Ms. Rogers takes over as new Upper School head

By Evie Fowler

The start of this new school year has come with a lot of changes. One change is that St. Mary’s is welcoming a new head of Upper School, Lauren Rogers. 

Rogers saw the position at St. Mary’s posted as she was looking to live in a bigger city and work at a bigger school. She said, “It just felt right… It’s a knowing that is not rational. It’s a knowing that is deep inside … almost like a little bell rang.” 

After meeting with the St. Mary’s search committee and visiting campus, Rogers was selected to be the new head of Upper School. 

In her short time at St. Mary’s and in Memphis, Rogers has already gotten a feel for the community. 

“I think Memphis is a city that is very much on the verge of something amazing…  I can feel this pocket of potential in this city, and I think it’s really exciting for us at St. Mary’s and the city in general… Memphis is a place that has a unique sense of self,” Rogers said. “There is a warmth to the community and people at St. Mary’s that is just part of the school culture and something that is truly special about this place. Being a newcomer, I think I can see it and feel it more than people who have been here longer.”

Although this year looks different than most, Rogers is still getting to know all of her students. She is working on potential group meetings during ALAPPs and lunches to allow her to meet with students in smaller groups. Rogers has also learned that St. Mary’s is a place full of traditions. She said, “It is so exciting to get to see and live these traditions for the first time… It’s great, and I love it when people explain what things mean to them. Like having seniors talk about painting the senior den and living that excitement and watching the glee that [they] had as [they] decorated cars. I am looking forward to watching all of those moments as the year happens.”

Rogers said, “One of the really great things about having a role like I do at St. Mary’s is being able to support Upper Schoolers in their growth ... I also get to support adults in their growth in their professions … I love helping people, and that’s really what I see my role as in life and professionally.”