so we hope to be able to visit her more. I always look forward to the chance to see my ‘93 classmates, I sure hope that is sooner than later!”

CLASS OF 97-

Christina Hopkins Spain writes, “My husband, Damon, and I are both working full time and raising our children, Jackson, who’s 9 and in the 4th grade and Sophia, who’s 4 and in Pre-K. This is my 21st year teaching middle school, and my goal is to make it to 30!”

CLASS OF 98-

Grier Lyall Kantor is married to Joseph Charles Kantor. She has a son, George Davide Kantor who is four, and a daughter Alice Frances Kantor, who is three.

Jennifer Biggers Eberline lives in Charlottesville with her husband Thomas, and two sons William and John. She owns and operates her marketing and design company JBE Communications, supporting food and beverage clients in the Charlottesville area. Jen also serves as the Marketing and Development Chair on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Discovery Museum. She keeps in close touch with her best SMS friend Becca Brown Asmo ‘98 and they recently had a fun-filled visit with kids together in Charlottesville.

CLASS OF 99-

Lesley Pryor Newman celebrated her fortieth birthday by publishing her first novel, Charming Plumage. She writes that she “toasted this and other milestones with Anne Worthington Aycock ‘99 in Luray, VA. The novel is illustrated by Mary Lloyd ‘18. She lives in Heathsville and enjoys hanging out with Chase Craven ‘00 and Tess Duncan ‘01 in the Northern Neck.”

Carolyn Stephenson Gosse writes, “I have taken a new role at the University of Virginia as a Senior Research Scientist doing public policy partnership work in the Early Child Care and Education space. My three kids, Miles II, Rowan 7, and Shep 5, love returning to Tappahannock often to visit grandparents and swim in the Rivah!”

CLASS OF 00-

Rebecca Dix Barbato writes that she “married Benedict Barbato in NYC in October of 2019, and welcomed their son, Luciano Barbato in October of 2020. In June of 2021, they moved from NYC to Plainsboro, NJ.

CLASS OF 03-

Claire Hopkins Brueggemann writes that she “married Matt Brueggemann in May of 2020 and had a daughter, Reese Aubrey Brueggemann on March 9, 2021.” She is a government contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

CLASS OF 04-

Sarah Weakley Sichol with her husband and two children.

Allison Smith Santos is a stay at home mom to Caroline who was born in December 2017 and Smith who was born in March 2020. Her husband Carter is an analyst at EVR Research (hedge fund).

CLASS OF 05-

Catherine Chilton Ford lives in South Hill, VA. She writes that she “ is married to Will Ford and has one son, Bobby, who is 3 years old.” She works as an occupational therapist at VCUCMH Hospital in acute care.

CLASS OF 06-

Kristan Price Mason writes that she is “happily married raising our two kids in the eastern panhandle of WV. Pleased and blessed to have completed a Ph.D in Org. Leadership with a focus in HRD in the fall of 2021,” She is currently serving as an instructor and leadership facilitator.

CLASS OF 07-

Kaitlyn Alexandra Coffey writes that she has “spent the past year and a half working remotely in her tiny little apartment in Philly.” She currently works as a Program Manager for a defense contractor focused on Navy contracts supporting the Destroyer ship program She got engaged to her fiancee Tim in Aruba in December 2020. They are planning an October 2022 wedding. In April, they adopted a dog named Petey who looks identical to the Little Rascals. He is perfect.

CLASS OF 09-

Florence Snyder celebrates bridal luncheon in Charlottesville.

Melaine Waitzer writes, “I am in my first year of Emory University’s full-time MBA program, and will graduate in May of 2023. After school I am hoping to begin a career in the financial services industry. I live in Atlanta, GA with my fiance, Patrick, and our two pets, Tripp and Felix. I love that I get to see Caroline Rollins ‘09 and Sarah McClellan ‘09 almost every Sunday evening for dinner!”

Elizabeth Corbin Brooks writes, “I graduated from law school in May 2021 and am currently clerking for a judge in Anchorage, Alaska.”

CLASS OF 10-

Cabell Edmunds Reisenfeld writes that she was “married in March 2020 and had a baby girl, Cameron, in June 2021.”

CLASS OF 11-

Heather Chastain Smith is married to Ethan and has a 5 year old step-son Peyton, and a 16 month old daughter Blakley. She writes, “I live in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. I teach 8th grade math at Waynesville Middle School. Leader of FCA at my middle school. Enjoy spending time with my beautiful family.”

Stephanie Brooke Teal writes “I became a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist in the spring of 2020. I specialize in Thai massage, lymphatic massage, and ashiatsu. I manage a Thai massage spa in Raleigh, NC where I currently practice as a massage therapist. In May of 2020 I was honored to be a bridesmaid in the wedding of my classmates, Rebecca Parker ‘11 and Nichole Kennedy Parker ‘11. I am planning on starting a doctoral program for Traditional Chinese Medicine next fall to become an acupuncturist.”

