News & Calendar

School News

2023

  • May

    The Bollywood Dance at the AAPI Heritage Month Assembly.

    ASU’s AAPI Heritage Month Assembly 2023

    May is a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States. Last Friday at Emma Willard School, we gathered at an assembly full of important, entertaining, and informative programming from the Asian Student Union (ASU) to recognize AAPI culture in our country and institution.
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  • Neris, member of the May Court, and one of the many campus dogs, Maple.

    One of 360: Neris G. '23

    We wrap up our One of 360 series for this school year with a member of the senior class, Neris G. ’23. Read on to learn more about Neris’s four years at Emma and her passion for helping refugees in Turkey.
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  • Apollo 2023 on the lawn.

    BLSU Presents Apollo 2023

    Last Friday, Apollo, the annual talent show inspired by the Apollo Theatre held festival-style on the inner campus, took place on the lawn outside Dietel Library. Put together and pulled off by the Black Latinx Student Union (BLSU), the event is a chance for members of the community to show off their talents, share food, and enjoy a spring evening on the inner campus.
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  • Head of School Jenny Rao: “The story we celebrate today has a number of interesting and inspiring protagonists, each of whom has moved the plot of this story along in important ways.”

    Celebrating the Opening of Starzinger Writing Center

    It was standing-room-only in the upper level of Dietel Library on May 15 for the celebratory opening of Starzinger Writing Center. A collaborative effort between the English Department and alumnae Stephanie Sides ’73 and Page Starzinger ’76, the center will focus on nurturing our community of writers for generations to come.
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  • Pam with Dining Services Supervisor Liz Murray and Emma Dining General Manager Kevin Bayer.

    Four Questions with Pam Gordon: Dining Service with a Smile

    Pam Gordon is a member of the dining services staff at Emma Willard School. Pam came to Emma Willard in 2017 and, previously, worked running “Pam’s Day Care” from her home before joining the campus community. Pam is well-known among the student body for her kindness and warmth, and is a welcoming presence to the many diners who pass through Kellas Dining Hall every day. We asked Pam four questions about her time at Emma.
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  • 15 Emma Willard Students have been recognized through the National Merit Scholarship Awards program

    Celebrating National Merit Scholar Recognition

    Emma Willard School is excited to announce that Stella L. ’23 has been named a finalist for the 2022–2023 National Merit Scholarship. In addition, 14 students from the Class of 2024 have been recognized for the 2023–2024 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards.
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  • The group photo for 2023 Mock Revels!

    One More Time: Mock Revels

    “What I wouldn’t give to be in Revels one more time?” That was the sentiment that kicked off the 2023 Mock Revels performance. Normally held every four years, it’s been five since the last time employees took on their own roles and affectionately poked fun at what is perhaps the most beloved tradition at Emma Willard School.
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  • April

    Poet D. Colin and students share birthday cake for their final class together.

    Poetry for Social Change: Sides Visiting Writer D. Colin Teaches Poetry Class at the Starzinger Writing Center

    Early in the spring semester at Emma Willard School, students had the opportunity to participate in a class with one of the Capital Region’s esteemed poets: D. Colin, who read and spoke to students during last year’s Poetry Month celebrations, worked with four students over the course of several weeks to help them craft their voices and to employ poetry for social change.
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  • Head of School Jenny Rao celebrates with the Class of 2023 honorees

    Honoring Excellence, Citizenship, and Doing Good

    Emma Willard School celebrated academic excellence and exemplary citizenship at Honors Convocation on Friday, April 21. Families were invited to join the ceremony, both in person and through a live stream, and Katherine Smith ’14 gave the convocation address.
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  • Spring 2023 Campaign Newsletter Celebrates Progress

    In our first campaign newsletter, you’ll read about the impact of philanthropy on our Arts programs and see progress on the renovation and construction of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts. We hear from donors on what inspired them to give, celebrate our progress to date, and look back on the opening days of this historic campaign for the future of Emma Willard School.
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  • Mehar in one of her Media Arts creations entitled

    One of 360: Mehar S. ’24

    Our One of 360 series continues this month with Mehar S. ’24, a junior day student. Read on to learn more about Mehar’s Emma experience and her love of music and writing.
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  • Pins of the fallen: pin tag pins with names of participants.

    On Pins & Needles: Pin Tag at Emma Willard

    The mood is intense, people are on edge, danger lurks around every corner: it’s pin tag week at Emma Willard School. Employees and students from all areas are dressing accordingly, hiding out wherever they can, and ambushing their quarry all over Mount Ida.
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  • Ready for his close-up, campus dog Jurgie.

    A Day in the Life of an Emma Dog: Jurgie

    What fills a day in the life of an Emma dog? We’ve got you covered, looking at what fills a day on campus for the resident READY center aficionado: Jurgie. Jurgie’s person is the Director of READY Programs Evangeline Delgado, who took us for a jaunt around campus through his eyes!
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  • Dance students with Lucie Baker.

