Beau McKnight '26: Carrying Forward a Legacy of Leadership
May 13, 2026
This year, Beau McKnight ’26 has continued to lead The Episcopal School of Dallas community with the same qualities that earned her one of the school’s most meaningful honors: the Carol Rugeley Dockery Award.
Presented annually to a junior girl who exemplifies a deep love of God and family, commitment to learning and scholarship, and loyalty toward friends, the award reflects the values that defined the life of the late Mrs. Dockery. Beau received the recognition at last year’s Honors Assembly before stepping into her senior year and current role as Student Body President.
“Receiving the Carol Rugeley Dockery Award was one of the greatest honors of my high school experience,” Beau shared. “The description of the award — someone with a ‘commitment to learning, scholarship, loyalty, empathy, and compassion’ — truly resonated with me, because those are the qualities I’ve always tried to live by and share with my peers.”
Since receiving the award, Beau has continued to carry those values into her leadership roles across campus. As Student Body President, she has worked to foster connection and school spirit while representing the student body with consistency, empathy, and enthusiasm. Her leadership style reflects the collaborative and service-oriented approach she has developed throughout her time at ESD.
Beau credits much of that growth to the opportunities available within the ESD community, as well as the faculty members who encouraged her to step outside of her comfort zone early in high school.
“ESD provides so many opportunities for students to become leaders,” she said. “It's just a matter of whether or not you decide to take risks and apply yourself to pursue those opportunities.”
She especially points to her freshman and sophomore advisor, Mrs. Marissa Infante, as someone who encouraged her to pursue involvement in campus life and leadership opportunities that would later shape her experience.
“I feel like personally, my freshman/sophomore year advisor, Mrs. Infante, was always there to guide me and encourage me to take those risks, which really helped me get involved in things like Student Council, that I am still involved in to this day.”
Through her leadership, service, and involvement across campus, Beau exemplifies the values celebrated by the Carol Rugeley Dockery Award. Her experience reflects the culture of leadership and mentorship fostered at ESD, where students are encouraged to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
