Members of the Ravenscroft Board of Trustees spanning more than two decades gathered at North Ridge Country Club on Tuesday, March 12, to honor and celebrate Doreen Kelly and her 21-year tenure as Head of School.

The event, which was a surprise for Kelly, brought together some of Ravenscroft’s most engaged and committed stakeholders from the early 2000s on to reflect on the impact and legacy of Kelly’s leadership. Attendees enjoyed hearing remarks from Caryn McNeill, Charles Winston ’78 and Kelly’s husband, Chris Kelly. 

Current board chair Laura Helton Kalorin ’92, who emceed the event, started by noting that, for some families in attendance, their commitment to Ravenscroft spans generations.

“As you know, our school’s mission starts with, ‘The Ravenscroft community, guided by our legacy of excellence,’” she said. “As I look across this room, I see how those words ring true. They are lived and reflected by those in attendance tonight. So many of you have given your time, talent and treasure to sustain our wonderful school. Thank you.”

She then turned her focus to Kelly’s “remarkable feat” of 21 years leading the school, noting that — with the support of the nearly 100 people in attendance — she has “moved our institution forward through times both rough and smooth.”

Vic Bell ’74 and his daughter, Mary Grady Bell ’14, then rose to say a blessing before the evening’s meal. “This is a special evening for us to be in fellowship and thank Doreen for all of her wonderful work at Ravenscroft and in our community,” Vic Bell added.

The three speakers shared their reflections on the impact of Kelly’s long tenure.

McNeill spoke of her clarity of vision, courage and community-building. Kelly, she said, “has not only served us but shaped us … shaped our children — and for some here, your children’s children — and shaped our shared life together at Ravenscroft into a healthy and vibrant community.”

Winston noted Kelly’s steady stewardship across several fundraising campaigns and the groundbreaking development of Ravenscroft’s signature program, Lead From Here. “Your leadership has touched the lives of every student, every faculty member and every parent who has had the privilege of being part of Ravenscroft,” he said.

Chris Kelly closed out the evening’s speakers, noting that, working in schools with his wife over a 30-year span, he has had “a front-row seat to witness the growth and development of an incredibly talented teacher, administrator, mentor and leader.” But, he emphasized, she did not do it alone. “It was the people in this room and others,” he added, “who supported, guided and befriended Doreen to help make the school what it is today. Quite a journey!”

Kalorin then shared the video “Doreen C. Kelly: An inspired legacy of learning, leading and serving,” which was produced by the Ravenscroft Marketing and Communications team in partnership with T&T Creative Group. 

In closing, Kalorin announced that gifts from current and former trustees in Kelly’s honor totaled well over $250,000 — and counting. “This gift is a message to you, Doreen, and to our community at large, about our gratitude for your service and our ongoing belief in the Ravenscroft legacy you are leaving behind,” she said.

Guests expressed their delight at the event, which brought together so many old friends and colleagues that it seemed “like a family reunion,” Mary Moss, who served Ravenscroft as both Director of Development in the 1990s and, later, as a trustee, said. “In fact, we consider Ravenscroft to be a member of our family, and Doreen has been a big part of it.”

“The event was a wonderful gathering of individuals united by their deep commitment to Ravenscroft. The room was buzzing with the presence of past board members, each a testament to years of unwavering dedication to our cherished institution,” Winston added. 

Kelly said she was “humbled” by the outpouring of appreciation and well-wishes she has received.

“I have been so blessed to work alongside so many talented members of the Ravenscroft community over the years,” she said. “Chris and I were so honored to enjoy a wonderful evening of celebration that spanned over 20 years. Our hearts are full of gratitude!”