Ashley Hall’s annual Book Festival is a spring tradition that brings our entire campus together to celebrate our shared love of reading. This year, we’re thrilled to host a week of exciting events from Monday, March 24, through Friday, March 28.
The 2025 Book Festival theme is Be Well: Be Well-Read, inspired by Ashley Hall’s work with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3, focused on good health and well-being. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store!
Book Fair Location + Hours
There will be two book fair locations on campus: the LoDome for Early School through sixth-grade readers (Scholastic) and Jenkins Hall Atrium for grades 7-12 (hosted by Buxton Books). Shopping hours are as follows:
Monday, March 24 | 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Only Lower School Scholastic Sale (Conference Day, No Classes) Tuesday, March 25 | 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 | 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Extended Hours) Thursday, March 27 | 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Dress as your favorite book character day for grades K – 6) Friday, March 28 | 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Fathers’ & Friends’ Morning, Half-Day Dismissal)
How to Shop
Checks sent to school should be made out to Ashley Hall. Cash and credit cards are also accepted. Another option is to use eWallet, a simple digital payment system hosted by Scholastic that can be used online or in person. Babas on Canon will also host a pop-up morning coffee bar daily with drinks and snacks for sale.
Can’t make it to campus?
Online shopping will also be available starting Friday, March 21, through Monday, March 31!
Questions? Contact Director of Library Services Emily Davis at[email protected]
Celebrating Leadership: The Black Student Union’s Impactful Black History Month at Ashley Hall
At Ashley Hall, the Black Student Union (BSU) led a powerful and thought-provoking Black History Month experience, demonstrating the impact of student leadership and the importance of amplifying diverse voices. Through strategic planning and a commitment to meaningful dialogue, the BSU curated a dynamic series of events, including two engaging speaker panels featuring accomplished Black professionals. These discussions gave students invaluable insights into perseverance and the power of representation. By spearheading these efforts, the BSU not only honored Black history and culture but also fostered an environment of learning, reflection, and empowerment within the school community.
As a student-driven affinity group, the BSU fosters dialogue and cultural awareness year-round. Their leadership in shaping this year’s Black History Month celebrations brought fresh perspectives to campus, offering students an opportunity to engage with real-world experiences of adversity and triumph.
On February 7, an impressive all-female panel was invited to speak to Upper School students, marking the first of two discussions. The speakers shared journeys of perseverance, leadership, and innovation, inspiring students to embrace resilience in the face of challenges. Their diverse backgrounds in education, research, technology, and advocacy offered valuable perspectives on navigating adversity and making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Dr. Tamara Butler, Executive Director of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, is a dedicated scholar and advocate for cultural preservation, blending her expertise in education and African American studies to uplift historical narratives. Ms. Michelle Simmons, Chief Academic Officer for Charleston County School District, has dedicated nearly three decades to shaping academic excellence and ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. Ms. Courtney Waters, Executive Director of Teach For America SC and former Charleston County School Board Vice-Chair, continues her mission to transform South Carolina’s education system with urgency and equity in mind. Finally, Ms. Tanqueray Edwards, a leader in AI adoption and business innovation, shared her story of resilience and determination, illustrating the power of technology and strategic leadership in shaping the future. Together, these women exemplified strength, purpose, and the importance of empowering the next generation.
The second panel, held on February 20, featured another inspiring group of professionals who shared their experiences of success in their respective fields. Pars Edwards, a seasoned financial services professional with over two decades of experience, emphasized the importance of strategic financial planning and relationship-building in helping clients reach their goals. Ms. D’Anna Frasier, an educator and counselor, spoke about her journey from teaching to counseling, highlighting her passion for guiding students toward better decision-making and future success. A dedicated mother and active community member, she continues to balance her career with service. Mrs. Deronda Washington, who serves as the Senior Associate Director of Student Leadership and Fraternity and Sorority Life at the College of Charleston, shared her experiences mentoring and shaping student leaders and spoke about how she takes pride in helping students grow into their full potential. Similarly, Mrs. Shavon Harris, a senior leader in technical program management, discussed her extensive experience in software testing, process improvement, and IT services. As an advocate for STEM education, she actively supports robotics programs and serves as chapter president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Each panelist provided valuable insights into the impact of mentorship and making meaningful connections, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Beyond Black History Month, the BSU’s work continues year-round as they strive to promote awareness and inclusivity on campus. Through ongoing programming, discussions, and mentorship initiatives, they ensure that celebrating Black excellence and the conversation around belonging remains an integral part of the Ashley Hall experience. Their dedication to amplifying diverse voices and fostering an inclusive culture underscores the lasting impact of student-led advocacy and celebration.
The 2024 Ashley Hall Christmas Play
From trimming the tree to baking cookies, holiday traditions powerfully unite us during this special season. At Ashley Hall, our school family’s most cherished (and long-standing) tradition is the annual Christmas Play. On Dec. 12, 2024, 160 Ashley Hall students of all ages gathered in the historic and ethereal St. Matthew’s Church to perform this beloved production for the 100th time.
First presented in 1924 under the direction of school founder Mary Vardrine McBee, Ashley Hall’s annual Christmas Play has brought the medieval Chester Mystery Plays to life with our student’s creativity, passion, and artistic excellence.
