Middle School Celebrates Year-End with Joyful Closing Ceremonies

This week, the Berkeley Carroll Middle School community came together to close out the academic year with a fun and heartfelt Closing Ceremony. The celebration featured music, student reflections, and expressions of gratitude for a year of learning and growth.

Head of School Lisa Yvette Waller opened the event with remarks, followed by eloquent reflections from student speakers Eleanor S. ’32, Samara J. ’31, Cameron S. ’30, and Eli W. ’29, who represented their grades with insight, humor, and pride.

Musical highlights included beautiful performances by the 8th Grade Symphonic Orchestra and Choir. Grade Deans Carolina Diaz, David Chodakewitz, Cynthia Spence, and Jason Dorn offered tributes to their respective classes during the Moving Up portion of the program, symbolizing each student’s transition to the next chapter of their BC journey.

In her final address as Middle School Director, Yabome Kabia—who is completing her 16th year at Berkeley Carroll—shared a deeply moving story about her youngest child, and their daily practice of bringing a small object along on their school bus ride. The story highlighted the kindness of the bus monitor, Mr. E, who greeted each item—whether a plastic hammer or a kazoo—with the joyful affirmation, “Just what we needed!” Kabia used this story to reflect on the power of community and the importance of meeting others with openness and encouragement.

“May each of you continue to experience and participate in creating a community that responds to each member with acknowledgment and affirmation,” she said. “Making an effort to respond to others with the words of Mr. E—‘We need it!’”

Congratulations to all Middle School students on a fantastic year, and a special shout out to the Class of 2029 as they move on to the Upper School!

View the MS Closing Ceremonies Photo Gallery