Westover School Celebrates 118th Convocation
Convocation opens each school year with joy by centering community, celebrating the Westover experience, embracing the unknown, and acknowledging the growth that will take place throughout the year for every student seated in Chapel.
Several community members stepped forward to address the student body, faculty and staff. This year, we heard from Claire Y. ’27, who was elected by her classmates, and Math Teacher Jenny Green, in addition to Associate Head of School Dr. Catherine Stines and Head of School Polly Fredlund P’25.
Each speech reflected on unique experiences, and together, these words of wisdom and stories relay what it means to be a student at Westover. Being a Westover student means to welcome challenges, cheer on friends, empower one's self and peers and, as Claire pointed out, taking action for dreams to come true.
Each speech reflected on unique experiences, and together, these words of wisdom and stories relay what it means to be a student at Westover. Being a Westover student means to welcome challenges, cheer on friends, empower one's self and peers and, as Claire pointed out, taking action for dreams to come true.
Following Convocation’s speeches was the presentation of student academic and character awards and faculty and staff award. We are proud to share this year’s recipients.
Westover Scholastic Award – Emery Z. ’28
The Westover Scholastic Awards goes to the returning student who has the highest average for the preceding year, regardless of class.
Sexton-Walker Scholarship Award – Lara S. ’27
The Sexton-Walker Scholarship Award goes to the returning student who, in the opinion of the faculty and administration, has made excellent use of their abilities and the opportunities available to them and who possesses the character, the spirit, and the will to persevere in reaching their goals.
Doolittle-Markham Scholarship Award – Nina W. ’27
The Doolittle-Markham Scholarship Award is presented to an academically outstanding Senior. This award is also based on personal qualities and contribution to school life.
Elizabeth M. and Joseph L. Molder Scholarship Award – Susan K. ’27
The Elizabeth M. and Joseph L. Molder Scholarship Award goes to a student who has attended Westover for at least two years. They must be capable academically and possess personal qualities such as enthusiasm for life and learning, integrity, concern for others, self-discipline, resiliency, and a sense of fairness.
Margaret Love Stevens Chair for Moral and Ethical Education Award – Sarah “TW” Tracy-Wanck, Director of Global Programs and English Teacher
The Margaret Love Stevens Chair for Moral and Ethical Education Award is presented to a member of Westover’s faculty and staff, selected by a vote of the faculty and staff, on the basis of the person’s efforts to the following cause:
The School’s focus on the character of education of its students is woven into every aspect of daily life––not just in the classroom and the Chapel, but on its playing fields and gymnasium, along the dormitory corridors, and in the dining hall, in student government debates and in club meeting discussions, in excursions beyond the walls of the school, and between every exchange of ideas that takes place among faculty, staff, and students…Opportunities for moral education arise from the daily interactions of adults with one another and with students; they reflect the individuals’ commitment to lead by example and to share their educational disciplines, their personal interests, and their life experiences in a way that enhances the lives of our students.
This year’s award recipients embody the essence of Claire’s speech. Her concluding words continue to inspire at the start of this school year:
“This school, seemingly so small and yellow, has so much to offer beyond our dreams…this year, let’s begin dreaming, and dream big if you want to, but don’t spend too long staring at the sky. Get up, do something, get a little lost, and leave some room for the undreamables.”
Congratulations to the 2026 Convocation Award winners!
Be Boldly You
Westover School admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. As a gender-diverse girls school, Westover welcomes applicants and students who are assigned female at birth and/or identify as girls. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions and financial aid policies, and athletic or other school-administered programs.