THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING 2026
COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION How Hockaday Friendships Can Last a Lifetime
Believing in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, The Hockaday School is committed, within the context of its educational mission, to build and maintain an inclusive community that respects the diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, family composition, socioeconomic status, and talents of its members. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is vital to educating and inspiring Hockaday students to lead lives of purpose and impact as resilient, confident women.
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SPRING 2026
FEATURES
Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Avery Jackson ’24 and her path to a world championship tournament
Investing In Our Daisies.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ashley H. Priddy Lower School boasts refreshed spaces
The Power of Friendship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Current Hockadaisies interview alumnae about what makes their friendships last
Connecting Across Continents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Students travel the globe to create community
Upstream Together.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Four members of the Class of 2004 turn a shared passion into a new business
State of The School Report.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 A snapshot of Hockaday as we look toward the future
Alumnae Cocktail Party. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Ela Hockaday Distinguished Alumna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Giving at Hockaday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Remembering Roz Grover ’59 and Linda Custard.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
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Scoop Class Notes Milestones
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Hockaday Magazine A Publication of The Hockaday School For over a century, members of the Hockaday community— students, faculty, staff, alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends—have had a positive impact on one another and on the world in which they live. The Hockaday Magazine, published annually by the School’s Communications Office, strives to articulate that impact—in the past, in the present, and in planning for the future. The magazine also seeks to highlight the activities of the School and its alumnae, as well as to help define and analyze topics facing our entire community. EDITOR
Sara Stoltz Director of Communications PHOTOGRAPHY
Sally Hudspeth ’87 Associate Director of Communications DESIGNER
Anne Bryant Creative
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A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, CONNECTION, AND COMMUNITY In January, Hockaday came together for our annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: 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, “People fail to get along because they do not know each other,” our community honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy while deepening understanding and connection. The School welcomed special guests, including former Hockaday teacher and storyteller Toni Simmons and the Mizel Museum’s “At the Table with Dr. King,” as students across all divisions reflected, learned, and engaged. To honor Dr. King’s mission of service, students collected food and loaded it onto buses to head for T.R. Hoover Community Center. The day culminated in One Hockaday activities and meaningful time for connection within and across divisions—strengthening the bonds that unite our community.
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DAISY IN THE SPOTLIGHT Alex McAtee ’01 wins Emmy® award By Katie Ma (Class of 2027), Fourcast News Editor A longtime fan of TV film, Alex McAtee ’01 always watched the Emmys, an annual awards show that recognizes excellence in television, growing up. In September, she landed her own Emmy as executive producer of “The Studio.” The series was named Outstanding Comedy Series. “It’s been almost a month, and it still kind of feels surreal,” McAtee said. “It really felt like the work was honored and seen in a way that our work isn’t always.” “The Studio,” a television show created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, picked up 40 nominations and 23 wins in its twoseason run. On the night of the awards ceremony, three of her Hockaday friends were sending McAtee their support. “We’re still very close. We’ve known each other 35 years at this point,” McAtee said. “It was and is surreal, but it’s really lovely and it’s cool to look at the [Emmy statuette] every now and then and go, ‘my God, I won that thing.’ Maybe it’ll be the only one, maybe it’ll be joined by others, but it’s enough just as it is.” McAtee attended Hockaday from 1989 to 2001. She said her passion for TV film was born in the strong fine arts program as well as the robust arts community in Dallas. She participated in ceramics and student-run plays and attended movies and shows at theaters around town. “I tried all sorts of stuff out; a few different things that sort of showed me what I was interested in and helped me figure out what it was I liked about this thing,” McAtee said. “I think there’s also an amount of producing that is kind of just organizing and staying on task and process and timeline, which, of course, schoolwork can help teach some of those skills.” Currently, McAtee is executive vice president for Point Grey Pictures, an independent film production company. However, her journey into the entertainment industry was anything but easy. “I took jobs that I didn’t want to take time and again, and that’s not about devaluing yourself,” McAtee said. “I was working jobs where I didn’t like the show, but it was a job. I stayed employed. I was able to pay rent, all of the things that sometimes having a job is good for when it isn’t everything you wanted it to be. Because that can be just a piece of the ladder, it doesn’t have to be the end of it. Sometimes it’s just about staying in the mix and continuing to work.”
Alex McAtee ’01 (back row, fifth from left) with the cast and crew of “The Studio”
“When you see some sort of opportunity, whether or not it’s in any way close to what you want to do, just go ahead and try.” — ALEX MCATEE ’01
Every day at her job is different. Her main responsibility is helping the artists complete the production process, such as by giving notes on scripts or on set, and keeping the projects at the highest level possible. “I was shooting a pilot for a TV show a few weeks ago, and I was on set for 14 hours a day for 10 days, so that’s sometimes part of the job, too,” McAtee said. “But how exciting is it to reach the most amount of people possible and maybe impact their lives with TV film the way it did for me?” McAtee emphasizes the importance of pushing forward in the entertainment industry. “When you see some sort of opportunity, whether or not it’s in any way close to what you want to do, just go ahead and try,” McAtee said. “‘I may not know what this show is, and it may not work, and I may not get the job,’ all sorts of things, but just be willing to put yourself out there.”
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ATHLETICS Golden Girls
AVERY JACKSON ’24 WAS PART OF A GOLDEN DUO AT THE 2025 BEACH VOLLEYBALL U21 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN PUEBLA, MEXICO. SHE AND HER PARTNER, SALLY PEREZ, DROPPED ONLY TWO SETS IN NINE MATCHES TO WIN THE TITLE. Avery, currently a sophomore at Stanford University, was a member of Stanford’s first-ever conference title team in 2025 and was named to the all-tournament team. WHAT WAS YOUR PATH TO THIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT, AND WHAT WAS THE TRAINING LIKE?
Sally Perez and Avery Jackson ’24 competing in Puebla, Mexico
My path was winding! It started in the spring when I went to the National Training Development Program for USA for training camp. I played in the trials and got second so I didn’t get the auto bid, but got invited to the summer training series again in San Diego and got chosen there to be on the extra team to go. It was a little out of the blue because I am normally a blocker and I got paired with another blocker to play a different position in this tournament, which was a new challenge. We got to Puebla a week early to adjust to the altitude and practice with our partner for the first time. It was fun learning a new position and playing with one of my best friends. Learning to be efficient with the altitude and not waste time when it’s so easy to get tired was important. HOW DID YOU BALANCE TRAINING WITH YOUR COLLEGIATE SCHEDULE?
I missed almost three weeks of school so I had to make up a lot of school work when I got back. CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH A STANDOUT MOMENT FROM THE CHAMPIONSHIP— MAYBE A TURNING POINT OR SOMETHING THAT SURPRISED YOU?
We didn’t really have a coach in the championship since we were playing the other USA team, which was really interesting. When we were down in the first set, it was just on the two of us to come up with a solution. We determined that we weren’t getting good defensive reads on the right side, so we started serving the other player instead, which I think caught them a little off guard. A fun memory was playing card games in the restaurant one night with the men’s and women’s USA teams during a rain delay before playing the quarterfinals. It ended up being one of the hardest games of my life, so winning that was my favorite, but playing cards and hanging out as Team USA before was special. WHAT WAS IT LIKE COMPETING ON THE WORLD STAGE AND REPRESENTING YOUR COUNTRY?
It was really interesting to play different styles of beach volleyball because Europeans and Australians and Americans all play differently, so it was fun getting to adapt in game. It was also great talking to the other teams and making friends. We valued staying positive on the court and having such a good time to ensure we were representing our country well. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU IN YOUR VOLLEYBALL CAREER?
I will head back to Stanford to play this spring season and I am hoping to play in more professional tournaments next year and in the future as well. DO YOU HAVE ANY LONG-TERM GOALS—COLLEGIATE, PROFESSIONAL, OR OLYMPIC DREAMS?
