News Archive - Leadership
Madeira students host TEDx Youth event, “Defying Odds”
Madeira held its first TEDx Youth event, “Defying Odds,” featuring speeches by 10 students on topics ranging from digital technology to diversity to mental... Read More
College Commitment: Senior Commits to Colorado College
The Madeira School is proud to recognize Emma Faraon on her commitment to further her academic and athletic career as a member of the volleyball team at... Read More
Madeira's Head of School featured on Redesigning Normal podcast
Gretchen Warner, Head of School at The Madeira School, joins podcast host Andrew Southern for episode six of the podcast Redesigning Normal to talk about... Read More
College Commitments: Senior athletes sign to Claremont McKenna College, NYU, and UNC Wilmington
The Madeira School is proud to recognize three senior student-athletes from the Class of 2021 on their commitments to further both their academic and athletic... Read More
Madeira wins 4 awards at Model UN conference
Madeira’s Model UN team had a very successful weekend at the North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN) conference, taking home four awards... Read More
Madeira students bring awareness to water scarcity in Nepal and Haiti
Several Madeira clubs (Hands United, JAM, FOCUS, BSU, and WEARTH) banded together with MITRE Corporation and Wine To Water to host a compelling event this... Read More
Election Preparation Programming Focuses on Proactive Community Discussion
With civic duty in mind, the nation has ramped up its activity and excitement over participating in our awesome democratic process and casting votes for... Read More
2020-2021 student leaders announced
The results are in! The Madeira student leaders have been named for the 2020-2021 school year.
The student government is voted in by all grade levels... Read More
Priya Batra ’20 earns Girl Scouts' highest award
Senior Priya Batra has earned a Girl Scouts Gold Award for her project on stress management and teen girls. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award... Read More
Snails Sign National Letter of Intent
This Spring, The Madeira School recognized four outstanding student-athletes on their commitment to further both their academic and athletic careers this... Read More
Madeira students earn Karate promotions
The Madeira Karate Dojo is proud to announce the following promotions awarded on December 17, 2019. Promotions are based on proficiency of physical skill... Read More
Snails Sign National Letters of Intent
The Madeira School is proud to recognize three outstanding senior student-athletes on their commitment to further both their academic and athletic careers... Read More
7th & 8th grade Girls Leadership Conference
7th & 8th grade girls are invited to attend a fun-filled leadership workshop designed to build important skills such as:
• Solo circle: Personal self-care... Read More
Madeira junior speaks at Madeleine Albright Luncheon
“My name is Tarina Ahuja. I’m 16 and I want to be President of the United States,” began Tarina’s speech, where she was the only student speaker at the... Read More
2019-2020 student government announced
The election results are in! The Madeira student government and class officers have been named for the 2019-2020 school year.
The student government... Read More
2019 PINK Award winner to create advocacy app
Tarina Ahuja ’20 was awarded the 2019 PINK Award during this year’s Reunion Weekend All School Meeting. She plans to use her award to create an app to... Read More
Madeira juniors raise $175k for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, named Students of the Year
This winter, Lilly Evans ’20 and Gabrielle Russo ’20 set an ambitious goal of raising $50,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). They blew past... Read More
Madeira students and teachers attend People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference
Head of School, Pilar Cabeza de Vaca and Assistant Head of School, Andre Withers, presented at the 2018 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS... Read More
Nandi Ndoro ’19 uses PINK Award to highlight local artists
Nandi Ndoro ’19, Madeira’s 2018 PINK Award recipient, started her project, Inbold Magazine, over the summer, and has big plans for it this coming year... Read More
Commencement 2018
On Friday June 8, Madeira awarded 79 diplomas to the class of 2018. After the traditional processional to their seats with hand held bouquets of 13 red... Read More
Football and fundraising: annual powderpuff game raises funds for charity
The student body came together in late April for the Second Annual Madeira Powderpuff Football Game. The flag football tournament, which doubled as a fundraiser... Read More
2018-2019 student government announced
The election results are in! The Madeira student government and class officers have been named for the 2018-2019 school year.
