This One's for the Girls

By Lucy Morris Blancett '09

MEGAN D. COVER INSTALLED AS THE 10TH HEAD OF GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL

CAMPUS WAS ABUZZ with excitement the morning of August 27, as students, faculty, staff, and honored guests gathered in the Main Gym to join the GPS community in celebrating the installation of Megan D. Cover, our 10th Head of School.

The installation ceremony began with words from Chairman of the Board Clay Watson, who spoke on his experience cochairing the Head of School Search Committee alongside board member Dr. Mary Tanner. “Through this experience, I got to know Megan as a candidate for the leader of our school and was able to witness on many occasions, her passion for independent school education as well as her desire to return to an all-girls environment,” Watson said. “With fresh ideas, new approaches to educating girls, and a willingness to build a positive, inclusive culture, Megan will lead this institution to levels of success we have yet to see.”

SPECIAL SPEAKERS

The ceremony progressed with a series of poignant speakers that included students Alex Brumley ’26 and Frances Crowe ’22, followed by Michelle Shepherd and Andrea Glowatz, leaders at Cover’s former institution, Tower Hill School. “Schools like GPS are a gift, and they must be treasured,” Shepherd said. “I can tell you that it’s not such an easy thing to preserve tradition and spirit while continuing to advance and adapt. It takes the right kind of leader to do that, and I’m confident that Megan Cover is that leader.”

Glowatz said, “Mrs. Cover embraces all the work she does in schools thoroughly, incisively, and enthusiastically. I want to let you know how rare it is to meet an educator who is so dedicated to the entire community.”

HEAD OF SCHOOL ADDRESS

Cover spoke next, offering thanks to the original three founders of GPS before speaking about the essence of the school. “It is not only present in our environment but lies innately in each girl who attends. It is her heart and soul. It is her humility, sincerity, honesty, and grace. It is her drive, resilience, growth, and achievement. It is her spirit, her intellect, and her kindness. It is her strength, her purpose, and her voice.” She closed by referencing the theme of the year, Building Bridges. “This year, we will bridge our past with our present as we partner to provide a fulfilling experience for our girls in a place they can always call home.”

THE COVER CHILDREN OFFER CONGRATULATIONS

Cover’s three children spoke next, first Margaret, followed by her twin sister, Sophie, and then their older sister, Kathryn. Margaret said, “I am so proud to see how my mom’s love for teaching and open heart have led her to GPS, where she can now create an environment where every girl can feel like she has someone there for them in their corner.”

Sophie likened her mother’s career trajectory to the classic Hannah Montana song, “The Climb.” She said, “Throughout your ascent up the mountain, you have gone through many experiences that have helped you learn and grow, creating the strong and intelligent woman you are today.”

Kathryn spoke about Cover’s love of Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. “Moxy is the best word I can use to describe my mother. While one may look at talent through academic achievements and leadership positions, the talent that stands out most to me about my mother is her grit,” she said. “She always stands tall and stays true to her character.”

A SPECIAL PRESENTATION

To cement Cover’s status as the newly installed Head of School, a representative from each grade was selected to present Cover with a different flower, each symbolizing a different quality she possesses. Representatives included Olivia Burns ’22, Anabel Wilson ’23, Holly Beale ’24, Eliana Tabibiazar ’25, Ella Wiley ’26, Eva Armstrong ’27, and Londyn Busby ’28.

Snapdragon

GRACE AND STRENGTH

Roses

LOVE

Lisianthus

ADMIRATION

Clematis

MENTAL PROWESS

White Larkspur

HAPPINESS AND JOY

Calla Lily OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Jasmine

FAITHFULNESS AND GOOD LUCK TED’S TAKE

“I candidly didn’t know what to expect from the installation ceremony, but my outlook began taking shape on Opening Day when I witnessed just how much GPS LOVES to celebrate a new beginning. I was moved by the students, staff, faculty, and community involvement to commemorate and celebrate the beginning of Megan’s leadership at GPS. I was amazed by the outpouring of support and the volume of flowers and other gifts delivered to Founders House. Thanks to everyone involved in making it a spectacular and memorable day. Finally, I could not have been more proud of my wife and daughters as they fit right into the meaningful yet festive occasion, and I look forward to seeing their growth in the years to come.”