Opening Day of a new school year is always busy and filled with excitement. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School’s 141st Opening Day on September 7, 2023 was no exception. In fact, this year’s first day of school turned out to be more exciting and significant than most with the Installation of Dr. Corinna Crafton as the new Head of School.
Dr. Crafton became the sixth Head of the merged Wardlaw Country Day and Hartridge schools and the first female to be appointed as Head of School. The Installation was performed by Dr. Ayesha Sitlani, Board of Trustees President, just prior to the Convocation Ceremony.
In addition to the student body, faculty and staff, Dr. Crafton was joined by her family and friends, along with several trustees and alumni who attended the event. Following a post-event reception that included a breakfast prepared by Sage Dining Services, Dr. Crafton went back to her happy place – the classroom.
Dr. Crafton visited several classes in all three divisions to greet students and faculty, wishing all a good school year and posing for pictures along the way. Among her most memorable stops was a Junior Kindergarten physical education class in Plumeri Gym, where she joined a bunch of energetic 4-year-olds in a jumping game. Dr. Crafton also chatted with students in all three divisions during their lunch time in the AP Room.