The student government... Read More
Madeira Karate Dojo promotes eleven students
For five weeks bridging modules 2 and 3, Madeira Karate students developed empty-handed techniques including blocks, strikes, kicks, sparring combinations... Read More
Madeira attends PoCC and SDLC Conferences
In late November, a group of Madeira students and adults traveled to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and the People of Color Conference... Read More
Madeira Hosts Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar
Madeira hosted a human trafficking awareness seminar on November 9, 2017, partnering with the Great Falls Rotary Club and Airline Ambassadors International... Read More
Welcome to our new faculty and staff
Allow us to introduce you to the new faces at Madeira (and a reintroduce a few familiar ones).
Carla Belsher joins the Madeira team this year in the Health... Read More
Sophomore advisory create puppets for local Head Start program
At the beginning of the school year, Ms. Heinan’s sophomore advisory group decided to develop a community service project that they could work on together... Read More
Emily Barre awarded National Merit Northrop Grumman Scholarship
Senior Emily Barre has been selected as a winner of the National Merit Northrop Grumman Scholarship. Emily entered the competition of 1.6 million juniors... Read More
Nandi Ndoro places in New York Times writing contest
Nandi Ndoro ’19 was named a runner-up in the second annual Student Review Contest organized by The New York Times. Her article, Black Girl Lemonade, originally... Read More
In the spirit of giving, STOP Hunger Games provides 2,600 meals to people in need
For the fourth year in a row, Madeira students, faculty, and staff participated in the STOP Hungers Games. The games are a fundraising event – an apocalyptic... Read More
Stanford University recognizes Madeira's Amy Heishman with Teacher Tribute Initiative
Inspired by the enthusiasm, energy and excellence that incoming students bring to Stanford University, the university sponsors the Teacher Tribute Initiative... Read More
A Message from our Head of School
Dear Madeira Parents,
As I mentioned in my note earlier this week, the Madeira community has strived to be a model for civil and productive political... Read More
Madeira students attend The Future of Diversity Symposium
Several Madeira students and faculty recently attended The Future of Diversity Symposium (FDS) at Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C. Each school... Read More
Miss Virginia Teen, Skye Jannery-Barney '18, uses platform to fight human trafficking
Reigning Miss Virginia Teen, our very own Junior Skye Jannery-Barney ‘18, recently participated in an event hosted by Airline Ambassadors International... Read More
Sophomore Co-Curriculum placement featured in local news
At the start of Module 2, Madeira sent its first group of sophomores to the newly added Co-Curriculum placement, BrightView Great Falls. A local newspaper... Read More
Message from the Athletic Director
Katie LaRue
The Fall season is well underway and things are really exciting! The energy level is high as girls are having fun and teams are showing signs... Read More
Students named to Student Diversity Leadership Council
In December, six Madeira students will attend the Student Diversity Leadership Council (SDLC) Conference. Maddie Clemente ’17, Callie Jacks '17, Magana... Read More
Opening Convocation message from the Head of School
DaVinci Challenge lands on campus this fall
Madeira students Layla Khan ’19, Mariam Khan ’20, and Caroline Simmons ’15 are helping to educate the community about drones and the benefits they can... Read More
WIHS names three Madeira riders to junior committee
Jacey Albaugh ’18, Emma Bishop ’20, and Charlotte Burch ’17 have been chosen as members of the 2016 Washington International Horse Show Junior Committee... Read More
Commencement 2016
On Friday June 3, 2016, Madeira awarded 70 diplomas to the class of 2016. After the traditional processional to their seats with hand held bouquets of... Read More
One Campus, Two Crowns
At Madeira, Dylan Murphy ’16 is known as a skilled lacrosse player, White Team Captain and diligent student. But this past winter, Dylan added another... Read More
Snails plan to continue athletics in college
On Monday, May 16, the Madeira community gathered to celebrate five Snails planning to continue their chosen sports in higher education. Sue Cabot, athletic... Read More
2016-2017 student government announced
The elections results are in! The Madeira student government and class officers have been named for the 2016-2017 school year.
