HOCKADAY COMMENCEMENT: Lasting Memories, Lifelong Friendships
SUMMER 2026
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. As we reach the close of another remarkable
Our faculty and staff create the defining
year, I find myself filled with gratitude and pride
Hockaday experience for our girls, and we are
for everything our community has accomplished
delighted to recognize those who have received
together. From our youngest learners spending
awards this year.
their first days in our classrooms to our graduating seniors stepping boldly into the world beyond Welch Road, this year has been a testament to the curiosity, resilience, and achievement that define who we are as a School. To our students, faculty, staff, and families, thank you for making Hockaday something truly special, each and every day. This year’s admission season saw the highest number of applications to date, and we will welcome 160 incredible students and their families into our community this fall. Our new students join us from 83 different schools, and we look forward to having them on campus soon. Additionally, we are excited to welcome 16 new members of the Class of 2035 as we add an additional section of Fourth Grade to our Lower School next year.
This year, Hockaday continued its 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 in real time. Additionally, we celebrated 13 retirees this year. I am grateful to Katie Barnes (Nurse, 13 years); Lucio Benedetto (Upper School History Teacher, 18 years); Christina Brandt (Lower
Board of Trustees Chair David Roosevelt, the 112th Commencement Speaker Kate Burch Canales '96, Eugene McDermott Head of School Dr. Laura Leathers, and Head of Upper School Lisa Culbertson ’96.
School Art Teacher, 18 years); Wendy Branson (Administrative Assistant to the Head of Lower
Wilensky (Third Grade Teacher, 26 years);
School, 36 years); Gretchen Chrane (Lower
Dr. Jim Wohlgehagen (Middle School Math
School Reading Specialist, 19 years); Carmen
Teacher, 15 years) for their many years of
Doubrava (Private Music Instructor, 27 years);
service to the School.
Angel Duncan (Director of the Ann Graves
I wish you all a restful summer, and I can’t wait
We are proud to send the Class of 2026 off into
Child Development Center, 29 years); Judith
the world, confident they are prepared to lead
Finegan (Gift Manager, 19 years); Alexa Heck '78
lives of purpose and impact in their communities
(Administrative Assistant to the Head of Middle
and beyond. The Class of 2026 is attending
School, 25 years); Cyndi Lewis (Director of
68 outstanding universities nationwide and
Enrollment Management, 27 years); Dr. Christine
internationally, and we are so proud of our
Rewolinski (Private Music Instructor and
Dr. Laura Leathers
newest alumnae.
Lower School Orchestra, 4 years); Mary Ellen
Eugene McDermott Head of School
to see everyone back on campus this fall! My best, Believing in the limitless potential of girls, Hockaday develops resilient, confident women who are educated and inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
Featuring: THE CLASS OF 2026 • SENIOR TRADITIONS • RING DAY • LOWER SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS • MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT • FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS • ALUMNAE WEEKEND • And More!
Commencement CLASS OF 2026
MAY 16, 2026 On a beautiful evening in May, the Class of 2026 crossed Ashley H. Priddy Commencement Terrace and received their diplomas at Hockaday’s 112th 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.
