NonProfit Org U.S. POSTAGE PAID Baltimore, MD P.O. Box 8000 Permit No. 1608 11232 Falls Road GIRLS SCHOOL FOR PAUL’S ST. Brooklandville, Maryland 21022-8000 SPIRITUSTHE MAGAZINE OF ST. PAUL'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS WINTER 2020–2021 St. Paul’s School for Girls educates hearts and minds in an inclusive community that is grounded in the Episcopal values of respect, integrity, and spiritual growth. We empower voice, nurture intellectual curiosity and creativity, and inspire confident leaders who serve in the world. ALUMNAE, SAVE THE DATE! GREEN & WHITE WEEKEND 2021 APRIL 30–MAY 1 WINTER 2020–2021 We look forward to celebrating milestone reunions for classes ending in 1 and 6! Additional details are forthcoming. If you are interested in planning your class’ reunion, contact Haley Brown Mahonski ’99 in the Development Office at [email protected]. From Crisis to Building a Better Spotlight on Creativity Community STEAM page 4 page 14 page 20 THE ST. PAUL’S SCHOOLS Donor Profile A Message from the Head of School BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020–2021 The Rev. Mark A. Stanley, Rector Joseph L. Sutton ’88, Chair Elise A. Butler ’83, Vice-Chair David R. Dunn, Vice-Chair Qiana Wells-Haridat and Raj Haridat Jefferson P. Huang, Ph.D., President Brian C. Nelson, Treasurer Dana M. Foley, Secretary When the Haridats picked up their oldest daughter, Chelsea Phyllis Oddoye Bull Haridat ’24, from her shadow day at St. Paul’s School for Girls, Kim Goetze Burch ’79 it was clear she had a future as a Gator. Timothy Burdette ’88 William B. Chambers ’72 “She told me, ‘It feels like home here. We don’t need to visit George Russell Croft ’92 Michael Dockman anywhere else,’” Qiana Wells-Haridat recalls. Carlos Fernandez ’85 Kathleen O’Connell Gavin ’79 And it wasn’t just Chelsea who felt at home. The entire Stephen W. Guy Haridat family felt embraced by the SPSG community. So Keith L. Murray R. Carl Pohlhaus ’83 much so that a year later, their younger daughter, Natalie Dear St. Paul’s School for Girls Community, Michael L. Ponsi ’83 Haridat ’26, became a Gator as well. Kelly Nocher Riepe ’01 Nothing could have prepared us for 2020. As I reflect on the challenges we have faced, the innovation Andrew D. Sawyers Since joining the community in 2017, the family’s connection to Joshua Scheinker ’92 SPSG has grown deeper. “Every step of the way we’ve continued to of our faculty and staff, and the resilience of our students, I know it is the bold and courageous spirit of Laura Scornavacca Schuebel ’91 this community that has carried us through this extraordinary time. Sarah Schweizer be impressed by the school’s commitment to quality of education, Joan Smith values, community, and sisterhood,” Raj says, noting that in addition Last March, as we transitioned to distance learning, we never imagined that this period would extend Michael D. Sullivan to academic excellence, SPSG prepares its students “to be great for months. We had to innovate quickly, reimagining every aspect of school. Teachers quickly became Nicole B. Swann Qiana Wells-Haridat, Chelsea Haridat ’24, Raj Haridat, and Natalie Haridat ’26 human beings.” experts in virtual instruction, and students figured out how to connect with friends and faculty through Ann Teaff Scott R. Winn screens. Our class of 2020 continued to lead the school with spirit despite an unexpected end to their From the beginning, the whole family got involved through events, extracurricular activities, Evelyn A. Flory, Ph.D., Honorary senior spring, and in June, they experienced an unprecedented commencement ceremony in the Robert W. Hallett, Honorary and fundraising. Harper Graduation Garden. The start of this new academic year brought more change—masks, six feet James A. C Kennedy, Emeritus “No matter how much you “The school works hard to establish and foster a sense of community. It came naturally in between desks, and enhanced cleaning protocols—but it is all worth it to be together on campus. Andrea B. Laporte, Emerita Lila B. Lohr, Honorary have, there will always be many ways,” Raj says. “It’s a great parent community, as well. We’ve established some great In this issue of Spiritus, you will read about our response to Covid-19 and the opportunities we John T. (Jack) Ordeman †, Honorary friendships with people who share similar values.” Mary Ellen Thomsen, Honorary someone who has more, and continue to provide for our students (page 4). You will read about the schools’ ongoing commitment to Mary Frances Wagley †, Honorary For the Haridats, giving to the school came just as naturally. With SPSG, they see the impact the fundamental work surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) (page 