Vol. 11, No. 8 Tappahannock, Virginia, March 2009

Dear St. Margaret's friends and families,

What a thrill it has been to serve on the NCGS board as the UCLA research results came together! This month, with so many of our students engaged in off campus learning experiences, I’ve taken the time to reconnect with St. Margaret’s alumnae from the Class of 1935 to the Class of 2004. Everything the new research tells us about girls’ school graduates shines through in the lives of these amazing women.

I’m pleased to announce that one of them will be right here to welcome our students and faculty back after spring break. Sarah Wilson, Class of ‘95, has joined us as director of development. Sarah cherished the friendships, traditions and excellent classroom experiences she enjoyed as a four-year boarding student. At her graduation, Sarah was recognized with the Spirit of St. Margaret’s award, a spirit that led her to membership on the alumnae board after graduation from Mary Baldwin and a career in non-profit fundraising. Sarah brings eight years of successful fundraising experience to this leadership role. She will work closely with Mavora Donoghue and Chesley Vaughan ‘99 to guide all development office activities and reach out to the larger school community. Thank you for joining me in welcoming Sarah back to St. Margaret’s.

Who else have we seen this month? First we saw Ellen LeCompte ‘71 in print in the April issue of Virginia Living photographed with Prince Harry. Wouldn’t our students have loved to be with her on the sidelines of that polo match! We also welcomed 50 alumnae whose graduation years spanned six decades to Ginter Park Botanical Gardens for our February Alumnae Council Luncheon. Their discussion groups produced reunion weekend schedules, a new alumnae communications plan and volunteer support for alumnae events. Fay Lohr ‘62, director of the Central Virginia Food Bank and SMS Board of Governors member, got their attention when she reminded this group that just as many of them were supported financially during their St. Margaret’s years, the annual fund contributions they make as alumnae support the young women at St. Margaret’s today.

We shared another spirited lunch with 25 members of the Golden Thistle Society, those who graduated 50 or more years ago, at Westminster-Canterbury in Richmond. Older alumnae are getting younger all the time and their stories are definitely worth hearing! I’m sure the members of the Class of 2009 cannot imagine the days when they will be Golden Thistles celebrating more than 50 years of friendships and commitment to St. Margaret’s. But they should be proud to know that for each of the women we met this month, St. Margaret’s was the place their passions were born and the place they have chosen to support throughout their lives. Here again, they cherish the warmth of the friendships and the knowledge that our school’s motto, As we grow in age, may we grow in grace, holds valuable truths for meaningful lives.

Sincerely,
Margaret R. Broad,
Head of School


 

St. Margaret’s Graduates Have an Edge:
Study supports the value of a single-sex education.......

Spring Family Weekend:
Make plans to celebrate with us.......

Minimester Expands Horizons:
Students talk about their experience......

Admission:
Winter Reminders, Visits, Financial Aid, Applications.......

Alumnae News:
Class Notes for the Thistle .......

Alumnae Events:
Join your friends for these events .......

THE CURRENT

	ADMISSIONS Spring Reminders from the Admission Office: April 10: Re-enrollment agreements due in the Admission Office. Your deposit and signed contract must be in before your daughter can choose a room/roommate or be considered for leadership positions.

ALUMNAE Don’t forget to make your Annual Fund Gift to St. Margaret’s before June 30. We are well on our way to meeting the Annual Fund goal of $330,750. We need your help now to push us toward the finish line! Visit www.sms.org/giving to make your gift online or call the Development Office at 804-443-3357 for more information. Email Mavora Donoghue at mdonoghu@sms.org. St. Margaret’s School Attn: Mavora Donoghue P.O. Box 158 Tappahannock, VA 22560

	ALUMNAE Please Join Your SMS Friends for Upcoming Events Reunion Weekend 2009 June 5-7 St. Margaret’s School Come back to campus for a weekend of fun and friendships.