Collegiate School’s Class 2033 Moves Up

On a cool day in late May, the 4th Graders walked into the Moving Up Ceremony, held in the Lower School courtyard. One week prior, they ceremoniously crossed the Miller Bridge to explore the Middle School, honoring the late Debbie Miller and the strong educational foundation she helped build for the class. Now, it was their time to move up. Once seated, Cheryl Gahagan, Assistant Head of the Lower School, gave a warm welcome to parents and family. 

 

During their time in the Lower School, the Class of 2033 demonstrated curiosity, leadership, and responsible citizenship. “These students have worked hard throughout their years in Lower School to become the leaders you see in front of you today,” she said. 

 

As the students celebrated their momentous milestone in their Collegiate education, they took the time to honor Miller, their late Lower School Head, for all that she gave them — the joy, the lessons in kindness, and the passion for learning. During Gahagan’s speech, Lower Schoolers expressed their gratitude by making their hands into a heart shape, indicative of the indefatigable love Miller showed to the students in her care. 

 

Head of School Jeff Mancabelli took the podium next, delivering remarks to a class of students he came to know well in his first year as Head of School, for he spent most of his mornings on that side of campus, which he calls the most joyful place on earth. Mancabelli celebrated the 4th Graders’ transition to Middle School by reflecting on their growth, using the metaphor of trees, like the names of JK classes, to show how teachers and families have nurtured them. 

 

“Throughout the course of the last six years, your teachers have helped you grow, and your families have surrounded you with love and support,” he said. “You have learned, you have made mistakes, and you have blossomed. You have grown in ways you can see and in ways you may not have noticed. But today marks the moment when you, like those young trees that were planted so long ago, prepare to leave the Lower School garden.”

 

Similar to a tree, the students will continue to grow. With growth comes freedom, and with freedom comes responsibility. As the students continue their education in the Middle School, Mancabelli reminded them to lean into the values they have established here in the Lower School to help guide them in their decisions. “I hope you carry and continue to grow the five core values of Collegiate,” he said. “As you take this step forward to Middle School, remember these words: Growth does not happen overnight. It takes time and it takes patience. Each of you will grow and experience Middle School at a different pace. And what we ask of you is to remember to always be kind to one another, to offer advice and help to your friends, and to always be loyal to the friends that you have, as they will be with you as you journey through Middle School. We are so proud of each of you.” 

Six students, one chosen from each class, followed Mancabelli’s comments with remarks of their own, highlighting special moments they experienced during their time in the Lower School. Memories included reflections on the challenges of COVID-19, the excitement of Homecoming Pep Rally, the States Fair parade, and the special relationships students have with their teachers. 

 

“I am grateful for all that we have at Collegiate,” one of the six students remarked.  “I am grateful for the teachers, the things I have learned, and how we care for each other.” 

 

It’s an attitude that will surely continue as they move up and succeed in the Middle School.