Thistle 2024

THISTLE ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL

It has never been a more exciting time to support St. Margaret’s School, one of only 24 independent-styled girls’ boarding/day schools left in the U.S. As the 2023-24 school year began, St. Margaret’s School received transformative gifts totaling $2 Million from longtime supporters Roger Sanders and E. Carlton “Buddy” Wilton, Jr. The gifts are the largest in the school’s 102-year history.

Sanders, a former federal judge and Texas lawyer is the grandfather of a 2023 St. Margaret’s graduate. St. Margaret’s

ago lifted it above other American/Canadian schools the family had visited. “Since then, I’ve witnessed how this boarding school ‘Sisterhood’ transformed a shy, uncertain girl full of doubt into

“Their insight guided her throughout this beautiful riverside campus environment. How can I not support that for other daughters and granddaughters through St. Margaret’s.”

Buddy Wilton is a longtime friend and supporter of St. Margaret’s and the Diocese of Virginia. He serves as president and chief

believe in the leadership of St. Margaret’s and their commitment to the ideals and programs that founded this school – Christian education and learning on the river,” explains Wilton. “I hope others will join Roger and me in giving to the school and catapulting St. Margaret’s into its next century of success.”

Later in January, the school’s alumnae answered the call of a $250,000 Challenge grant with a 1-1 match. The success of this year’s fundraising efforts shows enormous support for St. Margaret’s mission, its focus on river-centric 21st-century learning, and St. Margaret’s recommitment to faith-based education. In fact, over the last three years, alumnae giving has increased by 300%, going from 6% to 19%! Can the Sisterhood come together to double alumnae participation next?

“It is a critical time for girls’ education in the United States,” said Head of School Colley Bell. “Adolescent girls face issues that are profound in our contemporary times. Boarding schools can be extraordinary enterprises facing such challenges, provided their mission is effectively delivered. At St. Margaret’s, we believe in the ‘gospel of doing,’ Roger and Buddy’s unprecedented gifts and the power of our Sisterhood donors allow us to extend that philosophy to further generations.”

YOUR DONATION DIRECTLY SUPPORTS ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING, SUCH AS THE SCHOOL’S UNIQUE S.T.R.E.A.M. CURRICULUM, TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS, FACILITIES, AND ATHLETICS, INCLUDING FIELD HOCKEY AND LACROSSE INITIATIVES.

Dear St. Margaret’s Community,

When I walked into my inaugural classroom as a teacher at a boarding school near the Hudson River in upstate New York in 1984, Viola Woolfolk was gracefully concluding

evokes thoughts of the seismic shifts that unfolded during her era, note that Viola embarked on her career amid the upheaval of 1949, amidst the birth of communist China, the Soviet Union’s atomic achievements, and the burgeoning Cold War. Haven’t we all, at some point, listened to our elders bemoan the downfall of civilization at the hands of the younger generation? Yet, examining our present, can we genuinely claim it’s unprecedented?

understanding the repetitive patterns of history. Observing today’s anxieties over national and global affairs, it’s essential to remember our impressionable young minds. Our role is to ensure these

imperfections within our communities, we strive, under divine grace, to foster meaningful connections with one another and God.

At St. Margaret’s, our pursuit of growing in grace is central to our ethos of human development, inspired by the beatitude that teaches us the meek shall inherit the earth. This principle, emphasizing gentleness, humility, and self-control, underpins the ‘Gospel of Do.’ It’s what visionaries like Roger Sanders and E. Carlton “Buddy” Wilton, Jr. recognize in our school’s genuine and welcoming spirit.

time here and is acknowledged and valued by our alumnae and their families throughout their lives.

Dear Fellow Alumnae and St. Margaret’s Friends,

I’m eager to see you at Alumnae Weekend, April 26-28. That weekend artfully blends alumnae activities with Parents Weekend and May Ball so we can experience the full School ambiance, enjoy our contemporaries, and dance at May Ball! I am particularly excited to see my friends from the class of 1974, who will become Golden Thistles, during a very special ceremony.

We can’t wait for you to see the campus and feel the girls’ vibrancy. The Board and School Leadership under Colley Bell are executing a bold vision that activates exceptional faculty and support staff to teach and mentor the girls with remarkable results. We continue to “inspire girls to reach their full potential and make a better world” by giving strong college preparation, building character, and developing strong, fearless young women through a program of “doing.” You won’t see girls here sitting around with their phones; you will see them in the River classroom learning actively, partaking in three sports each, performing in plays shared with the community, live-streaming the sports games with commentary, or creating marketing videos for local small businesses.

These girls are now being admitted to prestigious colleges. Among them are two of our students who escaped Afghanistan, thrived at SMS,

In these challenging times, we prepare our students for a life marked by resilience and dedication, nurtured through intellectual, physical, and spiritual development. Our S.T.R.E.A.M. initiatives stimulate their minds, while our student-led Chapel Committee and Morning Prayers rejuvenate their spirits. Physically, we are revitalizing our

introducing new endeavors like a lacrosse club and enhanced rowing facilities. Our girls are embracing these opportunities, mastering new skills, and stepping away from their screens to engage in meaningful, life-shaping experiences.

“Growing in grace” encompasses learning to navigate life with determination and resilience. We know we falter, we rise, and we advance. This spirit is a legacy echoed through the decades by names like Spears, Latané, Woolfolk, Sanborn, “Gilley,” Velletri, Farmer, Johnson, Broad, Sgroi, and many others, from the trials of the Great Depression to the challenges of COVID-19.

We are the custodians of this extraordinary legacy. This period has also witnessed a remarkable 300% surge in Alumnae Giving over the past three years, a testament to the strength of our community’s commitment and the deep connections that bind you to St. Margaret’s School.

Please join us on Alumnae Weekend, April 26-28, to rejuvenate your connection to St. Margaret’s and meet our extraordinary students. You are the legacies of St. Margaret’s School.

Faithfully yours,

Colley W. Bell III Head of School

and are currently wait-listed at Harvard. This is life-changing for them and our community. SMS girls took the basketball team all the way

reviving crew, sailing, and lacrosse while taking dance and riding classes. St. Margaret’s is re-creating its brand while it works to defeat challenges facing it and other boarding and single-sex schools. As we grow enrollment, we are also growing donorship and investment in the future of the school. This year SMS received its largest gifts ever ($2 million) from two friends of the School who believe in our mission and want to ensure the School continues on the banks of the Rappahannock. These gifts challenge the rest of us to give at more substantial levels, and they have allowed us time to organize ourselves to do so.

enhanced your lives, please give to the Sisterhood Fund so we can continue to impact girls.

My Very Best,

Elizabeth “Sissy” Hinton Crowther ‘75

Sissy with Ann Peck ‘75, Chair of the SMS Foundation Board

Mr. Bell and Miss Beverly

Bette Jones Albert ‘68

Amy Taylor Avery ‘87

Emily Fisher ‘02

Nicole Lane ‘03

Regina Esposito Morgan ‘84

Deborah Northern ‘76

Erin Porter ‘95

Patricia Anne Webb ‘03

WE VALUE OUR CLOSE ST. MARGARET’S COMMUNITY

Elizabeth Hinton Crowther ’75 - CHAIR

Carl A. Strock - VICE CHAIR

Kate-Rucker Penn Taylor ’83 - SECRETARY

Bette Jones Albert ’68

Margaret Robinson Broad - HEAD OF SCHOOL EMERITA

Jane Fain ‘74

Charlotte Haile Frischkorn ’58 - GOVERNOR EMERITA

Patricia Gallagher H’23

Tara Garner ‘96

L.H. Ginn III H‘17

Brett Glymph P’27

Natasha Kollaros Laster ’93

Ellen M. LeCompte ’71

Ann Courtland Peck ‘75 - FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR

Sarah Dillard Pope ’86, P’21

Margaret Shepherd Ray ’61 - GOVERNOR EMERITA

Kendall Rose P’24

Jane Whitt Sellers ’71

Patricia Webb ’03 - ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE

Henry R. Broaddus - PRESIDENT, CHURCH SCHOOLS

Jack Broadway - TREASURER, CHURCH SCHOOLS o

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 help us maintain a vibrant school community.