My short-term goal is to win an NCAA Championship in the next three years with Stanford. After that, I hope that my body will allow me to play for as long as I can.
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“The Lower School is more than a building—it is a shared space where girls discover confidence, curiosity, and community. Supporting this project felt like investing in the future of every girl who has and will walk its hallways.” —NATASHA AND ANTAL DESAI
INVESTING IN OUR DAISIES Ashley H. Priddy Lower School boasts refreshed spaces
Hockaday was thrilled to welcome Lower School students back to the updated and refreshed Ashley H. Priddy Lower School this fall. Guided by the School’s mission and fueled by the generosity of our community, including lead gifts from Nancy and Jim Hoak, Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson ’99 and William Atkinson, and Peggy and Carl Sewell, this project introduced new, welcoming spaces designed to support collaboration, creativity, and connection. “We are endlessly grateful for all that Hockaday has given our daughters and our granddaughter, as well as the thousands of Dallas girls who have walked its halls,” said Nancy and Jim Hoak. “Seeing our granddaughter step into this beautiful, updated space fills us with such excitement and joy. The youngest Hockadaisies carry such limitless potential, and any way we can help further their education as they begin their wonderful journey through the School is a privilege. We are honored to support a place that continues to shape strong, confident young women.” The new Daisy Imaginarium is at the heart of this project— a vibrant, flexible space where students will collaborate on meaningful challenges and explore their learning in dynamic new
ways. This new space will serve as an extension of the classroom, supporting our work focused on innovation and collaboration. “We are proud to support Hockaday and the renovation of the Lower School,” said Peggy and Carl Sewell. “Our granddaughters are third generation Hockadaisies. We hope that the Daisy Imaginarium will provide a space for all of the girls to be inspired and to dream big.” First through Fourth Grade classrooms have been refreshed to feel brighter, more modern, and adaptable to today’s ever-changing learning environment. In the hallways, enhanced storage and cozy seating areas have created welcoming nooks for small group work and spontaneous collaboration. “This important renovation is an investment in our youngest Daisies and in the incredible faculty that support their learning and growth towards a future in which they will lead,” said Eugene McDermott Head of School Dr. Laura Leathers. “We would like to thank our leadership donor families whose early dedication and vision helped launch this special project and made it possible.”
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The Ashley H. Priddy Lower School Renovation Project
Ashley Francis ’24
Dedicated August 2025
Robert Francis
Lydia and Dan Novakov
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors listed below, Hockaday celebrates the transformation of The Ashley H. Priddy Lower School spaces, thoughtfully renovated to nurture imagination, discovery, and a lifelong love of learning.
Ashley Walker ’05 and Nathan Coles
Isabell Novakov ’98 and Trey Higginbotham
Caroline Walker ’98
Hoblitzelle Foundation
Approximately $5 million was pledged to this effort, including gifts designated for the endowment, ensuring the care of this facility for decades to come. With sincere appreciation, we honor those who made this vision a reality.
$1.5 Million The Atkinson and Sewell Families Jacquelin Sewell ’99 and William Atkinson Peggy and Carl Sewell
Jimmy Francis
$250,000 Porschla and Jason Kidd $100,000 Anonymous Natasha and Antal Desai
Binita and Neil Patel
Rosy and José Luis Prado Sr.
Lara and Brian Pryor
Kelli and Sunny Sajnani Amy and Pat Thompson $50,000
Lauren and Quint Brown
Ann Priddy ’73 and Rhett Bentley
Lucy Billingsley ’98 and Tom Burns Devon and David Conrad Kristin and Fadi Constantine The Craig & Carrie Levering Charitable Foundation Carrie and Craig Levering Christen Levering Redlich ’03 and Jody Redlich Colleen Redlich ’35
Elizabeth Bentley ’10
Hunter Redlich
Virginia Bentley Anthony ’12
Courtney Levering ’07
David Bentley The Priddy Family
Sapna and Jai Desai Sarah Penn ’01 and William James
Dianne and Hervey Priddy
Melissa and Reagan Jensen
Amsler and Don Bell
Diana and John Kedora
Ashley and Ashley Priddy The Walker Family Kathryn Walker ’94 and Jim Francis
Stacey and Alex Duran
Lupe and José Luis Prado Jr.
Nancy and Jim Hoak
The Bentley Family
Katie and David Aisner
Erin and Eddie Keith
Julie and Sulman Ahmed
The Kathryn and Ashley H. Priddy Family
$25,000
The Prado Family
The Hoak Foundation
$325,000
Quynh and Ben Yip
Becca Marcus ’96 and Alex Fernandes
Anonymous
Rosalind Redfern Grover ’59
Stefanie and Michael Prentiss
Frank Mihalopoulos
$1 Million
$500,000
The Novakov and Higginbotham Families
Jasmine and Collin Lensing
“My grandparents, Ashley and Kathryn Priddy, believed that an education is the one gift that can never be taken away. They lived out that conviction by generously sharing their time, talents, and treasure to ensure that all Daisies would receive that gift. Our family’s support of this project honors that legacy and reflects our shared belief that investing in the next generation of Daisies is one of the most meaningful responsibilities we have.” —KATHRYN WALKER FRANCIS ’94
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COLLABORATION Working together with others to achieve a common goal In the classroom, students listen to each other’s ideas, share responsibilities, and solve problems as a team. Through collaboration, girls learn important social skills like communication, empathy, and compromise. Encouraging collaboration helps build a positive classroom community where everyone feels valued and learns from one another.
WONDER
SHIFTING MINDSETS Lower School Faculty work to define key outcomes for our youngest Daisies With the arrival of the newly imagined Lower School Spaces, faculty worked in tandem to choose four outcomes to focus on this year: Wonder, Agency, Collaboration, and Resilience. These outcomes serve to guide teachers and redefine what success means, for both faculty and students. “We hope that our mindset will shift and we will remember that success isn’t about being perfect and that growth is messy and full of mistakes,” said Head of Lower School Michelle Goldsmith. “I want faculty to lean into curiosity, show kids that their voices matter, learn to work together to achieve a common goal, and develop the fortitude to keep going when things are hard.” There is no better place to be working towards these outcomes than in the newly updated Ashley H. Priddy Lower School. This renovation marks an important step in meeting students’ needs in a rapidly changing world. “Our Pre-K class this year will graduate from Hockaday in 2039, and we have no idea what the world will be like, the ways in which jobs will have changed, or what skills will be needed,” said Mrs. Goldsmith. “Improvements like the Daisy Imaginarium, whiteboards in classrooms, and spaces for students to work together just outside of their pods provide opportunities to explore and learn in ways that will better prepare our students for shifting industries and changing worlds.”
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A feeling of curiosity and amazement that encourages girls to explore, ask questions, and learn more about the world around them It’s that spark in a student’s eyes when she sees something new or puzzling. Cultivating wonder in the classroom means prioritizing curiosity over knowledge, asking questions over being right, and an ongoing pursuit of growing through learning. Wonder helps students stay engaged, think creatively, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
AGENCY A student’s ability to make choices, take initiative, and influence her own learning As our girls develop agency, they understand that their voices matter and that they can have a say in how they learn and what they create. When students have agency, they feel empowered to set goals, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions. Supporting agency in the classroom helps girls become confident, independent thinkers who are actively engaged in their own growth.
RESILIENCE The ability to bounce back from challenges, mistakes, or tough situations with a positive attitude and the willingness to try again Resilience means learning how to keep going even when something feels hard—like solving a tricky math problem or getting along with a classmate after a disagreement. Building resilience helps girls grow stronger emotionally, develop confidence, and become more prepared to handle future obstacles in and out of the classroom.
