Congratulations, Graduates! |
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL |
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| Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, shares a Charge to the Class of 2024 in her June blog post. Below is an excerpt:
Earlier this week, I spoke at the 5th grade moving up to Middle School ceremony. I shared with them this riddle: What goes up but never comes down? (Your age.) As we age, time seems to speed up. We know it is not actually doing so, but it sure feels like it is. Commencement seemed so far off not long ago, yet here we are.
We gather each year at this time to honor and celebrate the seniors upon their graduation from Upper School and before they head off to colleges and universities across the country. While the symbolism of this day is largely the same from year to year – graduation gowns, diplomas, processional music, and speeches by various members of the community – each June’s commencement is distinctive, because each of you is a unique individual. What binds you are the common ties of being part of a community that is as unique as you are.
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NOTE: Due to the length of this week's edition, readers may be prompted to "View Entire Message" or "Download Entire Message" while scrolling through the newsletter. |
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| Class of 2024 graduates at ceremony |
The Lena Archuleta School held its 141st Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 14 on the front field.
The Class of 2024 marched in and received an ovation from the LA community of parents, families, faculty, trustees, alumni and friends. The program began with the Star-Spangled Banner and a welcome from Dr. Bob Bowman, Head of Upper School.
Class president Gbemi Olarewaju ’24 represented her class with a wonderful speech during which he shared memories and wished everyone the best of luck in the future. Dr Corinna Crafton, Head of School, delivered her Charge to the Class of 2024 and Dr. Ayesha Sitlani, Board of Trustees President, provided greetings and best wishes during her remarks.
The 55 graduates received their diplomas after Rudy Brandl ’83, Director of Communications and Publications, announced their names. They were greeted by Drs. Crafton, Bowman and Sitlani and after all graduates received their diplomas, they tossed their caps in the air with jubilation. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
COMMENCEMENT PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Class of 2024 honored at dinner |
Members of the Class of 2024 at The Lena Archuleta School joined their parents, family, faculty and staff members and administrators at the annual Senior Farewell Dinner on Monday, June 10 in the AP Room.
Dr. Bob Bowman, Head of Upper School, welcomed the guests and Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, made opening remarks. Performers during the dinner hour included Sarah Alves ’24, Charlie Silver ’24, Joanne Ding ’24, Luke Tan ’24 and Sanya Sidhu ’24.
Nidhin Kumar ’24, Raiya Patel ’24 and Charlie Silver ‘24 made speeches about the Past, Present and Future, respectively. Hannah Yin ’24 led a Senior Toast to Parents, Naomi Valcourt ’24 made a Senior Toast to Faculty, and Gbemi Olarewaju ’24 and Raiya Patel ’24 presented a framed class photo to Dr. Bowman.
The Global Scholars in the Class of 2024 were recognized and senior departmental subject awards for outstanding achievement in academics, athletics and the arts were also presented.
Senior Awards of Distinction were presented to Gbemi Olarewaju ’24 (LA Pin), Luke Tan ’24 (Alumni Association Award), Raiya Patel ’24 (Parents' Association Award), Luke Tan ‘24 (Stevenson Award), Hannah Yin ‘24 (Head’s Award) and Anushka Dalal ’24 (Upper School Head's Award).
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL SENIOR AWARDS
SENIOR DINNER PHOTO GALLERY |
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Seniors celebrate matriculation |
The LA College Counseling Office held a special event to celebrate all seniors completing their decision process. Seniors arrived in their college gear and engaged in a series of activities in the Berry Performing Arts Center lobby. Table stations included Guess the Number, Your Piece of the Puzzle, Sign Class Frame, Survey and Raffle, Thank Yous and Advice, and Coming Full Circle. Music and snacks enhanced the festive atmosphere as the seniors visited the various tables and posed for pictures with groups of classmates.
COLLEGE CELEBRATION EVENT PHOTO GALLERY
CLASS OF 2024 MATRICULATION LIST |
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| Seniors excited to share college decisions |
Congratulations to several seniors in the Class of 2024 who have made their college plans official after accepting admission offers. The WHEN will continue its weekly spotlight on seniors who have made their college decisions throughout the remainder of the school year.
