Middle School Celebrates the Class of 2029 with Heart, Humor, and Hope
On Thursday, May 22nd, the Middle School celebrated the promotion of the Class of 2029 in a ceremony that honored academic achievement and the spirit of community, growth, and resilience that defined these students’ middle school years.
The morning began with a warm and emotional welcome from Head of Middle School Elizabeth Sager, who has guided this group since fifth grade. “They’re figuring out how to be human, and that takes time,” she said. “I’ve watched them grow, stumble, laugh, and rise again. Today is a celebration of all of that.”
She offered a heartfelt message to families, reminding them of the deep admiration their children hold for them, even if it’s hidden behind eye rolls and TikTok dances. “They look up to you. Not Patrick Mahomes, not Beyoncé—okay, sometimes Taylor Swift—but mostly you.”
The student-selected faculty speaker was science teacher Mrs. Amira Pavlovich. In her message, she noted, “You are privileged to live in this amazing time, but with every privilege, there's a challenge. Be true to yourself and your values.”
Mrs. Sager then introduced the student-selected student speaker. “It is now my pleasure to introduce our student speaker, chosen by his classmates for his positivity, leadership, and kind spirit. He represents the heart of this eighth-grade class. Please welcome Jack Browning.”
Jack delivered a poised and powerful speech that reflected the maturity and gratitude of his class. Quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, he said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” He spoke of the friendships, memories, and sense of community that shaped their middle school experience. “Although it sometimes doesn’t seem like it, our middle school years have amounted to more than just the content we’re taught. It’s been about those we’ve met.”
Jack’s reflections on field trips, pep rallies, and the pride of wearing the O’Neal name resonated deeply. “Whether you’re staying at O’Neal or heading elsewhere, these lessons on friendship and community will follow you wherever life takes you.”
Following Jack’s speech, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr. John Taws, took the stage to present the certificates of promotion. He extended appreciation to the faculty and staff, especially Elizabeth Sager and her team, for their dedication and mentorship.
As each student’s name was called, the theater was filled with applause and pride.
The ceremony closed with a final message from Mrs. Sager quoting Dr. Seuss: “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, and you can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Students were reminded to laugh hard, be curious, wear deodorant, and yes—learn math.
Guests were then invited to the atrium for refreshments and a slideshow of memories. On display were photos of each student, accompanied by fun superlatives voted on by their peers.
As the Class of 2029 steps into high school, one thing is clear: they carry with them not just knowledge but a deep sense of belonging, pride, and possibility.
Once a Falcon, always a Falcon. Congratulations, Class of 2029!
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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