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“I didn’t realize how unique it was to have such a close friend group. And yet here I am, 30 years later, and they’re still my best friends.” — VIRGINIA ALVERSON MIMMACK ’96
The Power of Friendship Form IV students in Dr. Claire Cothren’s English seminar class “Female Friendships in Literature” spent time exploring the Hockaday archives to discover Hockaday friendships over the years. Students teamed up to contact alumnae to learn more about the bonds formed at Hockaday and beyond. They presented their research and interviews through personal reflections, creative writing exercises, podcasts, videos, and poetry, and reflected on what the process taught them about relationships. “Through this project we learned to not fear changes that will happen in our friendships, and rather to embrace them,” said Sadie Abbott (Class of 2026) and Mary Bradley Sutherland (Class of 2026). “As we graduate high school and get older, our needs will change, and so will our
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need for certain friendships. Some will naturally fade, and some will strengthen. This project taught us to enjoy these last few months with our friends before we inevitably move on to the next stages in our lives, and encourages us to not fear the changes that will occur.”
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Mallory Muse ’03 and Stephanie Bulger ’05 worked with students in the Female Friendships in Literature class to explore Hockaday’s archives and learn more about the bonds between Hockaday alumnae.
Anaiya Saxena (Class of 2026), Nitya Yarlagedda (Class of 2026), and Alina Zheng (Class of 2026) interviewed Betty Jo Cox JC ’52 about her Hockaday friendships. Betty was a part of the Hockaday Junior College, a two-year program for deeper learning before college. The program shut down in 1951 before Betty and her class were able to graduate. “Lifelong friendships are not something you set out to have,” said Betty. “They happen because you connect on some deep level and you don’t want to be apart. I think the fact that we had to leave without saying goodbye— we weren’t going to do that again.”
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CAROLINE SNELL WAGNER ’00 AND KATY ROZELLE BUTLER ’00 By Sadie Abbott (Class of 2026) and Mary Bradley Sutherland (Class of 2026)
Caroline and Katy’s friendship appeared simple: They met in high school and have been best friends ever since. Only after researching each girl’s perspective on the friendship did we realize it was not as linear as we thought. Caroline first told Mary Bradley that the girls were not friends in high school but connected in college and formed an unbreakable bond. When we asked Katy to describe their friendship in high school, she claimed they were always best friends. We figured out that Katy was the quiet, reserved friend, while Caroline was outspoken and a friend to everyone. Katy connected every good memory to a memory with Caroline, but not all of Caroline’s good memories were with Katy. So, if these girls remember high school so differently, what makes their bond so remarkable? Both Caroline and Katy attribute rooming together during the freshman year of college at the University of Texas as the key to bringing them much closer. Caroline asked Katy at the last minute to join her at Hardin House for the year. When Caroline struggled to cope with her mom’s worsening cancer, Katy provided a comforting sense of home and a shoulder to lean on. Unlike Caroline’s high school friendships, which developed from shared memories and fun times, their friendship grew from an emotional commitment. When Caroline’s three kids all had COVID-19, Katy dropped everything in her life to fly to Caroline and take care of her kids so Caroline could go to work. These girls would literally do anything for each other because their bond was not based on memories from the past and good times, but on mutual support and a deep devotion to one another.
Despite their friendship’s origins, the girls quickly forged a connection that has lasted over 20 years. Caroline married young and had kids, so she was often too busy to prioritize their friendship, creating a rift in their relationship. Years later, when Katy married her husband and had kids, she developed a deep appreciation for Caroline and realized that, even though they were in completely different stages of life, their bond persisted. “If I could go back in time to high school, I would tell myself to see the value in every girl who sits in the classroom,” said Caroline. “Even if someone seemingly has nothing in common with you, they still have a unique perspective on life that could align with your own. When it comes to female friendships, always take the risk. It is better to have tried to form a connection and failed than to avoid a connection altogether.” And that is what is so special about Hockaday. I could sit at a table with four girls I’ve never spoken to and converse for an hour straight. When I’m in public and see a familiar Hockaday face, I always stop to say hello because we will always have something in common. Hockaday has shaped our values, uniting us in struggle. We face challenges together, bond over stress, and unite with our plaid. In a world full of unpredictable people, I will always feel comfort that thousands of girls have walked the same halls as I. At a school as small as ours, we find that every Hockaday graduate is somehow connected. No matter how old or young we are, Hockaday girls will always be united in friendship.
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SARAH WILSON FENTON ’99 AND MEREDITH WATERS ’99 by Fendley Obert (Class of 2026) and Gray Damonte (Class of 2026)
Constant. Steadfast. An invisible string from the first day of kindergarten The ease of a true friend There was no reason why But they always stayed Stayed through the messy, the scary, the unknown Across the school, across the state, across the country So much working against them But it was so easy A tie that will never break Such strength prevails Despite the unwavering will of time to break them The person who has always been Memories aren’t memories without Meredith I hope that my kids can find a “Sarah” So dependable And we always stayed Steadfast. Constant.
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LAURALEE THORNTON GUNBY ’96 AND VIRGINIA ALVERSON MIMMACK ’96 By Annie Pendleton (Class of 2026), Maya Bakshi (Class of 2026), and Reva Donepudi (Class of 2026)
Lauralee entered Hockaday in Fifth Grade and fondly remembers her experience meeting people at her new school, describing the process as a “snowball effect,” in which her circle of friends expanded by meeting mutual friends and friends of friends. Virginia joined Hockaday’s Class of 1996 in Seventh Grade. “I didn’t realize how unique it was to have such a close friend group,” said Virginia. “And yet here I am, 30 years later, and they’re still my best friends.” Each girl’s shared experiences at Hockaday and the proximity to one another due to the School’s small class sizes allowed Lauralee and Virginia to form unique bonds with many of their classmates, no matter their background or interests. One standout moment for both Lauralee and Virginia was a friend’s birthday party at Lauralee’s family farm. “We got everybody together out at my farm,” said Lauralee. “We had water gun fights, ran around the pasture, ate Stein’s cakes, and just had a really good, innocent time.” This innocence was the glue that held their group together. “Single-sex schools like Hockaday foster this innocence, bringing out the best in women...as opposed to feeling like they’re competing for male attention,” said Virginia. Upon graduation, Lauralee and her group of Class of 1996 classmates spread out across the country; Virginia went to Vanderbilt University, Lauralee attended Tulane University, Kelly Ruff Frazier and Janet Blackwell Councill headed to Southern Methodist University, and Louise Flaig Emerick went to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Despite the geographical distance between them, this core group kept in touch throughout the years, reuniting during breaks and eventually attending each other’s weddings throughout the years. Today, Lauralee, Kelly, Janet, and Virginia all live in the Dallas area, remaining in close contact with one another. Louise lives in Philadelphia, yet stays in touch. As Lauralee explained, “we can just pick up where we left off,” highlighting how their friendship endures effortlessly despite time and distance.
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PEGGY DARAH ADAMS ’74 AND JANA WEST HACKER ’74 By: Kaitlyn Adams (Class of 2026) and Lily Brown (Class of 2026)
Peggy remembers her first day as a new Hockaday student in eighth grade well. “My mother and I drove the whole way home when a “car pulled into our driveway and Jana’s mother jumped out and screamed about how we could carpool.” It became clear that the initial point of connection in this friendship revolved around shared car rides. Whether conversations centered around Middle School drama, annoying their moms, or discussing crushes, it was these small moments that allowed a friendship to begin. The two could rely on car rides as a place to talk every day without fail from the day they met until graduation day four years later. The key similarity between our friendship and Peggy and Jana’s is Hockaday; a place that allows us to deepen our connection as we learn to be strong females with limitless potential. Peggy and Jana ensured that Hockaday was central in their understanding of friendships. “You have a unique experience,” said Peggy. “You are a part of a family that all of you understand with just a word or a little thing.”
