2025 Broadsheet

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.

Hockaday

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 of 2025. In true Hockaday spirit, families quickly adapted to rearrange travel plans, reschedule hat and flower pickups, and remain flexible and supportive. As I watched each graduate walk 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,

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.

Supporting and celebrating our Faculty and Staff remains a key strategic priority for the School, and we are delighted to recognize those who have received awards and grants this year.

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 initiative, our Research Fellows explored action research as a powerful method for evaluating the impact of new pedagogical approaches.

Additionally, we celebrated seven retirees this year. I am grateful to Jackie Girard (Upper School Math teacher, 44 years); Beverly Harris (Housekeeping, 39 years); Ada Lockett (SAGE Dining, 31 years); Dr. Grace Long (Private Music Instructor, 24 years) Lori Ott (Fourth Grade teacher, 8 years); Wendy Sanders (Lower School Teaching Assistant, 9 years); and Jeri Sutton (Upper School Math teacher, 21 years) for their many years of service to the School.

Congratulations to all on your retirement!

I’m so grateful for your continued support and partnership as we wrap up the year. This is an extraordinary community, and we have so much to celebrate. Wishing you a joyful, restful summer, and I can’t wait to see everyone back on campus this fall!

My best,

Dr. Laura Leathers Eugene McDermott Head of School

Commencement

CLASS OF 2025

MAY 17, 2025

On a beautiful morning in May, the Class of 2025 crossed Ashley H. Priddy Commencement Terrace and received their diplomas at Hockaday’s 111th Commencement. The graduates enjoyed the many time-honored traditions that make the Hockaday Commencement ceremony so special: the walk from Teardrop Garden down the Metzger Plaza stairs, the Honor Guard gladiola arch, and the beautiful flower baskets. The entire Hockaday community was thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these graduating students.

ONCE A DAISY COMES INTO FULL BLOOM, SMALL, LIGHTWEIGHT SEEDS START BREAKING OUT. AND THE WIND CATCHES THEM AND CARRIES THEM OFF. THEY TAKE ROOT WHEREVER THEY LAND – WHETHER THAT’S A FEW FEET AWAY, OR MUCH FARTHER. SO, WHEREVER THE WIND MAY TAKE YOU, BE TRUE TO YOURSELVES. REMEMBER YOU’RE A PART OF THIS MEADOW, AND THAT YOU’LL NEVER STAND ALONE. REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE STRONG, RESILIENT, AND THAT YOU CAN PUSH THROUGH THE CRACKS ANYWHERE YOU MIGHT LAND.

ALEX BLUE BARON, Class of 2025 Commencement Speaker

I HOPE THE LIMITLESS POTENTIAL IN YOU CHASES THE STRONG IT TAKES TO BE HONEST, FIRST WITH YOURSELF, THEN ONE DAY, WITH ALL THE PARTS OF YOUR WORLD. STRONG ENOUGH TO SAY YES AND SAY NO, STRONG ENOUGH NOT TO PERFORM, TO RISK LETTING THE MASK FALL AWAY, TO SHOW UP AS YOU; THE PARTS YOU KNOW AND THE PARTS YOU MIGHT ALWAYS BE FIGURING OUT."

DR. KARA C. ALLEN, 111th Commencement Speaker

THE CLASS OF 2025

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Class of 2025

CUM LAUDE Society

In 1946, Hockaday was granted its Cum Laude Charter. The Hockaday chapter of Cum Laude honors those among us whose academic achievement and scholarship have been extraordinary. Admission to Cum Laude is the highest academic honor Hockaday can bestow upon a student. Tanvi Jakkampudi ’18 (below right) was the featured speaker at the induction in April.

FOUNDER'S DAY Awards

Since 1959, members of the Senior Class have been nominated by faculty and peers for this distinguished award, which is given at a special ceremony near Miss Ela Hockaday's birthday in March. The recipients embody the Four Cornerstones of Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics. The 2025 recipients of the Founder’s Day award are (left to right) Alexa Muñoz, Anjy Fadairo, and Rayna Li Dr. Anna Rosenblatt '06, (below left) spoke at the ceremony. Also pictured are Eugene McDermott Head of School Dr. Laura Leathers (second from left) and Jimieka Rose Oswald '00, (far right) President of the Alumnae Association.

