Collegiate School Class of 2027 Performs Final Exercises

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

“In all of the excitement of today, 8th Graders, try to take the time to reflect on what you’ve learned academically and personally as Middle Schoolers,” he said. “As you move forward on your educational journeys, let me urge you to continue to be curious, determined, thoughtful and, of course, kind and helpful to all with whom you come in contact.”

Head of the Middle School Tung Trinh also congratulated the Class of 2027, and as he reflected on the students’ time in the Middle School, he noted that, along with individual growth in each student, the world drastically changed alongside them. “Each of your years in Middle School was met with some unique challenges unseen before,” he said. His speech served as a contemplation of the lessons learned within those four years. 

 

We learned that life can change quickly, that being together is important, that rest is necessary and that it’s crucial to savor every moment, because all good things come to an end. 

 

“We can all join together to be in a quiet wonder and be a little bit sad about leaving the Middle School but also be a little bit glad about moving on to the Upper School,” Trinh said. “I offer my sincere congratulations to the Class of 2027 for completing their time in the Middle School.”

 

Following Trinh’s remarks, the two Middle School Co-Chairs, Jack Porter and Rosie Ferrell, addressed their classmates, highlighting themes of the past and future.

 

Jack reflected on the past and his growth throughout his time at Collegiate, which has been fostered by the relationships he’s had with his peers. How we respond to moments in the future, Jack said, is dictated by past actions. “We can’t prepare ahead for everything coming our way. Remembering our past can help us create a roadmap for 9th Grade,” he told his classmates. Navigating COVID-19, sharing experiences on the field and in the theater, studying for the same challenging tests — all of these moments create a unique bond among the student body. “Our individual and collective experiences make us who we are and can help guide us as we move forward to the Upper School and beyond.” 

 

In preparation for his speech, Jack asked his classmates what some of their favorite memories were. Unsurprisingly, their answers were broad and unique, yet they all unify the class. These memories serve as a ballast, a helpful, comforting support system for the students as they embark on whatever the future holds.  “All these moments, however funny or short, have a massive impact on our lives,” Jack said. “When we go our separate ways to college and beyond, these seemingly random moments are going to be the ones that we think of when we look back.” 

 

Rosie took the podium next, talking about the future and the educational adventures in store for each of her classmates. She proposed that the class think of themselves as a marvelous circus. The trapeze artists, the clowns, the ringleaders — they all represent  the sometimes goofy and always driven character the Class of 2027 embodies.

 

In the next four years, she said, the members of the Class of 2027 are sure to experience the peaks and valleys of life — the challenges, the triumphs, the sorrows and the exaltations. Within this whirlwind of experience, Rosie reminded the class to take it all in stride. 

 

“Sometimes, we will be like the trapeze artists, lifting other people up and giving them a chance to be noticed and celebrated,” she said. “At other times, we will be like the clowns having a wonderful time running all around like crazy. Then we will make a beeline to the exit onto our next chapter. So I’d like to take a moment on behalf of the Class of 2027 to thank you all. You are the ringleaders. You are the spectators who will teach us, look out for us and cheer us on in this wonderful regional circus we call Collegiate.”

 

Trinh then proceeded with the presentation of Middle School awards. 

Rosie Ferrell received the Fry Cup.

Jack Porter received the Hugh H. Addy Award.

Arianna Pena received the Sue H. Jett Award.

Liam Jones received the Director’s Award.

Noelle Christensen and Declan McGann were recipients of the Citizenship Award.

 

Faculty presented subject area honors to the following students: 

 

Art Award: James Kerr and Vivienne Dai

Drama Award: Faith Wood

Dance Award: Hannah de Witt

Piano: Addison Young

Strings: Francesa Ascari

Band: Luke Holdych

Choral Award: Quinn Clifford 

Science Award: James Kerr and Arianna Peña

Latin Award: Riya Patel and Jack Porter

French Award: Tris Meagher and Leek Leek

Spanish Award: Jack Rivet and Sofia Krahe

Chinese Award: Liam Jones and Noelle Christensen

Ferneyhough English Award: Tris Meagher

John P. Coates English Award: Liam Jones

Physical Education Award: Cabel Berkeyheiser and Henry Hofheimer 

Technology Leadership Award: Noelle Christensen and Henry Hofheimer 

History Award: Sofia Krahe and Akash Rohatgi