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News & Photos
Class of 2034 Says Goodbye to Lower School
The Lower School Closing Ceremony on a delightfully sunny Friday, May 29 began as it has for many years — with the procession of colorful class banners — but this year something was different. The seven felt pennants were redesigned and refreshed to represent the themes of the Lower School’s signature Cultivating Character program.
Following the procession of the prekindergarten–third grade banners to the beat of the Fourth Grade Drum Corps, the Class of 2034 processed down the hill to Childs Memorial Terrace, and the ceremony commenced. In her remarks, Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury shared the fourth grade’s favorite Lower School memories, observing, "One thing is very clear: these students didn't just grow taller over the years…they grew closer together."
After listing unforgettable moments, she added, "It's not just the big events everyone remembers — it's the little moments in between. Students spoke about teachers who made them feel confident, friendships formed at lunch tables and on the playground, popsicles by the pond, cupcakes in kindergarten, cheering each other on during performances and games, and classrooms that slowly started to feel like home."
Fleury then offered tips and advice from the fourth graders to their peers: "Enjoy your time here. Lower School goes by faster than anyone expects. The homework gets done. The essays get written. The Chromebooks eventually get charged. But the memories — the field trips, the friendships, the teachers, the laughter — those are the things that stay with you."
She then gave her own advice, inspired by the crew of Artemis II and focused on courage, teamwork, perspective, and joy, adding, "If their wisdom helped them travel to the moon and back, it could certainly help with the walk across campus."
Fleury, who is retiring after 43 years at McDonogh, concluded her remarks with the charge that has defined her tenure: 'Do your best to be your best.' “When you do that,” she added, “you are absolutely extraordinary.”
The joyful ceremony continued with words of gratitude to the Lower School faculty and parents, a musical interlude, and the awarding of certificates to the 72 rising fifth graders. It was followed by the cherished tradition in which Lower School faculty offered their personal farewells to the Class of 2034, a reflection of the deep, meaningful relationships they build with each student.
Following the exchange of banners, signifying each class's advancement to the next grade, Fleury closed with a line from one of her favorite poets, Winnie the Pooh: "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
With that, students tossed their blazers in the air — and hoped they'd get stuck in the trees.
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The Lower School Closing Ceremony on a delightfully sunny Friday, May 29 began as it has for many years — with the procession of colorful class banners — but this year something was different. The seven felt pennants were redesigned and refreshed to represent the themes of the Lower School’s signature Cultivating Character program.
Following the procession of the prekindergarten–third grade banners to the beat of the Fourth Grade Drum Corps, the Class of 2034 processed down the hill to Childs Memorial Terrace, and the ceremony commenced. In her remarks, Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury shared the fourth grade’s favorite Lower School memories, observing, "One thing is very clear: these students didn't just grow taller over the years…they grew closer together."
After listing unforgettable moments, she added, "It's not just the big events everyone remembers — it's the little moments in between. Students spoke about teachers who made them feel confident, friendships formed at lunch tables and on the playground, popsicles by the pond, cupcakes in kindergarten, cheering each other on during performances and games, and classrooms that slowly started to feel like home."
Fleury then offered tips and advice from the fourth graders to their peers: "Enjoy your time here. Lower School goes by faster than anyone expects. The homework gets done. The essays get written. The Chromebooks eventually get charged. But the memories — the field trips, the friendships, the teachers, the laughter — those are the things that stay with you."
She then gave her own advice, inspired by the crew of Artemis II and focused on courage, teamwork, perspective, and joy, adding, "If their wisdom helped them travel to the moon and back, it could certainly help with the walk across campus."
Fleury, who is retiring after 43 years at McDonogh, concluded her remarks with the charge that has defined her tenure: 'Do your best to be your best.' “When you do that,” she added, “you are absolutely extraordinary.”
The joyful ceremony continued with words of gratitude to the Lower School faculty and parents, a musical interlude, and the awarding of certificates to the 72 rising fifth graders. It was followed by the cherished tradition in which Lower School faculty offered their personal farewells to the Class of 2034, a reflection of the deep, meaningful relationships they build with each student.
Following the exchange of banners, signifying each class's advancement to the next grade, Fleury closed with a line from one of her favorite poets, Winnie the Pooh: "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
With that, students tossed their blazers in the air — and hoped they'd get stuck in the trees.