Students at The Wardlaw+Hartridge 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.
The presentation of certificates followed with veteran Lower School teachers Donna Pedde and Katherine Heiss reading the names as Dr. Crafton and Mr. JohnEric Advento, Lower School Head, joined the fifth grade teachers in congratulating the graduates.
Mr. Advento shared closing remarks during which he saluted the students, their parents, and the teachers for guiding the fifth grade class of 23 students. He sent the students off to be greeted by Mrs. Kirstin Rogers, Middle School Head, in the PAC lobby on their way to the reception in the courtyard.