Meet Hannah Yin ’24, a WardlaLAartridge lifer who is excited to be matriculating to Emory University, where she plans to major in biology. Hannah, the last of our Yin siblings to graduate from LA, feels very fortunate to be enrolling at a university that values the whole person much like the school she’s attended since Kindergarten.
“I happened to unexpectedly visit Emory, and immediately the white marble buildings and the lively feeling of the campus felt positively welcoming,” she said. “Most importantly, I desired to be at a university that encourages students to explore in depth their whole person and where students are seen for more than just their academic and extracurricular achievements. The larger emphasis on character as well as personal and emotional growth deeply resonated with me, leading to my decision to commit to Emory.”
Click here to read more about Hannah and view other college acceptance features |
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| VIDEO: Head of School, graduating senior class president discuss leadership |
Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, and Gbemi Olarewaju ’24, the Student Council and Senior Class President during the 2023-2024 school year, engaged in an interesting conversation about leadership, their role models and what motivates them in a recent discussion moderated by Mr. Rudy Brandl ’83, Director of Communications.
The video, recorded in late May in the Berry Performing Arts Center, also addressed other topics including favorite activities, hobbies and interests to give the LA community a closer look at these impressive leaders. Dr. Crafton and Ms. Olarewaju also shared an optimistic outlook for the future.
WATCH VIDEO HERE |
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Eighth graders step up to US at ceremony |
The Class of 2028 completed its Middle School journey during the Stepping Up Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 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. Kirstin Rogers, Middle School Head, welcomed the students, parents, friends and other members of the LA community.
Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, began the announcement of award winners by presenting merit scholarship awards to Veer Kansal ’28 and Anna Zhang ’28 and achievement scholarship awards to Diya Kothari ’28 and Shweta Saravanan ’28. Dr. Crafton also recognized the lifers among this year's eighth grade graduates. |
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| Fifth graders move up to Middle School |
Students at The Lena Archuleta School moved up to Middle School during the Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony on Tuesday, June 11 in the Berry Performing Arts Center. Students said farewell to Lower School with family, friends and faculty and staff members in attendance.
The program began with the processional to Prince of Denmark's March and a flag salute before everyone sang America the Beautiful. Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, provided a welcome for the guests in attendance and challenged the soon-to-be graduates with meaningful riddles to deliver important messages. Fifth grade teachers Jaclyn Church and Elizabeth Stillman shared reflections of the year and expressed gratitude to their students for allowing them to grow and learn together.
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| Kindergarten class ready for first grade |
Kindergarten students participated in an interactive outdoor Moving Up Ceremony in the amphitheatre on Monday, June 10. With parents, family and friends in attendance, the young students announced their readiness for first grade.
Following the processional and a welcome from Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Jennifer Geissler, the program began with a series of poems and songs. Kindergarten presentations included Friends at School, The Kindergarten Class, Open a Book, Leaving Kindergarten, The Smile, The Kindergarten Graduation Song, All Are Welcome, Do My Best, The Pledge of Kindness and Here We Come.
The students shared their Favorite Memories of Kindergarten before receiving their certificates. Mr. JohnEric Advento, Head of Lower School, offered closing remarks and congratulated the students, who were greeted by Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, with cookies in the courtyard.
KINDERGARTEN MOVING UP PHOTO GALLERY |
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Athletes, teams honored at Recognition Night |
The LA Athletic Department celebrated another fine school year of team and individual accomplishments at the annual Rams Recognition Night. The event began with a dinner prepared by Sage Dining Services in the AP Room and continued with team and individual awards in the Berry Performing Arts Center. Athletic director Mike Romeo hosted the ceremony, with assistance from assistant athletic director Courtney McClain and athletic trainer Ryan Oliveira.
Ten athletes who compiled at least nine varsity letters received LA blankets: Sydney Geissler ’24, Gbemi Olarewaju ’24, Naomi Valcourt ’24, Zara Zaidi ’24, Adam Eisdorfer ’25, Samuel Faust ’25, Kayla Le ’25, Cian Nicholls ’25, Giselle Rodriguez ’25 and Rajwans Sindhar '25. The co-ed swim team received the Highest GPA Award and veteran girls’ basketball coach Mike Howell was honored as Coach of the Year. |
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| Spring athletes named to All-GMC teams |
Congratulations to 11 LA spring athletes who have been named to All-GMC division teams.
