Steven Gould

Steven Gould was presented with the Alice Overby award Friday at Chatham Hall. 

Danville attorney Steven Gould was this year's recipient of the Alice Overbey award Friday at Chatham Hall.

Gould helped the school and community in its opposition to uranium mining in Pittsylvania County— a battle that made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court where it was rejected.

"This was an enormous environmental issue for Chatham Hall and the county," said Dr. Christian Proctor.

Gould, who has been practicing law for about 12 years, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia Law School. He worked for five years in the Virginia governor's office as a policy advisor and now practices with Southern Virginia Legal in Danville. His practice focuses on employment law, estate planning, general corporate law and assisting clients who interact with or are regulated by state and local governments in Virginia.

Gould said that although he has worked for several years as an attorney for Chatham Hall, many first knew him as his wife, Megan's, husband, as she had worked at the school for two years. Gould said he was also a classmate with several of Chatham Hall's staff.

Gould said his relationship with Chatham Hall is important to him — and not just because it is a client who takes cookie breaks — but for its wonderful staff who have become dear friends.

Gould and his wife Megan have two children.

"It's not just a place or school, it's a community and an experience that prepares every generation to lead lives of impact, and we need you to lead lives of impact right now. The world is changing so rapidly and I know that sounds like a cliché, but it's true," said Gould.

"If I am playing a small part in the much bigger mission of this school, I am humbled and grateful to have that opportunity," he said.

The Alice Overbey award is given on Lee-Yardley Day and presented in St. Mary's Chapel.

Overbey was a neighbor, parent and employee of the Chatham Hall, where she served for 26 years as assistant burser, business manager and assistant to the director of development, overseeing the school's finances.

"It was the people that mattered most to Alice Overbey," said Proctor.

The annual award recognizes those whose contributions to the Chatham Hall community echo her legacy.

Dr. Edmund J. Lee and Dr. William Yardley both served as rectors at Chatham Hall, and together they achieved national prominence for the school.

Lee served from 1928-1949 and the Lee Library is named for him and his wife, Lucy.

Yardley served form 1949-1971 and the dining hall is named in his honor. This was the 34th occasion that recognized their contributions to the school.

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