Saint Mary's School Magazine, Winter 2026

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS

Board of Trustees 2025-2026

Officers

Tiffany Miller Clark ’82HS, Chair

Elizabeth Patteson Dixon ’80HS P’18, Vice Chair

Jean Redding ’72HS, Treasurer

Julian Williamson P'18 '23

Members-at-Large

Merritt Atkins ’99

Diane Gupton Becton ’77HS

Catherine Bryant Brown ’12

Georgia Moore Brown ’99

April Browne ’88HS ’90C

Hope Derby Carmichael P’24

Eric Evans P’12 ’14

Amanda Hampton P’25

Ken Howard P’11

Angel Jones P’26 ’27

Tamar Khuntsaria, Ph.D. P’26

Sheila McLamb ’75HS

Michael Penick

Susan Creech Rankin ”74HS P’11

Will Rideout P’22 ’24 ’28

Ward Russell P’20

Sallie Shuping-Russell ”75C

Melissa Morrisette Tillman ’88HS P’23

Heather Clark Warren ’89HS ’91C

*P indicates a parent followed by their daughter’s class year

Founded in 1842 in the Episcopal tradition, Saint Mary’s School is an innovative independent, college-preparatory, girls boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for grades 9-12.

Saint Mary’s School admits girls of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to our students.

Saint Mary's School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, or athletic and other school programs.

Administration/Executive Staff

Dr. Adam Holden, Ed.D., Head of School

Debbi Clarke, Ed.D., Interim Assistant Head for Academic Affairs

Michelle Lammon, CFO/COO

Matt Olesnevich, Ed.D., Assistant Head for Student Affairs and Residential Faculty

T. Brandon Wright, Assistant Head for Development and Fundraising

Saint Mary’s School Magazine

Published twice each year by Saint Mary’s School.

Please send address changes to: Alumnae Office 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27603-1689 919-424-4000 www.sms.edu

Or update your contact information online or scan the QR code at sms.edu/alumnae/update-my-information.

Editor

Mary Virginia Swain ’77C historian, author in residence mvswain@sms.edu

Class News Editor

Emory Rogers Church ’74C classnews@sms.edu

Director of Alumnae Engagement

Emily Smith ’01 ersmith@sms.edu

Contributors:

Lauren Gerber, Adam Holden, Emily Smith ’01, Mary Virginia Swain ’77 C, Brandon Wright

Design & Printing

Metro Productions

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear alumnae and friends,

I can’t believe that we have reached the end of first semester as I write this message. I was lamenting to my wife Jessica just the other day that the older I get, the faster time seems to fly by.

As we look around campus these days, there’s a great sense of movement, of things growing, shifting, and taking on new life. It’s exciting, but it also feels deeply familiar. Across campus, new ideas are taking shape, bold programs, fresh partnerships, and innovative practices that reflect the evolving needs of our students. Yet each one is rooted in the same mission, values, and traditions that generations of alumnae remember so well.

This issue is all about that balance. You’ll meet people and read about initiatives that allow us to dream big and try new things, but always with a clear understanding of where we come from and what we stand for. This work reflects a simple belief: that innovation does not ask us to leave our heritage behind, but it invites us to carry it forward in new and meaningful ways.

As you flip through these pages, I hope you feel both a spark of excitement and that gentle sense of home that never really goes away. The world is changing rapidly, but our commitment to educating, empowering, and inspiring our Saint Mary’s women remains as steady and as essential as ever. Together, we’re adding a brand-new chapter to a story that has always belonged to all of us.

Yours in education,

Dr. Adam Holden Head of School

Saint Mary's School

Commencement 2025: 65 graduates receive Saint Mary’s diplomas

By Mary Virginia Swain ’77C School Historian, Author in Residence

The sights and sounds of Pomp and Circumstance filled the Grove Sunday morning, May 18, 2025, as 65 seniors graduated from Saint Mary’s School. It was a blue-ribbon Saint Mary’s commencement day in the Grove, as the graduates turned their tassels and Saint Mary’s rings, becoming Saint Mary’s newest alumnae.

In keeping with Saint Mary’s tradition, Student Government Association President Emme Seymour ’25 and Senior Class President Harper Spencer ’25 marched at the head of the line of graduates. The marshals led the two lines of graduates and the platform party dignitaries from Smedes Hall through the Grove.

As the graduates made their way around Smedes Circle to the center brick walkway for the official procession through The Grove, underclasswomen presented each graduate with an iris to carry and place in the Class of 1987 urn just before stepping onstage to receive her diploma.

Saint Mary’s Chaplain Maggie Stoddard offered the invocation. Head of School Adam Holden, Ed.D., welcomed the graduates, their families, and guests.

Eliza Gugenheim of Salt Lake City, delivered the senior commencement address, having been elected by her classmates as the senior commencement speaker.

Valedictorian Emma Teague ’25 of Raleigh delivered the valedictory address.

The Honors Chorale, under the direction of Jennifer Moran, offered special music, The Awakening, by Joseph M. Martin.

Alumna Sarah Blake ’10 delivered the commencement address. Ms. Blake, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, retired this summer from the U.S. Navy, where she served for 10 years as an aviator, helicopter pilot, aircraft commander, liaison to the U.S. Senate, and flag aide to the deputy chief of Naval operations for installations and logistics at the Pentagon. Lt. Blake has earned a master’s degree in national security policy from Duke University and a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering.

Adam Holden presented the graduates their Saint Mary’s diplomas.

Board of Trustees Chair Merritt Atkins ’99 introduced the awards portion of the ceremony. Awards were presented by Ms. Atkins, Assistant Head of School for Student Affairs Matt Olesnevich, and Dr. Holden.

Following the benediction and the final singing of the year of the School Hymn, Chief Marshal Sally Spruill ’26 stood at the top of the steps of Smedes Hall, directly beneath the lantern adorned with Saint Mary’s blue ribbons, to drop the handkerchief and declare the 183rd academic session at Saint Mary’s to be officially closed. After the iconic handkerchief drop, the marshals walked into Smedes and closed the doors on another Saint Mary’s commencement, while the graduates joyfully tossed their caps high into the canopy of stately oaks.

The Baccalaureate preceded the commencement exercises in the historic Saint Mary’s Chapel with Chaplain Maggie Stoddard presiding.

A celebratory dinner was held Saturday evening, May 17, and a graduation luncheon was held following commencement, both under a tent on the Hannah Smith ’12 Quad, rounding out a perfect commencement weekend.

Saint Mary’s commencement embodies personal touches of academic excellence, personal achievement, friendship, tradition, grace, honor, dignity, and resilience that are hallmarks of the Saint Mary’s experience.

Once again, Saint Mary’s graduating class boasts 100 percent college acceptance to a broad range of outstanding colleges and universities around the nation and abroad. The range of colleges and universities selected by graduates of the Class of 2025 are as varied as the graduates themselves and reflects their wideranging interests and personalities.

“Members of the Saint Mary’s School Class of 2025 are poised to step out of our gates and into an exciting future,” says Adam Holden. “Prepared at Saint Mary’s for college and life, these graduates have challenged themselves in and out of the classroom, expanded their boundaries, made real-world connections, and grown as young women of intelligence, integrity, and purpose – ready to serve and shape their world.”

COMMENCEMENT AWARDS

Emma Teague ’25 of Raleigh was the recipient of the Cooper Medal, in recognition of achieving the highest G.P.A. for the year. The Cooper Award was established in 1944 by Fannie Cooper Gilliam ’44C, Mrs. Sterling Gary Gilliam, in memory of her brother, Hill Parham Cooper. Teague also received the Niles Medal for finishing with the highest G.P.A. over her years at Saint Mary’s. The Niles Medal was instituted in 1905 by Dr. Charles Martin Niles. She was also the class valedictorian.

Elsa Hampton ’25 of Raleigh, was chosen to receive the King Medal, awarded each year to the graduate, who, in the opinion of the faculty, has most consistently practiced good citizenship at Saint Mary’s and inconspicuously served as an example to others. The King Medal was established in 1964 by Mr. and Mrs. Madding King of Florence, Alabama.

Cate Lowe ’25 of Wake Forest, North Carolina, received the Catherine Ruth Proctor Award, presented by the Saint Mary’s chapter of the National Honor Society in recognition of the student making the greatest scholastic advancement over the past four years. The Proctor Award was established in 1974 in memory of Catherine Ruth Proctor ’75HS.

Arial Zhang ’25 of Beijing, China, was the recipient of the Georgia Lee Kinsey Award, presented to the graduate who has accomplished the greatest scholastic advancement over the past two years. The award was established in 1982 by the Saint Mary’s College Chi Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa in memory of Georgia Lee Kinsey ’81C.

Amelia Edmonston ’25 of Raleigh was voted by her classmates to receive the Margaret and Ann Highsmith Medal, awarded to a graduate who exemplifies the Christian idea of helpfulness to others motivated by her genuine love for all members of the school community. The Highsmith Medal was established in 1969 by Mr. and Mrs. Seavy Highsmith of Fayetteville, North Carolina, in honor of their daughters, Ann Cameron Highsmith ’70HS and Margaret Highsmith Dickson ’67HS.

Anderson Adams ’25 of Raleigh is the 2025 Marian Drane Graham Award winner, as chosen by a committee of representatives of the alumnae faculty and staff and the student body. This award was established in 1968 as a memorial to Marian Drane Graham, Class of 1919.The award is made each year to a graduate who, in the words of her husband, Dr. Frank Porter Graham, exemplifies Marian’s “reverence and humility of spirit, scholarship without pride of excellence, zest for life, faith and fortitude, and all-around development in the course of her radiant and nobly useful life.”

Saint Mary’s School: an innovator in girls’ education since 1842

Innovative new programs augment traditional curriculum

By Mary Virginia Swain ’77C School Historian, Author in Residence

Saint Mary’s has been a pioneer and innovator in girls’ education since its founding in 1842. For 183 years, Saint Mary’s School educators have always known what girls need to learn and thrive. Today, the school combines that knowledge and experience with an awareness of our fast-changing world to offer an education designed expressly for 21st century girls.

Saint Mary’s rigorous curriculum prepares students for the challenges of higher education and beyond, while also nurturing their passions and interests through a wide range of co-curricular activities and programs.

The 2025-2026 school year brings several new innovative programs, resources, and offerings in addition to Saint Mary’s traditional college preparatory curriculum. The expansion and improvement of the school’s dynamic academic program is a goal of the new strategic plan.

“These innovative programs showcase Saint Mary's commitment to leadership in educational excellence,” says Head of School Adam Holden. “In addition to our traditional curriculum, they will expand educational opportunities for all students, preparing them to lead with confidence, intellect, and integrity.”

Elevating Learning Through Strategic Partnerships

Saint Mary’s has announced several new partnerships that are in line with the strategic plan’s goal of cultivating visionary local, national, and international partnerships for the benefit of all students. These initiatives complement the array of well-established curriculum offerings at SMS.

Saint Mary's has established an exciting partnership with Marymount

University to offer Dual Enrollment courses that allow our students to earn college credits while still in high school. This program accelerates academic progress and allows students to explore potential college majors and career interests. The credits earned through these courses are transferable to most universities and colleges, including UNCChapel Hill, offering significant cost and time savings as students transition to college. Marymount University is a distinguished partner, and Saint Mary's is proud to be one of only two high schools in North Carolina (alongside Cardinal Gibbons) to join this elite network of 12 partner schools across the United States.

Starting in fall 2025, all students, faculty, and staff received Apple MacBook Air M4 laptops as part of a major upgrade to Saint Mary’s technology program. This initiative ensures every student is equipped with powerful, creative tools designed to support innovation, collaboration, and success in a digital world—both in and beyond the classroom.

Whether for coding, graphic design, research, or everyday assignments, the MacBook Air empowers students to explore new possibilities and excel in their academic pursuits.

These courses allow students to explore their passions through creative, challenging curricula.

Independent Study

Independent study is an application-based program allowing students to engage in academic study beyond formal courses. In collaboration with a faculty moderator, students develop a rigorous course that may include research, hands-on creation, experimentation, or partnerships with external organizations.

English

The goal of the English Department is to provide opportunities for students to build their literacy skills across multiple modalities— reading, writing, speaking, listening, analysis, and media. Courses provide students with literary works from a wide range of time periods and cultures beginning in the ninth grade with a focus on global literature and cultural awareness.

Humanities and Social Sciences

The Humanities and Social Sciences Department encompasses a range of courses that include the study of history, cultures, government, religion, philosophy, economics, and psychology. Through these courses, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their world.

Mathematics

Saint Mary’s is also proud to offer the AP Capstone Program, a challenging and enriching academic track that includes AP Seminar and AP Research. Taught by Saint Mary’s faculty during the school day, this program develops independent research, critical thinking, and advanced communication skills that prepare students to thrive in college and beyond.

The AP Capstone Program is among the most prestigious academic offerings available to high school students. This program requires students to pass four AP exams and complete both the AP Seminar and AP Research courses. Designed to nurture independent research, foster collaborative teamwork, and enhance advanced communication skills, AP Capstone empowers students to succeed in college and beyond. Through this rigorous and enriching program, Saint Mary's students will develop critical thinking and research skills that distinguish them in the increasingly competitive college admissions landscape.

Advanced Placement Courses

The Advanced Placement™ (AP) Program at Saint Mary's continues to offer rigorous, college-level courses for students after 9th grade, requiring completion of an external exam for potential college credit.

Distinguished Scholars Courses

Saint Mary’s School offers Distinguished Scholars (DS) courses as alternatives to Advanced Placement™ classes, emphasizing interdisciplinary and experiential learning rooted in 10 key competencies, like communication and cross-cultural intelligence.

The main objective of the mathematics program is to support students as they become mathematically literate citizens who know the appropriate mathematical and technological tools to use and when to use them in various problem-solving settings. The types of problems and the learning environment in the mathematics classrooms foster persistence, critical thinking, and reflection.

Religious Studies

Religious studies courses are offered at Saint Mary’s in recognition of the school’s mission and Episcopal heritage. This is a crucial dimension of the school’s identity and anchors the academic program. Religious studies courses align to the Principles of Good Practice of Episcopal Schools and are not devotional in nature.

Science

Science plays a major role in modern lives, and it is vital that students understand its importance. Science courses make students aware of the vast amount of information being discovered daily about our world. The science program offers courses in both the biological and the physical sciences. It aims to stimulate critical thinking, to teach students how to understand and interpret data, and how to apply the scientific method.

Visual and Performing Arts

The Visual and Performing Arts Department offers an extensive range of coursework that offers opportunities for students to explore and build skills in visual art, dance, theatre, and music.

World Languages

Learning a language opens doors to other worlds and creates links between students and the cultures studied. Students develop a deeper commitment to and interest in a language through active instruction that provides a current, global, interdisciplinary perspective. In both French and Spanish, students strive for mastery in every aspect of language acquisition, integrating reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Global Education

Saint Mary’s School enriches its curriculum with national and international travel programs, offering students transformative experiences that broaden their cultural understanding and apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts.

Preparing students for success in college and life

Saint Mary’s School offers a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum designed to challenge and inspire students across all disciplines.

With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, Saint Mary’s curriculum integrates rigorous coursework with personalized support, fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing students for success in college and beyond. Whether through advanced courses, experiential learning opportunities, or a focus on essential skills like critical thinking and communication, Saint Mary's equips students with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.

FOREVER CAMPAIGN

Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign exceeds 75 million goal

As we successfully completed the Forever Campaign this summer, it is gratifying to reflect on the profound impact of the campaign at Saint Mary’s School.

Saint Mary’s School launched the Forever Campaign July 1, 2018, a multi-year $75 million fundraising initiative, the most ambitious campaign in the school’s long history. The Forever Campaign encompassed Annual Fund and gift planning commitments, along with gifts to endowed funds and capital projects. The campaign began with $9 million in commitments and concluded June 30, 2025.

The campaign began with Saint Mary’s leadership team, in coordination with the school’s board of trustees, evaluating the school’s needs to establish campaign priorities. A talented and enthusiastic group of alumnae and friends stepped forward to serve as campaign chairs and committee members. After thoughtful consideration of the school’s strategic plan and mission, these leaders determined that the campaign would focus on three areas:

• academic integration and innovation through the creation of new academic spaces for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related curriculum and the creation of a new performing arts center;

• increasing the school’s endowment; and

• reducing the school’s debt.

Many have demonstrated their love for Saint Mary’s by supporting the campaign – whether alumnae, corporations and foundations, parents and grandparents, or friends and community partners. Excitingly, the campaign is already enhancing the way girls live and learn on campus. The Blanche Robertson Bacon Performing Arts Center, which includes extensive renovations to the Eliza Battle Pittman Memorial Auditorium which was dedicated this fall.

Transformational renovations to our beloved library will begin as Phase 1 of the creation of a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) center. Soon, that building will also house state-of-the-art labs, a hydroponic garden, a digital media library, a digital theatre, and large lecture spaces for technology, engineering, and math classes. A portion of the building will continue to serve its original purpose as the library. Exterior renovations will update the building’s façade to better align with the school’s traditional architectural style highlighting brickwork and columned entrances that complement the campus aesthetic.

In addition to campus space investments, campaign commitments to existing and newly created endowed funds have made the school’s financial foundation stronger. For the first time, the school’s endowment nears the $40 million milestone. Great strides have been made to reduce the school’s debt obligations.

With your help, Saint Mary’s will continue to fulfill its mission of preparing girls for college and life – Forever!

T. Brandon Wright Assistant Head of School for Development and Fundraising

Blanche Robertson Bacon Performing Arts Center dedicated

Eliza Battle Pittman Memorial Auditorium renovated; new facilities constructed to create new performing arts center

The Blanche Robertson Bacon Performing Arts Center was dedicated during an all-school ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at 11:15 a.m., in front of Pittman Auditorium.

The ceremony opened with the invocation offered by the Rev. Margaret Stoddard, Saint Mary’s chaplain. Head of School Adam Holden, Ed.D., spoke about the impact of the project at the school. School Historian Mary Virginia Swain ’77C provided a historical perspective of the buildings along with memories of Eliza Battle Pittman and Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C. Board Chair Tiffany Miller Clark ’82HS spoke about her friendship with Mrs. Bacon and, on behalf of the board of trustees, officially named the arts center. Mrs. Bacon’s children, Blanche Spencer Williamson ’76HS and Julian Williamson, cut the Saint Mary’s blue ribbon on the steps of Pittman Auditorium. Chaplain Stoddard offered a prayer of dedication and the invocation. The School Hymn was sung. Chief Marshal Sally Spruill ’26 stood at the top of the steps in front of the doors of Pittman and declared the Blanche Robertson Bacon Performing Arts Center to be officially open. The marshals opened the doors to Pittman Auditorium to cap off the blue-ribbon ceremony and bookend the closing of the doors in December 2022 by the Class of 2023 marshals. A portrait of Mrs. Bacon, given by daughter Blanche, was unveiled by the family in the new atrium lobby. A luncheon followed on Rankin Terrace adjacent to the new arts classroom building.

The Blanche Center includes the renovation of historic Eliza Battle Pittman Memorial Auditorium, a Raleigh Historic Landmark that opened in June 1907, with the addition of a modern atrium event lobby linking the auditorium to a new arts classroom building.

Together, the three structures – Pittman Auditorium, the new Harriet Matthews Jackson ’73HS Atrium, and the new arts classroom building, which includes the First Citizens Bank Theater – comprise the Blanche Robertson Bacon Performing Arts Center. The performing arts center will primarily host school performances, assemblies, speakers, and special events, and will also offer members of the Raleigh community the opportunity to enjoy performances, concerts, lectures, and more in the facility.

The $19.5 million renovation and construction project began in 2023 and was funded with gifts to the school’s successful $75 million Saint Mary’s Forever campaign that concluded June 30, 2025. A celebration of the successful completion of the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign was held in the Blanche Center on the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025.

The new arts building represents the first major school building constructed on the historic campus since 1972 when the gym and dining hall were constructed.

The performing arts center is named for the late Blanche Robertson Bacon, a devoted Saint Mary’s alumna who served on the school’s board of trustees for 16 years and was the first recipient of the Outstanding Alumna Award and the John Bratton Jr. Award for distinguished service to the school over her lifetime. The Blanche Robertson Bacon Honors Scholarship program, endowed by her brother, the late Julian Robertson and his wife Josie, is named in her honor.

Saint Mary’s School, founded in 1842, is located on a 23-acre campus in Raleigh. The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the newly renovated Pittman Auditorium is one of the school’s buildings included in the National Register inventory.

Historic preservation and design work on the project were provided by CJMW Architecture. Construction and project management services were provided by Williams Realty & Building Company.

“The fusion of the original Neoclassical Revival architecture of historic Pittman Auditorium with the modern design and infrastructure of the 21st century of the new facilities comes together beautifully in the Blanche Robertson Bacon Performing Arts Center to represent the best of Saint Mary’s rich 184-year history and our thoroughly modern and innovative educational program of the present and future,” says Adam Holden, Ed.D., head of school. “Saint Mary’s School students will benefit from this spectacular facility for generations to come.”

Saint Mary’s new Prayer Garden has deep roots in school history

By Mary Virginia Swain ’77C School Historian, Author in Residence

The restoration of the Class of 1974’s outdoor stone altar in the summer of 2024 inspired a group of students in 2025 to create a Saint Mary’s Prayer Garden in the space between West Rock and West Smedes near the Chapel. The story is filled with fascinating nuggets from Saint Mary’s history that have come together to create a blessed new tradition.

When the officers of the Saint Mary’s Historical Society - a student club devoted to learning about, honoring, and sharing the school’s rich history - heard the story of the outdoor altar and how it got to its current location, they thought the somewhat overlooked and underutilized space surrounding it would be the perfect place to create a serene Prayer Garden.

After many club meetings with thoughtful discussion and planning, the girls got to work bringing their vision to fruition. Their plan centered around the Class of 1974 outdoor altar which sits in the center of the garden area.

Members of the High School Class of 1974 created the outdoor altar to provide a proper sacred table for the Eucharist services when outdoor chapel services on the quad were a popular tradition.

In the December 18, 1974, Belles of St. Mary’s, Elizabeth Ann Dixon ’74HS described plans for the project and implored students to bring stones of any size from their hometowns to be used to build the altar to represent the diversity of places the students represented.

Altar Guild member Candy Bunn Davies ’74HS recalls, “We all brought a stone or rock from home to be used in the altar, and Becky Davis Morlok ’74HS brought seashells from the beach and was thrilled that they were incorporated in the altar.”

Construction of the altar was completed in the spring of 1974. It was blessed and anointed with oil during a folk music mass featuring student guitarists and a service of Holy Communion.

When the back campus quad was converted to a gravel parking lot in the 1990s, the altar was relocated to the Chapel Garden area between the west wing of Smedes Hall and West Rock.

The base of the original cross rotted and broke away at some unknown point after 2013, and the stone foundation remained neglected and bare for more than a decade. The absence of the cross created a mysterious mini Stonehenge style puzzlement,

leaving many to wonder exactly what the structure was. Based on its shape and size, some guessed that it was a well of some sort.

After a long and unexplained absence, the mystery was resolved in the summer of 2024 when a new cross was installed along with the original brass dedication plaques, putting to rest any questions about the purpose and meaning of the High School Class of 1974 outdoor altar.

Fifty-one years after the altar was built, with a clear understanding of what the structure was, the members of the Historical Society spent the year planning to create the Prayer Garden around the stone altar. The society invited the Sustainable Saints gardening club to join in by bringing their gardening expertise to the project. The girls raised hundreds of dollars to purchase a bench and plants for the garden by hosting a bake sale.

Club leaders planned for a bench in the garden to provide a comfortable place to sit for respite from a busy day and enjoy some quiet, peaceful, even prayerful, time outdoors away from the madding crowd.

While the students were hoping to raise enough funds and were busy researching bench options online to purchase in their price range, Director of Facilities Eric Poss had long dreamed of turning some of the stone removed from historic campus buildings into benches around campus. With the original 1907 steps removed from the East side of the Eliza Battle Pittman Memorial Auditorium to make room for the new Atrium lobby for the Blanche Robertson Bacon Performing Arts Center currently under construction, there was enough stone to create several benches, and Mr. Poss offered one for the Prayer Garden. Gary Mazur, the gifted master brick and stone mason who does all the brick work for Saint Mary’s and whose wife Martha was a member of our college Class of 1977, generously lent his talents to crafting and building a bench from the Pittman steps into a sturdy and historically significant bench for the Prayer Garden.

The next step was new plants for the garden. Serendipitously, surplus Iris bulbs, leftover party favors from the 2025 Auction Gala and the official flower of Saint Mary’s School, were donated to the project and planted by the girls. The sprouts are already coming up, symbolic of new life for this sacred ground beside the Chapel.

The Buildings and Grounds Department chipped in with Mr. Chris Coker planting a half dozen Saint Mary’s blue hydrangeas on behalf

of the school. More planting and tending are planned.

Thus, the seed of the students’ idea for a Prayer Garden quickly blossomed at every turn with everyone wanting to pitch in and help. One by one, the pieces fell into place, with a momentum enveloped in destiny, community, and divine intervention weaving it all together.