Commended Students

Senior TRADITIONS

SENIOR YEAR AT HOCKADAY IS A SPECIAL TIME.

Senior year marks a time of highly anticipated privileges such as college t-shirts and off-campus lunch, as well as special events thoughout the year: Senior retreat, sunrise breakfast on the first day of school, Daisy Days, Secret Senior Pals, Senior Nights in Athletics, and more! These experiences help the Seniors bond as a class and create special memories as they embark on their next adventure.

RETURN TO YOUR Roots

Seniors who attended Hockaday in the Lower School are invited to return to the Lower School for a “Return to Your Roots” program. The afternoon is a walk down memory lane with Fourth Grade students reading childhood highlights submitted by Seniors and their parents. The girls sing songs from their days at Rotunda Rocks, and their parents create poster boards filled with photos and memories from their time in Lower School.

SENIOR Heritage Receptions

The rich cultural legacies of Hockaday’s self-identified Seniors were celebrated at the Sixth Annual Asian and Pacific Islander Senior Heritage Reception, 19th Annual Black and African Senior Heritage Reception, and the Seventh Annual Latin and Hispanic Senior Heritage Reception. The receptions featured special food, music, remarks from Seniors, and cultural traditions. Speakers included Hannah Song ’02, Madison Camper ’18, and Claudia Guerrero-Nava ’00

ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HONOREES BLACK AND

SPLASH Day

The final Daisy Day and Senior Splash Day was a wet and wild day of fun! Students decorated their skirts with their college branding and drenched their advisors, college counselors, and underclassmen while enjoying lunch, games, and water slides.

SENIOR Farewell

The Thursday before Commencement, Seniors and their parents gathered on campus for a final farewell. The students elected Tori Fair '25 and Ben Gerdts, Upper School English teacher, to give remarks as they gathered to say goodbye.

WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE AN AMAZING SCHOOL AND SISTERHOOD THAT MAKE IT SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE. AS WE LEAVE HOCKADAY, THE PLACE THAT HAS TRULY SHAPED US INTO THE PEOPLE WE ARE, I HOPE WE FOCUS ON THE NEW BEGINNINGS. I HOPE WE DO NOT FOCUS ON HOW EVERYTHING IS ENDING, BUT ON WHAT IS BEGINNING

Form DAY

Forms I, II, and III competed in Form Day on the last day of school to win the spirit stick. Competitions included the leaky barrel, bucket brigade, and

games, as well as tug-of-war. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 for winning the

UPPER SCHOOL Awards

Ring DAY

Ela Hockaday selected the jade stone because it was a symbol of wisdom, and the first ring was designed in 1917. The Class of 2026 received jade rings during the Ring Ceremony in May and also donned their white blazers for the first time as a class! Outgoing class president Tori Fair '25 and outgoing Student Council President Sunnie Wang ’25 presented each girl with her ring, and incoming Form IV president Savannah Chun (Class of 2026) addressed the rising Seniors.

IN MIDDLE SCHOOL, YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF, AND WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU WANT TO BE

Fourth Grade RECOGNITION LOWER

Eighth Grade GRADUATION

MIDDLE SCHOOL Awards

THESE GIRLS WITH ME HERE HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE. THEY INSPIRE ME WITH THEIR GRIT, PASSION, AND KINDNESS, I FEEL LIKE EVERY DAY I HAVE SPENT ALONGSIDE THEM HAS IMPROVED ME AS A PERSON.

Lower School PRODUCTIONS

EMPOWERING EVERY GIRL TO TAKE THE STAGE!

