Miss Charlotte's Garden hosts Foxcroft's 100th Commencement
The spirit of Foxcroft founder Charlotte Haxall Noland was especially present in the garden named for her Friday morning as the School's 100th commencement took place under picture-perfect conditions. Head of School Mary Louise Leipheimer, presiding at her 25th and final graduation, awarded diplomas to 46 girls from 11 states, the District of Columbia, and four foreign countries and then introduced two speakers who invoked Miss Charlotte's legacy.
Featured speaker Waddell Hancock -- a 1971 graduate of Foxcroft, renowned photographer, and working owner of the world-famous Claiborne Farm in Kentucky -- and Senior Class speaker Monèt F. both talked about the lifelong hold Foxcroft has on its alumnae and the values and lessons initiated by Noland that Leipheimer and others have nourished and nurtured through the decades.
"Although you leave Foxcroft," said Hancock, "Foxcroft never leaves you."
“Sometimes I think Miss Charlotte must have poured a fertilizer on the soil, never to wash away, that makes Foxcroft girls a little different and, of course in our mind, a little special,” said Hancock.
That special fertilizer, Hancock went on to say, includes pride in how one lives one’s life; passion to be the best you can be at your special talent; hard work; honor and integrity; fun; and -- most of all -- compassion.
“On Miss Charlotte’s tombstone, are the words, ‘Lo, I have given you a wise and understanding heart,’” Hancock said. “I think this is the main attribute she would want you to take out the front gate with you today. It is the best ingredient of her special fertilizer.
“On Miss Charlotte’s tombstone, are the words, ‘Lo, I have given you a wise and understanding heart,’” Hancock said. “I think this is the main attribute she would want you to take out the front gate with you today. It is the best ingredient of her special fertilizer.
“To take the time to help out, whether it be with a kind word or a special deed -- for community, a friend, or someone simply in need -- is at the core of Foxcroft and what makes this school, as well as you so very special . . . And this is what will hold you together -- along with Foxcroft girls of all ages.”
Monèt talked about witnessing that connection during the Centennial Celebration in April that brought around 1,000 individuals from many places and many eras back to campus.
“The Centennial taught me that the bonds you make at Foxcroft are stronger and more unique than any other relationships you will ever make,” she said, adding that during that weekend a member of the Class of ’64 told her “that’s how Miss Charlotte intended for Foxcroft to be, a place where connections and relationships never die."
“Leaving Foxcroft is just going to be a change of scenery. We will still have one another and the lessons we learned at Foxcroft,” concluded Foster. “So let’s not be afraid to go our separate ways.”
David MacDonald, father of a graduating student and member of Foxcroft's Board of Trustees, gave an eloquent Invocation to begin the ceremony and all the students concluded it with the traditional spiraling circle and school song, followed by the many cheers, tears, and hugs. In between, an array of honors were presented, augmenting the plethora bestowed at the Awards Assembly Thursday.
David MacDonald, father of a graduating student and member of Foxcroft's Board of Trustees, gave an eloquent Invocation to begin the ceremony and all the students concluded it with the traditional spiraling circle and school song, followed by the many cheers, tears, and hugs. In between, an array of honors were presented, augmenting the plethora bestowed at the Awards Assembly Thursday.
Kate E. received the coveted Charlotte Haxall Noland Award for best combining the qualities that Foxcroft’s founder valued: high purpose, leadership, integrity, accomplishment, and understanding. She was also Salutatorian. Lilly M., who received the Theresa Shook Award for athletic excellence and sportsmanship on Thursday, was the Valedictorian. Kate will attend the University of Virginia and Lilly is headed to Middlebury College in Vermont.
The top awards for underclassment went to junior Lilly P. (Mildred Greble Davis Award), sophomore Sofia C. (Becky Award) and freshman Emily D. (Elebash Award).This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience for visitors to our website.
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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.
