The Class of 2031 gathered in Eliot Chapel this week for Fourth Grade Recognition Day, a celebration of the culmination of their years in the Lower School, all they’ve learned and accomplished, and the bonds they have formed.
The program began with a welcome from Head of School Jay Rainey, who congratulated the students and shared a poem, Love Calls Us To The Things of This World, written by Richard Wilbur in 1956. He said that the poem “reminds me of where you are on your journey, as you’re concluding your time at Beasley and ready for a fresh start. You’re excited for the world that awaits.” He also noted that the poem references laundry, which also reminds him of the rising fifth graders. “Every load of laundry marks the end of something and the beginning of something, and that is where you are today.”
After his welcome, two students talked about the history of the song America the Beautiful before the entire class stood to serenade the audience. In addition to singing, the students used American Sign Language.
Each fourth-grade student then took to the microphone. They shared their own poems and memories from their time at Beasley.
Between sections of poetry and memories, Lower School Music Teacher Katy Nichols led the students through other various musical performances. She conducted a rousing version of Brisas Cambiando, written by Jim Solomon and arranged by the fourth grade, where students played various instruments both on the stage and in an “orchestra pit” in front of the stage. Students also sang Touch the Sky, written by Alexander Mandel and Mark Andrews and arranged by Mac Huff, from the Pixar movie Brave. They were accompanied by JK-12 Arts Department Chair Dr. Jo Nardolillo on violin and Mary Zubert on piano.
Head of Lower School Amy Scheer spoke of how proud she is of the Class of 2031, and how much she enjoyed hearing their rendition of Touch the Sky. She then read each student’s name as they walked across the stage to shake Mr. Rainey’s hand and accept a certificate. At the end, the class sang one final song: the MICDS Alma Mater.
After the formal event in Eliot Chapel, the rising fifth-grade students gathered for a class photo on the steps of Olson Hall before changing into play clothes for an afternoon of fun.
The event was a lovely celebration of the Class of 2031 and wish them well as they embark on the next phase of their academic journey: the Middle School!