EIGHTH GRADE CLOSING CEREMONY

Seven Hills recognized the achievements of its 83 rising ninth graders and sent them on to the Upper School with warm words of wisdom during the eighth grade Closing Ceremony held on June 1. Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz opened the ceremony by telling the students how proud he was of their hard work and achievement throughout their time in Middle School. “As sixth graders, you learned remotely. As seventh graders, you wore masks and sat behind plexiglass dividers. This past year, you transitioned to modular classrooms. You have truly done an incredible job of overcoming challenges and building a strong community together,” Waskowitz said and thanked the students, faculty, and parents. Head of School Chris Garten shared words of congratulations for the eighth graders. “We look to eighth graders to be the leaders in the Middle School. By every conceivable measure, you’ve excelled at every turn. We applaud you for your dedication and work ethic toward improving the world around you,” Garten said. The ceremony also included Middle School student performances, awards, and reflections from the eighth graders, which included a list of items to be sealed in a 20-year time capsule. Waskowitz also shared a quote from George Harrison, “You can be standing right in front of the truth and not necessarily see it, and people only get it when they’re ready to get it.” Waskowitz said his annual charge was for students to consider different perspectives and ideas to better understand the world around them. “There’s always another truth to uncover in your life, whether it’s about yourself, the people around you, or something else. It’s a journey of never-ending discovery.”

During the Middle School Closing Ceremony, three awards were presented, recognizing the hard work of students throughout their time at Seven Hills Middle School. The Patricia Howard Award of Distinction, presented by dean of Middle School and Geography teacher Andy McGarvey, was awarded to eighth grader Nina Head. The Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award was presented to eighth graders Claire Bachelder, Malcolm Faison, and Mathew Wiles by Middle School Athletic Director Roger Schnirring.

MIDDLE SCHOOLERS RAISE MORE THAN $22,000 FOR THE CARING PLACE

Over the course of six afternoons, with 214 students walking a total of 6,898 laps, the Middle School Student Council hosted the second annual Middle School walk-a-thon, and raised $22,242.09 for The Caring Place, a local organization that provides many services to Cincinnati neighborhoods. At an end-of-year assembly, students and Middle School teachers Jennifer Licata and Theresa Keller presented the check to the executive director of The Caring Place Sharifah Tafari. “It was a huge success last year, so we decided to continue it. We are proud of the students’ support and dedication to raising money for The Caring Place,” Licata said. “Thank you so much to everyone who walked and donated. We’re so thankful for your generosity. One of my goals is to have a small clinic available in The Caring Place and this will help us get closer to that goal. So, thank you so much,” Tafari said. We are #StingerProud of the Middle School!

ASIA DAY

Seven Hills continued its decades-long tradition of Asia Day — a full-day lesson that celebrates countries like China, South Korea, and India, a culmination of an extensive study of Asia. On May 26, students had the choice to participate in a variety of activities that represented a different piece of Asian culture, including henna, Asian board games, cricket, and a kung fu demonstration from a local dojo. After being delayed by rain, students celebrated Holi, an Indian festival that welcomes the start of spring, the following afternoon. “Our annual Asia Day is curriculum based, but it’s a day of fun,” said Middle School geography teacher and Dean of Middle School Andy McGarvey. “I hope the students walk away from Asia Day with an appreciation of different cultures. There’s just so much out there.”

Middle School wins National Latin Exam awards

Congratulations to our students who took the National Latin Exam! More than 140,000 Latin students across America and in 20 countries around the world take the exam. Several Seven Hills students scored above the national average and were recognized with a certificate and a ribbon or medal.

8th grade – Beginning Latin

Abhinav Chandra – silver medal, maxima cum laude

Harini Basava – silver medal, maxima cum laude

Ethan Avera – silver medal, maxima cum laude

Adam Schaefer – silver medal, maxima cum laude

Max Faison – silver medal, maxima cum laude

Rohan Kulkarni – magna cum laude

Mira Green – magna cum laude

Tyler Imrie – magna cum laude

Amara Kulkarni – cum laude

Noah Ring – cum laude

7th grade – Intro to Latin Exam

Will Stock – gold medal, summa cum laude

Anju Green – silver medal, maxima cum laude

Avi Max – silver medal, maxima cum laude 

Brandt Lopez – silver medal, maxima cum laude 

Eli Moore – silver medal, maxima cum laude 

Meghan Sheerin-Day – magna cum laude

Keya Vadivelu – magna cum laude

Lily Fraser – magna cum laude

Amrutha Juluri – magna cum laude

Ben Leisring – cum laude

Rebekah Tesfaye – cum laude

SEVEN HILLS SUMMER PROGRAM

Just a few spaces are still available in the Seven Hills summer program. If you are looking to have your middle schooler involved in programs that are both educational and fun, summer programs are available in the morning and afternoon. Some options for older students include Creative Writing, Fit for Life, Dancesport, Public Speaking, Golf, Game Design, and Preparing for Geometry. Spaces are also available in the Create Your Own Summer program, offered for ages 7 to 12 and there are very limited openings in the early childhood (ages 3-6) programs. These programs are taught by Seven Hills teachers and others from the community. For more information, and to register visit www.7hills.org/summerprogram.