Jana (blue stripes) and Peggy (dark blue shirt) with friends in Middle School
After hearing Peggy and Jana’s reflections, we realized how central Hockaday has been in the development of our friendship. Hockaday’s education gave us the platform to bond as we grow into young women. From One Hockaday celebrations, we learned about Hockaday’s Cornerstones and how to act with courtesy. From stories in English and History classes, we developed our understanding of friendships and relationships. From Hockaday speakers, we hear stories that teach us about our character, and how to be the best versions of ourselves. These lessons were not only educational, but personal. Hockaday teaches us to be the courteous and loving kind of people that are invaluable to friendships, helping us build the strong unspoken connection that Peggy described. Hockaday is central to female friendships because of these inadvertent lessons on how to be a good friend, and the unique connection it allows students. Hockaday may be a final stop of a carpool ride, but it’s only a pit stop on the journey of friendship, allowing long-lasting connection, even after Daisies walk across Graduation Terrace. The love Peggy Adams and Jana Hacker continue to have for each other over 50 years after graduating from Hockaday is an inspiration to all those who witness and demonstrate what it looks like to be a great friend.
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Connecting Across Continents Global Girls Connect spreads mission across the world By Sarah Moskowitz (Class of 2026) As juniors Maya Menon and Avika Guttigoli crossed the Nile River by boat, they began to see the young women they mentored through the Global Girls Connect club come into view, singing and dancing to welcome them to the Jinja district of Uganda.
Before the 2024–2025 school year began, Maya asked Avika as the vice president and co-founder and met with Director of Innovation and Collaboration Laura Day to explain her vision and how she could bring the club to life.
Alongside nine other students from the Dallas area, juniors Maya Menon and Avika Guttigoli traveled with their families to Africa this past summer. During their four days in Uganda, they organized a business panel, held fun day for the primary school next to the African Women’s Workforce Initiative (AWWI), and led a session on reproductive health and menstrual education.
“I met with Maya on Zoom over the summer, with her and the founder of the organization, and she talked me through the experience and what it meant for her,” Day said. “Maya cared so much, which is why she was able to pull it off and stick with it.”
Menon serves as the president and co-founder of Global Girls Connect, a club she created to train young women in hospitality and information technology (IT) through AWWI in Uganda. “I went on a trip with my family to Africa last summer and we worked with AWWI, which guarantees a job at a hotel in Uganda to women who are stuck in cycles of abuse and poverty,” Menon said. “I came home excited and wanted to get Hockaday involved with them.” “My parents are doctors and there was interest in having a medical camp, and we collaborated with doctors and a hospital nearby at the AWWI campus so people in the villages could get medical care because they hadn’t had treatment their entire lives,” Guttigoli said.
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When they first started the club, Menon and Guttigoli worked to find a system that would maximize their impact on the students in Uganda. “We had lots of discussion about how we could best support the school in general, and we decided that one-on-one relationships are very profound,” Menon said. “We established close connections with the leadership and the team and met about once a month to figure out how to best support the girls there.” As the leaders of a 20-person club, Menon and Guttigoli established one-on-one pairings and figured out the structure of meetings. “We had to make tangible outcomes of achievements, and it became smoother throughout the year,” Guttigoli said. “This year, we are working on reinforcing the relationships we had and making it more group focused.”
Throughout the school year, Global Girls Connect meets twice as an entire club: once at the beginning of the year and once at the end of the year. They also have mentorship sessions each month, split up over five days. “We do age-based selection because we wanted the girls closer to their age, so it is truly peer mentorship,” Menon said. “After doing a form to see if people had interests in common, we wrote introductory notes to our buddies.” Reflecting on the impact of the club and the relationships she has built, Guttigoli recalls the first session with her buddy. “In my very first meeting with my buddy, we talked about common interests, and she said she liked to sing,” Guttigoli said. “She sang a Ugandan song, and she was so humble. When I told her she sounded amazing, the girl was so thankful that I wanted to hear about her life and her song.” This summer, getting to meet their buddies face-to-face helped Menon and Guttigoli see the impact of their club on these young women. From getting a walk-through of the facilities and seeing everything their buddies have learned to working with their buddies to plan a fun day for the younger students, the trip helped them form deeper connections. “At least 10 of the girls had saved a little of their stipend to send gifts for their buddies,” Menon said. “Coming back and having a say in the itinerary made it a lot more impactful, and I loved seeing it with Avika and people who weren’t as familiar with it. The community is so special.” Guttigoli believes that the trip will allow them to strengthen their club for the upcoming school year. “We met them and saw what they need, so we can better tailor the club and the mission,” Guttigoli said. “It is beneficial to create a real outcome with everything we learned.” Menon believes in-person time with the buddies helps create long-lasting memories. “Connecting online is a fun opportunity, but something about being face-to-face and seeing where they go to school and live was much more impactful,” Menon said. “It is so cool to form closer connections by going there, and I can follow up with my buddy while I’m in Dallas.” Thinking back on the trip and the lessons it brought her, Guttigoli feels grateful for the full-circle experience of getting to know her buddy in person. “It was rewarding to see how much they care for our service, and experiencing is so much different than hearing about it,” Guttigoli said. “The trip opened my eyes to what is going on in the rest of the world.”
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The result is Soča, a women-led outdoor apparel company designed to meet a longstanding need in the fly-fishing world: high-quality, thoughtfully designed clothing created by women, for women. The brand blends technical performance with refined style; pieces that feel equally at home on the river and at an après gathering back in town.
Upstream Together Four Hockaday Alumnae Launch a Women-Led Outdoor Apparel Brand Long before they were business partners, Taylor Doran, Franny Ryburn, Ellie James Pitney, and Hannah English were members of the Class of 2004 at Hockaday, learning how to collaborate, create, and lead. Years later, those same skills would resurface in an unexpected way: along the banks of a river, fly rods in hand, as the four friends realized they were on the brink of building something together.
The idea for Soča emerged organically during the friends’ annual fishing trips, a tradition they began as adults to stay connected despite living in different cities. During these adventures, they consistently encountered the same frustration: outdoor apparel that didn’t fit properly, lacked thoughtful design, or felt disconnected from women’s real experiences. Rather than accept the status quo, they saw an opportunity to create something better together. The brand is named after the Soča River in Slovenia, a place that holds special meaning for the founders. It was there, during their inaugural fishing trip together in May 2018, that they fell in love with the river’s striking turquoise water and the sense of calm and connection it fostered. That experience and the tradition of returning to the water each summer remains embedded in the foundation of the company. For these four alumnae, working together professionally has deepened bonds that began decades earlier. “The most meaningful part has been connecting on a completely new level,” said Franny. Building a business has allowed them to see one another grow, take risks, and bring skill sets to the table that weren’t fully visible when they were younger. The trust formed during their Hockaday years now allows them to collaborate with ease, balancing shared history with the fresh perspective of building something new as adults. Looking back, the seeds of Soča were planted early—particularly during a memorable Fourth Grade opera production at Hockaday. Each student was responsible for a different part of the production, and the experience required teamwork, accountability, and creative problem-solving. For Franny, who worked as one of the costume designers, it sparked an early interest in fashion and design. “It was so much fun to work with my classmates to create looks for the opera,” she recalls. “I didn’t realize at the time how much it would influence me, but it definitely planted a seed.” Those early lessons—collaboration, creativity, and shared responsibility—have come full circle in Soča. Today, each founder brings her own strengths to the business, from design and product development to strategy and operations. Together, they approach the company with the same sense of curiosity and teamwork that shaped their school years. Soča’s mission goes beyond apparel. At its heart, the brand is about connection—to the outdoors, to community, and to one another. The founders continue to gather on the water each year, using that time not only to test and refine products but also to reconnect as friends. Those moments, they say, are invaluable and central to the company’s identity. In an industry that has historically underserved women, Soča stands as a reflection of what’s possible when women trust their instincts and draw on shared experiences to build something meaningful. It’s also a testament to the enduring power of the relationships formed at Hockaday, and proof that the lessons learned in classrooms, on stages, and among classmates can ripple outwards for years to come.
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For these four alumnae, working together professionally has deepened bonds that began decades earlier. “The most meaningful part has been connecting on a completely new level,” said Franny.