The student government... Read More
Slam Poetry Team takes first in regional competition
On May 7, 2016 the Madeira Slam Poetry Team, made up of Gaelyn Smith ‘16, Mona Hagmagid ‘16, Elfrieda Nwabunnia ‘17, and Mae Hunt ’17, won first place... Read More
Students share passion projects during MadeiraEd Day
On April 29, the last day of Module 6, students, faculty and staff participated in the second annual MadeiraED Day. With the theme “Passion Projects,”... Read More
Lindsey Klaff '17 wins 2016 PINK Award
On April 29, the fifth annual PINK Award was given to Lindsey Klaff ’17 who intends to use the award money to deepen her understanding of globalization... Read More
Student uses passion for film to raise awareness in her home country
After taking a summer film making program in New York City, Victoria Garcia ’17 was inspired to create a video that would bring awareness about the current... Read More
TV writer and producer, Alex Cooley '99 to give Madeira commencement address
The Madeira School will welcome back alumna Alex Cooley as this year’s speaker at their graduation ceremony. Alex Cooley is a television writer and producer... Read More
Sophomores visit The Motley Fool
On Friday, April 15, as part of Madeira’s financial literacy program, 41 members of the sophomore class toured The Motley Fool in Alexandria, VA. Co-founded... Read More
Model UN attends NAIMUN conference in D.C.
This past February, Madeira sent 23 delegates to the 53rd annual North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN). Held at the Georgetown University... Read More
Science and Engineering Club attends DREAM Conference
On February 27, 2016, the Science and Engineering Club attended the Women in Engineering Developing Revolutionary Engineers and Mentors (DREAM) Conference... Read More
Monet Umana '16 organizes free store for homeless youth
Monet Umana '16 organized high school students in the DC-Metro area to collect and donate clothes to support youth in need this coming winter. “There is... Read More
Isabel Ruffin '16 wins Climate Action Film Contest
In December, Isabel Ruffin ’16 was named a winner in the 2015 Global Compost Film Contest. Isabel’s submission, “The Importance of Composting,” was one... Read More
Madeira students participate in community service
Over the December 11th weekend, Madeira students dedicated their time to service activities coordinated by the Heads of Community Service. Students volunteered... Read More
All School Meeting with Emi Kolawole '00
At the December 11th All School Meeting the students were lucky enough to hear from Emi Kolawole, a class of 2000 graduate. Emi is a multi-media professional... Read More
Madeira at The NAIS People of Color Conference
This week, Head of School Pilar Cabeza de Vaca along with teachers Ms. Chandra Smith, Ms. Nina Candia, and Ms. Reyna Pratt attended the NAIS People of... Read More
Shaun Min named Director of Summer Programs
Shaun Min has been named director of summer programs for Madeira. Earlier this year, Summer Programs was separated from Auxiliary Programs and put under... Read More
Ensign Lauren Rarick '07 speaks at Veteran's Day ASM
Lauren Rarick ‘07 spoke to the Madeira community at the Veteran's Day All School Meeting on November 6. Lauren Rarick graduated from The Madeira School... Read More
Students volunteer at Capital Area Food Bank
On October 17th, Heads of Community Service at Madeira, Faith Slaughter and Carson P., coordinated a weekend activity with the Anime Club and Master Chef... Read More
ASM all-star panel discusses 2016 elections
The All School Meeting on Friday, October 16 featured an engaging panel of media and political experts from both the Democratic and Republican campaign... Read More
Girls Love Mail
During class meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2015, freshman made cards for breast cancer patients through the Girls Love Mail organization. Sophomore,... Read More
Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles '07 Speaks at All School Meeting
Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles '07 spoke to an engaged student body Friday morning about her love of the outdoors and how her Co-Curriculum experience at Madeira... Read More
All School Meeting with Dr. Courtney Cowart '78
“There is a better future that wants to emerge through you, individually and collectively." - Dr. Courtney Cowart
Summer Environmental Advocacy Adventure