    Dance at Emma: Master Classes

    Each year Emma Willard School’s dance program hosts visiting artists to teach master classes. This year dance students took classes with dancers from ODC/Dance Company (and attended a performance of the ODC/Dance Company at SUNY Albany's Performing Arts Center) and Lucie Baker.
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  • The California AWAY trip enjoys the beautiful vista!

    Emma AWAY 2023: A World Awaits You!

    Emma Willard School’s AWAY trips give students opportunities to connect with communities and learning opportunities outside of Emma. This year’s trips have returned from their excursions (a Northeast College Tour, a trip to Washington DC for an exploration of human rights, to California for a look at public lands in the American west, and a civil rights tour of the American south) with great stories and photos to share.
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  • March

    Molly and the Admissions Team! (L-R: Michele Solimeno, Morgan Del Brocco, Molly Riley, Katie Myer, Kristen Mariotti, Mari Elizabeth Webb, and Jing Zhang Benavot)

    Four Questions with Molly Riley: Finding the Fun in Serious Business

    Molly Riley is assistant director of admissions at Emma Willard School and joined the team in January of this year. Previously, Molly worked at Emma as a House Parent (residential faculty) living with and supporting the school’s boarding student population. We asked Molly four questions about her role at Emma Willard.
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  • Winter sports: Basketball, Crew, Indoor Track and Field, and Ski Racing

    Winter Athletics Recognition

    Winter sports at Emma features basketball, indoor track and field, ski racing, and—new this year—winter crew. At the end of their season, the teams took some time to celebrate their successes and present awards. We invite you to learn about our stand-out student athletes from their coaches’ perspectives.
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  • Head of School Jenny Rao reflects on Women's History Month

    Reflecting on Women's History Month

    During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the voices and accomplishments of women around the globe in their efforts to shape our world.
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  • Moving Toward Wellness from the Fall 2022 issue of Signature magazine.

    Moving Toward Wellness

    In the following article from the Fall 2022 issue of Signature magazine, members of the athletics community share how Emma Willard School encourages students to participate in sports and physical activities to establish a foundation of good, healthy, lifelong pursuits. 
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  • A selection from the recent exhibitions—see the embedded slide shows for all of the art pieces, their titles, and artists.

    Celebrating Emma’s Visual Artists

    This winter, Emma students have expanded their horizons—winning honors from the Scholastic Arts Awards, Art in Three Dimensions competition, and even being a part of an exhibition at the Albany Institute of Art and History. 
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  • Emma Genius and the Educational Technology team regularly post tech and cybersecurity tips in key places across campus.

    Cybersecurity and Tech-cellence at Emma

    Last semester brought with it a variety of wins on the academic technology front at Emma. We’ve had continued success with our cybersecurity awareness training, and we’re seeing innovations in the use of technology across many disciplines on campus.
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  • The cast of The Earthling giving credit to the crew

    Devising The Earthling

    The Emma Willard School Theatre Department took a deep dive into devised theatre for their winter production, The Earthling. The story follows a time-and-space-traveling “Earthling” who arrives on Mars to help a small remnant of inhabitants solve their need for water.
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  • Photographs from the

    Visibility of Community: Anna Schupack ’18

    This past January, Dietel Gallery hosted an opening for “Visibility of Community,” a photography show from alum Anna Shupack ’18 in collaboration with the Emma Willard School branch of Democracy Matters. The exhibit includes interactive elements asking viewers to consider ‘what does democracy mean to you?’ and personal definitions of equity and inequity. Alongside opportunities to create protest art and write letters to local representatives on pertinent issues, Anna’s work showcases the activism in local communities especially during summer 2020. 
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  • February

    Emma Willard School's Black and Latinx Student Union (BLSU)

    BLSU Presents “Young, Black, and Gifted” - A Black History Month Celebration

    Yesterday, the Emma Willard School community united in a powerful tribute to the rich cultural legacy and historical contributions of Black Americans. With the theme "Young, Black, and Gifted," the BLSU's assembly illuminated the vibrancy of Black culture nationwide.
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  • We honor our founder, Emma Hart Willard, on her 236th birthday!

    Happy 236th to Emma Hart Willard!

    Yesterday we celebrated the 236th birthday of our founder, Emma Hart Willard, whose vision changed the American educational landscape for all women. The day included celebratory birthday cake, a fabulous presentation by Dorothy Wickenden, and a fundraising challenge to support The Emma Fund.
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  • Ava O. '25 and her mount Onyx, competing in the High childrens 15-17 jumper classic (1.15m). They jumped to 4th in the class in a very competitive group.

    Riding High: Practicum Equestrians Take Center Stage

    Dedication is a mandatory requirement for any athletic endeavor, but for equestrians there are unique challenges presented in a sport with equine teammates. Practicum, Emma Willard School’s independent study program, eliminates the hurdles riders face, allowing them to participate in the sport they love. Practicum equestrians Ava O. ’25, Caroline G. '23, and Isa J. '23, reflect on their time with the program.
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  • We spoke to three alums who were a part of an expert alum panel discussion during last year's Reunion.

