As life at Linsly begins to start up again in August, the Girls’ Tea becomes an anticipated event for all returning and incoming Linsly ladies. Though Linsly was previously an all-male military school, it eventually opened its doors to young girls in 1988. Headmaster DiOrio’s wife, Mrs. Karen DiOrio, and the school’s first female administrator and Dean of the Upper School, Mrs. Cheryl Sprague, decided to host a tea party to welcome all of the incoming girls. It was held at the Headmaster’s home, and it soon became one of the strongest traditions at Linsly. Currently, the Tea is hosted by Mrs. Aimee Zimerman. All of the girls are able to come together for the first time before starting the new school year. Over the years, the Tea has evolved and now features a variety of cute desserts and delicious food. The event gives everyone a chance to catch up with their classmates and teachers and meet new people.
Mrs. Zimmerman believes the Tea, “sets a welcoming and festive tone for the year. Linsly is a family rich in tradition, and it is important that traditions such as the Tea, Extravaganza, Declamation, and many others continue. These traditions, each special in their own way, help to make Linsly such a special place.” She started hosting the Tea in 2014 and was quickly impressed by Mrs. Michelle Defazio’s “culinary creativity”. Mrs. Defazio and her team arrange the treats in an aesthetic display which seems to get more intricate each year. Mrs. Zimmerman even remembers her daughter dressing up and trying all of the different goodies before the event started. They were excellent!
Emily Klempa, a current senior at Linsly, just celebrated her last Tea. She explained that it is, “bittersweet, but I am grateful to have been able to inspire the younger girls and be a role model for them- especially this year.”
The Tea is always a pleasant experience for all of the women at Linsly, and it is a tradition that will continue to represent delicacy and elegance. The tradition is in good hands, for Mrs. Zimmerman expresses, “it is my pleasure to welcome the Linsly girls to my home each year, and I look forward to many more teas in the years to come. It is a joy for me to spend the afternoon meeting new students and welcoming returning students back to campus.”
It is surely a memorable experience for all ladies at Linsly, and it will be missed by the seniors next year!
