The Class of 2024 has been on quite a journey together in Germantown Academy's Lower School. They've done everything from learning nursery rhymes for the PreK Mother Goose show to going through the design thinking process while completing projects for the brand-new fifth grade Eco Expo; and now they're moving across Connor Quad together where they will start a brand new journey in GA's Middle School. Lower School faculty and parents celebrated the Class of 2024 during Wednesday morning's final assembly in the Arts Center Auditorium. (SEE PHOTOS)

"The class of 2024 exemplified the GA Mission in their recent Eco Expo presentations, where they brought twenty-first century skills to life," noted Head of Lower School Sue Szczepkowski. "They will be well equipped to enter the world of Middle School with curiosity and motivation to challenge the status quo."

Student speakers Andrei V. '24, Isabella L. '24, and Luke P., '24 did a wonderful job reminiscing about their time Lower School.

"School has helped me look closer at life and understand what is around me," said Andrei. "I have realized that the world is so much more than just a place, and that look at everything from different angles paints a more full picture of life than from only one."

"Each step of my journey my teachers have been the most amazing helpers," said Isabelle.

"My friends and I look back at ourselves and how much we've grown," said Luke. "We say our goodbyes to our wonderful teachers that guided us through this whole process. If I could say one thing about my adventures as a new kid at a new school, I would say I'm glad I kept my hands on the wheel."

Head of School Rich Schellhas presented the annual Kershaw Medals to two fourth grade students and two fifth grade students. Named after former Head of School William "Pap" Kershaw (1877-1915), one of the most important administrators in GA history he award for honor, scholarship, deportment and general character was bestowed upon Benjamin G. '25, Kiran B. '25, Celina B. '24, and Andrei V. '24.

Fifth grade teacher Ellen McMichael presented the Elma Coonrad Trupin Award, which is presented to two students in the fifth grade for exemplifying encouraging, and promoting good human relations.

Fifth grade teacher Graham Martin presented the trophy winners for the Math Olympiads to Umang M. '25 and James M. '24

During the ceremony, Lower School assistant teacher Dan Stahl recognized the hard work of the 2016-17 Lower School Senate, as did fourth grade teacher Julia Blumenreich 1760 for the incredible efforts of the representatives of the Lower School Community Service Organization. Assistant Head of Lower School Allison Sasson also lauded the Lower School Reading Olympics team, the Rockin' Readers, compromised of fourth and fifth graders, which was awarded the top honor, a Blue Ribbon team, at the Montgomery County competition! Team members read all 43 books on the list!

The Class of 2024 was welcomed to the GA Middle School by Head Jonas Jeswald, and will be officially welcomed by their new classmates and division mates, on August 29 at the annual Middle School Welcome Party.

CLICK HERE to view pictures on SmugMug of the Lower School Final Assembly.