Western High School, founded in 1844, is a college-preparatory high school serving young women in the Baltimore area. Its strategically designed rigorous curriculum encourages advanced-level course work. This National Blue Ribbon School challenges students to be intelligent, insightful, and involved in the world around them. It fosters the development of school and community leadership among its students.
Western is the oldest all-girls public high school in the United States and is one of the city’s and the nation’s most distinguished institutions of learning.
On Thursday April 29th at 7:00pm, Western High School Foundation will present Western High School’s 175th Anniversary “Shine the Light” Gala to honor America’s oldest all-girl public high school and its shining legacy, which has inspired women since 1844. The celebration will uplift the spirit of equity and unity embodied by Western today and throughout its history, notable graduates, bold alumnae, current school leaders, faculty and young women.
Among the leading ladies to participate in the event will be award-winning actress, playwright, director and scholar, Anna Deavere Smith (’67), who has been a supporter of her alma mater for many years and has welcomed current Western students to NYU where she founded and directs the Institute of the Arts and Civic Dialogue at New York University. Smith is a MacArthur “genius” fellow and was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Obama.
Admission is free for all, and there will be opportunities to make donations to support and advance Western women now and in the future.
Register and learn more here. Stay up to date via Facebook, Instragram and Twitter, too.
Last Sunday, Western High School Principal Michelle White joined Liz Drabick in this week's Spotlight On Maryland. As an alumni herself, Ms. White artfully described all that Western has to offer as well as talking about the challenges they've faced, and are facing, in the pandemic - both logistically and mental health-wise.
Hear the interview by clicking on the available audio above.
You can hear Spotlight On Maryland every Sunday on Today's 101.9 at 6:30am as it's hosted by both Liz and Gina Crash. If you're not near your radio, you can always use the Audacy app or ask your smart speaker.