The 30th Annual Ashley Hall Oyster Roast
Friday, January 30, 2026 | 7–9:00 p.m.
Help us celebrate 30 years of coming together as the Ashley Hall community at one of the year’s most fun events. This evening is for adults only and open to the Charleston community, so bring your friends. We look forward to seeing you there!
- Tickets are $65 when purchased online by Thursday, January 29.
- Tickets are $50 for young Ashley Hall alumnae, Classes 2011–2021, when purchased online by Thursday, January 29.
- Tickets are $70 when purchased the evening of the event.
Online registration is now closed. Tickets will be available at the event.
Each fall, the Early School comes alive in ways that feel both familiar and entirely new. As our youngest learners settle into the rhythm of their days, their curiosity widens, their confidence stretches, and their sense of belonging deepens. This transformation is especially visible in the Early School Outdoor Classroom—a thoughtfully designed space where children climb, build, wonder, and collaborate, and where the natural world becomes both backdrop and catalyst for learning. Here, ideas take shape in sand and soil, questions emerge from close observation, and meaningful connections form as children learn alongside one another.
Please enjoy the following article, written by Early School Naturalist and Pre-Primary teacher, Rachael Carter, who beautifully captures the discoveries, relationships, and shared experiences that make fall such a magical season for our youngest learners.
Fall is such a special time of year in the Early School. Our students are settled into routines, forming meaningful friendships, and we, as teachers, get to watch their confidence and curiosity grow as they explore the many meaningful places on our campus. One of these favorite places is the Early School Outdoor Classroom—a space designed not only for climbing, building, and moving, but also for thinking, wondering, and exploring in ways that support both the body and the mind.
In Reggio-inspired learning, the environment acts as a “third teacher,” shaping how children think and explore. The Outdoor Classroom gives children the room to develop motor skills, but it also nurtures curiosity, problem-solving, and collaborative play. Each year, our Fall Family Explorations invite parents and caregivers into this space, offering a chance to see firsthand how much learning happens when children are encouraged to follow their ideas.
This year, my class has been deeply engaged in a study of homes – what makes them special, how they reflect who we are, and how we can design them. The children have been sharing stories about their own homes and building imaginative structures using a variety of materials. Their curiosity deepened when we learned about Ashley Hall’s founder, Mary Vardrine McBee, and took a walk to visit the historic McBee House. The children wondered aloud which room might have been her bedroom and compared what they imagined inside her home to familiar objects in their own. So it was only natural that this work shaped our Fall Family Exploration. Because our children were so invested in thinking about homes, we designed invitations for the Outdoor Classroom that allowed families to join in on the inquiry through building, ink printing, imagining, and storytelling.
When our Fall Family Exploration began, the children took the lead, and their confidence shone in big and small ways. Rowan shouted happily, “Listen! Listen to this!” and then he began hitting the marimba with the mallets as his parents swayed, dancing to the beat. Nearby, Emma explored printing shapes with Duplo blocks and ink pads, telling her mom, “I need black. This house is going to be black,” connecting her artistic choices to our study of homes.
Parents made discoveries of their own, too. Jones, who loves the microscope, spent much of the morning examining our class collection of natural objects. When his dad realized he was looking at whelk egg casings and whelk shells at the beginning of their formation, he exclaimed, “Jones, did you know that?!” Jones replied in his calm, matter-of-fact way, “Yeah, Dad. I know. They are baby whelk shells. They are so tiny, yeah. Neat, huh?” It was a moment they both will remember.
Everywhere you looked, there were scenes like this—Simi laughing with her mom as they sent balls racing down a ball run, children guiding their parents through familiar materials, and families working together to create, build, design, play, and discover.
And even after families headed home, the experience continued to live in our classroom. We revisit photos, tell stories, and make new connections through play. The children share memories: “I did this with my mom outside, and now I’m doing it with you!” and “Look! Your mommy is talking to my mommy—they’re friends!”