The Thistle, is produced by the St. Margaret’s School events at www.sms.org.

COVER PHOTO BY PARKER MICHELS-BOYCE

THISTLE 2024 PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY Parker Michels-Boyce

Stella Randel ‘24 and members of the SMS Photography Club

CWBell

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 Advancement, Edwina Bell, ebell@sms.org.

COACHING CAREER WITH OVER 200 WINS, 2024 SCOTTIE BASKETBALL EARNS DIVISION III RUNNER-UP

On the serene riverfront campus of St. Margaret’s School, there’s a buzz of activity that’s impossible to ignore. The

testament to a revitalized sports program reshaping what it means to be a student-athlete here. At the heart of this transformation is Cornelius Snead, who, since he arrived in 2022 as Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach, has been instrumental in ushering in a new era for St. Margaret’s athletics.

Colley Bell, the Head of School, articulates the vision with clarity and purpose: “Integrating a vigorous athletic program with our strong arts and academic offerings is pivotal in distinguishing us from other boarding and independent schools.” Bell sees athletics as a fundamental part of the school’s ethos, the “Gospel of Do,” a principle that encourages active participation from its students every season and complimented with contributions through initiatives like the Scottie Stream video broadcasting program.

Under Snead’s leadership, the basketball team’s achievements

ranking among the top teams in the Commonwealth. Key victories, like their two wins against long-standing rival St. Catherine’s, underscore the program’s competitive spirit and excellence. The short turnaround has been extraordinary. Snead’s coaching career, marked by over 200 wins, is storied

and diverse, spanning from leading Trinity Collegiate’s girls’ basketball team to a number-one state ranking in South Carolina to guiding Herndon High School to historic successes in Virginia. His experience and mentorship extend beyond the court, leveraging his extensive network to assist students with college and career decisions, embodying the school’s commitment to holistic development. Bell notes, “Coach Snead attracts more than great players, but great families who want the whole educational experience. His players’ success beyond high school and basketball is impressive - be it professions in cybersecurity, medicine, and even as a Dean of Students and math teacher at St. Margaret’s.”

Beyond basketball, Snead and his team of coaches have and swimming, broadening the athletic opportunities available attitude that girls needed less st ress from athletic competition. Cornelius and I dismissed this in the name of the girls of St. Margaret’s - adolescence is too important to get wrong in building resiliency.” With thirteen varsity and club sports—and plans to introduce more — all students are engaged yearround, honing skills that will serve them well beyond their high school years.

Snead’s role also encompasses connecting with prospective families, highlighting the advantages of St. Margaret’s

unique location and its proximity to major cities and educational institutions. He emphasizes the school’s reputation for academic rigor and the life skills boarding school life instills, which are highly valued by colleges. Bell noted that “Too often, boarding schools see parents moving their daughters between schools in the pursuit of happiness - but it’s really a pursuit in avoidance of character development, and a good athletic program helps frame the personal resolve we all need in life. The daughters of St. Margaret’s deserve this.”

Like the Head of School, Snead passionately believes in the transformative power of sports, viewing them as a platform for

equip our students with the tools to excel in any team environment they will encounter in the future, be it in college or the workforce,” Snead notes.

WHAT CAN ALUMNAE DO

Donating to the Sisterhood Fund through your annual giving is the best way to support SMS Athletics and its new teams. Your donation will also support the school’s plans to expand and enclose its pool, and making it available to the local community.

If you have a particular interest in a sport, coach a team! Or meet with current student-athletes who would love your guidance.

Come out and watch an SMS Sporting Event, or tune in to watch a live Scottie Stream!

CREW

CROSS COUNTRY

DANCE

EQUESTRIAN

FIELD HOCKEY

VOLLEYBALL

BASKETBALL

CREW

DANCE

EQUESTRIAN

SWIMMING

CREW

DANCE

EQUESTRIAN

LACROSSE

SOCCER

SOFTBALL TRACK

In February, St. Margaret’s welcomed Troy Howell, the newest of the S.T.R.E.A.M. 2.0 team. Howell will lead our full-time crew program and will work with a dedicated group of girls who diligently train during early morning workouts in the fall and spring, along with rigorous winter weight room sessions, to prepare for the team’s upcoming competitions.

Howell is a highly accomplished rowing and sculling coach with over three decades of experience across various coaching roles. Specializing in single sculling as a foundation for enhancing team boat performance, Howell has demonstrated strengths in crew selection, coaching blade work, biomechanics, and developing overlooked athletes. Holding a Master’s degree in U.S. History and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Virginia, Howell’s professional journey includes notable positions such as Sculling Director and Head Coach of Junior Rowing at Rowing Club of the Woodlands, where he transformed the program’s competitiveness. He has also served as a coach at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Middlebury College, and The

Episcopal School of Dallas, achieving remarkable success at various levels of competition. Howell’s coaching highlights include guiding athletes to international events and the U23 World Championships. Additionally, he through publications, presentations, and webinars. Howell’s extensive experience, proven track record, and commitment to athlete development make him a highly

From Coach Howell- “At a glance, competitions in crew are just races - how fast can you get from A to B, and that alone has a curious hold on the human imagination - most of us enjoy racing, whether as a participant or

spectator. Beyond that, though, the sport has an appeal as something beautiful and beguiling and deceptively complex. What is less obvious and of the greatest

a crew really has to teach you, which is that being worthy of the trust of those who depend on you is of the utmost importance. In a race between two crews of similar

people for whom letting one another down has become unthinkable. If you approach the sport with humility and a willingness to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, your reward is to become a person that other people can depend on. You stop being the center of your own universe and have the privilege of serving something larger than yourself.”

Embarking on the task of integrating elements of the natural world into a humanities curriculum can initially seem daunting. At St. Margaret’s, where our educational approach has recently evolved to align with the overarching S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, River, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) program, this integration has become increasingly vital. As a humanities

ways to incorporate river studies into my classes. Although this task naturally aligns with science curricula, it seemed less straightforward for the humanities. However, as I revisited some of my favorite authors’ works, my perspective on integrating river symbolism began to evolve. It was here that I realized the profound and varied symbolic uses of rivers, offering a bridge to connect my curricula with the broader S.T.R.E.A.M. initiative at our school.

In my Introduction to Literature and Composition class, aimed at ninth-grade students, we began the school year with an exploration of river literature. This journey began with three seminal short stories: Flannery O’Connor’s “The River,” Tim O’Brien’s “On the Rainy River,” and Ernest Hemingway’s “Big Two-Hearted River.” Each of these stories uses rivers as central symbols, but in distinctly different ways.

