Head of School Penny B. Evins - Holton-Arms School

Head of School Penny B. Evins - Holton-Arms School
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Head of School Penny B. Evins
Welcome Panthers and Families,
As Head of School for Holton-Arms, I am deeply grateful to welcome you to a community where our
mission
grounds and elevates everything we do.
I am honored to serve this community. With a long legacy of excellence in educating girls, it is a privilege to nurture each child in our care, providing young women with time-tested and future-forward programming, enhancing their world of possibilities now, and preparing them for what the world needs next.
It is a privilege to work alongside dedicated and caring educators, mentors, and coaches, who are also committed to developing young women who embody kindness, intellectual curiosity, a global perspective, respect, and the courage to take thoughtful risks.
Together, we aim to guide our students in their current journey and prepare them for the future by helping them grow into thoughtful, capable, students who are exceptionally equipped, world-ready, and connected for life.
Every day offers a chance to help our students become the people the world needs—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
I  am excited and grateful to embark on this journey with you.
Warmly,
Joy, Light, and Gratitude: Celebrating Our Learning Community
You're Invited: Winter Lights All-School Assembly
Message From the Head of School: Thanksgiving 2025
Leading with Love: A Holton-Arms Fall Reflection
A Message from the Head of School: Day One
A Message from the Head of School: Back to School Welcome
Dear Holton-Arms Community,
As we pause and head into Winter Break, I am filled with deep gratitude—for this season of gathering, for the joy of the Holton community, and for the light each of you brings into one another’s lives. As I shared in my Thanksgiving message, our greatest gift is our learning community itself: a home away from home where students, faculty, staff, and families work hand-in-hand to nurture the unique potential found in individual minds and hearts.
This morning’s All-School Gathering, the Winter Lights Celebration, was a powerful expression of this gift and a beautiful example of our mission in action. Across every division, students participated with thoughtfulness, courage, and joy, sharing traditions, stories, and reflections rooted in their own cultures and lived experiences. Together with our faculty and staff presenters, they helped knit our community more tightly, reminding us that learning at Holton is enriched when we honor and learn from the diverse heritages that shape our Panther Claw.
Many parents and family members joined us to witness students leading with love, curiosity, and care. This gathering reflected our commitment to an education of the mind, the soul, and the spirit. Our professional community’s deep engagement—planning with intention, learning alongside students, and holding space for reflection—modeled what it means to approach both the familiar and the unfamiliar with respect and empathy. In doing so, we affirmed our shared humanity and our joyful interdependence, designing for excellence and making learning visible and collaborative, just as Mrs. Jessie Moon Holton envisioned nearly 125 years ago.
There is particular meaning in gathering during this season, when we intentionally honor light as the days grow shorter and the world can feel hurried. Students from every division shared sixteen distinct celebrations rooted in cultures, faiths, and traditions from around the world. These shared moments are sacred, reminding us that each individual spark strengthens the collective brilliance of our community.
Mrs. Holton led with love and illuminated a path forward, creating Holton-Arms as a learning community where girls could develop courage, purpose, and voice. That founding vision remains our North Star today, as we continue to find a way—or make one—together. In doing so, we cultivate the unique potential of each student within our enduring sisterhood and ensure that Holton’s future remains bright.
As we move into the holidays and Winter Break, we are reminded that the greatest present we share is the presence of one another—when we gather with open minds, full hearts, and a willingness to join our individual lights with those around us.
Thank you for helping us fully realize our promise: supporting exceptional teaching and learning, sustaining our inclusive community, and growing excellence together. Thank you, especially, for entrusting us with your most precious gifts—your daughters, our students.
With great gratitude and warm wishes for a joyful and restorative Winter Break, I leave you with joyful images of holiday celebrations and campus life.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
Dear Holton-Arms Parents and Guardians,
We are delighted to invite you to our
Winter Lights All-School Assembly, on Friday, December 19 at 9 a.m.
in the Marriott Gymnasium.
At this event, all our Panthers - youngest to oldest - will fill the bleachers, chairs, courts, and small stage. With adult participation and through music, lighting, speakers, and stories, we will honor winter holidays and festivals from around the world—celebrating cultures, traditions, and heritages across our community. Voices will lift up celebrations both familiar and new, modeling leadership, empathy, and unity as our girls
lead with love!
Come witness the strength of our mission alive around us. Bringing our full community together—students, faculty, staff, and families—strengthens the sisterhood that defines Holton-Arms. It connects our girls to one another, deepens their appreciation of the distinct cultures within our community, and affirms that weaving bonds of humanity is sacred work. Such moments remind us that an education of the mind must also nurture the soul and spirit.
As a secular institution, we lean deeply into our mission and our identity as a girls’ school—lifting up each voice, honoring each girl’s story, and nurturing the connections that help them thrive. This event continues our intentional commitment to foster belonging, celebrate the rich diversity of our school, and unite us in shared purpose.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your constant support of our mission. With my colleagues, we remain grateful for the privilege of sharing our learning community, Holton-Arms and for the shared commitment we hold to growing excellence, person by person.
We hope to see you next Friday
; please let us know if you will be able to join us. Gym doors will open at 8:50 am. Please enter through the main lobby and sign in at reception. Should you arrive before 8:50, we look forward to welcoming you with coffee in the Dining Room.
Warmly and with wishes of peace,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
Dear Members of the Holton-Arms Community,
As we pause to reflect on this season of gratitude, I send warmest wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving from Holton,
a true home away from home for our Panthers
.
The spiritual heart of this season for our community is our annual Thanksgiving Gathering, a cherished tradition that unites students, faculty, and staff from across grades and generations in one shared space. This year, we intentionally gathered in the Marriott Gymnasium, knitting together our community as seniors sat alongside their third-grade buddies. The ceremony was filled with student-led speeches, expressions of personal gratitude, and a special song honoring the Class of 2026. The beloved faculty and staff band, now joined by a student, brought joyful energy to the moment. In these powerful moments of shared reflection, we feel the enduring spirit of Holton, the strength of our community, and the profound power of leading with love.
This gathering is a vivid expression of what it means to live our mission: to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the education not only of the mind, but also of the soul and spirit. Through shared reflection, music, and storytelling, we nurture a sense of belonging, appreciation, and joyful interdependence. Thanksgiving allows us to pause and honor the enduring bonds that make Holton such an extraordinary place.
A Gift to Last a Lifetime
The gift of a Holton-Arms education is a priceless privilege, one that develops the distinct mind, bright spirit, and growing soul of each student. Our girls understand that this privilege carries a call to contribute to the greater good. Their gratitude is expressed through intentional action—such as our annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive for Community Reach of Montgomery County, which provides support to the county’s most vulnerable populations. This year, we collected enough food to fill the tables of 80 families, a testament to our community’s collective generosity.
Our students spoke powerfully about their growing responsibility to the wider world.