Nichole Kennedy Parker writes that she is “still working at St. Margaret’s School as the Learning Specialist.” She teaches Study Skills I, II, and III, Academic Coaching, and Reading Reinforcement. As the Wheat Learning Center Director, she works directly with students with learning differences to help them reach their full potential. In May of 2021, Nichole married Rebecca Parker, fellow 2011 classmate. The two live off campus in Walkerton, Virginia with Rainy their dog, and Eloise their cat.

Motunrayo Olaniyan spent four years of college at the University of Rochester, graduated in 2015 with a BS in neuroscience. She worked one year at Genetics Alliance in Washington,DC before pursuing her PhD in Psychology with concentration in Statistics from 2016 to 2021.

Virginia Sawyer Rogers writes, “I got married on March 6, 2021 to Gavin Rogers. I became a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia in October of 2021.”

CLASS OF 13-

Alexis “Lexie” Bruzgul writes, “In May of 2021 I graduated from vet school. I am now a general practitioner in King George, VA. I am also planning on getting married in 2022.”

CLASS OF 16-

Nadia Elizabeth Moss writes that she “Graduated from University of Rhode Island with Bachelors in Wildlife and conservation biology. Worked at a microbiology lab and am now completing double Master’s degrees in secondary education with a specialization in science and a Master’s in environmental science.”

CLASS OF 18-

Maria Garnette Ogg writes, “I graduated in 3 years from Randolph-Macon in 2021 with a degree (BS) in Accounting! I am also engaged and getting married to the love of my life in September of 2022.”

CLASS OF 19-

Lauren Havlir writes, “I am a junior sociology major with a concentration in social justice at Coastal Carolina University. I’m doing great, looking for an internship soon, and I will go to the beach as much as I can.”

CLASS OF 21-

Anne Preston Ruffa writes, “I have recently started college at VCU with high grades. I am exploring career options through internships and research. I love to still keep in touch with the faculty such as Ms. Harvey and Mrs. Harrington. The community is so close and has made it so easy to keep in touch with classmates.”

WE VALUE OUR CLOSE ST. MARGARET’S COMMUNITY

St. Margaret’s diverse community of students and families, alumnae, neighbors, and friends means so much to the school and we appreciate the close ties we share. Please help us stay connected. Plan a visit to campus soon, attend school events, read and share the communications we send, especially the e-newsletter sent by our alumnae association president each month. Send us your class notes to be included, and consider referring a student to St. Margaret’s. Contact our Office of Development at alumnae@sms.org to find out more about how you can help us maintain a vibrant school community.

The Thistle, is produced by the St. Margaret’s School Development and Communications offices. Visit our website to find more information about programs and events at www.sms.org.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in The Thistle magazine is accurate. Please accept our apologies if there is an error, and bring it to the attention of the Director of Development, Edwina Bell, ebell@sms.org.

CLASS OF 12-

Obituaries

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs. Alison “Ali” Warner Waterman ‘35 died on April 4, 2021 at Westminster Canterbury. She is survived by her family Colby G. Johnson (Peter), Bruce B. Gordan (Megan LeBoutillier), Rod W. Gordon and their families, Phyllis S. Strain and Stanton Waterman and his family. She graduated from Marot Junior College and was a prolific gardener and an active member of the Dolly Madison Garden Club of Orange County and the Garden Club of Virginia.

Mrs. Elizabeth Chamberlin ‘36 was born on August 8, 1919 and passed away on June 16, 2021. She attended Hollins College where she appeared in the Court of May Day performance.

Anne Ray Holland ‘40 died on September 19, 2021. She is survived by her children, Patricia Smit (Edwin), James Holland, her brother Thomas L. Stanley. Her grandchildren, Sara Droneberger (Brian), Jessica Budd (Daniel Moore), and James Holland Jr.; her great grandchildren, Alexander Droneberger, Tyler Droneberger, Brandon Budd-Nelson, and Jasmin Moore; and her close friend Melvin Stave.

Mrs. Jeanne Schoenewolf Preston ‘41 died on February 5, 2021 at the age of 98. She is survived by her close friends, Ruth Tillar (Kappa Alpha Theta), and Marge Drewry; her children, Margaret M. Fanney, Merle P. (Rob), William T. Preston (Kathy), and Jeanne Page Preston (Dirk); her five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a large extended family.

Mrs. Elizabeth ”Betty” Wright Nimitz ‘42 died on October 4, 2021. She is survived by four sons and four daughters-inlaw, Charlie (Carol), Steve (Gail), Paul (Keri), Tom (Paulette), thirteen grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. After graduating from SMS, she worked at the Library of Congress, in Boston at MIT on projects involving assessment of Army Air Corps’ strategic bombing of Europe, and at a small travel agency in Washingon D.C, moved to Honolulu in 1949 and worked at Matson Lines where she met her future husband Charlie. They married and moved to Washington after his return from the Korean War and raised their four sons. A navy assignment brought the family to Virginia Beach, where except for a two year stint in Key West, Florida, she lived for the rest of her life.

