Celebrating “All Girls Can Be” This Year

As student leaders took the podium in the courtyard of the Audrey Bruce Currier Library at Sunrise Service, each offered their own reflections. “All girls can be unique,” shared Head Prefect Hayley B. ’25. Fox Captain Ruby D. ’25 and Hound Captain Patty A. ’25 said all girls can be “adventurous” and “strong.” All girls can be “empowering” (Elizabeth P. ’25), “optimistic visionaries,” (Kyla P. ’26), and “resilient” (Michaela W. ’27). Student leaders selected these descriptors because they resonated with them in today’s world. Those sentiments also echo Foxcroft’s history of supporting young women to be themselves and live courageously for over a century.

Foxcroft’s incoming students were addressed by some of these same student leaders during the Opening Convocation just days before. Our “New Girls” sat with their families and listened to stories of self-discovery from confident young women who were once in their shoes, nervous about their first year at Foxcroft. Tashae’ let those girls know they were not in it alone; “All girls can be supportive and there for you when you need it.” Student Vice Head of School Sara W. ’25 encouraged an open mind. “All girls can be positive thinkers every day…, "she said. "It was a positive mindset that inspired me to run for this position. It opens doors and creates new opportunities.”

Understanding the nerves that come with starting something new, Chair of Honor Council Elise R. ’25 offered her own journey to becoming a confident student leader who takes advantage of opportunities she may have passed by when she was younger. “This year's theme is ‘All Girls Can Be…’ I believe it is up to the individual to fill in that blank, but in my case, I was able to become exactly what I least expected — a leader — and, thanks to all of you here today, a public speaker! Though you may be nervous now, you will soon discover that there is a place for everyone at Foxcroft, and you will grow in ways you never would have imagined elsewhere.” 

Head Prefect Hayley B. ’25’s remarks illustrated the journey new students have waiting in front of them. “Every student who walks the halls of Schoolhouse, travels the bumpy brick path to Brick House, and passes the line of cherry blossom trees along Ring Road holds within her a world of ambition. Each of you carries dreams and aspirations waiting to be discovered and brought to life. All girls can explore their interests with confidence, whether they lie in art, science, leadership, or any other field. Let this year be a journey of self-discovery, growth, and boundless achievement.”

In both her Convocation and Sunrise Service remarks, Head of School Cathy McGehee drew examples of Foxcroft's achievements from our community and alumnae. At Convocation, she spoke about the inspiration of female Olympians throughout history and of Miss Charlotte’s forward-thinking view of girls and sports during the time the modern Olympics were formed. During Sunrise Service, she remarked that “All girls can be heroes,” inspired by her summer reading The Women (Kristin Hannah) and the daily acts of Foxcroft’s Everyday Heroes, who are community members recognized for “doing great things” and living the School’s values. 

When reflecting on these remarks, a quote from Miss Charlotte comes to mind: “Keep up with the times, don’t be narrow, have few rules, good hard work, and much fun.” All girls can be hardworking, kind, supportive, and ambitious. They can rise to the challenges ahead of them in today’s world. The skills they gain through their Foxcroft education and from one another will set them up to be anything they want to be. Foxcroft girls, go show the world All Girls Can Be.