RIGHT NOW, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU HAS A PERSON ON THIS STAGE IN YOUR MIND. MAYBE MORE THAN ONE. A PERSON WHOSE SHOULDER YOU HAVE CRIED ON. A PERSON WHO YOU YELLED AT, AND THEN APOLOGIZED TO. A PERSON WHO SAT WITH YOU IN A BATHROOM STALL WHEN YOU NEEDED TO FALL APART. A PERSON WHO TEXTED YOU AT MIDNIGHT BEFORE THE TEST YOU WERE SURE YOU WERE GOING TO FAIL. A PERSON WHO KNEW THE VERSION OF YOU THAT EXISTED BEFORE YOU HAD ANY IDEA WHERE YOU WERE GOING. CORTNEY BUFORD, Class of 2026 Commencement Speaker
“THERE IS A SUBTLE IMPLICATION IN MANY COMMENCEMENT SPEECHES THAT THE TORCH IS BEING PASSED. THAT MY GENERATION IS DONE AND IT IS NOW UP TO YOU, BUT I’M ABSOLUTELY DECLINING TO FALL INTO THAT TROPE. I HOPE I HAVE ANOTHER 30 YEARS OF LEARNING AND GREAT WORK IN FRONT OF ME. INSTEAD OF “GOOD LUCK OUT THERE” WHAT I WANT TO SAY IS “WELCOME. WE NEED YOU AS COLLABORATORS.” KATE BURCH CANALES '96, 112th Commencement Speaker
THE CLASS OF 2026 15 YEARS
6 YEARS
Laila Simone Scott Madeline Louise Simmons
Savannah Reese Chun Madeline Grace Isaac Sasha Fei Kitson Sara Emily Kocurek Lolita Ophelia Lambert Celina Sun Li Yejia Li Isabella Yishi Luo Sharika Mandyam Maya Kalpesh Patel Eliza Mae Stone
14 YEARS Sena-Ter Ososese Asom Maya Bakshi Eleanor Amsler Bell Cortney Layne Natania Buford Kathryn Elizabeth Epperson Callan Mary Fox Peyton Olivia Johnson Georgia Delanie La Grone Isla Rose McKenna Emily Claire McLeroy Jessica Reese Moran Eleanor Claire Murchison Fendley Patricia Obert Leyah Grace Philip Lowell Elizabeth Railsback Lily Rae West Roberts Finley Glenn Starr Mary Bradley Sutherland Mary Margaret Temple Evelyn Sophia Yau Winifred Hope Young
5 YEARS Sadie Jewell Abbott Caroline Leigh Ballotta Jessica Claire Boll Zhouchang Chen Aimee Hsu Louella Bee Jacobsen Grace Jiang Sarah Alexandra Moskowitz Jada Mukami Muhia Anika Shah Fiona Su Treacy Claire Elizabeth Ying
13 YEARS
4 YEARS
Virginia Isabel Paine Dunn Catalina Avery Littrell Madeline Nicole Oyakawa
Morgan Elena Bowers Elyana Awet Brook Gabrielle Marie Carter Anna Kathleen Claughton Lang Whitaker Cooper Gray Elinor Damonte Reva Donepudi Sara Framjee Anika Gopal Nadia Renae Guevara Sara Sachin Gupta Mary Isabel Hall Pilar Carolina Hoitsma Isabella Bei Hu Kate Lauren Kroeger Callie Li Audrey Liu Sophia Yuyan Lou Rabel Josephine Mae McNutt Aneeka Ishani Misra Madilyn Anh Thu Nguyen Naomi Wandoo Odogwu Ava Michelle Ortega Annie Aileen Pendleton Lillian Margaret Powers Olivia Chappell Reagor Riya Sangapu Victoria Grace Santana Anya Tewari Nitya Vaishnavi Venkata Yarlagedda Vivian Yu Sophie Chutong Zhan Iris Eve Zhang Alina Lejia Zheng
12 YEARS Zoe Daanya Bennett Lily Elizabeth Brown Lillian Daley Fagelman Devyn Reese Galardi Mischa Soniya Rutledge Abigail Leigh Snyder Elizabeth Anne Wimberly
10 YEARS Allison Pierce Wagner
9 YEARS Anjali Albertson Konda
8 YEARS Kaitlyn Bella Adams Anya Anil Aggarwal Wesley Bird Anderson Kaitlyn Yushu Chen Raiya Brielle Clayton Camilla Irene Fuentes Alexandra Mae Gerber Deniz Ayse Gurun Anne Marie Helfrich Ai-Vy Thuy Ho Melinda Mulan Hu Vanessa Leah Levy Megan Li Sadie Bliss Manaster Caitlin Belle Muller Chloe Michelle Oeschger Yitong Pan Leela Rajyam Philip Anaiya Saxena Lillian Ray Sells Emily Grace Winchester Ellery Jane Works Aadhya Yanamadala
7 YEARS Tanvi Joshi Alice Jordan Navarro Nina Catherine Ohler
3 YEARS Misha Saskia Davison Aanya Naini Angela Yan
2 YEARS Angelina Faye Crook Aahana Sophia Jabulee Ava Lee Marquis
Class of 2 026
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 2026 recipients of the Founder’s Day award are (left to right) Allie Gerber, Nadia Guevara, Alina Zheng, Peyton Johnson, Sarah Moskowitz, and Ava Ortega. Helen Jury ’06 (right) spoke at the ceremony.
