Most people make it to one high school reunion and quickly lose touch with the schools, students and educators who impacted them during such a vital time in their lives. However, Mary Ann Hyde, a resident of Presbyterian Village North (a premier senior living community), recently attended her 70th high school reunion for The Hockaday School on April 26. Not only did she reunite with girls from her class of 1949, she was the recipient of the school's lifetime achievement award - The Hockaday Medal Award. This award honors former students of the school who have shown excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor and have demonstrated their loyalty and support of Hockaday. The recipient is chosen because she exemplifies the Hockaday Cornerstones: Character, Courtesy, Scholarship and Athletics. She serves as a role model to the students and alumnae of Hockaday, as well as to all women as they strive to achieve their goals. This award is the highest honor the Alumnae Association can bestow upon an alumna and only one is given each year.

"I feel honored and humbled to receive the Hockaday Medal Award," said Hyde. "I am privileged beyond measure and cannot express enough how grateful I am for this recognition. The luncheon was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with my fellow 'Hockadaisies.' There were two women from my first-grade class present. I have always valued the friendships I made and education I received at Hockaday, and I feel that the school truly prepares young girls to meet their future with skills and confidence. I can say without a doubt that Hockaday continues to play a vital role in the development of young women. It certainly influenced my life in a myriad of ways and will have a positive impact on Hockadaisies for generations to come. Hockaday inspired me to become involved in numerous charities after I graduated from the Hockaday Junior College in 1951."

Upon graduating, Hyde met and married the love of her life, Edward R. Hyde, and spent a majority of her lifetime giving back. Shortly after they married, she and Ed moved to Venezuela with Sun Oil Company. In Caracas, she became active in the Children's Service League chairing her very first fundraising event with the president’s wife who was an honorary chair.  Later, in Philadelphia, she served on the Boards of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Deacon, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, trustee for Phoenix House for abused children, and Chamounix Mansion youth hostel. When she returned to Dallas 25 years later, she served as President of the Hockaday Alumnae Association and trustee of The Hockaday School.  Mrs. Hyde has served on numerous boards in Dallas and is currently serving on the SMU Executive Board of the Meadows School of the Arts and Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation Board.

"There are many ways of giving back in making the world a better place by serving people and organizations that exist to improve lives," said Hyde.

"We are so proud of Mary Ann and thankful for her contributions to the Dallas community," said Bryan Cooper, executive director of Presbyterian Village North. "This award is bestowed upon admirable women who are involved in their communities with the goal of making a positive impact on people's lives. She is certainly deserving of this prestigious award, and we are thrilled to celebrate with her."

The Hockaday Medal was presented to Mrs. Hyde at the Alumnae Day luncheon Friday, April 26th on The Hockaday campus with more than 600 alumnae in attendance and this coinciding with her 70th class reunion. The award was established in 1977, and the Alumnae Association has chosen one recipient every year since its inception. Approximately 120 girls graduate from the school each year. The committee felt that Hyde was without a doubt the worthiest candidate for 2019 and could not imagine giving it to anyone else. It is the purpose of The Hockaday School to foster a community of concern and friendship and to instill in every girl a love of learning, as well as an understanding of herself and the ethical principles which guide her life.