My introduction to Flannery O’Connor’s work dates back to my high school days in the 1990s, a time when “teenage

angst” was a prevailing theme in the wake of bands like Nirvana. A classmate, delving into this theme for his senior thesis, introduced me to O’Connor’s novel The Violent

a narrative steeped in teenage turmoil, I discovered that O’Connor’s true focus was Christianity. Years later, teaching at a church school on the banks of the Rappahannock River, it seemed serendipitous to explore her story “The River” with my students. In this story, O’Connor presents the river as a metaphor for the transformative power of the Christian faith. In of Christian conversion, much like how a river can completely metaphor suggests a total transformation, where embracing Christianity leads to a profound change in identity, akin to being swept away by a current. This interpretation sparked meaningful discussions among my students about the depth and impact of personal and spiritual transformation.

occurred during a class on writing and memory at Johns Hopkins University, where I was majoring in writing. This poignant story, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, centers on an American student grappling with a monumental decision after receiving his draft card. In the

BLAKE BRUNNER, , Dean of College Counseling & Humanities Chair on

the Rainy River, positioned on this natural border between Minnesota and Canada, faced with the harrowing choice of whether to swim to the Canadian side to escape the draft. In O’Brien’s narrative, the river becomes a powerful symbol of

concept resonated with my students, particularly when we drew parallels to their own experience of swimming across the Rappahannock River last August. It underscored the effort and courage required to confront life’s formidable challenges, mirroring the protagonist’s emotional and ethical dilemma.

In my second year of teaching Hemingway at St. Margaret’s,

Last year, in a class focused on expat writers in Paris during the interwar period, we delved into Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and several of his short stories. Hemingway’s style, often described as “hard-boiled” and “terse,” belies a deeper affection for human experiences and simple pleasures. This is evident in “Big Two-Hearted River,” where the river is portrayed not just as a geographical feature, but as a sanctuary of peace and a means to reconnect with life. The protagonist, seeking solace from the turmoil of

descriptions, whether of camping beside a river or savoring food and drink, always strike me with their ability to evoke vivid imagery and sensations despite their sparseness. In our class discussions, this story opened up conversations about the restorative power of nature and how Hemingway’s

Our journey through river literature in the Introduction to Literature and Composition class vividly illustrated the river’s rich symbolism in literature and life. These stories by O’Connor, O’Brien, and Hemingway have not only deepened students’ literary understanding but also connected them more intimately with the natural world. This exploration, in line with our S.T.R.E.A.M. initiative, highlights the importance of integrating the humanities with our environment, offering our students a holistic educational experience that navigates

A LOOK AT STUDENT LIFE IN THE CLASSROOM, ON THE WATER, ON THE PLAYING FIELD, AND MORE!

PHOTOS BY PARKER MICHELS-BOYCE, STELLA RANDEL ‘24, CWBELL

en nn e e s ste s e on e st e

A BEACON OF GIRL’S EMPOWERMENT AND EDUCATION

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, where podcasts have become a staple in daily consumption for millions worldwide, a unique voice emerges from the halls of an independent school. The Daily Thistle, a pioneering daily podcast initiated by Mr. Bell, the Head of School, has been a source of inspiration, education, and connection for over 400 episodes. Garnering an impressive 10,000 plays across the globe—from the sands of Kuwait to the streets of Belgium, the vibrant cultures of Brazil to the majestic landscapes of Tanzania—The Daily Thistle stands as a testament to the power of voice and vision. Yet, amid this success, a new chapter has been written by Kendall Quinn, a student from the class of 2024, who has launched “Sisters Pride” to expand the podcast’s reach and depth.

“Sisters Pride” is not just another segment on The Daily Thistle; it is a revolution, a clarion call to the sisterhood, exploring what it means to grow up in contemporary times—times that are markedly different from any before. This initiative, launched last year by Kendall, aims to delve into topics deeply relevant and resonant with young women today. It’s a bold stride towards inclusivity and representation, capturing the essence of girl power, the intricacies of college and life preparation, strategies to handle stress, and the art of living a balanced life. Kendall’s vision is to create a space that celebrates and interrogates the nuances of female adolescence and young adulthood, offering

insights, stories, and advice that speak directly to the hearts and minds of its listeners.

What sets The Daily Thistle, and by extension, Sisters Pride, apart is its foundation in what Mr. Bell refers to as the “Gospel of Do”—a philosophy that encourages action, achievement,

episode, challenging listeners to consider, “What have you achieved today?” It’s a question that prompts introspection and inspires action, aligning perfectly with Sisters Pride’s objectives.

for The Daily Thistle, positioning it as potentially the only independent school daily podcast to tackle such a broad and inclusive range of topics focusing on the empowerment of young women. The program’s success is a testament to Kendall Quinn’s vision, dedication, and the supportive environment that Mr. Bell and the school community cultivated.

As Sisters Pride continues to grow and evolve, it promises to be a beacon of empowerment, education, and engagement for young women navigating the complexities of contemporary life. Through this platform, Kendall Quinn and The Daily Thistle are not just sharing stories; they are shaping the future, one episode at a time.

t onne te t t et s n e on o e

BLUE/ GREY CONNECTION ON FACEBOOK!

FOLLOW @SMS_ALUMNAE ON INSTAGRAM!

Hi everyone! Last year was a big transition year for me. The company I worked at for 15 years was sold, and I found myself back in the job pool. Luckily, I was offered the opportunity to work for the St. Margaret’s Advancement team as an Alumnae Ambassador. I’ve been able to travel all over for Admissions and have visited Vietnam, Japan and Latin America for our International Program.

At a time when so many all-girls schools are closing, it makes a huge difference when alumnae can represent our school and tell our story. St. Margaret’s experience is impactful, and it really shines through when we meet young girls and their families. We are part of an amazing place something so necessary for teenagers right now.

In addition, I’ve been able to meet so many incredible alumnae on the road. Sometimes it’s just coffee or it’s a dinner that lasts for four hours because we get carried away. I hear so many hilarious stories and shared experiences, and it renews my love for the school and this sisterhood.

Linh Tran ‘10 was able to travel with me, and we met many international alums in Tokyo. I visited Beth Crowther Angle ‘97 and Ray Kurtis McDonald ‘03 on the road, and Taylor Miller ‘07 in Brazil. I also had lunch with Yoo-ri Jung ‘04 and Sophie Lee ‘06 while I was in Seoul in January.

I closed out my term as Alumnae Association President this past year, and had an amazing time with Merritt Allaun and Clarie Hopkins Brueggemann at Centennial/our 20th Reunion last April. Every month, I’m in the Sisterhood Book Club with Nicole Lane ‘03 and Michelle Ruff ‘07, and I was a guest on Meghan Cooke ‘09’s podcast, Book Besty.

This position has also allowed me more time on campus with our soon-to-be alumnae. Their morning meetings and home games are so exciting, and I especially love the Daily Thistle podcast. If you have a chance to visit campus or go to a game this spring, do it!

I look forward to connecting with even more of you in the future! You can reach me at pwebb@sms.org.

At the Greenville Boarding School Connection Fair, Patti Webb ‘03, Bowdre Fortson ‘08 and Blair Passagaluppi ‘08.

Shima Goto ‘94, Junko Egaitsu ‘95, Patti Webb ‘03, Linh Tran ‘10, and Maiko Saito ‘97.

Class of ‘03 mini-reunion: Patti Webb and Kaoru Hoshino in Tokyo.

Meetup at Ardent Craft Ale in Richmond with Michelle Ruff ‘07, Lulu Fiscella ‘05, and Tory Sterling ‘10.

Patti Webb ‘03 and Linh Tran ‘10 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Patti Webb ‘03, Asia Ceballos ‘20, and Linh Tran ‘10 at St. Margaret’s High School in Tokyo, Japan.

S U B S C R I B E

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Thistle Notes is a great way for alumnae to stay connected.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO SUBSCRIBE!

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 Advancement ebell@sms.org or 804.443.3357.

If you are interested in naming St. Margaret’s School as a primary (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 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 You receive a current income tax deduction 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 in age, may we grow in grace.”

Welcome back to campus!

St. Margaret’s School will celebrate its Alumnae Reunion Weekend on April 26-28, 2024. We have a wonderful line-up of events to celebrate and relive our SMS memories and traditions. We hope to see you and your classmates back on campus and on the river.

