On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, parents, students, faculty, and staff celebrated the Class of 2031 at The Colorado Springs School's 47th Annual Fifth Grade Continuation Ceremony in the Louisa Performing Arts Center.
"Over the course of this school year, teachers have witnessed these students stretch themselves, take risks, meet challenges, and grow into the people who sit before you today," Lower and Middle School Director Erin Cerezo said. "Perhaps most importantly, they have come together as a class, learning how to support one another and celebrate each other’s successes. They are ready for the next steps in their educational journey as they move across the Quad into the Middle School Division."
The 5th Grade Choir with accompanist Mia V. '28 performed the Alma Mater. Associate Head of School Ellen Crow presented the following students with Longevity Awards for having attended CSS continuously since Kindergarten or earlier: Katherine B., William R., Rafael S., Gunnar S., and David W.
Fifth-grade Teacher Doug Hinkle read Dr. Seuss’ "Oh The Places You’ll Go" before 5th-grade Teacher Nate Van Noord led a tribute to the Class of 2031. He reminisced about their Colorado Expedition to Mesa Verde. And then he spoke about what has impressed him most: the students' resilience and perseverance.
"There are a lot of things that would represent you well and this 2023-2024 year," he said. "Whether that is the caterpillar that transforms into the butterfly similar to how all of you are growing and spreading your wings. Or, a spring flower that blossoms like you all are also doing. But for all of you, I think of the coyote. The coyote has adapted to survive in any environment. It can survive and flourish in an urban, suburban, or rural area. Regardless of its surroundings, it makes it on its own and with others. And that adaptability and resilience are important traits to have in life, and this year has strengthened those for you."
Eighth-grader Lucas B., a member of the Middle School Student Council, officially welcomed the class to the next academic division.
"My 6th-grade self would like to have known that I had nothing to worry about when I was getting ready to embark upon my three-year adventure of self-discovery," he said. "Upon your continuation to Middle School, you will be presented with more responsibilities and independence. For example, you will need to advocate for yourself to your teachers and ensure that you arrive to your classes on time. At first, this might be a little scary, but you will each find a rhythm and learn that your new freedom is nothing to feel anxious about. In fact, you will see it is liberating to have this freedom, and I implore you to stay out of trouble to keep your freedom."
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Associate Head of School Ellen Crow, who shared her own hopes and dreams for the rising group of Middle Schoolers.
Congratulations to the following members of the Class of 2031: Benjamin A., Katherine B., Ella D., Isabella G. Sloane H., Eva H., Paige H., Lennon J., Zara K., Braysen K., Dario L., Jennah M., Poppy M., Emma M., Noah M., Madison P., Ezra P., Owen P., William R., Rafael S., Elise S., Gunnar S., Levi T., David W., and Ellie Z.
We wish you the best of luck in Middle School!
