Before the Class of 2034 could fully embark on their Middle School journey, they first wrapped up their milestone fourth-grade year. It’s their final year in the Beasley Lower School, and the occasion is marked by a festive, reflective recognition ceremony with family and friends. It was a meaningful moment to celebrate all that the students have learned and accomplished and to honor the bonds that will endure for years to come.
Head of School Jay Rainey opened the event with a warm welcome and remarks on a beloved 1956 poem by American poet Richard Wilbur, Love Calls Us to the Things of This World. Mr. Rainey chose it for its timeless human ideal: the promise of a new day. He said, “I wanted to share this poem with you because it reminds me of where you are on your life’s journey. You’re concluding your time in Beasley and you’re ready for a new beginning, a clean and fresh start in Middle School. You’re proud of what you’ve achieved and you’re excited about your adventure that awaits you.”
Two students then shared the history behind Katharine Lee Bates’ America the Beautiful, which was inspired by her view atop Pikes Peak. All fourth graders invited the audience to stand with them to sing this classic piece together. The program’s highlight then began, with each fourth grader standing at the microphone to share their self-written poems and special memories of their time at Beasley.
Between poetry readings and sharing memories, Lower School Music Teacher Dr. Katy Nichols and piano accompanist Kathleen Baker led the students through various musical performances. They sang Be Who You Are, by Ryan and Bethany Main, a popular and inspiring choral piece framed as a heartfelt letter from a teacher to young students. The bright and encouraging song invites children to embrace their individuality and self-worth.
Their second piece, Shades of Blue by Randy Delelles and Debbie Jefferson, was a bluesy, groovy number accompanied by every student playing the recorder and wearing sunglasses.
The students’ final musical performance, Wonder by Katy Perry, arranged by MICDS fourth graders, pulled out all the stops featuring students on ukuleles, electric guitars, keyboards, percussion, and vocals. The song contained the impactful and inspiring lyrics:
One day, when we’re older
Will we still look up in wonder?
Someday, when we’re wiser
Will our hearts still have that fire?
Can somebody promise me
Our innocence doesn’t get lost in a cynical world?
One day, when we’re older
Will we still look up in wonder?
Head of Lower School Amy Scheer then took to the podium to share her thoughts with the Class of 2034. She said, “As you move on to new adventures, do not hide the things that make you special. The world does not need you to become exactly like everyone else. It needs the unique gifts that only you can bring. One of you even said in your poem, ‘We don’t need to be perfect ever.’ Carry your light with you wherever you go: into new classrooms, onto stages and fields, into friendships, into moments of challenge, and into moments of joy. Make good choices and remember that you only have to try your best and lift up those around you.
“Fourth grade, thank you for the light you have brought to this community. Our school is better because of you, and the world will be brighter because of the people you are becoming.”
Scheer then read each student’s name as they walked across the stage to shake Mr. Rainey’s hand and accept their fourth-grade recognition certificate. The soon-to-be fifth graders then asked the audience to stand with them again to join them in one final song: the MICDS Alma Mater.
The ceremony closed with a festive and bittersweet viewing of the fourth-grade retrospective photo slideshow before students and parents skipped off campus for an afternoon of food, music, games, and fun, thanks to the help and generosity of several fourth-grade parent volunteers.
This special Beasley tradition was a heartwarming celebration of the Class of 2034. Best wishes on your journey to Middle School, Rams! View the full program here.