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News & Photos
Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony
On Monday, June 6, the Class of 2015, surrounded by their families, teachers, and friends, celebrated their completion of Middle School. The students, wearing white dresses or McDonogh special dress attire, processed down the hill to the tunes of Charles Village Brass before taking their seats to the right of Childs Memorial. The next time they sit in those very same seats will be their graduation day.
After Mr. Grega’s invocation, Mr. Ford, Head of Middle School, introduced the Class of 2015’s student speakers.
Eleanor V. spoke on “Who We Are.” In her speech, she concluded that “the Class of 2015 has not only changed since Lower School, we have progressed into a well-rounded, charismatic group of people.” She reminded her peers to not stress over small things, as one poor test grade will not affect the rest of one’s life. It is more important to learn from your mistakes.
According to Ellie, “the Class of 2015 is a group of not only classmates or friends, but we are a family. Through hard times, we have supported each other; through celebrations, we have cheered each other on.”
The second student speaker, Andrew M., then spoke on “Looking Ahead.” He explained, “over these next few years, while the school changes around us, we are going to be growing with the school, finding our true identity as the school does.”
Andrew compared the Class of 2015’s beginning of Upper School to the beginning of kindergarten, saying, “it’ll almost be like starting over…But somehow, by the end of our four years, that new place will be our home, the spot we can’t imagine leaving, a spot exactly like what middle school is to us now.” Andrew encouraged his peers to push themselves, set goals, and work hard “to find what you really want in life.”
After the student speakers, the Eighth Notes, led by Mrs. Eldridge, sang “For Good.” Next, several awards were presented to outstanding members of the class.
Mr. Ford then spoke to the Class of 2015. He repeatedly emphasized that “actions speak louder than words” as he praised the students for the many positive acts they have executed throughout the last four years. Additionally, Mr. Ford commended the class for being excellent role models to the younger students who look up to them on a daily basis.
Before tearing up toward the end of his remarks, Mr. Ford added, “A hallmark of this McDonogh community, the McDonogh family, is to care for this place, for one another here, and for others in the greater community beyond the borders of McDonogh’s campus. I believe this class is a shining example of this hallmark...It is our hope that you will take the sum of your Middle School experiences, both in service to others, but also the academic fundamentals you now possess, to go on to even greater and more important work.”
Lastly, in keeping with his theme, Mr. Ford urged students to “Enjoy success, learn from failures, but always have the character to think of others in this community. Make a difference in the life of McDonogh. Actions speak so much louder than words!”
At this point, it was time for the 108 members of the Class of 2015 to receive their certificates. One by one, each student’s name was called by English teacher Mr. Aaron.
The presentation of certificates was emotional from the start, as Mr. Aaron’s daughter was first in line. Before calling her name, he cautioned the audience that there would be a slight delay. Lena received a big hug from her father before shaking the hands of Mr. Ford and Mr. Britton. Mrs. Boltansky, Vice President of the Parents Association, was also on Childs Memorial during the ceremony and able to intercept her son, Matthew, for a hug as he walked toward Mr. Ford to receive his certificate. In addition, Anne B. received a hug from her father, Headmaster Mr. Britton, before exiting Childs Memorial.
Once the emotional presentation of certificates had concluded, the Eighth Notes led the McDonogh Alma Mater, which was followed by Mr. Grega’s benediction. A reception was held outside by the John McDonogh statue following the ceremony.
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On Monday, June 6, the Class of 2015, surrounded by their families, teachers, and friends, celebrated their completion of Middle School. The students, wearing white dresses or McDonogh special dress attire, processed down the hill to the tunes of Charles Village Brass before taking their seats to the right of Childs Memorial. The next time they sit in those very same seats will be their graduation day.
After Mr. Grega’s invocation, Mr. Ford, Head of Middle School, introduced the Class of 2015’s student speakers.
Eleanor V. spoke on “Who We Are.” In her speech, she concluded that “the Class of 2015 has not only changed since Lower School, we have progressed into a well-rounded, charismatic group of people.” She reminded her peers to not stress over small things, as one poor test grade will not affect the rest of one’s life. It is more important to learn from your mistakes.
According to Ellie, “the Class of 2015 is a group of not only classmates or friends, but we are a family. Through hard times, we have supported each other; through celebrations, we have cheered each other on.”
The second student speaker, Andrew M., then spoke on “Looking Ahead.” He explained, “over these next few years, while the school changes around us, we are going to be growing with the school, finding our true identity as the school does.”
Andrew compared the Class of 2015’s beginning of Upper School to the beginning of kindergarten, saying, “it’ll almost be like starting over…But somehow, by the end of our four years, that new place will be our home, the spot we can’t imagine leaving, a spot exactly like what middle school is to us now.” Andrew encouraged his peers to push themselves, set goals, and work hard “to find what you really want in life.”
After the student speakers, the Eighth Notes, led by Mrs. Eldridge, sang “For Good.” Next, several awards were presented to outstanding members of the class.
Mr. Ford then spoke to the Class of 2015. He repeatedly emphasized that “actions speak louder than words” as he praised the students for the many positive acts they have executed throughout the last four years. Additionally, Mr. Ford commended the class for being excellent role models to the younger students who look up to them on a daily basis.
Before tearing up toward the end of his remarks, Mr. Ford added, “A hallmark of this McDonogh community, the McDonogh family, is to care for this place, for one another here, and for others in the greater community beyond the borders of McDonogh’s campus. I believe this class is a shining example of this hallmark...It is our hope that you will take the sum of your Middle School experiences, both in service to others, but also the academic fundamentals you now possess, to go on to even greater and more important work.”
Lastly, in keeping with his theme, Mr. Ford urged students to “Enjoy success, learn from failures, but always have the character to think of others in this community. Make a difference in the life of McDonogh. Actions speak so much louder than words!”
At this point, it was time for the 108 members of the Class of 2015 to receive their certificates. One by one, each student’s name was called by English teacher Mr. Aaron.
The presentation of certificates was emotional from the start, as Mr. Aaron’s daughter was first in line. Before calling her name, he cautioned the audience that there would be a slight delay. Lena received a big hug from her father before shaking the hands of Mr. Ford and Mr. Britton. Mrs. Boltansky, Vice President of the Parents Association, was also on Childs Memorial during the ceremony and able to intercept her son, Matthew, for a hug as he walked toward Mr. Ford to receive his certificate. In addition, Anne B. received a hug from her father, Headmaster Mr. Britton, before exiting Childs Memorial.
Once the emotional presentation of certificates had concluded, the Eighth Notes led the McDonogh Alma Mater, which was followed by Mr. Grega’s benediction. A reception was held outside by the John McDonogh statue following the ceremony.