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. Ashna Kumar ’17 was the featured speaker at the induction in April. Morgan Bowers Kristy Chen Gray Damonte Nadia Guevara Deniz Gurun Anne Marie Helfrich Ai-Vy Ho Grace Jiang Sasha Kitson
Sara Kocurek Anjali Konda Callie Li Celina Li Jejia Li Isla McKenna Emily McLeroy Aneeka Misra Sarah Moskowitz
Aanya Naini Ava Ortega Anya Tewari Aadhya Yanamadala Nitya Yarlagedda Iris Zhang Alina Zheng
NATIONAL MERIT Semifinalists
NATIONAL MERIT Commended
Kaitlyn Chen Kristy Chen Gray Damonte Sasha Kitson Sara Kocurek
Sadie Abbott Morgan Bowers Cortney Buford Mimi Davison Deniz Gurun Anne Marie Helfrich
Anjali Konda Callie Li Celina Li Jiajia Li Isabella Luo
Sharika Mandyam Isla McKenna Emily McLeroy Chloe Oeschger Ava Ortega
Annie Pendleton Eliza Stone Anya Tewari Iris Zhang
Ai-Vy Ho Aimee Hsu Grace Jiang Tanvi Joshi Georgia La Grone Megan Li
Audrey Liu Sophia Lou Aneeka Misra Sarah Moskowitz Aanya Naini Alice Navarro
Madilyn Nguyen Fendley Obert Yolanda Pan Leela Philip Riya Sangapu Victoria Santana
Ellery Works Angela Yan Aadhya Yanamadala Evelyn Yau Sophie Zhan Alina Zheng
COLLEGE Destinations
WHERE THEY'RE Headed
THE CLASS OF 2026 WILL MATRICULATE TO:
27 68 in
29
3
Students in TEXAS
STEM FIELDS
42 23
Students in the NORTHEAST REGION
Students in the SOUTHEAST REGION
4
Students in EUROPE
COUNTRIES
THE CLASS OF 2026 WILL PURSUE DEGREES IN::
49
Students in the MIDWEST REGION
Students in the PACIFIC REGION
UNIQUE INSTITUTIONS
Student in CANADA
13
12
STATES
Highlights
1
20
21
BUSINESS, FINANCE AND
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND
ECONOMICS
POLICY
19
HUMANITIES AND ARTS
CLASS OF 2026 College Matriculation Auburn University
Dartmouth College
Northeastern University
Texas Christian University
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Baylor University
Davidson College
Northwestern University
The University of British Columbia
University of Pennsylvania
Boston College
Denison University
Pepperdine University
The University of Texas at Austin
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Boston University
Duke University
Purdue University-Main Campus
The University of the South
University of Southern California
Bowdoin College
Oxford College of Emory University
Rice University
Tufts University
University of St Andrews
Brown University
George Washington University
Santa Clara University
Tulane University of Louisiana
University of Virginia
California Institute of Technology
Georgetown University
Scripps College
University College London
Vanderbilt University
Case Western Reserve University
Harvard University
Southern Methodist University
Union College
Villanova University
Claremont McKenna College
Howard University
Saint Olaf College
University of California-Berkeley
Wake Forest University
Colgate University
Johns Hopkins University
Stanford University
University of California-Los Angeles
Washington University in St Louis
College of Charleston
Lehigh University
Stephen F. Austin State University
University of Chicago
Wellesley College
Columbia University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stephens College
University of Florida
Yale University
Connecticut College
Middlebury College
Syracuse University
University of Kentucky
Cornell University
New York University
Texas A&M University-College Station
University of Miami
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 throughout the year: Senior retreat, sunrise breakfast on the first day of school, Daisy Days, Return to Your Roots, Senior Halloween, Secret Senior Pals, Heritage Receptions, Senior Nights in Athletics, Senior Solos in Fine Arts and more! These experiences help the Seniors bond as a class and create special memories as they embark on their next adventure.
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 Awards The Hockaday School Service Award Jessie Moran The Idanelle McMurry Award Morgan Bowers The Alison Fisher Smith Community Service Award Sarah Moskowitz Sudie Duncan Citizenship Award Morgan Bowers Kaitlyn Chen Deniz Gurun Anne Marie Helfrich
Sophia Lou Olivia Reagor Mary Bradley Sutherland Vicky Santana
ENGLISH AWARDS Dallas Vassar Club for Excellence in Writing Grace Jiang Robert M. Merritt, Jr. for Excellence in English Sophia Lou The Catherine Patrizi Poetry Award Anika Shah
FINE ARTS AWARDS The Bradley Voice Cup Xeno Bennett Aneeka Misra The Nancy Loucks Outstanding Musician Award Jessie Moran
COMPUTER SCIENCE AWARDS The Computer Science Award
The Orchestra Award Camilla Fuentes Sara Gupta Callie Li Madilyn Nguyen The Dance Trophy Anna Claughton Ava Ortega Dramatic Club Award: Drama Maddie Isaac Ellery Works
Dramatic Club Award: Technical Theater Allison Wagner The Joan Folsom Award for Outstanding Contribution in Art Awards Ceramics Lola Railsback Film Savannah Chun Photography Emily Winchester Visual Art Sophia Lou Nitya Yarlagedda The Rhode Island School of Design Annual Art Award Lillian Powers The Visual Arts Collection Award – Ceramics Eleanor Bell The Visual Arts Collection Award – Photography Birdie Anderson The Visual Arts Collection Award – Studio Arts Sena Asom The Visual Arts Collection Award – Film Isla Mckenna
SENIOR Farewell
The Thursday before Commencement, Seniors and their parents gathered on campus for a final farewell. The students selected Jessie Moran '26 and Dr. Claire Cothren, Upper School English teacher, to give remarks as they gathered to say goodbye.
