By Sarah Peeden, Head of Middle School
It was a pleasure to honor the accomplishments of the Class of 2028 as a community. Parents, guardians, and eighth graders gathered in the TALI Theatre to listen to faculty speeches about students and to celebrate each member of the Class. Below are excerpts from my speech, the speech by Head of School Sam Uzwack, and those from the faculty. The connections between faculty and students are reflected in each message, along with the books selected by faculty and presented to each eighth grader.
Sarah Peeden, Head of Middle School
Good morning, everyone! Thank you so much for joining us to celebrate the Class of 2028.
I recently had the opportunity to trek to Fort Worden with this amazing class of students. It was also a moment in which this class’s best qualities were on display—your curiosity, authenticity, and desire to have fun together. You are incredibly dedicated students, and each day this year you showed how well prepared you were for the next level with the engagement and critical thinking skills you brought to your classes. You brought big questions into Middle School classrooms that showed your creativity and care for the subjects you studied.
I see how much you love being together and lifting one another up through community and humor. As you prepare to take the next step, I hope you keep that spirit. Remember to welcome new people, take care of one another, and laugh together.
Sam Uzwack, Head of School
Let me offer my congratulations on the successful completion of what, for some, is one of the more challenging chapters of life. If you consider the growth you’ve experienced cognitively, social-emotionally, and physically, you should be very proud of what you’ve accomplished.
It has been a joy to watch your culminating year of Middle School. Eighth grade is a year when you put a lot of pieces together, help shape the culture of the school through your leadership efforts, and begin to look ahead to the next chapter of your education. Our “Continuation” ceremony recognizes that you will continue to learn who you are and find your place in the world. That you will continue to build a more and more complex way of thinking, as you add content, skills, new areas of study, and new, diverse perspectives. It means…you’ve only just begun.
Remembering the positive impact of Zoë’s “clever and enthralling” Classcot creations in fifth grade and her clandestine posting of Nimona images in the seventh grade that spread joy, Ms. Mills commented, “The world needs you, Zoë, to continue creating, delighting, and reminding us to be inspired and inspiring.”
“You are a thoughtful and caring person who brings a sense of careful attentiveness and an eagerness for learning. Your enthusiasm for the arts shines through,” noted Mr. Stromberg of Kaitlyn. He added, “It’s also apparent that you take your education seriously. Moreover, you’re constantly helping those around you too.”
Mr. Graybeal commented that Lauren, along with several friends, started the EPS Kindness Club in seventh grade. He noted Lauren’s ability to find joy in any situation and added, “Whatever you do, I know you’ll continue giving it your best since you put your 100% in everything.”
“Reed is an insatiable reader. His thirst for knowledge is as admirable as his ability to be a loyal friend. Reed is a skilled digital filmmaker, a passionate athlete, and a charismatic actor. Reed always stays true to himself, whether in the day-to-day or playing a character in theatre,” said Ms. Frystak.
“I like your original take on history assignments, Luke, like when you did your anthropological field study while at a Seahawks game,” commented Mr. Yezbick. “Nice work mixing business and pleasure.” He continued, “You also bring great seriousness to your presentations…the caliber of the show definitely goes up a notch.”
His “realism, assertiveness, and ability to tell it like it is” are some of the things Dr. Russell appreciates about William. She continued, “You are often the first to class, usually a beacon of contagious positive energy. And you show up for your team members. Your undercover leadership is strong.”
Of Felicia, Ms. Hale noted, “You are a library… you categorize and connect. Pull each throughline like a beautiful golden thread.” Commenting on Felicia’s deep friendships and voracious reading habits, Ms. Hale added, “You read books, thus you read people.”
Ms. Aguiar noted that “Francesco regularly demonstrates curiosity, teamwork, and a thirst for knowledge.” She added, “Thank you for your curiosity, teamwork, and passion for details, these are traits that will undoubtedly lead you to many more successes in the future.”
In describing Paolo, Dr. Castro noted, “You will find a hardworking, thoughtful, and caring student underneath his soft-spoken demeanor. Like watching the winter season change to spring, you notice all the growth at once.” He added that Paolo became “a pivotal anchor to the rhythm section.”
