Coaches, Mentors, Legends

When I think back on memories of my Chatham Hall days, I realize that my happiest times were spent either singing or dancing. The singing part was definitely traditional; choir all four years, and various choral competitions. But the dancing, well, that was anything but, and all because of Miss Wagoner. She joined the faculty in 1955, my freshman year, and all of a sudden, the next winter term, there was a dance class, which had always been my passion. There had never been a proper dance program at Chatham before Jeanne Wagoner.  Miss Wagoner, thank you for going to bat for us - and winning - and always being there to encourage and applaud us! - Sara Chase Byers ’59

Although we never had a special connection during my years as a student, I really got to know Jeanne Wagoner after graduating from Chatham. When I stopped by Chatham one day in the late 70's or early 80's, out of the blue, voila, there she was, Alumnae Goodwill Ambassador! I doubt I would have kept the connection with Chatham without her hale and hearty greetings and support. - Deborah Clark ’65

I was a member of the CAC (Chatham Athletic Council), and I had the opportunity to work closely with Miss Wagoner. She was a true mentor and positive role model. I can still see that twinkle in her eye and hear her dry sense of humor, comments, and jokes. It was an honor to play for her. I learned a lot about life, commitment, loyalty, and honesty when playing for her and Chatham Hall. We played college teams (in field hockey, lacrosse, and horsemanship competition) and quite often beat them. This was due to the discipline and preparation that she designed for us and the mental attitude and spirit that she fostered. We were always to play fair, no matter what, and to follow the rules. Her legacy of discipline, commitment, honesty, and loyalty will continue in each of us who had the privilege of knowing her and in our children, in whom we fostered those same traits. - Suzanne Shaw Spradling ’66

Miss Wagoner was far more than an awesome physical education teacher. She was just as much a fundamental part of Chatham Hall as the big oak in the meadow or the stately columns of Pruden. Chatham Hall was in the woman's bloodstream, but also in her heart and soul. I will treasure her memory with great respect and fondness.  - Kathryn Carter Jacobs ’68

She was a remarkable person, a unique individual, a force to be reckoned with, a coach, a cheerleader, and a friend with a huge heart. She demanded a lot from a terribly unathletic southern girl who'd never seen a hockey stick and had never run a mile in her young life.  In return, she made me demand a lot of myself. She was such an important and cherished part of so many lives and so many Chatham memories. Miss Wagoner was a special part of a special time in my life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew her, and her legacy will always be a part of the school she loved and all those who pass through its doors. - Sally Foscue Merrell ’72

During my four years at Chatham Hall, Miss Wagoner had a tremendous influence on me. When my grades were poor, she would motivate me to try harder. She would monitor my progress by regularly meeting with my teachers and my advisor. It was tough love at times, but Miss Wagoner wanted me to be the best I could be, whether it was in the classroom or on the playing field. She believed in me. Just like a parent, she was disappointed when she knew I could have done better. And, just like a parent, she was very proud of my accomplishments. I learned so much from Miss Wagoner. Life lessons that I often use and will teach my children. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Miss Wagoner. - Karin Sellstrom McFetters ’82

Behind the gruff exterior, the scowl, and the funky Germanic accent with the rolling 'r's, there was a woman completely devoted to Chatham Hall; a woman who didn't like to show her softer side for fear of spoiling us and appearing weak, a woman who loved us like her own children. You always knew where you stood with Miss Wagoner. She was constant, unflagging. When I would tell her how she had touched the lives of so many throughout her years at Chatham Hall, she would scoff and say that she was "just a gym teacher." She was also so much more. Gym class and the CAC were her gardens: greenhouses where she planted, fertilized, and sowed seedlings of principles to live by, principles firmly rooted in an honor code. Without wearing kid gloves, Jeanne Wagoner nurtured the potential of the people we would become. - Claudia Gonzalez de Petri ’83

Miss Wagoner busted my butt on and off those fields, and I loved her for it. She pushed me further than I ever thought I was capable, and that has since applied to many things I have done in my life. I owe her my confidence.  My heart aches for a fall day filled with games of field hockey at Chatham. I have often woken in the middle of the night due to beautiful dreams of being on that field and hearing her pushing us on.  Thank you, Miss Wagoner, for all you gave me, on and off that field. - Susanna Hollingsworth Rhodes Barnwell ’93

Miss Wagoner was very much a part of my Chatham Hall experience, and a part of her guidance has always carried with me.  She was instrumental in helping me develop a sense of teamwork and leadership, and her guidance and wisdom I still carry with me. - Melissa Dixon ’94

I’m grateful to La for teaching me not only about sports, but also using them as a platform to teach me life lessons on how to lead as well as how to be a great team player. I was truly blessed by her presence in my life. - Kerrington Ramsey Molhoek ’93

La was a constant champion, friend, and source of support during my time at Chatham and beyond. She loved Chatham Hall fiercely and believed strongly in its value for our lives. I feel so fortunate to have known her. What a wonderful legacy and example of love she set for all of us. - Mary Katherine Evans ’03

La loved and influenced hundreds of young women to be good and kind, to work hard, to laugh, to lean on other women for support. She was my coach, my advisor and mentor, my photography teacher, a role model, but mostly, a dear friend. She loved me, but she loved ALL of us. Her warm and enveloping hugs were what I most looked forward to coming "home" to after Fall, Winter, and Summer breaks. And I saw her give the same love and hugs to so many others. La left a small campus in a small town in Virginia, but she left an immeasurable mark on so many of our hearts. - Mary Giddings Dunlap ’03

Memories of La are so interwoven with my time at Chatham! The moments that stand out the most are the Saturday mornings, when we would sit with La in Yardley and talk so long that we would still be there talking when lunch was served.  - Danielle Thomas Kimmel ’04

It’s hard to pinpoint one memory of La- she was integral to so many of my favorite experiences at Chatham.  She came to every soccer game, every horse show.  She stuck around in Yardley for long chats and trips to Jack’s down the road.  She was part of the big things (my college decision) and the small (my first attempt at carving the Thanksgiving turkey). Even after graduating, La remained a friend and trusted mentor.  It is hard for me to imagine returning to Chatham knowing that La will not be there.  La was home, and La was what made Chatham a home for me. - Jane Hawthorne ’16

Cathy LaDuke was a supporter of the robotics team from the beginning, eleven years ago, when the team started.  She would come by the robotics room and check on our progress. As well as interest and support, La would take and post photos of our robot. In her memory, the team named the 2021-22 robot La. - Molly Thomas P’06, ’08, Physics & Algebra Teacher, Robotics Mentor