On Friday, Hockaday alums returned to Hockaday for Alumnae Day. They spent a day on campus, visiting old friends and teachers and catching up.
Several members of the class of 2003, returning for their 10 year anniversary, participated in a panel discussion with the junior and senior class led by Ed Long. They answered questions about what their lives looked like after graduating from Hockaday in college and on their career paths. Kathryn McGarr ’03, one of the panel members, was at Hockaday earlier this year for the Author Series as author of the book The Whole Damn Deal: Robert Strauss and the Art of Politics.
Seniors found the panel helpful as they look forward to their freshman year of college in a few months. Juniors, starting the college process, also benefited from the panel as they have something to set their sights on.
“It was very helpful and we got an insight into our futures,” junior Shelby Cohron said. “It was inspiring to see how they reached their dreams and goals by exploring who they are and who they want to become.”
Later, the alumnae and several members of the senior class enjoyed a lunch in Penson Gym at which they were addressed by Head Mistress Kim Wargo. Wargo thanked the alumnae and faculty while praising Hockaday’s currents students.
Following tradition, several awards were presented: Alumnae Association Special Awards, Honorary Alum Award, and the Hockaday Medal Award.
The Alumnae Association Special Awards are the Outstanding Alumnae Volunteer and the Ellen Higginbotham Rogers Award for Excellence.
The Outstanding Alumnae Volunteer is given to a member of the Alumnae Association who has shown dedication to The Hockaday School through volunteer service. This year’s recipients were Natalie “Schatzie” Henderson Lee ’55 and Katherine Rogers Roberts ’89.
The Ellen Higginbotham Rogers Award for Excellence is awarded to a member of the Hockaday staff or faculty who has truly made an impact and lasting impression on his or her students. This year’s finalists were Janet Bilhartz, Robert Kallos, and Andre Stipanovic.
After taking a break to enjoy some well-missed chess pie, a dish Hockaday is famous for, former technology superheroes Peggy and Richard Bradley received the Honorary Alum Award. This award is presented to members of the Hockaday community who have shown loyalty and love for their school.
Towards end the ceremony, Hockaday’s prestigious Medal Award, which is given to a former student who has demonstrated excellence in their respective field, was presented to Kay Carter Fortson ’52.
Fortson, who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, dedicated her life to the Kimbell Museum and turned it into a success, is also a Trustee Emeritus on the Texas Christian university Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee of Performing Arts Fort Worth. Beside her busy, successful career, she and her husband have four grown children, eleven grand-children, and one great-grandchild.
For Fortson, it all began as a border at Hockaday, as the president of Entre Nous and as a member of the Green Team.
It all begins somewhere, and for these alumnae, that “somewhere” is Hockaday. Remembering and celebrating each of their beginnings here is what Alumnae Day is all about.
– Anisha and Alexis