And if you don’t yet believe in the Saint Mary’s magic this Prayer Garden already holds, consider this kicker to the story.

As I was returning some materials to the Archives in the days after the bench had been installed in the garden, I randomly picked up one grey archival box from the shelves, just to see what treasures it held, as is my habit when poking around the Archives. The box, labeled Box 71, Series IV, Private Collections, Various Folders, 693699, contained personal items belonging to Georgia Stanton Hales, a member of the Class of 1909, including pages from her scrapbook from her student days dated 1905.

On the scrapbook pages were perfectly preserved photographs of girls sitting on a rustic stone bench in the exact spot on the north side, or the back, of West Rock where we had just placed a similar, but newly built, rustic stone bench. We think the stone in the first bench was likely leftover from the construction of West Rock, which was constructed with stones leftover from the construction of the North Carolina state capitol. Saint Mary’s history truly repeats itself in the most amazing ways.

Kudos to the students who had a dream for Saint Mary’s and brought it to life – Hannah Ehrenberger ’26, Mary Louise Kasper ’27, Caroline Short ’26, Phoebe FitzGerald ’27, Sarah Hunter Spruill ’26, Cameron Etheridge ’26, Claire Eveson ’26, Sophia Valentine ’27, and Clari Seavey ’26.

The Prayer Garden joins the Class of 1974 outdoor altar as a legacy to the ongoing spirit of building on our deeply rooted Saint Mary’s traditions, generation after generation.

The dedication and blessing of the Prayer Garden was held Tuesday, May 6, 2025, during Chapel time with a blessing ceremony outdoors in the garden, attended by the entire school. Chaplain Maggie Stoddard sprinkled the garden and the congregation with Holy Water, and Sarah Hunter Spruill ’26 read a specially chosen passage from the Bible. The hymn for the procession from the Chapel to the Prayer Garden was All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Saint Mary’s School Introduces Science National Honor Society

Saint Mary’s School has launched a chapter of the Science National Honor Society to recognize and honor junior and senior students who have displayed outstanding excellence in the field of science.

The primary goals of the Science National Honor Society are to acknowledge students' achievements, promote scientific knowledge and awareness, and encourage active participation in community science-related activities.

The Science National Honor Society was established in 2000 in Texas to recognize and promote outstanding coursework in the sciences by high school students. It also cultivates the next generation of scientific researchers and explorers in the United States. The society is run by teachers, scientists, and businesspeople who volunteer their time.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering a passion for learning and promoting academic excellence,” says Head of School Adam Holden.

The inaugural inductions were held February 6 in Saint Mary’s Chapel.

Saint Mary’s earns another College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award

Saint Mary’s is one of only 11 schools in North Carolina and one of 237 schools nationwide to have earned the College Board’s AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for 2024, which recognizes schools that have expanded young women’s access to AP Computer Science A (CSA). This award honors the outstanding work Saint Mary’s School is doing to engage more female students in computer science. Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to driving innovation, creativity, and representation.

Lilly Hall '25 presents NASA sponsored internship at American Geophysical Union Conference

Lilly Hall ’25 was one of 20 neurodivergent teens across the United States selected to complete an internship with NASA's Neurodiversity Network. She participated in NASA research during her summer break in 2024. Lilly's internship consisted of working with a professor from Berkeley University for 100 hours and writing and presenting a python code that NASA is now using. Her research focused on the 2017 solar eclipse data. Lilly created a code to align, re-center, contrast, and transfer the data by polar coding to an X-Ray image that makes it possible to detect changes/solar flares in the solar corona.

After completing the internship, Lilly was asked to present her research at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Conference. The AGU conference is the "largest gathering of Earth and space scientists, convenes 25,000+ attendees from 100+ countries to share research and connect with friends and colleagues. Scientists, educators, policymakers, journalists and communicators attend AGU24 to better understand our planet and environment, opening pathways to discovery, opening greater awareness to address climate change,

opening greater collaborations to lead to solutions and opening the fields and professions of science to a whole new age of justice equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging." Lilly designed and presented a poster consisting of her research goals, images created with the code, and information on the eclipse megamovie project. When reflecting on her experience at the conference, Lilly says her favorite memory was meeting her mentor, Juan Carlos Martinez Oliveros, whom she had worked with virtually throughout the duration of the internship and finally met in person at the conference. Lilly also enjoyed working late nights designing her presentation and poster for the conference.

When reflecting on her internship experience and how she has applied the lessons learned to her life at Saint Mary's, Lilly explains that she discovered her learning methods throughout the internship: "I worked best when visualizing concepts in pictures and color coordinating. Now at Saint Mary's, I have noticed improvement in scientific classes because of understanding how I interpret information the best. This experience inspired me to use my way of learning to make a difference in the science field."

Lilly's goal is to be a researcher at NASA and hopes to major in astrophysics and obtain a Ph.D.

Three seniors named National Merit Commended Scholars

Congratulations to seniors Riley Forman ’25, Mary Kate Futrell ’25, and Eliza Guggenheim ’25, on being named Commended Scholars in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students scored in the top three to four percent of PSAT test takers in their junior year.

Saint Mary’s sends Model UN delegation to UNC conference

Saint Mary's sent 19 delegates to the Model United Nations Conference on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill for the MUNCH XXV Conference, March 1, 2025. Delegates participated in three days of United Nations committee simulations with over 850 high school students from around the region.

Piano students win superior rating

Monica Yang '27 and Jenny Wu '27 won a Superior rating, the top rating awarded, at the 2025 Young Artist Piano Auditions, a prominent annual piano competition and festival held at Meredith College March 7 - 8. This event is sponsored by the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association with over 800 participants from the greater Triangle Area. Adjudicators are invited from around the state to give written evaluations of student performances. This achievement marks significant growth in skills and artistry for these talented Saint Mary’s students.

Sofía Jiménez ’26 wins Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition, the Congressional Art Competition, is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our congressional district. Sofía Jiménez ’26 won the People’s Choice Award, and her artwork will be displayed in the Raleigh offices of North Carolina Congresswoman Deborah Ross for one year.

Saint Mary’s students who participated in the competition include: Mathille Waters ’27, Lily Davis Horne ’25, Caroline Short ’26, Molly Shartzer ’27, Sofía Jiménez ’26, Miriah Lane ’26, and Clari Seavy ’25.

NEWS BRIEFS

Spanish teacher selected for Eurofellows award from UNC

Suzanne Narbona, World Languages department chair, has been selected for the 2024-2025 UNC Eurofellows Curriculum Development Award through the UNC Center for European Studies. The Eurofellows Educator Fellowship is a competitive professional development award offered to K-14 educators in North Carolina. Each year, Eurofellows receive funding and professional development opportunities on the theme Europe’s Changing Climate. As a fellow, Ms. Narbona will develop curricula, publish blog posts, and present at the spring Eurofellows Symposium for North Carolina educators.

Saint Mary’s math tutor recognized for outstanding service

Don McGurrin, a math tutor and mentor for Saint Mary's School students, was named the Volunteer of the Week in August by the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center. McGurrin spends countless hours preparing for tutoring sessions, taking the lead for online course tutoring needs and meeting with students in the school library during critical times, including evening study hall and learning lab periods. When unable to make it to campus, he schedules through Zoom to meet the needs of his students. McGurrin works hard to deeply understand the obstacles in the learning process and puts plans in place to foster growing confidence in math for students who need to know that "they can do this." He cannot speak about the growth of his students without tears of pure joy in his eyes. Mr. McGurrin is the epitome of selfless servant leadership and shows great perseverance in meeting the needs of a diverse group of learners.

Marquez earns technology leadership certification

Lauren Marquez, director of educational technology and instructor of science, has earned the newly launched Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification. This milestone marks a significant achievement in recognizing the expertise and dedication of technology leaders in the independent school community.

Ms. Marquez joins 37 other leaders in obtaining this certification designed to acknowledge and validate the skills, knowledge, and expertise of professionals who play a crucial role in leading technology initiatives within independent schools specifically.

Brandon Wright returns to Saint Mary’s as Assistant Head for Development and Fundraising

Following an extensive nationwide search for Saint Mary’s new assistant head of school for development and fundraising, the search committee has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Brandon Wright.

“This enthusiastic endorsement reflects Brandon's exceptional qualifications and the committee’s strong confidence in his ability to excel in this pivotal role,” said Head of School Adam Holden.

“We thank the North Carolina nonprofit consulting firm Moss+Ross for leading this search, which attracted 63 applicants from 14 states and two other countries. As many know, Mary McGranahan Moss ’74HS is a co-founder of the firm, along with Susan Ross, former director of college relations at Saint Mary’s,” said Dr. Holden. “Having previously served as Saint Mary’s lead development officer for several years, Mary had vital insight into and passion for what this position entails. She and her experienced independent school team did months of prework, outreach, and initial interviews before we landed in this enviable position of being able to recruit Brandon back to Saint Mary’s.”

Wright is a familiar and respected figure in our community. He served as Saint Mary’s School’s director of gift planning from 2018 to 2023. During his tenure, he revitalized the school’s planned giving program, securing significant deferred, major, and blended gifts that contributed to the success of the Forever Campaign. His dedication and impact during that time were invaluable, and we are thrilled to welcome him back.

Wright rejoins Saint Mary’s after a time at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as senior director of gift planning. In this role, he collaborated with schools and units across UNC, including the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC Health Foundation, UNC School of Law, Morehead-Cain Foundation, and Rams Club. Over his 16 years at UNC, Wright played a critical role in securing over $100 million in private support, underscoring his expertise in relationship-based philanthropy and comprehensive giving strategies.

Wright's career in development began at Campbell University Law School as associate dean for external relations, following an early career in banking with Wachovia. A North Carolina native, he holds a B.S. from Appalachian State University and brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy and leadership.

Wright and his wife, Kelly, reside in Raleigh with their two dogs, Khaki and Fannie Mae.

“We welcome Brandon back to the Saint Mary’s community as we are grateful for his leadership and vision in advancing our mission,” said Dr. Holden.

2025 Auction Gala raises more than $400,000

2025 Auction Gala raises more than $400,000

Nearly 300 alumnae, parents, grandparents, community partners, and friends attended the 2025 Auction Gala at the Pavilion at the Angus Barn, Friday, March 21, raising more than $400,000 in support of the school.

The net proceeds from the evening will support future campus enhancements and improvements that will benefit Saint Mary’s students.

Saint Mary’s is grateful for the support of the generous sponsors, donors, and the many live and silent auction bidders who participated in this exciting evening to benefit Saint Mary's School.

A highlight of the evening was the surprise live artist performance by Jared Emerson who created the Saint Mary’s Marshal within minutes onstage at the auction gala. The painting was won by Ned and Brooke Johnson P’25 who gifted the artwork to the school in honor of their daughter Emmy Johnson ’25, a graduating marshal. The painting hangs in Lower Smedes beside the door to the tunnel to West Rock.

Many thanks to auction co-chairs Kristen Ange P’26, Josey Harris Kasper ’97HS P’27, Tiffany Lund P’25 ’26, and Courtney Sewell P’26, pictured top right.

Varsity lacrosse wins conference championship

Saint Mary’s varsity lacrosse team finished the 2025 regular season as co-champions in the Triangle Independent Schools Athletic Conference. This is the first conference championship for the lacrosse program since the first team was fielded in 2007.

Two Saints named to NCISAA All-State fall teams

Congratulations to senior Eliza Gugenheim ’25 on making the NCISAA All-State field hockey team and to freshman Beatrice Duffy ’29 on making the NCISAA All-State cross-country team.

Eliza has been named to the All-State Team, an honor that reflects her tremendous impact on Saint Mary’s field hockey program,” says

head field hockey Coach Courtney Scardecchio. “A four-year varsity athlete and a three-time all-conference player, Eliza has consistently demonstrated outstanding skill and dedication on the field. Although her position doesn't normally warrant many stats, throughout her career as a Saint, she has contributed over 17 goals and assists, showcasing both her offensive and playmaking abilities. Her knowledge of the game and commitment to improving by playing in the off-season have made her an invaluable player. As an incredible leader, she has now earned recognition as one of the top players in the state for independent schools. We are incredibly proud of Eliza and all she has achieved."

Cross country head coach Jennifer Hummel awarded Beatrice the most valuable runner award during the fall sports assembly, recalling how she "showed up at summer runs clearly capable and continued by taking on each race with great determination. She always does what is asked of her and never complains, she just literally always goes the extra mile. We have loved watching her grow with her teammates this season.”

Beatrice's time to qualify for all-state was 18:58.6, which was a personal best for her achieved at the 4A State cross country championship October 25, 2024, at Wake Med Soccer Park. Beatrice placed seventh in the state among all female NCISAA runners.

ATHLETICS

Saint Mary’s adds flag football as 13th varsity sport

Saint Mary’s School is proud to announce the addition of flag football as its 13th varsity sport, making the school the first in the NCISAA (North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association) and TISAC (Triangle Independent Schools Athletic Conference) to sponsor this exciting new program. This move further demonstrates the school’s commitment to empowering female athletes and providing them with diverse opportunities to excel in sports.

Flag football officially kicked off September 9, 2025, with a 20-13 victory for the Saints over Cary High School at home on Nimocks Field.

Saint Mary’s is among more than 20 schools across Wake County to offer the sport, marking a significant milestone in the development of girls' athletics in the region.

Flag football differs from traditional football in several ways. While both sports share similar fundamentals, flag football eliminates the contact element by requiring players to pull a flag from the ball carrier's belt rather than tackle them to the ground. This makes the sport faster paced and reduces the risk of injury, while still maintaining

the excitement of strategy, teamwork, and skill development. The absence of tackling also makes flag football a more accessible option for athletes new to the sport, offering an inclusive environment for all levels of experience.

This new opportunity was made possible, in part, by the Carolina Panthers, who donated grant money in hopes of creating more sports-related options for female student-athletes. This support is a significant step in ensuring the success of the program, providing resources for equipment, uniforms, and training.

The sport gives Saint Mary’s female athletes the chance to compete at a high level and further strengthen the school’s already thriving athletic program. The new team will allow students to develop skills in a dynamic and fast-paced game, while also providing an opportunity for those new to football to learn and grow in a welcoming environment.

Saints flag football is coached by Reggie Davis, a former running back and four-year letterman for the N.C. State Wolfpack. Davis was the winner of the Al Michaels Award for his team-first attitude. He previously coached the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks in the former World League of American Football.

“Saint Mary’s is already reaping the positive impact of this new sport in our school community and the continued growth and success of our athletic programs,” says Head of School Adam Holden.

315 Students 2025-2026 Student Body

14 States

14 Countries

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS 2025-2026

February 22

Smedes Parlor Concert, Raleigh Chamber Music

February 26-28

Spring Musical, Les Misérables

March 19-21

Orchesis Spring Concert

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April 11

Smedes Parlor Concert – Triangle Spring Celebration

May 17

S A I N T M A R Y ’ S / / A N N U A L F U N D

Commencement for the 184th session

May 29-30

Reunion Weekend for Classes ending in 1 and 6

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ALUMNAE EVENTS

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA | OCTOBER 22, 2024

Home of Blaine and Martha Anne Allen DuBose ’87C

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA | OCTOBER 30, 2024

Quail Hollow Club

ALUMNAE EVENTS

WAKE COUNTY GATHERING | NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Smedes Hall

AUSTIN, TEXAS | NOVEMBER 10, 2024

Home of David and Theo Wilkes Coonrod

ALUMNAE EVENTS

FORT WORTH, TEXAS | NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Texas Christian University

NEW YORK CITY YOUNG ALUMNAE

ALUMNAE EVENTS

YOUNG ALUMNAE OYSTER ROAST | NOVEMBER 14, 2024

Smedes Hall

ALUMNAE EVENTS

COLLEGIATE CLUB HOLIDAY GATHERING | DECEMBER 17, 2024

Ladyfingers, Raleigh

ATLANTIC BEACH | JULY 18, 2025

Crystal Coast Country Club

ALUMNAE EVENTS

NAGS HEAD | JULY 9, 2025

Home of Nancy Brimage Spruill ’66HS ’68C

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH | JUNE 17, 2025

The Surf Club

ALUMNAE EVENTS

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH | JUNE 17, 2025

The Surf Club

Alumni on Campus

The Granddaughters Club

2024-2025

The Granddaughters Club consists of students whose mothers and grandmothers attended Saint Mary’s. Founded in 1909 by Kate McKimmon, Class of 1867, the Granddaughters Club is the oldest existing club on campus. New member inductions are held each fall.

• Coble Simpson Adams ’28, daughter of Marian Morris Godwin ’98HS

• Marian Anderson Adams ’25, daughter of Marian Morris Godwin ’98HS

• Grace Owsley Amburn ’28, daughter of Kasey Waters Amburn ’93C

• Mahala Kathleen Bell ’25, granddaughter of Sara Frances Walters Borden ’70C and the Rev. Frank Pisani, former President of Saint Mary’s from 1969-1976

• Lydia Carroll Bryan ’26, granddaughter of Barbara Hauser Bryan ’58C

• Elizabeth (Lizzie) Blair Bycura ’26, daughter of Gina Keller Bycura ’88HS

• Eliza Eleanor Byrtus ’28, daughter of Mary Weldon Jackson Byrtus ’92C, granddaughter of Mary Lewis Parham Jackson ’63C, great-granddaughter of Eliza Huske Lewis Parham ’34C, greatgreat-great-granddaughter of Eliza Hall Manning Huske 1882, great-great-great-granddaughter of Cornelia Viola Battle Lewis

1887, and great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Martha Ann Battle 1850s.

• Camilla Kemp Carrington ’26, daughter of Caroline Cloninger Carrington '90C

• Katherine (Kate) Mae Chamblee ’26, daughter of Cyndi Warren Chamblee ’95C

• Julia Strowd Dierdorff ’26, daughter of Katherine Allen Dierdorff ’90C

• Alice Thornhill Edwards ’27, great-granddaughter of Julia Drake Chatneuff ‘34C and great-great-granddaughter of Sophie Elva Drake 1911HS

• Millage (Mills) Julia Edwards ’26, great-granddaughter of Julia Drake Chatneuff ‘34C and great-great-granddaughter of Sophie Elva Drake 1911HS

• Margaret Cameron Ellerbe ’26, granddaughter of Martha Goode Ellerbe ’56HS

• Martha (Amelia) Amelia Shaw Garrison ’27, daughter of Tate Tattersall Garrison ’95C and granddaughter of Martha Hardee Tattersall ’65C

• Lillian Gray Harris ’27, daughter of Tyler Harris ’95HS

• Sophia Maroun Ishak ’26, daughter of Meghan Costello Ishak ’97HS

• Olivia Stanfield Jones ’26, granddaughter of Olivia Grimes Roberson ’70C and great-great-great-granddaughter of Charlotte Bryan Grimes 1848HS

• Mary Louise Riddick Kasper ’27, daughter of Josey Harris Kasper ’97HS, granddaughter of Boyd Gregory Harris ’70C, greatgranddaughter of Mary Louise Riddick Gregory ’38C and great-

great-granddaughter of Louise Josey Riddick 1911C

• Grace Hubbard Kerr ’26, daughter of Laura-Burke Davis Kerr ’96HS ’98C and great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Hubbard Kerr ’34HS

• Elizabeth (Liza) Golden Koonce ’28, daughter of Suzie Simpson Koonce ’93HS

• Eugenia Louise Waters Larson ’25, daughter of Allison Poe Larson ’90HS

• Julia Borden Long ’25, granddaughter of Georgia Cobb Joyner ’59C, great-granddaughter of Sara Elizabeth Borden Cobb 1918C, great-great-granddaughter of Sallie Smith Jones Borden and great-great-great-granddaughter of Georgia Whitfield Borden

• Georgianna (Anna Prather) Prather Maddison ’28, granddaughter of Clare Garden Maddison ’64C and greatgranddaughter of Jane Purrington Maddison ’31C

• Katherine (Kate) Woodall Maddison ’26, granddaughter of Martha Weeks Daniel ’64C and Clare Garden Maddison ’64C and great-granddaughter of Jane Purrington Maddison ’31C

• Carter McKinnon Morrison ’25, great-granddaughter of Helen Holt Morrison ’39C

• Lucy Scott Nogas ’25, granddaughter of Cece May Scott ’68C and great-granddaughter of Betty Barnes Scott ’44C

• Blair Francis Smith ’28, daughter of Jennifer Parker Smith ’93HS

• Sally Pierce Spruill ’26, granddaughter of Nancy Brimage Gillam Spruill ’66HS ’68C and great-granddaughter of Lucy Rascoe Outlaw Gillam ‘42C and Nancy Scull Taylor Spruill ‘36HS ‘38C

• Virginia Elizabeth Sprunt ’25, granddaughter of Elizabeth Harriss Sprunt ’50C and great-granddaughter of Frances Hoggard Harriss ‘28C and Annie Gray Nash Ruffin Sprunt 1904HS

• Emma Maria Teague ’25, daughter of Cindy Ross Teague ’89HS

• Catherine “Wallace” Thomas ’26, daughter of Wallace Batten Thomas ’95C

• Katherine Elizabeth Todd ’27, great-granddaughter of Blanche French Honeycutt ‘40C

• Hadley Anne Uhlig ’28, daughter of Stephanie Abee ’96HS

• Estelle (Tellie) Harris Upton ’26, granddaughter of Sydney Sager Womack ’70C

• Virginia (Davis) Davis Varnum ’25, daughter of Ginny Griffin Varnum ’86HS ’89C

• Charlotte Elizabeth Walker ’28, daughter of Carolyn Bullock Walker ’89HS ’91C

• Hadley Elizabeth Wein ’28, great-granddaughter of Mary Augusta Taylor Long ’41C

• Helen Dana Wein ’25, great-granddaughter of Mary Augusta Taylor Long ’41C

• Adelaide Armfield Wilson ’28, granddaughter of Haynes Walker Armfield ’61HS ’63C and great-granddaughter of Merrie Haynes Walker ’39C

• Mary-Scott (Scottie) Hobby Wrenn ’25, great-great-granddaughter of Martha Marie Parsons early 1900s

• Sarah Hunter Spruill ’26, granddaughter of Nancy Brimage Gillam Spruill ’66HS ’68C and great-granddaughter of Lucy Rascoe Outlaw Gillam ‘42C and Nancy Scull Taylor Spruill ‘36HS ‘38C

The Granddaughters Club

2025-2026

The Granddaughters Club consists of students whose mothers and grandmothers attended Saint Mary’s. Founded in 1909 by Kate McKimmon, Class of 1867, the Granddaughters Club is the oldest existing club on campus. New member inductions are held each fall.

• Coble Simpson Adams ’28, daughter of Marian Morris Godwin ’98HS

• Marguerite Maupin Alexander ’29*, daughter of Jennifer Maupin Alexander ’01, great-granddaughter of Shirley Alexander Haywood ’33HS ’35C, great-great-granddaughter of Mary Armistead Jones Maupin 1896-1898, and great-great-greatgreat-granddaughter of Nancy Haywood Branch Jones 18671869

• Grace Owsley Amburn ’28, daughter of Kasey Waters Amburn ’93C

• Eleanor Manning Braswell ’29*, daughter of Caroline Davis Braswell ’99, granddaughter of Coco Pollard Davis ’74C and great-granddaughter of Bet McKay Pollard ’43C

• Riley Jane Bridges ’29*, granddaughter of Sunny Johnson Lewis ’74HS

• Lydia Carroll Bryan ’26, granddaughter of Barbara Hauser Bryan ’58C

• Elizabeth (Lizzie) Blair Bycura ’26, daughter of Gina Keller Bycura ’88HS

• Eliza (Liza) Eleanor Byrtus ’28, daughter of Mary Weldon Jackson Byrtus ’92C, granddaughter of Mary Lewis Parham Jackson ’63C, great-granddaughter of Eliza Huske Lewis Parham ’34C, greatgreat-great-granddaughter of Eliza Hall Manning Huske 1882, great-great-great-granddaughter of Cornelia Viola Battle Lewis 1887, and great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Martha Ann Battle 1850s.

