The Daily Thistle, St. Margaret's School

Speaking of experiences at St. Margaret's!

In the final episode of Sisters Pride, Whitney reflects on a year of storytelling, growth, and connection. Taking over from her sister Kendall, she infused the podcast with interviews, laughter, and leadership—especially through highlights like Sisterhood Spotlights, faculty chats, and theater and sports features. Grateful for her listeners and supporters, she credits consistency, authenticity, an...

In the second-to-last daily episode of Sisters Pride, Whitney reflects on the moments that carried her through sophomore year: uplifting morning meetings, meaningful Sisterhood activities led by Paige, unexpected joy in advisory lunches, restorative days off, and strong friendships. With gratitude and excitement for the future, she encourages listeners to reflect on their own sources of support. T...

In this episode of Sisters Pride , students are encouraged to set a summer intention—whether it’s academic readiness, physical goals, or personal growth—rather than overload themselves with plans. Whitney reflects on how easy it is to lose momentum in the first two weeks of break and urges peers to enjoy rest while also considering habits, hobbies, or goals to maintain structure and avoid feeling...

In this Sisters Pride episode, Whitney explores the downsides of the AP culture that has gripped America's high schools, inspired by a conversation with Mr. Bell. She critiques the pressure to overload on APs for rankings and transcripts, noting the toll on mental health, passion, and authentic learning. While acknowledging their value, she encourages balance, depth, and personal interest—urgi...

In this heartfelt episode of Sisters Pride, Whitney interviews AP Biology teacher Ms. Custalow following the first AP exam of the season. They reflect on the challenges and rewards of teaching and taking AP courses, from rigorous pacing to personalized support. Ms. Custalow shares insights, advice, and classroom joys—like students’ group “thank yous.” It’s an honest and encouraging look at what it...

Sister's Pride looks at yesterday's Sisterhood activity which brought everyone together as Paige organized a fun event where students signed each other’s white shirts with markers—sharing jokes, memories, and kind words. It felt like the strongest sense of community all year. Whitney reflects on the importance of keeping tangible mementos—shirts, notes, doodles—as lasting reminders of frie...

Today's Sisters Pride episode builds on Teacher Appreciation Week by turning attention to Mother’s Day, especially for boarding students who may feel distant from home. Whitney offers heartfelt ways to honor moms and dorm parents, from making video messages with friends to creating digital scrapbooks or art projects. Even a scheduled FaceTime can go a long way. The reminder: distance doesn’t m...

Today's Sisters Pride podcast highlights Teacher Appreciation Week and the unique bond students at St. Margaret’s share with their teachers. Whitney reflects on how small class sizes and a boarding environment foster deeper relationships, meaningful mentorship, and academic support. She encourages students to thank teachers sincerely, not just with sticky notes, but heartfelt messages acknowle...

Sisters' Pride shares how Spring Family Weekend was a joyful break before AP exams, filled with fun and meaningful traditions. Ivalice loved the brunch and buffet-style breakfasts, while Kelsey cherished the Lantern Ceremony as a symbolic senior moment. Sarah reflected on the chaos and bonding of May Ball prep, especially helping with hair and makeup. Though short on interviews, this podcast s...

In this Sisters' Pride talk, students are encouraged to connect with alumni returning to campus. Alumni once walked the same halls and now offer valuable wisdom, mentorship, and connections. Suggested conversation starters include asking about favorite memories, teachers, advice, and college experiences. Listening actively, showing appreciation, and finding personal connections are key. Buildi...

In today’s Sisters' Pride episode, Whitney reflects on a sisterhood activity where students wrote letters to their future selves. Reading the letters revealed personal growth and fulfilled intentions. Whitney shares how the goals she set years ago—strong friendships, success in her sport and writing, and hosting the podcast—have materialized. She encourages listeners to continue setting intent...

On this episode of Sisters Pride, Whitney was at the International Student Festival, St. Margaret’s girls shared dishes, stories, and traditions from around the world—from Ecuador to Ethiopia, Uganda to Ukraine. Most cited food and family as what they missed most, while many remarked on Americans’ friendliness and sugar-heavy cuisine as culture shocks. From henna to heartfelt conversations, the ev...