REMEMBER YOUR TEACHERS WHO MADE TIME FOR YOU WHEN YOU NEEDED EXTRA HELP. REMEMBER YOUR FRIENDS WHO CAME TO EVERY ONE OF YOUR SHOWS, CONCERTS, OR GAMES. CARVE OUT A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART FOR THIS SCHOOL, BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I KNOW YOU ARE READY TO GO, HOCKADAY WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF YOU. JESSIE MORAN Class of 2026 Senior Farewell Speaker
SCIENCE AWARDS The Pete Lohstreter Engineering Award Anjali Konda The Richard Abbondonzio Naturalist Award Jiajia Li
HISTORY AWARDS The Richard Lombardi-Magellan Award Mimi Davison Georgia LaGrone Jessie Moran The Nola Kenning History Award Morgan Bowers Anne Marie Helfrich Sharika Mandyam The Economic Thinker Award Lang Cooper Kaitlyn Adams
MASS COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS Excellence in Communication Design Award Lang Cooper Cata Littrell Isabella Luo Sharika Mandyam Leyah Philip
Excellence in Journalism Award Virginia Dunn Melinda Hu Emily McLeroy Sarah Moskowitz Mary Bradley Sutherland
MATHEMATICS AWARDS The SIGMA Award Nadia Guevara Pilar Hoitsma Vanessa Levy Callie Li Emily McLeroy Sophie Zhan The Esther B. Moody Trophy for Mathematics Isabella Luo The Richard Dubsky Excellence in Mathematics Gray Damonte
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARDS Lifetime Health Education Award Madilyn Nguyen
The Eureka Prize Eleanor Murchison The Wang Master’s Science Prize Sara Kocurek The Erik Jonsson Prize Jada Muhia Student Excellence in Science Award Callie Li Celina Li Emily McLeroy Aanya Naini
WORLD LANGUAGES AWARDS The Marguerite B. Grow Latin Trophy Celina Li The Dedication to French Award Deniz Gurun The Most Promising Chinese Student Award Nitya Yarlagedda The Celia Cruz Spirit Award Morgan Bowers Cervantes Prize Sara Kocurek The Esteemed Helen Lorenz World Languages Award Chloe Oeschger
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, bucket brigade, nurse's chair, and water balloon burst games, as well as tug-of-war. Congratulations to the Class of 2027 for winning the spirit stick this year!
SCIENCE AWARDS Awards for Student Excellence in Science
UPPER SCHOOL Awards SUDIE DUNCAN CITIZENSHIP AWARD Form I Virginia Epperson Eleanor Felix Form II Navya Desai Brooklyn Friesen Caroline Hayes Form III Bailey Kidwell Kat Lovein Ruhi Mehta Lauren Schwartz
Tari Agbeyangi Elizabeth Atkinson Anya Bohil Eleanor Felix Rachel Geng Stella Kovac Audrey Lee
ENGLISH AWARDS The Freshman Writing Award Alice Costa The Thomas Walker Award Charlotte Newman The English Department Chairs' Award Carolyn Mitchell
HISTORY AWARDS The Linda Hankinson Research Paper Award Anne Case Siena Ebert Haley McMahon Ruhi Mehta Lily Vollbrecht
Charlotte Lee Abigail Mau Julianne Myhre Reagan Nguyen Sofia Rees Lulu Sporl Saachi Vyas
The Bausch and Lomb Science Medal Ruhi Mehta The Rensselaer Science and Math Award Lucia Ubiñas
MATHEMATICS AWARDS The SIGMA Award Cate Baker Maddie Johnson Lauren Haas Claire Polosky Cate Strom Justina Zeng Computer Science Award Libby Temple
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 2027 received jade rings during the Ring Ceremony in May and also donned their white blazers for the first time as a class. Outgoing Student Council President Cortney Buford ’26 and Vice President Peyton Johnson ’26 presented each girl with her ring, and incoming Form IV president Aneeka Tansen (Class of 2027) addressed the class.