Emmy B. ’32
shared how visiting her fourth grade teacher helps her remember what really matters and feel proud that she is showing younger students “the value of creating ties and maintaining them,” lifting up the importance of purposeful connection and serving as a role model for others.
Lila A. ’30
reminded us that small moments of gratitude—like a smile or a compliment—“stay with you. They make you feel seen.” For her, gratitude is noticing when someone tries, when they are kind, and when they care. She illuminated the quiet power of noticing.
Lily R. ‘26
reflected on being present as an act of love. Her goal at her family table is to be “the most positive, the most engaged, and the most helpful person” as a way to show her hardworking mother how “endlessly grateful” she is. She reminded us that simple acts of care can be the greatest of gifts.
When sharing my reflections with the community, I spoke about the strength in our motto: ‘I will find a way or make one.’ During moments of transition, the grounding comfort of home was found in familiar traditions and feelings, which gave me the confidence to face uncertainty and move through change with courage. My family’s
cran-raspberry sauce
with citrus zest is a tradition I have taken with me, even when I am far from home. Love, whether in the form of comforting traditions, people, or core memories, helps us move through transitions.
Every day, my colleagues and I work to make Holton-Arms both a safe landing place and a powerful springboard for our girls, a community that helps them grow, adapt, seek challenges, and find comfort within the broad, supportive, and loving network of the Panther Claw. This vision is rooted in Mrs. Holton’s high hope: that our students would feel “in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.” Holton’s timeless and inspiring foundation allows such interconnectedness to take root and flourish.
Heartfelt Gratitude
We thank you—our families, alumnae, friends, and supporters—for championing our mission and for the deep connections you allow us to form and celebrate, both within and far beyond our Open Door. Your steadfast faith in Holton and your enduring care strengthen every facet of who we are. This advancement is made possible not only by your partnership but also by your generosity, particularly through
The Holton Fund
. This critical annual effort supports every aspect of our students’ education—of the mind, soul, and spirit—elevating our programs and bringing our mission to life.
It is your partnership that grants us the profound privilege of knowing and growing your daughters’ unique potential. I am especially grateful for our students, who radiate joy in everyday moments; for my talented colleagues, who work tirelessly to nurture your daughters’ intellectual and emotional growth; and for our entire community of supporters.
May you enjoy these sights, sounds, and sentiments from the heart of our Holton-Arms community—the students, faculty, and staff who make Holton a home away from home.
As we depart for this Thanksgiving holiday, please accept my heartfelt and tremendous gratitude for you and your steady support of our community.
Warmly,
Penny
P.S. From my family to yours, I hope you enjoy our favorite recipe for cran-raspberry sauce.
October 22, 2025
Dear Members of the Holton-Arms Community,
We recently celebrated our beloved
Blue-White Night
—a spirited tradition of sisterhood and school pride showcasing fall athletics and culminating in a spectacular game under the lights on our new turf field.
That night, every Panther Parent I met asked, “How has the year started?” Immediately, a cascade of images fills my mind: the steady hum of studying in the
Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons
, laughter echoing through the
Seawell/Warner Commons
and
Freeman Café
, purposeful collaboration in classrooms, and sunlight across the faces of students deep in thought. Every day I see girls growing, thriving, and leading—each with her own voice and style. Our Holton community is a symphony of strengths: each note essential, each expression valued.
Blue/White Night
Courage and compassion have been on display as new students learn from longtime Panthers, pushing their own boundaries while lifting others up. Whether forging new friendships, auditioning for a role, trying out for a team, or running for office, our girls are embracing our Convocation call to
“Lead with Love.”
Together, we connect, uplift, and advance our beloved Holton-Arms.
The power of community propels us through challenges, sparks joy, and builds trust. Emboldened by friends, mentors, and colleagues, we do not shy away from hard things—intellectual, physical, or emotional. Instead, we follow Mrs. Holton’s high hopes and
find a way or make one
within the secure embrace of our Holton-Arms community.
So,
how has the year started?
With palpable love and renewed interconnectedness. I hope you’ll enjoy highlights from this fall that illuminate how we continue to fulfill our founder’s vision: an education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.
3rd & 12th Grade Buddy Get Together
Honoring and Remembering
Our community mourns the loss of former Head of School
Susanna A. Jones
, who devoted her life to educating young women and lifting up those who serve them. In moments of loss, the natural rhythm of school life—its seasons, traditions, and daily interactions—gives us strength. Through reflection, shared stories, and gratitude, we have honored her legacy, reminded that our enduring connections to one another are Holton’s greatest treasure.
A Sea of Blue and White
Under the Lights at Blue/White Night
The spirited heart of our One Panther community came to life on
Blue-White Night
—a beloved celebration that filled campus with a sea of tutus, laughter, cheering, and sisterhood. Athleticism, family fun, and school spirit were on full display—a vivid reminder that joy and togetherness are central to who we are.
That same day, an article about the enduring power of girls’ schools crossed my desk—a serendipitous echo of our mission. Walking home from the night game, I felt profound gratitude for our founder,
Jessie Moon Holton, who imagined a future for girls long before the world did.
Since 1901, Holton-Arms has joyfully embraced girls learning from and with one another—as classmates, teammates, and alumnae who together
find a way or make one.
They lead by example and claim space with purpose and pride.
3rd Grade Math in Action
Partners in Learning
Leading with Love
depends on strong home–school relationships. This fall, we welcomed parents and guardians from Holton and Landon to hear from bestselling author, researcher, and Holton dad,
Jeff Selingo P’28, P’30
. His
talk on college admissions
was, at its heart, about parenting and educating—letting our children claim their own journeys and, in the process, redefining what a “dream school” is. His message affirmed Holton’s mission to empower each student to unlock her unique potential through self-knowledge, challenge, and meaningful relationships with friends, mentors, and role models.
Penny B. Evins, Jeff Selingo, and Suzanne Carter
Since Mrs. Holton first set out to create a school as nurturing as home, relationships have been at the core of our program. She understood that students reach higher and stretch farther within a caring community. This ethos permeates all we do. From our
Upper School Science Scholars
to our inaugural
Leadership Cohort
for faculty and staff, Holton challenges and supports every member of our community to be their best.
Holton's Leadership Cohort
Together, our students, faculty and staff, Board of Trustees, parents, and alumnae give new life to Mrs. Holton’s mission every day—ensuring each girl experiences hands-on learning, feels belonging, and cultivates belief in herself. From exploring the integration of AI in education to reimagining the future of work and higher education, our school strives to chart the future while remaining grounded in an unwavering belief in human potential, connection, and creativity.
Discovering Our Story: The Third-Grade "History of Holton" Project
Our youngest Panthers are already learning that Holton is more than a school—it is a home away from home, built on courage, creativity, and connection. As third graders explore our origins, traditions, and enduring mission, they discover how Holton’s history continues to shape who we are—and who they are becoming.
