Eighth-grade Closing Ceremony
Seven Hills recognized the achievements of its 84 rising ninth-graders and sent them to the Upper School with warm words of wisdom during the eighth-grade Closing Ceremony held in early June. Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz opened the ceremony by telling the students they attended to the challenges of the 2020-21 school year. “We are strong and we are compassionate,” Waskowitz said. “We’re in a community of individuals who strive to enjoy the wonderful years known as Middle School.” Waskowitz thanked the students, faculty, and parents. Head of School Chris Garten shared words of congratulations for the Middle School. “What I see everywhere is how engaged our students are,” Garten said. He added, “I think this year the pride has risen to an even greater level.” The ceremony also included Middle School student performances, awards, and reflections from the eighth-graders. Waskowitz shared his yearly charge, telling the story of Larry Walters, who in 1982 became famous for piloting a lawn chair attached to weather balloons above Long Beach, California. Waskowitz said when a reporter asked Walters why he did it, Walters said, “A man can’t just sit around.” Waskowitz said this was a charge to students to not just sit around and take the risk of pursuing their dreams. “Don’t listen to who others think you should become,” he said. “Do what makes you happy.”