Sixth-Grade Class Advancement Noted Via Ceremony

Called the “fun” class, sixth-graders officially advanced to the Middle School on Tuesday, June 6, following commencement exercises in Taylor Performing Arts Center.

Students were addressed by Head of School Bob Izzo and Lower School Director Lorri Carroll. They also interacted within the ceremony itself by performing two musical numbers replete with choreography.

One of the songs, Wild Goose Chase, adapted from the musical Honk Jr. that the sixth-graders performed earlier in the year, was revamped with original lyrics written by the students.
“Our wings are spread, we won’t delay. The sixth grade now will fly away. It’s time to say goodbye. We’re off to the seventh grade now,” they sang.
Also during the ceremony, fifth-grader (now rising sixth-grader!) Lorraine Hillgen-Santa was presented the Constance G Blanchard Science Award by Lower School science teacher Steven Jewett.

“Sixth Graders,” said Mrs. Carroll. “Take what you’ve learned in Lower School with you through life – the joy of learning, the willingness to take risks and make mistakes, the tools to be a good citizen in the community. Be heroes, do extraordinary things, celebrate your differences, and in the words of Kid President, ‘make the world more awesome.’”

The sixth-graders were surveyed as to what three adjectives they thought best described their class. Mrs. Carroll reported that some of the answers included: smart, hilarious, crazy, talkative, cooperative, and hyper. She further noted that the most frequently used was “fun.”

“This class does love to have fun,” maintained Mrs. Carroll. “They get along well for the most part, enjoy each other’s company, and love socializing. They are also super competitive. They love to play basketball, and as evidenced by our dance party yesterday, some of you like to dance. This year, you’re learned all about ‘stopping to smell the roses’ and asking questions that are ‘good for the all.’”

The fifth-grade class, which sat in the balcony to view the graduation ceremony, was told that in September, it will be “their turn.”

“We know you can carry on the tradition of being role models to our community as the new leaders of the Lower School,” said Mrs. Carroll.

Mr. Izzo noted to the graduates that they would be the Class of 2023 and advised parents to stay involved as the next several years leading up to commencement from the Upper School would pass quickly.