Madeira teacher, Dr. Ashley Johnson, shares highlights from this summer's environmental advocacy adventure
Celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2015
The 2015 Commencement Ceremony was held on a sunny morning, Friday, May 29. Ms. Marcia Marsh, chief operating officer of the World Wildlife Fund, was the... Read More
Convocation 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015 members of the Madeira community gathered to celebrate the close of another school year, recognize faculty and staff members for their... Read More
Seniors recognized for outstanding achievements
All members of the Class of 2015 have unique talents and strengths. In the past several weeks, we have learned of several who have been recognized by outside... Read More
Marcia Marsh to give Madeira commencement address
The Madeira School is pleased to have Marcia Marsh as the 2015 commencement speaker. As chief operating officer of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world... Read More
Susan Cabot selected as Athletic Director
Madeira has selected Susan Cabot as its new Athletic Director. Ms. Cabot, who currently serves as Director of Athletics at Kingswood Oxford School (West... Read More
Mary Herridge named Director of Enrollment Management
Mary Herridge has been named Director of Enrollment Management for Madeira. Ms. Herridge, who currently serves as Madeira’s Associate Director of Admission... Read More
Science and Engineering Club welcomes Girl Scouts
On April 4th, the Science and Engineering Club hosted an event at Madeira for twenty young Girl Scouts in 3rd to 6th grade that promoted females in science... Read More
Clubs volunteer at Cherry Blossom Festival
On Saturday March 28, the Korean Student Association (KSA) partnered with the Science and Engineering Club to volunteer at the Cherry Blossom Festival... Read More
Allison Kalloo '83 gives a powerful speech during the MLK All School Meeting
January 16, 2015, Allison Kalloo ’83 took to the stage to share her story for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day All School Meeting.
As founder and CEO of... Read More
Seniors present their Co-Curriculum capstones on EduCase Day
January 9, 2015, Madeira seniors who had their five-week internship during Module 3, presented their capstone projects during the EduCase Day. For their... Read More
Student-produced PSA reaches Sierra Leone TV station
In light of the recent epidemic, the Contemporary Issues in Science class decided to focus the five-week, intensive course work on the Ebola outbreak in... Read More
New Co-Curriculum Blog: Interning on The Hill
Sophia Beneski '16 shares her experience interning for the Office of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. Read More
STOP Hunger Games returns for another attack
For the second year in a row, Madeira students, faculty, and staff participated in the STOP Hungers Games. The games are a fundraising battle – a sophisticated... Read More
Co-Curriculum EDUcase Day for sophomores
During the first Madeira EDUcase Day, sophomores shared their Co-Curriculum service experience at the conclusion of Module 2. Small groups presented to... Read More
Introducing Madeira?s ASSIST Scholars
Each year, Madeira hosts students from the the American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers (ASSIST) organization. ASSIST is an international... Read More
College commitments: Senior athletes sign to Division I programs Coastal Carolina and Colgate
On November 13, 2014, Brie Perkins ’15 signed to play lacrosse for Coastal Carolina University and Farrin Saba ’15 signed to swim for Colgate University... Read More
Julia Collins '01 back on Jeopardy ? Wednesday, November 12
Alumna Julia Collins returns to battle for a $250,000 grand prize with 13 other former champions in the Tournament of Champions, beginning Monday, November... Read More
U.S. Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement visit to Madeira
On October 30, Dr. Maureen Dowling, director for the Office of Non-public Education in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement... Read More
Alumna recognized at NESA leadership conference
As host of the U.S. State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools AERO training institute this past summer, Madeira was invited to attend the annual leadership... Read More
Get excited for the Senior Fun Run!