Our weekend event lineup includes an evening Alumnae Dinner, receptions, the Middle Peninsula - Essex County Garden Week Tour, and lots of activities concurrent with our Spring Family Weekend - something for everyone!

To register for Reunion Weekend, go to www.sms.org, click on Reunion Weekend and make a secure payment or call 804-443-3357.

If you are interested in hosting a private reunion event to arrange a celebration on campus.

Questions? Email Patti Webb, pwebb@sms.org

As we grow in age, may we grow in grace.

Patti Webb '03

Scan Me to Register

Friday, April 26, 2024

† Shuttle to Middle Peninsula Garden Week Tour

† 50th Reunion Event for the Class of 1974. Help is needed! Contact Patti Webb at pwebb@sms.org.

† Alumnae Choir and Ensemble Rehearsal with Gam Rose, Choir Director.

† 5:00 PM - Reunion Registration and Name Tag pick up opens in B-House.

† 5:00 - 7:00 PM - Reunion Cocktail Party/Buffet Dinner in B-House, complimentary.

† Cocktails served 5:00-6:00 PM, Dinner served 6:00-7:00 PM.

† 7:30-8:00PM (approximate time, begins at dusk) - Lantern Ceremony, SMS Lawn

.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

†8:30-10:00 AM - Reception with former and current faculty members. Complimentary Brunch in B-House.

†10:30 AM Meet the Head of School Colley Bell, plus a tour of our new Outdoor Classroom. (Meet in the Woolfolk Center)

†12:00-1:00 PM - Alumnae Association Luncheon Meeting & Golden Thistle Induction Ceremony in the CTC.

* $20 per person

†The Waterfront is open throughout the afternoon.

†5:30-10:00 PM - Alumnae Dinner, Cocktail Hour, Reunion Class Photos in the CTC

* $50 per person

Sunday, April 28, 2024

†Sunrise Activities:

• River Walk

• Gardening

• Beach Yoga

†11:00 AM - Charms Chapel and Alumnae Memorial Service in the SMS Chapel

†Noon - 1:00 PM - Complimentary Continental Brunch in the CTC.

BY SHANNON SPEARS Distinguished Former Faculty

Our Chaplain, Mother Anita, asked if I would speak to you this morning for a few minutes

school’s Mission, which I will

At St. Margaret’s, we are committed to the growth of you as young women in every area of your lives: the classroom, the

in on a weekend, and the opportunities we offer you to grow spiritually no matter what your faith may be. As an Episcopal school, we try to develop honor and character in a Christian environment. Although not all of us are Christians, we do as teachers and students all share the call to love one another here at this place and this time. That is what St. Margaret, the saint for whom we are named, believed in and stood for. The highest priority God gives us in life is to love Him wholeheartedly and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. But how do we do this? The author of the Chronicles of Narnia series, C.S. Lewis, tells us how in these words: “The rule for all of us is perfectly simple. Do not waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbor; act as if you did.” I’m going to repeat that: “The rule for all of us is perfectly simple. Do not waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbor; act as if you did.”

2

You have already heard a lot of talk so far about getting along with one another, being nice to your new roommate, and supporting everyone on your sports team. This is not always sisters here will help you. They always do.

I witnessed this, this past June at Alumnae weekend, when I spent some time with some members of a class from the 80’s, returning for their 30th anniversary. Two of them had brought with them a classmate who was struggling with Multiple Sclerosis, otherwise known as MS, a crippling disease that gradually had limited her ability to walk and stand without the help of a cane. As they revisited familiar places around campus, several times their classmate stumbled and almost fell, but they caught her and held on to her. They made sure she took her medication on time, while they also made sure that she took part fully in every fun event of that special weekend.

classmates to lunch. The years had not slowed them down, but their caring for their classmate had, as they matched their pace to hers throughout the weekend. Whether they realized it or not, these girls, now women, were living the St. Margaret’s mission.

3

You are invited to learn and live that mission while you are here with us. Our seniors are already living that mission; they will show you the way. They will show you how to care for one another and how to love one another, or at least how to act as if you loved one another. They will show you the meaning of sisterhood; they will show you the meaning of community.

Our chapel theme for this month is “Unity in Community.” We hope the unity we aspire to here at St. Margaret’s will become a part of you and go with you when you graduate because our mission statement ends with these words: “St. Margaret’s seeks to inspire each student to make the best of herself and, in so

purpose and our unity of spirit, and live them day by day in the weeks ahead:

(from “We are One in the Spirit”) We will work with each other, We will work side by side, And we’ll guard each one’s dignity And save each one’s pride We will walk with each other, We will walk hand in hand.

4

These were girls I had seen years ago running along the riverbank back to A-House, their dorm, and racing their

I’d like to close by reading you some thoughts from an alumna who graduated ten years ago.

“A St. Margaret’s experience. On the surface, this means so many different things. It means the anticipation as you pick blue or gray out of a hat… It means early mornings in chapel and late nights desperately trying to study for that history test. It means that by the end of the year, the words of the school prayer and hymn have blurred together into “and since it is of thy mercy O gracious father, that we go on our way rejoicing.”

commencement. These pictures never change in the mind of a St. Margaret’s graduate. Nor does their meaning change, or the mission of the school that they represent. They unite us in that we are all part of this special place.” Thanks be to God.

BY SANDRA MITCHELL ’64

On a sunny June 7, 1964, 32 young girls graduated from St. Margaret’s, leaving behind their early academic life but taking with them many memories and friendships, some of which have lasted a lifetime. One very special memory I have is the love and respect we all shared for Miss Woolfolk, Gilley, Ms. Sanborn, Ms. Perkins, and Ms. Yates. They were our “mothers” away from our mothers, our respected teachers and role models. And who could forget our dear Dr. Gibson? He was a man of integrity and enduring faith, he brought the Honor Code to our School and reminded us to always be a lady. I fondly remember him driving back and forth carrying our belongings in his new convertible, his white hair blowing in the wind, as we moved from Latané to A House during our Senior year. Everyone loved Gilley and can remember her shouting words of encouragement on the hockey

gather around Gilley to hear the latest gossip from the teachers’ lounge! We prided ourselves in being undefeated in basketball our Junior and Senior years, and Gilley never forgot that accomplishment. She was our best buddy.

Without exception, Ms. Sanborn and Ms. Perkins topped the list of Best Teachers. Their knowledge and dedication made learning a joy and one to emulate as a future teacher. Our small classes and their commitment to education made them an institution at St. Margaret’s.

our time with encouraging words and a warm hug. Regardless of what you might have done, you left feeling you had been understood and that she cared. It was amazing to hear her reel off a plethora of numbers as she coached us for the SATs, then could remember the answer along with the girl(s) who got it right. Her kindness, her fairness, her intelligence, her strength and her dedication are but a few words to describe this amazing woman who dedicated her entire life to St. Margaret’s. I stayed in touch with her for many years. She was a lasting role model, and I have retained her wisdom all my life. She was one of a kind and a true gift to St. Margaret’s.

