2025 Spring Soirée

This past Saturday, we hosted our inaugural Spring Soirée at the beautiful Brantwyn Estate—a night of elegance, celebration, and community! With a 1920s theme, the estate shined in gold and black, setting the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

Guests enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a heartfelt prayer by Brother Daniel P. Wisniewski, OSFS before dinner. The night featured honoree recognitions and inspiring speeches, including: Suaviter Sed Fortiter Award presented by Padua Board of Trustees Chair Jennifer Cuva ’99, an address by 2025 Award Recipient Lauren Sills ’06, and special remarks from Sara Walker ’09 honoring Martha C. Holladay for 50 years of service.

Address by 2025 Award Recipient Lauren Sills ’06:
Lauren Sills, the 2025 recipient of the Suaviter Sed Fortiter Award, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the impact Padua Academy had on her personal and professional journey. She expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and former teachers for their support.

Lauren highlighted three key lessons from her time at Padua: confidence, commitment and kindness, and community. She credited the school for instilling in her the confidence to succeed in high-pressure environments, from boardrooms with NBA executives to leadership roles in major organizations. She emphasized the power of hard work and kindness, acknowledging the dedication of her teachers and mentors who shaped her career and leadership style. Lastly, she spoke about the strength of the Padua sisterhood, recalling how sports and teamwork reinforced the values of perseverance and collaboration.

She closed by encouraging current Padua students to recognize their potential and embrace the support of their community. She credited Padua Academy with preparing her not just for Spelman College but for a life of purpose and service, reinforcing that the school’s values continue to guide her success.

Special remarks from Sara Walker ’09 honoring Martha C. Holladay for 50 years of service:
Sara Walker's tribute to Martha Holladay celebrated her extraordinary 50-year teaching career at Padua Academy, portraying her as both a trailblazer and a beloved mentor. From the moment she accepted the job—hard hat in hand—Martha committed herself to shaping young women with confidence, wisdom, and humor. She challenged outdated norms, like defying the school’s early dress code, and upheld the highest academic standards with precision and care.

Walker recalled Holladay’s classroom as a space of warmth and intellectual challenge, where literature came alive and students were pushed to think critically. Her meticulous preparation, disciplined teaching, and high expectations earned her the admiration of thousands of students, including Walker, who credited Holladay with inspiring her own journey into education. Beyond academics, Martha’s legacy was one of resilience, passion, and purpose, proving that true greatness wasn’t just inherited—it was built through dedication, love, and a commitment to showing up every single day.

Raffles, a silent auction, and endless Padua spirit made the evening even more special. Thank you to our parents, staff, friends, and supporters who attended—your love and commitment to Padua’s mission is truly a blessing!


All proceeds from the Spring Soirée will help grow the Martha C. Holladay Endowed Scholarship Fund and extend its impact on Padua Academy’s future students. The generous support of our stakeholder community will help ensure that Padua Academy remains accessible to students who seek a transformative education, regardless of their financial situation. Together, we can continue to extend the far-reaching impact of Mrs. Holladay’s vision for generations to come. To make a donation, visit the Holladay Endowed Scholarship


View all the pictures & videos from the Spring Soirée HERE or view our photo album on Facebook.
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Spirituality. Scholarship. Service. Sisterhood.