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Celebration Heralds the Eighth Graders' Move to the Upper School
The 8th grade Celebration on Wednesday, May 25, recognized the accomplishments of each girl in the Class of 2021 and their readiness to be freshmen in the Upper School.
Fittingly on their last day of school for the 2016-17 academic year, the eighth graders, the Class of 2021, celebrated with family and friends in an event that recognized the students’ for their contributions and achievements.
“The faculty and I take pride in each girl,” said Assistant Head of School and Upper School Principal Elaine Milazzo. “This class has met and surpassed the vision of GPS’s Founders.” P.E. teacher Ashley Zidan’s invocation applauded the girls’ individuality, talents, and growth as she prayed for perseverance and purpose in their lives. “We pray that they see and know their potential,” she said.
“The faculty and I take pride in each girl,” said Assistant Head of School and Upper School Principal Elaine Milazzo. “This class has met and surpassed the vision of GPS’s Founders.” P.E. teacher Ashley Zidan’s invocation applauded the girls’ individuality, talents, and growth as she prayed for perseverance and purpose in their lives. “We pray that they see and know their potential,” she said.
After musical presentations from the Middle School Ensemble and Eighth Grade Chorus, 18 girls spoke on behalf of their classmates, sharing reflections, memories and insights from their experiences in the Middle School. With the GPS Alma Mater as a thread through their thoughts, the girls spoke of a ‘teenhood’ fraught with challenges, the Middle School as a good time to take risks, and how they’ve learned to lead. “I’ve learned through service to help others,” said one speaker, adding that in the process the service has helped her as well. Reminiscing on Cat-Rat, Southwind sunrises, Dollywood, and even a bus break-down, they’ve made new friendships. “I’ve learned to be brave,” said another, “and I’ve tried something new every year.” The speakers, chosen on the basis of end-of-year essays in English, included Mattie Ballentine, Anabelle Clower, Anna Beth Coffman, Aria Cooper, Emma Dexter, Allie Foropoulos, Cybelle gable, Gabby Hartung, Anna Henderson, Hayden McGregor, Stella Newbold, Maggie Parsley, Annie Sanford, Tatum Spears, Anna Kate Stipanov, Star Stowell, Nicola van der Merwe, and Alie Williams.
In remarks after the presentation of certificates of recognition, the eighth graders were challenged by Head of School Autumn Graves “not to underestimate the wisdom of their parents” and encouraged by her to “relax, read for pleasure, and not to feel they already have to have Upper School all figured out.” Her charge to the class was to remember that “you are prepared for this next step. Take on this new adventure knowing you’re not alone.”