Comparing her to a community elder, Mr. Winkelman stated Anna is “someone whose soul and wisdom span far beyond their lived years, someone who can help folks resolve challenging situations, someone who comforts those who are hurting, someone who engages in a tough conversation, someone who brings laughter and joy.”
Of Timur, Ms. Andersen noted, “You are always ready with a joke and a quick smile but can get down to the hard work necessary to do well. Your jovial and collaborative spirit made our classroom a joyful space. I know that you will be unafraid to find your spot in the Upper School with your gang of friends by your side.”
Likening Makayla to a gift with many small gifts wrapped inside, Ms. Mills commented that the small gifts include her family ties, her quiet confidence, the churning wheels in her mind, and the joy she finds in friends. She noted, “These are just a few of the many gifts I’ve uncovered. I look forward to all that are yet to be revealed!”
Fondly comparing Kevin to a duckling, Mr. Yates stated that while all is peaceful on the surface, it’s apparent how hard he is working all the time. “I’ve seen you do this, Kevin. I’ve read your writing and seen you set a pick in basketball and heard you play piano and thought, ‘Woah. That’s a talented young mallard.’ ”
Noting that Hannah is a chess player, Ms. Hale said, “You are so organized, thought out. So many parts that make up who you are and your connections throughout EPS.” Ms. Hale went on to comment that Hannah is a “strategic thinker with foresight, a dedicated and loyal friend, and a creative problem solver.”
Of Dingchen, Ms. Stearns noted, “I’m constantly impressed by your creative approach to problem-solving, your drive to understand a topic, and your excitement in finding the solution to a problem. You hold a deep passion to succeed…you’re unafraid to tackle difficult subjects and never back down from a challenge. You’re unstoppable.”
Describing Elaina as “a bright and diligent student, a talented and dedicated swimmer, a loyal and reliable friend to your peers,” Adding that Elaina can be a bit of a wonderful mystery herself, Mr. Yates added, “Having read a bit of your creative writing, I learned what an astute observer you are of human nature and behavior.”
Noting Arushi’s love of astronomy and mythology and her willingness to help him get mythological stories straight in their constellation unit, Mr. Barrager presented her with Carl Sagan’s Contact. He added, “This story is, of course, science fiction with lots of astronomy, but at its heart, it is about the relationship between a father and daughter.”
Commenting on Vlad’s growth as a student and as a person, Mr. Nuon noted, “Vlad is an evolving student who loves to learn and appreciates the lessons that contribute to his overall development. Vlad is also a wonderful and loyal friend.”
In describing Kate, Mr. Fassino noted that he and other faculty would say “composed, intentional, and elegant shine out as qualities you possess.” Other teachers noted her attention to detail, simple but elegant artwork, deep focus, and creative instincts. Finally, Mr. Fassino encouraged Kate to embrace the messy moments of high school.
Noting the high number of teams Mia played on or helped with while at EPS, Ms. Kuffner stated, “But not only were you bringing your incredible athletic skills and outstanding field sense, you were bringing your passion, leadership, and spirit of the game. You have the ability to inspire others and ignite a fire within them.”
“Witty, kind, hard-working, and always carefully riding the line of silliness and intense focus” is how Ms. Abel described Whitley. Noting Whitley’s quiet determination, she added, “You are a student who leads by example. The love and care you show the people around you is something I hope you hold onto forever.”
Commenting on how fitting it is that Athena shares her name with the Greek goddess of wisdom, Ms. Albu continued, “You are intelligent and quietly funny. You exude a sense of quiet confidence.” Ms. Albu reflected on an early interaction with Athena and noted that she is not one to be underestimated.
Noting that Spencer is enjoying his lifelong journey of learning, Mr. MacKenzie stated, “I see a very ambitious and creative young man. You have the ability to hear the most complex instruction…you are a big presence.” Mr. MacKenzie encouraged Spencer to let his curiosity take him astray of his chosen path.
Commenting on Nehal, Ms. Balcomb noted, “You are fully present and are open to feedback. You try everything out, ask questions, pay attention to the details, create cool art, and your videos are fun to watch.” She added, “Your work ethic is strong, and you go beyond the basic requirements.”