3rd Grade History Lesson and Art Project
Their work reminds us that leadership and love begin early—through curiosity, gratitude, and pride in belonging to something larger than oneself.
A Network for Life
The Holton-Arms network is lived in every encounter, every shared story, and every expression of care that keeps our mission alive. This fall, Holton partnered with the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) for the relaunch of an exhibit spotlighting women artists from the 17th and 18th centuries who fueled global economies through their art. We hosted a lunch event with Holton parents, grandparents, alumnae, and colleagues. Together, we toured the exhibit and reflected on how art, history, and leadership intersect. Our founder—herself an art history teacher—recognized over a century ago that understanding art builds critical thinking and perspective. Today, our faculty bring that vision to life, inspiring students to see creativity as a force for change.
We have nearly thirty arts faculty/staff who ensure 100% of our lower and middle school students take art classes at Holton, with 86% continuing their study and involvement in the arts in upper school. The day prior to the luncheon, Holton Upper School students visited NMWA as well. The symmetry of learning across generations at Holton is evident in moments like these, where curiosity and appreciation for experiential learning is a shared value across the Panther network. These opportunities are made possible through the philanthropic support of our community—parents, alumnae, families, and friends—whose generosity enriches every student’s education of mind, soul, and spirit.
Students visit the NMWA
Our Compass for Life
Mrs. Holton’s mission—
an education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit
—is both our foundation and our future. In everyday hallway moments with students, I cherish the conversations and interactions. Just as our parents asked me on Blue-White Night, I ask our girls how their fall is going—and, more often than not, a rush of memories and moments pours forth, bringing our century-old mission to vibrant life: new friendships formed, connections discovered in classrooms, skills learned in PE, courage found on a stage. This is what an education of the mind, soul, and spirit looks like. This is what gives meaning and momentum to all we do.
As we move forward together, may we honor Holton’s mission with renewed care for one another and with actions that strengthen the community entrusted to us—ensuring every Panther continues to learn, to lead, and to live with purpose and heart.
As these eighth graders stood together atop Spruce Knob on their Outdoor Education trip—finding their way as a team on a mountain summit—they embodied what it means to be guided by Holton’s
compass for life.
Their courage, laughter, and trust mirror the enduring spirit of our community: we navigate challenges not alone, but alongside one another. In every season, our network of Panthers—students, faculty, families, and alumnae—forms a living compass that helps us discover new paths, stay true to our values, and move forward with purpose and heart.
8th Grade Outdoor Ed
Let us continue to
Lead with Love
and champion our School—honoring the legacy we inherit and the future we shape together.
E
xperiences like these
– outdoor education, museum visits, Science Scholars, parent education, Blue/White Night, professional development and all of the rich programming you’ve read about in this fall update –
are powered by the Holton Fund. Please make a
gift today
to sustain the courage, community, and purpose that define a Holton education—so generations of young women can know themselves, discover their potential, and chart their paths as individuals, growing excellence as One Panther Claw. Like our eighth graders who
find a way or make one
, may we, too, draw direction and inspiration from our Panther Community—our compass for life—guiding us toward courage, community, and the fullness of an education of mind, soul, and spirit.
It is my sincere hope that your fall has begun with purpose, offered enriching experiences, and energized you to
Lead with Love
. If ever you need inspiration or a reminder of Holton’s enduring call to action, come through our
open doors
—where you’ll find community, courage, and the joyful work of leading with love.
With heartfelt appreciation and Panther pride,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Dear Holton-Arms Community,
Welcome to the 2025-26 school year!
This morning, as generations of Holton students and educators have before us, we gathered for Convocation. It was a joyous and uplifting event. We cheered, sang the Beatles’ “All You Need is Love,” (more on why later…) and heard inspiring reflections from the chair of our Board of Trustees, beloved Holton educators, and students from each of our three divisions.
The first day of school is a new beginning. It’s a moment for every Panther to reflect, set intentions, and choose how they will approach the year ahead. As we enter this momentous school year - which will include the celebration of Holton’s 125th anniversary in February - I invited our community to return to the bold vision of our founders, Mrs. Holton and Mrs. Arms. They dreamed of a school that would nurture
not only the mind, but also the soul, and spirit
of young women – a home away from home. They built Holton-Arms as a place where excellence is nurtured by love, and where each student can grow, discover herself and thrive within a community rooted in sisterhood and support. Holton-Arms is built on this foundation of love.
Mother Teresa said, “If you do something out of duty, it will deplete you, but if you do something out of love, it will energize you.” What an empowering message for our seniors and for all of us! Our energy is shaped by our outlook. We have agency over how we feel, not just today at the beginning of the year, but every day - including, and especially, when we face hard things. Love transforms duty into opportunity, burden into gift.
So this year, let us lead with love – each and every one of us. From small gestures, like holding a door or waving hello, to big ones, like running for student government or taking a role in the school play, let us embrace connection, curiosity, and courage. With love and the support of our Holton community, we can grow and become the best versions of ourselves.
Whether you were able to join us today or hope to return to campus later this year, I look forward to welcoming each of you through Holton’s
Open Door
with love.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
Friday, August 22, 2025
Dear Members of the Holton-Arms Community,
Joyful greetings from 7303 River Road. This summer, 1,145 campers from 783 households joined us for Holton’s Creative Summer Programs. During the final weeks of summer, more than 100 Holton-Arms students, both new and returning, participated in our Academic Camps. These signature summer programs bring our campus to life, filling our spaces with laughter, curiosity, and discovery. Now, with the 2025-26 school year on the horizon, we are eager to welcome the vibrant energy of our Panthers returning to their home away from home!
Whether this is your first or tenth year at Holton, we look forward to beginning the 2025-26 school year with you. To our new Panthers, welcome; you are now part of a remarkable community, strengthened by the unique perspectives, talents, and the purposeful engagement of each of our members.
We are honored by your choice, as parents and guardians, to entrust us with your daughter’s education. You have placed your hearts – your daughters – in our care, and we do not take that lightly. As a parent, you are sharing a tremendous privilege and responsibility with me and Holton’s entire team to help your daughters become confident, purposeful, and resilient. Our mission –
to educate not just the mind, but the soul and spirit
– guides every moment. Our purpose-driven goal is to strengthen each student with a sense of “can do” as she learns to “find a way or make one”(
inveniam viam aut faciam
) here on campus and in the wider world.
Holton’s professional team of educators is both talented and deeply dedicated to nurturing your daughter’s unique excellence. We know that your insights and participation support your daughter’s one of a kind
mind, soul and spirit
. We look forward to learning from and with you during the upcoming Hopes & Dreams conversations between advisors and parents/guardians, as we build relationships and strengthen our teamwork. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out (this “who to call/who to see”
document
will guide you to the right resources).