The girls’ golf team, Red Division and GMC champs, placed four players on the first team: Claire Lu ’24, Sarah Shao ’24, Tanya Chowdary ’24 and Ava Choi ’25. Other All-GMC athletes included baseball players Mackias Ysaac ’26 (All-Silver) and Luke Tan ’24 (All-Academic), tennis player Jai Maurya ’25 (At-Large) and softball players Sarah Alves ’24, Sophia Riccio ’26, Giselle Rodriguez ’25 and Elyssa Ortega ’26.
The track and field All-GMC athletes have not yet been selected. |
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| Students honored as GMC Scholar-Athletes |
LA seniors Hannah Yin ’24 and Amandeep Bahia ’24 represented their school at the annual Greater Middlesex Conference Scholar-Athlete Banquet at the Pines Manor. They are pictured with Mike Romeo, Athletic Director.
Hannah powered the girls’ volleyball team to the division title last fall. A four-year varsity volleyball player, Hannah also served as captain of the division champs. Amandeep led the boys’ soccer team in scoring as a four-year varsity letterwinner. He captained the Rams and recently won The Chambliss Trophy awarded to the school’s top senior male athlete. |
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| Seniors make impact during service week |
Seniors in the Class of 2024 continued their tradition of community service in late spring by participating in three trips over a two-week span at various locations across New Jersey. Nicole Nolan, Director of Global Scholars and Community Outreach, coordinated the senior community engagement days and is grateful for the support of the Upper School faculty chaperones who assisted the students.
This year, the senior class went to The Community Food Bank of NJ in Hillside on May 23, Interfaith RISE in Highland Park on May 30, and Rows for Hungry in South Brunswick on June 4. These events were supported by the Senior Class advisors, who completed service alongside the students.
Sra. Claudia Gonzalez and Mr. Tony Diaz assisted at the food bank, Mrs. Ann Pengue worked with students at the IRISE Woodshop, and Mr. Tim Head helped oversee students planting and clearing vegetable beds in Rows for Hungry. Thank you to all of our seniors and their advisors for continuing to spread the culture of service that has been cultivated at WardlaLAartridge.
SENIORS IN SERVICE PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Scenes from the Senior/Junior Prom |
Enjoy a photo gallery of our Upper School students posing for pictures in the courtyard prior to this year’s Junior/Senior Prom! PROM PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Fifth graders share Capstone presentations |
Fifth grade students were proud to share their Capstone projects on their final Friday as Lower School students on June 7 in the Berry Performing Arts Center. Just four days before their Moving Up Ceremony, the students embraced the opportunity to shine in their final academic exercise as fifth graders.
The Fifth Grade Capstone is an important culmination of the students’ Lower School career. The projects presented by the fifth graders represent months of work to explore a topic, develop ideas, and creatively express them. This year, the class chose one of the school’s core values, Integrity, as the topic. |
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| Lower School celebrates community theme |
Lower School students celebrated their yearlong theme of community at last Friday’s final assembly of the school year in the Berry Performing Arts Center.
Sra. Maria Hinestroza, Lower School Spanish teacher, welcomed the guests and reminded everyone of the community theme that has been amplified by the affirmations recited many times during the school year. The audience watched videos of skits created by the students that showed the importance of kindness and community.
Inspired by the bilingual play "Cenicienta, a Cinderella Story," the fourth graders embarked on a heartwarming collaborative project with the first graders. Together, they created a play promoting the message of standing up as allies whenever they witness injustice. The fourth graders crafted dialogues that explored challenges new students might face and how empathy and understanding can transform situations. Our first graders actively participated, expressing their ideas and using acting to amplify their messages. This collaborative effort not only enriched their vocabulary related to these situations but also fostered confidence in their ability to make a positive difference in the world.
The second part of the assembly featured different groups and grade level combinations of dance performers on stage. They left the audience entertained and ended the school year on a high note.
LS COMMUNITY ASSEMBLY PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Sixth graders continue regatta tradition |
Sixth graders in the Class of 2030 spent the last day of school experiencing one of WardlaLAartridge’s best traditions – The Cardboard Regatta – on June 11. They discovered that it’s possible to build a boat using cardboard! After learning about the parts of a boat, various types of boats, and discussing Archimedes’ theory on buoyancy, the sixth graders were given the challenge to design and build a cardboard boat, which is capable of completing the quickest lap in the school swimming pool, powered by two onboard sailors from their crew.
