Webb community passes the light of leadership to seventh Head of School

On the Saturday of Alumni Weekend, the Webb community gathered in Vivian Webb Chapel to witness the investiture of the seventh Head of The Webb Schools, Dr. Theresa Smith. The ceremony marked the official start of Dr. Smith’s headship at Webb.

Assistant Head of School Michael Hoe ’04 introduced the lighting of the Leadership Candles by representatives of alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff. After lighting their candle, they placed it in a candelabra at the front of the chapel as VWS alumna Jessica Cao ’23 performed Partita #3 in E by J.S. Bach on violin.

Candle lighting has a long tradition at Webb. Passing the light symbolizes transferring respect and leadership from one to another. In the annual candlelight ceremony, seniors share their light with underclassmen ahead of commencement. At the investiture, Webb shares its light with the new Head.

“I believe deeply in Webb’s mission and values,” Dr. Smith stated in her address from the pulpit of Vivian Webb Chapel. “It’s why I came here 13 years ago. It’s why we sent our own son to Webb. And it’s why I’m both proud and humbled to lead Webb in its second century.”