HOLTON-ARMS AMPHITHEATER DEDICATED TO HONOR ANNE DAVIS CAMALIER ’47, ’49C

 

Originally completed in the spring of 1969, the Holton-Arms amphitheater has long served as a beloved gathering space for Commencements, Convocations, and a vibrant array of visual and performing arts events. Over the years, it has also become a treasured spot on campus for reflection, introspection, conversation, and learning.

The cherished venue was recently the setting for a special celebration: the formal dedication of The Camalier Amphitheater, named in honor of Anne Davis Camalier ’47, ’49C. Described as a visionary and steward of spaces that foster creativity, connection, and community, Mrs. Camalier entered the eighth grade at Holton in the fall of 1942 when the school was located in Washington, DC, and World War II was sweeping across the globe. 

Reflecting on her time at Holton-Arms, Mrs. Camalier said, “I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Holton. She addressed us every Monday morning, always stressing, very vividly, what she expected of a Holton student and that we should observe, every minute of every hour that we were in school studying and learning.”

Mrs. Camalier has paved the way for generations of women in her family, with all three of her daughters, her daughter-in-law, and six granddaughters attending and graduating from Holton. Speaking to an intimate crowd of alumnae, faculty, students, and trustees at the dedication, she quipped that she hopes several of her ten (soon to be twelve) great-granddaughters would also be attending Holton, “and maybe one or two of my seven grandsons will be lucky enough to find a Holton gal.” 

During the ceremony, Head of School Penny B. Evins unveiled a new commemorative plaque honoring Mrs. Camalier’s enduring legacy: “This dedication celebrates Mrs. Camalier’s extraordinary impact on our School and the generations of lives she’s touched through her leadership, generosity, and unwavering support of Holton’s purpose.”

Penny added, “Mrs. Camalier believes deeply in the power of gathering—to celebrate, to reflect, and to enjoy one another’s company. Like her own, this space–our home away from home–will continue to uplift those ideals for generations to come.”

Connecting the amphitheater to the heart of campus is a bridge—a fitting symbol of continuity and the passage of time. “Generations of the Camalier family have walked this bridge together, marking milestones right here in this space,” said Penny. “Their presence here today is a powerful reminder that we are part of an enduring community—forever connected to those who came before us and those yet to come.”