St. Luke’s School Goes Above and Beyond to Continue Tradition

When COVID-19 nearly cancelled the beloved St. Luke’s Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony, a team of faculty and staff found a creative way to keep the tradition alive.

To mark this Middle School milestone, each eighth grade family was invited to the school for an individual promotion ceremony. Head of School Mark Davis, Head of Middle School Amber Berry and several Middle School faculty members excitedly greeted each eighth grader, who received a certificate on St. Luke’s Be Kind Plaza and had their photo taken.

“Talk about St. Luke’s School knowing how to ‘make lemonade’,” shared parent Carla Samardzija. “We appreciated the balloons, the social distancing at the Be Kind Plaza, the smiling traffic guys, the sun, seeing teachers, and the special announcement by Amber Berry, which made it feel like our daughter was very special and appreciated. Thank you so much for the thoughtful promotion.”

Festivities continued into the evening, with a watch party of a video that included special messages from Middle School faculty, a parent, and students; a “look back” montage; and Middle School superlatives. Afterwards, an eighth grade Zoom gathering with online games run by faculty.

“From start to finish, it was a magnificent day. Many families shared their appreciation and said it was a great way to end the school year,” said Amber Berry, St. Luke’s Head of Middle School.

Watch the video from St. Luke’s Eighth Grade Promotion Celebration Video to hear inspirational messages from the faculty, parents and students!

St. Luke's is a secular (non-religious) private school in New Canaan, CT, for grades 5-12. St. Luke's mission is an exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. St. Luke's Center for Leadership advances our mission by helping students develop exceptional leadership ability. Learn more.