The best surprises require secrecy, and “Operation Get Julia to Richmond” was no exception! Head of School Patrick McHonett faced the challenge of covertly getting beloved Ceramics teacher Julia Cardone and her family to the annual Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) conference to receive a tremendous honor: the 2025 Innovation in Education Award (given to only three educators statewide each year). Somehow, he pulled off the surprise, leaving Julia both humbled and deeply heartened.
What VAIS said about her: “For 20 years Ms. Cardone’s creativity, collaboration, and dedication has elevated the Upper School’s artistic and community life. Her infectious passion for teaching and high professional standards makes her studio a warm and supportive space for students to learn and grow, cultivating innovation, ethical citizenship, and problem solving through authentic artistic engagement.”
The recognition confirmed what everyone in the community already knows: Julia Cardone isn’t just a teacher; she’s an anchor. We celebrate her generous spirit and unique gift for making connections — not just with people, but between disciplines. She effortlessly links the tactile work of Ceramics with academic subjects like Classics, Chemistry, and History.
Over her two decades here, Julia has consistently defined advocacy for students, holding both them and herself to high standards. She pours her whole heart into her craft, a dedication evident not only in the incredible final products her students create but also in the large network of alum artists who stay connected, crediting her as the person who set them on their path.
Alum Jess Rappaport ’17 remembers “Cardone’s studio” vividly: “It had such good energy, and this was on purpose. Julia wanted kids to come and hang out and not feel judged.” Jess, who studied ceramics and glass at Ohio State and is a working artist in Columbus, first met Julia at age 12 through weekly lessons Julia offered to Middle Schoolers. She ultimately spent seven years in Julia’s studio, evolving from a beginner to an art school bound Upper Schooler. “The energy of the space in her studio is exactly the energy she exudes,” Jess recounts, “and she does that intentionally to support her students.”
With such an inviting and warm demeanor, it’s tempting to describe Julia as merely a “nice” teacher. Flint Hill’s Director of Fine Arts, Joshua McClymont, rejects that label. “Julia is kind, and that’s different than nice,” he explains. “Nice people may hold back criticism to preserve their image and their own comfort level; kind people find a thoughtful and supportive way to deliver that criticism, even if it’s hard.”
Alum Jess Rappaport ’17 speaks directly to this balance. “I’ve had a lot of art teachers in my life and none have been as good at balancing the encouragement with the technique,” Jess reflects. “Some teachers are rough with their critiques and it’s spirit crusting — others are too afraid to give any. Julia always knew how to do it perfectly.” Jess confirms there were plenty of “pushes” in those critiques — urging students to take their work further.
Julia’s drive for improvement is woven into her ethos, according to Joshua. “She never rests on the laurels of yesteryear,” he says, summarizing her approach. “She’s constantly investigating how she can level up and do something better.”
Cardone’s studio had such good energy, and this was on purpose. Julia wanted kids to come and hang out and not feel judged.
Jess Rappaport ’17
Julia consistently expands the reach of art across the entire community. This commitment manifests through her years-long partnership with DC Central Kitchen (driven by her annual “Empty Bowls” project), the opportunities she creates to bring art to colleagues during Professional Development Days, and engaging activities like pottery-making at Night on the Hill and community bowl signing in Spirit Alley during Homecoming.
Longtime colleague Catherine Huber highlights the small, personal touches: “Whenever you have tea, she offers you a mug. If you brought lunch, she’ll offer a beautiful plate.” In our highly digital age, Julia consistently finds a way to remind us of the comforting and centering power of holding something beautiful in our hands.
To commemorate Julia’s deserving VAIS award, Catherine commissioned one of her filmmaking students, Ariella Braun ’27, to create a video celebrating Julia’s two decades at Flint Hill. “Seeing her impact on this community takes my breath away,” Catherine says. “As I was gathering all the photos we have of her, I was flooded by all the work she’s accomplished.”
Julia Cardone’s 20-year-and-counting career is a powerful reminder that education involves the thoughtful shaping of character. She teaches students how to turn soft clay into something solid, beautiful, and lasting — a metaphor for the resilient artists and citizens she sculpts every single day.
Video produced by Ariella Braun ’27