SMS on the River

Let’s Connect.

Our Sisterhood spans generations, and whether you graduated last year or decades ago, the Foundation for St. Margaret’s School is your home base for staying connected to the community that shaped you.

Join fellow alumnae as we navigate this pivotal moment together, sharing memories, supporting current initiatives, and ensuring that future generations of young women have the same transformative St. Margaret’s experience we cherish. Your voice, your story, and your support matter now more than ever.

  • Two SMS students hugging each other at the 2025 graduation with the Rappahannock River in the background.aduation

    Hailee, Class of 2029

    Hailee and her best friend say goodbye at the 2025 SMS commencement held on the banks of the Rappahannock River.

    St. Margaret’s provided a safe, supportive community where I felt valued and encouraged to grow. The caring faculty and welcoming atmosphere helped me gain confidence, form meaningful connections, and thrive both academically and personally.

    Even though I was a day student, I spent many nights in the dorm just so I could wake up on the river! St. Margaret’s  riverside setting, offers unforgettable experiences such as beautiful sunsets, swimming, boating, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and crew opportunities.

    SMS truly made a lasting positive impact on my life, and I’m blessed to say I have formed meaningful friendships with peers from around the world—connections I still cherish today. Sending a big hug to my best friend in Nigeria!

  • Alumna Jade Wright is pictured on the back row center.

    Jade, Class of 2026

    This picture captures moments filled with laughter and memories, showcasing the joy we share as a sisterhood. You can see how happy everyone is, whether we’re having fun together or cheering one another on the field or court. Jade is pictured on the back row center.

    For me, St. Margaret’s should remain open because it offers more than just an education; it creates a family. The sisterhood is unique, and the support we give each other helps us grow not only as students but also as individuals. I know that no matter what, I will leave St. Margaret’s with lifelong friends and unforgettable memories, which is truly special. As our motto says, "As we grow in age, may we grow in grace." St. Margaret’s has helped me grow in grace, and others should have the opportunity to experience what I have as well.

    One of the main reasons I love St. Margaret’s is the sisterhood. The bond among SMS students will never be broken; we support each other, have fun together, and spend time with one another without fear of judgment. No St. Margaret’s girl leaves this school without making friends and creating lasting memories. The dormitory always offers fun activities, providing us with even more opportunities to connect and enjoy each other’s company. Making friends here has never been a problem, and we consistently cheer each other on at games. This strong sense of support and sisterhood is why I love St. Margaret’s School.

  • Qamar Nisa M Ayoub, an alumna of St. Margaret's School.

    Qamar Nisa M Ayoub, Class of 2016

    Qamar made history today! She has been accepted into Rush Medical College, one of the top medical schools in the country, with an acceptance rate of just 1.1%.

    A decade ago, I came to the United States as a fifteen-year-old girl, leaving behind my family, my home, and everything familiar in Afghanistan. My father, who dreamed of a future for me that went far beyond what Afghan society allowed for girls, used to tell me on every call, “One day, you will make history”

    He is no longer in this world to celebrate this moment with me, but today, our shared dream came true.

    When I arrived here, I had nothing but faith in my hard work, belief in my dream, and the opportunities this country offered. I faced challenge after challenge, from learning a new system to navigating life alone to conquering one of the hardest exams in the world, the MCAT.

    Today, I can truly say I am living the American dream.
    I am deeply honored to be one of the very few Afghans and perhaps the first Hazara woman in Illinois to be accepted into medical school.

    This is not only my personal victory, but a historic milestone for every Afghan Hazara girl who dares to dream beyond the barriers before her.

    Here is to new beginnings, breaking barriers, and making history.

Get in touch.

Share a memory from your days at St. Margaret’s, your milestones, and life changes since then. Also, tell us:

1) Why you love St. Margaret’s.

2) How St. Margaret’s helped you as a student. 

3) How did SMS made a positive difference in your life?

For photos, please label or name the image files with a description and class year.

We know that many of you have sent in these types of stories and photos previously. Under the new Foundation, all of our materials need to be newly received with your permission.