WORLD LANGUAGES AWARDS
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Virgil Prize (Latin) Lauren Haas
Physical Education Strength Star Award Katherine Hughes
Dé Rérum Naturá Award Leila Hulme
Junior Flex Lifetime Fitness Award Abigail Mau
The Most Promising French Student Award Charlotte Newman
Health Education Outstanding Student Hollis Wrighton
The Orville Thorp Memorial Trophy for French Scholarship Aiza Ali Maya Menon
FINE ARTS AWARDS
The Claudine A. Shaner French Award Siena Ebert The Most Promising Chinese Student Award Lauren Schwartz The Academic Excellence in Chinese Award Andelyn Xu Benito Juarez Award Sophia Mirza The Alison Blanchard Memorial Award Karis Crooms The Robbye Morrow Oram Spanish Award Margaret Lewis Celia Cruz Spirit Award Shea LeRosen
The Jenny Elkins Music Award Anya Arun The Whittle Music Award Carolyn Mitchell The John Earl Bowman Memorial Spirit Award Julianne Myhre The Brandy Bowen Memorial Painting Award Carolyn Mitchell
Fourth Grade RECOGNITION NEXT YEAR YOU WILL HAVE MORE INDEPENDENCE THAN YOU’VE EVER HAD, WHICH MEANS YOU WILL HAVE TO SHOW MORE RESPECT FOR THE RULES THAN YOU EVER HAVE BEFORE. HELEN HASTINGS, Class of 2031 Speaker Incoming Middle School Student Council President
LOWER SCHOOL Awards
CATHERINE PATRIZI LOWER SCHOOL POETRY AWARD
COVER ART WINNER FOR 'THE HOCKADAISY'
Riya Gill
Amelia Goldfarb
Eighth Grade GRADUATION IN TIMES WHEN STRESS OVERCOMES YOUR EXCITEMENT, REMEMBER THAT WE HAVE ALREADY CONQUERED DAUNTING OBSTACLES IN THE PAST. FACE THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES HEAD ON, AND MAKE FAILURE FEAR YOU. SOPHIE MOYA, Class of 2030 Speaker
MIDDLE SCHOOL Awards
THE ELA HOCKADAY AWARD
THE GREEN AND WHITE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
THE CATHERINE PATRIZI POETRY AWARD
Susana Flanagan
Sofia Rahimi
Zoe Fritz
THE FIFTH GRADE COURTESY AWARD
THE HOCKADAY COLLECTION AWARD
THE ENGLISH AWARD
Evelyn Curnes
Natasha Orozco-Nemeth
Rachel Kotze
THE MARY EVANS BROWN MUSIC
THE HISTORY AWARD
Isabella Mitchell
Tennessee Marsh
THE MATHEMATICS AWARD
THE SCIENCE AWARD
Olivia Zhang
Ria Jude Lillian Lockyer
THE HOCKADAY MIDDLE SCHOOL CITIZENSHIP AWARD Noah Kidd McCall Verska
THE GREEN AND WHITE SPIRIT AWARD Sofia Karunatileka
WORLD LANGUAGE AWARD Mary MacMahon – French Scarlett Lee – Latin Alexa McClure – Spanish
Lower School M OMENTS CELEBRATING WONDER, COLLABORATION, AGENCY, AND RESILIENCE From Rotunda Rocks to the Pre-K Circus, Lower School Daisies enjoyed a year full of beloved traditions. Fourth Graders led the way as division leaders — guiding Lower School Gatherings, helping at carpool, and leading admission tours. All students enjoyed Fun Day with their St. Mark's peers, every grade took the stage in a musical production, and students showcased their business acumen at the Fourth Grade book sale and Second Grade stationary sale. As our Fourth Grade students wrap up their time in Lower School, we hope they take with them years of special memories and friendships!
Middle School HIGHLIGHTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL Trips
Middle School trips give students the opportunity to discover new destinations, learn beyond the classroom, and deepen their sense of community. Fifth Graders headed to Camp Balcones Springs for an adventure-filled experience that included ziplining, rock climbing, horseback riding, and crafts — all while forging new friendships and growing in confidence. Sixth Grade embarked on a memorable week exploring Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. Standout moments included Jamestown Settlement, Ford's Theatre, the International Spy Museum, and the National Archives, along with visits to memorials dedicated to Jefferson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the veterans of World War II. Students spent time at Arlington National Cemetery and several of the Smithsonian's world-renowned museums. Seventh Grade made their way to The Vines Center, an outdoor education campus connected to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Students sharpened survival skills, constructed shelters, paddled kayaks, hit the trails, and tackled team-building challenges together. A stop at Central High School offered a moving and eye-opening look at the legacy of the Little Rock Nine and the school's enduring significance in the civil rights movement.
GREEN AND WHITE Day
A little rain and mud couldn’t stop Green and White Day! One of Hockaday’s most beloved Middle School traditions, Green and White compete throughout the year, culimating in a special 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 Green team, whose flag will be flown outside of Penson Gym for the next school year!
EIGHTH GRADE Musical
The tradition of the Hockaday musical goes back to 1954, when Hockaday became the first school in the Southwest to do a full-book musical — the annual Eighth Grade musical followed soon after. This year, the Class of 2030 performed The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition.
HOLIDAY Bazaar
The Holiday Bazaar transforms Middle School advisories into small businesses. With guidance from Upper School Financial Literacy students, girls learn to price a product, read a market, and make real economic decisions before opening their doors to students, faculty, and parents. All proceeds benefit a nonprofit chosen by the Middle School Student Council.
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, table tennis, soccer, swimming, and track and field.
Hockaday TRADITIONS CONNECTING THE PAST AND THE PRESENT 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.
UPPER SCHOOL Big Sis Hockaday’s Big Sis/Lil Sis program connects the
newest and oldest members of Upper School. Form I students meet their Form IV Big Sis before the first day of classes, and the pairs spend time together throughout the year.
