47 Graduates Savor the Moment as They Receive Diplomas at 102nd Commencement

On Friday, May 27 at the Foxcroft School's 102nd Commencement, featured speaker Stephen L. Matthews implored the graduating seniors to “inhabit your moments” and then helped them to do just that by having everybody sitting in Miss Charlotte’s Garden turn to a neighbor, say how happy they were to be there celebrating the occasion, and share a handshake or a hug.
 
“We have now officially connected,” said the master teacher and head librarian, who is retiring from Foxcroft after 39 years. “This is a day that begs us to connect. It is a day that requires us to bask in what it really means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Something magical and fully alive.”
Basking is a good word for the glorious, if hot, celebration. After longtime math teacher Susan Erba opened the proceedings with a moving invocation, the thermometer climbed to nearly 90 degrees by the end of the ceremony. The 47 girls from six countries and 10 states, who had started the celebration with high-fives at Baccalaureate the previous evening, were undaunted as they honored classmates and received diplomas -- and joyous after the traditional School Song and circle concluded. 
 
Matthews had advice for the graduates as well (“After all, this is a graduation speech,” he allowed) and, being a man of books and teacher of English Literature, he invoked various authors to support his points. First, citing Nathaniel Hawthorne, he urged the girls to “Be true! Be true! Be true!” by showing their real selves to the world, living by their own values and cherishing those who love and care for them.

Turning then to poets Ogden Nash and Hart Crane, Matthews exhorted girls to “Do something difficult. Easy is fine on occasion -- it feels good -- but challenge yourself,” he said, suggesting they choose hard classes, learn a new skill or reach out to someone they don’t know. “Do something that at first may seem alien and impossible.”
 
Finally, Matthews read Maya Angelou’s poem, “Human Family,” to remind all that at Foxcroft “we believe in the human family and delight in our diversity.” Again, he asked for audience participation -- this time snapping fingers and reciting Angelou’s refrain, “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike,” -- as he encouraged the graduates to hold onto the values acquired at Foxcroft of honoring and learning from each other’s differences, and of embracing the ability of community to include and empower everyone. “It will serve you well,” he said.
 
In an eloquent, poetic speech, Senior Class Speaker Lexie W. touched on Matthews’ notion that “we must pause and remember the special sense of inclusiveness and security that Foxcroft has provided and take that with us.” She used an extended metaphor of stepping off the beach into the vast ocean to reference her classmates’ impending post-Foxcroft adventure. “Today, let us swim away with confidence,” said Lexie, who will attend Virginia Tech in the fall.
 
Head of School Catherine S. McGehee presented Lexie, who served as Student Head of School this year, with the coveted Charlotte Haxall Noland Award for best combining the qualities that Foxcroft’s founder valued. She awarded the Head’s Prize for “special kinds of moral courage, often private, seldom noticed” to Lilly S. '16, who has held many leadership roles, including class president for two years, and who also plans to attend Virginia Tech.
 
Patia F., who will attend Vanderbilt University, earned the Pillsbury Prize, emblematic of valedictorian honors, while Charlotte S., who is going to the University of Virginia, was Salutatorian, as well as winner of the Ida Applegate Award. The Junior Award for Scholarship went to Isabella Z., who also received the William & Mary Leadership Award.
 
Philip R. C. Dudley presented Head Prefect Caroline Ma. with the Dudley Prize; Carli M. received the Josie Betner Mallace Prize for courage and humor; and junior Maddy G., sophomore Ximing Z. and freshman Bella B. collected the top prizes for their respective classes. 

For a complete list of prizes awarded at Thursday's Awards Assembly, please click here.
Back
This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience for visitors to our website.
By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of these cookies.
See our Privacy Policy for additional information.


An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
Foxcroft School, 22407 Foxhound Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117  |  Phone: 540.687.5555