A celebratory gathering of students, teachers and parents from Lower School grades joined teachers and families both in person and via live streaming for Ravenscroft’s fifth-grade closing ceremonies on Friday, May 30. 

The program began with the procession of fifth-grade students, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the performance of the Ravenscroft Anthem. During the invocation, Assistant Head of Lower School Erin Cole read from the poem “Do Us Good” by Amanda Gorman, adapted slightly for the Class of 2032.

As Head of the Lower School Jen Baccus addressed the community, she offered a look back at the lasting and powerful legacy the Class of 2032 will have on the Ravenscroft community for years to come.

“Those that came in PreK were part of the largest group of PreK students we had ever admitted in the history of the school. Their numbers were the impetus behind renovating the Lower School to create our first-ever dedicated PreK Center and what set us on the path to growth in enrollment in the Lower School overall for the past seven years!”

In addition to recognizing the hard work and leadership of the fifth-grade teaching team — Wes Brown, Nicole Spivey, Jennifer Treviño, Brandon Vick and assistant Susan Eichler — Baccus also recognized several faculty members who are celebrating important milestones in their careers at Ravenscroft: 

5 Years of Service 

• Kristin Barret, Fourth-Grade Teacher
• Melanie Eldredge, Lower School Administrative Coordinator
• Sydney Hand, Fourth-Grade Teacher
• Laura Higginson, Kindergarten Teacher

10 Years of Service 

• Amelia Karpowitz, Lower School Visual Arts Teacher
• Katie O’Neill, Lower School General Music Teacher and Choir Director

15 Years of Service 

• Megan Bever, Second-Grade Teacher

20 Years of Service

• David Myers, PE Coach and Department Chair
• Greg Warren, PE Coach and Aquatics Director

Baccus then acknowledged Lower School teachers who are not returning next year, noting with emotion, “All six of these incredible women have made a difference in the lives of countless Lower School students during their time at Ravenscroft.” Those honored included: Mercy Irvine, PreK; Gabe Clark, Third Grade; Layla Tanik, Kindergarten; Lana Dubose, PreK; Megan Britton, Kindergarten; Melanie Eldredge, Lower School Administrative Coordinator.

Hearts were warmed and tears were shed as the Class of 2032 gathered to perform “When I Grow Up” from “Matilda the Musical” with solos by Ellie Prugh ’32, Matteo Basil ’32, and Maya Abraham ’32. 

As students prepared to receive their moving-up certificates and be officially welcomed by Head of Middle School Bernardo Guzmán, Baccus shared a few parting thoughts inspired by one of her favorite Broadway Musicals, “Wicked.” 

“There are many messages we can take away from this powerful story of friendship and belonging,” she said. “As we get ready to send you off to summer and then to Middle School, I would like to share three.” She continued:

1. It’s not easy being green. What we show on the outside pales in comparison to who we are on the inside. Explore electives, clubs, arts, and athletics to discover what “sparks joy inside of you."
2. There will come a time when we must choose between what is right and what is easy.The right choice may not be the easy choice, but you have to make it anyway.
3. Because we knew you, we have been changed for good. So much of us is made of what we learned from you. You’ll be with us like a handprint on our hearts.

Homeroom teachers then announced the names of their students as they received their certificates.

Congratulations to the Class of 2032!

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