ALL-SCHOOL Spirit Rallies
Led by Upper School's Athletic Board, students in all divisions come together throughout the 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!
CULTURAL Celebrations Throughout the year, Faculty and Staff actively highlight and celebrate traditions from various cultures through student-led gatherings and guest speakers. Hockaday parents and individual students also share their special traditions.
ONE Hockaday
Throughout the year, divisions come together to interact and learn from one another. By connecting Lower School homerooms with Middle and Upper School advisories, girls form bonds with their fellow Daisies that last throughout their time at Hockaday.
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!
DR. MARTIN LUTHER King, Jr. In January, Hockaday came together for its annual MLK Day,
Living the Legacy: A Celebration of Culture, Connection, and Community. Through assemblies, powerful performances, and student-, faculty-, and staff-led workshops inspired by Dr. King’s words of connection and community. Hockaday welcomed special guests, including former Hockaday faculty member Toni Simmons and the Mizel Museum’s At the Table with Dr. King, as students across all divisions reflected, learned, and engaged. All week, students collected food for T.R. Hoover Community Development Center in the spirit of service to the community.
FINE ARTS
Performances
The Performing Arts at Hockaday foster creativity and collaboration. In the studio and on the stage, Hockaday students in all three divisions explore and are inspired to express themselves. In Upper School, Hockaday's talented students performed The Nutcracker and Legally Blonde The Musical, among other offerings.
Hockaday ATHLETICS
COLLEGE Signees SENA ASOM
LOLA RAILSBACK
ELYANA BROOK
LILLIAN SELLS
University of British Columbia Track and Field
University of California, Los Angeles Rowing
AI-VY HO
Georgetown University Rowing
ABIGAIL SNYDER
Johns Hopkins University Volleyball
Sewanee: The University of the South Diving
EMILY MCLEROY
ANGELA YAN
Johns Hopkins University Track and Field
JADA MUHIA
Boston University Rowing
LACROSSE WINS SIXTH STRAIGHT STATE TITLE
Connecticut College Volleyball
FENDLEY OBERT
California Institute of Technology Basketball
WINNIE YOUNG
Tulane University Sailing
Columbia University Rowing
Hockaday's Varsity Lacrosse team won the state title for the tenth time and sixth year in a row, defeating rival Episcopal School of Dallas 10-9 in overtime in the title game on May 10 in Dallas. Anne Case (Class of 2027) scored the game-winner just 1:16 into the extra period, capping a stunning comeback from a 9-6 deficit late in the fourth quarter. Cata Littrell (Class of 2026), the team's lone senior, tied the game at 9-9 with 2:31 left in regulation, setting up the dramatic finish. The Daisies (16-3) avenged two earlier losses to ESD, including a defeat in the SPC championship game. Brooke Eckert (Class of 2027) and Case each scored three goals to lead Hockaday's attack, while Thandi Chisango (Class of 2027) scored and added an assist during the decisive comeback run.
ROWING MAKES ITS MARK AT NATIONALS Four Hockaday boats competed in Sarasota at the USRowing National Championship after qualifying at Regionals in Oklahoma City. The Youth Double finished second, marking the first podium finishes for Fendley Obert '26 and Lila Puig (Class of 2028) pictured right. Slone McNutt (Class of 2028) made her Nationals debut finishing 19th overall in the Youth Single. Annabella Griggs (Class of 2028) competed for the second time in a U17 boat, this time in the Single, finishing 19th. The U17 Quad with Bailey Horne (Class of 2028), Ellison Gonzalez (Class of 2028), Jayda Taylor (Class of 2029), and Tiffany An (Class of 2029) finished 21st.
