A Celebration of Spirit and Scholarship

5/27/2025

Commencement 2025 at Chatham Hall

On a crisp and golden spring morning, the Chatham Hall community gathered in joyful tradition beneath the Arboretum’s bright canopy for the 131st Commencement and 129th graduation ceremony in the School’s history. As the Class of 2025 processed in white dresses, they stepped into a space alive with meaning—one shaped by legacy, learning, and limitless potential.

This year’s Commencement held particular significance: it marked the first under the leadership of Rector Sara I. Stephenson, Chatham Hall’s nineteenth Rector and Head of School. In her welcoming remarks, Rector Stephenson praised the graduating class not only for their academic success but also for the curiosity, resilience, and authenticity they brought to every corner of campus.

Throughout the ceremony, student excellence was recognized across a range of disciplines—academics, the arts, athletics, leadership, and global engagement. The energy of the day reflected a deep pride in what the Class of 2025 has achieved and all they are poised to become.

Academic and Global Recognition

Seven members of the class were inducted into the Cum Laude Society, honoring both academic achievement and moral integrity:
Isabella Croker Poole, Paloma Egido, Beverly Kucera, Aliah Rodriquez, Julia Scott, Angel Su, and Lucia Yang.

Global Scholar Certificates were awarded to Auriannia Henderson-Jones, Maeve Raible, and Julia Scott for their commitment to cross-cultural learning and global citizenship.

Sophia Hurst and Parker Janowski were recognized for completing the Global Entrepreneurship Program, demonstrating vision and innovation in service to the world.

Leadership and Character

The Class of 2025 also distinguished itself through strong leadership and character.

Avery H. ’26 received the Lillian Evans Lineberger New Girl Award for her immediate and meaningful contributions as a newcomer.
Priscella Bennison was honored with the Honor Council Award for her unwavering commitment to honor and integrity.
Isabella Croker Poole received the Purple and Golden Rule Citation, given to the senior who best lives and teaches the School’s guiding principle.

The Arts

The talents of our student artists, dancers, and performers shone bright this year:

Auriannia Henderson-Jones received the Art Department Award
Elle Reeves was honored with the Helen Gregory Yardley Award for Sculpture
Maria Fernanda Lopez Tuyub earned the Adora Prevost (Preevo) Ragsdale Dance Award
Nora Butterfield and Solis Wright shared the Sherwood Dramatic Award

Athletics

The Class of 2012 Athletic Award, recognizing leadership, participation, and sportsmanship, went to Kate Denny.

Academic Department Awards

Individual academic excellence was recognized through departmental honors:

English: Sophia Hurst
Creative Writing: Isabella Croker Poole
History: Julia Scott
Mathematics: Lucia Yang
Religion: Isabella Croker Poole
Science: Julia Scott
World Languages: Isabella Croker Poole (French), Julia Scott (Latin), Aliah Rodriquez (Spanish)

Top Honors

Two of Chatham Hall’s highest distinctions capped the celebration:

Trustees’ Scholarship Medal, for the highest GPA: Isabella Croker Poole
Rector’s Medal, for best representing the ideals of Chatham Hall: Maeve Raible

As the Class of 2025 now turns the page, they leave behind not only achievements but a legacy of spirit, sisterhood, and inspiration. In the words of their Rector, they are ready—not just to succeed—but to lead, to serve, and to shape the world.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! Esto Perpetua.

Class of 2025 Matriculations

American University	San Diego State University
Bates College	Sewanee: The University of the South
College of Charleston	St. Lawrence University
College of Lake County	Texas Christian University
George Washington University	University of California (San Diego)
Georgia Institute of Technology	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Guilford Technical Community College	University of Mary Washington
Howard University	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Liberty University	University of South Florida
Mount Holyoke	University of St Andrews
North Carolina State University	University of Virginia (Main Campus)
Oberlin College	Verto Education - London (one semester)
Rochester Institute of Technology	Wofford College
Rollins College