• Camilla Kemp Carrington ’26, daughter of Caroline Cloninger Carrington '90C

• Katherine (Kate) Mae Chamblee ’26, daughter of Cyndi Warren Chamblee ’95C

• Sarah Carr Henley Cook ’29*, daughter of Lea Ann Boykin Cook ’90HS ’92C

• Julia Strowd Dierdorff ’26, daughter of Katherine Allen Dierdorff ’90C

• Alice Thornhill Edwards ’27, great-granddaughter of Julia Drake Chatneuff ‘34C and great-great-granddaughter of Sophie Elva Drake 1911HS

• Millage (Mills) Julia Edwards ’26, great-granddaughter of Julia Drake Chatneuff ‘34C and great-great-granddaughter of Sophie Elva Drake 1911HS

• Margaret Cameron Ellerbe ’26, granddaughter of Martha Goode Ellerbe ’56HS

• Martha (Amelia) Amelia Shaw Garrison ’27, daughter of Tate Tattersall Killion ’95C and granddaughter of Martha Hardee Tattersall ’65C

• Lillian Gray Harris ’27, daughter of Tyler Harris ’95HS

• Sophia Maroun Ishak ’26, daughter of Meghan Costello Ishak ’97HS

• Olivia (Liv) Stanfield Jones ’26, granddaughter of Olivia Grimes Roberson ’70C and great-great-great-granddaughter of Charlotte Bryan Grimes 1848HS

• Mary Louise Riddick Kasper ’27, daughter of Josey Harris Kasper ’97HS, granddaughter of Boyd Gregory Harris ’70C, greatgranddaughter of Mary Louise Riddick Gregory ’38C and greatgreat-granddaughter of Louise Josey Riddick ’11C

• Grace Hubbard Kerr ’26, daughter of Laura-Burke Davis Kerr ’96HS ’98C and great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Hubbard Kerr ’34HS

• Elizabeth (Liza) Golden Koonce ’28, daughter of Suzanne Simpson Koonce ’93HS, great-granddaughter of Charlotte Cherry Parks ’57C and great-great-granddaughter of Theodora Bryan Grimes Rodman

• Caroline Elizabeth MacKinnon ’28*, daughter of Angela Coffman MacKinnon ’90C

• Georgianna (Anna Prather) Prather Maddison ’28, granddaughter of Clare Garden Maddison ’64C and greatgranddaughter of Jane Purrington Maddison ’31C

• Katherine (Kate) Woodall Maddison ’26, granddaughter of Martha Weeks Daniel ’64C and Clare Garden Maddison ’64C and great-granddaughter of Jane Purrington Maddison ’31C

• Huntley Marie Roland ’29*, daughter of Mariette Huntley Roland ’99

• Blair Francis Smith ’28, daughter of Jennifer Parker Smith ’93HS

• Sally Pierce Spruill ’26, granddaughter of Nancy Brimage Gillam Spruill ’66HS ’68C and great-granddaughter of Lucy Rascoe Outlaw Gillam ‘42C and Nancy Scull Taylor Spruill ‘36HS ‘38C

• Sarah Hunter Spruill ’26, granddaughter of Nancy Brimage Gillam Spruill ’66HS ’68C and great-granddaughter of Lucy Rascoe Outlaw Gillam ‘42C and Nancy Scull Taylor Spruill ‘36HS ‘38C

• Alice Gallina Stronach ’29*, great-granddaughter of Nancy Clark Stronach ’35C, great-great-granddaughter of Martha Louise Wilson Clark 1917HS

• Ainsley Grace Tattersall ’27*, granddaughter of Martha Hardee Tattersall ’65C

• Catherine (Wallace) Wallace Thomas ’26, daughter of Wallace Batten Thomas ’95C

• Katherine (Katie) Elizabeth Todd ’27, great-granddaughter of Blanche French Honeycutt ‘40C

• Lillian (Lily) Kate Tugwell ’29*, daughter of Katie Batts Tugwell ’05

• Hadley Anne Uhlig ’28, daughter of Stephanie Abee ’96HS

• Beasley Louise Warenda ’29*, daughter of Louise Beasley Warenda ’01

• Hadley Elizabeth Wein ’28, great-granddaughter of Mary Augusta Taylor Long ’41C

• Adelaide Armfield Wilson ’28, granddaughter of Haynes Walker Armfield ’61HS ’63C and great-granddaughter of Merrie Haynes Walker ’39C

• Mary (McKinley) McKinley Younger ’29*, granddaughter of Melanie Beall Williams ’70HS

*New Members

Class

of 1968 remembers departed classmates with blue ribbon painting

Members of the Class of 1968 have given a painting of the iconic Smedes Hall porch lantern adorned with blue ribbons in loving memory of their dearly departed classmates.

The painting was created by Bagley Waddill Reynolds ’68C on behalf of the entire class. It hangs gracefully on the first floor of Smedes Hall in the connecting hallway between Smedes-Emory Parlor and the East wing, near the head of school’s office.

Through this beautiful painting, the Class of 1968 will live on forever at Saint Mary’s.

Saint Mary's History Nugget

About Class Sectretaries

In 1937, the graduating class elected a permanent class secretary whose duty it was to keep in touch with the members of her class and send news of them to the alumnae secretary. Each class since that time has elected or had a volunteer to serve as class secretary, some serving for their lifetime. Others elevate the position by serving as unofficial representatives and voices for their class to the school and even by sending monthly e-newsletters and prayer lists to classmates.

The first Saint Mary’s class secretary was Janet Lawrence Holmes ’37, Mrs. Thomas Hall Holmes of Chapel Hill. Katherine Batts Salley, Class of 1920, then stepped up to report news from the classes that came before 1937. Salley was a skilled writer and editor, as she edited

the book, Life at Saint Mary’s, published for the school’s centennial celebration in 1942 by the University of North Carolina Press.

“I feel that the ‘Class News’ items are among the most interesting in The Bulletin,” wrote Alumnae Secretary Peggy Hopkins ’39 in the December 1944 Bulletin. “Our Bulletin subscribers have often told me that as soon as their copy arrives, they turn immediately to ‘Class News’ to see what the class members are doing.”

That sentiment has held true in all the years since, as readers continue to say that the “Class News” is their favorite part of the alumnae magazine, formerly known as The Bulletin. The news from classmates and friends, whether major life milestones or reports of everyday life, continue to keep us connected to each other and the school.

Thank you, to our intrepid class secretaries, for devoting several months each year to gathering, editing, and reporting the class news!

Source: Saint Mary’s Bulletin, December 1944, 34, Number 1

MILESTONES

In Memoriam

Helen Holt Morrison ’39C

April 10, 2025

Ruth Rosenthal Moore Glass ’44C July 6, 2023

Mary C. Bowers Betts ’45C April 11, 2024

Molly Williams Hyer ’46HS ’48C October 24, 2024

Chubby Covington Rice ’47C July 30, 2024

Jane Gower Brown ’48C April 28, 2025

June Fleenor White ’48C

September 10, 2024

Lou Davis Deal ’48HS June 1, 2025

Mary Mar Ragland Coxe ’48HS ’50C February 21, 2025

Eliza Chipley Douglass ’48HS ’50C July 6, 2024

Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C March 4, 2025

Sallie Thomas Chumley ’49C May 3, 2024

Ruth Maultsby Best ’49HS April 7, 2024

Ann Nicoll Baynard ’49HS ’51C August 6, 2024

Virginia Turley Paulsen ’52C April 4, 2024

Adah Bass Rocha ’52C

July 19, 2023

Pearl Weathers Smith Wells ’52HS ’54C

June 8, 2024

Ann McColman Copeland ’53C

March 22, 2025

Edith Gregorie Lane ’53HS

March 12, 2025

Nancy Jones Byrd ’53HS ’55C

October 26, 2024

Barbara Holtgren Gray ’54HS

November 13, 2024

Reba White Williams ’54HS

October 14, 2024

Julianne Boone Capel ’55C

December 30, 2024

Dotty Peirson Bailey ’55HS ’57C

June 20, 2024

Carol Biggers Dabbs ’55HS ’57C

December 24, 2024

Coles Cathcart Jackson ’56C

November 7, 2024

Sue Warburton Redd ’56C

March 8, 2025

Ann Bachman Ryan ’56C

November 5, 2024

Alice Westbrook Fowler ’57C

December 29, 2024

Ann Peeler West ’57HS

January 31, 2024

Sarah Ellen White Archie ’57HS ’59C

January 4, 2025

Midge Bowen Bennet ’58C

December 3, 2023

Cynthia Spencer Young Bowman ’58C

August 27, 2024

Ease Pennington Bridgforth ’58C

June 24, 2024

JoKitt Brothers Vinson ’58C

November 10, 2024

Helen Baker Wallace ’58C

August 24, 2024

Betty Bundy Webb ’58C

September 18, 2024

Page Temple Crocker ’58HS

July 8, 2024

Toddy Mann Donley ’58HS

June 10, 2024

Fran Pegues Burroughs ’61HS ’63C

October 19, 2024

Cydne Wright Farris ’61HS ’63C November 4, 2024

Polly Parker Elniff ’62C March 20, 2024

Julia White Haydn-Jones ’62C May 27, 2024

Janie Stronach Wood ’62HS ’64C January 18, 2025

Ilse Liebscher Avery ’63C May 24, 2024

Jeanne Barrett Barefield ’63C September 14, 2024

Stewart Howie Gordon ’63C February 8, 2025

Karen Herndon McWilliams ’63C April 25, 2025

Becky Timberlake Myhre ’63C September 1, 2024

Lyn Rothstein Satisky ’63HS ’65C January 1, 2025

Mary-Stuart Dent Shouse ’63HS ’65C December 16, 2024

Judith Hanckel Middleton ’65C September 30, 2024

Lisa Foster Miravalle ’65C June 27, 2024

Harriet Gilliam Vance ’65C February 16, 2025

Susan Gordon Lewis ’65HS March 23, 2025

Memory Rockwell Zittrouer ’66C May 27, 2023

Page Holbrook ’66HS ’68C July 24, 2023

Kathy Baley Atkinson ’68C February 28, 2024

Kathy Millns Evans ’68C May 25, 2025

Cherry Warren Gillam ’68C January 9, 2025

Helen Meyer Lantz ’68C June 12, 2021

Betsy-Tom Homewood ’73HS ’75C February 5, 2025

Marcia Hardy Smith’74HS ’76C March 20, 2025

Frances Creel Opperman ’75C January 23, 2025

Annie Johnson Stamm ’75HS ’77C October 12, 2024

Frances Williams Brinson Shults ’77C December 14, 2024

Liz Wright James ’78C March 23, 2025

Meneta Phillips Deaton ’78HS September 12, 2024

Ruth Turner Camp ’79HS February 16, 2025

May Doris Dial Caple ’80HS July 2, 2024

Marianna Peete Mason ’80HS October 3, 2024

Treva Watkins Tyson ’80HS November 10, 2024

Bess Shadrach ’81C December 2, 2024

Caroline Kemp Smith ’90HS October 28, 2024

Juliana Kuhno ’20 October 15, 2024

Marriages

Susan Pitts ’75C married Paul Feakins

May 18, 2024

Ana Catherine Dickens ’02 married Lake Rosenberg

May 10, 2024

Sarah Staton Nash ’08 married Charles Bowers

June 7, 2025

Taylor King ’09 married Camryn Crocker

July 19, 2024

Rebecca Harrell ’10 married Bryan Mills

March 22, 2025

Taylor Morris ’10 married George Scarbrough III

August 3, 2024

Alice Wu ’11 married Henry Berghoff

August 10, 2024

Emily Boyette ’12 married Collin Nixon

September 14, 2024

Grace Dudley ’12 married Robert Mabe

May 10, 2025

Eliza Stoughton ’12 married Royal Bunting

April 26, 2025

Elise McKinney ’13 married Wilkins Zollicoffer

October 5, 2024

Emily Evans ’14 married William Shelley August 10, 2024

Ye Rin Park ’14 married Youngjae Lee August 31, 2024

Maggie Collier ’15 married James Draeger

January 11, 2025

Roshni Jain ’15 married Atindra Garigipati

September 14, 2024

Abigail Ueland ’15 married Hank Workman

September 14, 2024

Mary Claire Brewer ’16 married

Mason Bechler

May 10, 2025

Dixie Finley ’16 married Doug Maier

June 15, 2024

Mackenzie Logan ’17 married

Peyton Bick

March 8, 2025

Lucy Wyche ’17 married Thomas

Murray

November 9, 2024

New Babies

Katie Jones Kindborg ’02, a son

November 19, 2024

Ana Catherine Dickens Rosenberg ’02, a son

October 24, 2024

Katherine Carlton Dorsey ’05, a daughter

December 13, 2024

Kate Horney Hutchison ’06, a son

December 18, 2024

Taylor Rice Robbins ’06, a son

December 13, 2024

Mary Brown Taylor Gray ’08, a son

December 6, 2024

KangHa Julia Lim, a daughter

December 17, 2024

Catherine Worth Davis ’09, a son

September 24, 2024

Adams Paschal Lent ’09, a son

March 18, 2025

Emma Carol Lewis Moore ’09, a daughter

February 26, 2025

Liza Wooten DeFago ’10, a daughter

May 25, 2025

Macon Cornick Guidry ’10, a son

May 30, 2025

Katie Mitchell Saieed ’10, a son

December 14, 2024

Taylor Morris Scarbrough ’10, a son

May 17, 2025

Lansdell Edwards Pruden ’11, a daughter

April 4, 2025

Hayden Rizer Stricklin ’11, a son

June 27, 2024

Olivia Lanier Bales ’12, a son

February 10, 2025

Hailey Hart Borden ’12, a son

December 18, 2025

Louise Mann Clement Dull ’12, a son

May 20, 2025

Duncan Weaver Flynn ’12, a daughter

December 12, 2024

Sarah Scott Worth Paschal ’12, a son

December 16, 2024

Julia Burton Doyle ’13, a daughter

November 6, 2024

Savannah Edwards ’13, a daughter

December 3, 2024

Marion Brown Jester ’13, a daughter

September 18, 2024

Abby Crawford Williams ’13, a son

April 5, 2024

Tara Elise Richard Webster ’14, a son

March 29, 2025

Jacqueline Collie Baggett ’15, a son

March 27, 2025

Logan Ardrey Mendicino ’15, a daughter

August 12, 2024

Stephanie Hamilton Passmore ’15, a daughter

September 23, 2024

CLASS NOTES

CLASS NEWS

It’s all here – the latest and greatest news from alumnae in even-year classes. Saint Mary’s extends a special thanks to the dedicated class secretaries who compiled and crafted these class newsletters, many who have served for decades.

Odd-year classes will be featured in the next magazine. Alumnae in these classes will receive information to facilitate the reporting of news to class secretaries or directly to the school.

POLICIES

Due to the uncertain nature of certain types of news, Saint Mary’s does not publish news of wedding engagements or pregnancies. We publish news of marriages, births, adoptions, or deaths, based on published news reports or direct phone or e-mail contact with the Alumnae Office from the parties or immediate families. Please remember to include Saint Mary’s in your wedding announcement in the newspaper and please send birth announcements to the Alumnae Office for inclusion in the milestones section.

Saint Mary’s Class Notes are published for each class once each year. Due to the extended nature of the production schedule for the magazine, class news is meant to be a once-a-year general update of your news for the previous year. We cannot guarantee the exact timeliness of your news, so please keep our advance deadlines in mind when submitting news.

Saint Mary’s School reserves the right to edit class news for content, length, and timeliness.

Photographs may be submitted for consideration for the class news to mvswain@sms.edu or Mary Virginia Swain, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Photos must be high-quality prints or digital .jpeg photo files of at least 300 dpi. Group shots should include Saint Mary’s alumnae (and spouses and children) only and must include a detailed listing of everyone pictured, including full names and class years.

1940 HIGH SCHOOL

Catherine Gant Powell writes from Greenville, South Carolina, “My goodness! I am still here in the land of the living. Graduated Converse College in 1944. Became a nurse’s aid during World War II. Caught Bob Powell for a 62-year adventure—four fine children, travel, sailing the Bahamas, church activities. I find something to be happy about every day.”

1956 COLLEGE

Martha Brooks Bricio '54HS '56C

Hello to all and a sincere thank you to all who responded, whether in detail or with a brief, “Hi, I’m still here!” First, we need to acknowledge the passing of three of our classmates: Ann Bachman Ryan, Coles Cathcart Jackson, and Sue Warburton Redd. I spoke briefly with Mary Louise Bizzell Burress, who was preparing to fly to Atlanta for Sue’s funeral and was looking forward to seeing classmates there. Barbara Doar Cooper, who usually writes in detail, says her message is brief this year but that she’ll write more next time. She did say, with her usual sense of humor, that she is happy and loves her retirement community-being with all the other retirees, “none of whom understand AI and who are not real sure how much their smart phones like them!” Helen Walker Webb writes that she is still “on her feet.” She enjoys making people laugh, attending church, and, always, her native West Virginia. Mott Butler Goff’s news is that her grandchildren are all getting married! Her grandsons include Cameron Goff, Daniel Goff, and Drew Anderson. Granddaughters include Morgan Goff and Brittany Anderson. Nancy Mallon Towe had lots of news. Last December, at age 88, she was in her granddaughter’s wedding in Chapel Hill and enjoyed the reception at the Carolina Inn. Her grandson is engaged and hopes to get married on Halloween. Nancy, who lives in Colorado, talks weekly with Glenn Norman Dickens, who, Nancy says, walks all over her hometown of Halifax every day. Finally, Nancy says that, God willing, she and Glenn will be at our 70th reunion in the spring of 2026. Fairfax Crow Randall sent a lovely photo of her extensive family down in Texas. Nancy Mallon Towe is right: Our 70th reunion is coming up in 2026. Let’s hope we can celebrate at Saint Mary’s! As always, best wishes to all!

Martha

1958 HIGH SCHOOL

Mary “Muffy” Walke Bowman writes, “I've had a tough year, having lost my husband, Jim; his sister; and my son's mother-in-law. All of them had full, meaningful lives and were around 90, but as many of you know, one learns to cope with loss day by day. Our seven sons, 10 grandchildren, and six and a half great-grandchildren are a great delight and support. My fellow '58-ers at Cypress Glen talked about the reunion and were sad not to be there!”

1958 COLLEGE

Barbara Hauser Bryan ’58C

Age and its natural recycling are inevitable, but our class is blessed with responsive classmates with fond memories of friends forever. Occasionally I check sms.edu/ Alumnae milestones and this time found two classmates added to memoriams:

Helen Hood Baker Wallace (August 24, 2024) and Sis Young Bowman (August 27, 2024). Before I began making some calls, I decided to check for obituaries and added Midge Bowen Bennet (Dec. 3, 2023), Ease Pennington Bridgforth (June 24, 2024), and JoKitt Brothers Vinson (November 10, 2024), each with beautiful life stories to savor with love. For us on 2nd Smedes for our first year, losing our beloved counselor Carol Biggers Dabbs ’55HS ’57C was sad news. A welcome note came from Ellen “Byrd” Love Jobin, “I think of Boo Baker Love and many women from Saint Mary’s who have made a mark on our society.” We heard from Annie Gray Calhoun Lane, from their home at Wrightsville Beach, where she sees Jessie Allen Ogburn. She also enjoyed a visit with classmate Susan Hardin Flynn at Trader Joe’s. She was heading to granddaughter Arabella Dixon’s graduation from Saint Andrews University in Scotland in June, which was sufficient reason for Annie Gray’s two knee replacements! Speaking of Jessie, she’s moved to The Cedars in Chapel Hill. Although missing Greensboro, Jessie describes The Cedars as lovely and “a good move for me.” Babe Middleton Nobles did her moving with a Smithsonian tour of the Canadian Rockies, learning a lot and wanting to travel more. She reports that help is always available for elderly ladies, and the world is filled with kind and caring people! Millie Fary Coleman reports that their first grandchild has been out of college for a couple of years and the youngest is in high school. Millie is winning her wrestling match with arthritis so far and still loving her retirement community in Spartanburg, S.C. Emily McNeill Sconyers checked in from their home in Durham, always faithful to encourage our joining her experience in Bible Study Fellowship, online or in person. See www.bfsinternational. org. Ann “Shep” Shepherd Engel lists her preferred name as “Gran’ma.” She’s enjoying grandchildren, dining out, and telephone visits with old, dear friends, but missing travels, toy aisles, and reaching the top shelf, a shared plaint. Ann Rountree Lineweaver’s happy news was son David’s move from New York to Raleigh, where he’ll be able to visit more, finding his parents among friends at Greensboro’s Well-Spring Retirement Center. Son John remains in Atlanta. Peggy Withers Allen describes Wilmington as “things just rocking along here, slowly, but rocking.” Her older granddaughter heads to college in the fall, leaving sister entering 10th grade and grandson approaching 13. Also in Wilmington is our dauntless Kit Tiedeman Mason and her penchant for getting caught in a revolving door of health issues. The latest round started with spinal fusion, which produced an infection, the Rx for which caused kidney failure now nearly resolved. Kit is a three-peat for rehab and doing all she can to keep up with son William and their beloved dogs. Daughter Catie and family recently visited and will return the last week in July for “Beach Week.” Star of the family is Kit’s 6’1” granddaughter, a high school junior whose volleyball talents are sought. Carole Barber Fauth is “fighting old age” in her winter Key West abode with bike riding and (literally) “shooting iguanas with a pellet rifle.” Social life involves one after another mentally stimulating social events, with the many literary refugees from the cold. Of course, her place is a magnet for family, with daughter Taylor and husband Aaron, along with Brooke and Richard Burr, and son Carson and a Charlottesville friend on the way. A prior chat with Florence McGowan Turner found them happily living in a duplex villa in a terrific West Palm Beach CCRC. They didn’t get around to meeting, but she did make phone contact with Retta Grier Paulsen, also in West Palm. Now that all three Turner

children live in Wilmington, Florence is listing “pros” for a move, but Bob has his list of “cons,” so no packing yet. Toward the end of June, they’ll join immediate family members in Wilmington, a rare occasion for all. Lucy Wooten Wofford, my roomie for both SMJC years, is “learning to walk again” after a terrible fall which left her with two crushed vertebrae and a broken rib. While her accomplished grands are choosing their next educational and life moves, she’s grateful for rehab and her accommodations in temporary assisted living, especially because she has no kitchen. We hit the jackpot the day before Class News deadline! Everyone with an email address received an SOS “please send,” and many responded. Becky Walters Taylor describes her life as challenging at Well-Spring Retirement Center since Bobby’s passing three years ago. Sons Joe and David “have been more than helpful every day.” Becky describes her 87-year-old body still dealing with effects of a stroke 12 years ago. “Even so, I feel blessed in so many ways,” she concludes. A new resident at popular Well-Spring is our classmate Ann Rountree Lineweaver and Brokie. Dickie Robinson Tyler describes her life in Edenton as “just getting older and hanging in there.” Son Dawson’s restoration and preservation business (“and some new building”) keeps him busy. Dickie’s sister, Boo, lives down the hall and many Saint Mary’s girls are Edenton residents. “Saint Mary’s was a great school for me,” she reminisces. Billie Edmondson Hand still divides each year between Asheboro and Ocala, Florida. She gets together with Sybil Mathis Patterson when in Florida, adding how much they wish they could have spent more time with Ease Pennington Bridgforth, one of our most recent saints. Sara Barber Weatherman counts having “no big news” as a good thing. She’s remained in her home, plays golf, and volunteers at St. Paul’s in Winston-Salem, working with its archives. Beth Morrison Moye can still be found in Maury with children nearby. Since Larry died after nearly 65 years of marriage, she keeps figuring her “new normal,” blessed with five grands (all with spouses) and six great-grands. A hearty “amen” to Beth’s appreciation for being able to maintain her independence and sending love to ’58C classmates. Following husband Ted’s passing in July 2023, Bet Lee Girardeau in Aiken, South Carolina, is thankful for their four children and their spouses, and nine grandchildren, who are a big help. No surprise, they manage to stay busy with marriages of the grandchildren! Judy Scott Sanders’ paintings remain in demand. Judy and Phil wish they could see their children in South Carolina more. A grandson is in Oregon and a granddaughter is in Matthews. Phil enjoys retirement and playing lots of golf. Harriett Lang Hornthal’s husband, Tony, died Feb. 7 after a period of declining health. We extend sympathy to Harriett and their family. Pat Watson Ambrose and Don remain in their Matthews home but minus “big trips.” They wish they could spend more time with kids and grandkids. On Feb. 6, Mary-Hannah Finch Taft and Bill enjoyed a 65th anniversary celebration hosted by their children. A great-grandson has joined their nine grands. Just a few miles from their Greenville, North Carolina, home, they enjoy residence at Cypress Glen Methodist Retirement Home. What with space constraints, we have only highlights of Sue Sandlin-Plaehn’s start with private voice lessons with Miss Cate at Saint Mary’s through her dedicated four+ decades as a highly credentialed financial planner specializing in retirement planning. Her own plans to retire in recent years were pushed back until Sue found a successor with an “ethical core” to handle the financial needs of her clients-as-friends. Initially pursuing

CLASS NOTES

opera performance, Sue had years in Europe. A marriage in Switzerland brought two wonderful daughters and then the challenges of a solo mother’s life. “Life has not always been easy but it has been exciting,” she closes. As for your loyal scribe, echoing Sue’s last line, this year (since May) has been a mess but it’s about to improve with surgery to ditch unbearable nerve pain. Three sons have my grands starting college: two at Clemson and possibly two more heading there. Granddaughter Lydia Bryan ’26 is loving Saint Mary’s, and our youngest guitarist grandson is ready for his driver’s license. Love, sympathy in too many cases, and best wishes to all classmates and their families. Time does not dim our memories of special times with special Saints at school and wherever we meet again. Barbara

1960

COLLEGE

Madge Gregory Bass writes from Nashville, Tennessee, reporting that all is well. Her grandson, Trent Lamar, graduated from UNCChapel Hill this May. Blanche Bonner Stevens reports that she and her husband, Walker, have two grandchildren in college now. Eliza is a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, and William is a junior at the USAF Academy.

