On June 18, 2021, Wampus celebrated eight Grade 5 Moving-Up Ceremonies on the outdoor deck generously donated by the Byram Hills Education Foundation. Additionally, there was a virtual ceremony held for remote students. Wampus Principal, Mrs. Peggy McInerney, welcomed the students and parents who joined the ceremony via livestream. She referred to them as completing half of their Byram Hills educational journey as they prepare to move on to middle school.
Mrs. McInerney suggested that students reflect on their time at Wampus and how naturally the pandemic would enter these thoughts. “There were times where the pandemic could be compared to an emergency. We may think of times that felt serious, unexpected, or urgent, such as the closure of our schools,” she said. “This was a serious matter, an emergency. The definition of an emergency is an unforeseen occurrence requiring immediate attention, yet the Latin origin of the word is ‘to emerge.’ I want you to think about how you will emerge from these experiences. Be confident in all that you have learned and believe in yourselves, as you have been doing. Remember, your number one job is to emerge as the best version of you every day as you head to HCC,” said Mrs. McInerny.
Ms. Kim Lapple, H.C. Crittenden Principal, offered the Grade 5 students a warm welcome and suggested they think about their goals for the middle school. Mr. David Mack, Wampus Assistant Principal, closed each ceremony by telling the students how proud the faculty and staff were of them. “You lead the school, you set examples for others, and you will be one of the few fifth-grade graduation classes in the country that came to school every day during the pandemic,” said Mr. Mack. As each class left the ceremony, the BHEF gifted students a cookie - a sweet ending to a heartwarming event.
On June 14, 2021, the Grade 8 Moving-Up Ceremony was held on the field at the high school for the first time in Byram Hills history. The storm clouds cleared to blue skies as feelings of Bobcat spirit and Byram pride swept over the crowd. “Neither the pandemic, the threat of thunderstorms, nor a bear sighting could stop the class of 2025 from filling this field tonight,” said Dr. Jen Lamia, Byram Hills Superintendent. “Carry your experiences forward with you, and know that with each ending and transition, a new beginning will be here to greet you.”
Ms. Kim Lapple, Principal of H.C. Crittenden, spoke of sacrifice, determination, and dedication, as being the cornerstone of the graduating class’ success. “You simplified your lives, maximized opportunities to learn and engage, and embraced new friendships,” said Ms. Lapple. “As normalcy returns, I challenge you to hold on to these lessons that have made our community fuller and your lives healthier.”
Mr. Christopher Walsh, Principal of Byram Hills High School, addressed the audience and proudly accepted the class of 2025. “The next four years will go by in a blink of an eye. In 78 days you will be entering our building as the 58th class at Byram Hills and my hope is that you will all take advantage of the opportunities that come your way - Get involved, take risks, and get out of your comfort zone,” said Mr. Walsh.
Students accepted their rolled tee-shirts as each name was read, and lined up on the track to walk a ceremonial lap to finish the event.
