Family and friends gathered on campus on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 for a beautiful day recognizing the Class of 2028 at the GSB Middle School Closing Exercises ceremony.
As 8th Graders processed into the Athletic Center for the event, GSB Lower & Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong welcomed guests with opening remarks that reflected on incredible moments throughout the year — the Eclipse Party, the MS Pirates of Penzance Musical,Girls' Track winning the MSAC championship, trivia during town meetings, field trips, student-led conferences, the Class of 2028 trip to Washington D.C., and the list goes on.
Mr. Armstrong also used the opportunity to share words of wisdom with this 8th Grade class.
"In a world spinning faster than ever, the winning formula has not changed. There is in fact no secret strategy. There is no unique game play. There is no panacea. Do not let the competitive nature of the world fool you. The real path to a meaningful life, in fact the only path, runs through genuine human kindness, love, and support. As you celebrate today's milestone, 8th Graders, many messages of good luck wishes will come your way. Soak them in and appreciate the sentiment. Just always remember that it's enough to be yourself. It's enough to make decisions on kindness and love. It's enough to be genuine and supportive...these sentiments will put you on a path to true greatness."
The Middle School Choir filled the room with song and delivered a lovely rendition of Carry The Light by Andy Beck. After GSB faculty bestowed this year’s Middle School Awards and Prizes, Head of School Sid Rowell concluded the ceremony by awarding the Class of 2028 their Certifications of Completion.
We wish all our Middle School graduates much success as they move on to the Upper School next year.
Congratulations!
Middle School Honors and Prizes
Brett Mershon Citizenship Award:
The most important prize that a Middle School student can obtain, the Brett Mershon citizenship award is presented annually to the student who best upholds the Gill School motto of faith, honor, and consideration.
Fifth Grade: Karolina Talevi
Sixth Grade: Jon Hanson
Seventh Grade: Sammy Yannaconne
Eighth Grade: Annabelle Racine
Boys' Athletic Award:
Awarded to the eighth-grade boy(s) who, in the opinion of his coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Connor Junker
Girls' Athletic Award:
Awarded to the eighth-grade girl(s) who, in the opinion of her coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Reagan Scalfini
Francis Winston Award:
Presented to the eighth-grade student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated the most significant personal growth throughout Middle School.
Evan Mendez
Marjorie Hibbler Award:
Presented to the eighth-grade student who consistently demonstrates passion for and devotion to independent reading.
Vivian Zhong
Frank Mazzochi Award:
A silver bowl presented to the eighth-grade boy who best exemplifies a friendly manner, integrity, sincerity, loyalty and a willingness to help others, and a devotion to GSB.
Owen Ehrenkranz
Martha Gray Award:
Presented to an eighth-grade girl who has consistently demonstrated loyalty, integrity, and sincerity during her time in the Middle School.
Dani Briones
Scholastic Honors Award:
Presented to the eighth-grade student who maintains the highest cumulative grade point average throughout the academic year.
Annabelle Racine
Character Club Award:
Presented to the eight-grade student who displays honors, respect, and integrity each and every day.
Sophia Corrado, Ryan Shahidi
Recognition of Past Citizenship Award:
Amelia Litchfield, Maddy Sabol, Ava Bell, Sophia Corrado
Academic Awards
Excellence in English:
Ava Bell, Dani Briones, Emily Conn, Aston Leong, Amelia Litchfield, Rachel Ma, Annabelle Racine, Ryan Tedesco, Vivian Zhong
Excellence in Algebra:
Dani Briones, Aston Leong, Rachel Ma, Aishani Penuballi
Excellence in Geometry:
Connor Junker, Jonathan Ng, Annabelle Racine, Ryan Tedesco
Excellence in History:
Emily Conn, Owen Ehrenkrantz, Amelia Litchfield, Rachel Ma, Anya Miller, Annabelle Racine, Clyde Tripp, Vivian Zhong
Excellence in Science:
Emily Conn, Sophia Corrado, Connor Junker, Amelia Litchfield, Sloan Mahapant, Annabelle Racine, Ryan Tedesco, Vivian Zhong
Excellence in Spanish:
Dani Briones, Sophia Corrado, Aston Leong, Amelia Litchfield, Rachel Ma
Excellence in French:
Emily Conn, Annabelle Racine
Excellence in Latin:
Ryan Tedesco, Vivian Zhong
Excellence in Drama:
Chase Fluhr
Excellence in Music:
Sophia Corrado
Please enjoy some photos from the event below and view the full gallery of photos through Bedrosian Photo.