Mrs. Frances Earnest Bussells ‘44 is survived by her children, Cynthia Ann Holmes (Dennis), Theodore Franklin Craver Jr. (Marion), Molly Craver Peck (Rob), her grandchildren Clifford Tait Holmes, Theodore Frankton Craver III (Nellie), Mary Celeste Mikel (BJ), Elizabeth Craver Calitz (Jared), Cameron Elizabeth Shaw (Edgar), Timothy Tener Shaw (Nora), and nine great grandchildren, Ted, Evelyn, Charles, Lucas, Ella, Michael, Jonathan, Talia and Danielle. She is also survived by her niece Barbara Dawson (Larry), grandnephews Chirs Dawson and Chandler Dawson his wife Heather, great grandnieces Campbell Dawson and Abby Dawson and great grandnephew Tener Dawson, also her nephew Herbert Ludwell Earnest II (Dot) and their sons Jim and Joe. She was involved in her community and Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Weems, Va, worked a variety of jobs including a bank clerk, secretary and assistant in a tax office and then insurance office, and program coordinator for the Senior Learning Dept. at the Community College. She raised funds for the Boy Scouts Camp, was a charter member and later secretary of the Lancaster County Crime Solvers.

Anne Seal Cole ‘52 died on November 7, 2021. She is survived by her daughter Sarah Page, her son Jim Seal (Kim Seal), her daughter Emily Seal, four granddaughters Meghan Marie Page Poole(Taylor Poole), Sarah Elizabeth Page, Bethany Ann Seal, Amanda Michelle Seal and three great grandchildren, Grant Sumrall Poole, Harper Ann Graham, and Samuel Taylor Poole. Also she is survived by her brother Jack Richard Hanning (Maria Fernanda Gabriel de Oliveira Hanning) and sister Christine Pamela Hanning (Claude Calvez). She attended the University of Mary Washington and George Washington University. She was a member of the Elks Ladies Auxiliary #978 and served as President in 2005-2006.

Mrs. Molly Murphy Rosenkrans ‘54 died on August 12, 2021. She is survived by her husband Donald DeForest Rasenkrans; her children Donald (Kathy)Rosenkrans Jr., and Nancy (James) Sutton II; grandchildren, Thomas (Kaylar) Rosenkrans, Sean Sutton, James (Hailey) Sutton III, Sarah (Austin) Bowles, and Samantha Sutton. After graduating from St. Margaret’s, Molly went to the University of Pittsburgh where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1958. Molly began her teaching career as a fourth grade teacher, and ultimately became a Reading Coordinator.

Ms. Anna Deane Scott ‘55 died on October 24, 2021. She is survived by her nephew Robert Carter Scott and his wife Kristen Anna Spille-Scott and their children Shanti Scott, Caleb Scott, Gabriel Scott, Amber Casavant, and by her nephew John Terell Scott and her good friend Aubrey Lande. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree from the University of Virginia. She taught at NOVA in Gainesville, Florida before becoming a professor of occupational therapy for the remainder of her career at Boston University, where she received the Metcalf Award of Excellence in Teaching.

Ms. Sue Douglas Wallace ‘55 died on October 24, 2021. She is survived by her cousins, Suzanne S. Flynn (Ed), Anita S. Vick (Donald) and Charles Savedge (Mary Alma). She graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont. After college she was an airline attendant and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. After retiring from ODU she moved to Surry County to be with her family.

Mrs. Hilda Marshall Faison ‘56 died on February 17, 2021. She is survived by her four children Lesley Lynn Faison, George Brian Faison (Nicolle), Lori Elaine Dixon (Kenneth), Elizabeth Lee Brown (Waverly), seven grandchildren, Drew Dixon (Ashleigh), Ryan Elaine Dixon, Trey Brown (Brittany), Loren Brown Ochoa (Andreas), Nicholas Faison (Rebekah), Courtney Faison, Hunter Faison, and eight great grandchildren. Her career in the tax preparation industry lasted over forty years. She served her community as an appointed official to the Colonial Heights Electoral Board and also served on the Board of Directors of local organizations, including CARES and AARP.

Mrs. Alice Addleman Seward ‘56 died on January 4, 2021. She is survived by her four daughters, Elizabeth Lynn Gabay (Steve), Linda Gayle Whitaker (Chris), Robyn Schultz, Nancy Paige Mims (John), seven grandchildren, twelve greatgrandchildren, one great-great-grandson and many nieces and nephews. She served as Chairwoman of the Deaconesses at Chamberlayne Baptist Church and was an active member of Cobham Park Baptist Church. After her first husband’s death she managed Parker FIeld Exxon and became the first female member of the Gasoline Retailers Association. While living in Florida she worked for Dr. James Kennedy at Coral Ridge Ministries.

Mrs. Rosa Beckwith Sands ‘61 died on January 28, 2022. Rosa is survived by her husband, Samuel Stevens Sands, Jr.; sons, Samuel Sands III, William Page Sands (Jennifer); her brother James Payne Beckwith, Jr.; and her grandson William Beckwith Sands. Rosa graduated from St. Mary’s Junior College in 1963 and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1965, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Chi Omega. With her degree in Art History, Rosa worked at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, The Walters Art Gallery, and the Hampton National Historic Site.

