Student Spotlight

Eliot Award Recipients Warmly Welcome Middle Schoolers on the First Day

Crystal DAngelo /

At the very first Middle School assembly of the year, two eighth-grade students spoke to their Middle School peers: Vivienne Schwarzen ’29 and Brody Jones ’29. These students were selected as speakers as part of their duties after receiving the Eliot Award last spring. Here are their first-day-of-school remarks.

First Day Remarks by Vivienne Schwarzen ’29

Welcome Middle School, Students, and Faculty. My name is Vivienne Schwarzen.

I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the Middle School in welcoming all new MICDS students, returning MICDS students, and our new fifth-grade class (Including my fifth-grade sister Evelyn).

Just last year, I was a new student like many of you, so I can relate to feeling scared the first day. One thing my eighth-grade friends told me before school started last year was “good luck.” Those two words made me so scared for not just starting seventh grade, but also starting in a brand new school. 

It would have been impossible for me to build up the confidence needed to succeed without the support of all of you, the faculty, and so many amazing teachers! Because of this support and outreach, I managed to make it through the whole year meeting amazing new friends of all ages and experiences that would never be available anywhere else.

Middle school at MICDS is extremely unpredictable in many ways:

  • Becoming friends with someone you never thought you would,
  • Doing projects or activities outside of your comfort zone, 
  • Or dissecting a chicken in your first-ever seventh-grade science class.

Each year, we are given new opportunities to provide leadership, friendship, encouragement, and respect to not just those in our own grade level but also to those outside it as well.

There are going to be times when you feel lost, both academically, and, with the size of THIS campus, physically! This is where all MICDS students and staff will be there to support you.

 As students, all of us have a unique opportunity…

  • to help those who are scared and give them encouragement,
  • to find those who are lost and offer them leadership,
  • and to offer our kindness to build the friendships everyone deserves.

MICDS, through its community, creates a path for us to walk down. While on that path, it is each of our responsibility to make sure that everyone knows that no matter how difficult the class, day, or year, they are not walking down it alone, and help is always right beside them.

The memories we will all make this year will last a lifetime! Go Rams!

First Day Remarks by Brody Jones ’29

Hello, Middle School! Welcome back, or…welcome to MICDS! My name is Brody Jones and as one of the recipients of the Eliot Award last year, I was asked to give some welcoming remarks about the new school year. For all the new students, welcome, and for the returning students, welcome back.

Last year, it was my first year at MICDS. I was unsure and nervous – just like how some of you might be feeling today. But soon, you will learn how welcoming the MICDS community is. By the end of the year, you will be settled in with great friends and relationships with your teachers. I’m so glad I’m here and wouldn’t want to be at any other school. I am sure you will feel the same way.

MICDS is a special place where you can talk with your friends and learn at the same time. I would suggest taking your time and not rushing things, and eventually, you will get the feel of things and get into a groove. Whether you’re into sports, theater, music, or art, you will find your place. Another suggestion is to stay on top of your homework and don’t be afraid to ask your teachers for help; they are always more than willing to help you. Finally, I would suggest getting involved in all the school spirit activities. Homecoming, Turkey Train, and all the different advisory competitions are a fun addition to our classwork.

One thing you will find here at MICDS is that teachers and students will become your second family, and you and your advisory will be like your brothers and sisters. So look forward to your adventure this year and take advantage of all the opportunities that MICDS has to offer. Now, Go Rams!