Always a St. Mary's Girl

When the Metal Museum opens its new campus in Overton Park’s historic Rust Hall on September 5, Madison Miller ’14 will celebrate more than a major professional milestone. She will watch a building that has been part of her life since childhood begin an entirely new chapter. 

While Virginia Reed Murphy ‘87 has lived coast-to-coast and abroad, Memphis will always be home. Since returning to the city about 20 years ago, she and her family have invested in the community through the power of storytelling. 

Today’s college admissions process looks very different than it did just a generation ago. With increased competition, longer timelines, and more variables to consider, St. Mary’s students are rising to the challenge. Alumnae report finding the right fit and achieving strong outcomes in a rapidly evolving landscape.

For St. Mary’s seniors, the college admissions process isn’t just about applications, deadlines, and decisions; it’s about navigating one of the most emotionally complex transitions of their young lives. That’s why Amy Poag, Director of Counseling at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, partners with her colleagues to help students thrive.

St. Mary’s welcomed Olivia Bernabe ’15, now a Brooklyn-based theatre artist and professional puppeteer, as this year’s Louise T. Archer ’40 Artist in Residence.

Laura Jennings Yacoubian ’05 will join St. Mary's Director of Alumnae in April. She is excited about strengthening the bonds among generations of St. Mary’s graduates and helping alumnae remain connected to the school long after graduation.

Lauran Glassman Stimac ’00 received the 2026 Marion Griffin–Frances Loring Award from the Association for Women Attorneys (AWA) for her exceptional professional achievement, leadership, and service to the legal community. 

Memphis has always been home for Sarah Jemison ’11, and she’s committed to keeping its homes affordable for the community she loves. 

When St. Mary’s alumna Jess Zafarris ’08 greeted our Middle and Upper School students with a simple “hello” on Monday, November 24, she wasn’t just starting her Chapel talk. She was opening a door to infinite lessons in language

Ayanna Martin ’15 returned to St. Mary’s to share her journey with current students. Now pursuing her J.D. at Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., she reflected on how an unexpected path to law taught her the value of divine timing, being present, and leading with compassion.

In a world where shopping is often squeezed between errands or done quickly on an app, St. Mary’s alumna Fannie Weinberg ’17 is offering an opposite experience: a chance to linger in a store filled with special items, get to know those around you, and find a treasure or two, if you dare. 

Our Light and Life Service Award recipient, Laurin Maddux ’98, embodies the school's motto "For Girls. For Life" through her generosity and dedication to the St. Mary's community. 

Our 2025 Young Alumna Award recipient, Dr. Anna Peeler ’13, works in palliative care, helping patients receive the care they need. 

Melissa Byrd ’12 came home from the Big Apple to open our inaugural St. Mary’s Alumnae Celebration Week, themed “Her Story. Her Legacy.” With a special Chapel talk for our Middle and Upper Schoolers, Melissa shared that her path was not always clear. 

Inspired by all things St. Mary’s, Carolyn Cates ’94 gifted a one-of-kind piece of art to complete the new Moss Hall lobby. Cates is a talented mixed-media artist, but her artistic journey began with an unexpected origin: words.

Cam Hart ’23 and Claire Arnett Sumner ’05 met at the Atlanta Alumnae Gathering, and they worked out a job opportunity for Cam to be a summer intern in Claire's law office.

Ashley Bellet ’98 began designing costumes when she was in Middle School at St. Mary's. Now as a professional costume designer and professor at Purdue University, Ashley continues to use her innovation and creativity to bring characters to life.

Generations of St. Mary's girls honor the historic tradition of the graduation dress, and the story of one of these dresses continues over four decades and has been worn at over seven graduation ceremonies. 

St. Mary’s alumnae are soaring globally, leveraging their education and passions to make meaningful impacts.

As the Vice President of Total Rewards and Associate Relations at General Motors, Kim Lupo ’93 credits St. Mary's for changing her life and helping her achieve personal and professional success.

Mary Kavanagh Day ’82 received the Gilmore Lynn Spirit of St. Mary’s Award for her leadership in developing a new strategic plan.

St. Mary's 2025 Outstanding Alumna Meg Kinnard Hardee '98 channeled her formative experiences into a celebrated career as a national political reporter at the Associated Press.

Poet and educator Maria Zoccola ’11 recently returned to St. Mary’s, where her love for writing began. Maria spent a week inspiring students as the 2025 Louise T. Archer Artist in Residence, just like her teachers did years ago.

Stacy Goldate ’90 has spent her life chasing her curiosity and capturing extraordinary stories frame after frame. 

Dr. Neha Kumar ’11 knew she was destined for the white coat. When she was just five years old, she followed her father around the hospital while he did his patient rounds.

Lisa Morrow Morten '76 was named the first recipient of the Light and Life Service Award, an honor given to an individual who demonstrates extraordinary dedication to the school community.

For her commitment to service, Meg Gould ’11 received the 2024 Young Alumna Award from St. Mary’s at the Founders’ Day ceremony.

Ayushi Gaur ’22 is following in the footsteps of her role model, Jane Goodall, as a quiet yet impactful leader. Inspired by a passion for environmental advocacy that began in middle school at St. Mary’s, Ayushi continues to take action through her passion projects and career pursuits. 

St. Mary’s Episcopal School celebrated a 178-year legacy at the 2024 Founders' Day Chapel on Tuesday, September 17.