Mrs. Anne Overton Haile ‘63 died on December 7, 2021. She is survived by her son Benjamin Haile and two grandchildren Emma and Theo. She earned her BA in Philosophy from Sweetbriar College.She worked as a proofreader for the University of Virginia’s printing office and volunteered to help people in jail and prison. Her volunteering led to her being a teacher in the Albemarle-Charlottesville jail before transitioning to teaching classes to out-of-custody adults to prepare them for the test to earn their GED. She also had a sleep-over job one to two nights a week as a social worker in a house where developmentally disabled adults learned to live independently.

Mrs. Mary Igna Brown Robertson ‘63 died on September 2, 2021. Mary is survived by her children Jennifer Myers (Steven), Catheine Robertson (Rick), and Matthew Robertson (Michelle); grandchildren Rayn Ashley, and Margaret Grace; her sister Holly B. Murphy, as well as her sisters-in-law Patricia Brown, and Brenda Hammer (Delbert), and several nieces and nephews. Mary received her BA from Beirut College for Women in Lebanon, and her Masters of Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1974. Mary retired from the Fairfax County Government Taxation Department and became an avid volunteer. She assisted at the INOVA Fairfax Hospital, taught as a Homebound Teacher to terminally ill children, and was part of her church’s vestry, altar guild, and Bible school.

Ms. Gail Burruss ‘72 died on January 31, 2022. She is survived by her sisters, Jane Ingebretsen and Carol B. Byrd, her niece Jeanne Byrd, nephew A.B. “Nick” Byrd and his children Shane, Kiley and Joslyn, and her friend Peggy Dell. She received her BA from Randolph Macon Women’s College and her MA from Virginia Tech. She spent her entire life working in Social Services; spending the last thirty years with Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Services, where she was a supervisor upon her retirement.

Ms. Mary Ellett Harrison ‘72 died on September 13, 2021. She is survived by her two sisters, Elizabeth H. Court (Tony) and Anne H. Bennett (Dick), her brother Hugh Harrison II (Nancy), six nieces and nephews, Randolph Court (Ayesha), Kent Bennett (Kate), Molly Moran (Mark), Courtney Bradenham (Brad), Sarah Harrison (Sam Strasser), Elizabeth Court (Tom Bliska), and eleven grand-nieces and nephews. She received her BS in Nursing from UVA and later graduated from the Medical College of Virginia at VCU and completed her residency in pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center before returning to Richmond to practice pediatrics for twenty five years.

Mrs. Gail Bareford Hardinge ‘76 died on May 9, 2021. She is survived by her husband Baxter, two children Payton (Matt) and William, brother Gary Bareford, brother-in-law Randall Vaughan and greataunt Jacqueline Hoff. She spent the last seventeen years working for the College of William and Mary and served eighteen years as a member of the New Kent County School Board. Prior to that she worked as a school psychologist for Williamsburg-James City County and New Kent County schools.

Mrs. Mary “Missy” McDaniel ‘81 died on May 24, 2021. She is survived by her husband Gary York and two daughters, Katie York (Daniel Wilson) and Colby Robinette (Thomas Robinette), two grandsons, Ryan and Rhett, brother Cary McDaniel (Cindy) and her nephews Sam McDaniel (Jordan) and Joe McDaniel (Tori). She attended Ferrum College and became a travel agent for CI Travel after graduation. She later graduated from Piedmont College with a BS in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Education in Reading and Early Literacy from Walden University. She was a retired teacher of over twenty years from Rabun County Elementary School, where she taught fourth grade.

Mrs. Jennifer Hilton Vaughan ‘82 died on May 11, 2021. She is survived by her beloved dog Scarlett, three sisters Peggy Martin (Tom), Sandy Conley (Dennis), Allison Tegler (Paul), her nieces and nephews Kendall Malecky (Patrick), Andrew Martin, Kyle Martin, Stephen Conley (Helen), Brian Conley (Gina), Kirstin Tegler, Sydney Tegler, and seven great-nieces and nephews. She created and owned Crying Shame Frame Shop for twenty three years.

The Reverend Pegrem Johnson (above) died on November 25, 2021. He is survived by his son Matthew Ransom Johnson (Katharina), granddaughters Elli Mariah Johnson and Clara Elisabeth Johnson, his brother Robert Webb Johnson (Karen), his sister Helen Kevan Johnson (Michael Perlstein), and niece Sara Michael Johnson. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, he taught for two years in Hong Kong. He returned to the United States and earned a M.Div. at the Virginia Theological Seminary and an St.M. at Sewanee, working in churches for the next several years, before returning to schools, first as a teacher and then student, earning his Ph.D. from Emory University. He was a chaplain at St. Margaret’s during the late 60’s and early 70’s. He then worked at St. John’s Parish in Md. for the next twenty years. In retirement, he continued to be a teacher, helping first grade students in inner city Richmond schools learn to read, and a parish priest serving as Interim Rector of All Faith in Md. and Priest-in-Charge at St Asaph’s in Va.

