On the evening of Saturday, April 5, Lisa Shambaugh was officially installed as the 18th Head of School at The Storm King School. The ceremony, held in the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre, brought together members of the school community—including students, parents, alumni, faculty, trustees, friends, and neighbors—to celebrate the first year of her tenure.

The event began with a processional of speakers who would take part in the program: Storm King School Board of Trustees Chair Robert Ginsburg ’72, Robert Kosasky, Head of School at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Parents Association Co-lead Marco Smith P’28, Anne Fulton, Director of Performing Arts and the School’s longest-tenured faculty member, and Ms. Shambaugh.

The Storm King School Chorus

The Storm King School chorus opened the program with a performance of the “Alma Mater” written by Jean Brosseau, followed by a rendition of “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield—a song which Ms. Shambaugh later shared was personally meaningful to her. “I played that song for inspiration and encouragement as I drove up from Maryland for the interview process. But I’ve never heard it so beautifully sung as it was today,” she reflected, thanking the students.

Robert Ginsburg then took the podium to welcome the audience with warmth and historical perspective. “Today is an important day in the long and storied history of this institution,” he began. “We gather here to officially welcome Lisa Shambaugh and her family to the Mountain, and to install Lisa as The Storm King School’s 18th Head of School since its founding in 1867.” He described the national search that led to Ms. Shambaugh’s selection: “Lisa just had a way about her. Strong, focused, passionate, enthusiastic… yet unassuming, relatable and kind.” Ginsburg also emphasized the qualities that set her apart: “She was just the person who would revere and celebrate all that has made the Mountain ‘that special place’ while moving the School forward.”

Storm King School Board of Trustees Chair Robert Ginsburg ’72 addressing the audience

Mr. Ginsburg’s words were followed by an address by Robert Kosasky, who shared his reflections on working with Ms. Shambaugh during her nine-year tenure at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. “She is wise, positive, honest, fair, and caring; a thoughtful mentor and advisor with a sparkling sense of humor,” Mr. Kosasky explained. “I want to assure you that in choosing Lisa to be your Head of School, you’ve chosen well.”

Additional highlights of the program were a reading of Margaret Wheatley’s poem “Stars” by Andrea M. ’25 and thoughtful words by Marco Smith P’28 who spoke on behalf of the Storm King Parents Association. Nyla A. ’25 followed with a reading from Maya Angelou’s “On the Pulse of Morning,” and Anne Fulton welcomed Ms. Shambaugh on behalf of the faculty. Reflecting on the School’s evolution over nearly two decades, she remarked: “Storm King is a school that values its traditions but is also resilient in the face of changing times,” describing Ms. Shambaugh as a new leader “who listens, who inspires, and who understands the heart of Storm King’s mission.”

In her own address, Ms. Shambaugh acknowledged the weight of her role: “This job, Head of School at Storm King, is truly unique—and one that only 17 other people have shared. To be the leader of this community, to hold the joys, challenges, and to imagine the possibilities for the future, is an honor and a privilege.” She described her early months on the Mountain and the insight gained from over 50 conversations with alumni, faculty, parents, and students: “Three themes emerged: the beauty of the campus, the strength of the community, and the excellence and dedication of the faculty.”

Head of School Lisa Shambaugh addressing the audience

Ms. Shambaugh also highlighted the School’s newly adopted five-year strategic plan, calling it “our shared vision for Storm King’s future.” She outlined its four key focus areas: “enhancing and expanding our campus facilities, developing strategic partnerships, clarifying and amplifying the uniqueness of our offerings, and deepening and expanding our financial resources.” It is, she said, “an exciting time to come together to imagine how Storm King will thrive in its next 157 years.”

To conclude the ceremony, Ms. Shambaugh was presented with a framed photograph of Storm King Mountain, which included a plaque commemorating the occasion. The chorus closed the program with a performance of “I Say a Little Prayer” by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at The Homestead, the Head of School’s residence, where guests continued the evening in a more informal setting.

Reflecting on the momentous day, Ms. Shambaugh shared her gratitude: “The Installation Ceremony was such a meaningful moment for the School, and for me personally. It was wonderful to celebrate together as a community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, neighbors, elected officials, family, and friends. Thank you all, and I’m so excited for our shared future.”

Post-ceremony reception at The Homestead