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HOCKADAY COMMENCEMENT: Blue Skies and Bright Futures
SUMMER 2025
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,
We often talk with our girls about the importance of resilience, and this year’s Commencement was a beautiful testament to that value in action. With stormy forecasts looming, we decided to adjust the ceremony start time to preserve the tradition of an outdoor graduation for the Class
philanthropy, and more, our community is
expanding its learning network meaningfully. These real-world collaborations encourage
students to think critically, synthesize complex ideas, and become active, agile problem-solvers. These skills will serve them well as they prepare to lead lives of purpose and impact.
of 2025. In true Hockaday spirit, families quickly
Supporting and celebrating our Faculty and Staff
adapted to rearrange travel plans, reschedule
remains a key strategic priority for the School,
hat and flower pickups, and remain flexible and
and we are delighted to recognize those who
supportive. As I watched each graduate walk
have received awards and grants this year.
across the Ashley H. Priddy Commencement Terrace, I was reminded of the incredible strength of this community. Our girls are always at the heart of everything we do. Helping them learn to face uncertainty with resilience and grace is one of the most important lessons we can offer and one that will serve them well as they step into the future. At Hockaday, innovation and collaboration go hand in hand with preparing our girls to thrive in an ever-evolving world. This year, faculty and staff reimagined programming to allow students to explore frontier technologies, environmental stewardship, public health, data science, and financial literacy. From developing lessons for the Dream Lab to exploring how virtual reality can support science education, and hearing from industry experts in finance, government,
This year, Hockaday proudly launched the Research Fellows program in collaboration with Dr. Jeanna Wieselmann and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University. Through this
Head of Upper School Lisa Culbertson ’96, Board of Trustees Chair A. Shonn Brown, Eugene McDermott Head of School Dr. Laura Leathers. and the 111th Commencement Speaker Dr. Kara C. Allen,
initiative, our Research Fellows explored action research as a powerful method for evaluating the impact of new pedagogical approaches.
Congratulations to all on your retirement! I’m so grateful for your continued support and
Additionally, we celebrated seven retirees
partnership as we wrap up the year. This is
this year. I am grateful to Jackie Girard (Upper
an extraordinary community, and we have so
School Math teacher, 44 years); Beverly Harris
much to celebrate. Wishing you a joyful, restful
(Housekeeping, 39 years); Ada Lockett (SAGE
summer, and I can’t wait to see everyone back on
Dining, 31 years); Dr. Grace Long (Private
campus this fall!
Music Instructor, 24 years) Lori Ott (Fourth Grade teacher, 8 years); Wendy Sanders (Lower
My best,
School Teaching Assistant, 9 years); and Jeri Sutton (Upper School Math teacher, 21 years) for their many years of service to the School.
Believing in the limitless potential of girls, Hockaday develops resilient, confident women who are educated and inspired to lead
Dr. Laura Leathers
lives of purpose and impact.
Eugene McDermott Head of School
Featuring: THE CLASS OF 2025 • SENIOR TRADITIONS • RING DAY • LOWER SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS • MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT • FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS • ALUMNAE WEEKEND • And More!