School Traditions

Our Patron Saint: St. Margaret

St. Margaret's School is named for St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland (1047 - 1093). Margaret and her husband, Malcolm III, succeeded Macbeth to the throne of Scotland. Margaret was known as an independent woman and she encouraged the founding of schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Together Margaret and her husband rebuilt the monastery of Iona and founded Dunfermline Abbey under the direction of Benedictine monks. Her work among the people and her reforms in the church made her Scotland's most beloved saint. She died on November 16, 1093 and was buried at Dunfermline Abbey.

The St. Margaret's School Seal, displayed prominently on our school ring and publications, was designed by the members of the Class of 1946 under the direction of their English teacher, Barbara Wiggins Gent. The Bible and the Chalice stand for the Church's ministries of Word and Sacrament which are central to St. Margaret's identity as a Church School. The Celtic cross and the thistle stand for Scotland, the home of our St. Margaret. The seal is prominently displayed in the new school banner unfurled for the first time at the Baccalaureate Service preceeding Commencement '96

Religious Life

St. Margaret's School is committed to the ideals of the Christian faith. This commitment is lived out in many facets of our community: worship, Christian education, community service, and Christian atmosphere.

The St. Margaret's community gathers together for worship three times a week. Students and staff are expected to participate in the weekday worship services led by the Reverend Ann Reeder Riggs, our chaplain. Throughout the year, special services mark events in the life of the school and the church calendar. On Sunday, boarding students attend either a morning service at one of the local churches or evening chapel at the School. The town of Tappahannock provides worship opportunities for Baptists, Episcopalians, Methodists, and Roman Catholics. When necessary, transportation is arranged.

All students are required to take three trimesters of religious studies. These courses are structured to introduce students to the Bible, its history, and its continued relevance in our lives today. Community service is the third dimension of St. Margaret's religious life. It coordinates and encourages participation in programs to benefit those outside of the St. Margaret's community.

We strive at St. Margaret's to create an atmosphere which reflects the ideals of the Christian faith. The Chaplain, staff, faculty, and students all work together to encourage these ideals through attention to spiritual, personal, and academic needs.

The School Prayer

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 bodies to thee and thy service, in a sober, righteous and godly life; in which resolution, do thou, O merciful God, confirm and strengthen us; that, as we grow in age, we may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Our Heritage

Chaplain Ann Reeder Riggs presented a sermon to the school community on St. Margaret's Day, November 11th, 2002 entitled True Colors: A Closer Look at St. Margaret of Scotland. To read the article from The Thistle click here.