Although this letter is future-focused, the final days of summer are not to be rushed. My husband Sam and I were fortunate to spend this summer with our son and daughter. With internships in the area, they returned home for our beloved tradition of family meals. Perhaps the opportunity for a stocked fridge and other home-sourced luxuries drew them to the DMV! During cherished time together, conversations often turned to life and the stages beyond the school years. As two educators with children in their final years of college, we frequently discuss the purpose of school, education, and the notion of life as a classroom for acquiring preparatory skills and habits for life.
Like the Holton alumnae I meet, my children noted that they were well-served by the skills they cultivated at school: managing their time effectively, having the courage to seek and accept feedback, learning from mistakes, finding mentors, collaborating with others, staying resourceful, maintaining a sense of purpose, and making short-term decisions with long-term goals in mind. Even everyday tasks like packing a lunch, prioritizing sleep and fitness, being comfortable with being uncomfortable, and asking clarifying questions emerged as critical life skills. The amount of self-regulation they learned in educational settings was tested in the “real world.” Such experiences strengthen my belief that schools must prepare students not only academically, but for life beyond the classroom.
I also had the good fortune this summer to connect with our Class of 2025 Holton summer interns. Although no longer donning Holton’s iconic plaid, these young women on the cusp of their college launch shared both excitement and butterflies as they prepared to step beyond Holton’s "open door" into the next chapter of their lives. Endings, after all, are also beginnings. That mix of nostalgia and anticipation is what this season is about.
Indeed, the start of school brings both anticipation and nerves,
for all of us
, even me! As Panther parents, you carry hopes, dreams, and, yes, worries for your daughter’s future. Know this: we are ready for them and you. We have prepared for what is in front of us
and
planned for what might be next. For 125 years, Holton-Arms has constructed optimal experiences, preparing young women for life beyond our “open door.” Certainly times have and will continue to change; however, our charge remains the same.
On September 2, we will join as a full community for Convocation, our treasured gathering to launch the 2025-26 school year. Weather permitting, this beloved tradition will be held in the Anne Davis Camalier Amphitheater. During the celebration, we will unveil our theme for the coming school year and embrace Mrs. Holton’s founding vision to elevate
an education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit
. When we gather as a community, we highlight not only academic purpose but the joy and strength of a sisterhood, and the inspiring and purposeful connections amongst students, faculty, staff, and trustees. We begin the year with intention, heart, and the unwavering belief in what we can achieve together. To uplift our collective spirit and soul, we must intentionally nurture our community. In doing so, we harness each other’s strength and demonstrate the unstoppable network your daughters can rely upon for the journey ahead. If you are able to join us, we warmly welcome you. More details will be shared in an upcoming Sunday Skim.
As we prepare to open a landmark year during which we will celebrate Holton’s 125th birthday beginning in February 2026, we do so with tremendous pride and excitement. Together, we will honor our past and boldly chart our future, with the efforts of our strategic planning process. My colleagues and I can’t wait to see you, partner with you, and celebrate the unique potential—brilliance and boundless promise—of every member of our Panther Claw. I wish you the very best of summer’s end.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
Gratitude and Reflections for the Purposeful Connections of 2024-2025
Message from the Head of School: Community Connection
Message from Head of School: Thanksgiving 2024
A Fall Message from Holton-Arms: People, Place, and Program
A Message from the Head of School: Day 1
A Message from the Head of School: Principles of Dialogue
Friday, June 6, 2025
Dear Members of the Holton-Arms Community,
With the end of the 2024-2025 academic year upon us, it is important to pause, celebrate our many accomplishments, and reflect. In doing so, I want to ensure my gratitude is abundantly expressed. Our year was filled with personal growth and community-wide progress. To each member of our Panther Claw—students, faculty and staff, our families, alumnae, and friends of the School—we extend thanks. Because of your partnership, there are many great moments from the 2024-2025 school year to reflect upon.
Students
Our Panthers sought, embraced, and leaned into the opportunity to grow in
mind, soul, and spirit
as individuals and as a close-knit learning community. We are enormously grateful for our students!
Faculty and Staff
The exceptionally talented and devoted professionals of Holton-Arms advanced curiosity. They most certainly cultivated the unique potential of young women with
an education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit
.
Thank you to Holton's invaluable and supremely skilled faculty and staff!
Parents/Guardians and Volunteers
You showed up, enhanced our excellence, and deepened our connections with each other in ways visible and heartfelt.
We thank our volunteers for supporting our mission delivery. Your time, talent, and philanthropy allowed us to thrive.
Panthers of all ages exemplified the spirit of Holton: interdependent and connected. We made meaning out of the unexpected, found strength in each other, and embraced our founder’s vision: “
My high hope is that they who enter through the Open Door of Holton-Arms remember that they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.
” Holton's supportive culture cheered for victories and allowed our students to fail gracefully, and to get back up with clarity of purpose as one Panther Claw.
Together, we learned both academic and life lessons. We experienced joy in the opportunity to creatively
find and make way
. Holton-Arms has modeled such accomplishments for 123 years. It is both a privilege and a pleasure to be part of this vibrant and time-tested learning community.
Although it was hard to narrow down, I am elated to share a Holton-Arms Top Ten List for the 2024-2025 school year. I wish you a summer filled with health, rejuvenation, and memory-making with your loved ones. We look forward to welcoming our new Panther Families, seeing our returning families, and we already miss the Class of 2025 and their families. Until we meet again, inside Holton’s
Open Door
, please take care. Once again, thank you for making this year one of great purpose and inspiration at Holton-Arms.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
1. Opening convocation
The Class of 2024 makes their way into the Anne Davis Camalier ’47 ’49C Amphitheater for their first Holton Convocation.
Read More
2. Blue and White Night under the lights
The Panthers lit up the season with their first night game on the new turf field. Spirit and energy filled the air as they took the field under the lights.
Read More
3. Arts Festival Showcase Visionary Voices
Families, faculty, and students gathered to admire student work at the inaugural All School Arts Festival, celebrating across all grade levels.
Read More
4. Unveiling our new Panther turf field
Thanks to the generosity of donors, we unveiled a turf field in September. This renewed space supports our student-athletes as they grow through movement, nurturing a healthy mind, soul, and spirit.
Read More
5. Opening of the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons
Students, faculty, and staff came together at an All School Gathering to celebrate the grand opening of the new Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons, a vibrant hub for curiosity, collaboration, and community.
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6. Dedication of the Anne Davis Camalier ’47 ’49C Amphitheater
Anne Davis Camalier ’47 ’49C attends the dedication of the amphitheater named in her honor.
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7. Women & Power for Good
Marcia Johnson Bateson ’75, creator of the Women & Power for Good Summit, joins Head of School Penny B. Evins and Lauren H. ’27 as they enjoy lunch with Holton students during the Women & Power for Good Summit.
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8. Celebration of Lights
The Holton community gathered for the first-ever Celebration of Lights, an All School Gathering honoring reflection, unity, and joy.