1962 COLLEGE

Mary Larsen Jordan ’62C Nancy Vance Ashmore Cooper moved in March of 2020. “Can’t believe it has been that long, but I am quite content with my new life at The Carolina Village. The staff here took great care of us during Hurricane Helene last fall. We were safe and blessed.” Dabney Johnston Mann reports that she and Tift still spend six months of the year in Wilmington. “I am playing bridge, mahjong, and pickleball! Which are all fun! Tift is skiing and playing golf. We are both doing well. Children: Dabney Mann Hollis ’83HS ’85C in Atlanta and Billy in Sun Valley, are also doing great. Youngest grandchild is a senior in high school - time flies! The rest are out of college.” Courtenay McDowell writes, “Dick and I continue to enjoy Bishop Gadsden, where we have lived for nine years! Best move we have made, especially for our children.” She reports seeing Cornelia Hines Pelzer, Erwin Parrot Boyd and Lili Ridenhour Viola in recent months. Cornelia Hines Pelzer also lives at Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community. She moved there in December and reports that many Saint Mary’s graduates live there. “I am very happy to have the move from downtown Charleston to James Island behind me and I am happily settled.” Ginny Simmons Shew reports that they are almost through with working on the reconstruction of their Florida house, which took in four feet of water from Hurricane Helene. “We are so grateful for the help and support of our community! At the present time, my sisters, Ann Simmons ’66C and Betty Simmons Bea ’67C, are with us for their annual sixweek visit away from the cold weather. We are all so happy for the chance to be together in balmy Florida.” Malinda Swineford Roberts writes, “In May 2024, John and I, with our daughter Amanda, went to the Jurassic Coast along the English Channel in England. The trip in England emphasized cathedrals and castles. In October, we toured

National Parks in the West with Amanda and our oldest grandson, Seth. We have been back in Virginia now for eight years, after 42 years in Alaska. Loved living in the far north! We now have four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren - a blessing as we have a reason to go back! Now we are enjoying Colonial Williamsburg and all the early American history. The beginning of America, very special!” Marty Watkins Prevost reports that she is winding down from real estate little by little and going on bigger and better adventures. She is excited to be going to Croatia in April and Africa in May, with her family. Tra Jennette Perry writes, “I’m still living in Colerain, however I spent most of January at Lake Mattamuskeet in Hyde County. My children are avid duck hunters and the home place was a hub of activity with friends and family coming and going. I enjoy working part time with Historic Hope Foundation in Windsor, North Carolina, surrounded by history and interesting people. It’s hard to believe that Armistead, my son, has children who are grown. Tap lives in Raleigh, and Gray is in N.Y.C. Seems like yesterday I was taking her to see the Rockettes and now she plans my visits there. It’s fun to still have a granddaughter who is in middle school. My daughter Dow Perry Crowder ’91HS ’93C, has a daughter, Lilly Belle, who is at St. Timothy’s in Raleigh. Lilly Belle has participated in some of the great summer programs at Saint Mary’s.” Vicky McKenzie Armes reports from Laurinburg that she is doing well, despite some mobility issues. “Getting old is not for sissies! Love catching up with classmates and my ‘West Rockers’ at SMS. My former priest’s daughter will be a ninth-grader this fall—all because of a Saint Mary’s sweatshirt I gave her!” Mary Larsen Jordan is still in Granite Bay, Cailfornia, north of Sacramento. Speaking of time flying, Dabney, my “little twin grandsons” are now 14 and off to high school in the fall! I cannot believe it! Their younger brother will be 12 and in the sixth-grade next fall. I also have a wonderful granddaughter who lives next door to me and she will be eight in a few months. I love having them all close by! What would we do without our grandkids to help us to stay young? I appreciate many of you asking if I was nearby or involved in any of the fires out here. Luckily, I live over 400 miles away from the fires, so I was not affected, but I have many friends who were. Some lost their high schools and childhood homes. Others lost everything! I cannot ever imagine what that must be like. However, my heart was with my friends in Asheville as well as L.A. I am just glad that everyone is safe! I want to thank those of you who contributed to this year’s newsletter. Until next time. Please stay safe! Mary Larsen Jordan

1964

COLLEGE

Sarah Pierce writes, “I retired from my position at LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moved to New Orleans to be near my daughter and wonderful grandchildren, Jack (12) and Sarah Grace (10). I live on Bayou St. John, across from a city park and the art museum. It is a beautiful view.” Meg Graham Campbell reports that she met Bill, her husband of 56 years, on a blind date during her senior year at SMC. He was a Morehead Scholar from Mississippi who came to UNC from Exeter. They both got graduate degrees from Northwestern and married in 1968.

1966

COLLEGE

Gayle Boineau Darby writes, “Just checking in to say Warren and I are alive and well, here in Columbia, South Carolina, and holding each other up while trying to age gracefully! We are very thankful for THAT! Enjoying four grandchildren, college-age and high school, and lucky to have them close-by, two in Greenville and two in Columbia. We also enjoy a house in upper South Carolina and love the peace and quiet of those beautiful mountains, Table Rock in particular. I have such fond memories of my two years at Saint Mary's in Smedes!” Jean Muchmore McCleary reports that she had a wonderful catch-up last summer with Alice Tripp Sullivan. “Alice’s oldest daughter, Elizabeth, has a summer house very near me in Rhode Island. Alice and her husband, Dick, were here visiting Elizabeth. I stay in touch with many of my classmates, most frequently with Debbie Ellis Boyle. From time to time, I check in with Susan Soper, Ann James Milgrom, and Susan Crabtree Burns. I even had a chat with Mary Melcher Syrdahl. (Melcher I’m still waiting for you to call me back!) Due to COVID-19, we had to miss our 55th reunion. We are only one short year away from our 60th! I really hope all of you who are reading this will make a big effort to come.” Lesley Wharton Marcello writes, “Although it seemed like we spent most of 2024 in hospitals, dealing with my husband's multiple myeloma, we ended the year on a high note, observing our 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 19. We followed that with a party on Jan. 3 that our twin daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth, were able to attend with our five grandchildren (3 through 13). No small feat considering that Margaret and her family had moved from Maine to Athens, Alabama, the week before Christmas. She retired in September as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army after 20 years of active and reserve duty. Her husband retired in March after 20 years of active duty with the same rank. Her sister, Elizabeth, serves on the Lawton (OK) Public Schools board and as president of the Y Foundation there. Thankfully, both of them come in to see us as much as possible. We are truly blessed.”

1968

COLLEGE

Paula Johnson Stewart ’68C

Dearest Friends, I was hoping to hear from more than SIX of you! But here you go. Martha Vaughn loves being in Clemson, South Carolina, with both of her children and her granddaughters (15 and 12). Her older granddaughter plays volleyball and the younger one cheers. They’re both into theater. Mrs. Stamey would be impressed! Martha is AirBnB-ing her OBX beach house and spent two beautiful weeks there in November. She and daughter Claiborne went to Portugal in September and she and her son, Vaughan, plan to head to Alaska in August to fish and cruise. I heard from Nancy Wideman that they moved from the little town of Monticello, Florida, to Portland, Oregon, in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, to be close to daughter Catherine. They have two beautiful grandchildren (2 and 1). “We had children very late and love watching them learn to walk and talk. Life is good,” she wrote. This past year, Beth Harris Isenhour cruised the British Isles in May with SMJC roommate, Carla Heaton

Bailey. She had fun summer visits with Carla, Mary Pershall Maxwell and Cathy Swain Crossett at Frances Garriss Jilcott’s Pine Knoll Shores house. She had a fun trip in July to NYC with daughter Tipton’s family. In late August, she made a week-long road trip to Minneapolis to watch the Tar Heels beat Minnesota! She and Carla have dinner frequently with Anne Hoffler Powell and her husband, Joe. She says she is so fortunate to live near all of her five grandchildren and gets to see them (and babysit) often! They range in age 4-9 years. Frances Garriss Jilcott writes that their new house in Morehead City is nearly complete. It has been a months-long project—selling the beach house at the end of the summer and storing that furniture; moving into an apartment in Kinston in January so Rupert can continue his medical practice; sending moving vans to Atlanta with items for Louisa and to Wilson with items for Olivia, and to Leland Little with things they can no longer use. She writes, “Not sure if this was a good idea at our age but think it will be worth it to us when we are finally settled.” Liz Walker Jacobowitz writes, “After Saint Mary’s and Hollins, I lived in N.Y.C., Greenwich, Connecticut, and Rolling Hills, California. My husband passed away in 2010, so I returned to Connecticut and built a house in Clinton. A year ago, after a serious horseback riding accident, my children in Raleigh insisted that I move to North Carolina to be closer to them. I have been getting settled in Fearrington Village since August 2024. Saint Mary’s looks more beautiful than ever!” Cathy Swain Crossett writes that there is not much news for her except she and Ed will be celebrating their milestone 50th anniversary in June! Congrats! The week before Hurricane Helene in September, 24 members of our class gathered in Blowing Rock. It seemed to start out like a class of ’66 High School reunion but ended up being about half and half—four-year girls and those who were just at Saint Mary’s for college. Cantey Tomlinson Tanner, Jessica Gillespie Gammon, and Kaye Lasater Culp all have homes in Blowing Rock and made arrangements with the prompting of Claire Duff Dodd Diane Stockard Wade wrote that she didn’t have any news to report and she guesses at our age that’s “good news.” She and Louis, and their family, continue to have good health, which is a huge blessing. They look forward to seeing their friends this summer at Atlantic Beach! She wanted to thank all those who made our mini reunion in Blowing Rock such a huge success. The venue, the Friday and Saturday night dinners, being invited to Cantey’s beautiful home for cocktails, the museum tour and lecture (thank you Cantey!), the downtown, and of course, Bagley’s “jewelry party” were all so much fun! And to think, if we had been in Blowing Rock even a few more days, it would have been a disaster. God, PLEASE continue to bless our Western North Carolina community. I, Paula Johnson Stewart, continue to enjoy “watching” Carolina football and basketball with Molly Richardson Swan and Susan Davis Virgin through text messages! Paula

1968

HIGH SCHOOL

Susan Byars ’68HS ’70C

Dear friends, It is hard to believed that it has been 57 years since we graduated from high school. How can that be? Peggy Froneberger Sturgis writes that she and Tom are doing well and “ageing gracefully.” She retired from the practice of anesthesiology one year ago. I am

CLASS NOTES

doing well as I continue to enjoy retirement, focusing on family, friends, and travel. We would all welcome news from all of you! Blessings, Susan

1972

HIGH SCHOOL

Susan Hundley '72HS

Dear class of 1972, it’s so good to hear from those who wrote. Janet Blair writes that she is still enjoying retirement. Son Ben and daughter Blakeney are well and thriving. They are all still in the Atlanta area and having fun enjoying new restaurants and game nights. Janet and Blakeney had tickets for the NCAA regionals in Atlanta in March. Ivy Robinson Loftice stays on the move between Kentucky, Florida, and Colorado. I was able to have a wonderful visit with her at Nags Head this past fall. Karen Wheeler Diepenbrock is now living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the base of the Sandia mountains. She is a semiretired social worker (LCSW) and Registered Playtherapist supervisor, providing mentoring, consultation and training to playtherapists around the country. Kay House returned to the McDowell County Board of Elections in July of 2023 and received the Presidential Year service pin that she missed when a family member ran for office in 2020. “We had a high voter turnout despite Hurricane Helene's visit to the mountains right before the general election,” Kay reports. Ruth Ann White de Redon wrote that Boston had a long winter of snow and sleet this year. She still enjoys living in New England, with all its beauty and opportunities for interesting adventures and activities. They are enjoying their two grandchildren. Their baby grandson was born on her birthday, August 31. They traveled to Prague and Budapest last fall and hope to explore more countries in the coming year, while still healthy and able. She welcomes a visit if in Boston. I am still living in Clarksville, Virginia. I am still practicing medicine in my hometown of Boydton, but I am trying to cut back a bit. I am enjoying my farm with cattle and horses. Most of all, I enjoy my two granddaughters, Stuart and Bennett (7 and 5), and yes, GiGi had to get them a miniature horse to ride. My year was a bit frightening and concerning. After all was investigated, I had an aneurysm on the atrial septum of my heart that ruptured and merged into a very small patent foramen ovale. It created a significant atrial septal defect. My initial event rendered me unresponsive for 12-15 hours, and I awakened to see many family members in the emergency department. I escaped from there and had the neurologist in my office orchestrate numerous tests that eventually discovered the etiology. I was on my way to visit Ivy in Nags Head when I had a second event. Our visit was put off for about a month. I had heart surgery the following Wednesday. I was very fortunate that it was via cardiac catheterization rather than open heart. They put a patch there and I am as good as new. Y'all are not done with me yet! Please take care. I hope to read more news when Melrose writes College '74! Fondly, Susan

1972

COLLEGE

Roonie Fulghum Hall writes, “Life is good in Pensacola, Florida! Husband Jim is retired and a big help around the house. Still spends

time hunting, which allows precious time alone. I continue my real estate, working only with friends and family. Our girls have blessed us with three grandchildren and counting. We have just bought into The Mountain Club in Cashiers/Highlands, and I would love to connect with classmates who live in that area!” Anne Segrest Freeze is living in Alabama. “After a busy and fun single life, I married in 2007. We live on Lewis Smith Lake, near Jasper, Alabama. Prior to marriage, I graduated from the University of Georgia moved to Boston, moved to Washington, D.C., then N.Y.C. and Atlanta. Back to home in Athens, Georgia, I opened a prepared foods gourmet shop. All foods prepared on site. Sort of a Barefoot Contessa. Now I’m active at the Jasper Episcopal Church and with several community groups.” Lynn Lacy Jones Poston and husband Ed continue to live in Apex, right down the street from classmate Jo Carpenter Harding. “We continue to enjoy our cabin in Blowing Rock and enjoy seeing Martha Blalock Mebane. Let’s connect if you are in the Blowing Rock area.”

1974 COLLEGE

Melrose Whitfield Fisher ’72HS ’74C

Hello, Class of ’74C! Another year and another reunion have come and gone. These years are not slowing down, ladies. Our 50th reunion weekend, April 2024, did NOT disappoint. Approximately 45 classmates descended on our beloved SMS beginning Friday through Saturday evening, and it was so special. Friends who we have not seen in ages really made the effort to attend the 50th. Susan Bryan Daniels, Beth Nicholson Dick, Margaret Ann Fraley, Stacy Curran Lindsey, and Anne Cline all attended, and I know I’m missing several more. If you were not there, you were missed and talked about--lol. Our next reunion will be 2029--our 55th! Now for the news. Always first to send in her news is Rachael Holmes Rachael still lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is happily retired. As Racheal says, these “golden years get a little tarnished.” In her case, over the past several years, Rachael has been dealing with a medical disorder, FMD or fibromuscular disorder. This affects the integrity of your arteries. Rachael has fortunately recovered from a couple of incidents where this FMD disorder affected her heart and leg. Not to be kept down, Rachael has planned a couple of trips for 2025. One is a river cruise to Belgium and Holland in time to see the tulips bloom and then a photo /nature tour to Iceland, with hopes of seeing the Northern Lights. Rachael, Ellen Henson, Margaret Stevens Mauney, and Mebane Ham got together for their annual visit in Winston-Salem in December 2024. They have been rendezvousing at least once a year for 50 years and that right there deserves a medal! Volunteering with her church’s food pantry and helping an Afghani family settle into the Charlottesville area have kept Rachael busy too. After 44+ years living in Charleston, South Carolina, Margaret Ann Fraley retired back to her hometown of Statesville, North Carolina. Margaret Ann says she loves retirement but is finding herself volunteering a lot more than she expected. Serving on the foundation board and the board of trustees of Iredell Hospital are the two places Margaret Ann spends the majority of her volunteer time. Margaret Ann spent time at Emerald Isle last summer with Emory Rogers Church, and said she enjoyed their time together so much. It was great to see Margaret

Ann at our reunion. Beth Nicholson Dick was at our 50th reunion for the first time ever. Beth said it was such a treat. I am sure everyone agrees with you, Beth. It was great seeing you and meeting your husband, David. Shortly after our 50th, in April 2024, Beth and David went to Greece and toured Athens, Santorini, and Paros. They had a fabulous time. Additionally, Beth and David traveled to Raleigh and Nashville, Tennessee, several times visiting their children and families, plus Highlands and Lake Burton with friends. Beth’s grandchildren are evenly divided with three girls and three boys (ages 5-12). The highlight of Beth’s year is going to Sea Island every summer. Ann Smithwick Sellman says 2024 was quite the year. First, Ann was blessed with her first grandchild, Elizabeth Evans Sellman (Ellie). The next happy event was the marriage of her daughter, Kathryn, in October 2024. Ann describes her new son-in-law as a sweetheart. Unfortunately, between these two special events, Ann was diagnosed and treated for lymphoma. The fantastic news is the treatments seem to have been successful, and Ann is now officially in remission. What fabulous news, Ann. We’ll keep you in our prayers. Because of the treatment, Ann and her husband had to forgo traveling. Now that she’s regaining her strength and hair, they are making travel plans to make up for lost time. Shelley Tosto Snider still loves operating her “SheShe Shuttle” for her grandkids living in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Like all young families, Shelley’s kids are so busy working that there are not enough hours in a day for the parents to be able to cart the kids to all the after-school activities. Can others relate to this? That’s how Shelley’s “SheShe Shuttle” was born. Shelley enjoys hauling her grands, Asher to baseball, Hazel to competitive cheerleading and choir, and William to soccer. Marcy Berry Dineen and Connie Spillman planned a trip to visit Shelley in April 2025 with sightseeing around Charleston. I am sure the “SheShe Shuttle” will be operating full-time then. Tonia (Sugar) Bryan Vary writes from New Bern. She and husband Dennis had a blast having 25 family members spend the Thanksgiving 2024 holiday with them. Between Dennis and Tonia’s kids, they have 12 grandchildren and a house full of “noisy love,” as she calls it. I think that sounds perfect. Lane Turner Nash says she has slowed down on her volunteer time but her grandparenting duties have revved up. Maybe Lane will start a SheShe Shuttle like Shelley’s so she can help lug her eight grandkids to their activities throughout Raleigh and Wake County. Lane mentioned how much see misses Julie Parker Funkhouser. Julie and John retired to Nashville, Tennessee, where daughter Parker and family live. I can see a SheShe Shuttle in your future, Julie…haha. I did receive a response from Anne Walden Anes’ husband, John. John and Anne are living in Folsom, California. It was not the kind of news we like to hear, but we are at the point in our life where everything is not “raindrops and lollipops” for everyone. John said Anne was diagnosed with dementia seven years ago. No surprise that John is now Anne’s healthcare provider. Regardless of how this horrific disease robs one of their mental and physical abilities, John did say that Anne remembers SMS. You must smile. I bet she can still perform the Lambda Chi cheer, right? Lambda Chi, Lambda Chi, Lambda Lambda Lambda Lambda, Lambda Chi! As for myself, Rob and I are enjoying our three grandkids: two boys (2.5 and 4) and our first granddaughter born September 2024. Finally, a girl! We travel the road to Charlotte frequently to see them and “help out.” Our son, Robbie, lives in Eswatini, Africa. In May 2023 Robbie started

a non-profit agency in Eswatini, Fisher Talent Group. The mission is to scout marginalized soccer talent in remote areas of Eswatini and eventually in other African countries. The end result is to create a database highlighting these African soccer players (ages 12-18) who would otherwise go unnoticed and make it accessible to all soccer coaches, from academy coaches all the way up to major league soccer coaches and scouts. Until next time, remember that our Class of ’74C class is just the greatest! Melrose

1974

HIGH SCHOOL

Catherine Blankenship ’74HS

Starting our 51st year from graduation! Trudy Glass was sorry she missed the reunion. Trudy and her mother were coming together, Trudy for her 50th, and her mom for her 80th, but her mom passed away. Trudy lives in Summerville, South Carolina, but is frequently in Whiteville, North Carolina. A new addition, a goldendoodle pup, is keeping her hands “lovingly full”. She has a Facebook page and welcomes any communication. Most days you will find Cris Herring Timmons in Savannah, Georgia, either staying busy with three grandchildren or remodeling their “new” house, built in 1880. She has had two knee replacements and says remodeling is easier to deal with. A new resident of Morehead City, Karen Hearne is retired, loves the beach, and loves traveling. COVID-19 caused inner reflection for Janie Cameron Wagstaff and her husband. They decided where they wanted to spend their “fun years.” They have been fox hunting for 25 years in Durham, but the sandhills were calling and they moved to Southern Pines. They love the area and are close to their son and his wife. Look her up if you are there, especially at the Grand Matinee Harness Track. Sunny (Lena) Johnson Lewis has a granddaughter, Riley Bridges ’29, starting SMS this fall. Sunny is excited and says all the wonderful stories about her time there helped make the decision. She is desperately looking for a replacement class ring for any year 19746. Sunny and husband Rick, who is an ordained Christian pastor and a professional guitarist, love being on the go in Beaufort. In addition to working in her family business alongside her son, she often performs with her husband in jazz clubs. Angie Parker reports that she is not totally retired, but her consulting work is reduced, allowing more travel time. “In 2024, we drove across the northern United States, from Syracuse to Montana, and visited New Orleans, both where our daughter Reilly had artist residencies.” They were also on a lake in northern Michigan and braved the cold with a February 2024 trip to Amsterdam and a January 2025 trip to London and Amsterdam. “Struggling with 2025 goals: What to do with our newfound freedom? Definitely NOT clean out the garage!” Anne Deluca Lucht and husband are still in Columbia, South Carolina. She is bravely tackling a recent diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, which has slowed her down. Her sons are living in the western United States. Her area had lots of damage from Hurricane Helene, but not like the mountains. She looks forward to seeing news from others. Anne, I know that all of us will be sending positive, loving thoughts to you. Amy Lynn from New Bern sent a quick note sending out good thoughts. Betsy Lindley Jones and husband Bain have moved to Salisbury. Sharon Weers Morales enjoyed the reunion very much! She works as a state safety manager

CLASS NOTES

at Georgia DOT and is able to visit her 94-year-old mom and other family in Huntersville often. Sharon dabbles in genealogy, making U.S. history real, and is learning machine embroidery. If there was room, I could list all of her travel spots but let’s just say she travels a lot! Laura Fanjoy Daughtrey lives on Hilton Head Island and wants you all to let her know if you are there. Laura is looking forward to seeing Becky Ensign Sartore in Hilton Head, as both are attending a church conference. Since the reunion, she feels inspired to better keep in touch with the whole big class. Becky is getting around not only to Hilton Head, but also to Tennessee, Wilmington, and Spain! She and husband Steve enjoy volunteering and teaching Bible study at Mt. Pisgah Church, and hosting friends for dinner. She is semi-retired and enjoys being a commercial property manager. Becky keeps in touch with Laura, Jane Johnson Brady, and Chris Herring Timmons On reunion weekend, Jane Johnson Brady offered her home for a get-together Saturday night. Several of our classmates hosted, too, providing an incredible table of food, and a great time was had by all. Jane says all is good in her world and she can’t believe it has been 50 years. I encourage you to visit her Raleigh home if you get an invite. Her furnishings, artwork, and outdoor areas are a real treat to see. Enjoying the beautiful water and landscaping their beach house, Lisa Christoph Towarnicky is glad to be retired. A new grandson brings the number of grandchildren to three boys and one girl. Sounds like a lovely family! Retirement is so busy. I always dreamed of having free time to sew, and now I do. Hand applique, machine sewing anything, and my side hustle of making golf cart seat covers to sell at markets and online, plus two dogs, is all fulfilling. I appreciate the notes and kind words following the unexpected death of my daughter in October. They have truly helped me. Many of our group have had challenges and losses, and most have found fulfillments in achievement, helping others, and/or in family. Please remember those in need with love and stay in touch. Thank you so much for your participation, even if you are just reading this after publication! Catherine

