Class of 2021 Celebrates Middle School Graduation
The class of 2021 celebrated their 8th grade graduation during a May 17 ceremony in Benjamin Hall. The event, “Limen Novum: A New Threshold,” welcomed the class of ‘21 to their new chapter as upper school students. Head of Middle School Charles Hagy welcomed an excited audience of parents and friends before introducing Will Mahon ‘21 who delivered the night’s invocation written by Dr. Lawrence G. James.
Eighth grade speakers Briley Crisafi, Crystal Pauldo Devine, Danai Makoni and Preston Pfleegor took to the podium to reflect on their time in middle school and thank those who had been an integral part of their success.
Senior Speaker Jack Mahon ‘17 offered a glimpse into the Benjamin high school experience.
“I’m going to ask you a question and you’re going to have to answer it honestly. Raise your hand if you’re scared for high school. Those of you who aren’t raising your hand - I know you’re lying because every kid I’ve ever asked including me has been scared for high school,” Mahon said.
“Those of you who are scared, which is all of you, you have every right to be scared. I was scared to death going to high school. And now I’m scared to go to college. That’s just how it is. But the teachers and other faculty in the high school are not just that, they’re there to be a guide, mentor, tutor and above all us a friend. I’ve built relationships with teachers in the upper school that I know will last a lifetime.”
Ken Didsbury, Assistant Head for Academics, gave an introduction to the upper school, followed by Head of School Robert Goldberg who offered closing remarks.
“To say that you’re a graduate of the Benjamin School’s middle school is quite a feat. This is a school that truly educates children. Many of you in the audience might say ‘I think my child worked a little bit too hard for a 6th, 7th and 8th grade education.’ Well, that was intentional. It is no feat to graduate and graduate well and move on successfully to a smooth transition into a high school setting. So it wasn’t said to you very often tonight . . . but I really want to congratulate each of you because it is very very well deserved to have spent three years at the Benjamin middle school and to be graduating this evening.”
Main Address & Lower/Middle School
11000 Ellison Wilson RoadNorth Palm Beach, FL 33408
Ph: 561.626.3747
A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.