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9. Closing Ceremony
Seniors form a tunnel for their 3rd grade buddies, a cherised tradition as they cross the bridge together on the way to the Closing Ceremony, an All School Gathering.
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10. Class of 2025 Commencement
With pride in their accomplishments and anticipation for what's ahead, the Class of 2025 shines brightly on Commencement Day.
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February 19, 2025
Warm greetings from Holton-Arms,
One of the most cherished aspects of life at Holton is our vibrant sense of community. It is the foundation upon which we build academic excellence and nurture
the mind, soul and spirit
of each student. A strong community allows our students to take healthy risks, share their voices, and fully contribute to their educational journeys. When our students feel the support of their peers, they are willing to try, are unafraid to fail, and rise to meet the challenges of learning. Rather than focusing on perfection, we embrace Mrs. Holton’s vision to embrace "doing hard things within the warmth and comfort of a home.”
Doing hard things can be joyful.
This is the lesson I want to ensure today’s girls and tomorrow’s leaders not only learn, but also model in their daily lives as Panthers, both within and beyond Holton’s
open door
. In my seat, I observe this lesson as a way of life for our current students and generations of alumnae. I hope that you can see, imagine, and have evidence of Mrs. Holton’s foresight as a flashlight for our current journey and future endeavors as one Holton-Arms community.
Community Collaboration
Our educators are dedicated to delivering an academic program that grows excellence by tapping into every Panther’s unique talents in
mind, soul and spirit.
The combined strength of our learning community is truly unparalleled. Together, we fulfill a mission that goes far beyond the lessons of a textbook—preparing our students for life beyond Holton’s
open doors
. Over President’s Day Weekend, I read anonymous essays from current juniors applying for Holton’s Alumnae Scholar Award. The personal stories about my colleagues, who give their all to these applicants in presence, preparation, and passion-filled pages are inspiring. Our students’ essays and my daily interactions on campus motivate me to advance our timeless excellence with unapologetic ambition. Future aspirations are rooted in deep care for the people and mission delivery of Holton-Arms. Together, as members of our shared learning community, we shall preserve what matters most and design for our future.
Strategic Planning Next Steps
As we launch our planning process, current parents/guardians will soon receive a survey. I invite you to reflect upon our strengths, identify challenges, and name opportunities. Although every Holton family is distinct, each of you intentionally chose our school as the learning community for your daughters. In making this choice, you likely saw Holton-Arms as a place that provides a purposeful and inspiring education—one that helps your Panther grow into the best version of herself. I share this impression as a starting point and, alongside Holton’s Board and my colleagues, remain committed to ensuring the school continues to evolve in productive and forward-looking ways. We are eager to learn from your feedback.
Community Connections and
Making Standards High
When conversing with our impressive and proud alumnae, the value placed on Holton’s sisterhood is noteworthy. A lifelong network provides an invaluable and dynamic connection amongst Panthers of all ages.
This inspiring bond seeded a community art project, which currently hangs in the hallway outside my office. Created in concert with the opening of the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons,
One Panther
is an intentional reminder of our interdependence and community pride.
Since my office is near our dining hall, the beautiful and noisy hum of Panthers is an ever-present backdrop to this vision of our purposeful and persevering connection. Next time you are on campus experiencing “everyday Holton,” I hope you will come by to see
One Panther.
Middle School
Make Your Way Day
brought alumnae back to campus last month to discuss their lives, careers, family systems, and appreciation for a Holton education. Listening to this group of alumnae elevated the learning that occurs when students have access to our network of Holton graduates. Our girls are most curious about how they might apply the skills they learn in school. The return of former Panthers created an ideal in-person classroom, without screens, and an eagerness for more opportunities to see and experience the joy of "doing hard things" beyond our campus.
Shortly after this signature alumnae event, I had a visit with Barbara “Bobby” Gitenstein '66, President Emerita of The College of New Jersey and a former Holton trustee. Bobby’s leadership journey as a college president is instructional and inspiring. A fearless champion of education and a devoted Holton-Arms alumna, Bobby is a powerful example of Mrs. Holton’s vision in action. During her recent visit to the DMV, we found time for a chat between her busy schedule and visits with Holton friends. The women with whom she lived and learned, while a Holton boarding student, are precious in
mind, soul and spirit
to her. Without pause, this most impressive educational leader credits her Holton educationー the people, place, and programs ー for her many accomplishments. It gives me great joy to share that
Bobby
will serve as Holton's Alumna Commencement Speaker for the class of 2025. As sung in our
alma mater
, countless Holton alumnae, including Bobby, demonstrate the importance of making standards high.
Holton turns 124!
Happy Birthday Holton! was a remarkable day of gathering; we enhanced traditions with new additions. I hope stories about the pause we took to build, nurture, and nourish our claw of Panthers in sisterhood made their way to you. It was a joyful day!
We prioritize palpable bonds, paw to paw, to learn and grow the unique potential of each Panther. In doing so, each student leaves her distinctive “paw print” of talents, perspectives, experiences, learnings, and leadership on the hearts and minds of her classmates. As a professional team, we are here to support and partner with you and our students, every step of the way.
This is the transformative power of a Holton education, one which lasts long after our graduates walk across the bridge.
We thank you for the gift of knowing and growing your Panthers, who bring purpose to the profession my colleagues and I cherish. We join together in appreciation for your many acts of generosity and recognition, including the much-enjoyed Parents Association’s Sweet Treats event. Along with the sights and sounds outside my office and the beauty of
One Panther
, the sweet aroma of Valentine's Day treats was delightful! Partnering with our Parents Association and working intimately with Lisa Noto, our PA President, continues to be a highlight of my service to Holton. Beyond the material support our parents provide, Lisa and all of our volunteers are essential to ensuring our dreams for your children become a reality.
Hol-TON of Fun
, another PA event, is just weeks away. I look forward to seeing you there and encourage your participation in
Fund-a-Dream
, our online auction to support Holton’s financial assistance initiatives. Without your participation, Holton’s mission delivery would not be possible for current and future Panthers.
In closing, thank you for your efforts to nurture and advance Holton’s purpose and enrich our connections.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
Dear Holton-Arms Community,
From Holton, a home away from home for our Panthers, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! The privilege of knowing and growing your daughters in partnership with you is a source of great purpose. My colleagues and I are most grateful for the blessings of such inspiration. Together, the people of Holton-Arms joyfully learn through challenges and inspire Panthers and communities, near and far, to do the same.
Throughout the year, Holton’s educators strive to model a way of living through giving; collectively modeling joyful interdependence and purposeful connections, we grow excellence as a community.
During Thanksgiving, we take time to honor Holton’s enduring sense of community. Our Thanksgiving Gathering embodies our mission delivery, offering an education not only of the mind, but also of the soul and spirit.
