Grace, Goodness and Grit

The Emily Huffman McLeod Scholarship Fund

In honor of Emily McLeod and in gratitude for her service to Trinity Episcopal School, the Board of Trustees of Trinity Episcopal School has established the Emily Huffman McLeod Scholarship Fund. This fund, which will become part of the school’s permanent endowment, will support the enrollment of talented students for whom a Trinity education would be financially challenging.

Emily, who is retiring after more than 25 years at Trinity Episcopal School, has exemplified warmth, welcome, integrity and character. She has worked tirelessly to bring the best possible students to Trinity. “I want every child to go to a school like Trinity,” she said. “Trinity makes you feel that anything is possible.”

Gifts to the Emily Huffman McLeod Scholarship Fund are fully-tax deductible. For more information, please contact Director of Development Laurie Hedgepeth at (804) 672-4899 or at lauriehedgepeth@trinityes.org.

“There is no finer way to honor Emily McLeod than to acknowledge her commitment to enriching the Trinity community with talented students from all backgrounds. Emily has built her entire career around the principle of inclusion.”

—Headmaster Tom Aycock

“I am just one of many who has discovered a fulfilling path at Trinity, and I’m grateful for having been on that path for 25 years.”

Grace, Goodness and Grit

How Emily McLeod shaped a school for the better

Emily McLeod’s retirement in June 2013 as Trinity’s director of admission will be a milestone in a career defined by warmth, loyalty, kindness and perseverance. Day by day, student by student, smile by smile, she has built a legacy of caring and commitment to young people that has enriched the entire community. In her 25 years at Trinity, she’s done something monumental— through sheer force of personality and integrity, she defined a school.

It wasn’t easy. When Emily McLeod and newly appointed Headmaster Tom Aycock joined forces a quarter-century ago, too few families knew about Trinity. These two leaders, who share a deep love for young people and a sunny outlook on life, knew they could change that. Emily McLeod needed to make students want to come to TES; Dr. Aycock had to make them glad they did. Together they set to work.

“We shared the same goals,” said McLeod. “I remember one thing Tom said, which was that we were going to do the right thing, and the results would take care of themselves.” His words were prophetic. Applications to Trinity have increased in number every year since, and more than doubled in recent years.

But as the school grew in size and stature, Dr. Aycock realized that there was more going on than could be explained with numbers and statistics. “Emily added a personal touch to admissions,” he said. “We became known as the school with the family feeling. That came from Emily.” Trinity’s identity became inextricably blended with McLeod’s. “She has such warmth about her,” said Dr. Aycock. “In so many ways, she is responsible for who we are today.” high school years and I can remember how it felt to be that age,” she said. “I try never to forget those feelings, even though it was long time ago! Sometimes new students are apprehensive as well as eager and excited. I want them to know that we are just as glad to have them at Trinity as they are to be here.”

Margie Vaughn Snead ’85, who has served as associate director of admissions since 1998 and will succeed McLeod, said, “We are two people from different generations and backgrounds. But I have always felt comfortable bringing in new ideas. A huge part of our success together has been our unquestioned willingness to work with each others’ strengths. We both know what has to be done, and we do it.” Having Snead at the helm has McLeod’s full support. “Everyone can feel very good that we will carry on the same way with Margie,” she said. “Our philosophy will continue.”

Margie Snead credits Emily McLeod with always placing the student’s needs first and working toward a meaningful and satisfactory solution for every student she meets. “Not every school is right for every student. Emily helps students and families through the process,” she said. “Families who don’t enroll at Trinity end up feeling just as good as those who do. People can leave feeling positive and hopeful and aware of the other options. Emily cares enough to follow through.”

McLeod doesn’t let her commitment to Trinity keep her from making sure families explore all their options. “I encourage families to look at all the schools in the area, because I want them to choose the best school for the child. I still think they’ll realize Trinity is the best!” she said. professionals. “Emily has been both a great friend and a knowledgeable resource for me during my 18 years in admissions work,” said Cary Mauck, director of admission for St. Christopher’s School. “Her professionalism and compassion when working with prospectivefamilies in this ever-changing world of admissions has set the standard for all of us in the field. Her upbeat attitude and infectious personality will be greatly missed by all of us who have had the privilege of working with her.”

McLeod has always understood exactly how to bring together the best possible students, who will make Trinity a better place as they discover their paths.“We’re looking for students who will thrive in our academic environment, and students who will be a positive asset to our community,” she said. Bringing in a new group of students every fall who are talented, able, diverse and eager has always been McLeod’s job description, but she seasons the process with kindness, compassion and character. “She cares about every student,” said Dr. Aycock. “And she keeps on caring after they enroll.”

Always modest and gracious, she is quick to deflect the praise and share the spotlight. For her, it’s always a team effort. “I’ve always had the full support of the faculty, administrators and staff,” she said. “From the day I came to Trinity in 1988 until now there have been so many who have made my years here a joy,” she said. “Students who welcomed me, parents who helped with anything I asked, alumni who continue to cheer on their school, trustees who set policies, and colleagues who became lifelong friends.”