The Class of 2027 completed its Middle School journey during the Stepping Up Ceremony on Wednesday, June 7 in the Berry Performing Arts Center.
The morning event began with a processional to Rondeau and continued with the Pledge of Allegiance and everyone singing America the Beautiful. Jennifer Rose, Middle School Head, welcomed the students, parents, friends and other members of the LA community.
Dr. Corinna Crafton, Acting Head of School, began the announcement of award winners by presenting merit scholarship awards to Aava Joshi ’27 and Anushka Patchigolla ’27 an achievement scholarship award to Emily O’Neill ’27. Dr. Crafton also recognized the lifers among this year's eighth grade graduates.
Cameron Williams ’27 presented the Streib Cup to seventh-grader Arshi Goel ’28. This award is given for the highest achievement in public speaking among sixth and seventh graders. Emily O’Neill represented her class as the eighth grade speaker.
Pallavi Shah ’27 won the prestigious Kilpatrick Award presented to the best all-around eighth grade student. Criteria for this award include academics, athletics, citizenship and leadership. Aava Joshi ’27 won the Chandler Award for the eighth grade student with the highest overall average for the academic year. Enzo Virto ’27 received the Elwell Award as the outstanding male athlete and Rewa Gandhi ’27 won the Lum Award as the outstanding female athlete.
Jayda Richter ’27 and Emily O’Neill ’27 won the Althea Marder Pond Award for outstanding work in the find and performing arts, respectively. Emily O'Neill ’27, Elana Nieporent ’27, Pallavi Shah ’27, Nyah Roccamonte-Clark ’27 and Kimberly Zhang ’27 received Community Service Awards. Kirstin Rogers recognized eighth grade student council members Anna Bao ’27, Alyssa Ji ’27, Aava Joshi ’27, Coco Lee ’27, Anousheh Nazir ’27, Duaa Noor ’27, Emily O’Neill ’27, Jayda Richter ’27, Pallavi Shah ’27, Tanvir Virdi ’27, Cameron Williams ’27 and Kimberly Zhang ’27 with special pins.
After awarding the House Cup to Scribner captain Saadia St. Victor ’27, Ms. Rose made remarks and provided some words of wisdom before joining Dr. Crafton and advisors Tanda Tucker, Noreen Jafri and Andrea Barnett in the presentation of certificates.
Congratulations to the Eighth Grade Class of 2023!