Holton-Arms Reflects, Honors, and Rises
Students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Anne Davis Camalier Amphitheater ’47 ’49C for an All School Gathering to mark the beginning of Holton-Arms’ 123rd year of excellence. After a quiet summer, the campus is once again alive with energy and purpose. As the new academic year unfolds, we look forward with anticipation to all that our students will discover, create, and become.
Opening Reflections
“At our best, Holton is a community where we find support, challenge, inspiration, and connection among one another, and nothing signifies that more than the powerful symbol of our being in this place together,” said Associate Head of School Barbara Eghan.
Echoing this spirit, Head of School Penny B. Evins, said, “The roots of Holton have helped thousands of young women become lifelong learners and leaders. Our school develops people who use their power to grow the good, curious individuals who lead with love and positive intent. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be a small part of Holton’s 123 year history and know that together, we enhance excellence as One Panther Claw.”
Yearbook Dedication
Seniors Peyton A. ‘25 and Saide S. ‘25, presented this year’s Scribe yearbook, themed “tradition,” to Chris Lynch, Head of Upper School, who is retiring after 28 years at Holton-Arms.
“Tradition is something that unites us and connects us to our past while helping shape our future,” explained Sadie. “This yearbook is a celebration of the memories we've created, the milestones we've reached, and the traditions we've embraced together.”
“Known for his ‘door is always open’ mentality, Mr. Lynch’s office is never empty. It is always filled with students seeking advice, a quick chat, or perhaps a handful of candy. A swim coach, a history teacher, a mentor, and a leader, Mr. Lynch is truly multifaceted. Above all, he is a role model whose kindness and passion have made Holton-Arms a better place,” the Scribe editors reflected.
Peyton added, “It’s through traditions that we learn who we are and how we’ve grown. This year, we celebrated new traditions—like Thursday Night Lights and our first student-run pep rally—while continuing to honor the longstanding traditions that make Holton-Arms so special,” added Peyton.
Faculty and Staff Recognitions
President of the Class of 2025 Mira W. presented the Class of 2003 Award, an honor given to a faculty or staff member who has most impacted the graduating class. This year’s selection was Ms. Tonya Handy, Holton Security Guard since 2014.
“Not only has Ms. Handy kept us safe,” Mira said, “but she has also created a sense of warmth, belonging, and comfort. Ms. Handy, you embody the mission of this school; you care for not only the practical needs, but the emotional needs of our community.”
Rising Up Celebrations
From Lower School to Middle School, and Middle School to Upper School, Holton-Arms students reflected on growth and change with sincerity and courage.
Audrey S. ’31 spoke about her Lower School journey: “Over these past four years, I’ve made some beautiful mistakes. I’ve learned that mistakes can be our greatest teachers, just like our amazing Holton teachers. Holton is a place where we’re not afraid to try, to fail, and to try again. My third-grade self would be amazed by how far I’ve come.”
Corinne E. ’29 shared her Middle School experience of navigating injury and resilience: “My injuries forced me to slow down and remember that it wasn’t the end of my story, just a detour. And sometimes, detours lead us exactly where we’re meant to go. I’m still healing, still growing, but I’ve learned that healing is more than physical, it’s emotional, personal, and powerful.”
Parting Words from the Class of 2025
Vice President of the Class of 2025 Morgen T. spoke of gratitude and hope in her address to the Holton-Arms community: “What kept coming back to me as I wrote this wasn’t how to leave Holton, it was how much of Holton we take with us. We become ourselves in the small moments: laughing when we didn’t want to, learning without realizing it, and standing beside friends who challenge and shape us. To my classmates: thank you for every lesson I didn’t know I was learning. And to the entire Holton community: keep paying attention to the people around you. They’re helping you become the best version of yourself.”
As we close the 2024–25 school year, we do so with full hearts, grateful for the traditions that ground us, the challenges that shaped us, and the people who continue to inspire us. Holton-Arms remains not just a school, but a home away from home, where every chapter, every mistake, and every celebration contributes to a larger story of growth, purpose, and community.
