We are counting down to the end of the 2020-2021 school year, and it is a particularly bittersweet time for our 8th grade students as they prepare to graduate. To help celebrate and recognize our ILS Class of 2021, we have again launched our “Meet Us Monday” blog series to introduce you to the members of this year’s graduating class.
Each week, we will be sharing interviews that we have done with each of our 8th grade students, in which they share more about their favorite ILS memories and traditions, words of wisdom they’ve received over the years, and other reflections from their years here with us at ILS. We hope that you will enjoy these reflections, and join with us in congratulating and celebrating these students!
Meet Us Monday: Maude, ILS Class of 2021
1. How long have you attended ILS?
“Counting this year, 10 years! It’s been a blur. It seems like “Boom, I used to just be in Jr. K and now I’m graduating.” ”
2. To what house do you belong, and how have you developed as a person by being involved in it?
“Well, I’m in House Ambrose, and I’m a house captain. I’ve been learning a lot about patience and how to work with people who have all sorts of personalities and abilities. Generally, I hang out with my friends – but in your house, you hang out with everyone regardless of who your normal friends are. It’s really fun because I get to know people I generally wouldn’t otherwise. For example, my house has a bunch of super athletic people and it’s very fun to work with them. ”
3. What was your favorite House competition?
“I really like the Peeps Diorama and Ultimate Frisbee. If I had my way, we’d have about three times as long to work on the Peeps Diorama. My house has never won Ultimate Frisbee, but it’s an athletic tournament that most of us can be a part of. ”
4. What is your favorite ILS memory? (Or, which ILS tradition will you remember the most?)
“My favorite ILS memory is Science Camp, especially when I went in 5th grade. That was my first year to go to camp and be away from my family. People wear normal clothes to camp and we just had time to talk about what we like to do in our free time. It’s a great way to get to know your classmates a lot more.
I really liked doing the Lower School Showcases when I was younger. I remember all the big kids would come and watch us, and our families. We did so many poems with special motions. As a little kid, it just pushed me to do better. ”
5. What subject have you studied that has most inspired you, and how? What subject have you studied that most challenged you to grow or change?
“I really like English a lot. I like reading new books – reading stories and having a class about it is awesome. Our classes are like mini book clubs but with grades – you read the book with a group of classmates and then talk about it and talk about the characters. You’d think we’d be too cool for this in 8th grade, but we still have heated arguments about the books we read, even outside of class. One time, Miss Lemoine was with us when we were working on charting out the plot of The Christmas Carol. The class was split as we argued over whether or not there can be redemption in the falling action of a plot, or if it has to come in the exposition.
Math most challenges me. Until now, I haven’t really checked my work. I would just do it and then I’m done with it. Miss Davis has been forcing me to go back and check my work – whether you know a concept or not, everyone makes stupid errors, so we all have to go and check it over. Then we get into arguments with our classmates over our homework checks, so I’ve learned a lot about that this year. ”
6. Where have you applied to High School?
“I applied to one school: Oakcrest. I love ILS, but I’m really excited to try something new. I’m excited to meet new friends and try new things. Oakcrest has a lot of opportunities. I’m looking forward to my placement exams and then selecting classes. Also, my friend since Jr. Kindergarten, Evangeline, is going to Oakcrest with me!”
7. What will you miss the most about ILS?
“The people! I’ve been with my class for so long – I keep catching myself thinking about next year and what we’ll do, but next year I’ll be at a different school. ”
8. How has a teacher impacted your life personally in a way you will never forget?
“My mom (who teaches 1st grade!) has had the biggest impact on my life. First, I wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for my mom. Second, I wouldn’t be going here without her, so that’s a pretty big impact. Third, she helps me with just about everything. ”