Penny Sondra Martin Housman ‘56 went to be with her Lord November 5, 2021.

Why I Teach In An Episcopal School

BY SHANNON SPEARS, DISTINGUISHED FORMER FACULTY

When Mother Anita, our school chaplain, first asked me to write this article for MAESA (Mid-Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association), I began to think about why I chose to teach in an Episcopal school, what brought me to St. Margaret’s in the first place, and why I have stayed so long (45 years). However, as I reflected on my own experiences at St. Margaret’s, I thought of several of my colleagues who have been on this journey with me a good part of the way and who would, if asked, share some of the same reasons why they chose to teach in a church school, especially an Episcopal one.

There are seven of us in all; if you add up our numbers, as of 2017, we have taught at St. Margaret’s a total of over 200 years. It is no coincidence that we are all Episcopalians, actively involved in our churches through Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Sunday School, and Vestry; two are Eucharistic ministers, and one of us is the spouse of an Episcopal priest. We all feel called to teach in a church school, and where we are at our best is blending in with the ecumenical aspect of our school community.

Our teachers and staff members at various times have included those of the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Unitarian, and Jewish faiths. Our students are, and have been in the past, representative of these faiths also. Through our strong International program, we have welcomed Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims throughout the years.

As teachers in an Episcopal church school, we live our faith each day in our classrooms, on the sports fields, and in the residence halls. What appeals to us about an Episcopal school? I think the way of life of a church school and the values it teaches. At St. Margaret’s, two days a week we begin with chapel; the other two days we start the day with Announcements which end with the school prayer. At seated lunch two days a week with our advisees, we pause for the blessing, led by the student who is Head of Chapel. All our weekly faculty meetings begin with prayer. Our Honor Book

signing is part of a chapel service, as is the Installation of our student leaders. Our school ring, like the school seal, contains three religious symbols, the cross, a Bible, and a chalice.

We follow the church calendar and its seasons, taking part in all-school Eucharists on All Saints Day, at the beginning of Epiphany, on Ash Wednesday, and at Easter. We open the school year with a Eucharist and end the year with an Evening Prayer service at Baccalaureate. Our Commencement begins and ends with hymns and prayer. On such a foundation we teach honor, build character, and encourage students to put others first in various aspects of their lives.

In what ways does this foundation reflect our values as a church school? Through our Community Service program and service clubs, we reach out to those less fortunate in our small town. Whether it includes taking girls to work in soup kitchens feeding the homeless, or having them tutor children in the local elementary school’s after-school program, or raising money to support our local food bank, our students are taught not only to be aware of, but also to care about and become involved in helping those in need. As part of our Minimester term in February, we take service trips to places like the Dominican Republic where our students help children learn English. Last year one of our teachers took a group to Kenya to work with Baptist missionaries at the school they started.

Part of our mission statement reads: “In a Christian environment, founded on the Episcopal tradition, both honor and character are developed. St. Margaret's seeks to inspire each student to make the best of herself, and in so doing, make a better world.” Recently, a chapel service led by our student leaders closed with this prayer attributed to St. Teresa of Ávila, which I think best sums up why my colleagues and I teach in an Episcopal school.

“Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion is to look out to the world; yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good; yours are the hands with which God is to bless people now.”

Support the Sara Morriss Society for Planned Giving

SARA TAYLOR MORRISS ‘37 P’70 HAD A VISION FOR ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL WHEN SHE BECAME ONE OF THE FIRST ALUMNAE TO REMEMBER SMS IN HER WILL.

She knew her gift would help St. Margaret’s build a foundation into the future, and the scholarship her bequest helped establish is a testament to her belief. St. Margaret’s honors her dedication to our school and the dedication of all who choose to give to St. Margaret’s in such a meaningful way, through the Sara Morriss Society for Planned Giving.

If you have already made a provision for St. Margaret’s School in your estate plans, please contact Edwina Bell, Director of Development ebell@sms.org or 804.466.3128.

If you are interested in naming St. Margaret’s School as a primary or contingent beneficiary of a will, trust, or retirement plan (e.g. IRA, SEP, 401(k), 403(b), ESOP, etc.), your attorney or the plan’s administrator with the company that manages the account can help you designate SMS as a primary or contingent beneficiary. Please contact us for more details.

Additionally, donors who are interested in a life income gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder unitrust are eligible to become members of the Sara Morriss Society for Planned Giving. A life income gift can provide you and/or your loved ones with an income for the duration of your lives or for a specific number of years. You receive a current income tax dedication as well.

We honor and thank alumnae Anna D. Scott ’55 and Mary E. Harrison ’72 who made provisions in their wills that ensured St. Margaret’s future. By joining the Sara Morriss Society for Planned Giving, you are leaving a legacy that will ensure St. Margaret’s can continue to help young women reach their potential. This is truly the most graceful legacy of all, one which fulfills the St. Margaret’s motto: “As we grow in age, may we grow in grace.”

