Graduation from the Susquehanna Waldorf School is a momentous occasion. Our small class sizes mean that most of our graduating students have been learning and growing together since first grade. For the class of 2022, most have been together since pre-K. They lamented this spring, “We’ve been at this school for our entire lives. How can we leave??”
As the end of the school year approached, 8th graders went on their class trip to Florida and performed their last Waldorf school play. Both are significant parts of Waldorf education. The 8th grade class trip is a time to honor the years they’ve spent together and it marks their transition into high school. 8th graders snorkeled with manatees, kayaked, went fishing, learned about local wildlife, and even wrote an original song about manatees, which they performed at graduation!
Waldorf students perform a class play each year, first through eighth grade, so by the time they reach the 8th grade they’ve been performing together for years. The class of 2022 channeled their vibrant energy into performing Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and what a performance it was! There were circus tricks, dancing, 3 characters in 1, laughter, and lots and lots of applause.
The entire school gathered on the last day of school for an End of Year Ceremony. First graders performed a very special song for the 8th grade and presented their 8th grade buddies with a yellow rose. The 1st graders received a rose from an 8th grader welcoming them to SWS when they began their school year, and they were paired with an 8th grade buddy for the entire year. A very special bond develops between our 1st and 8th grade students and this year was no exception.
Faculty, Staff, parents, and loved ones gathered together on Sunday, June 8th to celebrate and honor the Class of 2022 at their graduation. It was a beautiful, sunny day at a picturesque location along the Susquehanna River. The graduation ceremony was a perfect representation of this incredibly gifted group of students. They serenaded the crowd with Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations, Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley, and their original, The Manatee Song. They spoke thoughtful tributes to all who made their education journey so special. Mrs. Radanovic spoke of her admiration for the class, Ms. McGrew shared a rhyme about each student and Ms. Satterlee presented each student with heartfelt words and diplomas. The 7th grade orchestra played as the ceremony came to a close and we wished the 8th graders well. It was a creative, funny, and deeply touching ceremony. Thank you to all who made it so special, especially Ms. Satterlee, Mr. Cameron, and 8th grade class parents!
Congratulations Class of 2022 and blessings on your journeys ahead!
