Contact: Jenni Brockman
Telephone: 804-443-3357 (w)
Fax: 804-443-6781
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
School Opens with 151 Students
Labor Day weekend marked the arrival of 151 new and returning students to St. Margaret's campus for the 1999-2000 school year.
(l. to r.) Kate Muller '69 stands with daughter, Sarah '01, and SMS Spanish Teacher Jennifer Gura at the day family picnic.
The annual day student picnic, held on Sunday, August 29th, welcomed fifty day students to the River Lawn. This year's day students represent ten local counties which include: King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Westmoreland, King William, Middlesex, Essex, Richmond, Spotsylvania, and King & Queen. St. Margaret's headmistress Margaret Broad gave an address to day students and their families.
"This picnic marks the beginning of a new school year. We are committed to our day families and all that they accomplish for the school. I would like to thank all of you on behalf of the entire school community for your important role in the life of St. Margaret's," said Mrs. Broad. "With fifty day students representing ten counties, we are fortunate to have such a wonderful local flavor to add to our community here at St. Margaret's," added SMS Director of Admission, Kim McDowell.
On Saturday, September 4th, new boarding students and their families arrived from as far away as Dallas, Texas and as near as Fredericksburg. St. Margaret's national boarding students, 84 total, represent fifteen states and the District of Columbia. States represented include: Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Louisana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Ohio, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, and Mississippi.
(l. to r.) Assistant Head of School Mark Eastham sits with 1999-00 student leaders Laura Austin, Emily Fisher, and Yin Chien Hou, on the porch of St. Margaret's Hall prior to the new students' arrivals on Saturday, September 4.
Eight new international students arrived on Friday, September 3rd from six foreign countries including: Bangladesh, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Japan, Latvia, Mexico, and Taiwan. These international students, who bring St. Margaret's total international student count to 17 students from 7 foreign countries, represent the school's strong commitment to a diverse student body.
"We continue to enjoy wonderful geographic diversity in St. Margaret's student body. Our international students have truly brought a global perspective to the SMS campus," comments McDowell.
Based on the level of energy during the school's opening week, McDowell predicts: "It's going to be another great year!"
