Dedication of the Athletic/Student Center draws an enthusiastic crowd

In addition to Mars, a longtime friend of the School, a number of individuals instrumental in making this building a reality spoke to the gathering and took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Sally Bartholomay Downey and Pamela Mars Wright, friends from the Class of 1978 who initiated the vision of combining the student activities center with the athletic facility, spoke about how Foxcroft affected their lives and the love and passion they continue to feel for the place and the friends they made at it.

“I think the most important thing about this building is that it’s not just about athletes,” said Wright, “it’s not just about a gym. It’s about a community; it’s about Foxcroft and the community that is so special. . . Foxcroft helped me to become the person I am today. I think I’m a better person than I would be if I had not come to Foxcroft. I thank my family for teaching me to give back to places we care about, places that made a difference in my life."

'I'm passionate about Foxcroft," added Downey.

Foxcroft senior Kristina L., speaking on behalf of her family, extolled the fact that all Foxcroft girls have the opportunity to participate in any sport they wish, whether experienced or novices. When she announced that one room, for gatherings of the "Hound" team, was to be named after housemother and registrar Patty Boswell, the students emitted a roar of approval.

As chairs of the Board's Buildings and Ground Committee, Thomas D. Lane and Clifton “Chip” R. Gruver, Jr., were the two trustees most closely concerned with the construction. They recognized architects Bowie Gridley of Washington, DC, contractors Callas Construction of Hagerstown, MD, landscaper Greenworks of Chantilly, VA, and other organizations involved in building. They also cited key Foxcroft personnel without whom the project could not have been completed: Business Manager Deborah Anderson, Director of Development Marion Couzens, Athletic Director Katie Ryan Kantz, and Director of Facilities Dale Stotler. Head of School Mary Louise Leipheimer spoke about what the opening of this building means to the life of the School and presented thank-you gifts to eight individuals.

Speaking of those benefitting most directly from this structure, Kantz and Meredith “Dish” '10, one of Foxcroft's top athletes, took their turns at the podium.  "The reflection of Foxcroft's gifts is indeed overwheliming and blinding in its beauty," said Kantz. "This building was built as a temple to reflect the beauty of this holistic, magical package Foxcroft gives its students -- not to be grandiose...

"The girls are respectful, young guardians of this place," she added. "They know it is something to preserve, to be grateful for and to maintain for their sisters, daughters and granddaughters to come."

Dish carried on the theme. "This facility provides a venue to take Foxcroft to a new level and we are thrilled that it is finally here," she said, advising her classmates and the younger students to cherish and enjoy the building, but also to think about how it will be used and treated and what the longer-term legacy of the building will be as they determine how to use it and what its legacy will be. “To all of you, I hope this is the home of many special happenings and memories,” the Middleburg resident said. “It already is for me.”

Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Beatty Page Cramer, Class of 1966, opened the ceremony, and the Rev. Robert L. Banse, Jr., of Trinity Church in Upperville, VA, gave a blessing. Following the ribbon-cutting, all present were invited to visit the inside of the state-of-the-art athletic facility and student center, where they were given demonstrations by students, many dressed in athletic uniforms, of how the building will be used. It is expected to be one of the showcase buildings of western Loudoun County and will no doubt benefit the greater community as well as Foxcroft girls.