Dear Stone Ridge Community,

Each year, as I witness the growth of our girls and young women at Stone Ridge, I gain an even deeper appreciation for our all-girls school and the impact it has had on raising women of faith, courage, and confidence for more than 100 years now. As I approach my 40th Reunion this April, that gratitude is felt deeply both from a personal perspective as an alumna and from the perspective of my 36 years as an educator.

As a student at Stone Ridge, the message was unmistakable. Our foundress, Madeleine Sophie Barat, believed deeply that educating girls would transform families, communities, and the world. That belief came to life in countless ways each day. We were taught to speak with confidence—to offer a firm handshake, look people in the eye, and stand up and share our ideas. We were encouraged to lead, expected to participate, and held accountable for our choices. In this all-girls environment, there was no question about who would lead, who would speak, or who would take initiative—we all would.

"The strength of an all-girls education lies not only in what is taught, but in what is expected, encouraged, and normalized: that girls’ voices matter, that their leadership is essential, and that they are capable of shaping the world around them."

The lessons were clear: work hard, build capacity for self-discipline, live your faith, take a chance, demonstrate respect, step forward with courage, and use your gifts in service of the common good. It was here that I began to develop the confidence and conviction that have shaped my life.

As I reflect now, I see how powerful that experience was—not only for me, but for generations of young women who have come through these halls before and after me. The strength of an all-girls education lies not only in what is taught, but in what is expected, encouraged, and normalized: that girls’ voices matter, that their leadership is essential, and that they are capable of shaping the world around them.

This issue of the magazine highlights both the power of all-girls education and one of the Sacred Heart Goals that has been a focal point this year, Goal III: a social awareness which impels to action. Across classrooms, programs, and co-curricular experiences, our students are not only engaging with complex issues but also learning to respond with empathy, courage, and conviction. The stories you will read reflect a community committed to forming students who think critically, act justly, and lead with faith and purpose.

One of the highlights of the winter was our opportunity to host the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools regional symposium in early February. Welcoming educators and leaders to our campus was both an honor and a powerful affirmation of the importance of all-girls education.

The conversations and collaborations underscored the strength of our national and global network and our shared responsibility to advance the voices of girls and young women. It was a moment of pride for Stone Ridge and a reminder of the collective impact of schools like ours.

This winter also brought an epic stretch of unusually cold temperatures and snowfall so dense and stubborn—more like concrete than powder—that it earned the nickname “snowcrete.” As the season shifts and our beloved cherry trees and Hamilton House gardens begin to spring to life, we are looking ahead with excitement to important developments on our campus. Within the next few months, we will break ground on four new tennis courts, and over the summer, we will replace the turf field on Gator Field—projects that will enhance the daily experience of our students and support our robust athletics program.

These improvements represent just the beginning of an ambitious vision for our campus. In the coming year, we look forward to launching a transformative project to add a new wing to our Upper School, renovate existing facilities, and reimagine how the historic gardens can be incorporated into daily school life. Our current work on this capital project is focused on research, design, and securing leadership-level gifts. With that momentum, we plan to launch our capital campaign next winter. There will be much more information to come, and we look forward to bringing our entire community together to support this exciting effort—both through philanthropy and with a spirit of shared enthusiasm. Stone Ridge will continue to thrive—and to form extraordinary young women—through the shared investment of this community.

We are equally grateful for the generosity of our broader community, whose support sustains and strengthens the ongoing operations and access to Stone Ridge year after year. While capital campaigns support specific one-time projects, The Stone Ridge Fund (our Annual Fund) supports the operating budget within each academic year in order to sustain programming and support our financial aid program. If you have not yet made your gift to the Annual Fund, I invite you to do so at this time. Your participation—at any level—makes a meaningful difference and is a powerful expression of your belief in our mission and our students.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say a word about our faculty and staff before signing off. I recently attended the funeral services of Dr. Ellie Heginbotham, a legendary Stone Ridge teacher, who taught in our Upper School for many years. I don’t know an alumna who had Dr. Heginbotham and was not deeply impacted by her. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the profound influence of teacher‐student relationships—especially in an all‐girls environment.

Similarly, our current faculty and staff are truly second to none—committed, mission-centered educators who care deeply about the intellectual and personal growth of every student. Their dedication, creativity, and steadfast belief in our girls create a culture where students find their voices, develop confidence, and grow into leaders. They understand the unique, transformative power of an all-girls education and work intentionally to ensure that each student is known, challenged, and inspired. I stand in awe and deep admiration of their work, and I am honored to serve alongside them.

As you read this issue, I hope you will see what I see each day: girls and young women who are deeply engaged, intellectually curious, and increasingly confident in their ability to lead and make a difference. There is much to celebrate, and even more to look forward to as we bring this year to a close—and as we continue the vital work of educating girls to change the world. ❤

With gratitude,

Catherine Ronan Karrels ’86

Head of School