Stoneleigh-Burnham alumnae continue to inspire through their accomplishments and outstanding contributions in their chosen field. The Alumnae Awards Committee and the Alumnae Relations Office announce award recipients during reunion weekend.


The Emerson Medal

Created for the School’s 150th Anniversary, The Emerson Medal recognizes Susan Mabel Hood Emerson, who rescued her alma mater, the Mary A. Burnham School, in 1938 and brought it back to its former glory. Mrs. Emerson and her family served the Mary A. Burnham, Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill, and Stoneleigh-Burnham schools for many years, and the recipient of The Emerson Medal demonstrates the grace, tenacity, and humility with which Mrs. Emerson lived her lifetime of service.

Past Recipients 

Distinguished Alumnae Awards

Stoneleigh-Burnham School alumnae strive to live with purpose and meaning. They inspire and challenge others around them to enrich their communities and the world. They distinguish themselves in myriad ways, reimagining the limits of their own potential.

The Distinguished Alumna Award

Created in 2010 to honor alumnae who have stood out amongst their peers. This award is presented annually and bestows institutional recognition on one alumna who:

          • Has distinguished herself in her personal or professional life
          • Has distinguished herself in her intellectual pursuits
          • Or has distinguished herself in her dedication to service of community, country or society.

The Distinguished Alumna Award serves also to inspire the entire Stoneleigh-Burnham School community—students, alumnae, staff and faculty alike—to strive ‘to become their best selves’ in their pursuit of a meaningful life.

Recent Honoree: 2021: Charlotte Prescott Newton ’71 (photo - in Images Folder)

Charlotte was in the last freshman class at the Mary A. Burnham School, and after the School’s move to Greenfield, she became a very active member in the newly formed SBS Community and held significant leadership roles.

Charlotte stayed in the Boston area after college, working in neonatal research and intensive care nursing. She has been a breeder, owner, and exhibitor of AKC Clumber Spaniels. And, in the early 1990’s, Charlotte shifted careers to work in financial services. Now retired, Charlotte, along with her two French Bulldogs, Liza and Tuggie, enjoys her new home and community in Sedona, Arizona.

As a Stoneleigh-Burnham trustee, Charlotte was active in the School’s 2014-2016 major capital initiative. Her generous gift allowed for the creation of the Newton Hub, which has given the SBS community a central place to gather. The Hub is a campus crossroads, abuzz with students before meals, between classes, and in the afternoon before athletics. Having stepped off the Board in 2020, Charlotte continues to stay involved with her school as a member of the Leadership Council.

Recent Honorees

The Distinguished Young Alumna Award

Presented for the first time at Reunion 2019, this award is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways:

          • Exceptional accomplishment in her chosen field
          • Exceptional contributions to Stoneleigh-Burnham

Recent Honorees

The Ferdon Award

The Elinor Johnstone Ferdon, Mary A. Burnham Class of 1954 Alumnae Leadership Award is presented to an alumna who, like Ellie, has demonstrated outstanding leadership within our community.

Past Inductees

Click here to nominate an alumna for these awards. Google Form in Drive Folder

Equestrian Wall of Fame and Athletic Hall of Fame

Created in 2010 and 2012 respectively, the Equestrian Wall of Fame and Athletic Hall of Fame honor equestriennes, athletes, coaches, teams, and others who have made outstanding contributions to riding and athletics during their time at Stoneleigh-Burnham or in life thereafter.

Recent Inductees:

The 2022 Equestrian Wall of Fame Inductee:

Kate Echeverria, DVM, MS, DACVIM-LAIM ’98

The 2021 Equestrian Wall of Fame Inductees:

Karen Kelley ’86

Lorna Conway ’88

Carolyn Joseph Mainardi ’93

The 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee:

Chinwe Okorie ’13

Past Inductees 

We are accepting nominations for the Equestrian Wall of Fame and Athletic Hall of Fame. Click here to submit a nomination form. 


Notable Alumnae: Experts, advocates, award-winners — Stoneleigh-Burnham women.

Click here to view the list of Stoneleigh-Burnham's Notable Alumnae throughout the years.