St. Catherine's School

☀️ We are kicking off summer with some friendly competition! It has been great having our lacrosse and basketball athletes on campus this week, and we can't wait to see campers next week when we officially kick off Brilliant Summer! ☀️

Last night at Portico, our cherished end-of-year faculty and staff celebration, we had the privilege of honoring three retiring Saints: Doug Bader, Judy Hawthorne and Pam Shelor.

With more than two decades of dedicated service each, these Saints have made an extraordinary impact on our community. While “thank you” hardly feels sufficient to express our gratitude, we celebrate their remarkable contributions and the lasting legacy they leave behind.

During his time at St. Catherine's, Mr. Bader has taught a wide range of English classes as well as AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics. He also developed and led our semester-long Entrepreneurship course for a decade.

Judy joined the team as Alumnae Director. For more than two decades, she served as a steady and welcoming presence for generations of alumnae, helping them remain meaningfully connected to St. Catherine’s. In 2014, she transitioned into the role of Senior Development Officer, where she continued to nurture and strengthen the many relationships she has built across our community.

Since joining the faculty in 2003, Ms. Shelor has taught Upper School Art Foundations and Drawing classes as well as all levels of Middle School Art. Through her creativity, encouragement and steady presence in the classroom, she has helped generations of students develop both artistic skills and confidence in their own expression.

June is Pride Month. At St. Catherine's, we celebrate the many identities, experiences, and stories that make our community stronger. We are proud to be a school where every student is seen, valued and supported for who they are.

Together, we honor the courage, resilience and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals, while continuing to build a culture of belonging, respect and inclusion for all.

Happy Pride Month!

The Class of 2030 graduated from Middle School today!

As they reflected on their four years in Washington Hall, the memories that stood out most were field trips — especially the beloved 8th Grade Bay Trip — advisory challenges, classroom “aha” moments, performances on the stage and spirited competition on the field.

It was a joy to celebrate this remarkable group of girls and everything they have accomplished together. Upper School, here they come!

St. Catherine's is the grateful recipient of a grant in support of our Math and Science program. Thank you to Woodfin Heating Inc. and ExxonMobil Corporation for their continued support of St. Catherine's and our students!

More Than a Month: AAPI History Lives at St. Catherine’s
Kefu Dorion, LS Mandarin Chinese teacher

In preparing for AAPI Heritage Month, I have been reflecting on how deeply rooted Asian and Chinese presence is in the story of St. Catherine’s. Long before many schools in our region began thinking globally, St. Catherine’s was already welcoming international voices into its classrooms.

In 1964, Mrs. Lucile Tang Liu, a teacher originally from China, joined the faculty and brought not only her expertise in Chinese history, but also a lived cultural perspective that enriched the community. In a photo from that time, you can see students walking with her across campus, carrying books: a simple moment that reflects the kind of Asian cultural exchange that has long been part of the St. Catherine’s experience.

St. Catherine’s formally introduced its Mandarin Chinese program in 1986—noted in St. Catherine’s News (Oct. 1986) as the launch of the school’s Chinese language offering for Upper School students. This is also when it’s recognized as the first school in the region to do so.

From the archives, we also meet students like Ok Hyung Kim, a Korean student whose story reflects the quiet courage of navigating a new language and culture while finding her place at St. Catherine’s.

In a 1953 Peg article, she is described not just as a student from abroad, but as someone actively bridging worlds—learning, adapting, and sharing her own background with those around her.

Visiting educators like Mr. Zhang in the 1980s shared Chinese language and culture with warmth and authenticity, while Lower School classrooms introduced students to the language through careful brushstroke practice.

These snapshots remind us that this work has always been about people, the stories, identities, and connections that shape our community.

Today, this legacy continues to grow, honoring those who came before us by strengthening AAPI connections and helping our students see themselves as part of a broader, shared story.

(Kefu is pictured on the last slide participating in a panel discussion titled “What Does Liberty Mean to You?”, hosted by The Valentine and the St. John’s Church Foundation.)

Today we celebrated the incredible Class of 2026! 🎓 Their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments have made us so proud. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things they will do next. Congratulations!

Third Photo:
2026 June Queen, Maeve Parker
2026 June Scholar, Anna Jane Reed

Congratulations to St. Christopher’s Class of 2026!