1976

COLLEGE

Bess Knotts Walker ’76C Leesa Lybrook Goodson wrote that she loves being close with her four grandchildren, who live around the corner. She is still an avid birdwatcher and planned to go see the great migration of sandhill cranes in Nebraska in March. Thousands will be there and it should be a photography dream! Tom and Leesa traveled to Japan this past fall and say it was a fantastic trip that everyone should put high on their bucket list. This summer, they are taking the whole family to a dude ranch in Montana. Yeeha! Leesa had lunch in Pinehurst with Anne Mayo Evans, Mary Flagg Nimocks Haugh, and Kate Holmes. Great fun catching up. And, speaking of Kate Holmes, she has been made president of the board for an organization. Here is the announcement! Congratulations, Kate! “We are excited to announce that Kate Holmes has stepped into the role of board president of the Companion Animal Clinic Foundation, succeeding the outstanding leadership of Bobbie Mudge. Kate’s journey with CACF began in 2018 when she first joined the board. After serving as the lead grant writer, she was invited to take on this new leadership role in January 2025. A retired advertising

professional with a 40-year career that spanned New York City, Minneapolis, and Winston-Salem, Kate brings a wealth of strategic planning, business writing, and creative expertise to the board. She has worked with top-tier brands such as Porsche, Timex, IBM, and Hanes, honing skills in team building and problem-solving that she now applies to her philanthropic efforts. Learn more about Kate at our website www.companionanimalclinic.org.” Laura McSpadden BelleIsle retired from physical therapy a couple of years ago but is enjoying a part-time job in employee wellness, connected with a hospital. She has been volunteering at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte for the past two years, which has been a blessing. Laura’s had a few surgeries recently, including gall bladder, a right hip replacement, a second hip surgery for complications, and lung surgery to remove a nodule that turned out to be an infection…guess we are getting old. Laura and her husband also enjoyed some traveling. They went on a river cruise in Europe last summer and just returned from a two-week trip to Egypt. Both trips were amazing but Egypt was something special. Their two oldest sons live in Florida with seven of their grandchildren, and her youngest son is in Texas with four more grandchildren. She never expected to end up with 11 grandchildren, but they are thankful for each one! “It is amazing to think that next year will be 50 years since we graduated from Saint Mary’s! Wow!” Lou White now lives full time in Beaufort and loves it there. She has picked up golf and tries to play three days a week. She plays pickleball just as much! When Lou isn’t playing golf and pickleball, she is a food pantry volunteer and enjoys keeping nursery at her church, One Harbor, in Morehead City. Deborah Walter ’75C and Lou keep in touch and have been fortunate enough to do some traveling together. This May, she is excited to take a cruise to Portugal. If anyone finds themselves in Beaufort or the area, Lou would love to connect. Marcia Nahikian-Nelms writes that she recently retired as assistant dean for academic affairs and professor in the College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, ending a 35-year career teaching in higher education. She plans to continue to work with her consulting company, which focuses on the nationally recognized textbooks, including Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology and Medical Nutrition Therapy: A Case Study Approach. Her company also provides expertise for development of curricula, assessment, and patient education within a variety of academic and health care settings. On the personal side, Marcia and her husband are thoroughly enjoying their four grandchildren (ages 2, 4, 6, and 8): so much fun! Sara Redd Wilda and John still live in Virginia Beach, and enjoy all the wonderful things a coastal town has to offer. They have five grandchildren who keep them busy: Stella (8), Vallie (5), Jay (5), Sadie (3), and Sawyer (1). The Wildas are busy and love attending their grandchildren’s sporting events, school events, and babysitting when needed. The whole family gathers each summer in Duck for an annual family vacation. Sara is still working two days a week at Rejuvinage Health and Wellness, which she loves, especially since it keeps her active with the community. She plays tennis four days a week, and says she hasn’t switched to pickleball yet, but it will probably come soon. John will retire in December 2025, after 45 years in maritime construction. He is very excited, and they look forward to a little more travel, like the amazing trip to Ireland they had in May 2024 with three other couples. Sara stays in touch with some Saint Mary's friends via Facebook and always enjoys

CLASS NOTES

reading about their families and adventures. Barksdale Spencer Thompson wrote that she and her husband, Philip, are still working. With five grandchildren they adore, it keeps them on the road! (#6 will be arriving in August!) Barksdale lost her sister-in-law in July to pancreatic cancer. What a horrible disease! She has had a hard time-she was like a sister. On top of that, Barksdale spent a week in the hospital with vertigo. She had never had it before and really thought her time had come, but thankfully has learned how to handle it. Laura Frazier Norman had fun news to report! A mini-SMS reunion was planned by Guion Fifield Stewart-Moore, to happen this summer in Aspen, Colorado. The girls from Greensboro attending with Laura are Dottie B Edwards Nutt, Mary Claire Seawell Thomas, Shirley Perrin Martin, and Julie Andrews McAllister. I’m sure there will be many stories and laughs of growing up together, college days, and life after college! Friendships of a lifetime! Thank you to those who sent in their news! My job is fun because I get your news first! Next magazine, I hope we get more and more classmates to send in updates! My grandchildren are growing up quickly! Bear is eight, and Brinn Louise turned five in February. Each of my children have had something to celebrate recently. Ila Walker Bittner ’05 bought a horse and thinks of “Dil” as her third child! Locke and his wife purchased a new home. Carr was married March 15, 2025, to a wonderful young lady from Raleigh. I have both boys living in Raleigh, and Ila and her family in Morehead City. We have a beach house at Atlantic Beach, so in the summer I live in the same town as her. September of 2024, Ila held her first Brave Little BrinnyLou Foundation event in Morehead City. Win and I are so proud of her efforts, along with her husband, Robbie, in paying forward to families experiencing the journey of childhood cancer. Their first event raised $38,000 to give monetary assistance to a family in Eastern North Carolina and to donate a portion to UNC Childhood Cancer Research. Many people are unaware of how little funding childhood cancer gets, and we want to do what we can to help. Children who have cancer, as our granddaughter did, must travel to a hospital, either as an in-patient or an out-patient, for treatments in Greenville, Chapel Hill, or Durham. The expenses, on top of the stress of the situation, are a lot. For leukemia, they need bone marrow donors between the ages of 18-40. Ila encouraged all who attended her event to have their cheek swabbed and to register as a possible donor - 14 registered! Ila’s hope is for the foundation to grow so that more families in Eastern North Carolina can find assistance with expenses and research. Hug those grandchildren and thank the Lord they are healthy! Brinn Louise is our super star! If you are interested in knowing more about the next family-friendly event, scheduled for September 6, 2025, at the Coral Bay Club contact Ila at Ilawbittner@ gmail.com or me! Bess

1978

HIGH SCHOOL

Elizabeth Rouse ’78HS ’80C writes, “I’m so proud to announce I am a first- time grandmom to Hudson Graham Ferguson, born June 13, 2024. I am still in Raleigh, as I was born here and never left. Seeing so much change in the city and myself. I came out of retirement to babysit and help rear my little man. When I have spare time, what is that, I spend a lot of time in Little River, South Carolina. I’m living life

and soaking in the good graces that I’ve been given. My only child, Isabel, is here with me making life even better.” Fern Bugg recently spent nine days in Lafayette, Louisiana, in an acting role for a Lifetime Christmas movie. She says, “I ate my weight in gumbo, crawfish, and jambalaya, but danced it off to Cajun and Zydeco bands every night I wasn’t working. I enjoy regularly seeing Amy Brown North, Amelie Brogden, and Hope Saunders Hackler, among other alums living locally in Wilmington.” Patty Langley Cleveland writes, “I’ve been married for 25 years and have owned a real estate company for 20 years. I work and live on Lake Hartwell, which covers Georgia and South Carolina. We volunteer at Meals on Wheels, delivering food to the homebound. We also cook meals for our church to feed parishioners who are sick, have suffered deaths, etc. I have been on the Meals on Wheels board for seven years.”

1976 HIGH SCHOOL AND 1978 COLLEGE

Bebee Bason Lee '76HS '78C

Wow, what a fun time classmates from ’76HS and ’78C had on our Edenton/Nags Head adventure last April. Lisa Lofton Tomlinson ’78C planned a fantastic trip to Edenton, the first colonial capital of North Carolina. Nestled along the shores of the Albemarle Sound and Edenton Bay, more than 25 classmates toured historic 18th century homes and historic sites. Thanks to many SMC alumnae for hosting our lively group in their homes for tours, cocktails, dinners, and more. Our Edenton alum hosts included: Ginny Gardner Vinson ’79C, Susan Inglis (daughter of Frances Drane Inglis ’47HS ’49C and niece of Rebecca Drane Warren ’44C), Cordelia (Dickie) Robinson Tyler ’56HS ’58C, Ann Harrell Perry ’69C and Jacquelin Jenkins Perry ’73HS. I hope I’ve not missed anyone. Our trip included a private tour of the church and grounds at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, followed by lunch served by the members. We also had the honor to be the first group to tour Hayes Plantation, thanks to Sam Dixon. The Historical Commission planned the daily activities. After two full days, we traveled to the Outer Banks, where Cecelia Winslow ’78C hosted at her oceanfront cottage and Beth Gardner ’79C offered her family’s oceanfront cottage (thank you, Lisa Lofton Tomlinson ’78C). Cecelia Winslow also secured an additional cottage. A grand time was had by all. I was lucky enough to join the Edenton group. Those who joined in the adventures, either both destinations or just one included: Lisa Lofton Tomlinson ’78C, Cricket Cassedy O’Neill ’78C, Elaine Bridger Mebane ’78C, Julie Daniels ’78C, Hester Gregory Hodde ’76HS ’78C, Jane Bratton Fleming ’76HS ’78C, Liza Lamm Gauss ’78C, Donna Sherrill Steele ’78C, Spencer Lee Spencer ’76HS ’78C, Kathy Blades ’76HS ’78C, Rosemary Summerlin Crane ’76HS ’78C, Elizabeth Kerr Agnew ’78C, Eleanor Snell ’78C, Dottie Lipscomb ’78C, Blanche Williamson ’76HS, Lisa Tate ’78C, Jan Stewart Atkins ’76HS ’78C, Emilie Lamm Freeman ’78C, Frauke Engel Mirenda ’78C, Kathy Reynolds Phillips ’78C, Wimberly Burton ’78C, Anna T Wheeless ’76HS ’78C, Sally Dillard Cohen ’78C, Beth Kirkland Peters ’78C,

CLASS NOTES

Libby Holding Ross ’78C, Julie Parson ’78C, Martha Murphy ’76HS ’78C and Cecelia Winslow ’78C. Hats off to Lisa, Cecelia, and Martha for coordinating this fabulous trip for us! Many thanks to all. It was a blast! I look forward to our next adventure. Congratulations to Etta Ryan Clark ’78C: she is a new grandmother. Clark Emerson Dillie was born February 16, 2024, to their daughter, Alex, and they are smitten! Alex is director of government relations for Fox Corporation in D.C. Alex and her husband, Scott, live in Alexandria, Virginia. The Clarks’ other daughter, Haley, is a CPA in Nashville, Tennessee. Her husband, Rich, works for Amazon. Etta and husband John recently relocated to the lake outside Knoxville, Tennessee. If anyone is in their area, Etta says please come visit! So excited to hear that Elaine Bridger Mebane ’78C and husband Bill are grandparents. They are loving their new roles. Their first grandchild, Chloe Annabelle Mebane, was born on August 10, 2024, to their son, Kemp Mebane, and Dani Conway. Allison Dorr Daniel ’76HS writes that she is still in Beaufort, North Carolina, with her two golden retrievers. She retired on June 30, 2023, as the director of counseling at Carteret Community College and is so glad to have her days free. Allison is having loads of fun with her three grands, one of whom lives in Beaufort. In addition to playing with her grands, Allison stays busy volunteering, traveling, and exercising. Allison loves living in Beaufort; such a fun place to live and visit. She asks any class members who are in the area to please, look her up. I’m hoping to catch up with Allison on my next trip to the Crystal Coast. Nancy Welby Check ’76HS is still living in Lexington. She’s been retired since 2018, yet she continues to work as needed at their local hospital, in outpatient services, keeping her nursing skills fresh. Nancy and Max (her golden retriever) also volunteer at the hospital for employee pet therapy sessions. I was sad to learn that Nancy’s soulmate and best friend, Jeff, died July 23, 2024, after complications from his lung transplant in 2022. They are thankful for the additional 2 1/2 years that the transplant gave them. They were able to enjoy grandchildren and travel during those years. Their daughter, Sydne, lives in Kinston with her family: husband Travis, and sons Barrett (11), Henry (10), Eli (7), and Crosby (3). Sydne is pastor at Peace Presbyterian Church in Winterville. Nancy’s son, Joe, and his wife, live in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, as he continues to work for the Navy as a civilian employee. Nancy’s younger daughter lives in the metro D.C. area and is the director of government relations and public policy for ASRT (American Society of Radiologic Technologists). Blessings abound for Marsee Edwards Lee ’78C, as she has added some new faces to her family. In December, she got an early Christmas gift: her grandson, Teddy Johnson, was born December 18, 2024. And last June, Marsee’s son, Pierce, married Vaughan Poole Lee ’17 in Roaring Gap.Marsee still lives in Charleston, South Carolina. Libby Holding Ross ’78C absolutely loved seeing everyone at our fabulous reunion trip to Edenton and then on to fun in the sun in Nags Head. Libby loved being with old friends and rooming with her old roomie, Jane Bratton Fleming ’76HS ’78C, just like back on 2nd Cruik! Libby notes that we were hosted by many SMS alumnae who live in Edenton, inviting us to lunches, cocktail parties, and dinners in their beautiful homes. Libby adds a huge thank you to Lisa, Cecelia, and Martha for organizing such a fantastic trip. Lauren Sherman Peele ’78C writes that she and husband Robbie are enjoying being Nonna and Big Daddy to Deacon (2) and Lucas (born Feb. 1). Son Tripp (35) and wife

Brittany, who live in Willow Spring, are settling into their parent roles. Tripp is an account manager at TekSystems in Raleigh and Brittany is an OR nurse at Rex. Son John Gates (31) is farming in Oak City with “semi-retired” Robbie. Do farmers ever fully retire? Lauren enjoys retirement, as she goes to Raleigh to babysit every other week. Since the family was outgrowing their beach condo in Manteo, they bought a beach house last summer and she is looking forward to more memories being made there. One of their trips last year was to the Final Four in Phoenix. While not the outcome they wanted, they still had a great time. Lauren stays in touch with Rachel Woodruff Carlson ’78C and Mary Fondren ’78C. Christmas was extra special last year for Anne Martin Cochrane ’78C, as she had both daughter Hallie (29) and son Rob (27) home at the same time - a first in seven years! Hallie, who still lives in AU, has moved to the Gold Coast to work as a relation manager for Certainty Wealth Group, a big change after many years in the hospitality field. Son Rob is still in Jackson, Wyoming, working for Y2 Consultants as a land surveyor. He is taking on-line classes from UW to get licensed. Big Rob and Anne are planning a trip with friends to Italy in the fall. They also hope to get a visit with Hallie in 2025. Anne is thankful that everyone is in good health and doing well. On a side note: Anne is playing mahjong as often as she can with Peggy Aiken Bridgforth ’76HS ’78C and Spencer Lee Spencer ’76HS ’78C, which has been fun. Anne tells me that Lisa Ritter Murrah ’76HS now has grandchildren in Charlotte and Anne hosted a dinner in Charlotte recently with Jan Stewart Atkins ’76HS ’78C, Lisa Ritter Murrah ’76HS ’78C, Peggy Aiken Bridgforth ’76HS ’78C, Spencer Lee Spencer ’76HS ’78C, Mary McCann ’76HS ’78C and Lisa Loftin Tomlinson ’78C. Kathy Reynolds Phillips ’78C writes that after thoroughly enjoying the Edenton trip (thank you, Lisa!) she had a great summer and fall, working and learning so much with a wild horse tour outfit in Corolla. She said the weather was wonderful, and the guests, guides, and overall experience were amazing. Additionally, after not seeing each other for more than 25 years, Kathy had a nice reunion with her University of Alabama roommate when she visited them on the Outer Banks in October. While they’d been in contact through phone calls and letters, being together, in-person, was fantastic, just like being with and reconnecting with her SMC roommates and classmates in Edenton in April. It was wonderful to hear from Debra Rhodes Gladstone ’76HS ’78C. She is the principal at a pre-k through fifth grade elementary school in Winston-Salem. Her family of six has grown to nine with the addition of three fabulous sons-in-law who joined the family over the last three years. Debra is excited about seeing all her Saint Mary’s sisters at our upcoming high school and college reunions. Emilie Lamb ’78C writes that she and husband Ron are enjoying retirement, using their time to volunteer in the community and also just relaxing. They “go down the mountain” as much as possible to see their grandchildren in Raleigh. Emilie was able to join the fun trip to Edenton and the beach in April and had a great time. She and Ron went on a trip to Italy in September 2024, which was awesome. She notes that while they did not suffer damage from Hurricane Helene, she confirms many people and businesses did not fare as well. Rebuilding is happening but it is a slow process. Come visit Asheville, as the community needs support! Wimberly Burton ’78C spent three weeks in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal, in January on an artist retreat with many American artists, led by a western Irish

art school. She said that Nepal was certainly third world but she enjoyed gorgeous views of the Himalayan Mountains, with a wonderful culture and people. Wim did not climb Mount Everest this time but she did walk tons with her hiking sticks. The Annapurna Mountains up in the lake region were amazing. Kathy and Wimberly spent this February in Kure Beach. Martha Murphy ’76HS ’78C visited for several days and they had dinner with Barbara Johnston Bush ’77C. Wimberly also got in a visit with Liz Wright James ’78C and her husband, Alex, in Greensboro, before we lost Liz this spring. Liz did smile for Wimberly several times. Wimberly is happy to be missing so many snowstorms in Maine. She would love to have classmates visit them in Maine this summer. Fabulous to hear from Lee Scott Worth ’76HS ’78C. She and husband Hal spend quite a bit of their time visiting their growing family in either Fort Worth, Texas, or Charleston, South Carolina, or hanging out at the coast. They enjoy living in Raleigh and Lee always loves seeing so many SMS girls who live here. Their oldest daughter, Catherine, Class of 2009, lives in Texas with her husband, Austin, and their two children, Simmons (4) and her new little baby brother, Worth. Lee’s middle daughter, Sarah Scott Worth Paschal ’12, lives in Charleston with her husband, Paul, and just had their first baby, a little boy, Haywood. Lee concurs that this Grandparent Club is the best! Hallie Worth, the youngest, graduated from the University of South Carolina last spring and also now lives in Charleston. She landed a great first job at a production company specializing in booking production crews for special events, including NFL sports, red carpet premieres, Grammys, Country Music Awards, etc. Pretty cool gig! Lee took a road trip with Jan Stewart Atkins ’76HS ’78C last spring and went to see some wonderful SMS friends in Charlotte. She sends a big thank you to Jan for kidnapping her, and to Peggy Aiken Bridgforth ’76HS ’78C, Lisa Lofton Tomlinson ’78C, Cantey Sutton Brown ’76HS, Anne Martin (AG) Cochrane ’78C, and Martha Murphy ’76HS ’78C, who planned such a wonderful gettogether. Lee says it was good for the soul. Like most of us, Lee truly treasures her SMS friends, high school and college, and knows we are fortunate to have each other through the good times and the harder ones, as well. Jan Stewart Atkins says she is happy in Burlington, learning to play mahjong, playing lots of pickleball, and loving some travel. “My mom is still healthy and active and spends time between the beach and Costa Rica; bless her at 94, and I enjoy her company immensely! I keep up with many Saint Mary’s friends and have loved our gatherings. These lifelong friends have been some of my greatest blessings and hope to see all again soon.” Susan Worth Costabile ’78C reports that she has five wonderful grandsons who keep her very busy. She also works as a substitute teacher at Marist School in the Early Learning Center (teachers’ children). “I play some canasta and mahjong too. I missed the last get-together but look forward to future plans!” Louise Chandler Starke ’78C says, “We are doing fine in Richmond. I'm still working as a corporate accountant. Hal and I spend free time sailing on the Rappahannock River. The big news is our beautiful grandson, Henry Watlington Miller, born May 18, 2024, to my daughter, Chandler, and her husband, Daniel.” Elizabeth Kerr Agnew ’78C writes of her gratitude to Lisa, Cecelia, and Martha for coordinating the Edenton/Nags Head adventure. Kerr agrees it was the best trip, combining an interesting historical adventure in Edenton and culminating in a great dance party at Nags Head! She loved

seeing everyone and hopes we can do it again soon, noting time together is so precious these days. It was an exciting fall for Kerr: her oldest, Pen Jr., got married to a wonderful girl in St. Michaels, Maryland. It was a beautiful weekend on the water and everything they wanted. As is her nature, Kerr was on the dance floor until the last note of Love Shack was played! Kerr’s daughter, Stuart, is finishing her master’s in public health while living in Jackson Hole. The youngest Agnew, Duncan, will be moving from Chicago and leaving his current reporter and editor job to go wherever his girl matches for her residency. So, the Agnew children are on the move! Husband Pen retired in August from 41 years working as a foreign and civil service officer, so they are hoping to have more time to visit friends and family! As for me, I love retirement! I have more time with our grandchildren, twins Procter and Sadie (8), Rhett (6), and Anna Grace (2.5). Glad to report everyone is happy and healthy! I love spending time in my garden, watching the grands play ball, gymnastics, etc., a little exercising and volunteering with Johnston County Public Schools in career technology education, helping kids be career and college ready. I am truly blessed. Bebee

1980 COLLEGE

Cissy Lofton Elmer '80C

Hello Class of 1980! It’s so great to hear from classmates from near and far. Hard to believe we graduated 45 years ago. Time really does fly. We’ll jump right into the news. Joni Eargle Nash is still living in Waxhaw, staying busy with five grandkids, still needlepointing and volunteering. Always on the go but her daughter lives in Raleigh, so Joni loves visiting her grandkids there and has been known to visit Char-Grill when in town. Helen Parker Mills Anderson was definitely named Fireball for a reason. Despite losing her parents in recent years, her fiancé dying on their wedding day, and losing a dear friend to suicide, Helen is keeping that fiery spirit and looking forward to a better 2025! Terry Dabbs Lewis is doing great. Unfortunately, her mother passed away this past year, but she is keeping her hands busy with eight grandchildren. Terry loves playing golf and also enjoys making pottery. Katie Zevenhuizen Medlin reported the happiest news that daughter Cathryn and her husband, Andrew, welcomed baby George Medlin Paradise January 17. She has finally joined the grandmother club! Katie is also enjoying playing pickleball and mahjong and spending as much time as possible at the beach. Phyllis Alexander writes that a lot has happened for her in the last couple of years. She married Chip Bishop last year and they live in WinstonSalem. “I have a daughter who recently completed her Ph.D. She is a clinical psychologist and a captain in the Army, working with service people who have PTSD. She has been training in San Antonio, Texas, and she and her husband will be moving to Germany next year. My son lives in New York City after five years in Los Angeles. He loves N.Y.C., and Chip and I love going there to visit him. In December of 2024, I graduated from UNC-Greensboro (only 40 years late). I was hired as a writer for new business proposals/presentations at IBM soon after I moved back to North Carolina from Boston five+ years ago. I was traveling extensively for work until COVID-19 hit. I retired from that job last spring. Now we just travel for fun - Camino Trail, Iceland, Greece

CLASS NOTES

and Turkey, Australia and New Zealand, and Alaska (in January!) since we met.” Marina Lynch Stevenson became a grandmother. Daughter Rena had a daughter, Liza Hoyt, on October 12, 2024. Debbie Ford Greer is still living in Kingsport in the beautiful East Tennessee mountains. She is still working at the police department as an administrative assistant in the criminal investigations divisions. 2024 was a busy year. Both of her sons were married, Hunter in March and Benjamin in October. They were thrilled that their daughter, Ashton, was able to make it home from Klamath Falls, Oregon, to be there for both events. She is looking forward to retiring sometime this year and sends her best to everyone. Margaret Williams Williams and Ward are still in Charlotte and have been blessed with four grandchildren, Hamer, Ward, Dalton, and Frank II. Their oldest daughter, Margaret Cheatham Williams ’07, and her husband, Frank, have just moved home from San Francisco with their two boys. Eleanor Williams ’20 is living in Jackson Hole, working for a real estate company and staying busy on the slopes, teaching children to ski. Margaret’s mom, Margaret Cheatham Williams ’50HS ’52C, is happy and still living in the house where Margaret grew up in Raleigh. Scottie Evans Chastain has moved to Calabash, North Carolina. She and Ben recently retired and are living their dream at the beach. Michele Crisp Narron has moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina. We wish her all the best! Raine Gilbert Archer is enjoying life in Darlington, Maryland. They still live on the farm and their oldest son, Will, was married last summer in Buena Vista, Colorado, to Laura Katherine. Their younger son, Graham, has moved back to Maryland from Salt Lake City to work the farm. Daughter Hannah gave them their first grandchild, Margot. She agrees that grandchildren are the best! They were also so excited to welcome Hannah’s twins in March of this year. Raine sends her love to all! Corbin Hogaboom and her husband, Edward, spent time in Colorado with their son for his birthday and their anniversary. They enjoyed a lovely trip last fall to Scotland for golf and visiting castles. Besides golfing and skiing, Corbin has immersed herself in quilting and machine embroidery, which she loves. Debbie Bishop Hill and husband Keith have been living in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area for eight years and love living on the beach. Her boys are doing fantastically. One is in California in the Bay Area, where he lives with his wife, Holly, and Debbie’s first granddaughter, Chloe. Their other son is doing equally well as a specialized pharmacist, working for the Denver health community. She would love to connect with anyone in the Virginia Beach area. Elizabeth Rouse Ferguson writes, “I’m so proud to announce I am a first-time grandmom to Hudson Graham Ferguson, born June 13, 2024. I am still in Raleigh; I was born here and never left. Seeing so much change in the city and myself. I came out of retirement to babysit and help rear my little man. When I have spare time (what is that?), I spend a lot of time in Little River, South Carolina. I’m living life and soaking in the good graces that I’ve been given. My only child, Isabel, is here with me, making life even better.” On a sad note, Bo Mason wrote to let us know that his lovely wife, Marianna Peete Mason passed away on October 3, 2024, from a glioblastoma. Her obituary can be found here kennethpoesrvices. com/mariannejonespeetemason. Last year was certainly a year to remember. Hurricane Helene was and continues to be a big mess here in the Asheville area. Our house and our cars were crushed in the storm, and while we escaped the house during the storm, it is

very hard to believe the destruction all around. Our oldest son, Ben, and his wife, Maggie, are in Cashiers. Maggie sells real estate, and Ben manages a Fly Shop and guides flyfishing all over. Our youngest, Sam, and his wife, Leldon, are in Georgetown, South Carolina, where they have opened a great restaurant, 631 Franks on Front. They had our first grandchild last July. Capers is the sweetest little girl, and Danny I enjoy every minute with our kids. Hope 2025 brings health and happiness to each and every one of you. Hug your family and enjoy all the moments. Cissy

1980 HIGH SCHOOL

Kaky McCabe Bowden ’80HS ’82C

Greetings 1980HS friends! I hope you and your family are well! Lynn Gardner Curfman writes that she and husband Dean are busy in Morganton, North Carolina. They own Oak Hill Iron + Wood—a fabulous company specializing in beautifully hand-forged railings, fire screens, and private sculptures. They have also expanded into live edge slabs, creating stunning tables, barn doors, and custom pieces for the home. If you ever need something unique and handcrafted, check them out! Mary Stowe lives in Chapel Hill, celebrating 30 years of owning her business, Yarns etc., this year! She enjoyed getting together last summer with classmates Jane Morris Harkey and Missy Nelson. She also enjoyed a ski trip with her kids to Park City, Utah, and also a spring trip to Spain. Mary adds, despite the aches and pains of getting older, life is pretty good. Cathy Call Boykin still lives in Raleigh. She has been traveling some lately with her husband, Duke, and enjoys watching their three grandchildren (7, 4, and 2) grow. Karen Wheeler is living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the base of the Sandia mountains. She is a semi-retired social worker (LCSW) and registered play therapist supervisor, providing mentoring, consultation, and training to play therapists around the country. Terry Bennett Allen lives in Ramseur on a horse farm. Still married to Steve Allen, they have three boys. Terry and her husband continue to work in property development. I continue to live and work in Lynchburg, Virginia. With two of my three kids recently married and one to be soon, life is busy, but I’m blessed. My most recent trip was to Alaska. Add it to your bucket list if you have not been there! Blessings to you all! Kaky

1982 COLLEGE

Lynn Gardner Curfman ’80HS ’82C writes that she and her husband, Dean, are living in Morganton. They own Oak Hill Iron + Wood: a fabulous company specializing in beautifully hand-forged railings, fire screens, and private sculptures. They have also expanded into live edge slabs, creating stunning tables, barn doors, and custom pieces for the home. “If you ever need something unique and handcrafted, check us out!”

