Convocation Opens the 2026-27 School Year

the senior class stands in a line to lead the school song in the gym during a ceremony

Aug 27 2026

Foxcroft’s 2026-27 school year opened Sunday afternoon when students, families, faculty, and staff gathered for Convocation in Engelhard Gymnasium. The program included remarks from student leaders and school administrators, as well as musical performances.

Student Vice Head of School Mimi K. ’27 opened the Convocation program by leading everyone in the School prayer. She and other members of the Student Executive Committee — Student Head of School Michaela W. ’27, Head of Honor Council Fiona J. ’27, and Head Prefect Ellie W. ’27 — imparted words of wisdom to inspire new and returning students alike. Each of the four student leaders reflected on their first days as New Girls at Foxcroft, sharing the questions that ran through their minds before stepping on campus and the feelings of nervousness and excitement for what was to come. By sharing their experiences, these student leaders helped students, parents, and faculty begin to build connection with one another and to the School.

In her own remarks, Head of School Dr. Lisa Kaenzig built on the advice from student leaders by offering some from alumnae. “These women – now Foxcroft alumnae — were once New Girls just like you,” said Dr. Kaenzig. The advice she shared from Aradeal Hatcher ’26, Harper Padgett ’26, and Kate Hastings ’78 spoke to several themes, including being open to trying new things and meeting new people, looking for opportunities to challenge yourself while not being afraid to fail and try again, and finding joy and being present in the moment. These experiences are shared among generations of alumnae, and Dr. Kaenzig encapsulated them with a final quote, this one from founder Charlotte Haxall Noland: “Keep up with the times. Don’t be narrow. Have two rules: hard, good work, and much fun.” Read Dr. Kaenzig's full remarks here.

Special music was performed by our talented students, accompanied by Susan Yantis on the piano. Flutist Olivia M. ’27 performed the piece Celtic Harp by Hermann Beeftink, and Arabella B. ’29 sang Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves and Natalie Hemby.

Following Convocation, parents said goodbye to their daughters, and the New Girls joined their Old Girls for dinner in the Dining Hall.

View video of the speeches and performances here. We thank all who participated and helped inspire the community as the 2026-27 school year gets underway!