The senior class is hosting the fourth annual Fun Run on Sunday, November 16, beginning at 2:00 p.m. This year’s 5K will include a fair for the entire... Read More
All School Meeting with gender-based violence specialist, Lina Abirafeh '92
Alumna and gender-based violence (GBV) specialist Lina Abirafeh, PhD ’92 joined the Madeira community on September 26 to lead a conversation about the... Read More
Global travel and exchanges for 2014-2015
On September 19, Assistant Head of School Andre Withers began the All School Meeting with an inspiring message to all Madeira girls, encouraging them to... Read More
Madeira girls in the media
It’s not surprising to find that Madeira girls, current and alumnae, are often in the news or writing their own articles for publications. Here are a few... Read More
Development news
Head of School Pilar Cabeza de Vaca and the Board of Directors proudly announced that Madeira has met a $10 million challenge grant from an anonymous private... Read More
Bridget Duru ?15 reports from the 2014 Adventures of the Mind Summit
Madeira senior, Bridget Duru, attended the week-long Adventures of the Mind Summit at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA through the generous support... Read More
Madeira hosts State Department summer education institute
Madeira hosted 95 teachers and administrators from around the world who participated in the annual AERO (American Education Reaches Out) Conference.
Juniors and seniors reflect on Co-Curriculum experience
Through unique photo narrative project juniors and seniors shared their thoughts and gratitude for their Co-Curriculum placements at the end of this past... Read More
Professional development is perennial
Madeira faculty benefit from ongoing professional development in the way of seminars, education-related conferences, or individual study for advanced degrees... Read More
Follow our travel abroad groups
After graduation, two groups of students and teachers headed off for summer adventures: one group to Peru for a Co-Curriculum-based experience and the... Read More
2014-2015 student government announced
The elections results are in! The Madeira student government and class officers have been named for the 2014-2015 school year. Dean of Students Kim Newsome... Read More
Madeira alumna becomes the most winning female contestant on Jeopardy
Julia Collins ’01 held on to her eight-day winning streak, making her the winningest female contestant in Jeopardy’s 30 year history. In nine games, she... Read More
Meet Alex Heiberger, Madeira's new CFO
Madeira is pleased to welcome Alex Heiberger as its new chief financial officer. Alex comes to Madeira with a wealth of experience. For the past 17 years... Read More
Madeira receives honors at the National High School Model Arab League Conference
Regional high school students in the Model Arab League attended a two day conference at Georgetown University over April 11-12 where they participated... Read More
Madeira alumna receives University of Virginia research award
Zoe Slepian ’11, a third-year neuroscience and psychology major, received the Harrison Undergraduate Research Award, one of the highest awards an undergraduate... Read More
John Lewis to speak at commencement
Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), the only living of the “Big Six” leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, will deliver The Madeira School’s commencement address... Read More
Prepping for senior year internships
Seniors shared their Co-Curriculum experiences with juniors during Senior Press Conference on Wednesday, April 2, 2014. The annual conference is a time... Read More
Sophomores make cards for cancer patients
During class meetings on Friday, February 21, 2014, the sophomore class made a total of 200 cards for breast cancer patients for Girls Love Mail organization... Read More
Visual representations of the Class of 2017
On Wednesday, February 19, after several weeks of planning, research, and design, ninth graders presented their final mission-based works to their classmates... Read More
Girl Up All School Meeting: Power of a girl
At the All School Meeting on October 25, Girl Up club representatives presented to the school community, explaining the Girl Up mission and goals. They... Read More
"Do something that might break your heart..."
The Rev. Maryetta M. Anschutz ’93 told the Madeira community a powerful story of how a singular experience she had during her sophomore Co-Curriculum placement... Read More
Madeira receives certificate of recognition from Fairfax County
Madeira received a public recognition for providing the use of our facilities and property to Fairfax County public safety departments for various training... Read More
Opening Convocation speeches
Read transcribed speeches by Head of School Pilar Cabeza de Vaca and student leaders.