1982 HIGH SCHOOL AND 1984 COLLEGE

Beth Morris Gobble ’82HS ’84C

Hello SMC/S friends, we have a small group this year. Meredith Casey Bourne ’82HS continues to make her home in Tarboro and Bald Head Island. She enjoys oil painting and attending annual workshops in Europe. She and her husband have an 18-month-old St. Bernard named Molly (what a handful). Virginia White Pou ’82HS ’84C is still teaching middle school math and is planning to retire after next year. In July of 2024, Wilson and Virginia took a trip to Alaska and found the sights breath-taking! They have the most fun, though, being Gin Gin and Pop Pop to new grandbaby Bevan (whom I think favors his mother Sara Morgan the most - such a doll that boy is!). Their youngest daughter, Cary Virginia, was married in October 2024, after Hurricane Helene forced them to change their North Carolina mountain wedding to a North Carolina coastal wedding in Topsail Island. Yes, it is possible to re-plan an entire wedding, start to finish in two weeks, but they don’t recommend it! Olivia Hardin Pettifer ’82HS writes that she was accepted into the Wake County Extension Master Gardener program last fall and is working on the requirements for the certification. She is an abstract painter and enjoys taking art lessons and doing volunteer work in her community and church. Her son, Alexander, is in his second year at Savannah College of Art and Design, studying film, TV, and creative writing. I am still very busy tending to our family glass business and to my 92-year-old dad. There’s not much room for too many other activities, but Dan and I do make it to Wrightsville Beach now and then. Best wishes to everyone! Beth

1984

HIGH SCHOOL

Ellen Zollicoffer Jackson ’84HS

Greetings from the Saint Mary’s High School Class of 1984! Susan Avent Irvine says, “I’m still living in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. My son is 16 and driving, so I’m not sleeping much. Had a wonderful girls’ weekend in the fall with Robin Ballard Earp, Betsy Diedrick McLean, Mandy Johnson Spears, and Chrisie Currence Lewis.” Mary Barnett Hale writes, “Scott and I continue to enjoy running the Grand Western Tour. I've loved the GWT since I participated in 1981, so continuing the tradition is very meaningful to me. 2024 was the 60th anniversary of the tour. Keeping up with 51 energetic teenagers each summer is bound to keep me young! My eldest continues to live and work in Nashville, Tennessee. My middle child lives and works in Greensboro (near me), and my youngest will graduate from Clemson this year! I lost my father last summer at the age of 96. Many of my classmates know how devoted I was to him. Getting through a lot of firsts without him has been tough, but I'm so thankful for the many years I had with him and for a life very well lived!” Robin Ballard Earp says, “No exciting news from me - love

Wilmington and visiting with all Saint Mary’s girls coming to Wrightsville or Wilmington. Kids are grown and busy. Wilbur in town, Henry in Nashville, and Mary Helen in Raleigh.” Mandy Johnson Spears reports, “I am enjoying retirement and still finding plenty to do! Lin and I are traveling a little more now that our schedules are flexible. I’m excited to share that all of our girls are out of college and gainfully employed! Maegan (oldest) owns her own business, Anna Carlyle Spears ’20 works in leasing for Kane Realty Corporation, and Lindley Spears ’18 is in medical sales with Meade Johnson Nutrition. Two are in Raleigh and one is in Charlotte, so it is easy to have regular visits. They are all doing well, and we are incredibly proud of them! Carter Manning Wade is happily settled in the Raleigh area and loves it! Her son, Will (29), and his wife, Alexis, are enjoying married life and live in Kingsport, Tenn. Her daughter, Allston (25), is in her final semester of college, works at a Marshalls, and lives in Bristol, Tennessee. Carter is the happy grandparent to several dogs, cats, and one pig, named Wilbur (of course!). When not visiting her children in Tennessee or working, she enjoys doing fun things in the Raleigh area and traveling. The highlight of 2024 for her was definitely the Saint Mary's reunion. She would love to see her classmates more and they are welcome to reach out to her on social media. Catherine Calhoun Roberts graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, majoring in finance and minoring in music business and accounting. After a long career in these fields she’s now retired and lives in Daytona Beach, Florida She attends St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and has been blessed with great friends. She is single and happy and looks forward to a great future! Mary Hannah Wyman Jones writes, “I still love living in Raleigh and seeing lots of Saint Mary’s girls on a regular basis when they come to town! I enjoyed hosting our last class reunion party in April and we had a great turnout! Also hosted some classmates when we attended the SMS Atlantic Beach party held at the Crystal Coast Country Club in July. We had a ball! You forget how much fun we all have when we get together! Please call a classmate and come to our next reunion even if you missed this last one!” Margaret Gulley Tyson writes that this past year she has traveled to Pacific Palisades, California, to visit Sarah Archie Griffin ’83HS, and to Boca Raton, Florida, to visit Tracy Young Carrington ’83HS ’85C. She also had frequent visits with Catherine Hancock Coleman ’84HS in Wilmington. Cynthia Smith Brandt writes, “I reside in Naples, Florida, with my husband of 30 years and our two little dogs, Lee Lee and Brownie. In May 2024 I completed the requirements for a Doctor of Ministry in pastoral counseling. I am now Dr. Cynthia Brandt. I am working on my third book and look forward to publishing it soon. Two of our four children live in Charlotte. Our oldest daughter opened her hair salon in July named "Salon Eight Ellaven." Her name is Ella and she was born on August 11. Hence the name. If you live in Charlotte please give her a call: she's excellent! Ella also owns "Little Kie Cafe," a traveling coffee cafe. Our oldest son resides in Murrells Inlet, one son is filming TV pilots and videos and resides in Lynchburg, Virginia, and two of our sons are in Pennsylvania. Yes, I have six children, but no grandchildren yet. Best to all and please feel free to escape the cold and visit us in Naples!” Christiana Black Kernodle writes, “Our travel this last year has revolved around our friends’ children’s weddings, one in Austin, Texas, and another in Estes Park, Colorado, and Ann Bikle Bissette ’86C’s daughter in Wilmington. So much fun! Our youngest son was married in April at the Dunes Club on Atlantic Beach. He and

CLASS NOTES

his wife are living out in Salt Lake City. Our middle son is working in Dallas and our oldest is at Fort Bragg, deploying to Singapore in the spring. Had a great weekend with all my SMC buddies at our reunion this past May!” Amy Peterkin said, “Most of you know that I lost my husband in 2024. Thanks to each and every one for your support and love this past year. A Saint Mary’s crew actually drove to my house for Tom’s funeral and then they followed up at Jane Marr’s for her mother’s funeral. How sweet was that? I love y’all! I am still helping run “Between the Antlers,” our restaurant in Georgetown and Lang Syne Quail Club at my family farm. I am very busy, which is good. My wonderful daughter, Elizabeth, just moved to Dallas in hot pursuit of a career. My son, Ford, is in Jackson, Wyoming. Other than that, please come visit me in Fort Motte or Georgetown!” Marty Worthy and Della Jones Fried got together over Christmas and enjoyed a toast to Marty’s dad. Amanda Durant writes, “I am still enjoying life in Manhattan with my family. Our son, Amos (19) is finishing his associate’s degree in music production at SUNY Broome Community College. I moved out of my painting studio in Bushwick, Brooklyn, after 14 years, and I am in the process of moving my primary workspace to the garage of a small getaway house we just bought up in Williamstown, Massachusetts. I enjoyed being at Saint Mary’s again last spring and seeing classmates at our 40th (yikes!) high school reunion. I especially loved hanging out with my Spiders friends, Marty, Della, and Muzzy.” As for me, Michael and I are enjoying emptynesting. Our youngest daughter, Janie Jackson ’19, just graduated from UNC- Chapel Hill in May, with her master’s in social work, and now lives in Washington, D.C. Our other daughter, Mary Rinne, got married back in June and she and her husband live in Wake Forest. I am still making lots of cheese straws, as well as volunteering at both my church and Wake Relief, a local food pantry. I really enjoyed catching up with everyone at our 40th reunion last spring! Ellen

1986

HIGH SCHOOL

Alystyre Julian is the director of Outrider, a feature-length experimental documentary portrait made about and with luminary poet, performer, artistic director, activist, and Grammy-awardnominated librettist, Anne Waldman. This featured artist has been named "one of the most important and irreducible living American poets" by Nick Sturm, Poetry Foundation. Alystyre writes, “Outrider celebrates Waldman’s role as a visionary word-worker, her transcendent presence as poet/performer, and her vocal fortitude as she sings out, in the ancient, bardic tradition, the thunderous power of poetry. The world premiere of Outrider is at Anthology Film Archives in New York City in April 2025. Riverrun Film Festival in WinstonSalem, will screen Outrider as a southern U.S. premiere, also in April.”

1986 COLLEGE

Winston Glascock Pierce ’86C I am happy to hear from a few of our SMC ’86C friends this spring! There is much to follow on social media but hoping we can add to our responses next year in honor of our 40th reunion! Ann Bikle Bissette has had a wonderful year. Her daughter, Ann Moore Robertson ’14, got

married in April 2024 to Trace, and they are living in Nashville, Tennessee. Ann reports that she and Zack are happily living in Wilson and that she loves seeing SMS girls all over North Carolina. Margaret Efird Edwards is living with husband Win in Morehead City and working with family selling residential and commercial real estate. She enjoys time at the beach and on the boat with their three daughters, three sons-in-law, and two grandsons: Everett (2.5) and Fletcher (1). She loves seeing Saint Mary’s alumnae during summers at the beach. Mary Catherine Hardy Williams lives in Kinston with husband Scott. She reports they also have part-time residences in Raleigh and Atlantic Beach, and she loves splitting her time and being able to see their children on a regular basis. Her son, Jules, just finished a technology management graduate degree at Northeastern University and works for the family business. Daughter Grace graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and is an account manager with an advertising firm in Durham. They are enjoying this time in life with their family! Bev Tuller writes, “After a 10-year hiatus, I have reopened my kitchen shop in the form of a booth at a local gallery of vendors. It’s a unique concept for Columbia but going well! Can’t wait for our reunion next year! Nonie Aichner McVicker reports that she and her husband, John, have had a busy year. After 30 years in Charlotte they moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Her son, Wills, lives in Jax with his wife and the two grandchildren, Ruthie (4), and Dutch (2). Nonie and John live in Ortega and are excited to get to see the grands almost every day. They have joined the Florida Yacht Club and would love to connect with other SMC girls who might be members. She still plays tennis and loves to travel. Trevor and I are still in Raleigh. I continue to adore my work as an elementary school principal at an International Baccalaureate public school! Our oldest, Addison, loves his work with the Town of Cary Parks and Recreation and spends time watching sports at the classic Player’s Retreat. Our youngest, Charles, is in the U.S. Air Force and is currently stationed in North Dakota after living in Georgia and England and participating in three deployments. Trevor and I enjoy spending time taking care of the rescued dogs that join our family, with a special focus on older dogs who often can’t find a home at the end of their lives. Wishing all in the ’86C class a happy and wonderful year! Keep a look out for 40th reunion information in 2026! Stay in touch! Winston

1988

HIGH SCHOOL

Melissa Morrisette Tillman and husband Rollie are still in Raleigh but spend as much time as possible at Atlantic Beach. “We’re so proud of our children. Rollie IV graduated from UNC-Wilmington in May 2023 and is working for First Citizens Bank in New Bern. Eliza Dunn Tillman ’23 graduated from Saint Mary’s in May 2023 and is a sophomore at Sewanee. I enjoy running into SMS classmates, and hope all will make an effort to travel to Raleigh for our next reunion.”

1988

COLLEGE

Olga McCoy Faison ’88C

Arianna Stuckey Harley and Jennings are empty-nesters in Greenville, South Carolina, where they love spending time with their

three grandchildren. She also loves spending time with Elizabeth Vandiver and her sweet mom, Beverley DuBose Patrick ’59C. Arianna is still on those tennis courts, but finds time to travel with family and friends. Parker Gabrielsen Cunningham teaches kindergarten. She has a college freshman at Samford University and a ninth-grader at Cumberland Academy in Smyrna, George. Leigh McAdoo Kempf was excited to share that she has been recognized on the 2025 Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list, published February 2025. She is with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Chapel Hill. Betsy Manuel Pennington and Lee Manuel Marcus were sad to report the loss of their precious mother, Elizabeth Tucker Floyd, on January 13, 2025. Lee is doing well in King, North Carolina, and has been a dialysis social worker for many years. Betsy is finishing her RN degree and hopes to be an ER nurse.

1990 COLLEGE

Barbara Bryant Baynes ’88HS

Hello! Thank you to all who sent me updates. I love hearing from you and spreading your news! Holly Byrum Camak stays busy on the tennis and pickleball courts but also enjoys spending time with her precious grandchildren, Ellie and Wade. Her youngest daughter, Addie, graduated from college in May and is preparing for law school while working for her dad’s law firm. Angela Coffman MacKinnon is a financial advisor and being the only female advisor in her firm, enjoys specializing in helping women who are either just starting their financial planning, or have been divorced or widowed. She has four children and her youngest, Caroline, will be a boarder at SMS in the fall. Angela enjoys keeping in touch with Britta Hesla and Katia Sybout Ali Dilworth Cuozzo and her husband, Dan, just moved to Calgary, Canada. Dan is with Exxon Mobile, so they have moved a lot, most recently from Texas by way of Kazakhstan! Her oldest daughter was married last year and lives in Austin, Texas, where she works for Amazon as a software engineer. Ali’s son, Alex, is currently in San Francisco, where he has an AI startup company. Her youngest, Madeline, is also in Austin and works for Google. Ali recently caught up with Olivia Adams Everhardt who is living in Boone and was impacted by the horrible floods. Thankfully, life is finally getting back to normal for them. Flossie Dossenbach Parks splits her time between Pinehurst, the beach, and sunny Florida. She enjoys being close to her sister, Margaret Dossenbach ’88C. Flossie is a consultant for Oliveda products but still finds time for plenty of golf. Natalie Gaskins Sherman is still in Chicago but loves traveling back to North Carolina as much as possible. Natalie’s oldest graduated from the University of Michigan and works in advertising in Chicago. Her daughter, Anabel, is a freshman at Indiana University, and her youngest, Brent, is a sophomore in high school. She enjoys their lake house in Torch Lake, Michigan, with their two Wheaten terriers, and recently spent a week visiting Michelle Cress Rowells in California! Ellen Gilbert Gould is still in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where she and her husband are “finally empty-nesters!” Her husband left private practice and is now finishing his medical career at the VA clinic. Ellen finds her volunteer work rewarding and she loves living at the beach. Caroline Head Knox enjoys “small town mountain living” in Hendersonville, where she has

a thriving law practice and just completed yoga instructor training. Caroline has three children, Henry (17), Turner, a freshman at Wofford, and Eleanor, a recent Sewanee graduate. Kate Harrill Cole recently changed career paths and is enjoying her new job as a paralegal. Her daughter, Caroline, graduated with a double major in early elementary education and special education, and Woodson is in his second year of college. Blanche Slade Hancock is still in Southern Pines, where she continues to work part time in the development office at The O’Neal School. George has retired from the state of North Carolina but stays busy with consulting work. Her oldest son, Boone, is working in Charlotte for Paladin Drones. Her younger son, Phillip, has a vintage resale business in the Boston area. Olivia Adams Everhardt lives in Boone and was impacted by the horrible floods but thankfully, life is finally getting back to normal for her them. Katherine Tierney Canady has returned to Rocky Mount, where she can be close to her parents and her daughter, Slade, who are all living in Raleigh. Slade followed in her father’s footsteps and is a licensed insurance agent with State Farm. Lauren Sessoms Rivers has been living in Chapel Hill ever since college at UNC-Chapel Hill. She’s running an ad agency, RiversAgency.com, on Rosemary Street. Her daughter, Olivia, is in art school in Savannah and son Lachlan is in high school. JB and I are still in Greensboro. I enjoy working as a buyer for Replacements, Ltd. and still love helping people with wardrobe editing and closet organization when I have the time. We are blessed to have kids nearby, with Ben in Charlotte and Drew and Lilly both in Raleigh. I hope to see EVERYONE at our reunion in May! Love to all, Barbara

1992

HIGH SCHOOL

Valerie Vincent DeLoach ’92HS

Jill Grahek writes, “Well, after 33 years I’m finally writing in for an update. Having left North Carolina for a two-month stint in California 25 years ago, I’ve finally decided to return, partially. The main goal is to be back near my parents, who I am lucky to still have both of in my life, who are near Little Washington. It is proving to be a difficult process, as I try to navigate selling my home and leaving behind my business and clients who have made my work over the last 21 years amazing, but I’m hoping that it will all fall into place this year. My goal is to still spend summers back here in my amazing mountain resort town in California, which is just outside of Yosemite National Park. Hoping to spend winters back near my family and North Carolina friends. But spring and fall are for traveling, mostly to Europe (especially Italy, which is a favorite of mine). With this comes a change of career, which I’m still working out. I recently got my life agent license in California. And during the pandemic I took a semester course in genealogy and am hoping to make a part-time career doing genealogy work, hopefully specializing in DNA work. Both of those new career paths allow for flexible remote work, which has been a goal of mine for quite some time. I’m also hoping to join the ranks of house/pet sitters and do some traveling and new city exploring that way as well. All of this is still a work in progress but this is the year! As I move away from my remote town, I look forward to meeting up with old friends and maybe new Saint Mary’s alumnae. The next phase in life is beginning!”

CLASS NOTES

1992 COLLEGE

Michelle McLaughlin Cheshire ’92C

Greetings to the College Class of ’92! We want to hear from you. If you have not sent in an update in a while, please be sure to do so next year. The general consensus from all of our classmates is that everyone is missed and we hope to see each of you at our next reunion. Let’s plan for it and have the best turnout ever! Ann Jones Montgomery writes that her daughter, Bryn Montgomery ’24, graduated from SMS in May 2024 and attends Virginia Tech. Daughter Sutton graduated from James Madison University in May and works and lives in Charleston, South Carolina. Debbie Goldstone Horwitz shares that she is preparing to launch her oldest child to college. She is also looking forward to returning to work. Weldon Jackson Byrtus writes, “Year 28 at Saint Mary’s! And now our daughter, Liza Byrtus ’28, is attending in 9th grade and loves it. She’s still playing soccer with NCFC.” Jennifer Culberson Wood and her husband, Benbury Wood Jr., make their home in Raleigh, where Jennifer works as a freelance writer and marketing strategist specializing in North Carolina agriculture, arts, and culture. They frequently retreat to Benbury’s family home, Greenfield, in Edenton, where they enjoy peaceful time by the water with family, friends, and their rescue dog, Winnie. Katharine Hubbard Ward continues to work at Cypress Club of Raleigh as the director of health and wellness navigation. She received a promotion this year within the management company of LCS as a core specialist and consultant for all LCS life plan communities. Katharine was also recognized through Leading Age of NC and won the Excellence in Innovation award May 2024. Her daughter, Marian Elizabeth Ward, continues to study at N.C. State in the business school, with focus in finance. She will be doing an internship this summer in Charlotte for Bank of America. Katharine’s husband, Keith, is doing well and enjoying their lovable labrador, Lily. Elizabeth Aiken Chambers reports that her oldest daughter, Eliza, is a neuroscience major at the University of Kentucky. Her middle daughter, Caroline, is graduating from high school in May and will be joining her sister at UK in the fall. Kate, her youngest daughter, is a sophomore in high school and loves playing lacrosse. Elizabeth adds that she stays busy selling houses in Greenville, South Carolina, so that she can afford all of her expensive girls! Gray Williams Carlin attended her 35th high school reunion and had so much fun. She is hoping that more of us will go to our next SMS reunion. Grey enjoys visiting her two sons who attend college in Greenville and Knoxville, as well as visiting her oldest son in N.Y.C. Julie Hamilton Caviness writes that she wrapped up her 25th year of selling residential real estate in Raleigh. Her oldest son is officially off the payroll and working full time in Raleigh. Julie’s middle son and daughter are living their best lives while attending ECU. When not working, Julie escapes to Morehead City and keeps in touch with many Saint Mary’s high school and college friends. Lea Ann Boykin Cook is teaching cooking classes and doing private in-home dinners through her company, The Unpolished Palate. She donated a cooking class for six people to benefit the SMS auction gala! Lea Ann’s daughter, Sarah Carr, will start 9th grade at Saint Mary’s next school year. Be sure to check out www.theunpolishedpalate.com and see how Lea Ann focuses on

healthy, fresh, local ingredients while working with local farmers. I still live in San Diego with my husband and this summer we will finally have an empty nest. This new phase in my life will include working as an energy healer and traveling as much as possible. I send all of you much light and love. Michelle

