Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: The Installation of Emma Ferek
On October 23, members of the Sabot community gathered at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to celebrate the installation of Emma Ferek as Sabot’s fifth Head of School. The evening marked a meaningful moment in the life of our school, bringing together parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends to honor our history and look ahead to Sabot’s future under Emma’s leadership. We were especially pleased to welcome VAIS President Betsy Johnson; Education Group Consultant Margaret Moore, who supported Sabot’s Head of School search; several fellow VAIS Heads of School; and community partners from across the greater Richmond area.
The program featured remarks from several members of our community, including Brooke Purcell, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and parent of Riker ’27; founding Head of School Irene Carney; Board Chair Grant Shivelight, parent of Solace ’26; and Associate Head of Academics and Research Carol-Margaret Bitner. Emma’s reflections on leadership, learning, and community invited all of us to consider how Sabot’s founding values continue to guide and inspire our work today.
Throughout the evening, guests explored an exhibition of student work that highlighted the depth of children’s inquiry and creativity. An interactive community art project invited everyone present to contribute to a collective piece that will live on as a symbol of connection and care. Together, these elements reflected the spirit of Sabot, one rooted in relationships, reflection, and joyful learning.
We are deeply grateful to Board member and parent Dave Kunnen for his thoughtful work in bringing this event to life, and to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for so generously hosting us. It was an evening that celebrated where we have been, who we are, and all that we are becoming together.
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