Chatham Hall’s 132nd Commencement

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Chatham Hall community gathered to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026 during the school’s 132nd Commencement Exercises and 130th Graduation Ceremony. This year's graduation met weather challenges, allowing the community to pivot and host the first graduation in the gym in The Wagoner-LaDuke Center for Athletics, Health & Wellness. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, trustees, alumnae, and loved ones, the day honored not only academic achievement but also the leadership, creativity, resilience, and integrity that define a Chatham Hall education.

The ceremony reflected the spirit of Chatham Hall: a community rooted in scholarship, honor, service, and belonging. Throughout the morning, students were recognized for accomplishments across academics, athletics, leadership, global engagement, and the arts.

One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the recognition of Molly Thomas P’06, ’08, for 33 years of service to Chatham Hall. Since joining the faculty in 1993, Molly has inspired generations of students through her dedication to physics and mathematics and her joyful curiosity about learning. As colleagues, students, and families celebrated her retirement, the community expressed deep gratitude for her enduring impact on the school.

The newest members of the Chatham Hall Chapter of the Cum Laude Society were recognized for superior academic achievement and for embodying the Society’s values of excellence, justice, and honor. The Class of 2026 inductees included:

Students completing the Global Scholar Certificate Program were also honored for developing international perspectives and global citizenship through academic and experiential learning. Certificates were awarded to:

 

The Global Entrepreneurship Program recognized students who completed the two-year entrepreneurial studies curriculum focused on innovation, leadership, financial literacy, and business development. Certificates were presented to:

 

Several students were recognized for exceptional leadership, citizenship, and contributions to the Chatham Hall community.

The Lillian Evans Lineberger New Girl Award, honoring new students who exemplify the spirit of Chatham Hall through scholarship, enthusiasm, and commitment to others, was presented to:

The Honor Council Award, recognizing outstanding leadership, strength of character, and commitment to honor, was awarded to:

The Senior Purple and Golden Rule Citation, presented to the graduating student who best embodies the principles of responsibility, trust, and citizenship, was awarded to:

Students were celebrated for excellence across the visual and performing arts, athletics, and creative expression.

The Art Department Award was presented to Jane Wu ’26. 

The Helen Gregory Yardley Award for Sculpture was awarded to Eleanor W. '27.

The Adora Prevost Ragsdale Dance Award was presented to Aniah Garcia-Charway '26.

The Sherwood Dramatic Award, recognizing dedication and growth in theatre arts, was awarded to River Courville '26. 

The Music Department Award was presented to Ivy Branch '26.

The Class of 2012 Athletic Award, recognizing leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, and athletic excellence, was awarded to Toni Lubińska '26. 

Departmental awards honored students who demonstrated exceptional scholarship, intellectual curiosity, and dedication within their fields of study.

The Ann Dickinson Beal English Department Award was presented to Marilyn Mack '26. 

The Catherine Ingram Spurzem Award for Creative Writing was awarded to River Courville '26.

The History Department Award was presented to River Courville '26.

The Dixie Hargrave Whitehead Mathematics Department Award was awarded to Chrisette Jones '26.

The Religion Department Award was presented to Ivy Branch '26. 

The Science Department Award was awarded to Marilyn Mack '26.

The World Languages Department Awards were presented to:

The Trustees’ Scholarship Medal, awarded to the senior with the highest cumulative grade point average in the graduating class, was presented to Chrisette Jones '26. 

The ceremony’s highest student honor, the Rector’s Medal, was awarded to Aniah Garcia-Charway '26.

Presented annually to the senior who best represents the ideals of Chatham Hall, the Rector’s Medal recognized Aniah’s integrity, compassion, resilience, leadership, and extraordinary commitment to uplifting others throughout her time at the school. Through her leadership as Honor Council President, her contributions to the dance program, and the quiet consistency with which she supported her peers, Aniah left an enduring mark on the Chatham Hall community.

The presentation of diplomas marked the culmination of years of hard work, growth, friendship, and discovery for the graduates of the Class of 2026. Diplomas were presented by Alison Carter-Cady ’91, Chair of the Board of Trustees, while irises were presented by Kayla Charway ’23 in honor of her sister, Aniah Garcia-Charway, and the graduating class.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater followed by a moving benediction from Chaplain Beth Barksdale, who encouraged graduates to move forward with courage, integrity, kindness, and purpose.

Finally, Dean Josh Doyon offered the words every senior had been waiting to hear:

“Class of 2026, please stand, you are now graduates of Chatham Hall!”

As the newest alumnae joined the long purple-and-gold line of Chatham Hall graduates, the community celebrated not only all they had accomplished, but also the leaders, scholars, artists, and citizens they are becoming. The Class of 2026 leaves Chatham Hall prepared to lead lives of impact while carrying with them the enduring spirit of Chatham Hall.