To ensure each Panther is independent and interconnected, I led our Thanksgiving Gathering with a focus on giving thanks and inspiring others to do the same. In a world where digital distractions are plentiful, prioritizing opportunities to gather helps to ensure we learn from the people in our presence. As a full community, we paused and considered the many blessings in our lives. Certainly Holton harnesses and unleashes many gifts. In unison, we enjoyed heartwarming melodies and seized the opportunity to craft thank you notes. Joy was abundant and mistakes were welcomed, all with the intention of creating and benefitting from a sense of togetherness.
One Panther
,
the panther on this gratitude postcard, represents our entire community.
Filled with individual fingerprints, she represents our interdependence. Symbolizing our collective strength, which is born from the unique potential of each member of our community,
One Panther
hangs in the SAJ Learning Commons.
In service to Holton, it is a pleasure to express my sentiments of appreciation to you.
As Head of School, I am thankful for
you
!
The essential support you provide and demonstrate activates the transformative power of our girls. A Holton education is both a gift for today and everlasting,
far into the distant future
, as sung in our alma mater.
I am thankful for our
Holton students
. They provide clarity of purpose, an unwavering thirst for growing excellence, and abundant joy in everyday Holton moments. These young women mean the world to me and fuel my tireless pursuit to ensure Holton thrives and flourishes!
My supremely talented
Holton colleagues
, who work tirelessly to nurture your daughters’ intellectual and emotional growth.
Holton’s
volunteers and supporters
, whose contributions enhance our programs and bring our mission to life.
Holton’s parents
, who give us the privilege of knowing and growing their daughters’ minds, souls, and spirits.
Our unique strength lies in our ability to “do hard things in the comfort of home.” The Holton community encourages our Panthers to take on challenges with confidence, knowing they are surrounded by professionals and friends who believe in them.
Thank you for being an integral part of Holton’s journey and for accepting my gratitude. I wish you and your loved ones peace, joy, and abundant opportunities for such a reflective pause. May your Thanksgiving celebrations be filled with moments that nourish your mind, soul, and spirit.
When we rejoin, we shall build on Holton’s proud legacy, shaping a future full of purpose, possibility, and excellence. Until then, please enjoy this video, wherein our
“Panthers Paws to Give Thanks.”
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
October 29, 2024
A Message From the Head of School
Holton-Arms was imagined by Jessie Moon Holton, nearly 125 years ago, "
My high hope is that they who enter through the open door of Holton-Arms remember that they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.”
It is with great joy that I write to you from Holton’s physical campus, a learning community, where challenging ourselves within a supportive community is evident.
As framed in my Convocation remarks, Holton is a place where students embrace the "ING" of learning — becomING their best selves, stretchING their minds and talents, and feelING secure in the knowledge that they are supported every step of the way. Whether considering different perspectives or taking healthy risks on stage, our girls are doing hard things within the comfort of a home.
Place
I am thrilled to share how we are evolving! With great appreciation for Holton's Board of Trustees, who
made way
to serve as guardians for our future, we are thrilled to announce the opening of the
Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons
— a project many years in the making — involving the vision of former leaders, students, educators, volunteers, and donors.
What impact can a thoughtfully designed place have on mission delivery? How will the opening of the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons enhance our ability to foster a love of learning, curiosity, and sisterhood? Made possible through the generosity of philanthropic donors and fiscal management, this space has the power to nurture our time-tested and future-focused programs, designed to grow excellence.
The space is intentionally designed, featuring cozy reading nooks, a variety of workstations, and areas for both quiet reflection and dynamic collaboration. Here, third graders might share beloved books with seniors, middle schoolers will harness presentation skills, and our entire community will gather for collective learning and individual growth. More than just a physical space, the Learning Commons embodies our core mission—providing an education that nurtures not only the mind but the soul and spirit of each student.
Holton is a place where each individual's identity, talents, and experiences enhance the rich educational program for which we are known. Through gathering, we cultivate, promote, and enhance a sense of belonging. The Learning Commons embodies our prioritization of gathering and elevates our collective pride in being a part of the Holton community, a place where each Panther, with their own uniqueness as represented by fingerprints, adds to our collective strength as One Panther, One Holton-Arms community. This artwork, co-created with our entire community, will hang in the entranceway of the Learning Commons.
Program
Spirit Week at Holton-Arms brought together our vibrant community in a weeklong celebration filled with themed costumes, cross-grade connections, and a school-wide pep rally. From lunch-time dance-offs and musical chairs to sweet treats (always food at Holton), new cheers, and shared laughs, the campus was alive with energy and joy. Yet, amidst the fun, our Panthers tackled hard things, too—crafting literary masterpieces, solving complex math problems, creating art in real-time, and fiercely competing on the sports field.
During Blue and White Night, I witnessed a perfect moment that reflects the essence of Holton’s mission and community. Alumnae gathered around a senior, sharing “advice for life” beyond Holton’s
open door,
reminiscing about their own Holton days. Nearby, middle schoolers taught our youngest Panthers a new cheer, their voices bridging generations with enthusiasm and support. The sense of community is ubiquitous and for the people of Holton, I am most grateful.
People
Recently, I had the privilege of touring the campus and the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons space with Nancy Peery and Dick Marriott, whose original vision made the Alice S. Marriott Library possible for a previous generation of Panthers, including their four daughters who graduated from Holton-Arms. Their heartfelt response to how we've reimagined this vital learning center was deeply moving. The Marriotts personify individuals who care deeply about those who come next.
Our Holton community is remarkable. Students demonstrate individual determination and unwavering connection as they forge their paths forward. Guided by our exceptional faculty and staff, they experience an education that balances tradition and progress, preparing them to address real-world challenges, beyond our o
pen door
. As we open our newest door and welcome prospective families, I'm profoundly grateful for your role as loyal, active, and engaged ambassadors, sharing the unique promise of a Holton education with others and fortifying our ability to continue our momentum.
The deep appreciation for the
people
,
program
, and
place
, combined with our commitment to evolution and progress makes our path forward clear. The Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons represents more than a physical transformation—it embodies Holton’s core mission and signals how we shall
make way
for our time-tested and future-focused learning community.
We hope you will join us to tour this inspiring space soon by
signing up
here.
We look forward to welcoming you into this incredible space—
a place
where our appreciation for
people,
and the
program
, merges with our commitment to our community. Together, we'll continue our tradition of inspiring our girls to reach for the stars, arm in arm, shaping Holton's bright future.
With great appreciation for the privilege of serving as Holton’s Head of School, I look forward to gathering, both within and beyond Holton’s o
pen door
.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
A Message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees
Dear Holton-Arms Community,
Greetings from the Holton-Arms Board of Trustees. I am Jessie Holladay Sterchi, and it is my honor to serve as Chair of the Board. Our role as a Board is to safeguard our mission, provide strategic direction, and oversee resources that sustain our future and advance our school, which requires collective vision and resources of time, treasure, and talent.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I express our sincere gratitude to the long-term visionaries who ensured the development of the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment that this transformative space now stands as a beacon for the future of Holton-Arms. Capital projects like these are vital for sustaining our school’s mission and ensuring that we continue to evolve for future generations of Holton women who will continue to lead, innovate, and inspire.
