Alumnae marshals from many years gathered with current marshals in Smedes-Emory Parlor to share stories, compare marshal attire through the years, and celebrate this beloved Saint Mary's tradition. Hosted by the 2016-2017 marshals, the luncheon was created by the current girls to be a celebration of the great marshal tradition at Saint Mary's.
Intelligent, capable, gracious, efficient, poised, and dignified! These are the words used to describe marshals through the years at Saint Mary's.
Being elected a marshal is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a Saint Mary's girl. Six seniors are elected each year to serve the school as ushers, greeters, procession leaders, attendance takers at assembly, ambassadors at special events. Known for their iconic white dresses and blue and white sashes, they add just the perfect touch to formal occasions, such as commencement, when the chief marshal closes the year with the dropping of the handkerchief and the declaration of the closing of the current academic session. The marshals also maintain order at all formal student assemblies and chapel services.
Alumnae marshals from many years gathered with current marshals in Smedes-Emory Parlor to share stories, compare marshal attire through the years, and celebrate this beloved Saint Mary's tradition. Hosted by the 2016-2017 marshals, the luncheon was created by the current girls to be a celebration of the great marshal tradition at Saint Mary's.
There were mother-daughter marshals and sister marshals in attendance at the reunion luncheon, reinforcing that Saint Mary's traditions live on through families and through the ages.
"Being elected to serve as one of six marshals is truly one of the biggest honors at Saint Mary's School that a girl can receive and it has been this way since the beginning," says Chief Marshal Hope Voelkel '17. "The position carries a lot of meaning behind it and it is one to be proud of. It was so cool to meet and hear stories from women of all different ages about their time as a marshal and with their group of six girls. Although they revealed slight changes to the position regarding attire/hats, one thing seemed to be repeated by all—and that was just how special the position was to them while serving and how blessed they still feel to this day about being elected. The bond with the other girls and the appreciation for the school could not have been possible if it weren't for the position. It is our hope that the reunion will become an annual tradition that will continue to grow and expand, so that we can come back too and attend one."
Thanks to the 2016-2017 marshals: Hope Voelkel '17, chief marshal; Ella Bristow '17; Jane Ives '17; Leann Kelly '17; Vaughan Poole '17; and Ashton Vermillion '17; for creating such a wonderful event!