Sarah Stall '97: A Leader Shaped by Community
Sarah Stall ’97: A Leader Shaped by Community
For Sarah Stall, Our Lady of the Elms was never simply a school she attended; it was a place that shaped her. From the moment she entered Elms as a high school freshman, she became part of a community defined by high expectations, deep support, and a shared belief in the potential of young women. Over four formative years, the Elms provided Sarah with not only an academic foundation, but also a lasting sense of confidence, purpose, and belonging.
Finding Her Voice
Throughout her years at the Elms, Sarah was deeply engaged in student life. She embraced the opportunities available to her, serving as sophomore class president; participating in Latin Club, Music Club, and theater; and serving as a writer and editor for, and eventually editor-in-chief of, The Elm Leaf. Through her various leadership roles, she found and honed her voice, learning how to guide others and balance responsibility with creativity and collaboration. These experiences allowed her to grow not only as a student, but as a leader, someone who understood the importance of contribution, teamwork, and thoughtful communication.
Equally impactful were the teachers and mentors who shaped Sarah’s experience. Their dedication extended beyond academics; they invested in Sarah and her classmates as individuals, offering guidance, encouragement, and belief at pivotal moments. For Sarah, these relationships became a defining element of her education. The care and mentorship she received reinforced the idea that learning is deeply personal and that growth is best supported within a community that values each individual.
A Community That Lasts
Beyond the classroom, the Elms was a place where traditions and shared experiences fostered connection and camaraderie. School ceremonies, extracurricular involvement, and daily interactions built a sense of unity and sisterhood that left a lasting impression. Sarah reflects on this time with deep appreciation, recognizing how rare it is to experience such a close-knit and supportive environment. The friendships formed during these years became an enduring part of her life, rooted in shared experiences and mutual encouragement.
After graduating, Sarah carried the values of the Elms with her into a career largely focused on nonprofit, K-12, and higher education. The Dominican values of scholarship and service, in particular, shaped her desire to ensure that others had the opportunity to learn as she did. After a two-year stint as communications director for the Elms, she spent 17 years in communications at University of Puget Sound, a small liberal arts college in the Pacific Northwest, before joining the team at global leadership development company Leadership Circle in 2022.
Far-Reading Impact
Today, Sarah speaks of Our Lady of the Elms with gratitude and fondness. As president of the Elms Alumnae Board, she encourages current students to fully embrace the opportunities before them, to engage deeply, form meaningful relationships, and appreciate the strength of the community surrounding them. And she encourages fellow alumnae to reminisce and reconnect, amplifying the impact the Elms has had on each of us.
For Sarah Stall, Our Lady of the Elms is more than a four-year fever dream of high school memories; it is a foundation, a touchstone, and a persistent reminder of who she is and who she wants to be. The confidence
she gained, the leadership she developed, and the relationships she formed continue to influence and inspire her. Her story is a testament to the enduring impact of an Elms education, one that prepares young women not only for academic success, but for lives defined by purpose, connection, and lifelong learning.
Developing Women Leaders
Sarah’s story is not defined by a single achievement. It is defined by growth over time, by confidence built through experience, and by leadership developed through opportunity.
At Our Lady of the Elms School, this is the work happening every day. Students are not simply preparing for what comes next. They are developing into the next generation of leaders this world needs.