Passing Down. . . and Moving Up: Athletic Association Banquet Honors Tradition in a New Way

Honoring traditions and passing down leadership are important parts of life at Foxcroft, but have been challenging during the pandemic. For the second year in a row, however, members of the Athletic Association presented their annual banquet in an innovative and COVID-friendly way that truly celebrates the emotion and excitement of this special event as part of our end-of-year activities.
With red and white streamers cascading from the ceiling in the Dining Hall, the “Under the Big Top” theme set the tone for a fun and festive event. Boarders dined inside while our Day Students grabbed special to-go dinners to enjoy outside on a beautiful May evening before the live program began just after 6pm. Lawn games including badminton, basket toss, corn hole, and croquet drew in a crowd while plenty of props provided for photo opps with friends. The decorations were truly amazing!

After everyone gathered on Schoolhouse Lawn, seated in cohorts and socially distanced, senior Athletics Association Heads Moni C-P., McKenzie M., Susannah M., and Harriet B. welcomed the assembled students and faculty. For the first part of the program, club leaders reflected on the year and then announced their successors for the 2021-22 school year. Adapting to distance learning, there were clubs that pivoted to new community engagement opportunities or simply used 2020-21 as a year to regroup and plan for the future.

Other clubs emerged brand new, like Good Day Foxcroft (GDF), the student-led news and entertainment series that has pushed out monthly web shows featured in the Parents’ Newsletter. This innovative venture, led by Head Marlow B. ’22, made such an impression on the community that it was awarded the Club Impact Award. During the award presentation, Student Head of School Moni C-P. and Student Vice Head of School Bianca M. described Good Day Foxcroft as “a club for everyone ‘on campus’ this year,” even engaging distance learners who could submit video content for shows from home. Well done to the entire GDF cast and crew!

Another community engagement opportunity that tied students together with their dorm mates was Battle of the Dorms. After calculating the results of the final competitions this semester, Head Prefect Hays T. ’21 was thrilled to announce the winner — Dillon Dorm! Read more from Hays about this year-long effort.

The final portion of the evening showcased the beloved tradition of Fox/Hound. This year’s officers and mascots took a few minutes to reflect on their year and what it meant to hold their positions before announcing who would step into their shoes — or more appropriately, don their caps — next year. There were laughs, tears, and smiles that all exemplify how special the Fox/Hound tradition is to the community, something that not even a global pandemic can tarnish. Special congratulations to our 2021-22 Fox and Hound Captains Nia D. ’22 and Amelia F. ’22. Our departing captains Betsy A. ’21 and Harriet B. ’21 have been great role models in leading both teams with spirit and enthusiasm all year! 

Many thanks to the Athletic Association and faculty advisor Michelle Woodruff, as well as faculty members Matt Norko and Judy Gamboa for lending their technical expertise to the setup, to the Dining Hall staff for the wonderful meal and cupcakes (delicious!), to Maintenance for all of their help (we couldn’t have done it without you!), and of course Hound Backer Patty Boswell and Foxy Fellow Alex Northrup, for all their support in making this wonderful evening come together!
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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.