For Eighth Graders, an End and a New Beginning
On the last day of school, 30 Middle School students took to the Ridgway Auditorium stage to share succinct musings, each one of them shedding fresh light on the varied ways a Principia education has impacted their attitudes, abilities, and achievements. With an endearing combination of confidence and diffidence, every eighth-grade student spoke about a meaningful incident or memory from his or her time at Principia Middle School.
Academics, athletics, and class trips—particularly the Costa Rica trip, which exposed students to another culture and way of life—were among the items most often highlighted. Those who had just joined Middle School this past academic year offered generous praise for the welcoming, spiritually uplifted atmosphere and the opportunity to try new activities, Others, who have gone all the way through the three grade levels, acknowledged the patience and persistence of teachers and coaches.
In speaking about challenging classes and teachers who “pushed” them, students mentioned history, mathematics, and science. “One of the most important lessons I learned is to embrace the task at hand . . . and do it with a good attitude,” said one student. Several transfer students commented on the immense difference between having been the only Christian Scientist at their previous school and now being in an environment where peers and adults readily turn to Christian Science. “There was something about Principia that kept drawing me in,” said one student. “I can just ask my peers for metaphysical help anytime, and they will be glad to comply.”
At a “gratitude chapel” earlier that week, students from sixth and seventh grade also had an opportunity to share their thoughts. “I’m grateful for the opportunities Principia gives us—from trips to athletics,” said one seventh grader. “I am especially grateful for the sports . . . The coaches teach us to work hard and, most of all, never to give up.”
To boil it down to the words of one eighth grader, students are generally grateful for the “pretty cool people” who make up the Principia community. And based on the insightful nature of their speeches, we think the graduating eighth graders will be a “pretty cool” addition to the Upper School student body next year!