Ask lots of questions, ask hard questions, and don’t expect the answers immediately.

Forge your own path, dare to be different and follow your heart.

Don’t be afraid of facing fear, failure or uncertainty—and most importantly, don’t let these emotions stop you.

This is the wise advice offered by Jenny Rao, Head of Middle School, to the Class of 2016 as the enthusiastic rising 9th Graders completed Middle School on June 8. Proud parents and faculty as well as the Middle School students filled Garland Theater to celebrate these young women and usher them onto the next step of their educational journey.

The ceremony included the Middle School Blue Belles singing “For Good” from the musical “Wicked,” remarks by Kara Frazier, Middle School President for 2011-12, and the much-anticipated, original poems about each student by History teacher Butch Darrell, accompanied by a wonderful slide show created by Lindsay Kelland, Middle School Digital Thinking teacher.

Each year, the Middle School bestows several awards. The 2012 award winners and Ms. Rao’s remarks about the winners are attached.

“Life has beginnings and endings, just like the one you are facing today,” said Ms. Rao at the ceremony. “Moments like these are bitter sweet; you say goodbye to moments and people you have loved and step into an unknown new chapter. Today you have a sense of accomplishment and uncertainty, and I want you to embrace both. There is a lot you have accomplished and there are many questions you have about next year. 'How will I feel in the Upper School? Will I be able to do the work? Who will my friends be? Will I like my teachers?' Because I know you as individuals and as a class, I know you will do well and rise to the new challenges.”

Enjoy the photo gallery of the Middle School Closing.