Madeira Celebrates Installation of Ms. Christina Kyong as Madeira’s Eleventh Head of School

The Madeira community celebrated the Installation of its Eleventh Head of School, Ms. Christina Kyong, on Friday, September 29, 2023. 

“The Installation of a head of school is a historic event,” Board Chair Anita Tolani ’91, P’24 remarked. “In the 117-year history of the School, we’ve had ten heads who have served Madeira.” 

Student Heads of School previewed the traditions that would be incorporated into the Installation, including 13 red roses, the Madeira seal, the alma mater, a processional, and the Red and White teams. 

Echoing Ms. Kyong’s theme for the year, “There’s no place like home,” the motif of “home” was woven throughout the ceremony. The theme is a nod to the fact that Ms. Kyong was born in Arlington, Virginia, spent her childhood in Maryland, and served at several local DC-area schools in between her time at Smith College, Harvard University, and working at schools in New York and California. 

Head Search Committee Chair Misti Mukherjee ’84, P ’13 introduced the inimitable Ms. Kyong and explained why she was the right choice for Madeira. “It is Christina’s extraordinary ability to steer an entire community while remaining true to and grounded in learning that defines her leadership.” Ms. Mukherjee continued, “Her intellectual curiosity, openness to new ideas, and administrative expertise are all combined with a depth of listening, understanding, and kindness.” 

Madeira’s warm, supportive community is a cornerstone of our School. At her Installation, Ms. Kyong was surrounded by people who represent all the special groups – students, faculty and staff, administrators, parents, alumnae, the Board of Trustees, and Ms. Kyong’s friends and family – who will be supporting her throughout her tenure. In a very special community presentation of 13 red roses, a tradition that honors the 13 original boarding students at Madeira and remains part of every graduation, a representative from each community group presented a rose to Ms. Kyong and recited a quotation about the importance of home. 

After being officially installed by Board Chair Anita Tolani and presented with a ceremonial medallion containing Madeira’s seal, Ms. Kyong addressed the community. 

“I understand the value of an all-girls' education,” Ms. Kyong remarked. “I have dedicated my career to making sure that young women get a chance to find their passions and dreams in an empowering setting.” 

Ms. Kyong continued, “When I first arrived at Madeira back in February of this year, I fell in love. I fell in love with the people I met, the questions that everyone asked. The enthusiasm in which they answered my questions was genuine and authentically filled with joy.” She added, "I fell in love with the program. The opportunity our students have to learn from some of the most dedicated teachers I have ever met is amazing. The spark that is ignited in our classrooms during debates or experimenting in some of our science labs, or creating art or music, or spending quality time on Capitol Hill are only some of the many ways we make learning come alive for our students here.” 

What drew Ms. Kyong to teaching are two things: One, to teach new perspectives, and two, to create communities that help students find balance and promote wellbeing. In describing how she felt about the adventure of teaching, Ms. Kyong quoted founder Lucy Madeira from a 1948 speech, “To look into a young person’s mind, to try to find out what she herself is trying to find out…to try to help her accomplish this, is about as stimulating an experience as a person can have.” 

Ms. Kyong likened her journey into Madeira to Dorothy’s journey back home in The Wizard of Oz. She noted the help she received and the many discoveries along the way. 

In summarizing the optimism of the day and the support of the entire community, Ms. Kyong shared, “I could not have asked for a better place to call home than here, at Madeira. Thank you for welcoming me home.” 

For the Community Presentation of 13 Red Roses, Ms. Kyong received roses from:  

Students
9th grade Representatives
Zikora Chukwumah ‘27, Maddie Montjoy ‘27
10th grade Class Presidents 
Harper Morrill ‘26, Julia Shakeshaft ‘26
11th grade Class Presidents 
Riya Budhrani ‘25, Olivia Tse ‘25
12th grade Class Presidents 
Eliana Breckinridge ‘24, Shmily Qian ‘24

Faculty
Heidi Freeman ‘89 
Science Teacher 
Longest-Serving Faculty Member

Staff 
Robert Vogel 
Maintenance
Longest-Serving Staff Member 

Administration 
M.A. Mahoney
Dean of Academics 
Longest-Serving Administration Member 

Parents 
Pilar Frank O’Leary ‘87, P’21, ‘24 
Parents’ Association President

Alumnae 
Katherine Kies ‘07
Alumnae Council President 

Board of Trustees 
Carrie Southworth Johnson ‘95
Vice Chair 

Family 
Ms. Kyong’s family. Husband John, sons Matthew and Joseph. 

Watch the recording of Installation on YouTube.

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