CAMPUS! Hurry Back to

ALUMNAE REUNION WEEKEND / JUNE 3-5, 2022

We are thrilled to welcome all SMS alumnae back to St. Margaret’s to celebrate our newest graduates in person and reconnect in person.

St. Margaret’s graduates, old and new, share an unbreakable, lifelong bond, and home with one another. We hope you will make plans to join us back at “home” on the banks of the Rappahannock River. Celebrate all that St. Margaret’s has given us - the education, the traditions, the friendships - the sisterhood.

The Festivities Include:

FRIDAY, JUNE 3:

• Reunion Registration in B-House: 12:00-9:00pm

• 50th Reunion Event for the Class of 1972 for further details email ahundley@sms.org

• Reunion Cocktail Party Buffet Dinner in B-House: 5:00-9:00pm, complimentary

SATURDAY, JUNE 4:

• Continental Breakfast and gathering for Graduation in B-House: 8:00-8:45am, complimentary

• Graduation on SMS Lawn: 9:00-10:30am

• Alumnae Association Lunch Meeting/Luncheon in the CTC: 12:00-1:00pm, $20 per person

• Golden Thistle Society Meeting and Class photos in SMS Chapel: 1:30pm

• Waterfront is open as well as the Thistle Shop: 2:00-6:00pm

• Crab Picking/Barbecue Dinner on the Latane Patio: 6:00-9:00pm, $40 per person

SUNDAY, JUNE 5:

• Memorial Service for lost alumnae in SMS Chapel: 11:15am

• Brunch in CTC: 11:30am-1:00pm, complimentary

This year’s Reunion takes place during the Class of 2022 Graduation Celebration! We are opening the A-House for anyone who would like to stay, free of charge. There are only two events with a fee associated with them: the Alumnae Association Meeting/Luncheon on Saturday and the Crab Picking/Barbecue Dinner in the evening. We have made every effort to keep costs reasonable.

To register visit www.sms.org or contact Amber Hundley, ahundley@sms.org or call 804-443-3357.

WE FORWARD MOVE. Looking Back As

LOUISE VELLETRI, VIANN FARMER, AND SHANNON SPEARS SHARE THEIR REFLECTIONS ON THEIR TIME AT ST. MARGARET’S AS DEDICATED TEACHERS.

*From the Commencement hymn “On our Way Rejoicing as We Forward Move”

LOUISE VELLETRI:

DISTINGUISHED FORMER FACULTY

Plus ca Change, Plus C’est La Meme Chose (The more it changes, the more it is the same)

-Karr

Between the two St. Margaret’s signs (one almost 100 years old and one added at the end of the 20th century) at the entrance of the school is a glorious Sugar Maple tree. For most of the year, that tree blends in with all of the other surrounding green. But in fall, the Sugar Maple, one of the few in the area, vies with the Ginkgo of the Anderton House for our attention. Its leaves have changed from green to screaming red and orange; however it is the same tree. As a history teacher, I connect this tree and the SMS signs with the French quote “the more it changes, the more it is the same.”

When I arrived in 1980, we had no school uniform unless you consider blue jeans and Fair Isle sweaters an unspoken uniform. Latane and the Anderton House were the only dorms and students lived by grade levels. That year we had one boy in the senior class, and a girl in the junior class who currently serves on the Board of Governors. With change there always is a sameness.

By 1990 there was still no school uniform and the Seniors’ formal yearbook pictures looked the same. Only the hair styles and skirt lengths changed. Mr. Lloyd’s props for Latin Christmas Chapel were well established, and a member of the Junior class, whose mother was our chaplain, later followed in her mother’s footsteps and became an Episcopal priest.

Another decade slips away and the yearbook is now in color! The Senior formal drapes have changed to black, but pearls are still to be seen. Once again the river becomes the yearbook theme and graces its pages while “charting our course.” Diversity enhances our mission and we have many more international students and students of color than in the past. We form a cohesive community, the school prayer and the honor code cementing our common humanity.

By 2020, I have grown accustomed to three additional campus buildings that were not here in 1980 (McCuan, the Woolfolk Center, and the CTC). These buildings serve the mission of the school as centers for entertaining, learning, and dining. COVID forced us to change Commencement celebration; however, once again we went “On Our Way Rejoicing.” It is with confidence I can look both back and into the future with memories of girls growing in age and grace. “The more it changes, the more it is the same.”