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STATE OF THE SCHOOL REPORT 2025–2026
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H O C K A D AY M A G A Z I N E
Dear Hockaday Community, As we reach the end of the school year, we arrive at a natural moment for reflection— an opportunity to pause, take stock of where we are as a School, and consider where we are headed. Each school year invites both perspective and possibility, and it is in that spirit that I am pleased to share a new resource with our community: The State of the School.
Scan to listen to “Education Evolved,” a podcast about the future of education with Dr. Laura Leathers and Laura Day.
Over the past year and a half, Hockaday has been deeply engaged in the ISAS reaccreditation process—a rigorous and meaningful examination of our programs, practices, and priorities. This work challenged us to reflect honestly on our strengths while also thinking intentionally about our future. The result is not only a reaffirmation of who we are, but a clearer vision of who we aspire to be. The State of the School grows directly out of that process and reflects our commitment to thoughtful self-study, continuous improvement, and transparency. This publication offers a clear and comprehensive snapshot of Hockaday today. Within its pages, you will find key information on admissions, philanthropic giving, academic programs, student outcomes, and other indicators that help tell the story of the School’s health, momentum, and direction. These metrics inform our strategic thinking, but they also represent the collective efforts of our students, faculty, staff, families, alumnae, and friends—each playing a vital role in Hockaday’s continued strength. I encourage you to spend time with this report and hope you find it both informative and affirming of our mission and our future. For those who prefer to listen, our Education Evolved podcast offers a summary of the report along with additional context and reflection. Scan the QR code to listen! Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your shared belief in the power of a Hockaday education.
Dr. Laura Leathers Eugene McDermott Head of School
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H O C K A D AY M A G A Z I N E
MISSION
Believing in the limitless potential of girls, Hockaday develops resilient, confident women who are educated and inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
THE FOUR CORNERSTONES: Character Courtesy Scholarship Athletics
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TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR 2025–2026:
973
9% increase over 2024–2025 applications
HOCKADAY ACCEPTANCE RATE:
17%
AVERAGE INDEX* PK–12 ACCEPTANCE RATE:
56%
ADMISSIONS Guided by our mission to attract, enroll, and support students who are the best match for our community—bringing with them diverse perspectives, talents, backgrounds, and learning profiles—we continue to see strong enrollment outcomes. This success is rooted in the authentic, personalized experience we offer each student and family. Our ongoing focus on accessibility shapes every aspect of our process, from programming to communication. By providing a flexible and inclusive menu of events—in-person, virtual, and on-demand— we continue to meet families where they are while building meaningful relationships along the way.
*INDEX IS THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DATA EXCHANGE, AND THE COMPARISON GROUP FOR HOCKADAY CONSISTS OF 111 PK–12 SCHOOLS LOCATED ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. 30
H O C K A D AY M A G A Z I N E
HOCKADAY ATTRITION RATE:
number of students who withdraw within a year
1.8%
AVERAGE INDEX PK–12 ATTRITION RATE:
6.2%
YIELD (NUMBER OF STUDENTS ADMITTED WHO ATTEND):
87%
AVERAGE INDEX PK–12:
70.8%
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ENROLLMENT Hockaday remains deeply committed to enrolling bright, mission-fit students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Our tuition assistance program plays a vital role in making a Hockaday education accessible to families across a wide economic spectrum, enriching the learning environment and strengthening the student experience for all.
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H O C K A D AY M A G A Z I N E
1,114
ENROLLED STUDENTS (276 LOWER SCHOOL, 340 MIDDLE SCHOOL, 498 UPPER SCHOOL)
54%
OF OUR ENROLLED STUDENTS SELF-IDENTIFY AS STUDENTS OF COLOR
$3 MILLION
IN TUITION ASSISTANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
12%
STUDENTS RECEIVING TUITION ASSISTANCE
76
ZIP CODES REPRESENTED
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ACADEMICS Hockaday was founded on a transformative academic program, and our girls’ achievements are inspiring. From robust classroom experiences to team competitions to ensemble productions, Hockaday girls are celebrated for their individual and collaborative talents. From her first day of school until she crosses Commencement Terrace eagerly anticipating her future, a Hockaday girl embraces the stimulating learning opportunities that await her each day, both inside and outside of the classroom. She will be empowered to meet challenges and think of solutions. She will be prepared to enter the world with confidence and resolve as a result of her extraordinary Hockaday experience.
AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOCKADAY NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS, 2022–2025:
23
NATIONAL AVERAGE:
0.8
AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOCKADAY NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLARS, 2022–2025:
33
NATIONAL AVERAGE:
1.7
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H O C K A D AY M A G A Z I N E
TOP COLLEGE MATRICULATIONS, 2023–2025 COLLEGE
NUMBER OF AP CLASSES OFFERED:
17
AP TESTING, CLASS OF 2025:
630 TESTS
96%
GOT A 3 OR HIGHER AVERAGE SAT, CLASS OF 2025:
1423
MATRICULATIONS
The University of Texas at Austin
44
Northwestern University
15
Texas A&M University–College Station
15
New York University
14
Northeastern University
10
Duke University
8
Georgetown University
8
University of Pennsylvania
8
University of Virginia–Main Campus
8
Cornell University
7
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
7
Southern Methodist University
7
The University of Texas at Dallas
7
Tulane University of Louisiana
7
Auburn University
6
Columbia University in the City of New York
6
Harvard University
6
Rice University
6
Syracuse University
6
Tufts University
6
University of California–Berkeley
6
Boston College
5
Johns Hopkins University
5
Stanford University
5
University of Michigan
5
University of Notre Dame
5
University of Southern California
5
Wake Forest University
5
AVERAGE ACT COMPOSITE, CLASS OF 2025:
32
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70%
HAVE AN ADVANCED DEGREE FACULTY DEGREES:
77 MASTERS, 19 PhDs, 1 JD MEAN YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
20
AVERAGE YEARS OF SERVICE TO HOCKADAY:
11
STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO:
9:1
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H O C K A D AY M A G A Z I N E
FACULTY The strength of Hockaday lies in the talent, dedication, and imagination of its faculty and staff. Our educators do more than teach; they model a spirit of inquiry and a willingness to grow that inspires the young women in their care. Faculty choose Hockaday because they believe in our mission, but they remain because of the opportunities to stretch themselves professionally and to flourish in a supportive, intellectually vibrant community.
GIVING The Hockaday School is fortunate to have a
TOTAL ENDOWMENT:
$244.7 MILLION
community that is involved and committed to making the Hockaday experience exceptional for
THE HOCKADAY FUND (2024–2025):
every student. Our generous community supports
$3.1 MILLION
Hockaday both financially and with gifts of time as volunteers and trusted advisors. All of these contributions are truly appreciated.
ENDOWMENT GIVING (2024–2025):
$2.4 MILLION LOWER SCHOOL RENOVATION PROJECT:
$5.2 MILLION HPA FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES (2024–2025):
$352,756
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75
STUDENTS SIGNED TO PLAY THEIR CHOSEN SPORT IN COLLEGE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS
ATHLETICS Athletics are a vital part of the student experience and one of the School’s Four Cornerstones. Through participation in a competitive, valuesdriven athletics program, students build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership while learning the importance of discipline, sportsmanship, and balance. As members of the Southwest Preparatory Conference, Hockaday student-athletes are challenged to pursue excellence on and off the field, developing lifelong habits of wellness and character that support their growth as students and as young women of purpose and impact.
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H O C K A D AY M A G A Z I N E
65%
OF UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS
78%
OF EIGHTH GRADERS PARTICIPATED IN AT LEAST ONE SPORT
84%
OF SEVENTH GRADERS PARTICIPATED IN AT LEAST ONE SPORT
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FINE ARTS The Arts are a central and vibrant part of the student experience, fostering creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Through a rich and comprehensive arts program, students are encouraged to explore, take creative risks, collaborate, and refine their voices across a range of artistic disciplines. The arts cultivate curiosity, discipline, and joy, helping students develop both technical skill and expressive depth while strengthening their ability to think creatively, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world.
