On Friday, May 30, the Class of 2029 was honored at the Eighth-Grade Closing Ceremony held in Warner Arena. Families, faculty and friends gathered in person and via live streaming to celebrate the accomplishments of students and mark their official transition from Middle to Upper School.

The program began with the procession of eighth-grade students, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the performance of the Ravenscroft Anthem. Assistant Head of Middle School Nicole Brown offered a heartfelt invocation, passed down from her father. 

Head of Middle School Bernardo Guzmán welcomed the audience and recognized faculty celebrating notable milestones. 

5 Years of Service 

• Nicole Brown, Assistant Head of Middle School
• Catherine Cody, History and Social Studies Teacher
• Christina Frazier, English/Language Arts Teacher

10 Years of Service 

• Erin Altshuler, Math Teacher and Department Chair

15 Years of Service 

• Kim Ewing, LEAP Instructor

20 Years of Service

• Greg Anysz, Middle School Dean

25 Years of Service

• Tim Phillips, Science Teacher

Guzmán acknowledged history teacher Skip Walter, who is not returning next year and thanked him for his many contributions over the past two years in the classroom and as a coach. 

Special thanks were expressed to eighth-grade team leader Garrett Cummings for his unwavering leadership and to the Parents’ Association grade-level representatives, Amanda Harrell and Kimberly Layton, for their creativity and support throughout the year.

Guzmán then invited students to reflect on their journey and look ahead with curiosity and openness. “Look around you,” Guzmán said. “For many of you, the faces beside you have been part of your story since kindergarten or even pre-K. Tonight marks the end of this chapter and the beginning of a new one.”

He emphasized the importance of a growth mindset, noting that challenges, setbacks and hard work will all be part of the Upper School experience. He urged students to apply this mindset to personal relationships as well, looking beyond appearances, past reputations and first impressions. “People change. Experiences shape them. Great potential lies beneath the surface. Cultivating a growth mindset about people means believing in their capacity to evolve just as you believe in your own. It requires moving beyond assumptions and embracing curiosity.”

He illustrated this with a story from his own ninth-grade experience, when he nearly dismissed someone who later became his best friend and the best man at his wedding. “To think, I almost didn’t go to that party!” Guzmán said. “Be open. Be curious. Take the time to learn someone’s story.”

The program then featured special music "Journey On" performed by Eighth-Grade Choir and Strings. 

Eighth-grader advisors then presented certificates and students were officially welcomed by Head of Upper School Aaron Sundstrom. To close the ceremony, Guzmán thanked families and faculty for their unwavering support and reminded students they wouldn’t be here without the love and patience of their families.

Congratulations, Class of 2029!

Enjoy photos from this event and more on our Flickr page.