On this episode of Sisters Pride , Whitney shares a Stephen Covey story about a man whose unruly children on a train prompt silent judgment—until he reveals their mother is dying. The story highlights how easily we misjudge others based on incomplete narratives. As Whitney reflects on misassumptions within her school community, she offers a reminder: check your biases, stay curious, and don’t assu...

In this episode of Sisters Pride, Whitney shares practical, heartfelt tips for mastering the art of self-study—especially with SATs and APs approaching. Drawing from her homeschooling background, she emphasizes setting specific goals, creating distraction-free study spaces, breaking content into manageable chunks, using repetition and active recall, and reflecting on what works. Her message is cle...

We open today in honor of Pope Francis, who died yesterday in Rome. A humble servant, he walked the path of mercy and sacrifice. His legacy mirrors the hymn “Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!” —majesty cloaked in humility. In this spirit, Sisters Pride offers reflections for seniors: write thank-you notes, take photos, connect with others, walk the campus, and journal your journey. As Pope Francis did,...

On this Easter morning, as the sun rises over the northern neck to illuminate St. Margaret’s Hall, we wish you a happy Easter. The Daily Thistle invites our community to pause and reflect. We share some hymns and an excerpt from an Easter sermon delivered in King’s College, Cambridge—an awe-filled meditation that dares us to imagine: a cosmos born in fire, a people formed in mystery, and a love so...

On this Good Friday, as classes are suspended in observance of Easter Weekend, The Daily Thistle invites the St. Margaret’s community to reflect with some abbreviated music of Johann Sebastian Bach. We share his St. John Passion —a solemn and transcendent masterpiece first performed on Good Friday in 1724. This performance, by the Windsbach Boys’ Choir and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra under the...

On this Maundy Thursday, The Daily Thistle joins Sisters Pride to reflect on service, self-worth, and sacred love. As Jesus knelt to wash feet, our Sisters' Pride opens up about body image, self-love, and the pressure to conform. From harmful beauty standards to healing affirmations, they remind us: just as we are called to love one another, we must also love ourselves. You are not alone, and...

Formed by Faith: Linda speaks of this Holy Week at St. Margaret’s. In this episode of Sisters Pride, Whitney and Yvelisse reflect on the senior speech prompt: “Who have I become at St. Margaret’s, and what am I leaving behind?” Though not seniors, they share how St. Margaret’s has shaped their confidence, self-expression, and sisterhood. Whitney hopes to leave behind the podcast as her legacy, whi...

Linda considers students confronting the Episcopal Church's priorities after encountering admission fees and immense wealth at Episcopal landmarks in New York City on the eve of Holy Week. In this heartfelt Sisters Pride episode, Whitney reflects on her sister Charlie’s thesis about femininity in softball, exploring the tension between toughness and empathy in girls' sports. She challenges the ide...

In this *Sisters Pride* Sisterhood Spotlight, Bethany and Maddie from the equestrian team share their daily routine at the barn, including grooming, lessons, and caring for their horses. They discuss challenges like tough trainers, moody horses, and learning new skills. Both express goals—improving posting and cantering—and emphasize perseverance. The episode aims to spotlight the hard work of equ...

In this episode of Sisters Pride, Whitney discusses the value of having a genuine friend versus a simply nice one. They highlight honesty, especially when addressing a friend’s harmful behavior, and stress that true friendship involves being present during good and hard times. They also emphasize the importance of respecting personal space, noting that mature friendships allow time apart without i...

In today’s Sisters Pride episode, Whitney shares her experience participating in the USC MIND Club’s Ice Bucket Challenge for mental health awareness. Despite freezing weather, she felt proud to support a cause aimed at normalizing mental health conversations among teens. Reflecting on how to bring that same spirit to St. Margaret’s, she challenges listeners to create a supportive community where...

In this episode of Sisters Pride, Whitney joins soccer practice and chats with students and staff about their experiences in sports. Kalissa shares her love for watching fitness activities, Ms. Mundie talks about leading fitness with joy and laughter, and Emacie describes managing the soccer team as fun and educational. Each guest shares their hopes for the year, showing how committed and enthusia...