On Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Class of 2030 gathered in the McDonnell Athletic Center for the Eighth Grade Celebration. Surrounded by friends, family, faculty, and staff, the event honored our eighth graders for completing their Middle School journeys. Among upbeat music, thoughtful speeches, and well-earned certificates, it was a joyous occasion to celebrate our Rams before they move on to Upper School.
To kick off the evening, everyone was enthusiastically welcomed by two of the 2030 Community Leadership Council (CLC) members, Maddie Mauch ’30 and Fletcher Davis ’30. Mauch and Davis congratulated the Class of 2030 and thanked members of the audience—family, friends, faculty, and staff—for their support in helping the eighth-grade Rams reach this milestone moment. Then, they introduced Head of School Jay Rainey, who took the podium for his final Eighth Grade Celebration at MICDS. Mr. Rainey offered these remarks.
Next, Daphne Skemer ’30 and Kaetlyn Smith ’30, the two other members of CLC, presented the class gift. Every year, the eighth graders sell spirit items during Homecoming Week, and this year’s proceeds went to the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Three students—Prashanti Mamileti ’30, Zachary Kuznetsov ’30, and Sana Raza ’30—shared student reflections. They spoke about all the growth their class has made through academics and beyond. Here are the speeches by Mamileti, Kuznetsov, and Raza.
Following, Middle School Librarian Bethany Kavanaugh provided a faculty reflection for the Class of 2030. Read her remarks here.
To enjoy a walk down memory lane, the audience watched a slideshow created by Middle School Visual Art Teacher Jayme Zimmer. The video was full of photo collages of the eighth graders who laughed and teared up at their memories.
After the slideshow, Jen Schuckman, Head of Middle School, shared these remarks. She also announced the recipient of the Duncan Award, which is voted on by the eighth-grade class. The award is presented to a Middle School faculty member whose hard work, determination, and selfless giving challenge students to strive for excellence and achieve their full potential. This year’s recipient is Dr. Kris Sontheimer, Middle School Science Teacher.
Under the direction of Middle School Music Teacher Jason Roberts, the Eighth Grade Choir performed Stand By Me by Ben E. King.
At the conclusion of the celebration, a recessional was emceed by Middle School Dean Charlotte Dougherty. Mr. Rainey and Ms. Schuckman handed out the certificates of completion as students exchanged hugs, high-fives, and cheers with their teachers. With certificates in hand and the program concluded, the students celebrated even more with their families and friends.
A very big CONGRATULATIONS to the students in the Class of 2030! We are rooting for you as you embark on the new chapter ahead: Upper School. Way to go, Rams!
