Fourth Grade Recognition Day

14 HACKLEY REVIEW COMMENCEMENT SUPPLEMENT 2022 click here for photo gallery  click here for video 

Director of the Lower School Lisa Oberstein celebrated members of the fourth grade at the Recognition Ceremony held on June 7, 2022.

Good morning families, faculty and staff, guests, and students as we come together to celebrate the Class of 2030! Thank you all for being here this morning on this beautiful day to take time to celebrate our fourth graders .

I’d like to begin with a quote by Minor Myers Jr., who was the 17th president of Illinois Wesleyan University. He stated, “Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good." This quote so eloquently sums up this particular group of fourth graders; a group that has made quite a mark on the Lower School. Every class has its own unique personality, and this group is known for being “UNSTOPPABLE,” as one teacher wrote to me; in all caps, no less.

They are, in so many wonderful ways, determined, enthusiastic, and creative. They are do-ers—caring citizens, intelligent, and resilient. They are also very funny. Some of you may not know that we have daily morning announcements where our fourth grade leaders tell us the birthdays of the day, important events, and very funny jokes. I know I am not alone when I say that I look forward to these jokes each morning and chuckle out loud when I hear them. These two are really good ones so I had to share them with you: 1) Can I tell you a story about a pencil? Nevermind, it’s pointless. and 2) How do you describe a piece of penne in a box of spaghetti? An impasta.

In addition to their silly spirited side, our fourth graders are passionate about their world and making it a better place. They are overwhelmingly described as changemakers by all of their Lower School teachers. Amongst this group are students who care deeply about equal rights, protecting animals, caring for the environment, and many other important causes. Not only do they care and advocate, they are often compelled to action. Just a few Fridays ago, the fourth graders culminated their year-long Big Experience with a phenomenal Environmental Citizenship Service Day, each project researched, designed, and confidently presented to the younger lower schoolers, showing them that they, too, can make a difference.

This group also deeply understands Hackley’s core value “Enter Here to Be and Find a Friend.” Always champions for one another and looking out for their friends, when Mrs. Steinberg handed out parts for the Americana play earlier this year, each class received each casting with applause and big congratulations to one other!

As we look to the future for this fourth grade class, what do we see? Students, your teachers see you in different places all over the world! On Broadway, on book jackets lining the shelves of the bookstore, on rocket ships, as president! In each career choice they see you helping others—changing the world for the better, and teaching your own children to help others, too.

Lisa Oberstein addresses the Class of 2030 at their moving up ceremony held June 7, 2022 on Pickert Field . During her speech, she shared advice from Lower School teachers to the rising Middle Schoolers .

FOURTH GRADE RECOGNITION DAY

The Class of 2030

Finally, we would like to offer you some advice. Are you ready? Your teachers would like to offer the following thoughts:

• Keep thinking critically and advocating for yourself and others.

• All of the answers are already inside you. Trust your gut! Listen. Observe. Own your truth.

• Always act with integrity. While this world can sometimes get you down, the majority of people are caring, kind, and helpful. Focus on being a "bucket filler" and not a "bucket dipper," and you will go far in life. • Follow your dreams—find a focus in your life that makes you happy to get up each day.

• Keep an open mind and try to view situations from multiple perspectives.

• Remember to always speak loud and proud. You are important and what you have to say is valued.

Fourth graders, if you couldn’t tell from these comments, you are deeply cared for and greatly appreciated. I am so proud of each of you and I know all of the adults in our community are too. We wish you the absolute best as you Go Forth and Spread Beauty and Light in the Middle School.

Congratulations Class of 2030!