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More than 100 guests gathered for "Together We Soar," a luncheon at Citron on Thursday, November 13 marking the 50th anniversary of coeducation at McDonogh. Alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, and members of the Board of Trustees came together to celebrate a milestone that transformed the School's history.

Shortly into his remarks, Head of School Dave Farace '87 asked the intrepid young women who were there on the very first day— Tuesday, September 9, 1975—to stand and be recognized. There was immediate cheering and applause as many of the 138 trailblazers stood, making it clear this was a true celebration.

Farace reflected on how coeducation has shaped McDonogh's culture, teaching students to listen, consider different viewpoints, and appreciate the strength that comes from diversity of thought. He spoke about friendships and collaborations that form not around gender, but around shared curiosity, respect, and purpose—preparing graduates for meaningful connections in every part of their lives.

The program continued with a video highlighting coeducation at McDonogh School, and after lunch, Alumni Association President Kimmy Hilson Carmichael ’10 introduced a panel discussion moderated by Stacey Boyer '76–the first woman (alphabetically) to graduate from McDonogh. The panelists, representing three decades of female McDonogh graduates, offered perspectives on how the School shaped their lives.

During the thoughtful discussion, Stephanie Hershkovitz ’92 shared how McDonogh gave her a love of learning and taught her to be a critical thinker. She said, “I had so many teachers who not only instilled those things in me, but they also gave me the agency to take it further.”

Tamara Stewart ’00 noted, “McDonogh was integral in my life path. It instilled in me that we were there for the academics and doing well intellectually, but it also stressed being a good, well-rounded person.” She says she learned how to take the education and be of service to others.

On the subject of gratitude, Anita Mallya Baja ’89 spoke about the requirement to participate in a sport every season. “We learned to care about our bodies and to care about movement and to put it into competitive sports.” Eventually, she was on several varsity teams and said, “Even though it was mandatory, it ended up being a joy.” Stewart added that she was grateful to have been exposed to different faith traditions, noting that she learned that diversity was not just racial and ethnic.

Finally, when asked what advice they would give their future selves, the three panelists acknowledged the challenges experienced by students today and offered simple advice: “Be present and enjoy each other, your teachers, and realize that, yes, we are here to learn, but we're also here to grow as people.” “Frolic a bit. Enjoy being a kid.”