Margaret Holloway’s courage and commitment laid the foundation for WCDS, inspiring generations to learn, grow, and embrace every opportunity.
Margaret Holloway was a visionary educator whose determination and foresight laid the foundation for Wheeling Country Day School. In 1929, when Miss Bertha Wilson’s school closed, Margaret, along with four friends, stepped forward to fulfill an educational need by incorporating WCDS. Starting with only seven young women on July 15, 1929—just months before the stock market crash—she showed resilience and commitment, values that remain at the core of the school today.
Her granddaughter, Mary Holloway Haning, fondly remembers her grandmother’s philosophy: “Grandma always said it was important to be the best version of yourself. While manners and grammar are very important, never forget that life is a constant learning experience. Ask questions… listen… and learn. Failure is a form of learning. Accept consequences.”
Margaret’s spirit lives on in the heart of WCDS, where her values inspire students to learn, grow, and embrace every opportunity—even when it means learning through failure. Today, we honor Margaret Holloway with deep gratitude for her courage and commitment, which have shaped WCDS into the vibrant institution it is, serving generations of students for nearly a century.