On Monday morning they planned and built prototypes in the art room and on Tuesday, using just duct tape and cardboard they built their vessels in Laidlaw Gym. After just 2.5 hours of construction time, their boats were ready to race! By 10:45 a.m., the pool viewing deck was filled to capacity with family, friends, and all the seventh and eighth graders who had competed in 2022 and 2023.
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| AP Human Geography students explore |
During the month of May, students in Mrs. Nicole Nolan's AP Human Geography classes worked with Andy Meyer and Tanya Gallo of Living City Project. This is the school’s fourth year working with Living City Project, and each year this partnership has something new and exciting to the intensive study of food, culture, migration, and family.
Students attended an on-campus orientation with Mr. Meyer and Mrs. Nolan on Wednesday, May 15. During this session they were given an in depth history of Manhattan's Lower East Side and introduced to the multi-layered project they were to complete in groups. The project entailed a study of family migration, connections between family migration and food, a detailed neighborhood restaurant map, interviews with restaurant owners and a menu analysis. Additionally, each group needed to create a vlog preparing one of the foods featured in their family migration stories.
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| International students honored at breakfast |
Graduating international students and their families enjoyed a special farewell breakfast on the day before the 141st Commencement Ceremony in the Oakwood Room. Gerard Gonnella ’89, Director of the International Student Program, provided opening remarks to welcome the guests, which included parents who traveled from China and Oman to join in this week’s graduation festivities.
Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, greeted the guests and joined the international students and families for photos. The program of this annual event also included student remarks from Andy Ma ’24 and parents sharing reflections and gratitude for the school’s role in educating their students. Mr. Gonnella presented the James Gao Award, given to the best all-around international student, to Joanne Ding ’24. INTERNATIONAL BREAKFAST PHOTO GALLERY |
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Stocks and Investment Club visits Barclays |
Upper School students in the Stocks and Investments Club dressed the part of a seasoned finance professional and learned a great deal during an informative and educational trip to Barclays in New York City. They were accompanied by Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, Mrs. Christine Cerminaro, Dean of Students, and Mrs. Nicole Nolan, Director of Global Scholars and Community Outreach.
The day began with a tour of the trading floor at Barclays, where the students witnessed transactions in progress. They saw traders on their phones, working on six-monitor setups, and making deals.
The students were also fortunate to meet with two former LA parents in the field. Mr. Robert Berry, a LA Board of Trustees member and retired Goldman Sachs executive who now sits on the Barclays Board, shared some of his considerable expertise with the students. Mr. Simon Lack, a former LA Board member who works in private practice, also shared wisdom with the group. |
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| US students learn from Emmy winner |
On May 21 LA freshmen, sophomores and juniors were treated to a special Zoom session with A’Lelia Bundles, the author of On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker – a New York Times Notable Book about her entrepreneurial great-great-grandmother.
Ms. Bundles was a network television executive and producer for 30 years at NBC News and then at ABC News, where she was Washington, D.C. deputy bureau chief and director of talent development. A recipient of an Emmy and a du Pont Gold Baton, she has participated in writing residencies at Yaddo and MacDowell. In 2021, she was named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact List.
Madam C.J. Walker created specialized hair products for African American hair care and was one of the first American women to become a self-made millionaire. Ms. Bundles displayed the amazing story and groundbreaking accomplishments that Ms. Walker achieved through pictures and historical facts. The Zoom ended with a Q+A session where the students asked very thought provoking questions. Each student received a complimentary copy of the book due to a generous grant from the LA Parents’ Association.
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| 5th grade Crochet Club raises funds for shelter |
The Fifth Grade Crochet Crew held a craft sale to raise funds for the Edison Animal Shelter during lunch late in the school year. The students sold bracelets, bookmarks, coasters, water bottle holders, scrunchies, scarves, and more.
