Commencing Countdown to Middle School

Three days earlier than their Upper School peers – many of whom over the years have been their Lower School mentors – sixth-graders celebrated their rising status via graduation in the Taylor Performing Arts Center.

The rising Middle Schoolers, who Head of School Bob Izzo noted will be the Class of 2024, performed two musical numbers from their sixth-grade play, The Most Epic Birthday Ever, prior to receiving commencement certificates.

In her opening remarks, Lower School Director Lorri Carroll offered an overview of the class, maintaining that the students are “passionate about global issues.” The adjective most ascribed to the class, she said, was “energetic” – a remark that garnered a chuckle from sixth-grade teachers Beth Hunter and Andrea Calandrelli.

“While this afternoon is about celebrating you, I’d like to start by thanking your parents. Thank you for allowing us to care for, challenge, and enjoy your children. The Middle School years will be interesting, exciting, and full of emotion for both you and your children,” said Mrs. Carroll.

Mrs. Carroll further noted that the class is “filled with our future mathematicians, artists, writers, singers, athletes, poets, scientists, and social justice advocates.”

“They love to dance, draw, chat nonstop, and play a mean game of connect four. They started their own writing group, taught us what ‘salty’ means, and play lots of video games,” she said.

Mr. Izzo told parents, families, and friends that the students are “well-prepared” for Middle School. He also informed students that their Middle School experience would yield more freedom and independence.

“But with that freedom and independence come more responsibilities,” he said.

During the ceremony, the Constance Blanchard Award was presented to rising sixth-grader Theodora Aslan by Upper School Science Department Chair Gina D’Angelo. The award is a scholarship grant given in memory of Constance Blanchard, the Lower School’s first science teacher. The honor is given to the fifth-grader who demonstrates outstanding achievement and intellectual curiosity in science.

Students also took part in the rose ceremony – a new tradition for the school that began two years ago with the Vingiano family during Ava Vingiano’s sixth-grade graduation ceremony. Both sixth-grade teachers were given roses (and hugs!) by all of the graduates.

A reception in Swain Library for students, families, and friends followed the graduation ceremony.