Their reflections captured the heart of the day: Goldie shared, “I like my mommy, and I show her my Simi and peoples outside, and Claud in my dirt.” Edwina beamed, “I draw with my mommy, daddy, and bebe, and play in the dollhouse with baby Marjorie.” Isla reflected, “My favorite part was my mama watching me going down the slide.” And her sister Sloane quickly added, “Yeah, I liked doing the drums with my mom!”
Ultimately, the best part of Fall Family Explorations is watching children share their school lives with the people they love most. These shared experiences strengthen their sense of belonging, provide continued inspiration, and deepen the bridge between home and school—all essential foundations for meaningful learning.
Our Fall Family Exploration is only the first chapter. The Outdoor Classroom, our garden beds, the Nature Retreat, and the wider Ashley Hall campus will keep offering new stories for children to write with their hands, their voices, and their imaginations. In these spaces, children test ideas, build together, slow down to notice, and discover that learning can feel like an adventure—one that unfolds outdoors, in motion, and in community.
Rachael Carter
Early School Naturalist and Faculty Member
Learning came alive this week for Ashley Hall’s grade 11 and 12 botany students during a field trip to Sea Island Savory Herbs, a woman-owned and operated plant nursery on Johns Island specializing in herbs, succulents, perennials, and seasonal vegetables. What they encountered there—rigorous science, hands-on discovery, and inspiring female leadership—added new dimension to the concepts they’ve been studying in class.
At the nursery, owner Ella Cowen offered students a look into the history and daily operations of her working farm, as well as the science and tradition behind the many medicinal plants she cultivates. Students learned how common herbs are used in teas, salves, and toners—discovering firsthand how plants contribute to human health and well-being. From comfrey to mint, the group explored the rich connections between botany and everyday life.
The visit also provided a sensory adventure. One student sampled some of the more unusual plants, including the “eyeball plant.” After chewing one of its flower heads, she immediately understood why it has been used to relieve toothaches—the bioactive compound spilanthol temporarily numbs the mouth. The plant also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, giving students a perfect example of the complexity of medicinal flora.
She also tried “miracle fruit,” known for its ability to make sour foods taste sweet by briefly altering taste receptors. Holding the vibrant red berry in one of the field trip photos, she later tested the effect by eating an extremely sour citrus fruit. “It worked!” she said. The protein responsible—miraculin—is currently being studied for its potential to influence food preferences.
Throughout the tour, students applied their classroom learning about plant families, morphology, and adaptations to identify species and make connections to recent lessons—including how botanicals can even support forensic investigations. Their experience culminated in hands-on horticulture as they propagated herb cuttings to bring back to campus.
Reflecting on the impact of the day, Upper School Biology and Botany teacher Allison Bowden shared, “As we planted our cuttings, one senior looked over at me and said, ‘I just might major in botany!’ This simple statement was reaffirming to hear, for this course introduces students to the important role plants play in our lives. This week, as we wrapped up our deep dive into plant adaptations, students applied their knowledge of plant morphology and species identification to explore how flowers can be used in forensic investigations. Whether a student studies the medicinal benefits of plants, botanical biochemistry, or simply chooses gardening as a life-long hobby, I have achieved my goal to instill in my students an appreciation and understanding of the botanical world.”
Students echoed that enthusiasm. Liza Ziel ’27 reflected on a moment that stood out at the end of the visit, sharing her memory of Ms. Cowen’s words: “Women can do anything, no matter what it is—if you love it, you can do it.”
Zahirah Muhammad ’27 also shared the following reflections: “The botany field trip was amazing and such a unique experience! This was my first time going to a savory herb garden, and it was really cool to look at the different characteristics of plants, such as the variety of succulents, the coffee plant, mint, and rosemary. I also enjoyed the process of learning how to propagate cuttings and being able to take some home.”
This field trip offered students a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the plant world—and a meaningful connection to a local female entrepreneur whose work reflects both expertise and passion. For many, it opened new interests and possibilities, making the experience one that will continue to grow long after they returned to campus.
