Features | Aug. 2025
A DEBUTANTE’S DIARY
By Contributor
WORDS BY MOLLY WALDRON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCCLEOD
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Molly wears a dress by Toccin from Neiman Marcus
As the 2025 Hinsdale Assembly class heads off for college, third-generation debutante Molly Waldron offers a peek into some of her favorite events leading up the Ball
THE THREE-GENERATION TEA
Attending this tea was such a special experience, one that made me feel deeply connected to the women in my life and the legacy we share. Sitting beside my mom, grandma, my aunts, and my little sister reminded me just how lucky I am to be surrounded by so much love, strength and wisdom.
Looking around, I was able to pause and reflect on the women who shaped me. Each of them taught me something important. How to lead with kindness, stay true to myself, and carry myself with grace even during hard times. This unique afternoon reminded me how those lessons have shaped me into the person I’m becoming.
With college right around the corner, this felt like the perfect time to step back and appreciate where I come from. I’m so thankful for the women who have supported me, believed in me and helped shape me. Their example means everything to me, and I’ll take it with me into this next chapter and beyond.
VOLUNTEERING AT HCS FAMILY SERVICES
Volunteering at the food pantry through the Hinsdale Assembly was a deeply meaningful experience. Being there alongside the other debs and honor guards made it even better. It felt great to work as a team, all focused on helping other people in the community.
Helping, even in small ways, showed me how important it is to give back. I left feeling proud and happy knowing I had done things that mattered. It reminded me that making a difference does not have to be huge. Just showing up and being there for others can go a long way.
It’s experiences like this that remind me why giving back is so important, and I hope to keep finding ways to help others moving forward.
SELF-DEFENSE PARTY
The self-defense class with the other debs ended up being one of my favorite Hinsdale Assembly events so far. It was not only useful and empowering, but also a fun way to spend time together. We laughed a lot, some of the moves felt a little awkward at first but that’s what made it even better. It broke the ice and brought us all closer.
In addition to having fun, we also learned some important skills. It felt good to leave with tools that will help us feel more confident as we head off to college and beyond. Being in that padded room with all the Debs, learning something meaningful while also having a good time made the experience feel special.
It was such a fun way to spend time together, and I think we all left feeling more confident and comfortable around each other. We learned a lot and laughed a lot, which is the best combination.
