Eighth graders 'sent up' to the upper school

The name of every eighth grader was called, and each walked across the auditorium stage to receive a recognition certificate. Interim Head of the Middle School Karen Thompson opened the event and helped faculty present awards for achievement in service, academics and athletics, and she also lauded the flexibility and resilience of the Class of 2026.

 

“You saw that grit and determination can take you far,” she said, addressing the class. “You have learned the importance of friendship and experienced just how much you missed each other when you couldn’t be on campus. And through it all, you smiled and laughed [and] found ways to make difficult situations work.”

More than than three students received special awards, and several won major recognition: Lucas Jaffee '26 earned the Ransom Cup; Alicia Medina '26, the Swenson Cup; Ella Crowley '26, the Faculty Award; Edwin Carr '26, the Citizenship Award; Jaffee, Max Feldman '26 and Stella Newman '26 each received the Service Award; Lucas Scheifer '26 and Ana Gonzalez '26 earned Scholar Athlete recognition and John McCarron '26 and Hailey Holland '26 won top athlete awards.

Many members of the middle school community participated in the annual end-of-year event. Faculty members Michelle Mondell, Ellen Grant, Cathryn Leibinger, Jody Salzinger, Jessica Merrick, Bobbie Bassuk, Gus Palacios, Joe Mauro, Deb Savino, Doreen Johnson and Jimmy Oxsalida helped present awards. Eighth-grade members of the strings ensemble, musical theatre students and flautist Emilia Awad '26 offered short performances.

Luke Jaffee '26 addressed his classmates, and Stella Newman '26 led the pledge of allegiance. 

See the complete awards list below.