May Day

May Day Each December, the seniors nominate members of the May Court by selecting classmates who …

» represent their senior class in the highest sense » are gracious, friendly, and loyal to friends and to GPS » are actively and enthusiastically involved in the life of GPS » eagerly give of their time and their talents » stand for the highest ideals in character and integrity » are respected and admired by fellow schoolmates and faculty alike

Following nominations, the entire study body votes for the queen and her court. On April 28, the May Court, alongside their classmates, were presented in front of family and friends in a day of festivity.

An Historic Occasion

This year saw the return of May Day—a joyous occasion for the entire GPS community—but with a spin. COVID-19 precautions were put in place so that the celebration could take place, which included moving the fete from the Smith Courtyard to the lower athletic field, distancing students in the viewing areas, and creating seating pods for families.

The larger space also provided an opportunity to expand this year’s maypole dance—an honor typically reserved for only sophomores—to the junior class students who were unable to participate last year. In addition to the traditional blue, pink, and yellow poles, green and purple poles were wrapped, and all were held in place with alumnae faculty and staff.

2021 May Court

From left, Lily DuPlooy, Scepter Bearer; Astha Sinha, Crown Bearer; Erin Marshall, Maid of Honor; Addie Youmans, May Queen; Shreena Patel, Train Bearer; Emma Dexter, Train Bearer

The Roaring ’20s: Then & Now

From the Model T to the Tesla, this year’s May Day theme paid homage to some of history’s most meaningful inventions and events while connecting them to the growth and innovation of today. Eighth- through 11th-grade classes danced to choreography representing the evolution of jazz, the modern flapper, motion pictures, and women’s right to vote. Smiles, cheers, and uproarious applause confirmed this journey through history was well-received.

A Legacy of Sisterhood

It’s tradition each year to capture a photo on May Day of the graduating seniors whose mothers (and sometimes grandmothers!) also attended GPS. The Class of 2021 featured 12 legacies whose families were present for the historic celebration on the lower fields.

From left: Stella Newbold ’21, Elizabeth Steele Newbold ’84; Talley Lyons ’21, Cara White Lyons ’84; Laura Peele ’21, Tracey Wright Peele ’81; Julia Betts Brandao ’84, Emma Brandao ’21; Carol Burns Stoney ’85, Alex Kutchins ’21; Claire Hunt McVay ’87, Hunter McVay ’21; Caroline Kelley ’21, Lynn Harlin Shelton ’93; Nancy McCarty ’82, Mia Iannios ’21; Anna Glass Clower ’91, Anabelle Clower ’21, Janie Willingham McNabb ’63 ; Mary Stuart Hornsby ’21, Adrienne Powell ’86; Elizabeth Hebert Day ’87, Katie Day ’21; Mary Stanley Grant ’94, Ashley Grant ’21