Congratulations Class of 2030

As they stepped forward to receive their diplomas, the 61 members of the Class of 2030 celebrated their middle school graduation during a ceremony filled with pride, reflection and excitement. 

To begin the ceremony on Friday, June 5, Head of School Laura Danforth offered simple yet heartfelt words to the eighth graders: “Bask in this moment, be joyful, say thank you, and be kind, be kind, be kind.”

The class speakers captured that same sense of joy and accomplishment as they eloquently reflected on their time at the Middle School.

First impressions matter. Just ask speaker Malik Thomas, whose connection to Masters began long before he enrolled. He first stepped onto campus at age 3 while attending an open house for his older brother Azzan ’25. Even then, he recalled, “Masters already felt like a second home” because “people were kind, welcoming and genuinely happy to see one another. It wasn’t just because of the academics, sports or beautiful campus. It was because of the community. Masters has a way of making people feel like they belong.” 

Thomas joined fellow speakers Julian Atkins, Ada Mae Garberina, Willow Hicks, Bee Fleming and Ellie Di Domenico in sharing reflections with poise and grace.

For Hicks, her personal growth was closely tied to the School’s mission statement: “While performing (in Preludes) helped me find my voice, Model UN helped me learn how to use it. This year I learned the importance of ‘daring and doing.’ Setting goals gives you motivation.”

Atkins, who served as student government chair, talked about how the simple act of trying a new food — shrimp — taught him the importance of taking risks. “My deeply irrational, completely embarrassing fear of eating shrimp didn’t last,” he said. “And the fear before every uncomfortable moment I’ve had at Masters didn’t last either, but what came after most certainly did. Masters has a special way of putting shrimp on your plate, whether you’re ready for it or not.”

Fleming, who came to Masters in sixth grade, spoke about the fun yet bumpy journey of being the “new kid” who felt intimidated by the classwork and felt slightly behind academically. As the subjects got harder, she rose to the challenge with support from her teachers, especially Mrs. Tamucci. “I began meeting with teachers daily for just about everything,” she said. “I became more active in almost every class, and I learned pretty quickly that just asking for help can go a long way.”

Di Domenico reflected on the importance of “learning from your mistakes” because “That’s what middle school is about.” As she shared the valuable life lessons she has gained each year, she realized how much she has grown during her time at Masters. “I came into fifth grade at Masters as a scared 10-year-old who was desperately finding ways to fit in,” she said. “I’m now an almost ninth grader who has enough confidence to get up in front of a big crowd, and instead of trying to fit in, I choose to be myself.”

Garberina pondered the concept of time in her parting words: “All of those memories, the good and the bad, are worth remembering. Remember what you can because while it will not be easy, it will be worth it. Be grateful for the teachers, the strangers and the friends you have met. The life lessons and the learning. Value those relationships and the time you spend here.”

Head of Middle School Tasha Elsbach drew parallels between the middle school experience and Artemis II, this year’s historic NASA lunar mission, noting that the crew’s collaborative spirit “as humans” was part of what led to its success.

“The goal of Artemis II was never simply to travel around the moon,” Elsbach said. “Its purpose was to prepare the way for future missions, to open new possibilities, and to make what comes next possible. In many ways, that is exactly what middle school has been. Not the destination — the launchpad. A place where you learned lessons that extend far beyond any classroom. A place where you became more fully yourselves. Class of 2026, your launchpad is behind you. Your next adventure is ahead of you. We are proud of who you are and who you are becoming. We cannot wait to see where your journey takes you.”

The students received their diplomas from Tim Campbell, eighth grade dean and humanities teacher, and their advisors before performing “Time of Your Life” by Green Day. Head of Upper School Peter Newcomb welcomed the grade to the Upper School. 

In her speech, Hicks left her classmates with a lyric from her favorite singer, Phoebe Bridgers: “Anyways, don’t be a stranger.” Hicks said, “Whether you are leaving or returning, we have all experienced a part of our lives here, and that will always bond us. Reach out to each other over the summer and try to continue the bond and love that we have all shared.”

A heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the Middle School Awards and the Middle School Athletic Awards.

The Academic Achievement Award
Ava Losen
Stephanie Serota

The Character Award
Julian Atkins
Ellie B. Di Domenico

The Merolla Family Award
Ada Mae Garberina
Abigail Wu

Athletic Leadership Awards
Baseball - Anabella Recabarren ’31
Dance - Sophie Barreno ’30
Girls Lacrosse - Ellie Di Domenico ’30
Boys Lacrosse - Noah Rose ’30
Tennis - Eben Vanderwarker ’31
Track and Field - Arif Buzurukov ’30

Rising Star Award
Varsity Tennis - Nicholas Bugaj ’30