Class of 2032 Honored at CSS’s 48th Annual Fifth Grade Continuation Ceremony

On May 20, 2025, parents, students, faculty, and staff celebrated the Class of 2032 at The Colorado Springs School's 48th Annual Fifth Grade Continuation Ceremony in the Louisa Performing Arts Center.

"Over the course of this school year, teachers have witnessed these students stretch themselves, take risks, meet challenges, and grow into the people who sit before you today," Lower and Middle School Director Erin Cerezo said. "Perhaps most importantly, they have come together as a class, learning how to support one another and celebrate each other’s successes."

The 5th Grade Choir with accompanist Mia V. '28 performed the Alma Mater. Head of School Ryan Kelly presented the following students with Longevity Awards for having attended CSS continuously since Kindergarten or earlier: Mayla B., Adithya E., Kaitlyn F., Sophia G., Liam H., Noah M., Leo P., Logan R., Maeve R., and Mya T.

Fifth-grade Teachers Reanna McConnell & Bethany Wingo read tributes about each student, highlighting their unique talents and personalities that created a vibrant, unforgettable class family.

"Today marks a big moment in your lives," Mrs. McConnell said. "You’re standing at the end of one chapter and the very beginning of another. As you say goodbye to fifth grade, we want to leave you with a reminder—something simple, but powerful: Promise you'll remember you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Mrs. Wingo added, "Graduation from one chapter to another doesn’t mean we have all the answers. It means we’re ready to start asking bigger questions, try new things, and discover what we’re capable of. So as you head into Middle School and everything that comes with it, hold onto this: Your journey is just beginning—and we’re all cheering you on."

Clark D., the appointed 5th-grade speaker, reflected on how he and his classmates developed a deeper understanding of integrity throughout the year, thanks to the guidance of their teachers.

"Integrity means to do the right thing when nobody's looking, yes, but it means so much more than that, too," Clark said. "It means valuing core intentions, even when it won’t seem like it'll matter. It means fighting our everyday silent battles and staying vigilant even when it seems the outcomes will be irrelevant. And that, that is a true virtue. I think that every one of these 5th-grade students has become an embodiment of that virtue, showing merit even in the face of the most daunting silent tasks, and I am proud to say I am part of this class."

Students Grace G. and Kaitlyn F. presented the 5th-grade teachers with gifts as a thank you for preparing them for Middle School.

Eighth-grader Niya M., President of the Middle School Student Council, officially welcomed the class to the next academic division.

"I know the past few years haven’t always been easy," Niya said. "You’ve had to learn how to adapt, to be patient, and to keep going even when things felt uncertain. But guess what? You did it. And you didn’t just get through it all—you grew through it all."

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Head of School Dr. Ryan Kelly, followed by his advancing each grade in the Lower School division.

"Today is about celebrating the amazing qualities that make up the Class of 2032," Dr. Kelly said. "It brings me great joy to hear of the humility and kindness found within each and every one of you. It is these personal characteristics that will carry you far as you look to achieve your goals, help others, and become valuable citizens playing a critical role in the dynamic world in which we live."

Congratulations to the following members of the Class of 2032: Stefan A., Mayla B., Julieta B., Charles B., Naima C., Clark D., Adithya E., Kaitlyn F., Sophia G., Olivia G., Grace G., Samantha G., Haley H., Liam H., Quinn J., O'Neill K., Noah M., Zoey M., Augustine M., Mateo O., Walker P., Leo P., Emma Jaye P., Logan R., Maeve R., Kurt S. III, Mya T., and Elleyna W.

We wish you the best in Middle School!