1994 COLLEGE

Andrea Staunch Green ’94C Alison Britt lives in Morehead City. Her oldest, Sara Grace (23), graduated from UNC-Charlotte in May. Her youngest, Sailor (18), is graduating from high school and hoping to go to ECU. Alison’s big news is that she is engaged! Margery Knott Clifton lives in Raleigh with husband Ben and twin 10-year-old boys, Frank and Walker. The boys are in the fourth grade at St. Timothy’s School, and she is in her second year of being a teaching assistant in the first grade there. She loves being on the same schedule with the boys and gets to work with Julie Thomas Growney ’93C. Margery, Mary Pat Radford, Sally Howell Donaldson, Ann Green Floyd, and Robin White Mangum all celebrated the big 5-0 in Florida together. It’s hard to believe we are into a new decade! Sally Howell Donaldson is loving life in Texas. Mary Smith (7) was accepted into the Regents School of Austin, a wonderful classical Christian school. Sally is happy Mary Smith is in an environment where she can openly express her faith. She's also enjoying soccer, softball, and horseback riding. Husband Sean has a new role with Calix, a leading cloud and software platform provider. Sally has started a small dog-walking service called Hairy Met Sally, which allows her to stay busy and have time to volunteer at school. They're excited to head to Spain for two weeks in June and they’re spending the rest of the summer in North Carolina. They’ll also be in Nags Head for a family reunion in October. Sally had a great time with Mary Pat, Ann, Robin, and Margery celebrating their 50th birthdays together, wining and dining in Sarasota, Florida. She misses seeing many classmates and hopes 2025 treats everyone with tremendous health and goodness. Meredith Toomes Gibbs writes, “I am on a mission for this to be the year of starting a life that is as active and healthy as possible! I tried an adult rowing club but do not have the stamina, YET. My dad passed this year from complications of dementia and that is no way to go. So, it is time for some lifestyle changes that include hyperbaric chamber therapy, functional fitness and recovery, and eating well. I am getting stronger every day. Also, college visits have started! We have one more year with our twins at home and are enjoying every minute of it. My peaceful place is still my garden. HUGS, ladies!” Lisa Sedlak Mastronardi is living in New Canaan, Connecticut, with her husband, Don, her daughter, Mia (17), and her son, Drew (16). The family owns a popular restaurant in the neighboring town of Norwalk. Beth Prince Hutto writes, “I've been living in Rocky Mount for roughly nine years now, but now that Marty and I are empty-nesters, we split our time between there and Wilmington. My daughter, Elle, is a sophomore at N.C. State University in the business school. She followed my footsteps and joined ADPi last year, which makes me so happy and proud! My composite picture is literally right outside her room at the sorority house, so I've told her I'm always watching. Last summer was busy, as she made her

debut - exciting times. My stepdaughter, Addison, graduates high school in May and will be attending ECU in the fall, and the triplets are freshmen in high school and will be driving before the end of the year - God help us all! I'm working at Tricom Technology Solutions in sales. Life is good, but very busy! I’d love to see everyone and catch up. It’s definitely been a minute.” Mary Pat Radford, her family, and two dogs still love life in Sarasota, Florida. She and Kevin's girls are graduating this year. Izzie is graduating from American University and plans to move back to Florida and take a gap year before starting to apply for law school. Eliza is graduating from high school and plans to attend Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Mary Pat is enjoying working with her mom as a Realtor with Michael Saunders & Company. Kendy Allen Smith has found a new way to stay fit by expanding her nannying career. Last fall, she took on the demanding but extremely fulfilling job of caring for twins five days a week, for fifty hours. It’s a good thing that she will be so busy, since being an empty-nester is on her horizon. Kendy’s son, Henry, will be a Demon Deacon at Wake Forest in the fall. She and her husband, Bryan, will miss him back in Seattle, but they are thrilled for Henry to be in North Carolina! Austin Staunch is still living in San Francisco, though for the last few years she’s been spending a lot of time in North Carolina during the summer and Christmas/New Year’s. She works with IATSE Local 16, the union behind entertainment, and works with the Burning Man project on a seasonal basis as a manager of one of their construction sites. She’s had two knee replacements since April 2024 and has been healing and diligently doing physical therapy. She hopes to be good and strong by summer in Atlantic Beach. If any classmates spend time in AB, she’d love to be in touch when there in June and July. I, Andrea Staunch, am still in Charlotte. My oldest, Griffin, will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the fall. I am excited for him, but it’s going to crush my soul a little when he leaves. My youngest, Alex, is a freshman in high school, so I’m not an empty-nester yet, thankfully! In addition to freelance editing, I’ve been writing articles for a local magazine. Andrea

1996 COLLEGE

Deborah Aycock Everett ’96C

Hey everyone! I enjoyed hearing from some of you and glad everyone is doing well! I am still an interior designer in Raleigh and I can't believe it, but I will soon be an empty-nester! My son is finishing his senior year at East Carolina University and my daughter is wrapping up her senior year of high school. She has committed to Sewanee for basketball next year! So, although I will be an empty-nester, I am looking forward to many trips to Tennessee to watch her play. When I'm not in Tennessee, I am hoping to split my time between Raleigh and the coast and work in both locations. Love to everyone! Sherrod Sisco Pair is going back to acting after an eight-year hiatus. She is still a member in SAG-AFTRA and is working on the sequel to her screenplay. Other than that, she works in SW Florida and is doing well. Jeannine Eason Brown ’94HS ’96C shared the following update, “It feels like we were chatting in the dorms yesterday, but somehow, today, I have 21, 19, and 17-year-olds. My college kids attend Vassar and High Point University, and we are also working on

getting the youngest on his way. I am loving my role with Leadership Triangle. I spend my days building relationships, connecting people, and organizing ways to help the community come together. I am learning Spanish in my down time and hope to take a trip to Spain in the next year or so. I'm still having fun running half marathons, so I'll keep doing that for a little longer or until my knees scream at me to stop.” Nancy Bryson Hill Evans teaches at the Hospital School at Duke, where she teaches patients in pre-k through 12th grades. Bryson is finishing up with her master’s in special education. She has three daughters: Parker (27), Carson (25), and Logan (2.5). She and her wife, Amy, live in Durham, where they are both involved with public education. Bryson hopes to attend an upcoming reunion at SMS soon! Sandy Aichner McAlpine is still running her real estate brokerage in Charlotte, but also opened new locations in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina. She and her family moved to Myrtle Beach full-time and are loving the beach life. Her kids are 10 and 12 now, and they are into tennis and elite cheer. Her husband is busy working for Duke Energy. They like to boat and jet ski and take the kids on Royal Caribbean cruises. Tracy Tranguch McAvoy got promoted to medical specialist II at Regeneron pharmaceuticals! She and her family still live in Charlotte and her daughter, Finley, turned 10 this year. Tracy's goal this year is to travel more and visit with old friends. Stephanie Phillips Corozza moved back to North Carolina in 2020, after 21 years in the D.C. area. Three months later, she surrendered to alcoholism and started her recovery journey. Now, her time is spent with family, most importantly, and volunteering while the kids are in school. When the kids are busy, she's mentoring ladies of all ages in recovery and carrying a message of hope wherever God takes her. The recovery world is never where she expected to be, but one she'll be forever grateful for now. This journey has opened so many doors for Stephanie, and one in particular was allowing her to see just how bad human sex trafficking is after mentoring several girls who fell victim in her local area. Currently, she's helping open a refuge in her county, and more to come in the future. She and her husband of 21 years survived a very hard time, but they are so grateful to God for bringing them back to North Carolina and saving their marriage and family. Their kids are 14 (8th grade) and 16 (junior), and love North Carolina too! Stephanie says, God bless you all and hope to see you soon! Deborah

1998

HIGH SCHOOL

Kimberly Jenkins Tedesco writes from Allison Park, Pennsylvania, “I bought a clothing boutique and will have a grand opening in August 2025. If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, look up KT Boutique!” Marian Morris Godwin reports that she continues to serve as director of advancement for St. Timothy's School in Raleigh and enjoys SMS time with daughters Anderson Adams '25 and Coble Adams '28. Marian celebrated Anderson's walk down The Grove at graduation this May. Anderson attends Wake Forest University in the fall. Serena Gangwal Jain is a board-certified integrative health and well-being coach, mindfulness educator, and keynote speaker. She has a private practice in Princeton, New Jersey, where she works with clients one-on-one and in group settings.

CLASS NOTES

1998 COLLEGE

Garnett Johnston Dwyer and her husband, Scott, are about to celebrate 20 years of marriage. They reside in Indialantic, Florida, with their two boys, McCoy (14) and Hunter (11). Laura-Burke Davis Kerr ’96HS ’98C says, “It has been fun being part of the Parents Association committee this year at SMS and seeing the new construction come along on the new Performing Arts Center including the renovation of Pittman Auditorium. Hard to believe Grace will be a senior next year. Ellie is in seventh grade but already ready for her turn at high school. John and I will celebrate our 22nd anniversary this summer, and we spend as much time as we can at Wrightsville Beach. Always fun to attend the alumnae get-togethers there as well.” Caroline Mitchell Poteat lives in Asheville. “Oldest son Crayton (18) is having a great year in Ogden, Utah, going to school and skiing daily! Winn (16) is a sophomore at Christ School and getting ready for a trip to Greece with classmates. I am still working as an RN at PACE here in Ashville, and Landon is busy with his dental practice.” Leslie Allred Yates writes, “We are living in Raleigh and raising a wild 10-year-old daughter. We spend our summers in Beaufort. Please reach out if you are ever that way!”

2000

Katherine Cvetko McElroy ’00

Kathleen Kelley got married to her long-time partner, Bree Breeden, in 2022, and they welcomed their now 3-year-old, Arlo, to the world. She is the chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Montclair State University. Bierrie Bindeman King moved back to Charlotte after living in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. She is a stay-at-home mom of William (3 in April). Katherine Kemp Robbins lives in Raleigh and enjoys working in the library at Saint Mary’s while busy raising their children, now 11, 8, and 3. She loves getting to see current Saints and catching up with alumnae! Anna Burkhart Turner completed Illuymn’s year-long board fellowship program and accepted her first for-profit board position with Happyly, a female-owned technology company. Katherine Cvetko McElroy has been living in Charleston, South Carolina, for nearly 20 years. She is mother to a boy and two girls: Mac (14), Gray (12), and Eve (8), who keep her and her husband busy with many sport events! Katherine

2002

Katie Stuart Power writes, “As a nurse practitioner, I serve as one of the program directors for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Team in Nashville, Tennessee. Outside of work, my husband and I are proud parents to two boys (12 and 8), and you'll often find us on the sidelines of a soccer field, annoyingly cheering them on. I am hoping to make it to the next reunion!”

2004

Katie Whitmore Allred ’04

Cameron Moss Daniel still lives in the Wilson area with her husband, Stephen, and their energetic 2.5-year-old son, Dutton. She was

recently promoted to marketing manager at global engineering powerhouse, WSP. In her free time (ha ha) she enjoys visiting her local coffee shop, boating with her family in Emerald Isle, and traveling. She cannot believe our class will celebrate 25 years at the next reunion! Merriweather Raidle Mulé lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband, Michael, and children, Camille (9) and Gabriel (6). She works as a senior wealth advisor for Beacon Pointe Advisors, serving clients ranging from families to business owners. She helps provide clarity to the complex and often unique financial and investment needs of her clients. Merriweather was recently honored as Charleston Regional Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40 class of 2024,” and a winner and finalist for The Post & Courier’s 2022, 2023, and 2024 Charleston’s “Choice for Wealth Management and Financial Planner” categories. She enjoys giving back to the community as a board member of Communities in Schools of South Carolina (CISSC), and as an appointed commissioner for the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission. In her free time, Merriweather enjoys boat days with her husband and children, tennis, reading, and not cooking. Oh, and reliving the best of 2004 with Katie Whitmore Allred for a “Winning London” weekend this past February. I, Katie Whitmore Allred, live in Germany where my husband, Ryan, is serving in the Army as commander of dental health activity-Rheinland Pfalz at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. We love exploring Europe with our sons, Bobby (7) and Henry (5). Since moving to Germany, I have become involved with the PTA at our boys' school, as well as the United Service Organizations (USO). I flew back stateside for our 20year reunion in April 2024 and I am already looking forward to our 25-year reunion! Katie

2008

Mary

Brown Taylor Gray ’08

Lauren Worthy Barker lives in Wilson with her husband, Taylor, and son, Worth. She works for First Citizens. Anna Betts Kirby lives in Wake Forest with her husband, Winston, and is a full-time faculty member at Wake Technical Community College, where she works as an English instructor. Kallie Blount lives in Wilson and works as the director of travel and sales for Group International Specialty Travel in New York. She is pursuing her passion for travel and building itineraries abroad. Elizabeth Bonner Covington lives in Charlotte with her husband, Alec, and her two boys, Harrison and Clark. She works for Fennebresque Interiors. Julie Bynum Fraser lives in Driggs, Idaho, with her husband, Jimmy, and their daughter, Emma. She owns her own custom gifting firm called Heyday Goods. They make custom merchandise and curated gifts for weddings, corporate events, etc. Her husband has opened a restaurant called Maison. Hayley Dillon Cain lives in Raleigh with her husband, Brad, and daughters Millie and Grace. Claire Chewning Smith lives in Beaufort, S.C., with her husband, Alec, son Arch, and daughter Emmeline. Claire works as an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Bridges Preparatory School. Martha Cox Whitesides and husband Tucker live in Greenville. She works at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church as a church ministry consultant with Ministry Architects. Allison Cranfill Haywood lives in Raleigh with husband John. She works with her husband at his company, John Haywood Antiques, LLC, an antique dealer specializing in early southern American furniture, and she still

paints (primarily pet portraits) on the side. Jennifer Currier lives in West Asheville and works as the head of sour and wine production for Wicked Weed Brewing. Katherine Darden lives in Raleigh with husband Tolson. Liz D'Atri Stefani works as the creative marketing manager for a real estate firm in Boston. Heather Dew Rosa lives in Asheville with husband Alex, labradoodle Berta, and kitten Kiwi. She works as a program manager at SCS Global Services. Betsy Douglass lives in Charleston, S.C., where she is an artist. Sidney Dawson Dozier lives in Raleigh with husband Chris and their three children Covey, Rush, and Kemp. She works for AWH partners. Stephanie Gherini lives in Nashville, Tenn., and works as head of tour marketing at Wasserman music. Catherine Early, Ph.D., lives in Saint Paul, Minn., and works as the chair of the biology department and curator of ornithology at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Kiki Sloan Eatman lives in Raleigh with her husband, Jim, with their three kids, Mary Kate, Margaret, and James. She works as a regional account manager for James Hardie building products. Elizabeth Mills Grantham lives in Pinehurst with husband Stewart, daughter Straley, and son Harris. She works as the founder and managing partner for EVA Partners, which was founded in 2021. Loftin Johnson Farrar lives in Raleigh with her husband, Lyle, and son Hamilton. She works as the director of fitness at the North Hills Club. Mary Reid Larcade lives in Raleigh and works as a licensed professional counselor at the family practice, Larcade Psychiatric Associates, PLLC. She specializes in working with adolescents and young adults with anxiety and depression. Roslyn Ragsdale Manning and her husband, Max, live in La Grange, Kentucky, with their two daughters, Scarlett and Caroline, and son George. Katie Matthews Darling lives in Charlotte with husband Edward and their twin daughters, Margot and Temple. She works as a sales manager for Robinson Media. Catherine Schaefer Maxwell Lane lives in Chicago with her husband, Todd, and works as a senior planner at Nike. Nancy Stewart McLendon Dickson lives in Wilmington with husband Michael and son Wilson. She is a pediatric physician assistant at Carolina Pediatrics. Mady McLeod Turner lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband, Matt. She is a physical therapist at PT Solutions. Liz Moore lives in Southport, North Carolina, and is a furniture designer, working for her family's firm, Otto and Moore, Inc. She received a big award this year for excellence in design, the ISFD Pinnacle Award. Claire Murray Goolsby lives in Nashville, Tenn., with her husband, Jeremy, and their two boys, Will and Chandler. Danielle Musselwhite lives in Raleigh and works for a company headquartered in San Francisco called 15Five. Crutcher Nash Battin lives in Raleigh with husband Mark, daughter Lucy, and son Forbes. Sarah Staton Nash lives in Charleston, South Carolina, and works as a market development project specialist for Visual Comfort. Beth Walters Nash lives in Raleigh with her husband, John, and their boys, Charlie and Sam. She works in the development office at Saint Mary's. Julia Nutt Ratliff lives in Wilmington with her husband, Rob, and daughter Dottie, who was born on July 9, 2024. She has launched her own virtual assistant business, helping individuals and businesses stay focused on their goals while she handles the details. Learn more about her services at www.juliaratliff. com. Cynthia Partrick Trebor lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband, Kyle. She is a Realtor at Keller Williams. Christina Nasuti Phillips lives in Vienna, Virginia, with husband Brian and daughter Amelia Grace. She works as an attorney at FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Kim Purcell lives in Washington, D.C., and works

in marketing for the “Got Milk?” campaign. Arden Saunders Morgan lives in Crested Butte, Colo., and is a Pilates instructor. Anna Jane Sewell Scott lives in Raleigh with her husband, Jeremy. Greyson Kane Sidebotham lives in Raleigh with her husband, John Reid, and their three kids, Reid, Sutton, and William. Jessica Clark Stewart and her husband, Andrew, live in Wake Forest with their two boys, Lyle (6) and Clark (4). Suneha Sundaram lives in Raleigh with her husband, Rahee. She is a board-certified internist at Generations Family practice. Mary Brown Taylor Gray lives in Raleigh with her husband, Walt, and their son, Dial, who was born on December 6, 2024. She works for Johnnie-O. Cameron Robbins Taylor and her husband, Josh, live in Raleigh. She works as a sales development rep to the president of Celito. Diane Tyndall Nelsen is married to her husband, Evan. Sara Walker lives in Raleigh and is the director of development and communications for Meals on Wheels of Wake County. Annie Whitmore lives in Virginia Beach, and works at Virginia Oncology Associates as a nurse. Macky Wingo Trotter lives in Raleigh with her daughter, Audie, and son Dierks. She owns and coaches at a CrossFit gym (Stillhouse CrossFit in Garner). McCauley James Yates lives in Raleigh with her husband, Drew, and daughters Laine and Tilly. Mary Brown

2010

Emma Powell Pike ’10

Katie Mitchell Saieed and her husband, Tommy, welcomed their son Thomas Anthony Saieed IV on December 14. Taylor Morris Scarbrough recently moved back to Raleigh and is teaching third grade while working on her master’s in ESL. She was married in Saint Mary’s Chapel last August. Whitney Currin Rogers married her husband, Buck Rogers, in October of 2022. They live in Charleston, where Whitney is working full time and teaching Megaformer classes. Aside from the occasional nap, she still feels like she’s in her 20s and high school was yesterday. Joi Marlowe Mooney got married in Raleigh in 2022. She received her master’s degree in clinical research in December of 2023. She and her husband call the D.C. area home. Laura Gulledge Rust is girl-bossing as the owner of Gulledge Building Company, focused on residential construction. She and her husband, Evan, welcomed their son, Charles, in 2023. They live in Raleigh. Morgan Edrington Maddrey and her husband, Will, welcomed their son, Foster, in February 2024. They reside in Raleigh. Anna SmitherSemon accepted Saint Mary's School's varsity assistant basketball coach position in October 2024. Gabie Craig Frantz and her husband, Rob, welcomed their second son, Lee, in June of 2024. Big brother Beal is smitten! My husband and I live in Morehead City with our fouryear-old son, Bryce. I work as a recruiter with Vaco and focus on HR and operational job searches for clients across the Triangle. I look forward to seeing everyone in May! Emma

2012

Hailey Hart Borden ’12

This year, the Class of 2012 and the entire SMS community mourned the loss of our classmate, Chandler Mason. She was a loyal friend and loved adventure. Chandler made an incredible impact through her service in Africa, Haiti, and on Capitol Hill, as legislative director

CLASS NOTES

to Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. We will always remember her kindness, quick wit, and intelligence. She will be greatly missed. Olivia Lanier Bales and her husband, Alex, welcomed their first child, Warren Shepard Bales, to the family in February 2025. The Bales are enjoying life in Harrison, New York, where they also have two goldendoodles, Mr. Big and Chapel. Olivia is head of content for WIN (Greenwich, Connecticut), an employee benefit company providing support to families on their path to parenthood via fertility treatments, surrogacy, adoption, and more. Hutter Black lives in Raleigh and has loved connecting with many SMS alums through her new venture “Shutter by Hutter” photography. Hutter has captured special memories and big moments for Saint Mary’s friends as they start new businesses, grow their family, and celebrate upcoming weddings. Hailey Hart Borden and her husband, Edwin, celebrated the birth of their son, Edwin Brownrigg Borden III (“Brown”), on December 18, 2024. Hailey loved seeing Saint Mary’s friends for her baby shower in D.C. and having the talented Hutter Black take precious newborn photos of baby Brown. Hailey works at the White House as special assistant to the president and director of business outreach, where she builds coalitions for economic policy and leads executive roundtable meetings and summits on behalf of the president. Darby Fallon Clark and husband Jack live in Atlanta and have two little boys, Rivers (4) and Grayson (2). The entertainment (and chaos) is endless at their house. Darby is loving motherhood and stays quite busy juggling mom-life, working at NFP, volunteering with Chastain Horse Park and Peachtree Road United Methodist’s preschool events, and, of course, keeping up with her local SMS gals. Corinne Rixey Coleman and her husband, McNair, are living in Charleston with their son, Clarke. Clarke will be two in June and has the best time living on the coast. Corinne launched her business, Corinne Coleman Real Estate, in 2017, through Carolina One Real Estate in Charleston, and absolutely loves helping her clients with the home buying and selling process. Duncan Weaver Flynn and her husband, Daniel, just welcomed their second child, Anne Duncan Flynn, on December 12, 2024. Duncan lives in Raleigh, where she does freelance interior design, but spends most of her time taking care of her son, Henry, and the new addition, Anne Duncan. In her free time, Duncan enjoys spending time with Saint Mary’s friends, especially over a game of mahjong. Sarah Scott Worth Paschal and her husband, Paul, welcomed their first child, a precious baby boy, Haywood, into their lives in December 2024. Sarah Scott is loving being a new mother in Charleston, South Carolina. She and her husband are excited to finally break ground and build their home on the beautiful Stono River. Sarah Scott works for one of Charleston’s premier public relations agencies, CharlotteBergerPR, as a senior account supervisor. Currie Bryant Wiggins has had an exciting couple of years. She married her husband, Joseph Wiggins, in March of 2023 and they were thrilled to welcome their son, Weller, in March of 2024. They currently live in the Pineville/Ballantyne area of Charlotte and are adjusting to being a family of three! Although she has the new title of “mom,” she is still working as a nurse in the operating room at CMC Main. Currie and her husband had the privilege of attending the Quail Hollow alumnae event last summer and he got a taste of what it means to be part of the Saint Mary’s community! Catherine Bryant Brown married Issac Brown in June of 2024, in Saint Mary's Chapel, surrounded by SMS alums of all ages. Catherine lives in Raleigh,

where she is an attorney with Jordan Price, practicing corporate law, estate planning, and community association law. Catherine has loved reconnecting with Saint Mary's during her time post-law school and is currently serving on the Saint Mary's School Board of Trustees. Hailey

2014

Mary Stuart Fountain ’14

Hello, SMS Class of 2014 Saints! I hope you are all well, healthy and safe! It is always fun to hear from you and learn about the great things you are doing in your communities! Sending you all a big hug! Thank you to everyone who submitted class news. Frances Cayton is a Ph.D. candidate in government at Cornell University. She is living in Warsaw, Poland, where she is completing dissertation research on democratic backsliding. In 2024, she published her first article in a major peerreviewed journal, and was a visiting fellow at Nuffield College, University of Oxford. In her free time, she loves to swim laps and go to the philharmonic. Mallory Johnson reports she married Ken Davis on November 16, 2024. “We're super happy and enjoying our new life as a married couple!” Katie Nash Creech and her husband, Chandler, are enjoying life in Washington, North Carolina. Katie works for GradyWhite and stays busy traveling for work. Annalise Franchina moved from N.Y.C. to Charlottesville, Virginia, this year. She is attending The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. She will return to N.Y.C. for her internship this summer in leveraged finance with Bank of America. Annalise enjoys spending time at her family farm outside of Landrum, South Carolina. Emily Evans Shelley lives in Charlotte. In August, Emily married William Shelley, with many SMS friends and family in attendance (of both Emily and also William’s mother, Virginia James Shelley ’76HS ’78C, another SMS alum!). Emily continues to work for RTX and enjoys spending time at Wrightsville Beach. Emily Szyperski writes, “I launched my own interior design business last year, Emily Virginia Design, after working at various firms during my time in N.Y.C. and, more recently, Austin, Texas. I’m currently living in Austin and loving it. I’ve been working with several clients on the East Coast, which has been exciting and keeping me busy!” Check out her work at: www.emilyvirginiadesign.com. As for me, Mary Stuart Fountain, I moved back to Charlotte in June after graduating with my MBA from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business in Athens last May. In July, I started my new job as a first-year strategy and business ventures associate with Bank of America. I have enjoyed seeing many SMS friends around Charlotte, and have also enjoyed recent visits with my sisters, Caroline Fountain ’16 and Margaret Fountain ’18, who both live and work in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Thank you again to everyone who sent in class news. I hope everyone has a safe and happy spring. Remember to keep in touch - as always, proud to be a Saint Mary’s Girl! Much love to everyone, Mary Stuart

2016

Alex Nolley Gruninger ’16

Mary Claire Brewer married her college sweetheart, Mason Bechler, at Saint Mary's Chapel, May 10, 2025. The ceremony was followed by a reception at Haywood Hall, just down the street from Saint Mary's. Ruthie Brady is getting her master of science degree in

sustainable tourism and hospitality at East Carolina University's College of Business. Dixie Finley married Doug Maeier on June 15, 2024, in Bermuda. They live in Austin, Texas. Alex Nolley Gruninger lives in Charlotte with her husband and son and enjoys volunteering at her church. Kate Hawkins graduated with a master of business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School. She has started her own athletic wear brand: https://thatgirlkate.com/. Alex

2018

Erika Reiger ’18

The Class of 2018 is going on seven years outside of the gates, but the time apart has not changed the friendships we have! My name is Erika Reiger and I am our class’s alumnae secretary. I am grateful to keep in touch with my high school classmates and share what they have been up to. I graduated from George Washington University this past August with a master’s degree in health administration. I am looking forward to starting my career in senior living once I obtain my license to do so. Kennon Later has also been in Washington, D.C. After a couple years working in policy on Capitol Hill, she now works for a family office near the White House. A little bit farther south, Lauren McClaskey has been hard at work and was recognized as a “top 20 under 40 professional” in the Lynchburg, Virginia, and surrounding regions. She works as a marketing specialist at Belvac, a global manufacturer for aluminum beverage containers. In North Carolina, Grace-Anna Glenn graduated from N.C. State, completing her master of physiology in December 2023. She started dental school at East Carolina School of Dental Medicine in August 2024, with an expected graduation of May 2028. This past fall, Annabel Bloom started her medical school journey at Duke University School of Medicine. In New York City, Grace Battle Thompson is working for Hannah Berner, a comedian, as her producer and tour manager. Abby Harris is still living in the city but is now working for Madewell, doing product development. Ruby Orton returned to New Mexico two years ago and just celebrated one year of home ownership, which she shares with her two cats, Elvira and Romeo. She has been in the role of director of sales, catering, and private events at Pecos Flavors Winery and The Liberty, an exclusive music venue in southeastern New Mexico for two years. Samantha Woolard is finishing up her MPhil in international relations at the University of Oxford. She is writing her thesis on climate finance and the potential for JETPs to promote just transitions in the global South. Following the completion of her degree in June, Samantha will be moving to London to work. I look forward to keeping in touch with everyone and seeing all the places we'll go! Erika

Kate Eagles ’20

Greetings from the Class of 2020! This past year was an exciting time for the women of the class of 2020, as many graduated from college, started new jobs, and moved to new cities. Here are a few updates on what some of these amazing women have been up to. Ashlynn Boulay graduated summa cum laude from Rockford University last May with a bachelor's in criminal justice and minors in sociology and studio

art. She started a new job as a 911 dispatcher in July, completed her training in just six months, and was released/promoted to Dispatcher II at the end of January. Martha Luck and Margaret Ivy Johnston are currently living together in New York City. Martha Luck just finished working her second fashion week as a production coordinator with Nardos Design. Margaret Ivy is working in television publicity at Paramount Studios. Elizabeth Rucker is also living in New York City, working as a PR influencer coordinator at L'Occitane en Provence. Kate Eagles, Megan Mahoney, Lucy Smith, Liza Hartzog, and Isabel McGowan are all living in New York City as well and are having the best time in the Big Apple! Pierson Fuller is living in Winston-Salem and getting her master’s degree in special education at N.C. State. Kate Garrison is living in Nashville, Tennessee, and working as a staffing coordinator at Moondance Adventures. Kate

2022

Rebekah Elam ’22

Dimney Rideout spent her spring semester studying abroad in Sydney, Australia. This summer she will be interning on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Hadley Crawford had a great year at East Carolina University. This summer, she will be interning at Gregg Irby Art Gallery in Atlanta, as well as studying abroad in Lisbon, Portugal. Ainsley Parkerson is studying legal history in her third year at the University of Virginia. She plans to attend law school after graduation. This summer, she works in New York City in the legal and compliance department of a hedge fund. Lily Finkelstein is enjoying her junior year at UNC-Chapel Hill. This summer, Lily is studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, with a UNC professor. She will be studying animal perception. Rebekah Elam has been enjoying her junior year at UNCChapel Hill and is living in New York City this summer, shadowing occupational therapists. Rebekah

May 29-30, 2026 Reunion

Alumnae in classes ending in 1 and 6 are invited to attend.

