It’s May, so we are counting down to the end of the 2021-2022 school year! 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 2022, 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: Ava, ILS Class of 2022
1. How long have you attended ILS?
“I came to ILS in the last quarter of 4th grade, after moving here from Florida. I haven’t had a lot of time in the Lower School, but my time in the Upper School has been a really great experience. ”
2. To what house do you belong, and how have you developed as a person by being involved in it?
“I’m a part of House Augustine (the best house!). That has taught me the real value of teamwork and how to be a good teammate. The most important parts of being on a team are being willing to cooperate and listen to others’ ideas instead of only considering your own. I have really enjoyed being a member of House Augustine, and it has given me the opportunity to get to know the other members better and to participate in fun competitions and activities.”
3. What was your favorite House competition?
“I think my favorite house competition would be Field Day because it lasts all day long and has a ton of mini competitions that are so fun. Last year we played a huge game of Capture the Flag that lasted a long time. It was especially fun because we used the whole campus: two houses were on the blacktop and two were on the playground. ”
4. What is your favorite ILS memory? (Or, which ILS tradition will you remember the most?)
“My favorite year was 7th grade, because you didn’t yet have to worry about leaving the school and getting ready for high school but you also knew how the Upper School worked. I especially liked having Miss C. Davis as our homeroom teacher.
I also really enjoy Science Camp each spring. Science Camp is a three day trip to a camp in Pennsylvania where we do a lot of fun activities, such as going to the creek and having a campfire. One activity that I really enjoyed doing was canoeing. We spent the day learning how to paddle and steer the canoe, and at the end we had a race. Emelyn and I came in 3rd! ”
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?
“My favorite subject is English because I love to read and write, and reading is one of my favorite things to do outside of school also. In classes, I’ve learned to look deeper into each book and see the connections every book makes to other works, especially the Bible.
Math is something that has been more challenging to me lately – I’m in Algebra right now and understanding each concept has been more difficult than earlier years of math. However, Miss D. Davis has done a wonderful job; and I find myself understanding the concepts quicker and quicker each time.”
6. Where will you attend High School?
“I will be attending Trinity Christian School. That will be a big change from ILS since it’s a much bigger school. I’m really excited about it even though I will definitely miss ILS and its community. ”
7. What will you miss the most about ILS?
“I know I will miss the people of ILS the most: the students and teachers have been so kind and loving. I have formed many valuable relationships here, and ILS has prepared me well for what lies ahead.”
8. How has a teacher impacted your life personally in a way you will never forget?
“Miss C. Davis has been such a wonderful teacher, and she has constantly been kind and encouraging. I know that in addition to being an amazing teacher, she truly cares for us. I am so thankful to have her in my life. I love to talk to her not only class time, but during recess and lunch as well. I am grateful to all the teachers at ILS, and I will definitely remember all they have taught me and done for me.”