It's Official! Catherine McGehee is charged as 10th Head of Foxcroft

To watch video of Board Chair Reggie Grove '76's charge, Head of School Cathy's remarks, and NCGS Executive Director Meghan Murphy's address, please click here.

Foxcroft School Board Chair Reggie Groves '76 charged Catherine S. McGehee with upholding the school's mission and leading it forward, and Megan Murphy of the National Coalition of Girls School paired compelling research on the value of girls' schools with McGehee's passion and gifts for carrying that out Friday afternoon when McGehee was officially installed as Head of the Middleburg, VA, boarding and day school.

McGehee responded by sharing her goal to serve Foxcroft with devotion, passion, and conviction for girls past, present, and future, and "to enjoy hard work and fun."

"By the authority of the Board of Trustees, I install you as the 10th Head of Foxcroft School and charge you to uphold the mission and ethos of Foxcroft School and to lead this school forward into its second century with vision, integrity, courage, strength and purpose," said Groves '76 before nearly 400 people gathered in Miss Charlotte's Garden for the the first installation of a Head of Foxcroft School in a quarter-century.
In addition to students, faculty, staff, family and friends, the leaders of a half-dozen other independent schools, a group of former colleagues from St. Catherine's School (Richmond), and several former Heads, including McGehee's predecessor, Mary Louise Leipheimer, were present.

Additional speakers during the service were David H. Charlton, president of the Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia; the Rev. Robert Banse, rector of Trinity Church, Upperville, and Foxcroft's senior teacher and head librarian Stephen Matthews. Student Head of School Lilly P. introduced Murphy, and fellow seniors Gaby P., Maleia M., and Meredith D. led the school prayer, school song, and academic procession, respectively. The Foxcroft Chorale and Dr. Meghen Tuttle, a member of the School's Science Department and a talented mezzo-soprano, sang.

Groves preceded her official charge to the new head by enumerating the specific skills, characteristics and beliefs that convinced Foxcroft's Board that McGehee was the right person to steer Foxcroft forward. "You have an unshakable belief in the value of a single-sex, independent school education, an articulated vision for our future that will launch our school into its second century and a passionate understanding of the collaborative and connected nature of girls' learning and how those skills will translate into 21st century success . . . " she said. "You recognize the benefits of our residential learning experience and you celebrate our unique community, traditions and core values that have made and will continue to make Foxcroft such a special and unique School." She then presented McGehee with a Foxcroft ring, "connecting you forever to a sisterhood that is 3,000 strong."

In her remarks, McGehee focused on the corporate nature of the day, a theme raised in Charlton's reading from Corinthians. "Note to self!" she said. "This celebration isn't about me; it is about all of us -- the body of Foxcroft." After thanking various constituents, ranging from the Search Committee and staff to her husband and mother, she turned her attention to the 157 students in the audience. "It is you, girls, who sealed the deal," McGehee said. "You are the reason I came to Foxcroft."

Elaborating on the corporate nature of a school, she said, "We are all members of the Foxcroft community. . . . and all of us have an important role to play." Quoting 2006 poet laureate Donald Hall, she described work as "devotion undertaken with passion and conviction. . . an unrelenting quest which cannot be satisfied," and concluded: "That is my goal:
 to serve Foxcroft with a devotion undertaken with passion and conviction on behalf of Foxcroft girls yesterday, today and tomorrow, and to enjoy good hard work and fun." 

A dinner reception for adults at Covert (Head's home) and a cookout and dance party for students followed the installation. 
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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.