Finding Voice and Choice

When Jenny Hubbard stepped onto the stage for the 2025-2026 Claudia Emerson ’75 Writer in Residence keynote, her wit and humor immediately filled the room. Our students were captivated, drawn in not only by her presence but by the authenticity of her voice and the honesty of her stories. As she shared insights from her writing life, she reflected on her time at Woodberry Forest School, offering a glimpse into a boarding school world that felt strikingly familiar. Her work, often rooted in that environment, created an immediate connection, bridging her experiences with those of our students and bringing literature to life in a deeply personal way.

That connection continued as she spoke about her work. As the author of And We Stay, a Michael L. Printz Honor book, and Paper Covers Rock, a finalist for the William C. Morris Award, Jenny writes with honesty, compassion, and a deep respect for young people. Her stories do not shy away from complexity. Instead, they explore the nuanced realities of adolescence, something our students immediately recognized and appreciated.

But the impact of her visit extended well beyond the keynote. At a book signing immediately following her talk, students and faculty had the opportunity to connect with her one-on-one, continuing conversations sparked on stage, and experience firsthand the care and thoughtfulness she brings to her work.

The following day, Ms. Hubbard stepped into classrooms not as a guest speaker, but as a teacher. In anticipation of her upcoming novel, *What Girls Keep in Their Pockets*, she invited students to bring an item they carry with them each day. What followed felt less like a presentation and more like a shared exploration of story, identity, and meaning.

Her message was simple, yet powerful: “Writing is all about making choices.” And just as importantly, “Writing is revising.” In those moments, students began to see writing not as something fixed or intimidating, but as a process, one shaped by intention, reflection, and the courage to begin again.

Long-time friend and colleague Kimber Keating P’20, ’22, ’24 reflected on what makes Jenny so impactful: “What stands out most is not only her talent, but the way she moves through the world. She listens thoughtfully. She observes with intention. She has a quiet, steady presence that makes people feel seen.” She continued, “Those are exactly the qualities that make her such a remarkable writer. She understands young people in a way that is both respectful and real, never speaking down to them, always inviting them into the work.”

Jenny’s creativity extends beyond the page. A gifted poet and lover of theater, she has directed and performed in numerous productions, most recently appearing in Calendar Girls with The Piedmont Players Theatre. Whether on stage or on the page, she brings the same care, depth, and humanity to her craft.

At Chatham Hall, moments like these are not simply events. They are experiences that shape how our students see themselves and their potential. Jenny Hubbard’s visit was a powerful reminder that storytelling is not only about words on a page. It is about voice, choice, and the courage to explore what matters most.

We are truly fortunate to have her as our Claudia Emerson ’75 Writer in Residence, and even more grateful for the ways she continues to inspire our students to find and trust their own voices.