INDIVIDUAL Recognition
ATHLETIC Awards JOYCE RAINWATER ATHLETIC AWARD
ALL-SPC
Kaitlyn Adams
THE BATTERSON AWARD FOR SPORTSMANSHIP
BASKETBALL
Emily McLeroy
SOCCER
Lucia Ubiñas
ELIZABETH NAN MCGARR SPIRIT AWARD
CROSS COUNTRY Aniela Coughlin
Cata Littrell
TRACK AND FIELD
Kaitlyn Adams Sophia Fagelman
Sena Asom Aniela Coughlin Abby Crook Natalie McLeroy Samantha Moseley Lily Roberts Kora Thomas Zaneta Wallace Victoria Zavala
SOFTBALL
Camilla Fuentes
FIELD HOCKEY
THE HEART AND HUSTLE AWARD
Isabel Lee
Ava Ortega
GOLF
RED BARR AWARD FOR SWIMMING
Prisha Aggarwal
Sophia Lou
LACROSSE
Brooke Eckert Anne Case Thandi Chisango Sophia Fagelman
TEAM Awards
SWIMMING AND DIVING
Elise Forteith Lucy Pigott Christine Salmassian Abigail Snyder
ROWING – FALL
MVP Award Lauren Haas
MVP Award Lucia Ubiñas
MVP Award Fendley Obert
MVP Award Kaitlyn Adams
Coaches Award Bailey Horne
Coaches Award Gray Damonte
Coaches Award Lang Cooper
Split H Award Desirae Bedford
Split H Award Bristol Moore
Split H Award Quinn LeRosen
Coaches Award Alina Zheng Finley Starr
ROWING – SPRING
MVP Award Aniela Coughlin
MVP Award Eres Stone
MVP Award Annabella Griggs
Coaches Award Natalie McLeroy
Coaches Award Katherine Hughes
Coaches Award Jayda Taylor
Split H Award Brisa Adrian
LACROSSE
Split H Award Josie Hayes
DIVING
MVP Award Sophia Fagelman
SOFTBALL
MVP Award Abigail Snyder
Coaches Award Cata Littrell
MVP Award Reagan Nguyen
Coaches Award Karis Crooms
Split H Award Hollis Wrighton
Coaches Award Vicky Santana
SOCCER
Split H Award Natalie McLeroy Catherine Thompson
SWIMMING MVP Award Christine Salmassian Coaches Award Kashmira Kuloor
TENNIS MVP Award Margot Spikes Coaches Award Lucy Yau Gwendolyn Becker Split H Award Maya Menon
LACROSSE
Anne Case Thandi Chisango Brooke Eckert Sophia Fagelman
ALL-AMERICAN LACROSSE
Sophia Fagelman
Claire Morris Kris Thomas
FIELD HOCKEY
GOLF
Mila Haffar Ruby Duncan
TENNIS
BASKETBALL
CROSS COUNTRY
VOLLEYBALL
ALL-STATE
TRACK & FIELD MVP Award Ellie Bell Lily Roberts Coaches Award Emily McLeroy Anashe Barwa Split H Award Morgan Sparks Jada Rice
VOLLEYBALL MVP Award Siena Ebert Coaches Award Mila Haffar Split H Award Addie Gehab
FENCING MVP Award Sophie Zhan Coaches Award Sasha Kitson
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
YEARS OF Service 30 YEARS Tina Maddux Amy Spence ’87
25 YEARS Jose Cendejas Alexa Heck ’78 Dara Williams Dr. Claire Cothren Upper School English
Stephanie Fisher Middle School French
Caroline Robb '07 Upper School Math
Lara Guerra Lower School Science
YEARBOOK DEDICATION
The yearbook editors wrote in their dedication that, “Empowering students through their learning, AP US History teacher and senior advisor Mrs. Ashraf brings passion and kindness to each and every room she walks into. When engaging with Mrs. Ashraf, students feel heard, understood, and accepted for who they are; students describe her abundant compassion as capable of creating an atmosphere that can rid anxieties from any room."
THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD 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.
Michelle Goldsmith, Head of Lower School, said, "Wendy is the steady, welcoming presence that makes the office run — organized, unflappable, and always one step ahead. She identifies problems and solves them before anyone else even realizes they exist. Whether she is greeting a parent, solving an unexpected problem, or catching a typo no one else noticed, she does it all with grace and a genuine smile. She is, quite simply, the heart and soul of Lower School."
Brandi Finazzo
15 YEARS
Aisha Ashraf Upper School History Teacher
Wendy Branson Administrative Assistant to the Head of Lower School
20 YEARS
Alexa Heck '78 Administrative Assistant to the Head of Middle School Nicole Escudero Christenson, Head of Middle School, said, "Her dedication, wisdom, compassion for students, steadfast support of faculty, and deep love for the Middle School and the Hockaday community have touched generations of girls, families, and colleagues alike. Whether helping a student find a missing item, managing countless complex details and tasks with extraordinary skill, catching every proofreading edit, helping parents and faculty with evolving questions and needs, solving problems before anyone even realizes they exist, or simply bringing warmth and calm to each day, Alexa has made an immeasurable impact on the life of Hockaday.”
Natalie Bravo Dr. Katie Croft Laura Day Sarah Grip Erika Herridge Jennifer McEachern Melinda Nunez Tammy Secules Dr. Jim Wohlgehagen
10 YEARS Kristen Blevins Beth Dies Stephanie Fisher Christina Goldberg ’02 Ryan Hobby Noreen Hussain Allison Perani Amy Price Maria Ramos Autumn Schnitzius Candace Townsley
THE AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHING AND INSTRUCTION Established in 2025, this award honors a fearless educator who embodies the spirit of innovation in education, championing fresh ideas and imaginative approaches that bring learning to life. The recipient is not only a trailblazer in exploring emerging fields of study but also a master at turning educational concepts into dynamic classroom experiences. With a forward-thinking mindset at their core, they consistently experiment, iterate, and refine — pursuing meaningful student outcomes while turning challenges into
Lisa Dwinal Middle School Science Teacher
Paloma Gomez Third Grade Teacher Paloma brings thoughtful, collaborative energy to her work, consistently weaving meaningful connections across disciplines. Her commitment to integrated learning and collaboration — from social studies to art, science, and even Upper School partnerships—continues to enrich her students’ experience. She designed and teaches a new Third Grade class, “Science and Social Impact (SSI),” team-taught with Amy Banks and connected to the social impact theme of food insecurity. The class takes students through the concept of food insecurity in Dallas, culminating in a project in partnership with United Way and Boston Consulting Group.
