Head of School Letter: 2023-2024 Final Thoughts
Source/Author: Nancy L. Spencer, Head of School
May 24, 2024
This has been a week of transition, traditions and rituals.
At last week’s Middle School and Upper School Awards Ceremonies, we acknowledged the achievements of students who have excelled in different activities or contributed in significant ways during this past school year. It was an opportunity to recognize the academic and personal excellence of our students and honor the many ways in which they have contributed to the mission of Shorecrest.
At Saturday's Commencement, we saluted the many accomplishments of the Class of 2024. We heard student speakers reflect on the sense of community at Shorecrest, how teachers influenced their lives and helped them to become successful young adults. The seniors spoke about the positive impact that teachers had on them and emphasized the power of the bonds with their classmates - friendships which were a central part of their Shorecrest life. Our Shorecrest traditions include a senior-selected faculty speaker and a Commencement address by the Outstanding Senior who graduated a decade earlier, this year from the Class of 2014. Shortly after graduation, the Outstanding Senior is photographed with current second graders - their future audience at Commencement. A framed copy of that photograph is gifted to each speaker, reminding them how far both they, and our current graduates, have come in 10 years' time.
As we celebrate our graduates' departure from Shorecrest, we also celebrate our students' transition between divisions, noting that these are also big milestones in our students' Shorecrest journey.
At the Eighth Grade Moving Up Breakfast, Head of Middle School Ms. Kris Grant encouraged students to “continue developing your skills as you encounter new experiences. You will have a number of student leadership, academic, athletic, community service, and other opportunities. Please find things you like, get involved…The skills that you learned, you can apply them to bigger things.” Five eighth graders also spoke, reminiscing about their Middle School experience and how they developed and matured during those four years. Then the eighth graders walked to Landy Hall, where they were welcomed into Upper School by Head of Upper School, Mr. Erich Schneider, with their class t-shirts and yearbooks.
At the Fourth Grade Moving Up Ceremony, fourth graders enjoyed a video montage created by Alexis Valance '25 recapping their Lower School experiences as they prepare to go to Middle School. Students celebrated with one another, their teachers and parents, before enjoying a reception in the Weiss Family Pavilion.
Transition events are for parents as well as students. We had a large crowd of misty-eyed family members who gathered this week to observe JK Bridge Day, a celebration of Junior Kindergarteners’ growth and learning throughout the year as they complete their time with the Experiential School. At the corner of the campus in our beautiful Outdoor Classroom & Garden, JK students crossed over the wooden bridge. They were greeted by the Kindergarten teachers and a high-five with me, welcoming them into the Lower School. Afterwards the students visited the kindergarten classrooms and spent time with Dr. Bianco, Head of Lower School.
Each of these milestone events - and all the accomplishments and growth that happen in between - are worthy of reflection and celebration. As a college preparatory school, we look to our seniors each year to truly embody the value of a Shorecrest education. We are proud of our senior class, for their many contributions over the years to our school and for their success in the college application process, earning opportunities at highly selective colleges and universities. We are proud that their Shorecrest education helped provide our seniors with an incredible variety and choice of college options.
We are excited to have the Class of 2024 represent Shorecrest as alumni and we know that their future achievements will continue to reflect the vast talents of this diverse group. We always remind our newest graduates that as they travel in the world far beyond our First Street campus, Shorecrest will always be their home. We say that through the decades, near or far, coast to coast, they will always be Chargers!
I hope that all of you have a wonderful summer vacation. These months are a precious opportunity to spend time with family and friends and the days will fly by! We look forward to your return in August.
All the best,
Nancy
