A Name That Means Something

It was an exciting moment in Assembly on Monday, March 2, when Mr. Dan Waters called up Emalyn H. ’26 and Maryn M. ’26 who revealed the name of the 2025–2026 robot built by the Tutu Turtles Robotics Team, FRC9003. This year’s machine is designed to throw balls, climb a ladder, and tackle the fast-paced engineering challenges of the FIRST Robotics Competition. But at Chatham Hall, naming the robot each year is more than a tradition; it is a meaningful moment that reflects the spirit and values of our community.

The robot was named in honor of our beloved Mrs. Molly Thomas, who recently announced her retirement after more than three decades of extraordinary service to Chatham Hall. It was a fitting tribute to the teacher, mentor, and program builder whose influence helped make robotics such a vibrant part of the Chatham Hall experience.

Molly Thomas P’06, ’08 has been a cornerstone of the Chatham Hall community since she first joined the school in August 1993 as a part-time Physics teacher and Science Building Manager. In her early years, she also served as Assistant to the Director of Studies and taught math. By 1998, she became a full-time Physics and Algebra teacher, bringing both deep content knowledge and joyful curiosity into the classroom.

A graduate of Longwood College (now Longwood University) with a B.S. in physics and math, Molly later earned her Master’s in Physics Education from the University of Virginia in 2011, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning and excellence in teaching.

The robotics program that now defines so much of Chatham Hall’s spirit began with a simple question. During the 2010-2011 school year, Meredith Lee ’12 asked if the school could start a robotics team. In true Molly fashion, she said yes. Through a connection with Dan Waters, who mentored robotics at George Washington High School in Danville, Molly helped launch what would become one of the school’s most dynamic and enduring programs.

For eleven years, the team competed in FIRST Tech Challenge before transitioning in 2023 to the FIRST Robotics Competition. Over the past fifteen seasons, Molly and Dan have mentored students through every stage of the engineering process—from design and coding to testing and competition—while also instilling collaboration, perseverance, and the FIRST ideal of Gracious Professionalism.

Molly’s leadership extends far beyond robotics and the classroom. She was inducted into the Chatham Hall Chapter of Cum Laude in 2015 and currently serves as Chapter President, championing academic excellence at the highest level. For many years, she has also served as a devoted freshman class sponsor, leading the cherished Decoration Day tradition of wreath-making and creating the beautiful floral arrangement that graces the Commencement stage each year. These quiet acts of care reflect her deep love for the Chatham Hall community.

In 2022–2023, the yearbook The Chathamite was dedicated to Molly in honor of her 30 years of service, a fitting tribute to a beloved teacher, advisor, robotics mentor, and proud Gold Team member who supports students in every aspect of their lives.

Molly’s legacy also lives on through Chatham Hall alumnae. Her daughters, Virginia Thomas "Ginna" Harring ’06 and Katherine Leigh “Kate” Thomas ’08, are both graduates of the school. Kate, recently recognized as a Leader on the Rise, credits her mother’s example and her Chatham Hall education with shaping her path in data and AI leadership.

For 33 years, Molly Thomas has inspired young women to ask hard questions, solve complex problems, and lead with integrity. She has built programs, strengthened traditions, and mentored generations of students with patience, empathy, devotion, and heart.

Now, as the Tutu Turtles prepare for another season of competition, their robot will carry her name onto the field, an enduring tribute to the teacher and mentor who helped make it all possible.

We are profoundly grateful for Molly’s service and wish her every joy in retirement. We wish only the best for her, Mark, and their Labrador, Jack, and hope she returns to campus often to visit the community she helped shape for more than three decades.