St. Luke’s Middle School Celebrates a Milestone Event

Wednesday, June 9, marked St. Luke’s last day of the 2020-2021 school year and the annual Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony. It was wonderful to gather on the Hilltop with students, families, faculty, and staff to celebrate this milestone event.

With ceremony participants and attendees seated on the Class of 2018 Field, Head of Middle School Amber Berry welcomed everyone and shared: “Congratulations to the Class of 2025. We are delighted to join together to share in this tradition. This has been a journey for each one of us. Gathering together as a community was not promised to us. We take none of it for granted. This is a special time we set aside to celebrate our eighth graders and mark the moment when middle school ends, and we signal your readiness to take on high school.”

During the ceremony, three beloved teachers — Chris Phelps, Susan Sarrazin, and Mark Chuhta — spoke to the class. All three teachers, who were selected by the Class of 2025, shared fond middle school memories and words of encouragement with the students.

Student speaker and Middle School Class President Ali DeFilippo ‘25 also addressed her classmates. Ali shared: “I want to thank you, the Class of 2025. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or on stage, you are all extraordinary people. You are beautiful, thoughtful, kind, creative, intelligent, strong, compassionate, and unique individuals, who I consider myself lucky to be around every day.

Each student was invited on stage and presented with a certificate of promotion. After all 76 students were recognized, Head of School Mark Davis left the students with some kind words and advice for the future: “Character, it turns out, is a choice. You can’t simply decide to be an A student, throw a football 50 yards on a dime, be confident, outgoing or the funniest person in the room, or any other talent you might desire. But you can decide to be honest, to be respectful, to be kind, and to take responsibility. And those things form the foundation of your character, which will make you happier in life than any talent you might wish for. I hope we’ve taught you some of that in your time on the Hilltop, and I hope you will always take that knowledge with you in your lives.”

After the ceremony, students were invited to stay on campus for the Eighth Grade Celebration, where they enjoyed outdoor activities, a movie, dinner, and time to just be with one another.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Enjoy the next stage of your journey to the Upper School!

For additional photos from the ceremony, click here.

St. Luke's is a secular private school in New Canaan, CT, for grades 5-12. St. Luke's mission is an exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. St. Luke's Center for Leadership advances our mission by helping students develop exceptional leadership ability. Learn more.