Regarding Anika, Ms. Hollingshead noted, “I’m compelled to celebrate your remarkable presence…creativity and kindness illuminated our classroom.” She added, “May your journey ahead be filled with boundless opportunities. Carry with you the spirit of kindness and creativity that defines you.”
Describing Annabelle, Mr. Kelly-Hedrick noted she is “super creative and a completely original thinker…an artist with a beautiful sense of draftsmanship, a creative wonder.” He added, “Seeing you around campus, it is clear that you express and extend deep caring for your friends and truly value your time with them.”
“Capable, hardworking, friendly, funny, respectful, reliable, diligent, caring, elegant, earnest, and witty. These are just some of the adjectives your teachers use to describe you, Claire,” said Mr. Hagen. He continued, “Your teachers all agree that you are a remarkable student; that you are kind and curious and committed to excellence.”
“Yitao, you are truly an individual like no other,” noted Ms. Dodd. Whether creating a new and intricate version of rock-paper-scissors based on ocean creatures or trading for not-sosought-after items with classmates, “you move through the world with wit and creativity.”
Ms. Ellingson noted that one of Allyson’s first actions as an EPS student was to take “the initiative to help her classmates get to know each other by creating a Teams team so they could socialize.” She added, “This simple act of kindness set the tone for the supportive environment she continuously fosters…on stage and off.”
As Sean’s coach, Mr. Ching learned that he is “a tremendous all-around athlete, a great teammate, and a fantastic sportsperson.” As his Advisor, Mr. Ching realized that Sean is also “a loyal friend, a dedicated and brilliant student. He added, “You choose the route that is right over the route that is easy.”
Of Ethan, Ms. Cowdery said, “You bring your wry observations, humor, and creativity into anywhere you inhabit. You are willing to take on challenges and wrestle with some of the big questions of life. I know I am a better teacher for the questions you’ve asked me, especially when I was stumped.”
Of Noel, Mr. Stromberg said, “You are a very level-headed and mature student. You always try your best, but you also know when it’s time to crack a joke or to lighten things up.” He added, “You think deeply, choose your words carefully, and can make others feel comfortable around you without even saying much.”
Mr. Fassino first noticed Tae’s “eagerness in solving problems.” He added, “During major assessments you effectively used programming skills along with traditional trial and error on paper to tackle these non-traditional challenges. Watching you experiment and tinker with such enthusiasm was a joy…your creativity is your form of magic.”
“Ellie, you are kind and always the first to ask how others are doing. You are funny and love telling stories. You are always happy to lend a hand to your peers. You have shown your teamwork and leadership skills in the classroom and on the basketball court,” noted Ms. Abel.
“Sammy is an absolute rock star! Whether in athletics, the classroom, or just in general, she is a fantastic person to be around,” noted Mr. Nuon. He added, “In the classroom, she is bright, motivated, works well with others and has great ideas. Beyond the classroom, she is willing and adventurous.”
“You have had a pleasant and bright attitude. You are
sometimes reserved, sometimes direct, often observant,” noted Ms. Albu of Claire. She continued, “When talking in class, you offer interesting contributions. You are not afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Your attitude never changes—serene and content.”
Noting the many sides of Tyler, including his sense of humor and love of cooking, Ms. Botero added that she appreciated, “how dedicated and driven you are. How you keep working when something is hard. How you are an amazing thinker. And what a helpful classmate, friend, and student, especially in Spanish, you have become.”
Remembering the first time he met Tarek at an Ultimate game, Mr. Ching noted that he “was the most exuberant individual on the sidelines. He constantly gave out high fives…it is in Tarek’s nature to bring those around him up.” He added, “Tarek is so incredibly hard-working and humble despite his many talents.”
“Elisa, you are a solid and determined force in our class. Your embrace of your heritage, your ability to advocate for others, your openness to share your thoughts, and your love for Selena (because she was the best!) are great examples of the inner force that drives you and will keep you fighting for what is right,” noted Ms. Botero.
