Joyous Closing Ceremony Concludes 2016-2017 School Year

The St. Margaret’s alma mater was sung with enthusiasm by students, faculty and administration who joined together one last time to close the 2016-2017 school year at the All-School Closing Ceremony in Pasternack Field House.

The final singing of the alma mater put an exclamation point on a school year full of academic achievement, memorable moments and a deepening bond within the Tartan community.

 “While there are still some very important events remaining on the calendar this week, today marks the final time that St. Margaret’s Episcopal School as we currently know it will gather together,” Head of School Will Moseley said. “Next year, the Class of 2018 will occupy the places of honor as the leaders of the school. The Class of 2021 will move from the Middle to the Upper School, the Class of 2024 will move from the Lower School to the Middle School, and the Class of 2032 will enroll in our preschool.

“And finally, on Saturday afternoon at 6 p.m., June 3^rd, we will honor and bid farewell to the class of 2017.”

Mr. Moseley also took the time to recognize the class agents for the Class of 2017, Sharareh Famili, Tyler Genevay and Rebekah Olsen, who will serve as volunteer leaders for the next five years. They will partner with the alumni relations office and Tartan Alumni Association to ensure their classmates’ connection to St. Margaret’s remains strong.

In addition, senior James Swanson was honored with the David G. Boyle Lifetime Service Award, given to a lifetime Tartan whose service and dedication to the school best reflects the extraordinary contributions of David Boyle, former Upper School principal and associate head of school who worked at St. Margaret’s from 1980 to 2012. Mr. Boyle joined Mr. Moseley in presenting the award.

The ceremony was also an opportunity to recognize the achievements of faculty and staff, some retiring, others celebrating anniversaries ranging from 5 to 25 years. A Faculty Emeritus honor, the highest honor St. Margaret’s bestows upon a member of the faculty or staff, was given to kindergarten teacher Anne Kemp, who is retiring after 24 years at St. Margaret’s.

As the crowed cheered, Mrs. Kemp received an emeritus certificate as well as an emeritus gift of a college chair with the St. Margaret’s crest and her years of service engraved on it.

Church Chaplain The Rev. Linda Ahron closed the ceremony with a blessing for the summer ahead.

“Bless this school year now ending, and the summer before us,” she said. “May our bodies stay well, our hearts and minds open, and may all of our learning help us to serve this world you love so dearly. Amen.”

Congratulations to the faculty and staff listed below for achieving St. Margaret’s anniversaries:

John Bennett, Upper School (12 years)

Heather Murray, Lower School (12 years)

Anne Kemp, Lower School (24 years)

Mary Mayer, Lower School

Billy Assaf, Middle School

Marta Austin, Middle School

Janice Avalone, School Counseling

Dallas Clemmons, Upper School

Jan Connon, Upper School

Martin Garcia, Building and Maintenance

Liz Kelly, Upper School

David Beshk, Lower School

Beth Clemmons, Upper School

Jen Cuda, Lower School

Peter Soderin, Upper School

Linda Wallace-Phelps, Church

Beth Adamany, PTF

Emma Boyle, Middle School

Jamie Bunch, Upper School

Anne Dahlem, Communications and Marketing

James Harris, Upper School

Chico Jones, Lower School

Aaron Kirkendoll, Information Technology

Tammy Pipitone, Early Childhood Development Center

Laura Redman, Lower School

Jennifer Ross-Viola, Upper School

Mel Taylor, Athletics

Dave Tomlinson, Athletics

Sherry Wagener, Middle School

Stephanie Wernet, Wee Tartans

Jessica Banks, Lower School

Hollie Bieri, Early Childhood Development Center

Jennifer Blount, Lower School

Brian Carmer, Upper School

Kevin Estipular, Middle School

Jeneen Graham, Academic Dean Office

Lauren Hathorn, Lower School

Christie McMahon, Middle School

Erica O’Neill, Lower School

Amanda Wiersma, Academic Dean Office