What has been your favorite part of serving as Academic Dean for the seniors?  

“While on the surface it may seem cliché, my favorite part of serving as the Academic Dean for the Class of 2021 has been watching them mature and expand their horizons while developing their own visions of themselves as strong young women who are determined to contribute to the betterment of each community of which they are a part.  They have really grown a lot over the past four years, each in their own way, but also as a class, always encouraging one another as unique individuals contributing to a formidable whole.  This class has impressed me from the minute they entered the Upper School in the Fall of 2017.  They are serious in their studies, yet good-natured and incredibly fun.  To be lucky enough to have been allowed to walk with them through their growth as students — hopefully giving them some good advice along the way — while also being part of their group gatherings in my office, brightening my day with their casual banter, crazy antics, and tales of humorous escapades has been a true blessing.”

Why do you think this year’s graduating class is special? 

“The Class of 2021 is special in their ability to weather storms with an enviable blend of determination and grace.  Whether it was an instance where an individual in their class was struggling or something that impacted them as a whole class, they always banded together, figured it out, and supported each other in order to move forward in a meaningful way.  Often, it was their seriousness of purpose combined with their light-hearted humor and bright outlook on life that gave them this ability to persevere.  That is a really unique and special gift.”

What advice do you hope the Class of 2021 will carry with them to college and beyond? 

“My prayer for the Class of 2021 is that they remain true to themselves.  They are all such incredible young women that honoring themselves by living their lives as the strong, determined, compassionate, grace-filled, community-minded young women that God created them to be is all that they need to meaningfully move forward in life, be personally fulfilled, and make the world a better place.”