Madeira receives grant to host curriculum development program
The Madeira School received a U.S. State Department grant to host a curriculum development program on campus. The program will bring over 100 educators... Read More
Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D. to lead first-day discussion at faculty/staff orientation
New York Times bestselling author and international speaker Michael G. Thompson will speak with Madeira faculty and staff during their first day of orientation... Read More
Partnership with Excel Academy grows
What began as a partnership to enable more girls to experience the positive impact that sports can have on one’s life has expanded to sharing discovery... Read More
Madeira says good-bye to friend, painter
Since the age of 16, Eddie Gardner has spent his summers painting the classrooms and buildings at Madeira. This September, Eddie will put away his brushes... Read More
Maddy Martin ?14 behind the scenes at WAMU 88.5
Rising senior Maddy Martin learned of the summer internship at WAMU 88.5 public radio after information was mailed to Madeira’s Co-Curriculum Office this... Read More
Three Madeira students accepted into the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Bridget Duru ’15, Briaun Isreal ’13, and Sarah Wood ’14 have been selected to participate in the prestigious NSLI-Y program. The program, which provides... Read More
Aerryn Rees ?14 featured in Connection Newspaper for sustainable garden project
April 15, Connection Newspaper featured a story about Aerryn Rees working toward her Girls Scout Gold Award by creating a sustainable garden at Churchhill... Read More
Madeira students attended the Model Arab League conference
April 19-20, over 30 Madeira students, all who participate in Model UN, attended the Model Arab League conference at Georgetown University. The girls learned... Read More
Rhea Somaiya ?14 wins first prize in entrepreneur competition
The Madeira junior was featured in Washingtonexec.com for taking first prize at Young Entrepreneurs Program for her team’s business idea, “Mirror Me.”... Read More
Richard W. Murphy speaks to students about his life in the Foreign Service
On Monday, April 8, Richard W. Murphy spoke to Madeira students in Huffington Library. The former U.S. Ambassador charmed the audience from the start by... Read More
Madeira's new blog: Launch Pad
Co-Curriculum is an essential part of how Madeira launches women who are intellectually accomplished, socially conscious, and ready to change the world:... Read More
Brandon Holley '85 featured on PBS' "Makers"
Brandon Holley '85, Editor in Chief of Lucky magazine, was featured on Tuesday, February 26 on the PBS series "Makers" for her accomplishments as an editor... Read More
Students play roles of UN Ambassadors at NAIMUN
A total of 31 Madeira students participated in the 50th annual North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN) over Winter Weekend, February... Read More
ASSIST conference brings together international students, teachers, and global issues
On February 12, two Madeira students attended a conference sponsored by the American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers (ASSIST)... Read More
Patience pays off for Capitol Hill intern
Tory Lynch ’14 found out about the rescheduled Benghazi hearing a week before it took place while working at her Co-Curriculum placement in the office... Read More
Madeira mourns loss of Priscilla Payne Hurd '38
Madeira is mourning the loss of Priscilla Payne Hurd '38, who passed away on Tuesday, February 5th. "Prill," as she was known to our community was an alumna... Read More
Literary magazine, Gate, earns rating of ?excellent?
The National Council of Teachers of English awarded The Madeira School 2012 literary magazine, Gate, a rating of “excellent.” NCTE’s program to recognize... Read More
Inauguration memories
Fifteen Madeira girls had an experience of a lifetime at the inauguration. See just how close they were >>
Remembering Former Headmistress Jean Harris
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jean Harris, Headmistress of Madeira from 1977 to 1980. She was a part of Madeira's history and made substantial... Read More
Madeira and Excel Academy partner to provide young girls the positive benefits of athletics
In part, the mission of the Excel Academy, a Washington, D.C. public charter school for girls in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, is to develop the... Read More
ASSIST program students visit Madeira
Early in November, Madeira hosted students who come from the ASSIST program to a morning of Inner Quest activities including outdoor leadership training... Read More
Gold Congressional Award bestowed on Madeira junior
Lydia Parker '13 earned the Gold Congressional Award in April 2012. This award will be formally presented to Lydia by Congress at a national event this... Read More
Dayna Bailey ‘13 wins 2012 PINK Award
At All School Meeting on April 27, 2013, Dayna Bailey ‘13 was awarded the inaugural PINK Award to assist with her goal of completing her first novel. The... Read More