The Class of 2030 completed its Middle School journey during the Stepping Up Ceremony on Wednesday, June 10 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 W+H community.
Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, began the announcement of award winners by presenting merit scholarship awards to Michael Zhang ’30 and Sanaya Joshi ‘30, an achievement scholarship award to Sasha Buezo ’30, the Kellogg Scholarship to Landry Shafer ’30 and Husted Integrity Award to Shaina Patel ’30. Dr. Crafton also recognized the lifers among this year's eighth grade graduates.
Sanaya Joshi ‘30 presented the Streib Cup to seventh-grader winners Grace Gonnella ’31 and Aaliah Jerome ‘31. This award is given for the highest achievement in public speaking among sixth and seventh graders. Sanaya also represented her class as the eighth grade speaker.
Sasha Buezo ’30 won the prestigious Kilpatrick Award presented to the best all-around eighth grade student. Criteria for this award include academics, athletics, citizenship and leadership. Shaina Patel ’30 won the Chandler Award for the eighth grade student with the highest overall average for the academic year. Jeremiah Simeonidis ’30 received the Elwell Award as the outstanding male athlete and Shaina Patel ’30 won the Lum Award as the outstanding female athlete.
Michael Zhang ’30 and Logan Celentano ’30 won the Althea Marder Pond Award for outstanding work in the fine and performing arts, respectively. Lexington Donahue ’30, Kimaaya Golchha ’30, Sanaya Joshi ’30, Rishi Kishore ’30 and Shaina Patel ’30 received Community Service Awards from Mrs. Andrea Barnett, Science Teacher and Department Chair. Mrs. Rogers recognized eighth grade student council members Melanie Diaz ’30, Lexington Donahue ’30, Kimberly Edematie ’30, Tessa Gehl ’30, Kimaaya Golchha ’30, Sanaya Joshi ’30 and Shaina Patel ’30 with special pins.
Mrs. Rogers delivered remarks during which she shared many examples of kindness displayed by the eighth graders. She added some closing words of wisdom before joining Dr. Crafton, eighth grade coordinator Ms. Noreen Jafri, and advisors Ellen Ritz and Tanda Tucker in the presentation of certificates.
Congratulations to the Eighth Grade Class of 2026!