Lifers at the Lectern

In April, a group of Grace’s senior “lifers”—

that is, students who have been part of the Grace community since junior kindergarten—visited Early Childhood and Lower School chapel to share a few words of wisdom with the youngest members of our community. Their reflections were funny, tender, and full of the insights they have gathered during their fourteen years at Grace.

Ramona B. ’26 recalled the nerve-wracking joy of the JK Variety Show: stepping onto the stage, spotting loved ones in the audience, and finding courage right when she needed it most. She even helped classmates find their places mid-performance! Chloe R. ’26 reflected on the rooftop recess game of “family” that she played every day with her friends, marveling that fourteen years later, those pretend family members have become her lifelong friends. Arshaan S. ’26 fondly remembered the seemingly small experiences: arriving at school early and getting in a pickup soccer game with friends in the play yard before the school day began, the daily warm greetings from a security guard. The importance of those simple moments was far greater than he would have imagined, forming the comforting routines of his early years. Finally, Felix W. ’26 delivered a simple but resonant message: He still loves dinosaurs just as much as he did in JK. He encouraged Grace’s youngest students to hold onto whatever makes them light up, for as long as they possibly can, bringing joy along with them their whole lives.

Click here to read the full speeches.