VIANN FARMER:

DISTINGUISHED FORMER FACULTY

“Ring Out the Old and Ring in the New”

-Tennyson

June 2020, I arrived at the library and sat at the long table where I spent so, so, many hours , working and talking with decades of girls with my Blue Book in hand. This day I am here to watch graduation alone and say goodbye to a “calling” of thirty plus years. As the zoom recording begins, who surprisingly arrives, but two of my most faithful and dedicated colleagues, coming to make sure that none of us was alone on our final day at SMS. Sisterhood is often used to describe the girls’ connections, but sisterhood is what I also felt that sunny June morning. At the conclusion of the ceremony, we looked at each other, with our 120 plus years at SMS, and asked what do we do now. In unison we shouted, “Ring the bell.” A bell we had heard many, many times to signify support, praise, congratulations, and victory. With the sun glistening over the river we rang and rang the bell (remembering the restoration work of Katie Saunders and her class and Sue Ball). And, with each ring the memories and lasting foundation of each girl’s spirit, mind, and body sent us swirling back in time.

Then and now the chapel program and the tenets of the Episcopal church help develop each girl’s spiritual growth and foundation:

.… Anne Riggs’ Grasshopper Chapel… Mother Anita’s Train Chapel…My Rock Chapel…Mr. Harter’s and Ms. Velletri’s Veterans Day Chapel…Day of the Dead…The many babies who were Jesus in the Latin Chapel (one whose daughter also took this role.)…Graduation Communion Service… Mrs. Rhinesmith as Queen Margaret…St. Margaret’s Cycle of Prayer…Venite…Soulful Voices…Junior Chapel Talks… Class Chapels…Earth Day and Basic Needs Chapels… Guest Ministers…Singing Chapel…Honor Book Signing… Leadership Installation…International Chapels.. MLK Day Chapels…Liturgy and Rituals… Ms Spears’ Ring Chapel… Lesson and Carols…Mr. Krusz’s Princess Chapel…Adviser Seating…Church of Choice… Compline… Youth Group… Charms Chapel….“Without further ado” -Dr J….

All these memories and many to come help form a strong spiritual foundation for girls to build their lives upon.

“We are a school.” was a phrase touted by Miss Woolfolk for years and continuing long after her tenure. The building of the mind, self-awareness of what kind of learner one is, and acquisition of skills and knowledge are other lasting traits of St. Margaret’s:

...Teacher Available…Study Skills…Exams in the gym… Exams in the classroom…Shakespeare’s Birthday…Papers, Papers, Papers…Research Papers, History Projects...Research Guide…BLUE BOOKS…White boards of math problems… Art show openings…Musicals and plays…Minimester… Writing and Math labs…ISP…Senior Speeches…Skills Based Curriculum…Public Speaking Guide…Rocket launching… Recitals…Ice cream making in Chemistry…Latin on computers…French banquets…Growing oysters…All school field trips to D.C…Seminar Days…River Days…5 P’s… Writing contests…Mathletes…SAT/ACT testing…College applications and essays…Saturday Study Hall…Evening Study Hall…Friday Night Reinforcement…Academic Awards banquet…rotations…Spanish Posadas parties…Coding contests…”The Tides”…Art contests…”The Channel”… International festivals…”The Current”…Art contests… Recycling fairies…Novels, Novels, Novels...Socratic discussions…

Programs and classes are added and /or deleted and methods change. However, celebrating successes and learning the value in sometimes failing are constant at SMS. Dedicated teachers and advisers who give daily to the program prepare the students for college and life.

Also the physical body and growth of the girls contribute to their competence and confidence:

...LIS champions…Ringing of the bell…Field hockey… Lacrosse…Tennis…Crew…Swimming… LIS All-Stars… Women’s Health class…Pre-season…Walking club… Equestrian…Softball… Indoor track…Outdoor track… Cross country…Banners…Trophies…Soccer… Basketball… Volleyball…Personal Fitness…Step Aerobics…Beach Body videos…Zumba…Good Sportsmanship…Most Improved and Most Valuable Players…Sailing…Paddle Boarding… Windsurfing…Annual One Mile River Swim…Team songs and skits…5 K Fortson Run…Gilchrist Graduation award… Scholar Athlete award…Coaches award…Camps…Preseason ...Kayaking…Canoeing… Blue/Grey drawings and contests… Athletic Awards banquets…Painting the Spirit Rock…Sports flags on the gym entrance…Inter-dorm dodgeball…Capture the Flag….

Challenges, teamwork, the value of practice, and goal setting all add to the enrichment of the total SMS student.

Finally, our last ring that day was for each individual girl both past and present in her own unique way “growing in age and grace” to make the world “a better place.” Faces and leadership have changed and St. Margaret’s School forges into the next 100 years of building the spirit, minds, and bodies of each student and helping develop the next group of women leaders for the world. Best wishes for the next 100 years!!!!

SHANNON SPEARS:

DISTINGUISHED FORMER FACULTY

‘And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!’

‘By it and with it and on it and in it.…It’s brother and sister to me, and aunts, and company, and food and drink…It’s my world, and I don’t want any other. What it hasn’t got is not worth having, and what it doesn’t know is not worth knowing. Lord! The times we’ve had together!’

- The Wind in the Willows

Viola Woolfolk could persuade those around her to do anything. So as I sat in her office that hot August summer afternoon in 1972, interviewing for an English teaching position, I found myself agreeing instead to become Dean of Residence and live in Latane Hall. (in hopes an English teaching position would open up the following year) Thus began my 48 year journey on the banks of a school by the river.

