Laughter, a few tears, and an unmistakable feeling of pride were present as King School’s Grade 8 students took center stage on June 8 for a ceremony that marked more than just the end of Middle School; it marked growth, courage, and the beginning of a new journey.

Held beneath a sprawling tent on the North Field, the Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony brought together families, teachers, and friends to celebrate the unique spirit and accomplishments of the Class of 2029. As students prepared to step into Upper School, the afternoon was filled with joy, reflection, and a sense of belonging that defines the King community.

Head of School Carol Maoz captured the moment perfectly in her opening remarks.

“What a joy it is to gather here today and celebrate this talented and curious group of students,” said Maoz. “You’ve grown in ways both visible and subtle, and today marks a special moment as you step from Middle School into the next exciting chapter in Upper School.”

She reminded students of all they had achieved, both academically and personally.

“You’ve practiced empathy, navigated conflicts, shown up for friends, and supported each other through successes and setbacks,” Maoz said. “You’ve become collaborators, problem-solvers, mentors, and leaders. And that is why I know you are ready for your next chapter.”

Head of Middle School Josh Deitch delivered his remarks with humor and emotion, earning knowing smiles from students and parents alike.

“Middle School is a time of transformation,” Deitch said. “You start out with a backpack three times your size, unsure of where to find the PAC Dance Room or how to understand a schedule that looks more like a kaleidoscope than a calendar, and you leave as slightly taller humans with strong opinions on dress code, deep lunchroom debates, and a concerning ability to use absolute nonsense words with complete facility. No cap, right?”

He paused to recognize the individuality of the class and the beauty of their journey.

“There is no one word that encompasses this group, as each of you… has been unequivocally, undeniably, and quite loudly, you,” he said. “You have developed into scholars and athletes, artists and performers, leaders of the community and, most meaningfully, caring friends.”

Deitch left students with a powerful challenge: to embrace stillness and curiosity.

“I challenge you to be bored… Let your mind wander. Let stillness be your teacher,” he said. “That’s when we discover not only what we think, but who we are.”

And in a heartfelt wish, he encouraged students to follow what moves them most: “I hope you find something you love. And not just any kind of love – the radical kind… Whatever it is, chase it. Honor it. Let it guide you.”

This was the 20th class that Grade 8 leader and history teacher Ken Lewis watched cross the threshold into high school. “Middle school is not a sprint,” he said, celebrating the Class of 2029 for their resilience and ability to persevere.

Lewis encouraged students to take risks, stay curious, trust their instincts, and lead with kindness, reminding them of the impact they can have on the lives of others.

“Whether your middle school years felt like a breeze or a battle, know this: you made it. You kept going, you connected, you grew, and now you are more than ready for the next leg of your journey,” he said. “Stay curious, stay kind, stay connected, and keep running your race.”

Middle School Student Council President Camille Bley '29 and Vice President James Sharp '29 marked the occasion with a collaborative speech.

“We’ve discovered new interests, new talents, and new possibilities, and have been able to piece together more parts of our identities,” said Camille, reflecting on the progress they all made since the intimidation of entering Middle School for the first time. “Over time, that fear started to fade, the new faces became new friends, the building began to feel like home, and all of our challenges became new opportunities to grow.”

James highlighted the many shared experiences that defined their time in Middle School. He recounted testing their engineering skills through boatbuilding, visiting Soundwaters for canoe trips, traveling to New York to see Aladdin on Broadway and visit the United Nations, taking part in discovery trips with ziplining and overnight team-building, engaging in service work with New Covenant House and Person to Person, visiting Philadelphia, building relationships with peers from the Greenwich Japanese School, and learning physics at Lake Compounce.

“Today, we are all feeling mixed emotions,” added James. “One thing I am sure we will all miss is the many fun and exciting field trips and projects we had the chance to participate in during our time in the Middle School.”

As each student crossed the stage to receive their certificate, the crowd erupted with applause and smiles. Parents wiped away proud tears, and teachers beamed. The moment was a celebration of academic growth and of who these young, amazing individuals have become.

“You are thinkers, collaborators, and problem solvers,” Maoz reminded them. “You know how to ask thoughtful questions, how to reflect deeply, and how to rise after a setback… Congratulations, rising ninth graders! We are so proud of you, and we are excited to see where your journey leads next.”

The ceremony ended, but the celebration continued in the hugs, the photographs, and the quiet confidence of a class ready to take the next step.