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45
PERFORMANCES, EVENTS, AND EXHIBITIONS ANNUALLY
50%
OF UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE FOUR YEARS OF FINE ARTS CLASSES
62
FINE ARTS CLASSES OFFERED IN ALL THREE DIVISIONS
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FALL ALUMNAE COCKTAIL PARTY The Fall Alumnae Cocktail Party was a wonderful celebration of Hockaday friendships and recognition of beloved current and retired faculty members who have given 20 or more years of service to Hockaday. The Hockaday School is grateful to Jimieka Rose Oswald ’00 for her leadership as chair of the event.
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Captions to come captions to come captions to come....
ELA HOCKADAY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA AWARD Established in 2011, The Ela Hockaday Distinguished Alumna Award recognizes those alumnae who—by virtue of their vocations, visions, and passions—have a transformative effect on their communities, professions, and families. Presented at the Fall Alumnae Cocktail Party, the award complements the Alumnae Association’s highest honor, the Hockaday Medal. The Hockaday Alumnae Association recognized Dr. Austin Dennard ’03, DO, FACOG as this year’s recipient. Dr. Dennard is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and pelvic surgery, and a recognized women’s health advocate. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma, her Master’s in Biomedical Sciences from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, and completed her medical degree, residency, and advanced surgical fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
commitment to reproductive rights is also deeply personal. She is a plaintiff in Zurawski v. Texas, a landmark lawsuit challenging the state’s abortion bans, and her story is featured in the documentary film of the same name. Through sharing her own lived experience with the restrictive nature of Texas’s abortion laws, she continues to amplify the urgent need for change and advocate for women’s autonomy in healthcare. Dr. Dennard maintains a thriving private practice in the Dallas– Fort Worth area, providing comprehensive gynecologic and obstetric care, from adolescence through post-menopause, with specialized expertise in midlife women’s health, hormone therapy, and advanced pelvic surgery. She combines surgical precision with a holistic approach, empowering women to take charge of their health at every stage of life. “This award is a celebration of shared values; of education, advocacy, and the belief that women’s health is foundational to equality,” she said. “I’m proud that Hockaday continues to champion our voices and recognizes the importance of reproductive healthcare equality as part of that mission.”
A passionate advocate for women’s rights and health equity, Dr. Dennard has been invited to speak at the White House, Planned Parenthood, and the Feminist Majority, among other national platforms. She is consistently recognized as one of DFW’s Top Doctors and a “Mom-Approved” physician. Dr. Dennard’s
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Introducing The Hockaday Fund: A New Name for a Lasting Tradition The Hockaday Fund, formerly called The Annual Fund, is Hockaday’s top fundraising priority each year. While the name has changed, the purpose remains the same: to provide essential, unrestricted support for Hockaday’s people, programs, and priorities. Tuition and fees do not cover the full cost of a Hockaday education – the gap for this school year is more than $9,000 per student. The Hockaday Fund, combined with the annual draw from Hockaday’s endowment, provides approximately 20% of the operating revenue for each school year. Your generous gifts each year ensure that our students, faculty, and community continue to thrive.
Make A Gift Today Online: hockaday.org/makeagift By phone: 214.360.6529 For additional information, contact:
SCAN TO GIVE
Jessica W. Epperson ’96, Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives jepperson@hockaday.org | 214.360.6579
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Young Alumnae Leadership Circle This year, Hockaday established the Young Alumnae Leadership Circle, created to inspire and recognize the next generation of Hockaday leaders. As we look for meaningful ways to reengage and motivate our youngest graduates, this circle celebrates those who choose to give back through The Hockaday Fund while helping shape the future of the School.
Members of the Young Alumnae Leadership Circle will be invited to a special event to recognize their leadership among young alumnae. Up to 9 years since Graduation (Classes of 2025–2017)
$250 plus
10 – 15 years after Graduation (Classes of 2016–2011)
$1,000 plus
“
MEGAN PORTER ’13 Hockaday provided me with my academic foundation, inspired my curiosity to learn, and introduced me to my closest friends to this day. I believe it’s very important to give back to offer future generations the same amazing experience I had over my 14 years at Hockaday. Giving back allows Hockaday to invest in these girls and future leaders and ensure they have access to the best teachers, curriculum, facilities, and programming around.
”
“
DIANA PIOVANETTI ’21 As a proud alumna, Hockaday has played an integral role in shaping both my personal and professional journey. Since graduating from Cornell and recently relocating from New York to Dallas to join Goldman Sachs on the Private Equity Alternatives Co-Investment Team, I have been inspired by the city’s growing “Y’all Street” community. Supporting Hockaday through the Young Alumnae Leadership Circle allows me to give back to the School that fostered my growth, resilience, and commitment to service. Hockaday instilled in me a sense of responsibility to the wider community, and participating in YALC is a meaningful way to contribute—whether through mentorship, engagement, or service initiatives. I am excited to strengthen the bond between alumnae and the School, help other young graduates navigate their paths, and continue cultivating a thriving Hockaday community that inspires future generations of women to lead boldly.
”
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Securing the Future
HOCKADAY’S ENDOWMENT ENSURES THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SCHOOL Hockaday’s endowment was begun by the School’s alumnae in 1964, and as of June 30, 2025, totaled over $244.7 million. Over the years, many donors have honored family members, past faculty and staff members, and The Hockaday School by establishing named endowment funds. An endowment is a permanent fund invested to ensure Hockaday’s financial security for the future. Hockaday’s endowment supports everything from financial aid, faculty salaries and professional development, and specific departmental needs and programs to general operations.
“HOCKADAY HAS BEEN A TRANSFORMATIONAL INSTITUTION IN OUR FAMILY’S LIFE.” — NEELESH AND KIMBERLY MEHENDALE
SPOTLIGHT: MEHENDALE FAMILY FACULTY ENDOWMENT Neelesh and Kimberly Mehendale, parents of Leena Mehendale ’22 and Raja Mehendale (St. Mark’s, Class of 2024), established the Mehendale Family Faculty Endowment in 2024. “Hockaday has been a transformational institution in our family’s life. Hockaday has helped shape our daughter into the young woman that she is today and laid the foundation for leading a life of purpose. At the heart of that development were the faculty and staff that worked tirelessly towards that goal. Establishing the Mehendale Family Faculty Endowment fund was our small way to help ensure that Hockadaisies of future generations continue to be cultivated by world-class faculty and staff.”