Distinguis c ed gar

and evening Chapel (Yes, twice a day, Monday through Friday!), two-hour evening study halls, dancing in the hallway to the Beatles, trips to the bakery and drugstore, Blue and Grey games, dances with Christchurch (too close and Willy or Ms. Sampson parted the bodies!) and visiting in each other’s rooms. Lights out meant completing tasks in the dark, visits from Ceci Robinson, or undoing a short-sheeted bed. Remember the

Perki owledg oy mall classes de ce a day, Monday ng he and hristchurch siting n the dark, visits from er the ected ries of life e years.

umna

night? It was Mimi reacting to someone planting a dissected bullfrog from the lab in her bed! Such wonderful memories of life at St. Margaret’s continue to embrace us after all these years.

mbodied er role young f many t future has been res dedication, and leade tw

to articulate. Ms. Woolfolk was St. Margaret’s; she embodied grace, dignity, and integrity. Ms. Woolfolk embraced her role as the second headmistress focused on the education of young girls. Viola was attentive and so interested in the well-being of every girl. Each of us has spent time sitting on the couch in her

simply recounting a wonderful vacation. She would always end

el (Yes wo-ho atles, tr dances th out meant co n, short-sh ht? som g lab S aret’s continue to emb lfolk ty. em ocused on the ed interested in th me t erful vacation. She would

St. Margaret’s has endured many challenges, some of which have threatened the closing of the School. The School’s future has been restored through the incredible commitment, dedication, and leadership of Colley and Edwina Bell. They have spent the last two years working non-stop to restore

professional career op s S pass

professional career opportunities, and promoted St. Margaret’s as an Episcopal Girls School inclusive of all faiths. Their commitment and passion are contagious, evidenced by strong Board governance and increasing Alumnae participation.

On this 60th reunio come and celebra we com

e of whic chool’s incredible commitmen d n-stop moted Margaret’s ll faiths. Their s, asing particip

m th Reunion, revis dicate our commi

On this 60th reunion year, I encourage all of my classmates to come and celebrate our 60th Reunion, revisit the past, and, “as we come rejoicing,” rededicate our commitment to the future of St. Margaret’s.

Marg

Sandra Mitchell ’64 receives the Distinguished Alumnae Service Award from Sissy Crowther ’75.

FITZIE WALLACE ’57

In the Fall, I added a handwritten note to Sissy Crowther’s letter with a sincere request for St Margaret’s support. Since

1950s, where I thought most would recognize my name. I do hope each alumna in this group considers support. I do feel strongly that there is a place for an all-girls school in the world today.

NANCY WINTERS MULLINS ’61

the number is totally daunting to me. To celebrate, I went to Nepal and Bhutan; and the day after my birthday, I made it up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan!! And in 2024, I so look forward to our Alumnae Reunion in April, and in October-November I will go to Seoul, South Korea, China, and Tibet (with my half-sister). I am very happy about Colley and Edwina Bell and Sissy Crowther and the future of St. Margaret’s. Love to you all, Nancy

DIANNA GARDNER HAYES ’62

Dianna Gardner Hayes ‘62, with son Col Michael Gardner Hayes, USMC, and three granddaughters, Amya, Kylie, and Lana. Taken in March 2023. Still in Asheville, NC. Have

hear news of other classmates in the next issue of The Thistle.

SALLY BRYDON BOOTH ’68

My second granddaughter was born in December. I plan on a roommate reunion with Sallie Bonifant Andrews, Emily McCoy Peltz, and Tina Berg Sailer sometime soon.

TERRY LONG ’70

I like to travel. I began 2023 in Prague - Road Scholar had a New Year’s Eve in Prague trip. I went to celebrate my 70th birthday. Some friends and family also were with me. In April, I went to Portugal for eight days, and in October, I went on a river cruise with Tauck on the Rhone River in France with a group of friends. It was a lot of fun - many varied activities. More is planned for 2024.

Besides travel, I am active in my church, the Woman’s Club, Junior League Sustainer book club, Osher Institute of Life Long Learning, and whatever else comes up that I can do. I love retirement! I enjoy occasional dinners with Susan Taylor and Renny Hall Pool from the Class of 71. We celebrated our December birthdays at Renny’s home, and Cyanne Yates Handley joined us. Susan and I like to eat Mexican food, so we go to a nearby restaurant on the spur of the moment.

JANIE WHITT SELLERS ’71

Janie Whitt Sellers has a special family development to report - in September 2023, she and her husband David gained a daughter-in-law when their son Whitt married Chrissy Doughty. The newlyweds live in NYC, where the family celebrated Janie’s milestone birthday in November (that birthday that many of our class are having). Since retiring from McGuireWoods LLP, Janie has had the opportunity to serve on several boards, including the St. Margaret’s School Board of Governors; most recently, she was elected to the

board of the Blowing Rock Country Club, where she and David have a mountain home. After adjusting to life without

with classmate Ellen Metzger LeCompte), golf, pickleball, yoga, and bridge.

She sees several SMS classmates regularly, including A-House roomies Margo Woodin Hardy and Liz Glascock Freshwater, who attended Whitt’s wedding.

CLASS OF 1973 - MISSY (BRAYFORD) SWAJKOSKI, CLASS AGENT

The Class of ’73 stays in contact regularly through our FB page and emails. It’s wonderful to stay connected and support each other during good times and tough times. We had such a lovely time at our 50th Reunion in June.

We had a good turnout - it was special hugging Anne Frost, Beth, Betty Gray, Butler, Christine, George, JoLu, Marie, Peggy, and Susan. Katherine joined us by Zoom. Shannon Spears graciously hosted our class to a wine and cheese get-together in Viola’s former home on the water. We had such fun reminiscing - our Senior year was Ms. Spears’ 1st year at SMS and we gave her quite a run for her money to welcome her to boarding school life! Lizzy made up for our antics by presenting Shannon with a gift from our class. Kudos also go to Susan Motley, who hosted us for lunch in her condo right next to A House. It was built during the spring of our Senior year. We laughed as we recalled the

House windows each morning. We also agreed that we weren’t going to wait for “special” reunions anymore to get together because each reunion is special.

BTW, Susan is an outstanding quilter, and we saw her wonderful quilting room and projects! She spends part of her year in Maine and the other in Tappahannock.

Jill (Shankle) Wall ‘73 continues to love being near her 2 grandbabies in Wilmington, NC. She also visits her other daughter and 4 grands in the Chapel Hill area a few times a year. We joke that it’s fun but exhausting keeping up with them :-)

Christine (Glascock) Bodendorf ‘73 was pleasantly surprised when she ran into Betty Gray (Hall /Thompson) Koranek ‘73 at a local Bible Study group. Betty Gray has recently moved to the mountains after getting married - she’s our newlywed in the group. Christine and her husband also took a fantastic trip out west in October. “We took 5 weeks traveling in our RV to Utah to the National Parks: Arches, Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon. We saw many beautiful places along the way and were awestruck by the parks, which were quite different from Virginia. I went to our 50th class reunion in June. Lizzy and I stayed in A- house, bringing back

many fun memories. The beds are still the same (ha). We had many from our class who returned to spend some part of the weekend. I must say the dinner on Saturday night was absolutely delicious. So come back and enjoy the school.”

Lizzy (Hall) Hargrove ‘73 stays busy in RVA as the organist at her church, as well as keeping up with her 18-month-old grandson. She also planned a wedding in between her family and community service commitments.

Beth Cumming ‘73 is enjoying watching her granddaughter, Ava, compete at a high level of gymnastics at the U of Oklahoma. Thank goodness for streaming services today!

Peggy (Riegelman) Barbiarz ‘73 lives in the Fredericksburg area and is enjoying time with her grands an d husband now that she has retired.

JoLu (Perry) Terrell ‘73 has returned to the Northern Neck and it was great catching up with her at the reunion.

Jeanie (Wright) Tucker ‘73 remains busy saving and protecting animals and working with the rescue shelter in her eastern shore area. She loves having lots of space to be outdoors with her own pups, too!

Ann Rose Thompson ‘73 has retired and is now living - and loving - the lake life. She posts great photos of her sons and loves spending time with them after working crazy hours in the hospital over the years.

Betsy (Roebuck) Rogers ‘73 is loving life in Charleston, SC. She was teaching art to young children and sharing her love for creativity in between traveling and dining out at cool places (the photos are super!).