Every girl has the chance to shine in a Lower School production! Students put on the greatest show in town at the Pre-K Circus; Kindergarten and Primer welcomed spring with “Squirm! A Wiggly, Giggly, Squiggly Musical;” First Grade performed the ever-popular ”Temples and Tombs;" Second Grade showcased their favorite fables in a performance of "Bebop with Aesop;" Third Grade debuted a new performance of “A Kid's Life;” and Fourth Grade performed a show-stopping musical, “Summer Camp.”

FIRST Grade

FOURTH Grade

SECOND Grade

THIRD Grade

KINDERGARTEN AND Primer

Middle SchoolHIGHLIGHTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL Trips

Middle School trips offer students the chance to explore new places, learn through experience, and strengthen their class community. Fifth Graders traveled to Camp Balcones Springs, where they ziplined, climbed, crafted, and rode horses while building friendships and confidence. Sixth Grade spent an exciting week in Williamsburg and Washington, D.C., where highlights included Jamestown Settlement, Ford’s Theatre, the International Spy Museum, the National Archives, and key memorials honoring Jefferson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and World War II. They also visited Arlington National Cemetery and several Smithsonian museums. Seventh Grade journeyed to The Vines Center, an outdoor learning campus affiliated with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. There, students practiced survival techniques, built shelters, kayaked, hiked, and participated in team-building exercises. A visit to Central High School gave them powerful insight into the story of the Little Rock Nine and the school’s place in civil rights history.

GREEN AND WHITE Day

One of Hockaday’s most beloved Middle School traditions is the year-long competition known as Green and White. Students vie to earn points for their team during PE, and at the end of the year they participate in Green and White Day, complete with a pep rally, dance-off, water games, and tug-of-war competition. In addition, each team can earn points for spirit and sportsmanship. Congratulations to members of the White team, whose flag will be flown outside of Penson Gym for the next school year!

FIFTH GRADE Authors

For the past 30 years, Fifth Grade English students showcase their learning by writing their own narratives. Pre-K, Kindergarten/Primer, and First Grade students and teachers are gracious audience members for these budding authors, who enjoy reading their stories aloud!

FIFTH GRADE Olympics

During the Fifth Grade Olympics, students learn about the Olympic values and participate in opening and closing ceremonies and various athletic events. The girls are divided into countries, and medals are given for basketball, field hockey, rowing, table tennis, soccer, swimming, and track and field.

Hockaday TRADITIONS

CONNECTING THE PAST AND THE PRESENT

At Hockaday, girls form lifelong friendships that will carry them through their lives. Hockaday's many storied traditions connect the past with the present and provide connection and community-building for each Daisy. These traditions are meaningful for our students, faculty, families, and alumnae, and provide a bridge between generations of students.

ALL-SCHOOL Spirit Rallies

Led by Upper School's Athletic Board, students in all divisions come together three times a year to celebrate Varsity teams heading to SPC competitions. Spirit Rallies feature fun competitions between students and faculty, appearances by Jade the Daisy, and most importantly, lots of Hockaday cheers!

ROTUNDAY Rocks

Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, and Primer students sing and dance to some of their favorite Rotunda Rocks songs at this special monthly event with parents.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Bazaar

Each Middle School advisory creates an item to sell at the holiday bazaar. Students, faculty, and parents stop by to shop, and all proceeds go toward a nonprofit chosen by the Student Council.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Talent Show

Every other year, Middle School students show off their talents at a special assembly! From dancers and pianists to comedy routines and martial arts, our Middle School students love celebrating their peers!

BIG SIS Little Sis

Hockaday’s Big Sis/Lil Sis is a program that connects the newest and oldest members of Upper School. Form I students meet their Form IV Big Sis during Retreat Week, and the pairs spend time together throughout the year.

MAY DAY Tea

First Grade students celebrate the start of spring with a special May Day celebration, featuring a Maypole dance and a tea party with parents. This year, they learned the art of flower arranging from Katie Hogan Haucke ’04, owner of Petal and Field!

LOWER SCHOOL Gatherings

Lower School students and faculty gather once a month to hear from guest speakers, learn from other students about special topics, sing favorite Hockaday songs, and celebrate birthdays. Fourth Graders lead the Gatherings, and all girls recite the Hockaday pledges and values.

