The Class of 2032 dressed in their finest and came together to celebrate Fourth Grade Recognition Day, a special day to commemorate their time in the Lower School, recognize all they’ve learned and accomplished, and honor the bonds that will endure for years.
Head of School Jay Rainey kicked off the event with a welcome and hearty congratulations. He shared lyrics from a Bob Dylan song about locusts, which was fitting for this season of cicadas in St. Louis. He said, “Fourth grade, I know after speaking with many of you yesterday that some of you are fascinated by all of these cicadas and some of you are repulsed by them—maybe even a little freaked out—but isn’t it nice to think maybe, as you step to the stage this morning, just like Bob Dylan did at a similar ceremony back in 1970, that the cicadas are singing for you? I certainly like to think so.” At that moment, a cicada that had entered Eliot Chapel for such a fine occasion started to chirp as if on cue.
After Mr. Rainey’s welcome, two students shared the history behind professor and poet Katharine Lee Bates’ inspiration to write America the Beautiful. Then, all three fourth-grade classes encouraged the audience to stand with them and sing this beloved song in unison. Each fourth-grade student took to the microphone to share their self-penned poems and special memories at Beasley Lower School.
Between the poetry and memory sharing, Lower School Music Teacher Katy Nichols led the students through various musical performances. They played the popular and festive campfire favorite, Iko, Iko, on the ukulele while singing. “It was awesome to hear all 48 students accompanying themselves, doing chord changes, and singing together! It is quite a challenge to memorize chord changes and play them at the correct time while singing song lyrics,” said Nichols.
For another number, Glorious by David Archuletta, fourth graders chose to sing in group solos on the verses and then as a unified choir on the chorus. The talented MICDS string quartet, including JK-12 Arts Department Chair Dr. Jo Nardolillo, Assistant Orchestra Director Erin Hamill, eighth graders Nolan Ma ’28 and Meg Coverdell ’28, and pianist Mr. Matt Safley accompanied the melodic singing.
Head of Lower School Amy Scheer then took to the podium to share the many compliments she heard about their class during their time in Beasley. Kind, compassionate, thoughtful, curious, and capable are just some of the adjectives their teachers used to describe the class collectively. She said, “As you move on to Middle School, I want you to remember the impact you have had here in Beasley. Your kindness and empathy have made our school a better place, and I am confident you will continue to spread these wonderful qualities wherever you go.” She then read each student’s name as they walked across the stage to shake Mr. Rainey’s hand and accept their fourth-grade recognition certificate. The soon-to-be fifth graders then asked the audience to stand with them once more while they performed one final song: the MICDS Alma Mater.
After the traditional viewing of the fourth-grade retrospective slideshow, students changed into play clothes for an off-campus afternoon of food, music, games, and fun, thanks to the help and generosity of several fourth-grade parent volunteers.
This beloved Beasley tradition was a beautiful celebration of the Class of 2032. We wish them well as they embark on the next phase of their academic journey: the Middle School!