Everyone has a story to tell. That’s the premise of StoryCorps — an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to record, share, and preserve the stories of everyday people.
Everyone has a story to tell. That’s the premise of StoryCorps — an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to record, share, and preserve the stories of everyday people. Since 2003, the organization has collected and archived more than 40,000 interviews in the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress. Some of the latest stories recorded are about School of the Holy Child.
As part of this year’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, 14 school community members shared stories of Holy Child traditions, building transformations, lasting friendships, global travels, and their hopes for future generations. The compiling of this archive will form the nucleus of an oral portrait of School of the Holy Child, capturing its history and progress in the words of students, parents, faculty, trustees, and alumnae.
Beth Marren ’73, former chair of the board of trustees, and her friend, Anne Marie Doty Paine ’64, former trustee, were excited to record their stories. “Holy Child has certainly played an important historic role in nurturing and educating generations of girls,” explained Marren. “It was a privilege for us to participate in StoryCorps, and to capture a few stories that highlight how the school and its graduates have continued to evolve and thrive.”
Kate Taylor, Director of Global Programs, said, “This unique and memorable day helped us all to critically revisit both our individual and communal identities and purpose as participants in Holy Child life.” Taylor recorded a conversation with student Catherine Stolberg ’14 and alumna Parrish Duncan ’09 — both participants in the school’s Global Programs.
Other storytellers like Rabbi Dan Wolk, religious studies teacher, and Kate Collins ’95, former faculty member/administrator, reminisced about past students and classroom experiences. They also looked to the future. “I believe Holy Child will continue to be creative, nurture the dreams of the young and, in doing so, educate the hearts and minds of students,” said Rabbi Wolk.
Excerpts from all conversations will be available on the School’s website, www.holychildrye.org, in the coming months.
