At this year’s Annual Luncheon, we wasted no time getting down to business. There was palpable energy and camaraderie among alumnae in the beautiful Sheraton Philadelphia convention center that demonstrated our readiness to meet the challenges ahead. Here’s the video that kicked off our meeting.  I opened with…

“The class of 2028 has just entered the first grade. Are we preparing for their arrival?”

With an eye toward the future, the prevailing themes were threefold: (1) fresh perspective on the challenges faced by young women entering Girls High today, (2) renewed purpose for fulfilling our mission to Girls High students of tomorrow and (3) a sense of urgency about the programs and initiatives we must undertake to meet the needs of the class of 2028 and generations to come. Discussions and forums shifted our orientation from passive to activist engagement in pursuit of preserving and improving the status of Girls High School.

To that end, we have a mandate to evangelize in recruitment of new leaders to strengthen our board. Finally, we must continue to support and nurture the programs today that will form the infrastructure supporting the Girls High.

Awarding the Dorothy Kaperstein Award at AAPHSGIn addition to our business agenda, we also enjoyed incredibly rich and heartwarming moments. I was moved by our presentation of what is now the Dorothy Kapenstein Service Award to Dorothy Goldstein Kapenstein, ’46. Her unwavering dedication to alumnae and tireless service to our board mark a standard of achievement for all, and a personal inspiration to me.

We proudly hosted eleven class reunions at our luncheon, making our Annual Luncheon a favorite destination for reunion planners of all classes. The photos from those reunions are priceless keepsakes. Some can be found on our Facebook page where you can comment, support and recognize old friends. With exclusive paraphernalia and memorabilia on sale, and spontaneous reunions of old friends of varied classes, no doubt, we all had a ball.

While our gathering was strong in spirit, it should have been stronger in number. We continue to improve communications, outreach and networking within our organization. What remains is your support and contribution to our success. To all my sisters who attended, especially those who travelled long distance to attend, you have my inexpressible gratitude and respect. To those of you still observing from the sidelines, I affectionately challenge you to walk your talk of Girls High pride. We need you to show up! More importantly, the women of 2028 are already calling from first grade. Will you help?

Girls High. Forever.

Antoinette (Toni) Bailey Nottingham
President, The Alumnae Association