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Emma Willard School launched its 213th academic year with insights from Head of School Dr. Karen Lassey, learned during her summer foray into plumbing. Wisdom shared by Dean of Academics Dr. Esther Dettmar, introductions of new faculty, and reflections in verse from Dean of Students Shelley Maher set the community on a common course for the new year.
Led by Sophia A-M. ’27, mace bearer and class president, and Athletic Director Liz Parry, wearer of the red hat, led faculty in the processional into Klingenstein Concert Hall for the first formal event of the 2026–2027 school year.
Following the processional of faculty, accompanied by the Tri-City Brass, Phoebe Z. ’28 delivered a riveting performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Prelude, Op. 23, No. 5.
Dr. Dettmar welcomed the community to the academic year by sharing a lesson learned from her parents’ recent move to the northeast: “A change of context is all it takes for even the wisest among us to be rendered a novice once more.” Quoting psychologist Angela Duckworth, Dr. Dettmar explained that a willingness to ask for help is crucial to achievement and success.
“Leaning into the unknown is easier if you’re willing to ask questions—even questions that might humble you. [...] Ultimately, asking for what you need—whether it’s a simple piece of information or a big favor—helps create community by bringing people together.” —Dr. Esther Dettmar, Dean of Academics
Head of School Dr. Karen Lassey then delivered her opening address to the Emma community, inspiring all with an approach to trying new challenges this year:
Head of School Dr. Karen Lassey
[...] We are about to begin an academic year that will be full of excitement, goals you set for yourself, and trepidation. Opportunity and obstacles. There will be opportunities for you to discover—discover ideas and passions that inspire you. Opportunities to try things you have never tried before. There will be obstacles that may frustrate you or make you fearful. In those moments, be patient with yourselves. Give yourself a pep talk. Give others a pep talk. Take the time to plan and think. Forgive yourself when you make a mistake. Face your fears, a little at a time. Be curious. Make use of your resources. Collaborate with others.
Following Dr. Lassey’s remarks, Dr. Dettmar introduced the student body to new faculty and Student Life Team members:
- Dr. Alison Chanslor, French Instructor
- Olivia Melkonian, Houseparent
- Shannon Robinson, Science Instructor
- Olivia Sterantino, Science Fellow
- Maxwell Trask, Math Instructor
- Ayshea Wild, English Instructor
- Alex Wray, Houseparent
- Maddy Yardumian, English Fellow
Dean of Students Shelley Maher has made a tradition of sharing poetry for her closing thoughts to open each school year. This year’s selection was “The World We Make” by Alfred Grant Walton; this excerpt provides a glimpse of the sentiment:
We make the world in which we live
By what we gather and what we give,
By our daily deeds and the things we say,
By what we keep or we cast away.
[…]
We make our world by the goals we pursue,
By the heights we seek and the higher view,
By hopes and dreams that reach the sun
And a will to fight till the heights are won.
(1938, public domain)
The latest edition of the Emma community joined together in the alma mater, the first opportunity for many to learn these soon-to-be-familiar words. The Class of 2027 led the community in ushering in the new year with an enthusiastic “SHALL BE!”
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View the full recording of Academic Convocation on the live feed archive.
See photos from Opening Week and Convocation on our SmugMug!
Sophia A-M. ’27 and Dean of Students Shelley Maher prepare to process in to Academic Convocation
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