On Monday morning, the Class of 2032 turned the page on Lower School and “crossed the Quad” to Middle School. Family and friends gathered in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) for the ceremony, which opened with welcoming remarks from Head of School Valorie Baker and Head of Lower School Otis Wirth. Following their remarks, each Grade 5 classroom teacher introduced their students, who then took the podium to reflect on their time in Lower School, share a few favorite memories, and offer advice to future Grade 5 students.
Next, teachers recognized each student individually (see the full list below) before they were invited to cross the Quad—or, in this case, the PAC stage—to be welcomed by Head of Middle School Ben Magidson and Middle School Dean Pat Rodifer.
The celebration also included a “then and now” slideshow, and the Class of 2032 was officially introduced as the newest members of Middle School.
Congratulations, students!
Class of 2032 Recognitions:
Ethan Azevedo: David Christian Recognition for interest in history and learning about humanity
Ryan Barron: Benjamin Franklin Recognition for embodying the diplomatic spirit of the World Enlightenment
Henry Boyce: John Locke Recognition for knowing what information is needed and developing questioning strategies to produce results
Natalia Conde: Malala Yousafzai Recognition for a being the person who has succeeded by maintaining resiliency
Lily Curtis: Ann M. Martin Recognition for speaking and writing clearly so others can fully understand what is being communicated
Ollie Day: Phil Jackson Recognition for being athletically talented and also having the ability to teach others
Samantha D’Imperio: Mary Parker Follet Recognition for mitigating the negative aspects of conflict while enhancing the positive ones
Bailey Dorman: Elizabeth Bishop Recognition for enjoying creative writing and visual arts
Jack Dugre: Sir Isaac Newton Recognition for using mathematical techniques and models to analyze data to create accurate results
Ben Forbrich: Albert Einstein Recognition for consistently using scientific reasoning skills to solve real-world problems
Tanner Greer: Ken Jennings Recognition for consistently seeking clarification to guarantee precision and understanding
Lillian Hanna: Betty White Recognition for joyful and making those around her feel better about themselves
Lucas Hardy: Warren E. Burger Recognition for being passionate about truth and justice, and possessing the ability to turn ideas into positive actions
Abby Harrington: Barbara Walters Recognition for being well-rounded and committing herself to be at her best in all situations
Isaac Hebner: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recognition for reflecting upon all situations to better himself and others
Lexi Hollingsworth: Maya Gabeira Recognition for demonstrating there are no limits to what a person can accomplish
Jackie Holshouser: William Marshal Recognition for being loyal to his beliefs and his trusted friends
Cooper Keiter: Frank Miller Recognition for excelling at sketching and graphic art
Lily Landwehr: Amy Biehl Recognition for reflecting a calm and serene approach to relationships and always promoting harmony
Jack Lerche: Kobe Bryant Recognition for demonstrating a passion and never-ending dedication to athletics
Ethan Loftis: Milton Hershey Recognition for combining confidence and determination to overcome all challenges
Allie Mata: Margaret Thatcher Recognition for demonstrating the art of effectively working with a wide range of people, both sensitively and efficiently
Ryan Mitchell: Richard G. Drew Recognition for knowing what information is needed and developing questioning strategies to produce results
Graham Morris: Kate White Recognition for being a critical thinker with an impeccable attention to detail when solving problems
Daniella Paquin: Julie Andrews Recognition for valuing music in terms of harmony and development
Elise Polk: Oprah Winfrey Recognition for consistently demonstrating that reading is a lifelong skill and an essential part of building a robust vocabulary
Davie Price: Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin Recognition for amusing others and making them feel comfortable and lighthearted
Olivia Rachal: Phyllis Diller Recognition for having impeccable timing with humor
and being the first one not to take herself too seriously
Harper Rinks: Princess Diana Spencer Recognition for being a kind-hearted and thoughtful person who makes a difference to those around her
Lucas Rosario: Thomas Edison Recognition for showing a never-ending tenacity to get it done and done right
John Schmidt: Buster Keaton Recognition for having the ability to deliver one-liners which are both clever and eye-opening
Mahi Shah: Mother Teresa Recognition for consistently putting the needs and wishes of others as a priority rather than her own
Hadley Watkins: Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton Recognition for being strong, empathetic, and understanding, while making sure that everyone is cared for
Annabelle Wiggains: Amelia Earhart Recognition for being determined to overcome obstacles and succeed
- Lower School