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Collegiate School Class of 2026 Completes Final Exercises

6/3/2022

Fully ready for the Upper School, Collegiate’s 8th Graders gathered in front of Flippen Hall for their Final Exercises.

Head of School Penny Evins welcomed attendees to the 8th Grade Final Exercises and congratulated the rising 9th Graders — each of whom, she said, grew as students and leaders during their time in the Middle School.

“Throughout your time at Collegiate, you have immersed yourselves in encouraging learning environments that have connected you to the broader world — one of abundant opportunities and possibilities.” she said. “You are inquisitive thinkers, responsible citizens and compassionate leaders, as named in our Portrait of a Graduate.”

Mrs. Evins told the class that the educational foundation laid for them here will grow as they prepare for the Upper School.

“You are well on your way to receiving more than what you need to make an impact in the lives of others and continue to become your very best selves.”

Head of Middle School Tung Trinh also congratulated the Class of 2026 on their achievements and celebrated the triumphs the students have earned during their time in the Middle School. He spoke about a panel discussion the Class of 2022 had with the Middle School in early spring, and Mr. Trinh reflected on the importance of what the Seniors shared.

Those lessons, Mr. Trinh said, are especially applicable to the Class of 2026 as they prepare for the Upper School. He reminded the students to be themselves, make new connections and to always choose kindness.

Throughout the ceremony, Collegiate Middle and Upper School Orchestra and 7th and 8th Grade Chorus performed musical pieces that elevated the jubilation of the celebration.

Following Mr. Trinh’s remarks, the two Middle School Co-Chairs, Kyla Williams and Carter Quigley, addressed their classmates, highlighting themes of the past and future.

Kyla Williams reflected on the past and her growth throughout her nine years at Collegiate, which has been aided by her teachers and peers.

“Whether it’s the ‘Counting by Fives’ song, how to spell entomologist, the capital of Ohio, or what to do in the event of a tornado warning, I’ve learned lessons that I’ll keep with me,” she said. “Middle School has been a time of transformative change for each of us.”

Kyla encouraged her classmates to embrace the individuality of their own personalities and strength as they move on to the next stage of their learning journeys. “Be confident in who you are, because you are amazing,” she told them. “Each and every one of us has different things that we’ve learned or that we’ve found beautiful within the last nine years, and my hope is that as we turn the page in our yearbooks and step into the great unknown, we find many more moments together to hold dear and keep with us.”

Carter talked about the future and the educational adventures in store for each of his classmates.

“Today is a celebration of all our hard work and dedication,” he said. “It is a celebration of the fact that there are endless possibilities for our future, and the fact that we get to explore those possibilities. I’m not sure what our high school story will be like, but I know I'm excited for whatever it entails. Our whole lives have been spent leading up to this moment.”

Mr. Trinh then proceeded with the presentation of Middle School awards.

Kyla Williams received the Fry Cup.

Carter Quigley received the Hugh H. Addy Award.

Austyn Ennis received the Sue H. Jett Award.

Lukas Deskevich received the Director’s Award.

Baxter Phillips and A.V. Musick were recipients of the Citizenship Award.

Faculty presented subject area honors to the following students:

Art Award: Oli Handley and Charles Horner

Drama Award: Samantha McMullin and Lukas Deskevich
Choral Award: Carter Quigley and Amirah Diggs-Majied

Dance Award: Leah Thomas

Adeline Cowles Cox Music Award:

Piano: Kyla Williams