14) and expanding DEI Winter 2020–2021 Contributors way too many who have so of their donations firsthand. “It feels selfish, almost,” Qiana says with a smile, pointing to initiatives—curricular and beyond—at SPSG. You will discover how SPIRITUS Scholars are solving Head of School much less. We want them to opportunities their daughters have benefitted from that wouldn’t be possible without donor real world problems (page 20) and how middle school students pitch their own business concepts Ereni Gleason Malfa ’89 support, like trips to Echo Hill Camp and Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center. “Through during Minimester (page 24). Finally, I am thrilled to introduce a new STEAM initiative that will Editorial Director understand the role they play. these experiences, they have to support each other. They do the things they don’t think they ensure all students have a background in computer science concepts when they graduate from SPSG Ellen Gibson Maybe you can’t give time but can,” Qiana continues. “It feels easy to give because the fruit of that gift is presented in (page 22). Our students have access to big opportunities every day—opportunities made possible by Managing Editor our children.” your generosity and support. Alexis Blair ’08 you can give money, or the Editorial Offices Seeing the impact of SPSG alumnae in the world also inspires the Haridat family’s I cannot close this letter without taking a moment to remember Mary Frances Wagley, SPSG’s second 11232 Falls Road reverse. We try to do both. philanthropy. “We’re seeing the fruits of the school’s labor in their graduates,” Raj says. head of school, and the tremendous impact she had on our joyful sisterhood. Many of the traditions we P.O. Box 8000 Brooklandville, MD 21022 We want them to be a part of “It’s important for us to see that our daughters have the same opportunities that those cherish today were established under her leadership, and she personally touched the lives of 44 Wagley 443-632-1028 esteemed alumnae have had.” Scholars to date. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with Mrs. Wagley over the last year change in this world.” Contributors Supporting the school is an investment in the potential of all SPSG students, not just their own. and a half. We talked about many things, including the fact that the science wing was established at Sue Depasquale “It feels like a genuine approach to unlock our daughters’ potential and help them discover SPSG under her headship and will be reenvisioned and expanded while I have the privilege of serving Rebecca Kirkman – Qiana Wells-Haridat what they love to do,” Raj says of the SPSG experience. “By giving, we know we’re funding the our school. Mrs. Wagley’s legacy will not be forgotten at SPSG. Christine Langr Haley Brown Mahonski ’99 opportunity to expose our daughters and other kids to a lot more of those opportunities.” I am proud to share this issue of Spiritus with you, and I am grateful for your continued support of Dottie Mitchell ’81 Christie Moag SPSG and The St. Paul’s Schools. We truly are stronger together. Giving back is a way of life for the Haridats, who inherited the values of hard work and Kimberly Stevenson Parks ’86 philanthropy from their parents. “It’s the way we grew up,” Qiana says. “It’s important to us Nancy Stromberg Edee Waller to give back to the community.” Photography They hope to instill those same values in their daughters. “No matter how much you have, Anna Clifford ’07 there will always be someone who has more, and way too many who have so much less,” Qiana Ereni Gleason Malfa ’89 Wilson Freeman Head of School Galeone Photographers says. “We want them to understand the role they play. Maybe you can’t give time but you can John Davis Photography give money, or the reverse. We try to do both. We want them to be a part of change in this world.” On the cover: Left to right, Cat Caples ’21, Karenna Laufer ’21, and Kendall Steer ’22 welcome students back to SPSG for in-person learning † deceased Spiritus is published by St. Paul’s School for Girls. Reader comment, as well as information of interest, is always welcome. Notification of change of address may be sent to the Development Office. St. Paul’s School for Girls makes every effort to include all submitted Class Notes but reserves the right to edit for clarity, length, and content. St. Paul’s School for Girls does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions and financial aid policies, employment practices, and other school-administered programs. 105 4 14 27 53 From Crisis to Building a Better Donor Impact Report Class Notes Creativity Community 2019–2020 Meeting the challenge of Covid-19 A commitment from St.