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THE HOCKADAY CLASS OF 1968 ENDOWED FINANCIAL AID FUND Established in 1993 in honor of the 25th Reunion of The Class of 1968, the Hockaday Class of 1968 Endowed Financial Aid Fund provides support to Hockaday’s Financial Aid program. The class has contributed over $250,000 and the current value of the fund is around $415,000. The Class of 1968 has maintained its close bond by planning trips together, including an upcoming trip to Paris. “The Class of 1968 has been irrepressibly chatty forever,” said Angier Peavy ’68. “In the long ago pen and ink days, we filled pages with our interests and concerns and the terribly important trivia of friendship. With the advent of instantaneous electronic devices, we have maintained contact. The bottom line is that we liked each other and wanted to stay in touch.” Vicki Michaelis Bartholow ’68 is especially proud of the way the class has come together to support their beloved School. “We hope we can set an example for other classes who might want to give back to Hockaday,” she said. “We have set the bar high!” Pictured from top to bottom: The Class of 1968 in their senior year The Class of 1968’s 50th Reunion in 2018 Angier Peavy ’68, Jan Woodward Fox ’68, and Frances Aronson ’68 at lunch in Houston Marianne Wells ’68, Vicki Michaelis Bartholow ’68, and Cathy Orr Luccock ’68 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
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IN MEMORIAM “Rosalind’s steady guidance and wisdom were invaluable assets to me, the School, and the entire Board.” — LAURA LEATHERS, EUGENE MCDERMOTT HEAD OF SCHOOL
ROSALIND “ROZ” REDFERN GROVER ’59 Hockaday mourns the loss of Rosalind “Roz” Redfern Grover ’59, a devoted member of the Hockaday community who served the School loyally as an alumna, grandparent, Trustee, and Life Trustee. Rosalind passed away on November 21, 2025, surrounded by family in the hospital she helped build in Midland, Texas. Rosalind served on the Hockaday Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2020 and was named a Life Trustee in 2024. During her tenure, she chaired the Development Committee and served on the Executive Committee. In 2021, she received the Hockaday Medal Award, the Alumnae Association’s highest honor. Rosalind consistently exemplified the Four Cornerstones and was a respected role model for students, alumnae, and the broader community. Her commitment to philanthropy and civic leadership was extensive. She chaired multiple campaigns for Midland Memorial Hospital, served on the Midland Memorial Foundation Board of Governors, and was a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors. Her many honors include the Distinguished Citizen of Permian Basin Award, Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy, Women of Distinction Award, the Hope Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,
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and recognition from the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. In 2021, she was also a finalist for The Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year. Rosalind was a trailblazing leader in the oil and gas industry, serving as CEO of Redfern & Grover Resources LLC and holding affiliations with several major industry organizations. Her loyalty to Hockaday was evident through her leadership, generous annual giving, and extraordinary support of numerous capital projects, including the renovation of the Ashley H. Priddy Lower School. A larger-than-life presence, Roz’s insight, energy, and dedication will be deeply missed. Rosalind and her late husband, Arden, are survived by three Hockaday alumnae granddaughters and a granddaughterin-law: Landry Brooks Grover ’22, Rosalind “Rozzie” Taylor Killingstad ’10, and Mallory Harrison Killingstad ’05.
LINDA CUSTARD Hockaday mourns the loss of Life Trustee Linda Custard, a devoted member of the Hockaday community who served the School loyally and made lasting contributions as a member and leader of the Board of Trustees. Linda passed away on January 22, 2026. Linda served on the Hockaday Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1992 and was named a Life Trustee in 1994. During her tenure, she served as Board Chair from 1986 to 1989. Throughout her service to Hockaday and to the broader Dallas community, Linda consistently exemplified the School’s Four Cornerstones through her professional, philanthropic, and civic leadership. In recognition of her devotion to these ideals, she was named an Honorary Alum by the Alumnae Association. Deeply committed to education, the arts, and civic engagement, Linda was the General Partner of Custard/Pitts Land and Cattle Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mills College in Oakland, California, and an MBA from the SMU Cox School of Business. Linda was an active philanthropist and volunteer, serving on numerous boards and foundations throughout Dallas. At the time of her passing, she was Chair of the Board of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Her extensive civic involvement also included
The Salvation Army, Dallas Theater Center, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Sweetheart Ball, and The Dallas Opera. She was a former Trustee of Southern Methodist University and served as Chair of the Meadows Museum Advisory Board, as well as a member of the Executive Board of the Meadows School of the Arts and the Maguire Institute for Ethics and Public Responsibility. Her leadership and service were recognized with many honors, including the TACA Silver Cup Award, the Maura Award, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year Award, and the Dallas Historical Society Award for Excellence in Arts Leadership. Additional honors included the Junior League of Dallas Lifetime Achievement Award, the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award, recognition as one of YWCA Dallas’s 100 Women in 100 Years, the Texas Trailblazer Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Volunteer Center of North Texas. Linda was predeceased by her husband, William “Bill” Custard, in March 2025. She is survived by her three children: Marla Custard ’83, Laura Custard Burcham ’88, and Allen Custard, St. Mark’s ’80.
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MILESTONES MARRIAGES 2005
Marie McLean to Garrison Marx October 4, 2025
2007
Laurence Glasscock to Nolan Morrison May 3, 2025 Courtney Levering to Bruce Smathers November 8, 2025
2011
Annie Moir to Dan Spreitzer March 29, 2025 Julia Enthoven to Tyler Cooke May 31, 2025
2012
Virginia Bentley to Matthew Anthony March 8, 2025 Isabella “Bea” So to Jason Tang March 22, 2025 Holly O’Brien to Ryan Grzyb June 6, 2025 Zoe Blumenthal to Christopher Morin September 1, 2025
2019
Elizabeth Burns to Landon Wood September 13, 2025
2020
Jordan Walker to Forest Miller August 3, 2025
BIRTHS 2003
Julia Tucker-Huth Cash Beckett Nagy September 2025
2005
Ashley Walker Louise Patty Coles March 1, 2025 Adrienne Murphy Bridget Louise May 2025 Margaret Dunlay Terwey John Harbour Terwey July 17, 2005
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Jasmine Ainetchian Vivienne Lili July 22, 2025 2008
2011
Lindsay Dolan Julian Dolan Hanson June 24, 2025 Marisa Helland Trevino Maribel Lee Trevino August 8, 2025 Katelyn Hall Muñoz Aubrey Joy Muñoz December 27, 2025
1948JC
Elinor Lohberg Cornell November 20, 2025 1949JC
Mary Jane Harding March 14, 2025
1951
Carole Cole Millhauser June 17, 2025 Patricia Seidenglanz Chapman July 14, 2025
1952
IN MEMORIAM 1940JC
Jane Curtin Reed August 15, 2025
1943
Beverly Smith Lide mother of Mary Lide Kehoe ’68 August 2025
1945
Rosalie Taubman August 3, 2025
1946
Cora McClure December 20, 2025
1948
Margot Holt Gill July 7, 2025
Virginia Ann Martin Walke August 14, 2025
Drane Kendall Haw mother of Hannah Haw Weldon ’86 March 14, 2025 Jean Irwin Crow November 16, 2025
