Class of 2026 honorees led the procession of faculty in their regalia into Klingentstein Concert Hall. Head of School Dr. Karen Lassey opened with remarks on what makes this particular ceremony significant in the life of the school: “We acknowledge, clearly and distinctly, the habits we hold dear and the values we honor as a school community. I ask that all of us listen carefully to the citations you will hear read, as I hope the words will inspire us in our quests to be our best selves.”

Following Dr. Lassey’s remarks, violinist Magdalena C. ’28 shared a riveting performance of Bach’s Preludio from Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006.

 

Hannah Bower ’10 was this year’s special guest speaker for Honors Convocation. Hannah has mentored several Emma students in STEM over the years and is currently a program manager for collaboration tools at GE Vernova. She was previously a combustion engineer at the GE Vernova Advanced Research Center, General Electric Global Research Center, and the German Aerospace Center, where she worked on innovative, interdisciplinary technologies for the aviation and power industries. She has authored papers on the development of pollutant-reducing combustor systems and served as the lead test engineer for the Department of Energy's high-temperature additive architectures. She holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of Maryland and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine.

Hannah’s talk, entitled “Your Invisible Toolbox,” reflected on the tools that Emma Willard students are equipped with and how they can impact their future. From the ability to persevere to the moral compass informed by the diversity of our community, Hannah explained how the Emma experience prepares students for the possibilities and achievements that lie ahead. 

 

Among the tools that Hannag shared was an acknowledgment of the ways Emma alumnae lift one another up: “When you step off that stage at graduation in a few weeks, you gain an immense support system you never realized you had. You know of the students on campus with you now, but what you will realize is that you have so many more teammates than you thought possible. If you are ever in need, I think you may be surprised at how willing EWS alums are to chat with, aid, or mentor a fellow alumna. We drop the ladder down for more to join, instead of pulling the ladder up behind us—and that is special.”

Following Hannah’s speech, each award recipient was honored with the reading of their citation. Academic Dean Dr. Esther Dettmar introduced the nominees for the Laurels Award, which celebrates excellence in academic achievement over time and in multiple disciplines. Laurels are awarded to seniors who are nominated by faculty for best exemplifying the habits of an intellectual life. These students pursue learning for its own sake, think boldly and innovatively, demonstrate enduring understanding, and prize the exploration of ideas above all else. Dr. Lassey read personalized citations for each Laurels recipient. They are:  Emily C., Stacy C., Lucia H., Zoë J., Candy L., Keya M., Abbi P. R., Grace S., and Ava V.

Dean of Students Shelley Maher then introduced the Emma Willard “E.W.” Award. This award is given to seniors who are nominated by the faculty, houseparents, their peers, and the administration. These students embody the school’s mission and have shaped the community for the better. They demonstrate character and moral strength, nurture a feeling of belonging and fun for all, lead others with intention and inspiration, and/or amplify voices and perspectives to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive community. The recipients for this year’s EW Award are: Bilan A., Rachel D., Zahari F., Fiona K., Renata L., Marin M., Akinka M., Elsa M., and Maela N.

 

Dr. Dettmar closed the program with the presentation of the Madelyn Levitt and Linda Glazer Toohey Award for Faculty Excellence. Determined by student and faculty nominations, this annual recognition honors full-time faculty members who consistently demonstrate a commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the care and wellbeing of our students in every forum. For lifting the spirits of everyone in their classes, going to great lengths to make sure that every student feels supported and confident, focusing on wellness over winning, and giving 100% to every aspect of Emma they touch, this year’s Levitt-Toohey Award went to Science Instructor and Cross Country Coach Megan Labbate, who also holds the Sara Lee Schupf Family Chair in Curriculum Excellence And Innovation.

 

We congratulate all of this year’s awardees for their hard work and commitment to the Emma community!

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If you would like to view the live stream archive of the event, it may be viewed here. Photos are available on SmugMug.