The Class of 2030 crosses a significant bridge as Grade 8 students mark their ascension to secondary education
This year, 115 current grade 8 students were recognized at the Mahoney Wellness Center for completing St. John’s Middle School program. The event featured two student musical performances, a pair of student reflections, a class video, and closing remarks by Finn Arnold ’30 of Danvers.
A more significant educational milestone awaits four years from now, but a Prep student’s elevation from the Middle School to the High School is a moment to remember. This past week marked the 11th such celebration in School history since the 2015-16 eighth graders—now nearing their mid-20s—were feted inside Memorial Gymnasium.
“Our grade 8 celebration is a special time to gather and recognize the gifts and talents of our students who are leaving Middle School,” said Associate Principal for Grades 6, 7 and 8 Jason LaRocque, Ph.D. “The event combines many elements of traditional Prep senior events—individual awards, the presentation of certificates, and video highlights. We also have cookies and yearbook signings. I love to hear our student musicians and speakers share their talents and memories with the community one last time.”
Six students were awarded the Brother Benjamin, C.F.X. Student Leadership Award in recognition of their servant-leadership and participation in co-curricular life at the School. Recipients were Arnold, Maddox Eaton ’30 of South Hampton, NH, Liam Freeman ’30 of Melrose, Quinn McCarter of Danvers, Christopher Genzale ’30 of Peabody, and Michael Hernandez ’30 of Georgetown.
“When I think about all of these kids in that moment of officially going off to high school, I reflect on the work that’s been done to help shape them as they become young men,” said Middle School Dean of Students and Student Life Coordinator Katy Muth. “I think about what it means in terms of character development. I’m excited to see them put key learnings about servant-leadership, humility, and humanity into practice as they become more independent and more individually responsible. They’ve arrived at a place where they can kind of open up the wings that we’ve helped to build.”
Benjamin Law ’30 of Melrose received the Grade 8 Campus Ministry Award for putting “faith into action every day.” Melrose’s Hunter Mena ’30 was honored with the Multicultural Affairs and Community Development Advocacy Award, which is bestowed annually upon a grade 8 student who has committed himself to St. John’s Diversity and Inclusion statement throughout his time at the Middle School. The John Carnevale ’81 Scholarship Award went to Merrimac’s Miles Pineiro ’30 for modeling enthusiasm for the Prep community and having a positive influence on the life of the School.
“I think what stands out for me about this event is their overall excitement about the transition,” said Mike Driscoll, the Middle School’s campus minister. “I feel like the biggest thing for them is the opportunity to experience St. John’s as an entire campus. I think getting to that point is what they view as their biggest accomplishment. I think that they see all the successes of all the high school kids and they want to be a part of that.”
This year’s student performance was Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. The piece was presented by Liam Cahill ’30 of Winchester, Hunter Mena ’30 of Melrose, Eshaan Thakkar ’30 of North Andover, and Ronaki Weinberg ’30 of Revere on the violin along with cellists Jacob Secatore ’30 of Peabody and Keagan Sessions ’30 of Salisbury, MA. Pianist Layton Chen ’30 of Middleton played In the Pool by Kensuke Ushio. Middle School music teachers Jacob Bennett and Diane Hastings helped the students with their arrangements.
McCarter of Danvers offered the opening reflection after welcome remarks by Principal and Associate Head of School Dr. Keith Crowley. Donovan Milligan ’30 of Melrose offered a second student reflection before introducing the class video, and Arnold ’30 provided closing remarks. Driscoll offered the invocation and School Counselor Liz Liwo gave the benediction. This year’s celebration also included remarks by Head of School Ed Hardiman, Ph.D. P’19, ’21 ’26.
“I think what I’ll remember about my time here is how supportive everybody is,” said Mena prior to the ceremony. “It’s not hard to get along with everybody, either. The teachers here really help with anything. I think what’s going to stick with me is the public speaking skills I got better at. We make a lot of presentations for projects and read in front of the class a lot.”
While he remains nervous about finding his classrooms on time next fall and maximizing his use of free time, Mena is excited about the social studies and English curriculum at the high school and, as a three-sport athlete, he’s eager to participate in the high school athletic program.
Bottom line? “I made it through middle school,” he said. “There were ups and downs, but I made it. Now, I’m ready for the next step.”