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On a crisp autumn morning, the McDonogh community gathered for Dedication Day—a cherished tradition honoring the people whose vision, generosity, and hard work built and continue to shape the School. The ceremony, on Friday October 10, also offered a moment of reflection for beloved members of our community who passed away in the past year.

Following the opening song, All Good Things Are Yours, performed by the Lower School Choir, Head of School Dave Farace ’87 welcomed students, faculty, and guests to Child’s Memorial Terrace, explaining the significance of the setting.

“We gather here because it is both a beautiful and sacred space,” he said. “It is where we commence our journey as students and, upon graduation, where we begin the next chapter of our lives.”

Kevin Costa, Director of Spiritual and Ceremonial Services, reflected on Dedication Day as “a moment to sing and write of our heroes and heroines who have gone before us.” He reminded those gathered that the culture and community McDonogh enjoys today were shaped by the efforts of those who came long before.

Costa shared the story of Robin Coblentz, a “smart, generous, and visionary” faculty member who devoted decades to McDonogh as a teacher, admissions director, and leader. He highlighted her pivotal work as chair of the coeducation committee, quoting Robert “Big” Smoot: “She took on one of the most important committee chairmanships that McDonogh has ever offered… One glance at our student population today shows how successful her committee was.”

After the Upper School Concert Choir’s moving rendition of The Dedication Hymn, the ceremony continued with the placement of memorial wreaths honoring those whose stewardship, labor, philanthropy, and sacrifice helped establish and enrich McDonogh:

• The Indigenous peoples who first stewarded the land;
• The enslaved peoples of John McDonogh, whose labor contributed to his wealth;
• John McDonogh, whose philanthropy founded a school farm for poor boys that became McDonogh School;
• Generations of dedicated faculty and staff who upheld the highest standards of care and excellence; and
• Alumni who gave their lives in service to our nation in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

Finally, the Alumni Memorial service remembered 64 members of the McDonogh Family who passed away in the year prior to September 6, 2025. Alumni Association President Kimberly Hilson Carmichael ’10 spoke of their enduring impact. “Each of their lives provided us with examples of excellence, integrity, and honor. Their contributions enriched both the McDonogh community and the wider world. And for that, we are forever grateful,” she said.

As the names were read, a bell tolled in Tagart Memorial Chapel while Morris Garten ’85 and Katherine Reider ’96 placed a white snapdragon in an urn—together forming a beautiful memorial arrangement. The ceremony concluded with a solemn playing of Taps, a tribute to lives of service and love.

In preparation for Dedication Day, Upper School students wrote and produced this video to explain the significance of the occasion.