Priory's middle schoolers graduate Priory's middle schoolers graduate (July 06, 2005)

Eighth-graders at Woodside Priory School graduated from its middle school in Portola Valley June 2 with commencement in the chapel.

Nancy Newman, the dean of faculty at the Priory and seventh-grade science teacher, was the commencement speaker. Matthew Kramer delivered the valedictory address.

"I know you will take the next four years by storm," Mrs. Newman told the eighth-graders. She advised them to take advantage of all the opportunities that freshman year will offer because they are well prepared academically to succeed.

And as the inevitable bumps with parents occur along the high school road, she advised: "Don't forget how much love there is in your family, and don't hesitate to say it out loud."
Student awards

Awards for excelling in academics, athletics and leadership were presented to these eighth-graders:

Adrian Holland and Nathan Feldman , scholar-athlete; Consi Hiller and Servando Barriga , girl and boy athlete of the year; James Hickman , academic excellence; Michelle Hess , leadership; Matthew Kramer , valedictorian and the Saint Cecilia's performing arts; Christopher Harlem and Laura Bevilacqua , dean's award.

Alyssa Thunen received the Saint Benedict Award for the student who in the opinion of the faculty best personifies the ideals presented in the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Graduates received diplomas and personalized plaques on which teachers had written their congratulations.

After the ceremony, families shared refreshments -- including a celebratory giant chocolate cake -- on the plaza.
Middle school graduates are:

A- F Servando Barriga, Kyle O'Neal Berka, Daniel Morris Berman, Laura Ann Bevilacqua, Margaret Drummond Bussman, David Madison Calbert, Eduardo Maximiliano Chavez, Zoe Alexandra Ciupitu, Kayley Anne Colville, Teagan Cosmo Corkery, Nathan Tully Feldman, Jordan Alessandra Foland G-K Jodey Michael Glaser, Emily Grace Goldberg, Ryan William Haines, Christopher Patrick Harlem, Ryan James Harryman, Michelle Marie Hess, James Winston Hickman, Constance VanWinkle Hiller, Adrian Fae Holland, Matthew McNichols Kramer L-Z Darcey Selma Lachtman, Noel Alexander Laporte, Christian Conrad Montalvo, Christian James Alexander Opperman, Kayla Jean Patterson, Alyse Lynn Romano, Caelum Pye Shove, Tyler Reed Starling, Lara Allene Donahoe Tenenbaum, Alyssa Ching-Young Thunen, Kelsey Ariana Whitehouse and Claire Olivia Zbinovich. 1

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