On June 9, we gathered as a community to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of Waterside students during the 2022-2023 academic year. The stars of the day were our graduating fifth graders, who thanked their teachers, families, School leadership, and Board members for making their education possible. They also shared words of encouragement for their younger peers and the fourth graders who will lead Waterside next year. The Kruger Cup, which goes to the fifth grader who has displayed academic excellence, positive attitude, and great character, was awarded to Brandon Pitts, who said, “We have complete trust and confidence that Waterside will be there, having our back every step of the way.”

This class fulfilled Waterside’s mission to access outstanding educational opportunities. For the tenth year in a row, all of our students were accepted to independent schools. They will attend Brunswick School, Eagle Hill School, Greens Farms Academy, Greenwich Academy, Greenwich Country Day School, King School, Masters School, Rye Country Day School, Sacred Heart Greenwich, and St. Luke’s School. All the fifth graders received generous scholarships, totaling over $5 million for the next stage of their education.

Pamela Jaramillo, Class of 2012, was this year’s graduation speaker. Pamela graduated from Bard College this spring and is working on Senator Richard Blumenthal’s campaign, building upon her internship in his office from last summer. In her poignant and profound speech, she reminded the graduates that when one door closes, another one opens. She shared how she moved to America at age three, missing her family in Ecuador every day, but reflected that this move allowed her to eventually attend Waterside.

Befitting a Waterside graduation, students performed several songs, including “Always Find Your Way Back Home,” “This is Me,” and “The Call.” To close the ceremony, the School’s student body urged the audience to join in a sing-along to “Watch as We Walk on Our Way.” As students marched out of the gym, it was clear that each one is continuing on their way to academic success.