An Inspiring Send-Off for the Class of 2031
On a sunny Wednesday morning, the Class of 2031 gathered on the Beginner playground for the last time, then headed to the gym to celebrate their time at Lower School at this year’s closing ceremony. Head of School Dr. Jennifer Price began the ceremony by going off-script and spotlighting the sixth-graders’ thoughtfulness for an unexpected board of thank yous for her dedication to BB&N. This surprise proved to be the perfect way to highlight the kindness Dr. Price planned to talk about in her speech, telling students, “You set an amazing example.” Dr. Price concluded her remarks by reminding the thoughtful students, “whether you are going to the Middle School or somewhere else… You will always be a knight.”
This year’s ceremony featured two special student performances, including the new sixth-grade chorus directed by music teacher Brenda Chien. The orchestra played a quick arrangement of William Duncombe’s “Royal Fanfare,” while the chorus featured an inspiring rendition of “A Million Dreams” from the hit movie “The Greatest Showman.” Both pieces showcased the talent of the graduating class and echoed the celebratory and nostalgic feeling of the ceremony.
Following the performances, three student speakers, Arielle Kalmar, John Westra, and Yara Bakhtari, shared their thoughts about their time on the Lower School Campus. Echoing Dr. Price’s themes of camaraderie and growth, each student cited Shrek Jr., Camp Hulbert, and even dissecting a sheep’s heart as defining moments that helped them come together as a class. As Arielle put it, even their “study sessions turned into deep conversations and moments of laughter.”
In the final speech, Yara also talked about her fond memories of her time at the Lower School, noting, “These memories are all different, but that’s what makes them special.” From competing for spots in the musical like John talked about to inside jokes on the playground—as Yara quipped, “we never did stop talking”—the Class of 2031 stuck together through their tenure on Buckingham Place. In her final parting words to her class, Yara reaffirmed their commitment to one another, saying, “No matter what happens in our next chapters, I’m so proud to call you my friends.”
After processing to collect their hard-earned certificates, students graced the stage one last time with a song from “Shrek Jr.” about embracing love: “I’m a Believer.” Certificates in hand, the 60 now former sixth-graders joyfully high-fived their teachers as they ran through a tunnel to join their families on the lawn and conclude their time at the Lower School.
