Lower School Closing Exercises 2020

On Tuesday afternoon, during the virtual Lower School Closing Exercises, the 19 members of the Class of 2028 were celebrated on their successful completion of fourth grade. In the fall, these rising fifth graders will join the Middle School.Ava Bell delivered the introduction, while Olivia Corrado, Sophia Corrado, Sienna Marsala, and Madelyn Sabol presented the flag ceremony, with Alexandra Soultanian leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Ryan Dicks introduced Head of School Sid Rowell, who welcomed and congratulated the students, and Lower & Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong, introduced by Katie Fortunato, delivered his warm and inspiring remarks. Amelia Litchfield introduced Lower School Dean of Student Life Mrs. Jill Fedon, who made the official “Presentation of the Fourth Grade Class.”Madelyn Sabol then introduced the wonderful fourth-grade video montage, and Mr. Rowell proudly announced that Amelia Litchfield was the recipient of the Ajinkya Citizenship Award, the only prize conferred by the Lower School. Each year the recipient is chosen by the Lower School faculty who models citizenship and friendship. Congratulations, Ameilia!Introduced by Olivia Corrado and Sophia Corrado, students offering sage fourth grade advice for the Lower School were Daniel Houson, Milo Jurken, Sloan Mahapant, Sienna Marsala, Mark McNamara, Ellie Procaccino, Ryan Tedesco, and Jacob Van de Castle. Fourth grade teachers Miss Jenna Chewens and Mrs. Meredith Hungarter, introduced by Krish Patel, brought closing remarks, followed by an introduction of the GSB Alma Mater by Austin Greene, and the farewell address was delivered by Madison Laurano.The following morning, the Lower School celebrated a fourth-grade drive-through parade for students and their parents. Students received their Gill St. Bernard's Pin of Excellence, a book from Mr. Armstrong titled, The Book of Mistakes, by Corinna Luyken, along with enthusiastic personal cheers from the Lower School faculty and staff, Mr. Armstrong, and Mr. Rowell.Congratulations to our fourth-grade students on advancing to Middle School, and to all our Lower School students for successfully completing the 2019-2020 academic year!