Sarah Harding has been selected as the 2026 student marshal for the Brown School’s recognition ceremony, an honor that will place her at the front of the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, May 13.
As student marshal, Harding will carry the school banner and lead fellow degree candidates into the ceremony at WashU’s Athletic Complex Field House on the Danforth Campus. Marshals are chosen through faculty and peer nominations that recognize academic achievement, practicum engagement, and contributions to the school community.
Harding will earn a Master of Social Work with a concentration in children, youth, and family.
Raised primarily in Southern Illinois, Harding said she was drawn to the Brown School after hearing strong recommendations from alumni who spoke highly of both the academic experience and the supportive community.
“I appreciated the experience that many of the professors brought with them into the classroom,” Harding said. “The bonus surprise once I got here was the experiences that my cohort brought with them. I learned so much from my colleagues, and I’m very grateful for that.”
As graduation nears, Harding said she is balancing coursework, a job search in the St. Louis area, and preparation for social work licensure exams while prioritizing sustainable self-care.
“It’s a lot all at once, but centering myself around caring for myself, friends, and family has made it easier,” she said.
During her program, Harding completed practicums with the Office of Practicum Education and Girls on the Run St. Louis. She also served as a graduate assistant, supporting international students and helping improve practicum education practices.
Harding said one of the most meaningful aspects of her experience has been the resilience and mutual support within her cohort.
“Our graduating cohort has been thrown many challenges, collectively and personally,” she said. “What has consistently stood out to me is seeing different individuals or groups of individuals share the load, for lack of better words. We have asked for help when we need it, and then we have provided support when we can. It’s been a really beautiful thing.”
She said she will miss that sense of community among her peers.
“I am going to miss having an excuse to be with people I have really grown to love being around,” she said. “Graduate school is a unique experience, and it is nice to know that when I come on campus, I am going to see people who understand what it is like to be a social work master’s student at this moment in time.”
After graduation, Harding plans to remain in the St. Louis area and pursue work supporting children and families in a hospital setting.
Looking ahead, she said her goals are rooted in purpose and sustainability.
“My biggest hope for the future is to be content with the life I’ve worked towards,” Harding said “Social work can be a really hard and heavy profession at times. That’s why I hope that I can do something that fills my cup and feels like I can do good work. And at the same time, I hope to be surrounded by the people and pets I love and have the time to do the hobbies that bring me joy to sustain me in this profession.”
More information about this year’s Brown School Recognition Ceremony is available on the school’s commencement website.