Eighth grader Sophia spoke at graduation about her time at Whitby School and her passion for learning, which started in her early years in Stepping Stones. "I have walked down the Whitby halls for as long as I can remember. It's not only the halls I remember but the people who fill them."
Thank you to Faculty, Administration and Staff
The teachers at Whitby have instilled a passion within us to learn and have inspired us in our schoolwork, art, sports, and our music.
I have walked down the Whitby halls for as long as I can remember. It's not only the halls I remember but the people who fill them. The faculty, administration and staff at Whitby have all served as our teachers. They have seen us grow and watch us become the students before you today. Though it was no easy task to get to this point, we had our teachers’ guidance along the way.
Now it's time to thank them for all they have done and continue to do.
The teachers at Whitby have instilled a passion within us to learn and have inspired us in our schoolwork, art, sports, and our music.
That same passion has helped us persevere and continue as mathematicians, scientists, writers, athletes, musicians, programmers, and dancers.
Beginning with the day I walked into Ms. Goldowski and Ms. Scordato’s Stepping Stones classroom and plunged my hands into the rice bin, Whitby teachers have been a part of my life and the lives of my classmates.
As our journeys continued in Primary, Lower Elementary and Grades 3 and 4, our teachers encouraged us to pursue our passions and helped us when we struggled. Every now and then I'll walk back down those halls and think back to my former teachers, many of whom are still at Whitby.
In Primary, my friends and I took turns being the earth walking around the sun on our birthdays. We spent days in the hallway on our hands and knees counting bead chains.
I remember hearing about one classroom’s Polar Express train, complete with hot chocolate that was set up in their class.
When we experienced our first steps into independence at Nature's Classroom I knew I could depend on Mrs. Vacca, Mrs. Skidmore, Ms. Scheper, Ms. Griffin, and Mrs. Gentile.
We were simply comfortable knowing that any Whitby adult would be supportive of our pursuits in and out of the classroom.
Our transition into Upper School was made easy by the careful direction of our Upper School teachers. Understanding that not every student's learning style is the same, they instilled a love of their subject into us.
I am still so thankful for all the chances we were given to incorporate our other interests — such as art and dance — into our learning.
I remember planting daffodils in the front entrance by the wall, being Georgia O’Keeffe carrying a skull for human wax museum, and looking down the hall at my friends Malia as Susan B. Anthony, and Dasha as Princess Diana.
I remember creating games for the probability carnival, making musical instruments out of recyclable materials, sitting in English class talking about what topic we would choose for our genius hour projects, and getting to school early to claim the coveted corner spot in US-A.
As much as I try, I can’t forget Killa cutting off the head of her Rat in science.
Our teachers have had such a strong impact on us and have become true mentors. I have a deep appreciation for all that I've learned.
And waiting with Dasha, and the rest of our group to be rescued on the top / or bottom of our capsized sailboat in Chingachgook is a moment my classmates and I will forever share
Our teachers understood that it's not the easiest time for us as we transitioned into our teenage years.
They inspire us with their love of what they do and continue to share that love with us. Our teachers have had such a strong impact on us and have become true mentors. I have a deep appreciation for all that I've learned.
Though our journey at Whitby has come to an end, I am more than reassured and grateful. My sister and the other Whitby students will have the same nurturing and caring environment, filled with people devoted to inspire the best in all of us.
Through our teachers this small bit of earth known as Whitby has become a home in which we have found our inner sun and now going forth, we shine.
Meet Sophia and other eighth grade graduates here.
