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: Brody, ILS Class of 2022
1. How long have you attended ILS?
“Since 2nd grade. So, using the math I’ve learned here, this is my 7th year. It’s been fun, and I like ILS a lot. ”
2. To what house do you belong, and how have you developed as a person by being involved in it?
“I’m in Athanasius. I feel that the house system and more specifically the house meetings have created a better ability on our parts to engage in discussion. Watching the captains listen to the students and then be able to form general strategies based on that has been informative. It’s definitely taught me about competition as well—you learn about this in sports as well, but the houses help you hone sportsmanship. ”
3. What was your favorite House competition?
“I think Field Day is really fun, and I enjoy it a lot. It feels like an all-out brawl and finale between the houses, while also being full of fun. The houses compete all day in a large number of activities and you earn many points for you houses. It falls at the end of the year. ”
4. What is your favorite ILS memory? (Or, which ILS tradition will you remember the most?)
“My favorite ILS memory is Mr. Barnett, just Mr. Barnett as a person. He was great and taught me a lot, and a lot of life lessons. Once time, I slept in and was late, and he made me write an apology. The apology didn’t exactly apologize though, and he taught me that apologies have to focus on confessing what the wrong was. Sometimes Mr. Barnett used to drive my siblings and I to school. Once he got lost on the way to school and forgot his phone, so we just drove around for a while, thinking it was great fun. Eventually he yelled “I know where we are!” and we all started dabbing in the back seat and dancing.
Science Camp is my favorite tradition. It’s always so fun and I will definitely miss that in high school.”
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?
“Logic has really been inspiring a lot. I believe I was in 4th grade, when I would take my older sister’s books from logic class and completely read through them. From ILS classes, I’ve learned even more and found it so fun to discuss and try to practice. From my interest in logic, I’ve personally tried to start understanding what is actually logical and true in what I read or watch. It’s inspired me to indulge in learning more about debates and logical thinking in my own personal reading. Rory (my sister) probably mentioned this, but sometimes logic backfires on you. We’d have arguments and once she accused me of committing Tu Quoque, a fallacy, so I said SHE was a Tu Quoque and somehow ended up winning the argument.
I would definitely have to say that English challenges me a lot. I really like the class and have a great interest in writing, but my love for writing has been challenged by all the projects and essays and homework we have been assigned. I felt like I was constantly being challenged beyond my abilities but overall that has really helped me grow in the subject. ”
6. Where will you attend High School?
“I’m going to Bishop O’Connell. I wanted to attend O’Connell with my older brother Lucas. I’ve never really been huge on change, but I’m looking forward to it generally. I’ll be commuting with Lucas from our family in Hamilton. I will be doing crew, and I’ve l decided that I’m looking forward to it. I’m doing English Honors so hopefully that goes well. ”
7. What will you miss the most about ILS?
“I’ll definitely miss the people. Friends, teachers, siblings, whatnot. They’re all really great. I wish them all the best. Leo and Newman have been some of my best friends here. I have a ton of friends and love them dearly, but with Leo and Newman I have a lot of fun and insightful conversations. I really enjoy their company.
To all the students coming after me: Do your best. Have fun. ”
8. How has a teacher impacted your life personally in a way you will never forget?
“I think I’ll have to go with Mr. Hageman on this. It’s his first year at this school but he’s really introduced a new sort of order that emphasizes teaching us discipline. It helps get lessons across that we really need to learn. He’s a great teacher all around and has helped me personally a lot. He’s tutored me in Latin, and I have done really well in Latin with his work to help me. I really appreciate that. ”