Middle School Closing Ceremony

St. Stephen’s celebrated its Middle School Closing Ceremony on May 30. Seventyfour 8th grade students were promoted to Upper School, and a number of awards were given across the Middle School division. High awards were presented to students, and English instructor Claire Zagrodzky ’16 won the Teacher Excellence Award. Head of Middle School Magnus Maccow and other division administrators presented dozens of awards and certificates. Head of School Chris Gunnin also delivered remarks.

“We gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our Middle School students who have engaged in the life of our community, who have invested themselves in our programs and who have embraced the ideals, values and habits of this community,” remarked Gunnin.

Several students received the highest Middle School achievement awards.

The Academic Hall of Fame Award, which is presented to students who achieve High Honor Roll status each term for the three years of Middle School, was presented to Maya Lawrence ’29 and Anna Yang ’29

Maya Lawrence ’29, Elizabeth McDaniel-Chang ’30, Madeleine Bischke ’31 and Isabelle Richter ’31 were recognized for their outstanding scholarship and for achieving the Highest Academic Standing in their class.

Named for the first head of the Middle School, the Priscilla Foster Award recognizes an inspiring student leader with a can-do spirit and desire to help others. Perry Waters ’29 was awarded the 2025 Priscilla Foster Award.

Amelia Conselman ’31 and Aleta Kavcic ’30 were recognized with the Citizenship Award for reflecting the highest traditions and core values of our school.

The Linda Douglass Spirit of Hope Award, which recognizes a student leader who exemplifies what it means to make a difference in the school community and beyond, was presented to Sophie Grossman ’30

The Spiritual Leadership Award was given to Caden Chen ’29

The Anne Teel Athletics Award was presented to Lyons Welp ’29, and the Hunter Paschall Athletics Award went to Will Heyer ’29

PHOTOS

1 The Class of 2029 8th grade picture

2 Finley Wilson ’29 and Lyons Welp ’ 29

3 A group of Middle School students after the ceremony

4 Vihaan Subramanian ’29, Laksh Kadam ’29, Liam Ware ’29, Vyan Vemuganti ’29, Smyan Sharma ’29, Caden Chen ’29, Jacob Baldwin ’29 and Allie Nelson ’29

5 Krista Dillard P ’30, Middle School English Instructor Claire Zagrodzky ’16 and Chris Gunnin