*

Endurance, Achievement, and the Spirit of “Esto Perpetua”

Spring Convocation 2026

On Sunday afternoon, April 19, the Chatham Hall community gathered in St. Mary’s Chapel for one of the most meaningful traditions of the year: Spring Convocation. Framed by music, reflection, and celebration, the ceremony marked a turning point in the academic year, an opportunity to honor achievement, recognize leadership, and reflect on the shared journey that defines life at Chatham Hall.

The service opened with the notes of J.S. Bach’s Prelude in G Major and concluded with a final blessing, inviting the community to pause and consider how far each student has come since August. Chaplain Elisabeth Barksdale set the tone in her welcome, encouraging students to reflect on their growth, their resilience, their sense of agency, and the many individuals who have supported them along the way. At its heart, Spring Convocation is not only about individual recognition but about the collective strength of a community that thrives together.

Honoring Academic Excellence
The ceremony began with the recognition of students named to the Dean’s List and Rector’s List, celebrating sustained academic excellence across all grade levels. These honors reflect not only high achievement but also perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to learning.

Dean’s List
The following students made the Dean’s List for the fall semester with a Grade Point Average between 3.50 and 3.99.
 
Maddy A. ’29
Sammie C. ’29
Bellamire D. ’29
Scarlett D. ’29
Maggie P. ’29
Nora S. ’29
Kayla A. D. ’28
Liana J. ’28
Anna M. ’28
Sophie P. ’28
Sophie T. ’28
Nissa B. ’27
Tula D. ’27
Madeline I. ’27
Emi K. ’27
Eleanor L. ’27
Mads P. ’27
Eva R. ’27
Bethany W. ’27
Aimmee W. ’27
Rose W. ’27
Nina Z. ’27
Yoyo B. ’26
Ivy B. ’26
Ala B. ’26
Lucy Paige E. ’26
Tallulah H. ’26
Toni L. ’26
Lainey R. ’26
Laine S. ’26
Maddie W. ’26
Lexi W. ’26

Rector’s List
The following students made the Rector’s List for the fall semester with a Grade Point Average of 4.0. 

Virginia B. ’29
Eileen L. ’29
Claire M. ’29
Sam M. ’29
Miriam S. ’29
Yvelisse C. ’28 
Loey C. ’28 
Chise S. ’28 
Audrey T. ’28 
Rachel T. ’28 
Helena T. ’28 
Marie W. ’28 
Clara F. ’27 
Anna F. ’27 
Finley K. ’27 
Allie M. ’27 
Saniah P. ’27 
Mone S. ’27 
Princess S. ’27 
Abby S. ’27 
Sophia S. ’27 
Eleanor W. ’27 
Kal W. ’27 
Becky Y. ’27 
Maryn C. ’26
River C. ’26
Ana G. C. ’26
Chrisette J. ’26
Marilyn M. ’26
Saki O. ’26
Alice W. ’26
Kate W. ’26
Jane W. ’26

 

Students were also recognized with distinguished awards from institutions across the country, including the Hollins Creative Writing Book Award, the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, the Bausch & Lomb Science Award, and the University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award, among others. These honors speak to the depth of talent within the Chatham Hall student body—young women who are thinkers, innovators, writers, scientists, and leaders.

Celebrating Leadership and Service
Spring Convocation also serves as a moment of transition, particularly in recognizing student leadership. The outgoing Honor Council was celebrated for its integrity, compassion, and strength, led by President Ana Garcia-Charway. The newly elected Honor Council was formally introduced, culminating in the announcement of the 2026-2027 Honor Council President, Sophia S. '27. 
 
Students were also honored for their contributions to the community through awards for Citizenship, Spirit, Service, and Leadership. These recognitions highlight the values that define Chatham Hall: responsibility, respect, trust, and a deep commitment to others.

