Page turners

Alex (Bittner) Howard ’02, sits down with Naomi Melvin ’09, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Chronicle and Lexi Ensor ’13, President of HOGA, in a Reflective conversation about their shared history of volunteering on the Old Girl/Alum magazine. The women revisit the name Chronicle—a publication dedicated to recording history, capturing individual stories, and weaving together shared narratives.

Written by Alex Bittner Howard ’02
Photo by Shlomi Amiga

788 Words

As they recount their own experiences at Havergal, the discussion naturally shifts toward the future. How can they continue to propel Havergal forward and remain at the forefront? Known for always having its finger on the pulse, Havergal has consistently led the way, setting new standards for its students. As proud alum, these Old Girls are determined to keep that legacy alive.

Alex: Thinking back to 2014, I just had my daughter and felt an urge to reconnect with Havergal—so I joined the Chronicle team. I am so proud of this year’s edition. It feels so familiar… only modernized with the addition of the online magazine. Naomi, what is your favourite part of this edition?

Naomi: Congrats on 10 years of Chronicle, Alex! It wasn’t until I contributed as a writer years ago that I understood Chronicle’s magnitude and its massive opportunity to connect our community. For example, one of this year’s Old Girl/Alum writers insisted that everyone have the opportunity to interview a fellow Havergalian of a different vintage. Our theme, Future Ready, has many interpretations and modulations within Chronicle’s pages. While we can track, plan, and course change, I think Future Ready necessitates documenting the nnow—and that’s what Chronicle does best. It’s a time capsule, so aware of the future and yet by design preserves an everlasting present to return to and learn from.

Alex: Lexi, as HOGA president, what steps has the Directorate taken to be more Future Ready?

Lexi: We’ve seen a ton of change over the past few years, and I am proud of the work we’ve done. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the school’s alumni engagement efforts. We’ve kept Old Girls/Alums informed through better communication, and we’re reaching a much wider audience than we have in the past. There’s still work to do, but I think we’ve done a fantastic job of getting to where we are now. We’ve definitely set ourselves up to launch into some meaningful initiatives over the next couple of years.

Naomi: I’ll add that Havergal Connections has been making it easier and more convenient to connect with fellow Old Girls/Alum without any intermediary. We all have the capacity to launch meaningful conversations with our community directly, from anywhere in the world.

Alex: We also must mention the value of having an Havergal College Parent Association liaison on the Directorate. This important role bridges the gap between HOGA and the parent community which is unique. Lexi, when and why did you start volunteering with HOGA?

“Our theme, Future Ready, has many interpretations and modulations within Chronicle’s pages. While we can track, plan and course change, I think Future Ready necessitates documenting the now–and that’s what Chronicle does best.”—Naomi Melvin ’09

Lexi: I’ve been involved since 2018. I knew there were opportunities to connect and volunteer back at the school, so I joined Governance and Chronicle. I’ve loved being able to connect with Old Girls/Alums of all ages. Of course, I’ve learned a lot over the past 6 years, but hands down, the best part has been the opportunity to meet so many Old Girls/Alums and do some fun and impactful work with them.

Alex: Naomi, your role on the Directorate has grown to include communications and publications. Is this what you thought you’d be doing when you were a student at Havergal? How did they prepare you to be Future Ready?

Naomi: I am thrilled that my role now focuses on different communication touch-points in both advisory and hands-on ways. I always knew I would stay connected to Havergal for life, so the fact that I’m here now affirms my thinking then. My experience at Havergal taught me that character, curiosity and community can continue to open doors and unlock portals. I was guided by the fact that I could make a difference in the world and what I know now is that we were never supposed to do that alone.

Alex: I love that! I think the best thing Havergal did to prepare me for the future was give me the confidence to dream big, and the community to support me while I went after those dreams. Lexi, what about you?

Lexi: I am totally with you there, Alex. When I left Havergal, I felt like I could do anything. Not because I was always successful or excellent when I was at Havergal (hello, math class and strings… and art, science, etc.). What I learned during my time at Havergal was that everyone has something valuable to offer, and through learning from others, understanding your own limitations, and really leveraging your own strengths, you can pretty much do anything. I think, to your point, Alex – that’s where that community support really comes in.

Alex: What a treat to sit down and chat with you both! Being a part of this community has been foundational to who I am, and I encourage Old Girls/Alums to continue to contribute to Havergal’s future readiness.