The Christmas Play
New Performance Schedule*:
Friday, December 12 at 5 p.m. (Doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.)
Cathedral Church of St. Luke & St. Paul
126 Coming Street
(*As of December 4)
Join us for one of Ashley Hall’s most beloved traditions—The Christmas Play. For more than a century, this cherished production has filled the holiday season with magic, music, and the joyful spirit of our students.
Due to unprecedented demand, two performances are now offered with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. All tickets procured on or after December 1 will be canceled and refunded.
Cathedral Accessibility: Please note that the Cathedral’s accessibility lift is currently out of service. Entry to the sanctuary requires navigating multiple steps.
As the fall athletics season came to a close, our student-athletes demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience, and talent. This season was marked by outstanding performances, meaningful milestones, and a strong sense of community across Ashley Hall Athletics. Here’s a look back at the achievements that defined our fall season.
Tennis Secures Consecutive State Championships
Our varsity Tennis team completed an undefeated season and claimed their second straight State Championship, closing out the year with a decisive victory over Trinity Collegiate. Their dedication and consistency set a remarkable standard for excellence. Special congratulations to Lily Sloan ’26 on being named SCISA Player of the Year!
Equestrian Opens the Season with Strong Results
The Equestrian team began the season with impressive momentum, earning second place in their first show and first place in the following competition. Their early success signals a promising season ahead. PQV!
Cross Country Demonstrates Competitive Strength
Cross Country earned a second-place finish at the region meet, highlighted by top-seven performances from Molly Mettler ’27 and Natalie Bennett ’27. Reflecting on the team’s progress, Molly shared: “It was such good vibes and I really felt all the team love… We’ve made a really big jump this season in intensity, and we’re all so supported by each other and by the Ashley Hall community.” The team now turns its focus to the State Meet in Columbia.
Swimming Earns State Runner-Up Finish
The Swim team delivered an outstanding performance at the state championship meet, finishing as State Runner-Up. Coach Cassidy Rindge reflected on the team’s accomplishments:
“We had four podium finishes and a new school record. The girls took a lot of ownership over their season… They came together as a team which was really cool. It’s such a positive trajectory.”
Celebrating Excellence: Charlotte Strickland ’26 Signs with Tulane University
A standout moment of the fall season was the celebration of senior Charlotte Strickland ’26, a leader on our Varsity Volleyball team, as she officially signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division I Volleyball at Tulane University. A special ceremony was held in the gym, where teammates, coaches, family, and friends gathered to recognize her achievement and witness this meaningful milestone. Charlotte’s commitment, both on and off the court, has been an inspiration to our community. We congratulate her on this well-deserved accomplishment and wish her continued success—all our best and PQV!
Thank you for following this month’s Panther Recap. Stay connected with @AshleyHallPanthers for ongoing highlights, announcements, and stories from across our athletic community.
Ashley Hall is thrilled to host Dream Day Charleston on Saturday, January 10, 2026, a fun and inspiring STEM workshop presented by DreamGirls Initiative. Designed to spark curiosity and empower the next generation of thinkers and makers, this free one-day event invites girls in 5th through 8th grade to explore the exciting world of science and engineering.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: Ashley Hall
Who: Girls in 5th–8th grade
Cost: Free (registration is required)
Registration opens December 1, 2025. Click here to register!
Participants will spend the day engaging in hands-on activities led by women engineers and scientists from a wide range of fields. From creative problem-solving to real-world experiments, students will experience what STEM professionals do every day—while meeting role models who show just how many paths are possible for women in STEM fields.
Event Highlights:
-Interactive STEM workshops led by industry professionals
-Opportunities to connect with inspiring women in engineering and science
-Free giveaways
-A fun, welcoming environment designed to celebrate curiosity
We look forward to welcoming young scientists and engineers to campus for a day of exploration, inspiration, and discovery!