The Class of 2015 Walks Through the Garden -- and Into the Future!

Foxcroft's 101st Commencement featured something old and something new Friday when 33 girls from seven states and four countries were graduated from the boarding and day school for girls under hot and sunny skies in Miss Charlotte’s Garden.

Award-winning photographer Diana Walker, who graduated from Foxcroft 56 years ago, shared insights and advice gained from 20 years of covering politics and presidents for Time Magazine back when women were fighting for jobs, photographs were captured on film, and the internet didn’t exist.

First-year Head of School Catherine S. McGehee then celebrated the Class of 2015’s gracious acceptance of a new leader and the accompanying changes during its senior year by awarding the Class the Head’s Award.
Walker, who covered presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, focused on the possibilities ahead for the confident, young women receiving diplomas.

“Take risks!” advised the 73-year-old Briarcliff College graduate and mother of two. “Know that you have the ability to write your own future from here on out. Nothing is set in stone, I promise you.” Walker remarked that as “women who want to change the world,” they would be challenged, and might have to ignore naysayers, push hard sometimes, and draw on a strong sense of humor often to achieve their goals. “Believe in yourself -- be true to yourself,” she added. “Don’t ever give up on yourself, ever. And don’t forget to enjoy every day.”

Senior Class Speaker Gabriela P., who served as Student Vice Head of School this year and plans to attend William & Mary College in the fall, echoed Walker’s faith in her classmates, crediting Foxcroft and friendships.

“The growth that I have experienced is thanks to everyone in this community,” she said. “Now I see before me people who can and will change the world. The minds of the Class of 2015 are not only intellectual, but caring and kind-hearted. The world will become a better place with all of you.”

Meredith D. received the coveted Charlotte Haxall Noland Award for best combining the qualities that Foxcroft’s founder valued: high purpose, leadership, integrity, accomplishment, and understanding. Meredith was class president for four years, co-captain of the varsity field hockey and soccer teams, as well as of the Foxes, and salutatorian of the class.

Amy Z. earned class valedictorian/Pillsbury Prize honors; she plans to attend the University of Virginia. The Junior Award for Scholarship went to Patia F.

Philip R.C. Dudley and William S. Newell presented Student Head of School Lilly P. with the Dudley Prize as the senior who has been most willing in her unselfish efforts for the good of the school. Molly M. received the Ida Applegate Award and Gaby took home the Josie Betner Mallace Prize. Junior Lilly S., sophomore Mary Park D., and freshman Ximing Z. received the top prizes for their respective classes.

For a complete list of prize winners, from both Commencement and Thursday's Awards Assembly, click here.
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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.