Meet the Grafs
Mary ‘95, Phillip, Madeline ‘26, Elle Belle ‘28, Cecilia ‘32
Phillip, our three girls Madeline, Elle Belle, and Cecilia, and I relocated to Nashville in 2020 after 19 years in San Francisco. My three sisters and I all attended Harpeth Hall, so it was always in the back of my mind that I would love for our own girls to have the opportunity to attend Harpeth Hall as well. Phillip, who grew up in Mobile, Alabama, was also eager to return and successfully transferred his career to make our move to Nashville possible. I have continued to run my own design retail business that I started with a fellow Harpeth Hall alum in San Francisco. We are so happy to be back in my hometown and thrilled to have all three girls at Harpeth Hall.
What initially drew you to consider Harpeth Hall, and what ultimately made it the right choice for your family, again and again.
Other than having a very positive experience myself at Harpeth Hall, I believe in all-girls education. All three Graf girls attended an all-girls school in San Francisco beginning in kindergarten, so we knew from an early age that our girls thrive in this environment. When applying, we hoped that Harpeth Hall would appeal to all three of our girls’ very different personalities and bring out their best attributes. Harpeth Hall has definitely proven to do just that!
In what ways have you seen Harpeth Hall encourage curiosity in your daughters?
Our girls' curiosity is piqued daily. From creative writing class, their amazing art classes, the various clubs they have tried over the years, to just this year Cecilia, our 6th grader, trying a new sport and making the team, my girls are constantly trying new things and learning deeply in all their subjects. Harpeth Hall has fostered an environment where they are never afraid to raise their hand to speak up in class and dive deeper on a topic.
In what ways have you seen Elle Belle and Madeline develop confidence and leadership skills from middle to high school? What are your hopes for Cecilia’s own journey?
I will never forget when Madeline participated in the SEEK program in 7th grade. It required 100 hours of research outside the classroom all while managing a new school and a new city, all while wearing a mask during COVID. Her end product was amazing, though it was not an easy road to get there. Thinking about that young girl in the mask to the young woman that could do this project now in her sleep is staggering. Harpeth Hall has been an amazing partner, giving our girls the confidence and tools to become upstanding, hardworking women.
Elle Belle also came to Harpeth Hall in the 5th grade without a friend in sight and now is an integral part of three different sports teams, VP of the I’m a Girl Interested in Engineering Club and is always rallying her friends to participate in community service for ActNow.
Cecilia is well on her way to navigating all the opportunities that Harpeth Hall provides and I hope that she takes advantage of the diverse offerings. Last week she ran for a student council position, and while she was not elected, I love that she had the confidence to run.
How would you describe the friendships and peer relationships your daughters have formed here? What do you appreciate most?
Each of our girls has made a very solid, genuine group of friends that I believe they will have for life. What I appreciate most is that there is a true sisterhood of support that comes with being a Harpeth Hall girl. Just this morning, I went into the art department to see one of Madeline’s latest paintings, and the amount of encouragement she got from her peers telling her they loved her work was so kind. I love that on their athletic teams, my girls have formed relationships with girls in other grades, which has been really great for all of them.
How well do you feel Harpeth Hall is preparing Madeline for her next steps after graduation?
Madeline is ready. She believes in herself and has the learning skills to thrive in a college setting and work environment. We have Harpeth Hall to thank for helping us with this. She is interested in education, and I think that is not only because she is so good with children, but also because she has loved her teachers so much at Harpeth Hall. Winterim opportunities and offerings really help students find their interests and passions for after graduation.
In what ways have you gotten involved in the Harpeth Hall parent community?
There are so many ways to be involved, big and small; there are also so many opportunities to get to know other parents. Phillip and I both have done many things for the Harpeth Hall Parents Association, like chair small events, sit on the grade level council, man the grill for Dad’s network, as well as set up and clean up for the larger events. This has been the best way to meet our community. We have participated in helping with the annual fund for our grade, which is a great way to get to know some of the faculty. We try to attend all the parent socials and school events, like Sunday on Souby, and plays or concerts. At athletic events, we love getting to know the parents on the sidelines of our girls’ teams.
What would you want other families to know about Harpeth Hall experience that might not be obvious from a campus visit.
This list could go on and on, but I think the first intangible not obvious from a campus tour is the lifelong relationships and the sisterhood that Harpeth Hall will provide your girls. When I lived in San Francisco, there were alumnae events hosted there. It was amazing to connect with so many Harpeth Hall women that are far away from Nashville. This happens in cities across the U.S., which is pretty remarkable.
While a 5th grade parent may not be thinking of college on their Harpeth Hall tour, believe me, the time will come sooner than you think, and we cannot say enough about the Harpeth Hall college-counseling program. Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention how incredible the art department is. Yes, their aunt (and my sister) chairs the department, but this outlet has brought so much joy to my girls. The resources they have are incredible.