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Emma News: A Year in Review (2021)

2021 was a year of many firsts, deep reflections, and incredible celebrations. While we have collectively battled against the odds, together we have come out victorious. Join us in remembering a few of our favorite memories from the last year!

While the winter Revelry was missed, the spirit could not be diminished. The Class of 2021 hit the red carpet in style for the very first Revels film!


Rao Rumbles: What do you do when you feel like you're unqualified?
"Finding yourself in a place of feeling unqualified gives you the opportunity to grow beyond where you’ve been." - Head of School Jenny Rao during Rao Rumbles.
Musical Synergy, a student run ensemble, fought against the restrictions of the global pandemic to create the perfect harmony.

Prom in October? Halloween brought the right kind of weird this year.

Mika F. '22 shared her journey from Sparta, NJ to Troy, NY! Did you know she's a twin?!
Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Gemma Halfi shared a powerful message about beauty and body positivity through a letter she wrote to her daughter.
Emma Willard School welcomed alumna Sierra Crane Murdoch ‘05 for a virtual Speaker Series event highlighting her first book, Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Woman's Search for Justice in Indian Country.
The Jesters Swimming and Diving team captured the first Colonial Council Championship in school history, dominating the field by 30 points!

Emma Willard School faculty celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
After a challenging, yet victorious year, the Emma Willard School community joyfully celebrated the Class of 2021 at the 207th Commencement!
"I salute you. I admire you. I am so very, very proud of you. Congratulations on your achievement. I can’t wait to see what you do next." - Joshunda Sanders '96 during her Honors Convocation address to the Class of 2021.


Alongside Head of School Jenny Rao, the Administrative Team at Emma is the backbone of our organizational structure and stewards the vision of the school. In 2021 we were pleased to announce four new additions to the Emma Willard School Administration!

    • The Revels Film Premier in Spring 2021.

    • New members of the Emma Willard School Administration team joined our community this year.

    • Gemma Halfi gave an inspirational speech, "Reclaiming Beauty."

    • Sierra Crane Murdoch '05 spoke to the school about her book.

What's Next?


Our Mission

Honoring its founder’s vision, Emma Willard School proudly fosters in each young woman a love of learning, the habits of an intellectual life, and the character, moral strength, and qualities of leadership to serve and shape her world.
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Welcome to Emma Willard School, a private day and boarding high school for girls in Troy, NY, and a leader in girls' education for over 200 years. 

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