1952JC
Peggy Davis Greenstreet January 6, 2026
1956
Alice Worsham Bass sister of Raguet Worsham Hall ’65; mother of Ann Aston Ratelle ’80; grandmother of Catherine Lenaguer-Ratelle ’09, Alexandra Aston ’14, and Augusta Aston ’14; step-mother of Barbara Bass Moroney ’75 and Bonnie Bass Moroney ’75; step-grandmother of Meagan Moroney ’06, Julie Smith ’07, Caroline Smith ’08, Aline Bass Callahan ’10, Kate Smith Dickerson ’10, Laura Bass ’11, Callie Moroney Fort ’13, and Jenny Moroney Iorio ’13 September 22, 2025
1957
Sara Ann Bush Miles May 6, 2025 Suzanne Frensley Hood September 6, 2025 Nancilee Foree mother of Dede Pearcy ’77, Camille Pearcy Potts ’78, and Kimberly Pearcy Phillips ’86; grandmother of Isabel Jacobson ’15 and Wallis Jacobson ’16 October 13, 2025
1959
Pat Finley Fallin August 6, 2025 Rosalind Redfern Grover (Hockaday Board of Trustees, 2014–2020; Life Trustee, 2025; Hockaday Medal Award Recipient, 2021); grandmother of Rozzie Killingstad ’10, Landry Grover ’22, and Mallory Harrison Killingstad ’05 November 21, 2025
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1961
Victoria Pernell Williams February 14, 2025 Molly Caldwell Cline grandmother of Eliza Cline ’23 September 28, 2025
Judy Kemp Amonett sister of Carolyn Kemp Wittenbraker ’67; aunt of Mary Kemp Tabor ’05 November 4, 2025 1966
Jane Austin Chapman November 2, 2025 Jan Martindale Newsome mother of Stuart Newsome ’92; grandmother of Victoria Newsome ’22 and Kendall Newsome ’24; daughter-in-law of Frances Dyckman Newsome ’32 (deceased); sister-in-law of Marian Newsome Sherwood ’64 November 30, 2025 1962
1965
Patricia Beck Phillips sister of Spindrift Beck Al-Swaidi ’70, Kalita Beck Blessing ’77; aunt of Spindrift Beck ’09 September 3, 2025 Josie Roberts McCarthy mother of Eugenie McCarthy ’98 and Juliana McCarthy ’99 November 28, 2025
1968
Suanne Eisen Lubin September 3, 2025
Anne Bartley August 30, 2025
1969
Jan Roberts November 15, 2025
Cathy Carr January 2, 2026
1970
Sharon Watts January 3, 2026
Nancy McDaniel Thorne February 27, 2025
1980
Cynda Cavin June 23, 2025
Catharine Cline Hamilton sister of Charlene Cline Marsh ’62; aunt of Estee Marsh Kellogg ’87, C.C. Marsh ’00, and Charles and Louise Marsh (Current Parents); great-aunt of Tennessee Marsh (Class of 2030) and Ginnie Marsh (Class of 2034) October 7, 2025
1997
Bridget Hinds Streicker April 4, 2025
1998
Jamie Bankhead December 13, 2025
2006
Morgan Ray October 28, 2025
SPRING 2026
97
IN MEMORIAM – FAMILY AND FRIENDS Dr. Lawrence Barzune father of Laura Barzune ’81 June 30, 2025 L. Keith Blackwell father of Janet Blackwell Council ’96 May 1, 2025 Michael Boswell father of Jennifer Boswell Pickens ’96 November 7, 2025 Michael Boyd (Upper School Science Teacher, late 1960–early 1970) father of Katsy Boyd ’84 and Brook Boyd ’87 October 15, 2025 Edward Blessing husband of Kalita Beck Blessing ’77 September 30, 2025 David Leeper Bond father of Anne Bond ’75 June 17, 2025 Lila Bonner daughter of Caitlin Christopher Bonner ’06 July 4, 2025 Susanne Broussard (Middle School English Teacher and Learning Specialist, 1989–2015 September 12, 2025 Tom Capps (Upper School Math Teacher, 1969–1999) May 28, 2025 Lee Coggan husband of Pat Coggan (Lower School Teacher, 1976–2011); father of Sharon Coggan McBride ’83 August 24, 2025 Willis Cottel father of Louise Cottel Crain ’98 March 3, 2025 Linda Pitts Custard (Board of Trustees, 1980–1992; Chair, 1986–1989; Life Trustee, 1994) mother of Marla Custard ’83 and Laura Custard Burcham ’88 January 22, 2026 Nancy M. Dedman mother of Patricia Dedman Nail ’74 and Robert and Rachael Dedman (Past Parents); grandmother of Christina Dietz ’09, Catherine Dedman ’19, and Nancy Dedman ’21 October 8, 2025
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H O C K A D AY M A G A Z I N E
The Honorable Judge Patrick Ferchill husband of Cantey Hendricks Ferchill ’65 November 1, 2024 Lee Gaillard (Upper School English Teacher, 1973–1988; Chair, English Department, 1975–1981; Head of Upper School, 1981–1988) father of Jennifer Gaillard ’87; husband of Reverend Ann Gaillard (Upper School English Teacher, 1983–1988) May 25, 2025 Thomas O. Hicks father of Catherine Hicks Cosgrove ’12; husband of Cinda Hicks (Board of Trustees, 2009–2012) December 6, 2025 Jerry Jones father of Erin Jones Rudsenske ’95 and Courtney Jones Johnson ’97; grandfather of Peyton Johnson (Class of 2026), Maddie Johnson (Class of 2028), and Emma Johnson (Class of 2030); husband of Ellen Jones February 7, 2026 Mary Kesler (Assistant Head of School, 1971–1986) December 4, 2025 Barron Ulmer Kidd father of Liete Kidd Eichorn ’83 and LeDee Kidd Sachs ’87; grandfather of Raney Sachs ’16, Elinor Sachs ’17, and Alexandra Sachs ’21 January 2, 2025 Stan Levenson father of Laura Levenson Gottesman ’82 August 27, 2025
Richard Lombardi (Upper School History Teacher, 1986–2002; Interim Head of School, 1989–1990; Board of Trustees, 1976–1982) father of Carolyn Lombardi Tillquist ’78 April 24, 2025 William Audie Long father of Monica Long Rosser ’96; grandfather of Elsie Rosser (Class of 2034) October 28, 2025 Joan McFarlane (Upper School Registrar, 1974–1999) September 13, 2025 Dr. David Mangelsdorf father of Sara Mangelsdorf ’21 August 3, 2025 Henry Raymont husband of Wendy Marcus Raymont ’56 (deceased); uncle of Jennie Smith Wilson ’77, Courtenay Smith ’84, and Allison Smith ’88 July 15, 2025 Mary Jo Riggs mother of Kathy Riggs Rylander ’65 March 31, 2025
Joel Robuck husband of Linda Harbin Robuck ’65 January 20, 2026 Dr. Charles M. Starks grandfather of Kay Dannenmaier ’12 September 29, 2025 Dr. Jonathan Walker husband of Nancy Walker (Upper School Faculty, 1982–2004) May 29, 2025 Peter Warlick father of Caroline Warlick ’24 June 19, 2025 Bill Wallace husband of Denise Mabry Wallace ’65 November 28, 2025 Sarah Warnecke mother of Kindra Warnecke Salcedo ’90 October 31, 2025 Don Wills husband of Sue Barnes Wills ’56; father of Kay Wills Wyma ’84; grandfather of Kate Wills ’21 January 23, 2026
SPRING 2026
99
LEADERSHIP TEAM Dr. Laura Leathers Eugene McDermott Head of School Nicole Escudero Christenson Head of Middle School Melissa Coyne Director of Athletics Lisa Culbertson ’96 Head of Upper School Melissa Curtis Director of Auxiliary Programs Laura Day Director of Innovation and Collaboration Jessica W. Epperson ’96 Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives Dr. Barbara Fishel Dean of Studies Michelle Goldsmith Head of Lower School Joan Guzman Chief Operations Officer Katie Leto Chief Financial Officer Cyndi Lewis Director of Enrollment Management Randal Rauscher Rhodus ’97 Assistant Head of School Sara Stoltz Director of Communications Dr. Tracey Tevis Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS David A. Roosevelt Chair of the Board Lucy Billingsley Burns ’98 Treasurer Isabell Novakov Higginbotham ’98 Secretary A. Shonn Brown Immediate Past Chair LIFE TRUSTEES Linda Custard Lyda Hill ’60 James M. Hoak, Jr. Natalie “Schatzie” Henderson Lee ’55 Janie Strauss McGarr ’72 Margot Perot Ellen Higginbotham Rogers ’59 Michelle Neuhoff Thomas ’83 FACULTY ADVISOR Terry Bourek
11600 Welch Road Dallas, Texas 75229 Telephone 214.363.6311
HOCKADAY.ORG
TRUSTEES Sulman Ahmed Wasan Alfalahi Bonner Mead Allen ’94 Audrey Decherd Barbosa ’05 Nancy Lira Bernardino ’97 Kalita Beck Blessing ’77 Carla Bolden Andrea Carter Taj Clayton Sherri Darver Tricia Drum Davidson ’91 William Dawson Antal Desai Becca Marcus Fernandes ’96 Landy Elliott Fox ’92 Scott Harper Mary Pat Higgins Andrew Hill Michael Horne Dan Hunt Courtney Jones Johnson ’97 Fallyn Gray Jones ’01 Edward Keith Yoo Jin Kim Scott Minnix Shankh Mitra Abby Hoak Morton ’05 Jimieka Rose Oswald ’00 Marisia Parra-Gaona Priya Sureddi Patel ’04 Kelsey Swingle Robertson ’05 Laurie Sudbury Dawne Tribolet Caroline Snell Wagner ’00 Tiffany Schmitz Ward ’04 Erin Zopolsky
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