Favorite activities: Ladies in Blue (student-led a cappella group), day prefect, Saint Mary's lacrosse and cross country teams, dance classes, shop1842 Club, Marshall
Favorite class: Honors Intermediate French “I’m interested in French culture and language and am going to France with Saint Mary’s as part of an exchange program – can’t wait to meet French students. And my French teacher, Madame Belknap, is awesome!”
Favorite dining hall meal:
Crispy chicken sandwiches
Favorite Saint Mary’s tradition: Dropping of the handkerchief “Happens every year when the Chief Marshall closes the school year with the dropping of the handkerchief on Smedes Hall patio. It brings us back to our past. It’s a beautiful image and exciting because it ties everything together – ending of a school year and the start of new beginnings.”
Having the chance to be in a place where she and her friends can relax and be themselves is important to Margaret. “Being around boys is fine, but without boys here on campus everything feels so much more open. Everyone feels comfortable with themselves and open to expressing themselves any way they want to – through art, their clothes, athletics. I really enjoy it.”
The all-girl experience makes a difference in the classroom, too. “Everything is more comfortable in the classroom. You’re not afraid to ask a question, you’re not worried about debating with each other in class. There’s a feeling of equality and it takes the pressure off. Teachers are dedicated to the all-girls program and want you to be the best that you can be. They know you personally and know your strengths and weaknesses. They help you find what you’re good at and then let you do it on your own, but are always there to guide you. They nourish you and focus on you and then all you have to do is go out into the world and do your thing!” And it’s not just the teachers that help girls succeed at Saint Mary’s. Margaret likes the way girls help girls “to reach the highest levels they can.”
Margaret also feels a special sisterhood at Saint Mary’s, and has come to understand why generations of women continue to treasure their Saint Mary’s experience and what it has meant in their lives. “So many alums come back every year because they feel connected to this place and to the ‘sisters’ they’ve made here. We all wear the school ring and wherever you go, you may meet someone with a Saint Mary’s ring and instantly share a connection with them – you have an instant friend because of Saint Mary’s. It’s a very special connection you hold with you the rest of your life.”
Following in the footsteps of the young women who came before her, Margaret has found that...
“...being at Saint Mary’s lets you really focus on your own individual power, girl power – you feel ready to go out and conquer the world.”
Applications are now open for the Young Women's Leadership Institute (YWLI) at Saint Mary's School. This all-girls, two-week elite summer camp--in partnership with Duke University--is a certificate program designed to empower high school girls through extensive leadership training and skills enhancement.