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Just minutes after finishing their last final exam, Class V students gathered on the Vinik Theatre stage to celebrate an important milestone: the end of their Middle School years. More than 250 family members, faculty, staff and friends turned out for the 2012 Step Up Ceremony, which celebrated both individual and class accomplishments.
Head of the Middle School and Assistant Head of School John Gifford ’86 took time to thank Middle School faculty members, singling out Maryanne MacDonald for her work and omnipresent role in the Pratt Middle School. Later in the program, student speakers Will Clarke and Rachel Janfaza added their own words of thanks to Ms. MacDonald, faculty members, parents and classmates.
Several students were honored throughout the program for their contributions to the Middle School community. Director of Athletics Alex Gallagher ’90 presented the George Washington Copp Noble Award for outstanding sportsmanship and leadership to Class V athletes Marty Williams and Tess Dupré. Visual Arts faculty members Lisa Jacobson and Nora Creahan honored Olivia Harden and Inna Oh with the Middle School Art Purchase Prize.
The Middle School Character Award is presented to a single Class V student who has had a “clear and positive influence on his classmates and the entire Middle School community.” Will Clark, this year’s recipient received the award from 2008 recipient and recent Nobles graduate Adrianna Ureña.
As is the tradition, the ceremony concluded with a faculty receiving line and class photo.