Yesterday, fifth graders celebrated their final day as lower school students at the grade 5 promotion ceremony. Due to COVID-19 safety restrictions, only students were permitted to attend in person. Families of the students viewed the ceremony from home via a livestream.

“It has been a pleasure being your principal for the last two years,” said Kristin Giammona, grades 4-5 division head. “I know you’re going to love your new campus and represent The Harker School well in the future in all of your endeavors.”

Kate Shanahan, grade 5 English teacher, was chosen by students to deliver some farewell remarks to the Class of 2028. Shanahan congratulated the students on completing their journey through the lower school and completing an entire school year remotely. “Your next chapter includes having the honor of being the first sixth graders to step foot on a brand new middle school campus with teachers and students who can’t wait for you to arrive,” she said. “All of us here at Bucknall look forward to seeing what you do.”

The newly minted middle schoolers then stepped up to receive their certificates one by one, each handed to them by Brian Yager, head of school.

Rising eighth graders Ananya Pradhan and Luke Wu then spoke to the incoming sixth graders to give them a preview of what awaits them in their future lives as middle school students, including advisories, extracurricular activities and new electives. “We welcome you and we hope that you are equally thrilled to be coming up here,” said Pradhan.