2026 Lower School Closing Ceremony
Processing to Pachelbel’s Canon and holding a single white rose tied with a red ribbon, Class IV students made their entrance to the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Theater for the 36th annual Lower School closing ceremony. The event marks the end of the school year and is particularly meaningful for eighth-grade students as they finish their time in Winsor’s Lower School.
“Gratitude…We hear the word often, but I wonder if we spend enough time thinking about what it really means,” said Head of Lower School Sharon Jones Phinney, who provided the welcoming address to assembled families. “Gratitude is the process of noticing…As we come to the end of this year’s school year, I hope you will take a moment to notice what we have received from one another,” she said. Ms. Phinney also recited the poem “When Giving Is All We Have” by Alberto Rios. Reflecting on the rich texture of Winsor’s Class IV community, she said, “Each of us brings something different. Different strengths, different experiences…alone, those gifts matter, but together—yes, together, they become something greater.”
Addressing Class IV about their newfound sense of responsibility and freedom, Head of School Meredith Legg P’32 said, “You have led the lower school with gravitas and with integrity…you have risen to every single challenge.” She added, “As you cross this threshold, Class IV, from leaders of the Lower School to newest in the Upper School, I want you to remember something very important: You are the culture carriers…you have come to know and embody the values of the Lower School: kindness, integrity, inclusivity, and leadership. As you move on into Upper School, you carry that culture with you.”
Selected by Class IV, this year’s musical offering was “The Climb,” originally recorded by Miley Cyrus and written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe. As Class IV sang this moving ballad, they were accompanied by Performing Arts Department Head Felicia Brady-Lopez on the piano and directed by Performing Arts Faculty Andrew Marshall.
Class of 2030 speaker Clara Go ’30 began her speech to a round of enthusiastic applause from classmates and other Lower School students. Referring to the famous rapper/singer Bad Bunny’s “old man” costumed look at this year’s Met Gala, Clara reflected on his idea that aging could be an art. “If aging and growing up is an art, then these past four years, our class has made a masterpiece,” she said. “Growing up isn’t just about getting older or moving onto the next thing, it’s about the people and experiences that shape us along the way…Congratulations, it’s been an honor to grow up with you, Class of 2030.”
Interspersed throughout the program, each Lower School class offered tributes to the departing eighth graders. In a particularly sweet moment, three representatives from Class I shared some of their favorite memories of Class IV this year. From first meeting their Class IV Buddies to watching them perform Romeo and Juliet, Class I students emphasized moments of friendship and leadership shown by Class IV this year. “Their kindness, support, and excitement made me feel proud, confident, and lucky to be a part of the Lower School community,” said Karina Condron ’33.
Outgoing Lower School Council heads Dani Peskin ’30 and Carys Musto ’30 transferred school leadership to the newly elected Lower School Council Heads, Shylee Feingold ’31 and Alex Chen ’31, and also offered advice to their Lower School classmates. “Think through how to approach problems and ideas. It’s important to know when you should keep working on something, and when you should step away for a minute” said Carys. Dani urged, “Do not be scared to try new things…make the most of every moment with your friends.”
Rising 2026–27 Class VIII President Emma Roffman ’27 added her own words of wisdom. She encouraged the incoming freshman to make new friends and try new things. “Keep an open mind, and drop any assumptions you’ve made about your classmates these past four years, and just be kind to everyone,” she suggested. “As they say, you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take, so think about that when you come back next fall.”
“It is time to celebrate your efforts in the classroom, your endeavors on the athletic field, your performances on stage, and your contributions as leaders of the Lower School,” said Class IV Coordinators Josh Constant and Emily Moran, who also offered bits of advice. “Continue to work to be your best selves. Know that it is an ongoing journey, and there will be bumps along the road. When things get hard, take a deep breath and make the best choice you can with the information you have,” said Mr. Constant.
After Ms. Phinney and Ms. Legg conferred the certificates, new Lower School Council Heads Shylee and Alex rang Miss Winsor’s bell to officially close the school year. Students then left the theater to enjoy refreshments in the courtyard with their loved ones.
Congratulations to the Class of 2030!
