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HOCKADAY COMMENCEMENT: A Magical Tradition
SUMMER 2024
y a d a k c o H
THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IS A PERFECT TIME TO REFLECT AND REMIND US WHY WE ARE PROUD AND GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF THIS COMMUNITY. Dear Hockaday Community,
It’s been an incredible year, and this community has so much to celebrate. Although May is always a whirlwind, this year felt especially packed as I celebrated the graduation of two of my children from graduate school. Attending
read every day (not on a screen!), to get some
exercise, and to exhibit character and courtesy
at all times–even when no one is watching. I also reminded them that all online behavior should adhere to the same high standards for character and courtesy.
different ceremonies at other institutions allows
We are excited to send the Class of 2024 off to
me to fully appreciate the special tradition that
college, and we know they will continue to make
is Hockaday’s Commencement. The remarks
a difference in their communities. The Class of
from our speaker, Dr. Shanda H. Blackmon ’87,
2024 is attending 66 outstanding universities
were especially relevant, as she reminded our
nationwide and internationally, and we are so
graduates about the importance of resilience
proud of our newest alumnae.
and determination, qualities that will serve our girls well as they head into the future.
Faculty support is an ongoing strategic priority for the School, and we are thrilled to recognize
During our opening convocation in August, I
outstanding faculty members through the
spoke to the girls about embodying the Four
Distinguished Teacher program. You can read
Cornerstones. They have worked hard to
more in the Faculty Awards section.
demonstrate Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics this year–on our fields and courts, in our classrooms, and in their interactions with one another.
Additionally, we celebrated seven retirees this year. I am grateful to Sunny D’Apice (Private Music Instructor, 28 years); Francisco de la Rosa (Groundskeeper, 12 years); Jill Dorman (Nurse,
At our end-of-year celebration, I reminded them
13 years); Linda Hill (Upper School Math, 8 years)
that the Cornerstones still apply over the summer
Jesus Lares (Maintenance, 34 years); Justino
when we aren’t together on campus. Lower
Rodriguez (Groundskeeper, 34 years); and Barby
School students provided examples of how to
Power (Assistant to the Head of Upper School,
demonstrate the Cornerstones this summer,
33 years) for their many years of service to the
which included going to the library, swimming,
School. Congratulations to all on your retirement!
being kind to siblings, and doing what was asked of them the first time. I encouraged everyone to
Head of Upper School Lisa Culbertson ’96, the 110th Commencement Speaker Dr. Shanda Haley Blackmon ’87, Board of Trustees Chair A. Shonn Brown, and Eugene McDermott Head of School Dr. Laura Leathers.
As we end this year, I thank you for your support and encouragement. This is an extraordinary community and an exciting time in the life of the School, and I look forward to the journey ahead. I hope you have a restful summer, and I can’t wait to see everyone on campus in the fall. My best, Believing in the limitless potential of girls, Hockaday develops resilient, confident women
Dr. Laura Leathers Eugene McDermott Head of School
who are educated and inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
Featuring: THE CLASS OF 2024 • SENIOR TRADITIONS • RING DAY • LOWER SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS • MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT • FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS • ALUMNAE WEEKEND • And More!