For one Edgecomb Eddy sixth grader, graduation, on June 16, proved to be a Shakespearean experience. Eliza Chase was one of two student speakers. She described how much her time at Edgecomb Eddy meant. “I’m not ready to leave. My classmates have helped me in so many ways, through tough times, and we shared smiles in good times,” she said. For Chase, the graduation experience reminded her of a beloved play. “I’d like to quote Juliet Capulet, “parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Chase was one of 16 graduating sixth graders. Each year, the school follows a traditional ceremony which includes gifts from the lower classes. Pre-kindergarten class melted their used crayons into star crayons for reminding graduates, “be bold, bright and dazzling.” Kindergarten made a special scroll with advice such as “always be amazing.”

First graders presented owl pillows. Second graders made pouches. Third graders presented a pair of sunglasses to each graduate “because your future is so bright.” Fourth graders presented individual bookmarks for marking graduates’ place in time. Fifth graders made graduation mortarboards. Teacher Nancy Rose reminded students mortarboards dated back to the 14th century. “This marks one more step on your educational journey. So wear this with pride as you move on,” she said.

Nicole Ellis teaches sixth grade math and science. She presented graduates with a book about their sixth grade experience. 

Another tradition is the staff presenting graduates with certificates marking their best personal traits: Abigail Babineau, observancy; Matthew Carpenter, helpfulness; Gabrielle Cassidy, friendliness; Chase, ambitiousness; Ethan Clark, reliability; Isaac Fanslau, generosity; Simon Hibbard, patience ; Jax Marshall, compassion; Riley Mullins, determination; Arabella Hodgdon, consideration; Rick Wyatt-Jones, creativity; Spencer Perry, artistic;  Myles Ian Sinclair-Whitfield, thoughtfulness; Skyler Spofford, caring; Brandon Seigars, cleverness and Jackson Zehm, perseverance.