Hutchison School

Seven upper school girls and a recent alumna built confidence, strengthened their communication skills, and expanded their leadership abilities while representing Hutchison at summer seminars focused on civic engagement and service.

Peyton Gabel ’27, Campbell Jenkins ’27, Maddie Kyle ’27, and Anna Ratton ’27 traveled to Lipscomb University to attend the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State, a nonpartisan, experiential citizenship program for young women from across Tennessee. After participating in Girls State last year, Emma Goughnour ’26 served as a counselor for this year’s program. At Vanderbilt University, Shelby Faulkner ’28, Ella Ford ’28, and Sophia Wilson ’28 attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, where they explored their personal strengths and learned how to become effective, ethical leaders in their communities.

Swipe to get a glimpse into these summer experiences and what our girls learned from them. We are proud of our girls for stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing opportunities that will shape them as future leaders, and we are looking forward to seeing how they bring these skills back to the Hutchison community in the fall.

Today, we celebrate the fathers and caregivers whose love, guidance, and encouragement help our girls grow with confidence and courage. Thank you for the countless ways you show up, support, and inspire each day. Happy Father's Day!

When Hutchison upper school teachers serve as national AP exam readers, it's more than professional recognition—it's a direct investment in our girls’ futures. Our faculty gain invaluable insight into college-level expectations, bringing that expertise back to every classroom interaction. As a result, our girls receive preparation that goes beyond test-taking strategies to develop the critical thinking and academic confidence they’ll need as tomorrow’s leaders. Thank you to Will Askew, Dr. Matt Braby, Robert Lofton, Kenzie Newman, and Nikki Wheaton for dedicating time this summer to helping our girls grow!

Rising juniors in our myExperience program had an amazing time learning and exploring in New York! Girls in the global civic engagement, STEM, art & design, and business leadership cohorts immersed themselves in their respective areas of study throughout the trip.

They visited historic and iconic places including the United Nations, Ellis Island, “The Wall Street Journal”, the Intrepid Museum, The Met, and MoMA. They also enjoyed special experiences such as the Color Factory, a food tour, and performances of “Six” and “The Play That Goes Wrong”. We can’t wait to see how these experiences shape their future capstone projects and help them imagine what’s next!

Anywhere she can imagine includes the Big Apple! Our rising juniors in the myExperience program are on their cohort trip to New York, and they’ve been learning from alumnae along the way, networking and connecting about their experiences at Hutchison.

Students in our art & design and business leadership cohorts met with a group of alumnae for dinner and learned about the fashion industry from Dana Buchman Farber ’69. Known professionally by her maiden name, she is a contemporary designer of women’s wear whose clothing has been sold through Saks Fifth Avenue, Liz Claiborne, and Kohl’s. Callie Oehmler ’20 took Hutchison girls on a tour of NBC. As a page, she has worked with “Weekend TODAY”, “The Kelly Clarkson Show”, and the corporate communications team. Girls in our global civic engagement cohort also enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Laura Saunders ’72, a reporter for “The Wall Street Journal” since 2009. She specializes in writing about taxes.

Alumnae, we’ll keep you updated as we plan our events during the next school year! But for now, keep an eye out for the latest edition of the Hutchison magazine coming later this summer.

Kolby Cohen ’23 and Florida Southern Women's Lacrosse went on a historic run this season, securing the DII Women’s Lacrosse National Championship!

The junior midfielder’s accolades this semester include the Sunshine State Draw Specialist of the Year, the All-Tournament Team Most Outstanding Player, IWLCA 3rd Team All-American, and National Champion.

Friend, conference opponent, and former Hutchison teammate Anna-Margaret Webber ’23 had this to say about Kolby:
“Kolby is a strong leader who always has a positive and encouraging attitude. Being both her teammate, and now opponent, Kolby has taught me hard work through both action and words. Playing against Kolby reminds me lacrosse is not just a game but a chance to make lifelong friends. Hutchison lacrosse gave us that!”

We couldn’t be prouder of this outstanding alumna for accomplishments on the field and even more so for how she treats others off of it. Way to go, Kolby!

Friendly competition, colorful costumes, and making memories with friends… Field Day was full of fun in Goodlett Gym!

Lower school girls showed their school spirit in activities such as relay races, tug of war, and even dance parties! 🎉 It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of an amazing school year!

Congratulations to Grace Conway ’34 for receiving a 10

Our commencement ceremony was full of beautiful moments celebrating all that the Class of 2026 has accomplished at Hutchison and has yet to achieve beyond. During the ceremony at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Mattie Ra ’26 earned Four Years, Top Honors and Senior Year, Top Honors, and Maddie Harriman ’26 received Four Years, Second Honors and Senior Year, Second Honors.

Harper Behnke ’26 earned the Edward P. Russell Award, given to a senior who, through her leadership and devotion to Hutchison's founding ideals, brings honor to herself and the school. Elle Wilkinson ’26 received the Ideal Hutchison Girl Award, which is presented to a senior who best represents the ideal woman as described in Proverbs 31. Margaret Cates Luna ’12 was the commencement speaker, and Anna Pollan ’26 delivered a speech as the Meg Thomas Student Speaker, selected by her classmates. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

📸: Jessica Coulson Photography and Hutchison staff