Thanking Aryaman for the impact he has had on the EPS community, Ms. Kuffner noted his GoodNewzCoronavirus website. “You helped folks in the EPS community, and folks all over the world, feel a sense of hope and positivity. I have seen this compassionate leadership in your daily life as well.”
“Zoe, with your inquisitive mind and passion for out-of-the-box thinking, you embody the spirit of curiosity and creativity that makes our school community vibrant,” commented Ms. Aguiar. She added, “Zoe’s creativity is not just about numbers; it’s about the endless possibilities they represent, the mysteries waiting to be unraveled with each ‘but what if….’”
“You are thinking, analyzing, and evaluating all the time. You hear everything,” said Mr. Winkelmann of Ehaan. He added, “When you are engaged, you are in! This is especially true for you as a writer. You are deeply introspective and your constant observation helped you to creatively turn a simple chair into the most enviable object.”
“You’ve got great imagination and a wonderful sense of fun, Varun,” noted Mr. Yezbick. He added, “During class, I see focus, careful thought, and a team player. I also like the way you analyze and think through material. Casual and thorough, you do a great job presenting an informed and balanced stance.”
“If you are ever having a bad day, need a friend, or want someone to simply care, I encourage you to have a conversation with Nikhil,” commented Ms. Frystak. She continued, “Whether it be an ensemble role, a Shakespearian role, or a leading role, Nikhil always inhabited the character of a supportive classmate.”
Mr. Graybeal commented that he knew Haosen could handle any hurdle placed before him and noted that, “with your friends who are surrounding, you were always a joyous presence.” Mr. Graybeal went on to comment on Haosen’s outstanding performance on the math team with equations he “handled easily.”
“Nathan, I have truly enjoyed getting to know you these past two years, as your advisor, science teacher, and Environmental Practices 7 teacher. You are intelligent, insightful, analytical, athletic, and eventempered,” commented Mr. Barrager.
“Eddie, you are an independent thinker and actor. You enjoy being with your friends and seem quite content and comfortable alone as well, commented Mr. Kelly-Hedrick. He added, “Many of your teachers agree that you have significantly emerged this year as a young person with strength, integrity, kindness, and respect.”
Noting Howie’s “degree of humor, professionalism, and deep grit,” Ms. Cowdery added, “You are someone who digs in deep and keeps a very keen eye on what is happening around you. You are observant, and I think you probably know things about EPS that I will never know. I can’t wait to see how you continue to grow.”
Mr. Yates described Chelsea as discerning and deliberate, In presenting her with the book Emma, he noted, “I honestly believe that everyone who has read this book is made a little better by it, myself included. And, you know what? I also believe that everyone who has had the opportunity to get to know you is made a little better for it, myself included.”
Noting Emma’s growth, Dr. Russell stated, “It’s not really that you transformed into someone else…you still have that same unwavering thread of maturity and responsibility, that same desire to learn, that same huge heart full of compassion that you’ve always had. You’re just more readily putting it all out there for everyone to see.”
“Maya, you are basically a human embodiment of sunshine, in that your warmth and enthusiasm brighten every interaction,” commented Ms. Dodd. Noting her energy around campus, Ms. Dodd added, “You brought that same energy with you on our EBC trip to Santa Fe, diving into each experience.”
Ms. Hollingshead described Gabriel as “a student whose creativity and dedication have left an indelible mark. However, it’s not just his technical skills that make Gabriel stand out. His kindness and compassion, especially for our newer fifth and sixth graders, have truly made a difference.” She added that Gabriel has been a “guiding presence” at EPS.
Ms. Balcomb described Victoria as “a kind, genuine, self-motivated student.” She continued, “You create unique, well-constructed videos. You are a talented filmmaker, can see through a filmmaker’s lens, and are tech-savvy with creative artistry. You know just how to cut from scene to scene to tell your story.”
Of Allyson, Mr. Kelly-Hedrick said, “You are such an original thinker. You ask questions, are friendly, but also comfortable being quiet. And you are curious, I mean, really curious. You will dig to answer questions. You will embed and retain this new knowledge and skills. You are taking in new information and connecting it.”