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: George D., ILS Class of 2022
1. How long have you attended ILS?
“Since 4th grade, so this is my fifth year. I’ve enjoyed every grade that I’ve been here. All of the teachers we have are really good at their jobs and help us so much. They even have a fun side!”
2. To what house do you belong, and how have you developed as a person by being involved in it?
“I’m in Athanasius. Houses teach us teamwork most of all, and a big reason for that is because we have to practice discussion. You have to learn to listen to the ideas of others, put everyone’s input together, develop strategies, and then put your plans into motion. We also always strive to work towards teamwork generally and support each other. ”
3. What was your favorite House competition?
“Probably Field Day, because there is so much going on all day long. You can help with events, compete yourself, and just run around outside. You can also cheer on the younger kids in their competitions. All day long, we are pumped because our excitement just builds throughout the day for our next event. I think the relay race is my favorite event. ”
4. What is your favorite ILS memory? (Or, which ILS tradition will you remember the most?)
“My favorite memory from this year was when Leo and Brody were in their canoe at science camp. When Leo realized that they had won this race, Leo got so excited that he jumped in the canoe and capsized him and Brody. It was hilarious. I remember in 4th grade when Miss Leithart asked Newman to fill up her water bottle, and Newman just totally absentmindedly drank the rest of it. Pretty funny!
Favorite tradition—definitely camp! Being with your friends and doing outside activities for a few days is really fun and we look forward to it all year. ”
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?
“History inspires me the most to learn about what people have accomplished in the past. I would like to keep learning more about history. History can help you too- the past informs the future. For instance, think about when people invented cars. Knowing fundamental things about the history of cars and how and why they are important can help us now determine the future of cars, what they need to do, avoid mistakes people made with car production before etc. Studying the wars that have happened could help us learn to see when problems are coming up and try to solve those issues before it reaches the point of war.
Math definitely challenges me. Miss Davis has really helped me to actually understand it. Everything in math builds off of what you learned before. From when you’re doing addition in kindergarten to algebra now, you can’t forget what you’ve learned. You need to keep those facts in your memory and make sure they stick with you. ”
6. Where will you attend High School?
“Bishop Ireton. I’m really excited for it. It’s going to be a big change with a class of 260. It’s a kind of goldilocks situation because it’s not too big but it’s definitely going to have a lot more people than I’m used to. I’m ready for it. ”
7. What will you miss the most about ILS?
“Probably just having my friends. There’s just something about having a group of kids to learn and study with that you know so well. We have inside jokes and do everything together. I’ll also miss all the food at ILS, which is so good. ”
8. How has a teacher impacted your life personally in a way you will never forget?
“Honestly, I don’t know if I can say it’s just one teacher that I’ll remember. A lot of them have helped me become who I am.
Thanks Ms. Kramer, for helping me learn Latin when I first came here, and helping me find the right high school. It helps me a lot to know someone is in my corner. Miss Leithart as my Lower School teacher helped me learn how to prepare for the Upper School. Thanks Miss D. Davis for being willing to help me so much. Just knowing that I can talk to her about something I’m struggling with is huge. ”