News Detail
2023 Honorary Alums
Elsa Luna and Dr. Neelesh Mehendale were named as Honorary Alums at Alumnae Weekend in 2023.
An Honorary Alum is a member of the Hockaday community who has demonstrated true devotion to the School through his or her loyalty and support. An Honorary Alum is one who consistently exemplifies the Hockaday Cornerstones: Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics. The Hockaday Alumnae Association honored the 2023 Honorary Alum Award recipients during Alumnae Day in April 2023. Please watch this video, which recognizes their achievements and service to the School.
Elsa Luna
Elsa Luna has worked as Hockaday’s Receptionist for 17 years. She is truly the face of Hockaday. Her friendly smile greets each person who walks through Hoak Portico during the school day. Her nominator had this to say about Elsa: “Elsa is always positive, and her energy is contagious. She welcomes the community to campus every day with a smile and a friendly greeting. I am constantly inspired by her warmth and kindness. Additionally, Elsa is a critical part of the School’s operations, and her efforts help our campus run smoothly and safely every day. She exemplifies the Hockaday Cornerstones in her devotion to our students, faculty, parents, and alumnae, and she is a beloved colleague, role model, and friend to many.” Elsa has three grown children, four grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.
Dr. Neelesh Mehendale
Dr. Neelesh Mehendale is the President and Founding Physician for Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates of Texas. Neelesh received a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Doctor of Medicine from the LSU School of Medicine. Neelesh and his wife, Kimberly, have two children Leena, Class of 2022, and Raja, St. Mark's Class of 2024. Dr. Mehendale has served on Hockaday’s Board of Trustees for six years and during that time has provided invaluable service and support to the School. Through his work on the School’s Medical Advisory Committee during the pandemic, Neelesh helped the entire Hockaday Community and Board of Trustees understand many complicated issues related to COVID-19. He helped Hockaday through a challenging time, and he did it with gentle kindness and patience and his wonderful sense of humor. Dr. Mehendale’s nominators said this about him: “Neelesh embodies the life of service to the Hockaday Community that we seek in Honorary Alums. He is unfailingly courteous and kind, and he is the first Trustee to speak up and ask what he can do to support the School and its leadership on any issue. He could always be found on the sidelines cheering on his daughter Leena as she played soccer or ran cross country or track.”
Dr. Neelesh Mehendale is the President and Founding Physician for Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates of Texas. Neelesh received a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Doctor of Medicine from the LSU School of Medicine. Neelesh and his wife, Kimberly, have two children Leena, Class of 2022, and Raja, St. Mark's Class of 2024. Dr. Mehendale has served on Hockaday’s Board of Trustees for six years and during that time has provided invaluable service and support to the School. Through his work on the School’s Medical Advisory Committee during the pandemic, Neelesh helped the entire Hockaday Community and Board of Trustees understand many complicated issues related to COVID-19. He helped Hockaday through a challenging time, and he did it with gentle kindness and patience and his wonderful sense of humor. Dr. Mehendale’s nominators said this about him: “Neelesh embodies the life of service to the Hockaday Community that we seek in Honorary Alums. He is unfailingly courteous and kind, and he is the first Trustee to speak up and ask what he can do to support the School and its leadership on any issue. He could always be found on the sidelines cheering on his daughter Leena as she played soccer or ran cross country or track.”
The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.