This morning was BGA’s Moving-Up Ceremony. This is a rite of passage that signifies leaving the elementary school behind and “moving up” to the middle school. This fall, Elijah who will be beginning the 5th grade and Lily will both be on the same campus together.
Will Kesler, the BGA Head of School, addressed the attendees and commended the students, parents and staff on their commitment throughout the trials and uncertainty of Covid. He acknowledged how everyone rose to the challenge of having a school year that was partly remote and partly in-person and how everyone demonstrated extreme patience, flexibility and managed to keep their sense of humor.
Before announcing the “graduates”, a representative from each of the three, 4th grade classrooms addressed the crowd and reminisced on some of their favorite memories.
After a short choral program, Dr. Bennett, the head of the lower school, then took the podium and reminded the students to always keep to the BGA Way which is to treat everyone with kindness and respect and to do their very best. She also urged them to be extra kind to their parents and even to their siblings. Leah, Roy and I all in one motion, swiveled our heads and looked directly at Lily which she promptly and hysterically ignored.
Before Dr. Bennett announced the names of the moving-uppers, she congratulated the students on their achievements at the lower school and wished them luck as they continued their scholastic journey.
Upon reflection, she asked each student to take a moment to think about how they would be moving forward. She asked them to consider the use of maps and compasses in arriving at a destination. Both are used to guide and give us direction. A map is tangible and can be used to chart a course with defined roads and directions. Yet you have to be aware that over time, maps may change as roads and byways are added or eliminated and you may have to alter your course.
A compass, however will always point you to true North and to let the BGA Way be your guide and conscience.
After each student was presented their certificate, Dr. Bennett gave each student a small compass to attach to their backpacks as a reminder of today and to remind them to always follow their heart.
