Eighth graders in the Class of 2027 shared their research with fellow students, faculty, staff, administrators, family and friends during Middle School Capstone Presentations on April 14 in the Berry Performing Arts Center.
The eighth grade Capstone is an action research project that extends over several months. Students respond to an essential question, which introduces them to the complexity of problems for which there are no easy answers. Students are encouraged to explore an issue of global significance and personal relevance by cultivating a range of research skills. This multi-disciplinary project builds reading, writing, research, artistic, critical thinking, and presentation skills while also fostering curiosity, collaboration, teamwork, and resilience.
Ms. Dorri Ramati, eighth grade English teacher, provided wonderful leadership to guide the students through the Capstone process this year. The 41 presentations were segmented into eight groups: Individual, Society & Economy, Education, Science, Sports, Media, Mental Health, and Medical Health. These groups were organized in a Gallery Walk in the PAC lobby, where students and faculty attended a morning session and parents were invited for the afternoon.
The afternoon session began with a welcome from Ms. Jennifer Rose, Middle School Head, and remarks from Ms. Ramati. Students Anna Bao ’27, Anushka Patchigolla ’27, Deanna Nicholls ’27, Duaa Noor ’27 and Nyah Roccamonte-Clark ‘27 followed with a brief presentation explaining the Capstone process before the afternoon gallery walk and post-event reception in the Oakwood Room.