By Lucy Morris Blancett ’09
Q. HOW DID YOUR TIME AS A STUDENT AT AN ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL SHAPE YOU?
A. My experience at the Agnes Irwin School in Pennsylvania had a very positive influence on me, including my decision to become a teacher. The culture and environment encouraged me to take chances, be fearless, try new things, and celebrate and support my fellow classmates. Q. WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE HEAD OF SCHOOL POSITION AT GPS?
MEETING
MEGAN A Q&A WITH OUR NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL
ON JULY 1, Megan D. Cover began her tenure as the 10th Head of School for
Girls Preparatory School. A career educator, Cover hails from Tower Hill School, an independent college preparatory school in Wilmington, Delaware, where she most recently served as Head of Upper School. During her 20-year service to Tower Hill, Cover demonstrated excellence in teaching and outstanding initiative and leadership. She was instrumental in launching signature programs, enhancing the experience of rising ninth-graders through summer programs, and facilitating improvements to service learning, environmental initiatives, and social justice and wellness programs for Upper School students. Cover is joined in Chattanooga by her husband of 22 years, Ted, and daughters Margaret and Sophie, who will join the GPS junior class. Their eldest daughter, Kathryn, will be a college sophomore this fall. Regarded by her students and peers alike for her collegiality, sincerity, and role as a champion for her school and students, Cover is eager to get to know GPS students, faculty, staff, and broader community better. In the meantime, she offers a glance into her hopes and goals for the school as well as how her experience as a student of an all-girls school informed the trajectory of her future.
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C O R N E R S T O N E S G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U
A. There are many things that excite me about GPS—to name a few: its mission of inspiring girls to pursue lives of integrity and purpose; the lasting impact an all-girls education has on developing young women to be confident, resilient, and strong individuals; the importance and value of community; and the incredible legacy of its founders. I can keep going ... Q. WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT GPS?
A. What drew me to GPS is its commitment to educating the whole girl during her formative years and its rich legacy. What I have been increasingly impressed by is the warmth and kindness of the entire GPS community—past and present. Q. THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF GPS, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TANGIBLE HOPES AND GOALS?
A. The future looks very bright for GPS, and I am most looking forward to getting to know each and every community member. My first year will be one of learning and discovery with a focus on celebrating community and connection. Q. WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT ALLGIRLS EDUCATION?
A. As a mother of three daughters, alumna of an all-girls school, and career educator, I know firsthand how important it is to have a culture that empowers young women, builds their confidence, nurtures and supports them, and lifts them up for achievement. GPS is committed to providing an exceptional experience, where everything begins and ends with what’s best for girls. This positions young women for great success not only in grades six through 12, but also, more importantly, for life.