I was able to have lunch with Katherine (Graves) Fichtler ‘73 in Missoula while visiting my youngest daughter. She has always been incredibly gifted with her artwork and has her pottery displayed at a gallery in nearby Florence, MT. It’s been a while, but I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with Ann Drew Williams ‘73 for lunch in Clifton Forge, VA, while

I was in Roanoke visiting my older daughters and grands. Retirement from the school district has given me the time to get more involved in community service. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to oversee the renovations of our 125-year-old Episcopal Cathedral. A really cool trivia note is that our main altar was a gift from St. Margaret’s School in Boise—which eventually became Boise State University! At our reunion, we chatted and laughed as if it had been only weeks instead of years since being together at The Rivah. We missed seeing those of you who couldn’t come to the reunion, and we hope you will get back to one of the weekends in the future. We also took a minute to remember the sisters we have lost - Jan, Jeanne, Lindsay, Robin, and Vivian.

We want to send our thanks to Sissy Crowther and Colley and Edwina Bell for all that they continue to do for the students, staff, and alumni at St. Margaret’s. And we were

I love the Class of ’73! We keep in touch by email every few months. We still miss a few ladies, and I hope they will join us.

JANE FAIN’74

I look forward to catching up with all my 1974 classmates in April for our 50th Reunion! Please mark your calendars for April 26-28, 2024.

CLASS OF 1975 - SUSAN BLACKFORD HANKINS, CLASS AGENT

Greetings from your new Class Agent, Sissy Crowther ‘75 and Brooke Trible Weinmann ‘75 “persuaded” me to take on the role of Class Agent when I saw them at the school’s Centennial Celebration in April 2023. They weren’t going to take no for an answer -- so, hello again!

The Centennial was April 29, the same evening as May Ball, which now is held in a tent on the river side of SMS Hall -and not in May, obviously. For old time’s sake, I wandered through. Pretty dresses, pretty girls, a band, dancing, some

parents enjoying the festivities, a buffet, in the darkness, outdoor dance in Spring -- the Gym had its limitations.

But the Centennial party was loads of fun, and I was glad to be part of it. The School invited alumnae and many members of the Tappahannock/Essex County community, making for an evening of memories and laughter, good food and drink. In addition to Sissy and Brooke, Shannon Spears was there, and students from the mid-70s on stopped to say hello to their former English teacher/Dean of Students. I think she’d love to hear from you; Shannon has retired and lives in Tappahannock.

St. Margaret’s has both changed and stayed the same. At least three new buildings have been constructed; seniors no longer live in A-House, and an outdoor classroom recently was built at the end of the dock. It’s good to see the School focus more on the river, providing educational and recreational opportunities for students. The school’s enrollment is lower than when we were there and there is a strong international presence in the student body. The spirit of the school remains the same, however. I encourage you to stop by.

Brooke ‘75 and her husband Winston spent Christmas in California, where one of her daughters lives. The rest of the family also was there for the holiday, she said, including two grandchildren. They drove out to the West Coast and on the way back, attended the Sundance Film Festival. From Brooke: I am living the good life with my best friend and husband of almost 38 years. We have 4 grown children (2 daughters with precious husbands) living in Utah, California, Philadelphia and Atlanta AND 1 grandson (age 2) and 1 granddaughter (age 2 months) in Santa Barbara. Winston and I spend as much summer time as possible in our 1901 Lake Michigan cottage (where our grandkids are 5th generation). We travel whenever possible, both independently and with selected Exclusive Member Journeys of Connoisseurs Tours where I represents the company. Check out the Connoisseur Tours website for upcoming trips (https://www.ctjourneys.com/exclusivemember-journeys-2024 ). Why not join us in Egypt October/ November of 2024?! I walk regularly, have taken up Pilates and am beginning to truly appreciate one of my grandmother’s favorite sayings, ’if you have your health, you have just about everything!’

Sissy Crowther ‘75 looked wonderful; she continues as chair of the Board of Governors at SMS; we all should be proud of her work on its behalf.

I keep up with a few of you on social media, and it appears that Sandy Alevizos, Cathy Taylor Hensby, Alexandra Herbruck Donovan, Jane Lucy and Leslie Campbell Graves

-- hear from others: how your lives are today, what keeps you busy, what new adventures have happened.

In 2022, Betsy Pinder and I got together with three of my friends from Sewanee for a bike trip from Pittsburgh to Washington. I was the SAG (support and gear) driver; the

Passage to Columbia, MD, then onto the C&O Canal Towpath to Washington, 330 miles total, about 10 days through gorgeous country. Betsy lives in Olympia, Washington, having retired from a successful practice as a massage therapist.

In closing, I want to say how sad it was to learn of the death of Dee Mason ‘76, my lantern sister, and urge you all to stay in touch with those whose friendships helped make you who you are today. Dee and I had lost touch for about 20 years, but thankfully, we got together for an afternoon, in October 2020. A brief socially distanced outdoor visit, but long enough to hit the high spots of the last two decades. News of the deaths of two other friends also came to me around the same time, and the message was clear. Hold those dear to

Hope to see you in 2025 for our 50th - yikes! (Nooo, we can’t be that old...)

DEBBIE NORTHERN ‘76

After 24 years, I left Maryknoll Lay Missioners, where I worked with migrants for the last two years in El Paso, TX. I hopefully

ELIZABETH G VITU ‘80

Elizabeth is continuing my carillon teaching and playing and have a concert tour lined up in Denmark next summer. Our daughter presented her thesis, which is now “Docteur en engaged, and a 2025 wedding is planned.

CATHY BOYD ‘90

I am enjoying life in Charlottesville, VA. I work as the Donor Relations Manager for the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, a brand-new public garden in the heart of Charlottesville. I got married on April 4, 2021 (Easter Sunday) to Michael Blakely. We eloped! Sarah Wood ‘91 and her husband Kirk were

Before I met him, I told myself that I needed a new hobby (and

a hubby!). Guess what?! I now have both! I am now the proud owner of a rod, waders, and boots, and I have a most excellent guide! I am so pleased with all that is going on at SMS!

JENNI BOOKER BAKER ’93

am still working in the advancement sector and have been at Steward School for three years now as their Director of Development. Stephen was promoted and made the move to a new company, Syneos Health, a year ago. He works remotely, so that has been a big help to our schedule. Sarah

Girl Scouts. We see Kate Taylor ’83 often and try to wrangle a gathering once in a while with Danni Walker Spradlin ’93 in Richmond. Mom and Dad are gracefully aging (78 and 81!) and enjoying their life in White Stone. They keep busy with church, friends, the woman’s club for mom and the local boat club for dad. I only wish I lived closer to them! I am sending my love to each and every one of you and hope we can see each other more often in 2024!

Please make a note that classmate and dear friend Danielle Walker Spradlin’s mom, Charlotte, passed away on September 12, 2023. There were many classmates at the funeral and Tasha Kollaros Laster’93 was a reader.

CYNTHIA MACOMBER NEWTON ‘94

Last February, Katie and I went to London, Stonehenge, Bathe, Lacock, York. Then we visited Kinsale, Ireland. I attended the SMS Centennial with my son Christopher. I’m getting my BFA. Katie is at SCAD. Christopher is in 7th grade and won the Science Fair for Reverse Engineering. I continue to paint weddings and portraits.

Members of the Class of 1993 who gathered together in Richmond, VA. Shared by class agent Nicki Hartstock.

LESLIE MCBRIDE PAYNE ‘95

I cannot believe it has been 29 years since we walked across the stage behind SMS Hall. It feels like yesterday! My husband, daughter, and I live in Simpsonville, SC, just outside of Greenville. I continue to work at Sealed Air Corporation as the HR Director for the North American Food Care Business Unit. My daughter, Ellie Grace is 8 years old going on 13. She is playing basketball, softball, and soccer and we could not be more proud of her. My husband, Kevin, works for Wells Fargo as a Vice President in their IT space. We have been able to come back to Tappahannock to visit a few times over the last few years. Each time, I take a walk through the campus and reminisce about the good ole days. I hope to see all of you again sometime soon. Until then, be well.