ALL-SCHOOL Convocation

Convocation in August is an opportunity for the Hockaday student body and faculty to gather and build community, celebrate, and launch the new school year. Student speakers remind the community about Hockaday's Cornerstones, and set intentions for the year!

Hockaday ATHLETICS

LACROSSE WINS FIFTH STRAIGHT STATE TITLE

Hockaday's Varsity Lacrosse team won the state title for the ninth time and fifth year in a row, defeating The Woodlands 20-8 in the title game on May 11 in Austin. The Daisies (17-1) were unbeaten against instate competition this season, winning most of their games by double-digit margins. They averaged more than 19 goals per game. The title game victory was led by Mae Flanagan (Class of 2025), Sunnie Wang (Class of 2025), and Brooke Eckert (Class of 2027) with five goals each. Thandi Chisango (Class of 2027), Mae Flanagan (Class of 2025), Lily Gum (Class of 2025), Charlotte Schultz (Class of 2025), and Sunnie Wang (Class of 2025) were named to the TGHSLL All-State Lacrosse Team.

ROWING GOES HERE

COLLEGE Signees

PERSIA BROWN

Northeastern University Rowing

FINLEY BURKE

Western Connecticut State University Softball

ANNABEL CALLAHAN Bowdoin College Soccer

AYNALIE CHARRON

Tufts University Lacrosse

ALYSSA CUBAN

University of California, Los Angeles Rowing

CELINE EBERT

Johns Hopkins University Volleyball

MAE FLANAGAN

StanfordUniversity Lacrosse

PEYTON GENTRY

University of Tulsa Rowing

LILY GUM

Georgetown University Lacrosse

AFTON JURACEK Tufts University Rowing

JAYNA KHATTI Bowdoin College Field Hockay

JORDAN LACSAMANA

Massachusetts Institite of Technology Track and Field RAYNA LI Massachusetts Institite of Technology Tennis

MADALENA RITZ-MEURET Wellesley College Track and Gield

CHARLOTTE SCHULTZ

Harvard University Lacrosse

AVA THIGPEN

Massachusetts Institite of Technology Rowing

SUNNIE WANG Brown University Lacrosse

OLIVIA WAYNE Duke University Volleyball

Faculty & Staff AWARDS

THE ACKERMAN AWARDS

The Ackerman Family Endowment for Faculty Support and Recognition was established in 2008 with a generous gift from Edward and Helma Ackerman honoring their daughters, Paula Ackerman Menendez '87 and Samantha Ackerman Asch '91, whose Hockaday teachers inspired them in the classroom and to a lifetime love of learning and teaching. This endowment funds faculty compensation and supports Hockaday’s efforts to strengthen its character education and mentoring programs.

THE ACKERMAN AWARD FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION THE ACKERMAN AWARD FOR FACULTY MENTORING

Miller

THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Aquinnetta Mims

Assistant to the Head of Upper School

The Unsung Hero award recognizes the accomplishments of Hockaday staff members who have positively influenced a program or organization from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence. Nominees are individuals who help the Hockaday community achieve its goals and aspirations, even in the face of adversity. The award recipients exhibit a can-do attitude, are hard-working, humble, honest, kind, and enthusiastic. Lisa Culbertson '96, Head of Upper School, said, "A steady source of support, wisdom, and humor, she is a cornerstone of our community—welcoming all with warmth and accessibility. Her presence is felt in countless ways: as a trusted advisor, an advocate for student voices, a reliable teammate always ready to jump in, and calm presence that keeps our division working seamlessly. Whether she’s chaperoning a trip or calmly solving a last-minute issue, she brings grace under pressure and a spirit of joyful generosity. A true lifelong learner, she approaches each new challenge with curiosity and humility, embodying leadership through service and heart.”

YEARBOOK DEDICATION

Dr. Steve Balog Upper School Science Teacher

The Class of 2025 dedicated Cornerstones the Hockaday yearbook, to Dr. Steve Balog, Upper School Science teacher.

