This week, Ashley Hall wove special celebrations into daily life across campus to honor the birthday of our extraordinary founder, Miss Mary Vardrine McBee.

In 1909, Miss McBee founded Ashley Hall with a bold vision: to educate girls and young women to be independent, ethically responsible, and prepared to meet the challenges of their world with confidence. Her courage, determination, and forward-thinking spirit still shape our community today.

At a time when women were not even allowed to vote, Miss McBee passed the rigorous entrance exams for Smith College, marking the beginning of her distinguished academic journey. She went on to earn a master’s degree from Columbia University and was later awarded three honorary doctorates. Beyond her academic accomplishments, she was a tireless leader in the Charleston community, championing initiatives such as Charleston’s first free Kindergarten, the Free Library, and the city’s very first Girl Scout troop. Even during the Great Depression, she found creative ways to keep Ashley Hall thriving, taking on multiple roles to ensure her faculty were paid and the school endured.

Her remarkable legacy gave us much to celebrate this week:

In the Classroom: Dr. Weston, Head of School, visited with Kindergarten students to share stories about Miss McBee’s life. The girls eagerly asked thoughtful questions about Ashley Hall traditions—from how many bears lived in the bear cave, to how purple and white became our school colors, and even why we wear uniforms. They crafted special birthday celebration hats, just for the occasion!

On Campus: Upper School Student Ambassadors gathered in front of McBee House to sing “Happy Birthday” to our founder, while students across divisions created handmade cards in her honor.

Special Touches: Highlights of Miss McBee’s accomplishments and interesting facts about her life were displayed on monitors throughout the campus, reminding everyone of her impressive achievements and lasting impact.

In celebrating Miss McBee’s birthday, Ashley Hall carried forward the traditions, spirit, and vision she instilled when she first opened our doors in 1909. It was a joyful reminder of the enduring influence of our founder. PQV!