SBS Eighth Grade Graduation
SANBORNTON - On Friday, June 10, Sant Bani School graduated its eighth grade class in a morning ceremony. Preceded by younger students in a “parade of classes,” the eighth graders walked down the hill from the main building to a tent on the Allen Field.
Head of School Kent Bicknell welcomed the assembled students, family members and friends and introduced the teachers invited by the class to speak.
Fourth grade teacher Jon Engle gave the invocation: “May joy and good fortune follow in your footsteps like your shadow that follows you as you walk toward the sun.”
Todd Schongalla, soccer coach and middle school Spanish teacher, gave the keynote speech. Addressing the graduates, he said they “set the bar really high in the new role that you took on this year as the overall student leaders of our school, … with kindness, patience and an amazing ‘we got this’ spirit. I have tremendous confidence in each one of you because you have learned to be caring leaders who set worthwhile goals, make intelligent decisions, and learn from your mistakes.”
Each member of the class then spoke briefly, reflecting on their Sant Bani experiences and expressing gratitude to friends, parents and teachers. Simon Pitman of Franklin said, “We all have to move on into the new chapters of our lives. But like they say, friendship is like standing in wet cement. The longer you stay, the harder it is to leave, and you can never go without leaving your footprints behind.”
Kent Bicknell distributed diplomas to each graduate, and middle school teacher Lynne Allen gave the benediction: “We hope you leave here today with joy in your hearts, faith in your abilities and courage to make positive changes in the world. We love you.”
About Sant Bani School
Sant Bani, founded in 1973, is a vibrant independent K-8 school located five minutes from Exit 22 on I-93. Students graduate with confidence and a passion for learning, prepared to succeed in high school. Learn more at santbani.org, or schedule an individual tour for your family this summer: 934-4240 | admission@santbani.org.