MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOSING EXERCISES 2020
On Wednesday afternoon, GSB held its annual Middle School Closing Exercises using a virtual format. The 55 members of the Class of 2024 were recognized for their successful completion of the eighth grade and honored for their achievements during the past academic year.
Head of School Sid Rowell welcomed the guests, and Director of Lower & Middle School Kyle Armstrong thanked the students and the teachers for all the support and dedication, and then a rendition of Stephen Schwartz’ poignant song, “For Good” was performed. The Middle School faculty presented this year’s awards, recognizing students for character and citizenship, as well as academic achievement. After announcing the awards, Division Director Kyle Armstrong officially presented the Class of 2024. Closing remarks were made by Ms. Denise Konner and Mr. Armstrong, with the GSB Alma Mater introduced by Amy Southerland, who then provided the recessional music.
The following afternoon the Middle School celebrated the rising ninth graders with an on-campus drive-through parade for students and their parents. Students received their diplomas and awards, along with enthusiastic personal cheers from the Middle School faculty and staff, Mr. Armstrong, and Mr. Rowell.
Congratulations to our eighth-grade students on advancing to Upper School and to all our Middle School students for successfully completing the 2019-2020 academic year!
Middle School Honors and Prizes
BRETT MERSHON CITIZENSHIP AWARD: The most important prize that a Middle School student can obtain, the Brett Mershon Citizenship Award is presented annually to the student who best upholds the Gill School motto of faith, honor, and consideration.
Fifth Grade – Robert DeCarlo
Sixth Grade – Ava Hearn
Seventh Grade – Sanjay De Silva
BOYS’ ATHLETIC AWARD: Awarded to the eighth-grade boy who, in the opinion of his coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation and sportsmanship. This year’s recipient – James Ryan.
GIRLS’ ATHLETIC AWARD: Awarded to the eighth-grade girl who, in the opinion of her coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation and sportsmanship. This year’s recipients – Whitney Lapper and Samantha Leo
FRANCIS WINSTON AWARD: Presented to the eighth-grade student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated the most significant personal growth throughout Middle School. This year’s recipient – Elizabeth Herr
FRANK MAZZOCCHI AWARD: A silver bowl presented to the eighth-grade boy who best exemplifies a friendly manner, a willingness to help others and a devotion to the school. This year’s recipient – Peter Frantz Pendell
MARJORIE HIBBLER AWARD: Presented to the eighth-grade student who consistently demonstrates passion for and devotion to independent reading. This year’s recipient – Ella Rapp
MARTHA GRAY AWARD: Presented to an eighth-grade girl who has consistently demonstrated loyalty, integrity, and sincerity during her time in the Middle School. This year’s recipient – Talia Licata
CHARACTER CLUB AWARD: Presented to eight-grade student who displays honor, respect, and integrity each and every day. The Character Club Award, which is a book prize, goes to Ainsley Kroon and Dakauri Pinckney.
RECOGNITION OF PAST CITIZENSHIP AWARD:
Fifth Grade – Peter Frantz Pendell
Seventh Grade – Jack Dahler
BRETT MERSHON CITIZENSHIP AWARD: The most important prize that a Middle School student can obtain, the Brett Mershon Citizenship Award is presented annually to the student who best upholds the Gill School motto of faith, honor, and consideration.
Gill St. Bernard's School
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.