A year later, I did have an opportunity to teach an English class (while still being Dean of Residence of course) and did so for another year. Only my course load of nearly 70 students convinced Miss Woolfolk to look for a new Dean of Residence for the 1976 school year.

Having exchanged my view of the river from my room in Latane for a view from my 3rd floor SMS Hall classroom, I felt anchored there, content to observe during the week the journey of my students from September to June each year. Before the building was air-conditioned in 1977, I could watch classes being held on the lawn on hot days in the Fall, hear the sounds of the May Pole being put up for May Day in the Spring, as well as the loud music coming from the radios in the windows of Latane left on after Break some days.

On weekends I often found myself back in the dorms again as my colleagues and I shared weekend duty, a given at most boarding schools. There I re-experienced dorm life and the limited opportunities girls had to leave campus. In the 70’s, no Walmart existed in Tappahannock. Girls bought supplies and snacks at student-run enterprises in the dorms: Sophomore Store, Junior Candy, and during the week, Day Student bake sales. Dining out was limited to Lowery’s Seafood restaurant and Carneal’s Tastee Freeze.

On campus entertainment included Friday night movies in the old dining room in Latane and board games in the Latane living room. Depending on the appropriateness of the movie

offered, the Daw Theater added yet another opportunity to experience town life. Prior planning became an even more valued skill when a girl could hope to meet town boys at the theater. Of course, Christ Church boys could usually find a ride to our campus or persuade a dorm parent to drive them over. Mixers with other schools provided occasional opportunities for finding a future date for May Ball. Day Students often came to the rescue with invitations for Day Student weekend overnights. On Saturday, older girls could fill out a permission form for a Day in Richmond, catching the 9:30 bus in town and returning on the 6 o’clock bus. Chances for shopping and sometimes rule-breaking made these trips quite popular.

The river of course was a constant presence in all our lives each day, even in the winter. My early years at St. Margaret’s (before Global warming) were colder ones. For the first time since leaving Georgia, I bought a turtleneck and ice cleats from L.L. Bean. On some days the river froze far enough out from the Anderton House beach that girls could ice skate, an activity which quickly became a senior privilege since at that time only seniors lived in that dorm. During hurricane seasons, we watched the river with fascination as its waves resembled the ocean ones beating up against and rising over the riverbank. Several times the dock washed away and once in later years, a picnic table floated from the river onto our beach.

Even though the 1970’s were turbulent years for our country, I found a certain peace by our river in its quieter moments. It often reminded me of our students in its various moods, and they sought refuge there during both homesickness and “here sickness.” They found solace and inspiration in its power to sustain them, just as it has sustained St. Margaret’s and those fortunate to be a part of it for a hundred years.

My 48 years here in this school by the river have been rewarding ones, enhanced by the support of my colleagues, from the housemothers I worked alongside of in my early years, to my fellow teachers and my students, especially those who later returned to SMS as faculty and staff. I still miss them all. “Lord, the times we’ve had together!”

And even if we are occupied with important things, even if we attain honor or fall into misfortune…still let us remember how good it was once here, when we were all together, united by a good and kind feeling which made us…better perhaps than we are.

-Dostoevsky

Cathy Sgroi Tribute

CATHY SGROI RETIRED FROM ST. MARGARET’S IN JUNE 2021 AFTER A 45-YEAR CAREER IN GIRLS’ BOARDING SCHOOL.

THANK YOU CATHY FOR 45 YEARS OF SERVICE AND DEVOTION TO ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL!

I remember meeting Cathy Sgroi during the 1990’s when I first served a term on the School’s Board of Governors. As a math major and former math teacher, I was naturally drawn to Cathy. She quickly gained my respect, not only for her substantive knowledge and experience as a teacher, but for her dedication to her students’ success, particularly those who professed “not to be good at math.” I believe she was able to prove a number of them wrong by the time they graduated. I was happy to see Cathy take on leadership roles at St. Margaret’s from Department Head to Dean of the Faculty and a member of Margaret Broad’s cabinet.

She was the logical choice to serve as Head of School in 2016, and while she may have been reluctant to leave her role as a teacher, she accepted the position because of her love for the School, the girls and the teachers. My favorite picture from her tenure is the one on the cover of the 2017-2018 annual report. Everyone is inside a big heart with the Belong, Believe, Become motto written next to it. Cathy’s love and belief in SMS as a place where girls know they belong, are challenged and supported to believe in themselves and prepared to become their best shines bright.

-Janie Sellers

St. Margaret’s School

P.O.Box 158 | 444 Water Lane

Tappahannock, VA 22560-9903

In our Centennial year, St. Margaret's expanded its college prep program that combines science, technology, engineering, art, and math to also incorporate the Rappahannock River. We call this new program, S.T.R.E.A.M. To expand our academic and recreational uses of the river, a new outdoor classroom and dock will be constructed this summer!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @SCOTTIEPRIDE TO FOLLOW THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS. Coming this Summer!