    Invest in Yourself: The Key to Wellness for Women and Girls

    In the following article from the Fall 2022 issue of Signature magazine, alumnae experts from the Emma Willard community share their thoughts on pursuing wellness.
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  • Shakespeare & Company presents their Northeast tour of Romeo and Juliet

    Shakespeare & Company Presents Romeo and Juliet

    For the first time since 2019, Emma Willard School was excited to welcome Shakespeare & Company back to campus for an on-stage performance and workshop. As part of their Northeast Regional Tour of Romeo and Juliet, the company of seven actors each played multiple roles to stage the familiar tragedy with high energy and a touch of humor.
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  • Jill C. ’23, Sol H. ’24, Teresa Z. ’23, Manasa B. ’23, Evangeline W. ’23, Meli N. ’23, Pitta T. ’23, Ashlyn B. ’24, Cynthia Z. ’24, Narmene O. ’24, and Vernette B. ’24 received Hudson Valley Affiliate awards for Aspirations in Computing

    Continued Accolades for Emma’s Computer Scientists

    Regional results are now in, and Emma’s computer science students continue to be honored through the Hudson Valley affiliate of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). Eleven Emma students entered the Aspirations in Computing awards competition, and each of them won an award! In addition, Computer Science Instructor Chiara Shah was honored with the Hudson Valley Regional Educator Award. 
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  • Anna W. ’25 and JJ A. ’25 catching the sunset at the swimming dock.

    One of 360: Juliette “JJ” A. ’25

    As the temps continue to dip, we’re dreaming of starry summer nights in the Adirondacks with Juliette “JJ” A. ’25, a 10th grade boarder from Wallingford, CT. Read on to learn more about JJ’s trouble loving cats, the fun in celebrating the seasons, and the beauty of finding your voice.
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  • ASU and MIASU host traditional games and crafts

    Lunar New Year at Emma

    Lunar New Year is an important tradition in many cultures and is celebrated by millions of people around the globe. Marking the first new moon of the calendar year, Lunar New Year is observed in many different ways, and both the customs and duration of the holiday vary from one culture or country to another.
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  • January

    Head of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Christine Gilmore and Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion Gemma Halfi make up Emma Willard's School's Office of Equity and Inclusion

    The 21-Day Equity Challenge

    It’s 8 o’clock in the morning on a Sunday in late January, and an anticipated email pops into the inbox of every student and employee in the Emma Willard community—just as it has for the 12 days prior, and will continue to do for the 8 days following.
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  • Associate Director of College Counseling Xavier McKinzie

    Four Questions with Xavier McKinzie: De-Mystifying the College Search Process

    Xavier McKinzie is the associate director of college counseling at Emma Willard School. Xavier joined Emma Willard in 2022 and most recently worked in admissions and recruiting for higher education at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. We asked Xavier four questions about his start at Emma.
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  • A Message from Jenny Rao, January 2023

    Strategic Plan and Campaign Q&A with Jenny Rao

    There have been many exciting developments at Emma Willard School since authoring our five-year strategic plan Leading with Purpose in October of 2021 and in the wake of the public launch of Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School in May of 2022. Read on for a Q&A video from our Head of School Jenny Rao.
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  • Stella L. ’23, was recognized as one of the top 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars of 2023.

    Stella L. ’23 Named A Top 300 Scholar in the 82nd Regeneron Science Talent Search

    The nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition drew submissions from 1,949 students from 627 high schools across 48 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and four other countries this year. Emma Willard School senior, Stella L. ’23, was recognized as one of the top 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars of 2023.
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  • Head of Equity and Inclusion Christine Gilmore launches MLK Day activities at Emma Willard School

    A Vision of Equity: MLK Day 2023

    Each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Emma Willard School community gathers for special programming to honor his legacy. This year’s theme, “A Vision of Equity,” explored both Dr. King’s dream of equity for all, as well as the equity work that has been done and is still to come in a variety of intersecting areas.
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  • Natalia V. '24, Ximena G-C. '26, and Claris D. '25 after a soccer game this Fall.

    One of 360: Ximena G-C. '26

    Ringing in the first One of 360 of the new year is Ximena G-C. ‘26, a first year boarding student from Mexico City. Get to know more about Ximena’s love of soccer, family ties to Emma, and her first Revels experience. 
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  • Emma Willard School announced the public launch of a $175 million capital campaign that will support and strengthen the school’s commitment to girls’ education.

    A Year in Review: 2022 at Emma Willard School

    Just like the previous year, 2022 was a year of firsts, thoughtful reflections, and incredible celebrations. Join us in remembering a few of our favorite memories from the last year with our top ten moments from Emma News!
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  • Representatives from the Wellies—the student group who champions wellbeing on the Emma campus

    Be Well: Exploring Wellness on Mount Ida

    In the following article from the Fall 2022 issue of Signature magazine, the Wellies and adult leaders in Student Life reflect on the wellness of our community. 
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