Academic and Institutional Awards
  • Hollins Creative Writing Book Award
    • Allie M. ’27
  • Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award (Humanities & Social Sciences)
    • Raine B. ’27
  • Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award
    • Rachel T. ’27
  • George Eastman Young Leaders Award
    • Clara F. ’27
  • Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology
    • Madeline I. ’27
  • University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award
    • Allie M. ’27
  • Rensselaer Medal Award
    • Nina Z. ’27

Rochester Institute of Technology Awards
  • Computing Award — Madeline I. ’27
    Business Award — Mone S. ’27
  • Science and Math Award — Abby S. ’27
  • Humanities Award — Kal W. ’27
  • Art and Design Award — Eleanor W. ’27
 
Additional Institutional Awards
  • Clarkson University Leadership Award
    • Recipient: Eleanor W. ’27
  • Endicott College Junior Book Award
    • Recipient: Saniah P. ’27
  • William & Mary Leadership Award
    • Recipient: Sophia S. ’27

Chatham Hall Recognitions
Senior COE Recognition
Maryn C. 
Lucy Paige E. 
Ana G.C. 
Olivia G. 
Emalyn H. 
Avery H. 
Autumn J.
Marilyn M.
Grace O.
Lainey R.
Jane W.
Kate W.
 
Co-Lead COEs: Kate W. ’26, Mallory S. ’27

St. Mary’s Guild (Senior Members)

Ana G.C.
Lucy Paige E. 
Daisy H. 
Avery H. 
Grace O.
Naima P.
Lexi W.
Jane W.
Kate W.


2026-2027 Crucifer
  • Kenissa B. '27

Honor Council
 
The 2025–2026 Honor Council presented pins to the 2026-2027 Honor Council as a sign of passing the light of the school from one year to the next. Thank you to Yoyo B, Maryn C., Lucy Paige E., Ana G.C., Emalyn H., Avery H., Autumn J., Marilyn M., Saki O., Lainey R., Alice W., and President Ana G.C. for their service.

Congratulations to the 2026–2027 Honor Council: Raine B., Clara F., Allie M., Mads P., Zauri’yana R., Mone S., Princess S., Sophia S., Rachel T., Rose W., Eleanor W., Becky Y., and President: Sophia Sydnor

Student Awards

Outstanding Citizenship
  • Freshman: Virginia B., Miriam S.
  • Sophomore: Liana J., Marie W.
  • Junior: Mone S., Becky Y.
  • Senior: Ana G.C.
  • Award for Spirit
    • Recipient: Allie M. ’27
  • Award for Service
    • Recipient: Ana G.C. ’26
  • Award for Leadership
    • Recipient: Allie M. ’27

A particularly moving moment came with the presentation of the Class of 1984 Faculty Service Award to Kimber Keating P'20, '22, '24, in recognition of her dedication and impact on the Chatham Hall community. The ceremony also included the induction of Nathan Witkowski into the Cum Laude Society as a faculty member, honoring his commitment to academic excellence.

Throughout the service, music from St. Mary’s Choir and the singing of the Alma Mater reminded those gathered of the deep sense of belonging that connects generations of Chatham Hall students.

“Esto Perpetua”: A Call to Endure
Nathan Witkowski delivered the Spring Convocation address. In his reflection, he centered his remarks on the phrase Esto Perpetua: “let it be perpetual.” More than a motto, he described it as a call to endurance. Drawing from a range of cultural and spiritual traditions, he explored how perseverance, through challenge, uncertainty, and growth, is at the heart of both individual development and the enduring spirit of Chatham Hall.

Endurance, he noted, is not about perfection or outcomes, but about the willingness to continue. Whether in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, or in daily life, it is the act of showing up, again and again, that shapes who we become. His message resonated deeply with the moment: a community pausing to recognize not only what has been achieved, but what has been overcome.

Looking Ahead
As the ceremony concluded with a final blessing and dismissal, students, faculty, and families were reminded that Spring Convocation is both a celebration and a continuation. With just weeks remaining in the academic year, it is a moment to carry forward the lessons of perseverance, gratitude, and community.

At Chatham Hall, achievement is never measured in isolation. It is built through shared experience, mutual support, and a collective commitment to growth. Spring Convocation stands as a testament to that truth, and to the enduring spirit captured in the words: Esto Perpetua.

Watch the Service
 
Back
800 Chatham Hall Circle  •  Chatham, VA 24531
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941  

Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org

Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Please enter your email above