The yearbook editors wrote in their dedication that, “Throughout his time here, he has taught students not to fear the challenging subjects and instead to embrace the learning curve. In hopes of engaging students, Dr. Balog strives to make each class interesting. By utilizing the timeless whiteboard, using fun phsyics toys to demonstrate challenging topics, and incorporating unique stick figures into his diagrams, Dr. Balog ensures his students actively interact during class. We voted to honor Dr. Balog due to his calming presence, personalized teaching style, and unwavering passion."

SERVICE Awards

THE AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHING AND INSTRUCTION

Mackenzie

Karen Sanchez Upper School Computer Science Teacher

Karen

THE

ELLEN HIGGINBOTHAM

ROGERS AWARD FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE

In 2006, the Ellen Higginbotham Rogers Award for Faculty Excellence was established in honor of Ellen Higginbotham Rogers ’59 to recognize teaching excellence. It is given annually by the Alumnae Association to a faculty or staff member who makes an impact on the students and the education the School provides them. In April, the Alumnae Association selected three finalists for the 2025 award, and the winner was Dr. Chuck Walts

THE JOHN KILLION MEMORIAL AWARD

The Killion Award was established by Mary Louise McNeese Forteith JC ’42 and Anne Elizabeth Zimmermann ’91 in memory of former Upper School English Teacher John Killion. The Senior Class votes on the award to honor and recognize a Hockaday teacher who goes out of his or her way to help students in and out of the classroom and who makes the learning atmosphere exciting, thus exemplifying those qualities so loved in Mr. Killion. This year, the Seniors selected Ben Gerdts, Upper School English teacher.

The seniors who nominated him said, “He creates the most welcoming, open, and enthusiastic learning environment. He lets his students dive deep into the niche interests they have and brings such genuine passion for the subject that you can't help but get excited alongside him. I've never felt so supported in my ideas all while being a part of a learning space that encourages opposition and out-of-the-box thinking. He loves connecting with students over their favorite

somehow never forgets who likes what. He has always cared about his students, never

making everyone feel important inside of class and outside of class. When I walked into his class on the first day of school, he already knew my name, which just highlights his attentiveness. He always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.”

Alumnae WEEKEND

WELCOME Home!

Alumnae Weekend 2025 was a wonderful opportunity for Hockaday Alumnae to reconnect on campus and celebrate our shared Hockaday history. Alumnae from around the country and internationally returned to campus for the twoday celebration that included the Alumnae Day Luncheon and Awards Program, Reception Honoring Young Alumnae and Alumnae Affinity and Special Interest Groups, and Family Picnic. The Class of 2025 was formally initiated into the Alumnae Association by Alumnae President Jimieka Rose Oswald '00. Hockaday was proud to honor two members of the Class of 1950 at the luncheon who celebrated their 75th Reunion. Members of the Class of 1975 , who celebrated their 50th Reunion, wrote letters to their Fourth Grade pen pals and enjoyed a special reception. Hockaday is grateful to Stephanie Bulger '05 for chairing a beautiful Alumnae Day Luncheon.

ALUMNAE Awards

ALL-SCHOOL Celebration

Students and faculty celebrated the end of the year with an all-school gathering and popsicles on Ashley H. Priddy Commencement Terrace! Eugene McDermott Head of School Dr. Laura Leathers thanked everyone for an amazing year and reminded students to live out the Four Cornerstones this summer. Students heard remarks from Cortney Buford (Class of 2026), Hannah Park (Class of 2029), and Savannah Chun (Class of 2026). Lower School Sofie Kim (Class of 2034), Jillian McBride (Class of 2035), Sophia Acho (Class of 2035), and Sofia Boschetti (Class of 2034) gave examples of how students could practice the Four Cornerstones when they are away from campus this summer. It was a perfect way to end the 2024–2025 School Year!

ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE HOCKADAY COMMUNITY, THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE 2024–2025 ANNUAL FUND! YOUR GIFT MADE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT ON CAMPUS THIS YEAR, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY.