St. Mary’s Announces 2026 Founders’ Day Honorees

In a year worth celebrating, Founders’ Day offers the St. Mary’s Episcopal School community a special opportunity to honor the people whose leadership, service, and commitment have shaped our school and carried its legacy forward.

At the 2026 Founders’ Day Chapel on Wednesday, September 16 at 9:30 a.m., St. Mary’s will honor former Head of School Tom Southard and recognize alumnae Joy Jackson ’19 and Melissa Byrd ’12 with two of the school’s distinguished alumnae awards.

Honoring Former Head of School Tom Southard

As St. Mary’s Head of School from 1987-2001, Tom Southard guided the school into the 21st century with vision and purpose.

During his 14-year tenure, Southard led a period of significant growth and transformation, including the expansion of St. Mary’s to two campuses across Walnut Grove Road. He oversaw the addition of the Buckman Performing Arts Center and Rose Theater, Willmott Gymnasium, Margaret Hyde Activity Center, and other spaces that continue to shape the student experience today.

Under his leadership, enrollment grew by more than 30 percent, the school’s endowment increased sevenfold, and St. Mary’s strengthened its commitment to exceptional academics, outstanding faculty, and need-based financial aid.

Southard’s vision helped position St. Mary’s for a bright future and continues to have an impact on generations of girls.

Celebrating Our 2026 Alumnae Honorees

Founders’ Day also celebrates alumnae who are carrying the mission and values of St. Mary’s into the world. This year, St. Mary’s will recognize Joy Jackson ’19 with the Young Alumna Award and Melissa Byrd ’12 with the Light & Life Service Award.

Joy Jackson ’19 | Young Alumna Award

Joy Jackson ’19 is helping shape the future of healthcare as a biomedical engineering doctoral student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where her research focuses on developing minimally invasive implants for opioid overdoses and diabetic emergencies.

As an undergraduate at the University of Miami, Jackson earned national recognition for designing an EEG electrode holder intended to improve electrode-scalp adherence for patients with textured hair. Now a recipient of the highly competitive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, she continues to distinguish herself through research and innovation with the potential to improve patient care.

Melissa Byrd ’12 | Light & Life Service Award

Melissa Byrd ’12 has built a career around purpose-driven leadership and service to others. As Associate Director of Fundraising Events at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, she helps lead efforts that raise nearly $40 million annually for rare cancer research.

Previously, Byrd held leadership roles at ALSAC–St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, overseeing fundraising initiatives across New York. Through both her professional work and personal service, she has demonstrated an enduring commitment to advancing cancer research, strengthening communities, and improving the lives of others.

The 2026 Founders’ Day Chapel will be held September 16 at the Church of the Holy Communion, continuing a St. Mary’s tradition of celebrating the people who have shaped our school and those who are carrying its legacy forward.

For more information about the event or to RSVP, please contact School Historian Dr. Patti Ray.