Green Hedges School Celebrates 75th Anniversary

VIENNA, VA -- Green Hedges School, a co-ed independent school that educates children ages 3 through Grade 8, commemorated its 75th anniversary Monday with a celebration at the school, located in Vienna.

Green Hedges, located in the historic Windover Heights residential neighborhood, is currently home to nearly 170 students and provides a comprehensive curriculum enriched with experiences and character development.

“For 75 years, Green Hedges has remained true to the principles of our founders, Frances and Kenton Kilmer,” said Robert Gregg III, GHS’ Head of School. “We continue to hold our students to the highest standards for academic excellence and emphasize core academic subjects, world languages, the arts, leadership and athletics. We chose Living the Legacy, Building the Future as the theme for this celebration, because it embodies these founding principles.”

Founded in 1942, the school was originally housed in the Kilmer’s family residence, located on 16th Street in Arlington. The school outgrew its modest facilities and in 1955, the Kilmer family moved Green Hedges to its current location in Vienna. The Kilmers provided a visionary academic program that incorporated math, science, reading, history, the arts (including the performing arts), foreign languages and organizational skills all while focused on the goal of developing students of strong character and kindness. That vision and spirit are as alive today as when the Kilmers first opened the doors to Green Hedges in 1942.

A highlight of Monday's activities included the planting of a pear tree to commemorate the school’s early tradition of making pear butter using pears from the pear trees growing on campus. The noted First Baptist Church Choir of Vienna was scheduled to perform a piece in memory of the Kilmers, who played a leadership role in Vienna during the country’s civil rights movement. Joining the Head of School to share remarks were:

• The Town of Vienna Mayor Laurie A. DiRocco – Mayor DiRocco will introduce the Town Of Vienna Proclamation in Recognition of 75th Anniversary of Green Hedges School
• Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, Supervisor Fairfax County, Hunter Mill District-- Supervisor Hudgins will present a proclamation from Fairfax County
• Carolyn Brandon, Vice Chair, GHS Board of Trustees, Chair of the GHS 75thAnniversary Committee
• Green Hedges current students
• Rene Wilkinson, Chair, GHS Board of Trustees

“Nowhere in Northern Virginia will you find a school more perfect than Green Hedges when it comes to educating young minds and shaping strong character,” said Carolyn Brandon, vice chair, GHS Board of Trustees and Chair of the GHS 75th Anniversary Committee. “By planting this pear tree, we remind ourselves of the deep roots that the Kilmers gave to Green Hedges and its graduates which continue to nurture new generations of students and citizens of the world.”

PHOTO: Robert Gregg III, Green Hedges’ Head of School, welcomes students, parents and other honored guests at the 75th anniversary celebration at the school on Monday; photo courtesy of school