catalysts for growth. Continuously evolving their pedagogy, they ignite curiosity, resilience, and intellectual adventure within students and colleagues alike. By recognizing this educator, we celebrate the power of innovation and collaboration and the unyielding pursuit of progress in shaping the future of learning. We feel confident their contributions will prepare our girls to become creative, divergent thinkers who lead lives of purpose and impact.
Lisa demonstrates an innovative approach to teaching by intentionally connecting science to society and humanity, while integrating empathy and cultural awareness into her instructional practices. She actively seeks out tools and technologies that engage students and elevate their voices, such as her use of Curipod to create interactive lessons that incorporate frequent student feedback and make student thinking visible. Lisa exemplifies a strong growth mindset and consistently explores emerging strategies to enhance student learning.
THE ELLEN HIGGINBOTHAM ROGERS AWARD FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE
Kristen Blevins Upper School History Teacher Kristen has partnered with both the Lower and Middle School divisions around all things "Girls and Money," supported new teachers, and designed new courses to equip students with future-ready skills. Her focus is always on what is best for students, ensuring they receive the most current information and instructional methods as the world around them evolves. Whether conducting research as an SMU Research Fellow or bringing back fresh ideas from a professional conference, she is driven by a single goal: helping her students truly master the material.
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 Kristen Blevins, Upper School History teacher.
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. Jason Goldstein.
The seniors who nominated her said, ““She is the most caring teacher I've ever had. She takes time to answer everyone's questions and is so gracious when explaining concepts. We have a blast every day in class, and she always has some fun game for us to play. She is the reason I like Econ!" “Her classroom is also simply a place students want to be. Even if you aren't in her class, you can always find a safe space there. She encourages questions, makes learning interactive, and helps students connect what they're studying to their real lives, especially when it comes to economics and financial literacy. She helps us see how it's valuable to us in our real lives.”
Alex Farrior '03 Dr. Jason Goldstein Upper School Middle and Upper English School Dance
Mary Ellen Wilensky Third Grade Teacher
2026 Retirees
KATIE BARNES Nurse 19 Years
DR. CARMEN DOUBRAVA
Private Music Instructor 27 Years
LUCIO BENEDETTO Upper School History Teacher 18 Years
ANGEL DUNCAN
Director of The Ann Graves Child Development Center 29 Years
DR. CHRISTINE REWOLINSKI Private Music Instructor 4 Years
CHRISTINA BRANDT
WENDY BRANSON
Administrative Assistant Lower School Art Teacher to the Head of Lower School 18 Years 36 Years
JUDITH FINEGAN Gift Manager 19 Years
MARY ELLEN WILENSKY Third Grade Teacher 26 Years
ALEXA HECK '78
Administrative Assistant to the Head of Middle School 25 Years
DR. JIM WOHLGEHAGEN
Middle School Math Teacher 15 Years
GRETCHEN CHRANE
Lower School Reading Specialist 19 Years
CYNDI LEWIS
Director of Enrollment Management 27 Years
Alumnae WEEKEND WELCOME Home!
Alumnae Weekend 2026 was a wonderful way to reconnect on campus and celebrate our shared Hockaday history. The Hockaday Medal Award was presented to Leslie Crozier ’75, and the Honorary Alum Award Recipients were Cyndi Lewis, Director of Enrollment Management, and Sherri Darver, former Lower School teacher and current Board of Trustees member. The Hockaday School is grateful to Chandler Rice Winslow ’02 for her leadership as chair of the event and Alumnae Association President Caroline Snell Wagner ’00 for her leadership throughout the year.
ALUMNAE Awards HOCKADAY MEDAL
Leslie Crozier '75
HONORARY ALUMS
Cyndi Lewis Director of Enrollment Management
HONORARY ALUM
Award
Ann Crozier Kirkby ’81, Katherine Wynne, Angie Crozier, Steve Crozier, Hockaday Medal awardee Leslie Crozier ’75, Former Eugene McDermott Head of School Liza Lee, Will Lee, Joan Patten
Sheri Darver Former Lower School Teacher and Current Trustee
Honorary Alum awardees Cyndi Lewis and Sherri Darver
CHEERS TO A Great YEAR!
Thank YOU!
ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE HOCKADAY COMMUNITY, THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE HOCKADAY FUND! YOUR GIFT MADE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT ON CAMPUS THIS YEAR, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY.
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