TARA PIRTLE GARNER ‘96

I love going back to St. Margaret’s campus and have been fortunate to do so multiple times this past year. It was so fun to pick up my niece and goddaughter from River Camp in July and listen to them share about their summer adventures on the river and around campus. They thought River Camp was magical and look forward to going back to SMS again this summer. I fondly remember our days on campus and the bonds and camaraderie we shared as Scotties. I hope to see many alumnae on Alumni Weekend in April!

CAROLYN STEPHENSON GOSSE ’99

I co-hosted a Rappahannock Rivah Day with sister Scotties Ann Stephenson Pietrantoni (’96) and Claire Stephenson Flansburg (’01). Former SMS faculty member and English teacher Jennifer Klar and Sarah Shildneck (’02) came and took the healing waters.

GARNETT ASHWORTH BAYLES ‘00

My husband Gabe and I were married on October 22, 2022. It was such a gorgeous day spent with those most important to us. Louisa Bo Hammond ‘00 was my maid of honor, and Pie Terry Bell ‘00 was our photographer. Alumnae in attendance were Cameron Sgroi ‘00, Anne Worthington Aycock ‘99, and Cynthia Walker ‘99

CLASS OF 2002 - EMILY FISHER, CLASS AGENT

Rachelle Slotnick lives in Richmond, VA with her husband Isaac and children Madeline (5) and Oliver (3) and dog Cooper (11). She recently attended Carter Fitch’s ‘02 40th birthday in St. Thomas and keeps in touch with her Big Lantern Dwann Cutler ‘01. This year her family is traveling to Costa Rica and Peru and focusing on quality time out of work. Rachelle just completed her 2nd year as CEO of Evermade Foods, a self-started venture in fresh food manufacturing in Warrenton, Va.

Kelly ProctorMy update is that I have started a new job with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program. I still live in Brooklyn, NY, and last year I had the opportunity to travel to Maine and hike with Anne Czechanski Kneeland ‘02

Emily Fisher lives in Richmond Va and works for Dominion Energy. She loves spending time with her son, Wyatt (5). She enjoys serving on the Alumae Board at SMS and staying in touch with classmates.

CLAIRE HOPKINS BRUEGGEMANN ‘03

We built our home in Mechanicsville in 2022, I’m working remotely, and raising our almost 3 year old daughter, Reese, and 1 year old Shichon, Bennie. Loved seeing alumnae at our 20th reunion!

CLASS OF 2004 - ALLISON SMITH SANTOS, CLASS AGENT

Carter and I moved into a new house in Richmond last spring and have spent lots of time on house projects. Caroline started Kindergarten this fall, and Smith is in preschool. I started volunteering on the board for a wonderful organization called Little Hands which provides baby essentials to moms in need.

Shahar McSalters ‘04

daughter, Noa Lynn S. Payne, on June 7, 2021. I also married Jamal Payne on September 23, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Sarah Wind lives in Richmond, VA with her husband Trevor, who is an attorney at Williams Mullen, and her four sons Gwathmey (9), Elliott (7) and Taylor (3) and Riley (3). They attend Collegiate school and enjoy playing sports on the weekend.

Sarah regularly sees fellow SMS graduates Allison Santos ‘04, Katie Newman ‘04 and Lindsay Neist ‘03

Katie Carpenter Newman ‘04 lives in Richmond, VA with husband, Jonathan Newman. They recently welcomed Eloise “Ellie” Kathryn Newman on 11/20/23. Son, Rowan (2), loves being a big brother to his new little sister.

MICHELLE RUFF ‘07

Michelle and her husband moved to Charlottesville, VA in fall of 2023. She started a new position last year as an insurance broker with Ag Brokerage Solutions, where she specializes in equine, livestock, and farm insurance.

TAYLOR MILLER ‘07

After moving to Texas, California, and Panama to build a career in sustainable sourcing at Nestlé, Taylor returned to the Washington, D.C. area to pursue her master’s degree in Global Human Development from Georgetown University, specializing in Agriculture & Sustainable Supply Chains (graduated August 2023). Through the David L. Boren Fellowship, Taylor moved to Brazil to study Portuguese and sustainable agriculture programs. She has been soaking up the language and culture in Brazil and even got to meet up with SMS alumna, Patti Webb ‘03, during an SMS recruiting event in the Brazilian city, Curitiba. Taylor looks forward to reconnecting with fellow Scotties when she returns to the DC area.

MEGHAN COOKE ‘09

Meghan purchased a home in Colonial Beach, Virginia and started a podcast: Book Besty Podcast (www. bookbestypodcast.com/)

LINH TRAN ‘10

Linh Tran is a practicing attorney in Los Angeles, California and represents employees in class action wage and hour lawsuits. Most recently, in December 2023, Linh had the privilege and honor of accompanying Patti Webb ’03 on SMS admission trips to Vietnam and Japan. She had a lot of fun introducing her home country (Vietnam) to Patti and connecting with international SMS alumnae who met up with them throughout the trips.

CLAIRE MASTER ‘11

Claire lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband Palak and their dog Athena, whom they rescued this summer. She is thriving

VIRGINIA SAWYER ROGERS ‘12

Virginia gave birth to her son Dawson Rogers, on July 9, 2022.

MIATTA KINGG-CARR ‘12

I started a business - Memories by Miatta, a custom arts and crafts company that specializes in handcrafted memory

as a postpartum doula for new mothers and families welcoming a new baby into their lives. I will be accepting clients in Spring 2024 throughout VA and central FL.

SHAE SEBETZKI ‘19

Shae graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and is now a boardregistered Dental Hygienist working out of Charlottesville, VA!

MACKENZIE BELLE SYIEM ‘19

Mackenzie graduated in May 2023 with a B.A. in English and Spanish and is currently serving as a Marketing Fellow at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.

MERRITT CAILES GARCIA ‘23

Cailes begins her second semester, her freshman year at American University in D.C., where she thrives! Thanks to St. Margaret’s preparation, she hit the ground running and achieved a 3.76 GPA for the fall semester!

Ann Brooke (Jody) Perkins Lewis ‘66

St. Margaret’s School is saddened by the passing of alumna and former English faculty member Ann Brooke (Jody) Perkins Lewis, born September 2, 1948 and passed away May 3, 2023. A memorial service will be held on May 13 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal, and following the service will be a reception at the Brockenbrough House.

After her husband retired and they moved to Tappahannock, Jody began teaching English at St. Margaret’s in 1995, having taught English at Collegiate during the years they lived in Richmond. Jody had grown up at St. Margaret’s, where her mother, an alum, was a much-loved English teacher here for many years. Jody was a St. Margaret’s graduate in the class of 1966. Jody lived a life in full as a wife, a mother, and a wonderful friend. She loved the “rivah,” living by it and swimming and sailing in it and on it. Above all, she was an amazing English teacher. She was an incredibly insightful reader and a beautiful writer. By far, she was the best of all of us in the English department. E.M. Forster would have been impressed with her ability in the classroom to “connect the prose and the passion,” exalting both. She loved all the great writers: Faulkner, Virginia Woolf, Dostoevsky, Fitzgerald, and of course, the poets from Gerard Manly Hopkins to Robert Frost. She could light up a classroom, and in doing so, during

minds of her students that will never be extinguished.

