On Wednesday, August 10, Heritage Hall President Aaron L. Fetrow and Heritage Hall Board of Trustees President Cathy Tompkins joined the School’s Admission Office in hosting a welcome dinner for new patrons. The event provided a fun and celebratory atmosphere in which new patrons could meet other new families, school administrators, teachers, and trustees. 

“A yearly highlight, the New Patron Dinner provides the perfect setting to welcome new patrons and introduce them to other community members. As always, we want to ease families’ transitions into our school community while reinforcing their confidence in choosing to enroll at Heritage Hall,” explained Admission Director Elizabeth Gillum.

Following a champagne toast by Head of Middle School Matthew Carolan, guests enjoyed dinner catered by SAGE Dining Services and dessert cakes from OKC Sweets. In addition to Fetrow, Gillum, and Tompkins, attendees heard from HHSPA President Julie Keller and Director of Development Jenifer Standish. Upper School Music Director David Hillis provided musical entertainment throughout the evening, with special appearances by the Upper School chorus and the School’s mascot, Lightning. 

Reflecting on the evening, new patron Wendy Smith House (Heritage Hall class of 1992) stated, “During the admission process, it was fun to think about my daughter embarking on her educational journey at my alma mater, and I looked forward to experiencing our school community through the lens of a patron and expanding my connection to the School. The dinner reinforced those feelings, as my husband Ethan and I felt so welcomed. Meeting the faculty, learning about the Heritage Hall School Patrons Association (HHSPA), and hearing the heartfelt speeches from different administrators made us even more excited for our daughter’s future at HH. As an alumna and new patron, I am incredibly proud to be a part of this Charger family.” 

As you run into our new families and staff members around campus, please join us in giving them a warm Charger welcome!