Moving Up: The Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony

The annual Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony occurred on June 8. Eighth-grade students and their families filled the Seldin Performing Arts Center, where Head of School Mary Halpin Carter welcomed everyone and addressed eighth graders. “This is a big life moment,” she said. “For your families, teachers, advisors, and coaches, it means so much to be here and witness the culmination of all your hard work. Looking forward, so much awaits you in Upper School, and we hope you embrace it all. Explore new academic subjects and emerging technologies, dive into new interests, build your confidence and sense of well-being, and discover your leadership style and skills.”

Following Dr. Carter’s remarks, Head of Middle School Amber Berry presented the annual Middle School Awards. 
 
Congratulations to the following Middle School Awards recipients: 
 
Ed Scovner Excellence in Teaching Award: Jennifer Pokorney, St. Luke’s Middle School History Teacher
 
Academic Growth Award: Annabel Geraci ‘27
 
Go Forth to Serve Award: Charlotte Harris ‘27 & Rylan James ‘27
 
Emil Bucci Excellence in Character Award: Ethan Lanier ‘27 & Jack Aronian ‘27
 
Junior Loyalty Cup: Daphne Antonioli ‘27
 
During the ceremony, beloved teachers Jessie Samuel and Brinley Ehlers spoke to the class. They were selected by the Class of 2027 and shared fond middle school memories and words of encouragement with the students. 

Middle School Student Body President Rylan James ‘27 also addressed the class. “Moving into this next chapter of our lives, there’s a lot that’s going to change,” he said. “We’ll make new friends, learn new things, and take new risks. But what isn’t going to change is our spirit. I’ve been with this class throughout the entirety of middle school, and there’s one thing I’ve always noticed. We’ve always been kind, caring individuals. I know this is always going to be true, and no matter what changes, we’ll always be there for each other. So, thank you all for helping to create such a wonderful community, and I look forward to seeing you in ninth grade.”

Following Rylan’s remarks, each student was invited on stage and presented with a certificate of promotion. After all 67 students were recognized, Head of Middle School Amber Berry imparted some kind words for the students. “To the class of 2027: You’ve wowed your peers with your insights, wit, musical talent, storytelling, literary consumption, questions, passions, and more,” she said. “You are, each of you, special with amazing gifts to share. Each of you has a team of those who really, truly care about supporting you through your ups and downs, successes and failures, achievements and trials. Some members of your team live with you, others are sitting beside you, and still more will be there to greet you next year. Today we celebrate all that you have done and celebrate your next steps as you accept new challenges and bright opportunities.”

With this being Madame Berry’s last year as St. Luke’s Head of Middle School, she also shared her final goodbyes. “There are two ways to say goodbye in French,” she said. “One is more serious and rarely used: adieu, means goodbye forever. But the other, au revoir, means until I see you again. I ask that you remember on this day and throughout your upper school years that you are not leaving middle school to be forgotten; your teachers, knowledge, and experiences are here. And thus, as Mrs. Ehlers has already shared, it is appropriate and very much desired that you continue to come back to the middle school. That reminder applies to me as well. Merci et au revoir, les enfants!”

Congratulations to the Class of 2027. Enjoy the next stage of your journey to the Upper School!