8th Grade Continuation Ceremony: A Time For Celebration and Reflection of the Class of 2026

On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, parents, students, faculty, and staff celebrated the Class of 2026 at The Colorado Springs School's 45th Annual 8th Grade Continuation Ceremony in the Louisa Performing Arts Center.

"Simply put, your educational foundation has been solidified; everything you do academically from here on will build on this foundation, which is firmly set and will serve you well. You are at the door of the next step," Middle School Division Director Ron Hamilton said. "We are proud of you, and we know that you are well prepared to make the most of the next four years. Thank you for being the amazing young people you are."

Head of School Tambi L. Tyler presented the following students with Longevity Awards for attending CSS continuously since Kindergarten or earlier: Madalynn M., Wyatt N., Coltin B., Morgan H., and Tejin M.

Each rising 9th grader was then formally introduced by a Middle School faculty member prior to reading a personal essay, reflecting upon their academic journeys thus far.

Eleventh-grader Landon M., also Upper School Forum President-Elect for the 2022-2023 school year, not only welcomed the group to the 9th grade but offered his suggestions for making the transition to the Upper School division seamless. They included: making new friends, taking a class that might be a challenge, and trying a new sport. He also encouraged them to enjoy themselves and to use their team of advisors, teachers, coaches, and classmates to help lead them to success.

"In high school, the simple path isn’t always the best path, because when you all are standing up here in four years, I don’t want you to have any regrets...be bold, use your resources, and have an amazing time," he said. "Class of 2026, I congratulate you on completing your middle school years, and I’ll see you in August."

After witnessing a touching performance of the CSS Alma Mater, Ms. Tyler referenced Michelangelo in her closing remarks: 'The great danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.'

She added, "Kodiaks, discover who and what you’d like to become and shoot for the stars. The sky's the limit in the Upper School at CSS and I can’t wait to see how your remaining four years pan out."

Congrats to the Class of 2026: Meia A., Sophia B., Dominque B., Coltin B., Sofia D.D., JohnCarl E., Morgan H., Sarah H., Lillian J., Tristan K., Tyler L., Brittyn L., Ceasar M., Tejin M., Madalynn M., Wyatt N., Elliot P., Noah R., Hudson S., Ahriana V., and Xaia Z.