Sixth-Grade Graduates Advance to Middle School

A great sense of celebration was in the air as our sixth-grade students took a big step and paraded into the Taylor Arts Performing Center for their graduation ceremony.

In keeping with tradition and dressed in their spring best, the 29 students performed the school song for a final time as Lower Schoolers before gathering on stage for a musical medley of Could You Hug a Cactus? from their spring musical performance of the same name.

Lower School Director Lorri Carroll addressed the soon-to-be graduates noting they are now rising seventh-graders and their Lower School family will miss them in the hallways.

“What an honor it has been to watch you learn and grow over the last six years,” commented Mrs. Carroll. “It has been a pleasure to see you all grow into enthusiastic student leaders and truly embody the core values of our school community. You are an inspiration for the younger students, especially your first-grade buddies. It has been a wonderful year and I could not be more proud.”

Woven throughout Mrs. Carroll’s remarks was the theme of togetherness. She recalled how the class spent a lot of their free time working on puzzles together and moving through the obstacles of the spring musical by commenting “we got this,” thus highlighting their team work. Her final remark was how special this graduation was as she began her tenure as director the same year the students entered PreKindergarten.

Smiles lit up the students’ faces as they commenced to the stage to receive their diplomas from Head of School Bob Izzo. As the last student returned to their seat, Mr. Izzo offered final remarks.

“You have left a mark on the Lower School community and should be proud of all that you have accomplished,” said Mr. Izzo. “As you move on to Middle School, you will be faced with more challenges and more opportunities. These choices come with more responsibility, and it is up to you to not only challenge yourself, but find avenues that are fun and rewarding. Remember: do your best and don’t be afraid of failure.”

Mr. Izzo took a moment to recognize and honor Grade 6 teachers Andrea Calandrelli, Beth Hunter, and Caroline Shelton for their hard work during the year. He also honored specialist teachers and other Lower School faculty members.

The ceremony concluded with a special gift to the graduates created by Mrs. Carroll – a special slideshow presentation full of pictures throughout the years.

Click here to view the full photo gallery.