As you enter through the doors of the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons, you’ll be immediately struck by how this modern and innovative space now represents the very heart and essence of Holton-Arms—nurturing the “mind, soul, and spirit” that define our school. This vision was made possible by the dedication of a decade of constituents—Boards of Trustees, campaign chairs, two Heads of School and their administrative teams, and our gracious donors. While the partnerships evolved over time, the commitment to this cornerstone, future-focused capital project for Holton-Arms never wavered. These key stakeholders understood that a successful capital project must be mission-driven rather than competitive, ensuring it genuinely reflects and serves the needs of our community.
As the Board of Trustees, we are mindful of our responsibility to the future of Holton-Arms. Aligned with the vision and dedication of those who shaped this remarkable new heart of our school, we are committed to staying mission-driven and forward-focused as we guide Holton-Arms into its next chapter. We are excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to your continued support as we work to ensure an enduring legacy for the next generation of Holton-Arms girls.
With gratitude and excitement for the future,
Jessie Holladay Sterchi
Class of 1999
Chair, Holton-Arms Board of Trustees
Dear Holton-Arms Community,
Thank you to those who joined us for Convocation this morning to hear the voices of students from all divisions, a member of our faculty and staff, and a member of our Board of Trustees.
Today, as I welcome you to Holton’s 123rd year, I am filled with immense pride in our shared commitment to educating the mind, soul, and spirit of young women. Reflecting on the legacy of our founders, Jessie Moon Holton and Carolyn Huff Arms, I am reminded that Holton has always been about meeting the present and future needs of our students.
This year, I am particularly excited to focus on the idea that mistakes are not just inevitable but essential for growth. Inspired by Corinna Luyken’s
The Book of Mistakes
, I believe that mistakes can lead to unexpected opportunities for creativity and learning. At Holton, we emphasize that learning is an ongoing process, represented by the continuous “ING” of living, growing, and connecting. Each moment, whether planned or spontaneous, offers us a chance to learn and grow.
Our journey at Holton is not about achieving perfection. Rather, it is about embracing uncertainty, taking healthy risks, and growing together as a community. By supporting one another through our mistakes, we can unlock our potential and create something truly extraordinary. The concept of perfection often limits us, holding us back from exploring our full potential. Here, we strive to move beyond the fear of making mistakes and instead see them as stepping stones to mastery and innovation.
In my own experiences, I have found that the most meaningful moments often come from the unexpected. Whether adjusting plans to accept another person’s outreach or embracing mistakes in the classroom, I have discovered that these moments of uncertainty often lead to profound growth and connection. It is in these unplanned moments that we find opportunities to deepen our understanding, strengthen our relationships, and push the boundaries of what we thought possible.
This year is a gift, being unwrapped today. It is a chance for continual improvement, growth, and discovery. I encourage each of you to embrace this gift fully, to welcome the surprises it brings, and to see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and evolve.
As we begin this school year, I encourage each of us to embrace the unknown, lean into discovery, and celebrate our individual and collective strengths. We are all part of something bigger—a powerful Panther community where each of us contributes to the excellence and goodness we seek to cultivate in mind, soul, and spirit. Together, let’s make this year one of growth, creativity, and connection. Let’s celebrate our imperfections as catalysts for innovation and community building, knowing that each step, each mistake, brings us closer to becoming the best version of ourselves.
For those not able to join us, we look forward to seeing you inside and beyond Holton's Open Door.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Holton-Arms School cultivates the unique potential of young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit."
Dear Members of the Holton-Arms Community,
I hope the last days of summer bring joyful memories and well-rested Panthers, ready for our exciting new academic year together. I look forward to student-filled spaces and warmly welcoming our new Panthers as well as our returning students. Together, we embark on Holton's 123rd year, building on our legacy of excellence in educating girls with time-tested and future-focused programs.
Like every school year, ours will be marked by familiar routines, new experiences, and unexpected events. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the opportunities and challenges of an election season within a learning community.
During complex times, I find that providing clear expectations offers confidence and predictability, hallmarks of Holton’s longstanding tradition of excellence. Every Holton employee is a mission-driven educator and role model for our students. Successfully realizing Holton’s full promise and mission delivery requires interdependence and recognition that every community member, your children, my colleagues, and each of you is important and valuable. We rely upon each other and together, we create the ideal conditions for each young woman to achieve her potential and connect to her purpose.
Mrs. Holton’s vision, as stated in our
mission
, inspires us to embrace change and growth while considering the ages and stages of human development.
As Head of Holton-Arms, I find strength and clarity in our founder’s vision and strive to ensure we are a non-partisan learning community centered on children’s intellectual and emotional exploration.
We welcome their curiosity and want them to ideate.
With a long legacy of excellence in educating girls, we provide our students with time-tested and future-forward programming.
Holton students and graduates are known for their ability to engage in conversations wherein multiple perspectives are surfaced and for their ability to harness empathy.
For over a century, Holton has prepared young women for a life of purpose, which involves leading and civic engagement. Within the next decade, every child in our current learning community will be of voting age. We have first-time voters in our Class of 2025; this November’s election day will be a momentous one for them. My colleagues and I hope that civic engagement is central to your children’s lives.
As they strive to become their best selves, I believe the children in our care need support and high standards, with many opportunities to feel hope, employ curiosity, find safety in wondering, fail gracefully, and succeed proudly. As educators, we are in a unique position to offer such an environment to grow the excellence of each of our students and our collective strength.
Recognizing that one’s professional status at Holton can signal power and create influence,
I affirm it is not appropriate for any member of Holton’s faculty or staff to share their political views with your children. As role models, we commit to encouraging their curiosity, growing their agency, and fostering a sense of hope and positivity.
As parents and guardians, I ask you to model this commitment and employ our
Principles of Dialogue
. This is essential for maintaining, advancing, and nurturing the strength of our community.
With a shared understanding of our non-partisan stance, Holton’s academic team has plans to position the election as an educational opportunity to learn about the electoral process, leveraging our
Principles of Dialogue
.
At the end of this letter, you'll find a review of our Divisional Approaches, which are also
linked here
, along with the dress code expectations outlined in our summer Handbook update.
Our educational program is crafted to cultivate mindsets, skills, and habits that will serve your children into adulthood. While serious, complex, and polarizing ideas are embedded in election topics, we intend to harness teachable moments and intellectual challenges as facilitators, promoting and upholding respectful dialogues.
