On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, parents, students, faculty, and staff celebrated the Class of 2030 at The Colorado Springs School's 46th Annual Fifth Grade Continuation Ceremony in the Louisa Performing Arts Center.
Lower School Director Nathan J. Mylin commended the 26 members of the 5th-grade class for their confidence, as they've stretched themselves, taken risks, met challenges, and grown as individuals throughout the 2022-2023 academic year. "Perhaps most importantly, they have come together as a class, learning how to support one another and celebrate each other’s successes," he told the audience. "They are ready for the next steps in their educational journey as they move up to the Middle School division."
The following students were presented with Longevity Awards for having attended CSS continuously since Kindergarten or earlier: Ellie B., Ellis E., Liliana G., Clare J., Milo K., Kaedyn K., Nicholas O., Sasha P., Silas R., and Ronin S.
After hearing the combined 4th- and 5th-grade choir's performance of "Brave," 5th-Grade Teacher Theresa Hamby led a tribute to the Class of 2030. During her remarks, Ms. Hamby quoted Jackie Robinson, who stated, “Life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives," before tasking the students with one final homework assignment of their Lower School journey: to create hope for others who have had to defer their dreams or who have lost hope.
"Rising 6th graders, you are passionate, empathetic problem-solvers who have and will continue to create hope for those around you and those who come after you," Ms. Hamby said. "It will be the work you do to ensure justice that will have an impact on future generations. No matter how small the action you take, provide hope to those who need it."
Prior to passing the baton on to incoming Middle School Director Erin Cerezo and her team, Mr. Mylin joined the remainder of CSS's Lower School faculty and staff in a musical tribute, "A Million Dreams," to the Class of 2030.
Following the symbolic baton-passing tradition, 8th-grader and Middle School Student Council President Phoebe H. officially welcomed the class to the next academic division. Acknowledging they may be scared just like she was as a rising 6th grader, she reassured them that the CSS Middle School is the best place for discovering their own true selves, determining what they like, and beginning their journey to adulthood.
"Trust me, you all will have an amazing time," Phoebe said. "And, although you may feel that you are heading in confusing directions, each one of you holding a spinning compass, it’s like I said when I was in the 5th grade: 'I know that whatever happens, you will have the memories of Lower School; the memories of your teachers, friends, and your school family. No matter how many times you go around the compass, still in your hearts, you are going in the same direction.'"
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Head of School Tambi L. Tyler, who shared her own hopes and dreams for the rising group of Middle Schoolers. "It brings me great joy hearing of the humility and kindness found within each and every one of you. It is these personal characteristics that will carry you far as you look to achieve your goals, help others, and become valuable citizens playing a critical role in the dynamic world in which we live," she said.
Congratulations to the following members of the Class of 2030: Amara B., Ellie B., Cillian B., Vaishnavi E., Ellis E., Jacob F., Liliana G., Taos G., CJ H., Natalia H., Clare J., Milo K., Kaedyn K., Wyatt K., Desmond L., Nicholas O., Charlotte P., Sasha P., Gavin P., Sawyer P., Genevieve R., Ethan R., Silas R., Ronin S., Addie S., and Cayden S.
We wish you the best of luck in Middle School next year!
