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Class of 2021 Graduates from Middle School

6/8/2017

Under mostly cloudy skies, family, friends and faculty beamed as they gathered on the lawn in front of Collegiate School’s Flippen Hall this morning for Middle School final exercises.

“At our opening Convocation, you were challenged to take on the leadership of the Middle School and I’m pleased to say that you took that challenge seriously,” Middle School Head Charlie Blair told the 129 graduates. “You have excelled in the classroom, on the stage and on the athletic field, and in service to the community. Your actions and words set the tone for the rest of the Middle School students who followed your example. Congratulations on a job well done.”

Bella Zeballos, a SCA co-president, spoke about how most of the Class of 2021 has grown up together at Collegiate, which is more than just a school or a cluster of buildings on Mooreland Road, or a facility in which to read textbooks.

“Collegiate is our home,” she said. “We are one another’s family.”

Together, the class has solved problems and made a positive impact on their School, their community and their city. They will continue that mindset as they move on from Middle School, Bella said.

“Going into Upper School, we will be able to make changes worldwide,” she said. “It’s really hard to think about what life would be like without you guys. I am so grateful to have the privilege of growing up with all of you.”

James Kulp, Bella’s fellow SCA co-president, then talked about how this class has learned about the importance of being grateful during Middle School. By participating in multiple community service projects as 5th-8th Graders, they recognized how sometimes they may take things for granted.

“This in turn makes us more appreciative of the things we have in our lives,” he said.

He closed his speech by thanking Collegiate teachers and staff, as well as his and his classmates’ families, and charged his fellow rising 9th Graders to continue to be grateful.

“The power of gratitude is real,” James said. “As we head to Upper School, let’s continue to experience it and show it.”

Mr. Blair then handed out multiple awards as part of the ceremony.

Anna Port received the Fry Cup.

Andrew Eastep received the Hugh H. Addy Award.

Sarah Grace Clarke received the Sue H. Jett Award.

James Kulp received the Director’s Award.

Spencer Billings and Lily Hunnicutt were recipients of the D.A.R. Citizenship Award presented annually by the Commonwealth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The following students earned these subject area honors:

Art Award: Emilie Yang and Hayes Greenberg

Drama Award: Garland Moorman and Archie Saint

Dance Award: Taly Leibowitz

Adeline Cowles Cox Music Award: Donovan Williams (strings), Chase Conquest (piano), Andrew Eastep (band)

Choral Music Award: Hayden Luckert

Science Award: Anna Port, Adam Nimaga

Latin Award: Amanda Perez, Joseph Ferry

French Award: Katie Mulligan, Chase Conquest

Spanish Award: Cameron Ruh, Teagan McClusky

Chinese Award: Becky Pahren, Andrew Eastep

Ferneyhough English Award: Jaidan Robinson