Mary Cabell Kennedy ‘46

Mary Cabell Kennedy ‘46, age 95, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023. She was born in Richmond, Virginia on March 1, 1928. Mary graduated from St. Margaret’s and she was married to Ralph Donald Kennedy on November 23, 1949. Prior to marriage, Mary worked as a secretary for The New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan. She was an accomplished

and her life in New York. She was a devoted wife and mother to both her children and seven grandchildren.

Nancy Stephenson Mann ‘48

Nancy Stephenson Mann ‘48, 93, of Wilmington, NC, passed away September 26, 2023, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening and being on the horse farm run by her daughter. She was a great friend and will be truly missed. Nancy enjoyed living life to the fullest, traveling, meeting new people, making memories and experiences to last a lifetime. She is survived by three children, Joel “Jody” Marshall White (Lori) of Raleigh and Wilmington, Matt Stephenson White and Elizabeth Jackson White; granddaughter, Laura White Miller (Phillip); and great-granddaughters, Avery Jane Miller and Ella Louise Miller, all of Castle Hayne.

Elizabeth T. “Betsy” Morgan ‘63

Elizabeth T. “Betsy” Morgan ‘63 (nee Trudeau), 78, passed away on January 8, 2024. Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1945, she was the daughter of the late Edmund and Barbara Higham (nee Winner) Trudeau. Betsy was the beloved wife of Howard Morgan; loving mother of Howard Randall “Randy” Morgan, Jr. (Lynn), Carl Gissler “Chip” Morgan (Kathleen), and Anna Morgan Cassidy; adoring grandmother of Natalie, Daniel, Kate, Georgia, and Justin Morgan and Tyler and Auden Cassidy. S . Margaret s School e tends

its deepest sympathy to the loved ones of all al mnae and ac lty who have passed. ad eepest e

Jacqueline “Jacque” Ziskind ‘63

Jacqueline “Jacque” Ziskind ‘63, née Moody, passed on July 24, 2023, at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, due to a heart attack. Jacqueline is survived by Stanley Ziskind, her husband; Bryan Saddler, her son; Paula Saddler, her daughter-in-law; Teresa Saddler Ward, her granddaughter; and Benjamin Ward, Teresa’s husband. Originally from Chester on Kent Island, Maryland, Jacqueline graduated from St. Margaret’s School, after which she had a long career in government service for the State of Maryland including work at the District Courts of Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties. She will be remembered for her warm heart, patience, and love of service including volunteer work for the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary on Kent Island, and, following her retirement, extensive work on behalf of the philanthropic organization, Covenant Guild.

Susan Little Bundy ‘69

Susan Little Bundy ‘69, 72, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 23, 2023, after a valiant battle against cancer. Left to cherish her memory are her mother, her sister Marie Bundy Estabrook (Randy), brother-in-law Mark Estes, niece Brooke Estes (Frank), nephew Nathan Estes (Adri), and her dear cousins. Susan was known for her boundless energy and willingness to support the organizations and causes her optimism and courage, and she always looked on the bright side of every challenge.

Belle Peterson Bain Bronner ‘72

Belle Peterson Bain Bronner ‘72, 69, born on March 6, 1954, passed away on December 11, 2023. Belle attended St. Margaret’s and VCU. She is survived by : her husband Jon Benjamin Bronner, Sr.; and her grandchildren, Hallie Bain Romm, Emma Helton Romm, Jon Benjamin Bronner, III and Faye Dameron Bronner. She is also survived by her family and friends.

Mary Alison Outten ‘76

Mary Alison Outten ‘76, 65, passed away at Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, VA on August 16, 2023. Her parents were the late Richard Young Moon and the late Elizabeth

as a registered nurse. She was survived by her daughter, Rebecca Richardson and a granddaughter.

Adelaide “Dee” Bass Mason ‘76

Adelaide “Dee” Bass Mason ‘76, 65, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Dee will be remembered as a mentor, a dedicated Virginia Tech fan, a master at Trivial Pursuit, an honorary family member to the children she helped to raise, and a steadfast, compassionate friend. Surviving are her brothers, Landrum Hardy Mason of West Virginia, and Thomas F. Mason of Ohio.; nieces, Renee and Nicole; nephew, Jeremy; and grandniece, Alethea. Dee graduated from St. Margaret’s and continued her education to receive degrees in History and Psychology from Hollins University.

Elizabeth Gray Tochman ‘84

Elizabeth Gray Todman ‘84, 58, died November 27, 2023 at her home in Carbondale, Colorado, after a lengthy illness. Gray is survived by her mother, Polly Watson, brother John Walker Todman (Bryn), nephew Frederick Marshall Todman, aunt Mary Donnan Todman

all of Virginia Beach, VA, special friend Jodi Soltysiak, and the loves of her life, her dog Stella and bird, Sunny. She adored the mountains of Colorado, skiing, and had a huge passion for all animals. She was a fan of the Grateful Dead, which she followed as often as she

cooking at various restaurants in Aspen.

Blair Forrester Fisher ‘04

Blair Forrester Fisher ‘04 passed away on April 2, 2023 at 36. She was born in Newport News, VA to Chris and Cathy Fisher. She graduated from St. Margaret’s School in 2004. She then graduated from ODU in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Blair was a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed by many. Left to cherish her memory is her loving wife, Erin Warford and her family, Jonathan, Justin, Jaydan, and Jackson; her black lab, Luke; parents, Chris and Cathy Fisher; sister, Emily Howell (George); nephew, Wyatt; grandmother, Barbara Fisher; as well as many other family and friends.

Jennifer Loving Amirault ‘97

Jennifer Loving Amirault ‘97 passed away on March 8, 2024 after a brave battle with cancer.

As a child, she loved music and dancing and has handed that same love down to her children. Jennifer was

1997, Jennifer started studying at Longwood University. She enjoyed studying the Bible and History. Jennifer is survived by her devoted and loving family including her husband, Robert J. Amirault, of Prince George; her children: Camryn Elizabeth Amirault, Abigail Chase Amirault, and Robert J. “Tripp” Amirault, III; her father and mother, J. Wesley “Wes” McKinney and Elizabeth “Beth” Durham McKinney, of Caret; her brother, James D. “Jay” Loving (Libby), of Dunnsville.

Jennifer wanted it known that it was at St. Margaret’s that she learned how to do a breast self-exam. She wanted ALL women to get a baseline mammogram and not allow doctors or insurance to dictate how early, especially if there was a family history. Jen wanted to spread the word that you have to be your own advocate and was part of a worldwide group of women who was always positive, cheering others on to lean into their faith.

Susan Hunter Taulman

Susan Hunter Taulman, or Susie as she was known by her friends and family, passed away of natural causes at her home at Manor Lake in East Ellijay, Georgia on May 11, 2023.

A lifelong resident of Atlanta, Susie enjoyed needle-pointing, knitting and was an accomplished bridge player. She delighted in researching and archiving the family’s ancestry with occasional updates in the family Bible. Susie never complained about her many struggles, but learned self-acceptance and made the best of it. Her child-like spirit was refreshing and the sweetness in her heart could not be ignored. Susie’s family grieves her loss but celebrates her arrival in heaven – now free from pain and able to join a troupe of tap-dancing angels. Survived by her sisters, Kathy Taulman Vaughan of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Patty Taulman Wills of Ellijay, Georgia; nephews, Robert Bruce Logue, Jr., John Taulman Wills, Wesley Clark Wills, Bryan Wilson West; and nieces, Lisa Logue Morgan, Laura Donahue Moreno, and Helen Wills King.

And since it is of thy mercy, O gracious Father that another day is added to our lives; We here dedicate both our souls and our bodies to thee and thy service, in a sober, righteous and godly life, in which resolution, do thou, O merciful God, con rm and strengthen us; that as we grow in age, we may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and avior esus hris Amen.