The Stinger - June 2024

VOLUME 5, Issue 1

The Stinger

All your bags are packed!

Graduation sends our 8th graders into life’s next chapter

By Finn Chaplow & Rafael Lebenzon

“I have been here almost 10 years and don’t recall one moment I didn’t enjoy my time at school,” said Salutatorian Cole Chaplow.

The 8th grade class of 2024 graduated from Laurel Hall School Thursday, May 30th in the Sanctuary.

“The Laurel Hall Class of 2024 is a fabulous group of students. It was bittersweet to see them leave the ‘nest,’ but I can’t wait to see what they do in high school and beyond,” said Acting Principal Mrs. Hitchcock.

“My time here at Laurel Hall was good. I grew as a person and got to try many things like music and sports,” said Valedictorian Camila Gutierrez.

“As the year progressed on, we have seen the 8th graders grow and develop into the people you see today.” They were the best. They were so smart, hardworking and made every class so fun,” said Ms. Klemmer.

“We had a feeling of family in the class,” said Ms. Johnson.

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Class of 2024

Congratulations to all of our graduates especially to our Valedictorian Camila Gutierrez and to our Salutatorian Cole Chaplow. Blessings to all for your future endeavors, and, remember, Once a Hornet. always a Hornet!

5th grade Culmination

Up the stairs to Middle School

By Maliyah Holmes & Izabella Berggren Brooks

“All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Walt Disney

The Laurel Hall 5th graders are ready to climb the stairs to Middle School for the 2024-25 school year.

First, the class participated in Culmination Wednesday in the Sanctuary. Led by their teachers, Ms. Bly and Ms. Barr, students were applauded by the parents, teachers and staff for their achievements this past school year. Each student was asked what was their favorite 5th grade memory. By a landslide, most agreed it was Astro Camp.

Students, parents and staff were treated to a special video prepared by Ms. Bly encompassing their year as well as pictures of the students today and what they looked like when they were younger.

After this summer, they will be taking an exiting journey into Middle School. During their time upstairs, not only will be taught many subjects such as math, science, health, history, English, Spanish and tech, they will also get Fine Art and Elective class options such as Graphic Design, Forensics, Yearbook, Creative Writing and Band.

When Ryan Beisler said what she is most nervous about for Middle School is “math, and opening my locker” but added she is looking forward to decorating her locker.

Another student, Henry Kraft, is excited about longer nutrition and lunch periods, but will miss having the same teacher all day long.

Look Out, 2nd Floor! Here we come!

Congratulations to Mr. Stewart

On May 10th, Mr. Stewart and his wife welcomed their baby girl, Maya.

“My wife and I could not have been more excited about our baby,” he said.

A year in review with Mrs. Hitchcock

By Kellan Farnham

As the 2023-24 school year ends, we talked with Vice Principal Mrs. Hitchcock about her thoughts on the year and her summer plans. Mrs. Hitchcock, who has been the Acting Principal since mid-April, has been at Laurel Hall for 28 years.

“I love the students and the Laurel Hall Community,” she said.

Her favorite event this past year was the Cultural Potluck. Nearly every culture was represented, she said, and there were a lot of different foods of which she tried many new things.

One thing Mrs. Hitchcock would like to see fixed at LH is to have more fun activities available to do during recess.

“My favorite thing about Lau-

rel Hall School is it feels like a family,” Mrs. Hitchcock said. Summer is now here and she said she is most looking forward to planning her daughters wedding.

Mrs. Hitchcock’s

favorite quote:

“The destiny of human rights is in the hands of all our citizens in all our communities.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

If you can sing a song...

Sing along with LH’s Spring Sing!

By Rafael Shlomo

Spring Sing Voices

Brought to you by grades: TK, K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd

This year, the annual Spring Sing, which includes grades TK, K, 1st, 2nd and 3rd was presented May 16 in the Sanctuary. That’s 90-plus students!

Songs included: “This Little Light of Mine;” “Whistle While You Work;” “Bees are Buzzing;” “Funga Alafia;” “When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along;” and “Ode to Joy.”

Miss Jennie, our music teacher coordinates, teaches and prepares all the students for this event.

(The Spring Sing) brings all grade level together to showcase what they have learned this year,” said Ms. Burton.

“It was so endearing, so sweet.” said Ms. Lisy. “The students’ talent just astounds me.” she added.

“In a land where the river runs free In a land through the green country In a land to a shining sea And you and me are free to be you and me.”

Reverend LB Tatum — Godspeed, we will miss you! Opinion

By: Abby Riordan

All the students I spoke with about this opinion piece were in agreement about their sadness of Rev. Tatum leaving Laurel Hall, as were many of the faculty and staff.

The energy he brought to Chapel every Wednesday was wonderful, and he engaged all our students.

As he moves on, we pray for him, his family, for ourselves and for our school.

“Nice man and mentor,” said Campus Supervisor Mr. Manny. “I will miss him; he was very cool and a good friend.”

Staff and students alike are missing him.

“My favorite thing about Pastor Tatum and what I will most about him is his spirited preaching,” said Mrs. Krubiner, who is also a church member. “He always gave me something powerful to think about.”

“He was a wonderful pastor, and he shared the message of God. I am going to miss him very much,” said 4th grader Tommy Dodge. Robert Konrad (8th grader, class of 2024), added, “I will terribly miss the kindness and welcoming personality of Pastor Tatum. His presence will be missed but appreciated.”

“We will truly miss Pastor Tatum’s love, enthusiasm and kind spirit,” said Miss Jones. We will end with Miss Jones’ Bible quote of choice for this opinion piece, it is from Philippians 4:4:

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

“Inside!” He shouts.

“Outside!” We shout in an answer back.

Photos: Above Rev. LB at his last Sunday worship service for ELC helping to present LH students Certificates of Achievement. Students were invited to send a card to Rev. Tatum. We chose the three below as examples of the love. Bottom left, the first photo The Stinger staff took of Rev. LB when he arrived. Bottom right, Kindness coins given to students for acts of kindness.

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“Each student cared for one another, they worked well together and achieved much success in algebra,” she added.

After the ceremony on May 30, the students took photos outside church with family and friends, seemingly loitering as long as possible not wanting to leave.

“Our graduating eighth graders may be one of our smaller classes, but they are mighty,” Miss Jones.

“What stands out is their joy for life, learning, and laughing. They are articulate and creative as they strive to better themselves and each other through their support and compassion. The Class of 2024 has truly enriched the Hornet Halls.” “Five of the graduates were in my kindergarten class,” said Ms. Burton. “They were amazing students then and have continued to be impressive with their achievements

throughout their years at Laurel Hall. I wish them success and happiness as they move on to high school and beyond.”

The Stinger Staff

Editor-in-Chief : Mrs. L’Angelle

Reporters:

Leyla Balaban, Mila Bary, Izabella Berggren-Brooks, Blake Boehm, Finn Chaplow, William Coelho, Kellen Farnham, Parker Flynn, Trevor Haber, Maliyah Holmes, Rafael Lebenzon, Abby Riordan, Rafael Shlomo, Sonny Slater, Charlotte Soulie

The Stinger is published by the Laurel Hall Middle School Journalism class. We welcome your story ideas and feedback.

Send your comments to: mlangelle@laurelhall.com