From the dancing jesters to the angelic Red Choir, this beautiful retelling of the Nativity story has remained a cornerstone of the Ashley Hall experience for generations of students, families, alumnae, faculty, and the greater Charleston community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable evening. Your support makes this timeless tradition possible. And, of course, bravo to our hard-working students who shone brightly on and off stage. We’re grateful to have shared this special moment with all who could join us.
Relive the Centennial Performance of The Christmas Play
– 37 seniors were part of a class that excelled in all aspects of school and community life
– 57 colleges and universities extended acceptances to class members
We are proud of these graduates and all they have accomplished at Ashley Hall. Click on the button below to see the full list of this year’s college acceptances!
Girls’ school graduates are three times more likely to consider careers in engineering, and every February, Ashley Hall joins the national celebration of Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. This annual event aims to provide students with shared STEM experiences to improve their understanding of engineering, and its focus is largely on facilitating educational activities led by women in engineering.
To bring this event to life at Ashley Hall, the Upper School has partnered with Glenn Edmunds Jeffries ’79, Chief of Corporate Communications for the Army Corp of Engineers (Charleston District) to create the opportunity for students in grades 7, 8, and 10 to interact with engineering professionals representing different federal agencies. This year, agencies included the Air Force, U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit, U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (NIWC), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Together, they worked with students on several STEM projects, including plant and wildlife identification, biotoxicity experiments, 3D printing, problem solving storm surges, and more.
The sessions also offer students a chance to ask questions about future career possibilities and meet new female role models. This introduction of girls to women who are working in math, science, and technology fields is an important part of encouraging more students to pursue engineering. “Although women are making progress in terms of proportion of degrees earned and percentage of workers represented in math, science, tech-heavy fields, we still have a long way to go,” says Upper School math teacher and physicist Claire Christensen. “I firmly believe that the gender gap at the post-secondary level can be narrowed by ensuring that we get our girls ‘hooked on’ STEM subjects from an early age—that we kindle their passion for these fields and that we build confidence in their skills and ability to pursue their interests in these fields.”
On January 16, 2023, more than 100 groups marched in Charleston’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade including a spirited squad from Ashley Hall. The community outing was led by members of the Upper School Multicultural Student Union (MSU), and it was the group’s first event since the pandemic.
“Now that we’re back in person, we’re getting involved in the community in ways that we used to be involved before COVID-19,” says Assistant Head of School for Student Affairs and MSU faculty sponsor Cintra Horn. “The parade is just the beginning of what we have planned.”
From the group’s mission to upcoming events, here’s what to know about MSU at Ashley Hall.
THE MSU MISSION
“The purpose of MSU is to create awareness of diversity in the Ashley Hall community, as well as in our society,” says MSU member Selena Ruiz Luna ’24. During meetings, students dive into dialogue about different cultures, and brainstorm on ways they can create awareness around them, including taking part in community events.
MSU is open to every Upper School student, no matter race, gender, ethnicity, or cultural beliefs. “This group is for anyone,” says Director of Operations Rasheedah Harrison whose daughter Nadiyah McGill ’22 was also a member of the group during her time at Ashley Hall. “We are truly a diverse group, and we focus on every aspect of life where students may feel different. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and understanding across campus, and it’s for everyone.”
While the current MSU group is small, it has doubled in size since the start of the school year. Ruiz Luna, who will be a senior next year, has her sights on increasing involvement even more. “I hope to help grow the MSU group,” she says. “I will do so by having the group be involved in more events, and hopefully we will have a good impact so future Ashley Hall generations will continue the group!”
NEW MEMBERS, NEW ENERGY
This was not Ashley Hall’s first year proudly taking part in the city’s annual MLK Day parade. But it took a fresh perspective from new MSU members to get involved again after the pandemic.
“It was just perfect timing,” says Ashley Hall educator and operations team member Lamika Washington who submitted Ashley Hall’s application to walk in the parade back in September. It is Washington’s first year at Ashley Hall, and she joined MSU last semester. “As our new group members were really just getting started, it was the perfect first big event for us. It was the MLK holiday, it was the start of the new year—it all just came together.”
The morning of the parade, students met outside the School’s gates dressed in purple and white at 7:30 a.m. to head out into the community as a united front. “The students really showed up, including our amazing Panther,” says Horn. “It truly meant so much to people on the parade route. The children were especially excited to see our mascot, but everyone we passed was simply thrilled to see Ashley Hall.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Next up for MSU will be a trip to Savannah in February to attend the Lowcountry Student Diversity Leadership Conference, an initiative to bring students together for leadership training, professional development, and networking. Now in its fourth year, the conference is hosted by Savannah Country Day School to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
“This conference has been running virtually throughout the pandemic, but again, now we’ll be back in person to meet up with folks from five or six other schools in the Lowcountry,” says Horn. “It will be a chance for our student leaders in this area to think about what they’d like to bring back to Ashley Hall.”
As for participating in the MLK Day parade again next year? Consider it a plan. “I only see our parade group getting bigger,” says Washington. “I see more kids getting involved because it’s not just for students of different races, it’s for everyone. I just want it to grow and grow. I would love to get the young girls involved by having the older girls coaching them on what to do. I see younger girls on the float next year, and older girls leading the way.”
Ashley Hall is a K-12 independent school for girls, with a co-ed preschool, committed to a talented and diverse student population. We consider for admission students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin.