SAINT MARY'S REMEMBERS

Reba White Williams ’54HS

FORMER TRUSTEE

Reba White Williams ’54HS, a former member of Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees, died October 14, 2024, in her home in Greenwich, Connecticut, from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

Reba was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, on May 21, 1936. She attended schools in Jackson, Mississippi; Signal Mountain, Tennessee; and spent most of her young life in Lillington, North Carolina. She went to Saint Mary's School and graduated from Duke University in 1958. Reba then moved to New York City, where she spent most of her adult life. She worked as a researcher for McKinsey & Co., graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA (1970), and joined the Wall Street research firm Mitchell, Hutchins as a securities analyst. There she met her husband to be, Dave H. Williams. She turned to journalism as a writer for Institutional Investor magazine, and credits that experience with reviving her interest in writing.

As Reba remarked at the time, "To avoid becoming the most boring couple on Wall Street, we need a hobby." She and Dave chose collecting American fine art prints, and built the largest private collection of its kind, concentrating on lost or forgotten artists of the early 20th century. Reba took the "hobby" seriously and earned two degrees in art history, an MA from Hunter College and a Ph.D. from the Graduate Center, CUNY. She created 15 exhibitions from the Williams collection, wrote the catalogs for each, and circulated the exhibits to more than one hundred museums worldwide. Eventually, the couple donated their collection to the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the British Museum. During this period, Reba served as President of the New York City Art Commission.

Reba was a member of the board of directors and director of special projects of Alliance Capital Management (now Alliance Bernstein). She conceived and implemented an annual literary contest, The Willie Morris Award for Southern Literature, now in its 15th year and under management by the University of Mississippi.

Aspiring to fiction writing, Reba attended several schools, earned an M.S. from Antioch University, and published her first mystery novel, Fatal Impressions. Subsequently, she published two more mysteries and a children's book.

Upon receiving her Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Graduate Center, CUNY, Reba was asked her most important legacy: "I planted a lot of trees." Reba is survived by her husband Dave and nephew Eddie White and his family, wife Melanie and children Braeden and Kinsley. She is also survived by her stepdaughters, Kate Williams-McWorter and Mary Vaughn Williams, and a brother, George O. White.

The Rev. Dr. Patricia Geerdes

FORMER SAINT MARY’S CHAPLAIN

The Rev. Dr. Patricia Geerdes, Saint Mary’s Chaplain from 19992002, died peacefully in her residence on December 20, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia, at the age of 85.

Chaplain Geerdes will be remembered at SMS for bringing the musical rendition of The Lord’s Prayer to services in Saint Mary’s Chapel which immediately became a forever Saint Mary’s tradition. She had served as a priest at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Key West with the church’s organist and choirmaster, Joseph Lowe, who composed the music that is now a staple of life in Saint Mary’s Chapel.

Geeerdes was born on September 2, 1938, in Richmond, Virginia, to Jack and Audrey Seney. She graduated from Union Theological Seminary in 1983 with a Doctrine of Ministry. She was married to James D. Geerdes from 1968-1987, and then married Donald Goldstein a second time in 2000 who together raised their granddaughter, Mariah Donovan. Pat was also grandmother to Lauren, Sean, Jacob, Sydney, and Sierra, and was greatgrandmother to Christopher and Larken. Her family remembers her as a charismatic, intelligent, and charitable person who encouraged them to be kind and true to themselves.

Pat was passionate about her career as an Episcopal priest and was an excellent storyteller and poet. She produced remarkable oil paintings and enjoyed fine cooking and dining. She was a generous individual who loved her parishioners and was skilled at theology and counseling. She delivered captivating, uplifting sermons and speeches while ministering to communities in Montpelier, Virginia; Key West, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; Moundsville, West Virginia; and Petersburg, Virginia.

Patricia, also known as Pat or Patsy, is survived by her siblings, Victoria Daniels of Germantown, Tennessee, and Jacklyn Moore of West Chapel, Florida; and children, John S. Geerdes of Richmond, Virginia, and Margaret G. Carneal of Blacksburg, Virginia. She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Goldstein of Moundsville, West Virginia.

The funeral was held December 27, 2023, at 2 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Petersburg, Virginia.

Sarah Ellen White Archie ’57HS ’59C

PAST TRUSTEE AND ALUMNAE COUNCIL MEMBER

Sarah Ellen White Archie ’57HS ’59C passed away peacefully January 4 at home with Joe Archie, her husband of 64 years, by her side. She is survived by three children and their spouses: Sarah and Don, Patrick and Liz, and Tom and Haynes and by six grandchildren: Barron, Patrick, Jack, Greyson, Mae, and Sadie.

Sarah Ellen, daughter of Thomas J. White and Virginia Edwards White, grew up in Kinston, North Carolina, with sisters Isabel and Virginia and brother Tommy. She adored her large extended family including many aunts, uncles, and cousins who helped to raise her. She spent summers at her beloved Camp Morehead on Bogue Sound which was started and operated for many years by her Uncle Pat and Aunt Sarah Crawford. Sarah Ellen and Joe met as teenagers at Grainger High School and married in 1960.

Sarah Ellen lived a full life and especially enjoyed time with friends and family. She loved music and singing and dancing, early morning jogs and walks, her many dogs, travel, pulling weeds, being in nature and especially the North Carolina coast. She was devoted to her alma mater Saint Mary’s School, where she served on the Alumnae Council and Board of Trustees, and to Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh, where she served on the vestry and for many years assisted with the Wake Relief food pantry.

As a Saint Mary’s student, Sarah Ellen was a member of the Glee Club, the Y.W.C.A., the Young Democrats, the Stagecoach staff, the choir, the water ballet team, and the MU intramural society.

A celebration of Sarah Ellen’s life was held on Saturday, February 8, at Christ Church in Raleigh.

Isabella Jane Stronach Wood ’62HS ’64C

LONGTIME CLASS SECRETARY

Isabella Jane Stronach Wood, "Janie," loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, to the late Thomas Hay Stronach and Anne Putnam Stronach, Janie was a proud resident of Raleigh for more than 70 years.

Janie began her formal education at Ravenscroft School and later attended Saint Mary's School, graduating with the class of 1962. She continued her education at Saint Mary's College, where she graduated in 1964. It was during her time at Saint Mary's that Janie met her future husband of 59 years, Thomas Benbury Wood of Edenton, North Carolina, on the porch of the Zeta Psi fraternity house at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Their enduring love was marked by a lifelong connection to both Raleigh and Edenton, two places that would shape their lives profoundly.

Janie was presented at the 1963 Terpsichorean Debutante Ball by her father, Thomas Hay Stronach, who was a founding member of the Raleigh Terpsichorean Society. This significant event marked a cherished milestone in her life, reflecting both her family’s deep roots in Raleigh and their active engagement in the city’s cultural and social traditions.

Janie's passion for her community was evident in her active participation in numerous civic endeavors throughout Raleigh and the greater Triangle area. After graduating from Saint Mary's College, where she had served as class secretary for both of her classes, she began her career as an assistant librarian at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Her role there blended her love for art and community, and it marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service.

During her tenure, Janie became deeply involved with several prominent organizations, including the Raleigh Fine Arts Society, the Colonial Dames, and the Junior League of Raleigh. She was a faithful servant of Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh, where she served on the altar guild. She further dedicated her time as a volunteer at historic sites such as Haywood Hall and the Joel Lane House, helping to preserve Raleigh’s rich cultural history.

Beyond her civic contributions, Janie was well-known for her skill and enthusiasm as a card player. She frequently participated in bridge, canasta, hand and foot, and many other card games at the Carolina Country Club and in private homes throughout the area, forming enduring and meaningful relationships over those encounters.

Her adventurous spirit shone brightly during her time in Edenton, especially amidst the challenges and restrictions imposed by the pandemic. She was a founding member of the “Covid Quartet,” a group of four resilient southern women who came together to play cards and share camaraderie, evoking the defiant spirit of Edenton’s original women leaders who orchestrated the historic “Edenton Tea

Party Resolves” in 1774. Janie took great pride in this connection and its adherence to the strength and determination of the women who came before her.

Janie was also a talented artist, creating delightful paintings of an old-fashioned Christmas at Saint Mary’s and a historic scene of life in Smedes Parlor in olden days.

Janie is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 59 years, Thomas Wood. In addition to her husband, she leaves behind her cherished children, Thomas Benbury Paxton Wood and his wife, Adrian, of Edenton, and Caroline Cameron Wood Hauser and her husband, Bobby, of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina.

Janie was a proud grandmother to her six beloved grandchildren: Kimberly, Lyric, Thomas, Russell, Blair, and Amos. She is also survived by her dear sister Anne Genter and her husband David, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will fondly remember her warmth and kindness.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Isabella Cameron Benbury Wood.

“Setting her own style, Janie would often be the only one in the room wearing a snazzy hat and her signature big rose or dahlia pinned to her lapel,” remembers her friend, Carol Halsey, in a eulogy for Janie. “Add in that legato, Southern dialect and you could pick her out in any crowd. Janie was the essence of poise and dignity; yet never far from a dry, witty comeback, which she could deliver with a straight face until the very end. Then she might raise her eyebrows a bit to let you know she was just jesting, and you could go ahead and laugh.

A memorial service was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton Friday, January 24, 2025.

Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C

PAST CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Former Board of Trustees Chair Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C died March 5, 2025. Aurelia was born in 1930 in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, to Paul Fulton and Jewel Preston Fulton. She attended Saint Mary's School in Raleigh from 1946-1950, where she was a member of numerous organizations including the basketball team, student government, and May Court.

She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1952 with a degree in education, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She married Fred Foushee Stafford of Greensboro in 1952. After having lived in Greensboro, North Carolina; Larchmont, New York; and Rutherfordton, North Carolina; they returned to Greensboro in 1978.

A natural and dedicated leader with a strong commitment to service, education was a priority for her, especially at her beloved Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh and Canterbury School in Greensboro.

She served eight years on the Saint Mary’s Board and as the school’s second female board chair. She was instrumental in the board’s decision to transition Saint Mary’s from a junior college to a boarding and day high school. Named board chair in 1997, after having served as vice chair when the school announced the closing of the college program in March that year, Aurelia led the board with grace through a pivotal time of the school’s evolution into a bold new era. A scholarship at Saint Mary’s bears her name.

She also served on the board of Canterbury School, for which she was a tireless supporter and fundraiser and where the Stafford Arts Center on campus is named in her honor. Aurelia also sat on The Tryon Palace Commission, the Historical Book Club of North Carolina Executive Board, and the North Carolina Museum of History Associates where she was board chair. In Greensboro, she was President of The Assembly, President of The Debutante Club of Greensboro, and member of the Wednesday Afternoon Book Club, the Wednesday Literary Club, The Junior Dogwood Book Club and Bon Appetit dinner club. A lifelong and devoted Episcopalian, she attended Holy Trinity Church.

Aurelia was an avid hiker, from the Milford Track in New Zealand to hut-to-hut hiking in the Swiss Alps to Peru’s Machu Picchu. She travelled well into her 80s, visiting many countries on nearly every continent, and had more than 40 happy summers at her home on Figure 8 Island. An accomplished bridge player, gardener, hostess and raconteur, she was smart, feisty, funny, independent, and unafraid to voice her opinion. She was always great company, ever positive even when life presented difficult challenges, and was terrifically loyal to the people and institutions she loved, most especially the UNC Tar Heels. Yet her greatest love of all was for her family and her friends.

Aurelia was predeceased by her husband Fred Foushee Stafford (1987) and is survived by her daughters Susan Stafford Kelly

(Sterling), Greensboro; Janie Stafford Sellers (Dan), Charlotte; Aurelia Stafford Monk (William), Greenville; seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Paul Fulton, Jr. of Winston-Salem.

A memorial service was held Monday, March 10, in Phillips Chapel at Canterbury School in Greensboro.

SAINT MARY'S REMEMBERS

Mary Marshall Ragland Coxe

FORMER MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mary Marshall Ragland Coxe died peacefully in her home on February 21, 2025. She was the youngest daughter born to Mary Ellen Ragland and Edmond Urquhart Ragland on May 3, 1930, in Raleigh. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Chatterton Coxe III, and her sister, Henrietta Ragland Badham.

Mary Mar, as she was affectionately known to family and friends, attended Ravenscroft, St. Margaret's School, Saint Mary's School, the University of North Carolina, and graduated from Randolph Macon College. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and especially enjoyed her involvement with the Humor Society embracing one of her favorite life mottos, "laughter is good medicine," inspired by Proverbs 17:22. Attending church schools for 14 years, Mary Mar acquired a deep appreciation for hymns and liturgy that helped shape her strong Christian faith. At age 12, her confirmation in the Episcopal Church was featured in Life Magazine. In 1948, Mary Marshall was honored to be the leader of the North Carolina Terpsichorean Club Debutante Ball. She married Tommy Coxe on January 31, 1950, at Christ Church Episcopal in Raleigh.

Although Mary Mar was born and raised a city girl, she moved to Tommy's hometown and developed a sweet love for the community of Darlington.

She was a member of Over the Teacups and served on the board of trustees at Saint Mary's School and the board of visitors of Brookgreen Gardens. She was a member of the Colonial Dames of America, and she especially enjoyed her involvement with the Palmetto Garden Club of South Carolina. Much of her time and passion was poured into St. Matthews Church, serving as co-chair of the Altar Guild for 50 years. Mary Mar placed high value on her ideals: faith in God, family, hospitality, fashion, humor, and gratitude for blessings she received.

Mary Mar and Tommy spent much of their life traveling for business and pleasure. She attributed her long and healthy life to "walking all over the world." They instilled a lifelong love for adventure and education in their children and grandchildren. Mary Mar is survived by her four sons, Tom (Nan), Campbell (Meredith), Ragland (Suiter) and Miles (Regan); Ten grandchildren: Mary Ellen Baur (Eric), Nancy Batten (Tyler), Margaret Kemp (Sharp), Tommi Good (Connor), Cam Coxe (Marah), Hagood Critz (Dale), Suiter Wasserman (Brad), Ragland Coxe Jr. (Natalie), Eliza Coxe and Annamiles Coxe; and 14 grandchildren: Charlie, Ashton, Wiley, Banks, Flip, Thomas, Lily, Thatcher, Mae, Mary Marshall, Emmy, Tripp, Biff and Gilly.

Expressing her love of humor, Mary Mar wrote a final farewell: “I hope this isn't my final verse, before I run to catch the hearse. I like to scribble and make things rhyme, but now I'm running out of time. You read these days that someone passed or even slipped away, what they wore and where they lay. Nash your teeth and tape your hair, the Bible says can show despair. The newest term is one

transitioned, or someone has changed into a new condition. But when I ‘go’ I'd be obliged If you will simply print, ‘she died.’"

A Funeral Service was held Tuesday, February 25, at St. Matthew's Church, in Darlington, South Carolina, directed by Belk Funeral Home.

The Rev. Janet C. Watrous

FIRST FEMALE CHAPLAIN AT SAINT MARY’S

The Rev. Janet C. Watrous of Raleigh died peacefully on October 6, 2025, after a long illness. Watrous was the first female chaplain at Saint Mary’s and served faithfully in that position from 1985 – 1994. She was officially installed as chaplain in Saint Mary’s Chapel by Bishop Robert W. Estill of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina February 18, 1986.

Born February 17, 1950, in New York City to Dr. Joseph B. and Katharine Watrous, Janet grew up in Binghamton, New York. She graduated from Binghamton Central High School and began college at the newly founded Kirkland College in Clinton, New York, before transferring to the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. There, she earned her degree in literature in 1972 and discovered the joy of living abroad, forming cherished friendships and embracing the experience with her signature curiosity and humor.

Janet's calling to ministry led her to the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she earned her Master of Divinity in 1977. That same year, she was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Central New York. In 1978, in just the second year the Episcopal Church officially allowed women into the priesthood, she became a priest.

As was the case at Saint Mary’s, she was often the first woman to serve in the parishes she led across New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Though the path was not always smooth, Janet met each challenge with grace, grit, and a deep belief in the power of community. She also ministered to Anglican congregations in Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Zagreb, Croatia, while accompanying her husband on his Fulbright professorships.

Janet had a gift for saying yes - to people, organizations, and causes she believed in. Her colleagues affectionately called her "the Energizer bunny." She poured her boundless energy into diocesan work in North Carolina, serving on the commission on ministry, the standing committee, and the camp and conference center. She championed congregational development and was a proud leader of the Episcopal Women's History Project.

Her commitment to justice extended beyond the church: she served as president of the boards of Planned Parenthood, Interact, and Summit House, always advocating for those whose voices needed amplifying.

Janet was a force-brilliant, generous, and always ready to laugh. She had a way of putting folks at ease, whether through a joke, a thoughtful gesture, or simply by listening. At just 5'1", she somehow managed to fill every room with her presence. Her heart was enormous, her spirit unflagging, and her love for her family and friends immeasurable. Those who knew her best marveled at how

she transmuted even her personal tragedy and loss into greater care and regard for all God's creations.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Dr. Robert Kochersberger; her daughter, Annie Kochersberger ’99; and her son-in-law, Benjamin Locklair. Her beloved son, Charlie, died in 2007. She also leaves behind her siblings Eleanor, Charles, and Carolyn, along with a constellation of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will carry her memory forward.

A funeral service was held Saturday, October 18, at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Raleigh.

SAINT MARY'S REMEMBERS

Janet Hicks Bethune ’67C

PAST ALUMNAE COUNCIL PRESIDENT, DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA

Janet Hicks Bethune ’67C, former Alumnae Association President and Distinguished Alumna Award recipient, died October 2, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born August 22, 1947, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Janet was the daughter of Thomas Westray Hicks and Marian Ralphs Hicks. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard “Dick” Fulton Bethune, and their two children: Caroline Bethune Trahan (Brad) and Richard K. Bethune (Julia), both of Raleigh. She was the proud “Jiggy” to four grandchildren: Elliott, Emma, Carter, and Lilly. She is also survived by her sisters, Carolyn Hicks Baggett ’73C (Fred) and Marian Penny Hicks ’70C, as well as a wide circle of extended family and dear friends she cherished deeply.

Janet loved her hometown of Rocky Mount. She was a devoted camper and later counselor at Camp Seafarer, which sparked her lifelong love of mentoring young people.

She was educated at Rocky Mount Senior High School, Saint Mary’s College, and earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. A proud Tar Heel and Southern lady, Janet made her debut at the North Carolina Terpsichorean Club in 1966. In 1971, she married Dick Bethune in what became a love story built on laughter, faith, dancing, and a deep, abiding friendship. They simply adored each other.

Together, Janet and Dick built a warm and loving home in Rocky Mount and Topsail Beach, where they welcomed family and friends with open arms and big meals.

Janet was a sharp dresser, a force of nature, and someone who loved to see things grow, especially people. Janet served 33 years as a school counselor at Edwards Junior High in Rocky Mount, where she touched thousands of young lives. Longtime principal Wayne Doll laughed and said, “Although I was her boss, she was the actual boss.” A keystone of the school community, she built trust and connection through personal relationships, compassion, and professionalism. She pioneered many student support programs and continued to mentor her students long after they left junior high, writing college and scholarship recommendations and offering guidance whenever it was needed. One former student said, “Mrs. Bethune advocated for me. She saw that I could achieve more if given the chance. I give her credit for where I am today.” Janet’s care for her students went far beyond the classroom. She had a gift for seeing what others might miss and the heart to act on it.

Janet was deeply devoted to her community. A long-time member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, she served through Meals on Wheels, visited the homebound, and always had time for a neighbor in need. She loved her neighborhood and the close group on her street, where she built lasting friendships, created countless

memories, and was surrounded by neighbors who became like family.

Whether at Almond’s Drug Store, Imperial Cleaners, or Braswell Library, Janet seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew Janet. Her longtime neighbor and friend picked up takeout last week and the restaurant owner said, “I’m heartbroken. Janet was my best friend.”

Janet received the Distinguished Alumnae Award from Saint Mary’s School in 2007 and was active in promoting education and leadership for young women. She was also active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), promoting scholarships and student excellence at local high schools. Even in retirement, she remained deeply involved in causes that mattered to her.

Janet’s children remember her as a loving, hard-working mother who believed in the power of education, empathy, and action. When they were going through tough times, she would say: “Take the focus off yourself and pour that energy into helping someone else. It will make you feel better.”

She loved life. Whether it was shag dancing at the beach, planning a California getaway, or singing along to a favorite tune, Janet was always ready to connect and celebrate.

A Celebration of Janet’s Life was held October 24, 2025, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount.

The timeless benefits of all-girl schools

In the October 2025 issue of Town + Country magazine, Nicole Laporte writes, “Single-sex education was supposed to be a relic of a bygone era, but getting into a top all-girls institution has never been more competitive. Is going old-school the secret to modern academic success?”

The article’s headline reads, “The Return of the All-Girls School.”

We’re glad to see the return of the media’s attention and respect for all-girls school, but we also remind them that girls’ schools like Saint Mary’s never went anywhere.

At Saint Mary’s School, the benefits of all-girls schools have never been a secret nor a relic of the past. As a school that has adapted with the changing times since 1842, continually modernizing and

innovating to inspire its students to academic excellence and personal achievement, our 21st century version of an all-girls school is as relevant and successful as ever.

Alumna Pam Baldecchi Dickson ’78HS, captured the benefits of Saint Mary’s as a contemporary all-girls school after educating three daughters at Saint Mary’s (Kate ’07, Mary Southgate ’09, and Caroline ’11), “Saint Mary’s is a thoroughly modern take on a classic educational concept.”

At Saint Mary’s, our all-girls learning environment inspires and empowers students to step beyond their comfort zones, amplify their voices, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

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