“The kids have worked hard to learn the craft and to create the items that were sold,” said Ms. Shannon Sari, who oversees the club. “Once things got started, they ran the booth themselves, selling the items to the other Lower School students.” |
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| 4th graders share ukulele skills with parents |
The students in fourth grade welcomed specials guests to their final Music class of the year. The students started by teaching their parents how to tune the strings of the ukulele. They then helped their guests learn how to play the C major and A minor chords. The students wrapped up the visit by playing two songs: Roar by Katy Perry and Ho Hey by The Lumineers. |
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| | Explore our LA Summer Programs |
Now that spring has arrived, it’s the perfect time to register for our 2024 Summer Adventures and get ready for a summer of fun!
Visit WHschool.org/summer to view all of our offerings for the summer of 2024. We have programs for students of all ages that are sure to excite and engage campers to provide an enriching and memorable experience. |
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FROM THE LA PARENTS' ASSOCIATION |
WHPA Announces 2024-2025 Slate of Officers
The LA Parents’ Association announced and installed its officers for the 2024-2025 school year at its annual Appreciation Luncheon on June 6 in the Oakwood Room. Below is the listing of officers: President: Shakti Jha Treasury Team: Nirmala Devi and Saniya Dhala Lower School VP (Early Childhood): Jackie Oladeji
Lower School VP (Grades 2-5): Sara Lee Middle School VP: Cindy Williams Upper School VP: Youlin Tsai Communications Liaison (Written): Kevin Kornecki Communications Liaison (Social Media): Pareesa Naveed Volunteer Coordinators: Shanu Sahni and Archana Singh Recording Secretaries: Frank Rellosa and Natasha Soni |
A Note of Thanks from the WHPA
As the warm sun sets way past bedtime for our little ones, we can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Another school year is ending, and as we reflect on it, we are filled with pride. The WHPA has truly excelled in helping to enhance the learning experiences of our students, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to create a better environment for everyone.
We would not be able to do all this without our great partnership with the school. Thank you to Dr. Crafton for her support and input, the three division offices for always being there and helping us with our needs, and Leaford and his team for the tireless work they do for us. We would not be able to function one bit without them. Our sincere thanks to Bill Jenkins for his help, sometimes into the wee hours, to Rudy Brandl for all of his help with communications, and to Anibal and his Sage team for making receptions and celebrations a piece of cake. To Marci Bowman at the front desk, we are grateful for the patience you show us and the organization you bring to our group. To the faculty and staff at the school, we thank you for your support and hope we light up your day the same way you do ours.
To all our parent volunteers, thank you for the hours. We hope it was an enriching experience, and we hope you will be back in September to do it all over again. We wish you a pleasant and restful summer! ~ Your Friends at the WHPA |
Parents' Association Calls for Volunteers
The WHPA is seeking volunteers for the next school year! Please let us know what you may be interested in volunteering for next year. Whether you have one hour or a lot of time, we are happy to have you join us as we plan, coordinate and host many fun, unique and engaging community events for the 2024-2025 school year.
Click here to view the opportunities and/or email us at parents@WHschool.org. |
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Giving Thanks for our LA Parent Donors
The Development Office would like to thank the LA community for supporting The WardlaLAartridge Fund. Click here to view a list of LA parents who have contributed to The 2022-2023 LA Fund between July 1, 2023 and June 12, 2024. Click here to make a gift to The WardlaLAartridge Fund! Attention Parents - Check Your Contact Information
Each trimester it is a good habit to double check the information in the school database (PCR) to make sure it is up-to-date and accurate. In doing so, you ensure that the school has the best contact to reach you in the event of an emergency or school closure. The process is simple and quick.
PCR is the platform that we will use to contact you in the event of a snow day or any other school closure. Once you follow the steps below to log in (SEE INSTRUCTIONS HERE), please check that ALL of the following information is correct and up to date.
- All Parent / Guardian Email Addresses and Phone Numbers
- Your Home Address
- Your preferred Salutation and Identifier (Name, Title, Relationship to Student)
It is our continued effort to ensure that our student and family contact information is accurate, so we thank you for your help. Follow LA on Social Media, Share with Community WardlaLAartridge has a vibrant, active presence on social media with daily content posts highlighting our academics, athletics, arts and extracurricular programs.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and check out our Vimeo page! You can assist us in promoting the school by sharing our content within your network and posting it on your local town pages and feeds. |
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This publication is produced by The Communications Office at The Lena Archuleta School. |
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