In this morning's Grade 8 Closing Ceremony, Middle School faculty recognized the hard work and accomplishments of the Class of 2024 as they bid adieu to these rising freshmen.
After Class President Kody Daneault led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and a tear-jerking photo slide show of the soon-to-be freshmen, Mrs. Lentini led the awards.
"It is my sincere pleasure to gather once more to celebrate your accomplishments," Mrs. Lentini addressed the students. "Such momentous occasions signal one to take time for reflection."
Remember that each milestone in your life, like the ones today, is part of life's incredible journey," she continued. "Each event and experience becomes a part of a cumulative body of work. Each year you will learn more about yourselves and the world around you and you will discover that the choices you make at each juncture really matter.
"You are an incredible group of young men and women," she closed. "Remain humble and kind. I wish you a lifetime of health and happiness. I am so proud of you and I look forward to hearing about your accomplishments in the future." With that, she introduced the faculty, who presented the following awards:
| English | Helen Clare Makar | |
| Math | Noah Minners | |
| Science | Richard Nichols | |
| History | Cordelia Painter | |
| Spanish | Gracie Arnett Kate Jacobs |
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| Latin | Sofia Conde | |
| French | Gianna Lentini Sophie Woolard |
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| Chorus | Sasha Wallace | |
| Band | Timmy Jackson | |
| Art | Ava Morin | |
| Drama | Jonah Friedman | |
| Dance | Gianna Lentini | |
| Handbells | James Williams | |
| Top Male Athlete | Kyle Boylston | |
| Top Female Athlete | Mary Kate Kent | |
| Best All-Around Young Woman | Sofia Conde | |
| Best All-Around Young Man | Kody Daneault |
Next, Dean of Students Pat Rodifer presented the Best All Around Young Man and Woman and the Distinguished Student of Character. Mr. Rodifer described the characteristics of the Best All Around Awards, which, he said, applied equally to both students.
"The 2020 Middle School Best All Around student award recognizes the two students who consistently demonstrate excellence in all things related to Middle School student life," said Rodifer. "These two outstanding young people demonstrate optimism, integrity, self-reliance, and leadership, as well as a passion for learning. They both aim high in all they do, engage positively in class and the school community, and participate in athletics and the arts and model good citizenship both on and off campus. They are both leaders by example, and their kindness and pleasant dispositions have endeared them to both faculty and peers."
Hearty congratulations to:
| Best All-Around Young Woman | Sofia Conde | |
| Best All-Around Young Man | Kody Daneault |
Finally, Mr. Rodifer presented the Distinguished Student of Character Award, which recognizes the student who best embodies the idea that character is who you are when no one is looking.
"This year's recipient truly embodies the idea of character," said Rodifer, "along with demonstrating the values of integrity and honesty in the daily life of the St. Johns student. This year's Distinguished Student of Character is thoughtful, helpful, and kind, and always seemed to notice when a fellow student needed guidance, or just someone to talk to in a moment of need.
This year's recipient also demonstrates integrity, and being gracious, trustworthy, and honest. This year's recipient of the Distinguished Student of Character Award is Laura Walden.
Congratulations to all of our 2020 award winners and to each member of the Class of 2020.
You can view the entire ceremony at vimeo.com/sjcds.