With steadfast commitment to our individual roles, collective craft, and shared focus, we anticipate a wonderful year. I look forward to growing our excellence with you, my colleagues, and the heartbeat of our School, our beloved Panthers.
Thank you for your positive partnership and participation.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Head of School
Holton-Arms School
7303 River Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
www.holton-arms.edu
A Message from the Head of School: Reflections on the Year
A Letter from the Board of Trustees
Behind the Paw - Podcasts with Penny B. Evins
Dear Holton-Arms Community,
Where did the year go?
During my inaugural year as Holton’s Head of School, one of the first people I met shared her story of discovering Holton-Arms School. As a young girl, she was captivated by her friend’s school, lovingly calling it “Holding Arms.” She convinced her parents to visit, and apply, and eventually, she attended Holton-Arms. Now, as a parent of two Panthers, she cherishes both nostalgic experiences and traditions while looking forward to Holton’s vibrant future.
I term her affectionate nickname a “marvelous mistake.” It reflects the sisterhood at Holton that spans generations, where students hold arms with each other and open doors for one another.
As we celebrate this year, honor our graduates, and thank our dedicated faculty, staff, volunteers, alumnae, and families, we also bid bittersweet goodbyes to those embarking on new adventures, shifting positions, or retiring.
This year we enjoyed old traditions and new routines, from crossing the bridge on the first and last days of school to the first time our third and twelfth-graders met their new buddies. These moments renewed our purpose and joy as One Holton community.
We celebrate the Class of 2024, marking the end of their time as students but look forward to their lifelong learning and impact. They leave with an open invitation to return, reconnect, and give back, ensuring Holton’s mission continues.
A special highlight is the recipient of the first Open Door Award, honoring Dave Hawkins. Dave, who began his career at Holton many years ago, embodies what is necessary to ensure Mrs. Holton’s vision of challenging oneself within the friendliness of a home. His warm greetings foster the friendliness of a home with personal and positive beginnings inside Holton's
open door
. We are fortunate to be part of Holton-Arms, a beacon of hope dedicated to
cultivating the unique potential of young women through an education not only of the
mind, but of the soul, and spirit.
I wish you a healthy, memorable, and rejuvenating summer, and whether inside or beyond our open door, I look forward to seeing you in the near future.
Warmly,
Penny B. Evins
Dear Holton-Arms Community,
On behalf of the Holton Arms Board of Trustees and Head of School Search Committee, we are thrilled to announce that Penny B. Evins has been appointed by the Board of Trustees as Holton-Arms’ 8th Head of School. Penny was
unanimously
recommended by the Search Committee to the Board of Trustees who then
unanimously
approved her appointment to succeed Susanna A. Jones on July 1, 2023.
Penny is a seasoned school leader who brings deep experience working collaboratively with faculty, staff, trustees, families, students, and alums to strengthen school communities—always keeping the needs of the students front and center. With nearly a decade of experience serving as Head at two other prestigious independent schools–including Collegiate School in Richmond and St. Paul’s School for Girls in Baltimore–Penny has an exceptional record of building strong, lasting relationships and motivating those around her to be the best versions of themselves. In addition to her depth as a leader, she has a breadth of experience across school divisions and functional areas, including: division headships, admissions, counseling, and fundraising.
Perhaps a result of her New Orleans roots, Penny is a straightforward and warm communicator–a real connector and people person. In making this choice, we have selected a leader who fully shares our community’s strong commitment to–indeed, has dedicated her career to–nurturing a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive school. We are excited and energized by the promise and potential of Penny’s appointment as our next Head of School.
Selecting a new Head of School is perhaps the most consequential duty of the Board of Trustees. We extend our deepest gratitude to our fellow Search Committee members for the diligence, care and effort they have invested throughout this process. We are also appreciative of our alumni, faculty and staff, parents and guardians, and students who gave so generously of their time to engage with the finalists and share their many insights with the Search Committee along the way.
We look forward to welcoming Penny along with her husband, Sam, and two children to our community in July. We will share more details about opportunities to meet and greet them soon. In the meantime, as Susanna continues to lead the School through June, we look forward to celebrating her extraordinary legacy.
Stay tuned for updates on the many festivities ahead!
Best,
Cathy Johnson Butz ’87, P ’18, P ’21,
Trustee, Search Committee Co-Chair
Mark Israel, P ’20, P ’22,
Trustee, Search Committee Co-Chair
Behind the Paw
is a podcast series featuring interviews with teachers, alumni, students, staff, parents, and administrators—who support one another to find a way or make one. Hosted by Head of School Penny B. Evins, listeners will get a chance to follow along as Holton’s eighth Head of School listens and learns about what makes Holton so special.
Episode 5: A Life of Impact and Meaning
In this episode, Head of School Penny B. Evins explores the stories and insights of those who shape our beloved institution. We sit down with Julia Grandison, Academic Dean, and Yolanda Keener, Senior Class Dean, as they reflect on their years of service, share surprising tidbits about Holton's history, and discuss the evolving landscape of education. From classroom memories to favorite meals, from traditions cherished to challenges faced, listen in as we uncover the essence of Holton through the voices of its dedicated educators!
Episode 4: Creative Waymakers
In this episode, Head of School Penny Evins talks to Mike Robertson, Director of Libraries & Information Services, and Callie Oliver, Director of Auxiliary Programs, about why it takes a whole year to plan summer camp, the coziness of working in Granger House, how to find Callie by "following the music," and ... what does the Panther say? Listen in.
Episode 3: Arts, Athletics, Academics... oh my!
This week Head of School Penny Evins welcomes Athletic Director Graham Westerberg, Fine & Performing Arts Director Felicia Swoop and Student/Athlete/Artist Anne L. '24 to this episode of
Behind the Paw
. Listen in as they discuss the opportunities and challenges of trying new things, learning to fail, and quick changes between swim meets and Orchestra concerts. Check out previous episodes
here
.
Episode 2: Wisdom from 65 Combined Years at Holton
With a combined 65 years of experience at Holton, Lower School Science teacher Linda Bailey and Main Entrance Security Guard Dave Hawkins have touched the lives of generations of Holton girls and students. Listen in as Head of School Penny B. Evins learns a little more about what drew them to dedicate their careers to
cultivating the unique potential of young women through the education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.
They discuss their hopes for Holton’s students and families, as well as why Holton is an ideal work environment. And hear why Mrs. Evins has dubbed them our “Chief of Find a Way or Make One” and “Chief of First Impressions,” respectively.
Episode 1: Habits of Mind & Heart
In this first episode Mrs. Evins is joined by alumnae parent and Trustee Cal Daggitt (P’ 21, P’23), her eldest daughter alumnae Macy Daggitt ’21 and Middlebury junior to talk about the habits of mind and heart that have set her up well for life after Holton. They’ll discuss how Holton helped them make room for learning from mistakes, encouraged healthy risk-taking and provided executive functioning for “adulting” in college.
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