Fifth grade boys celebrated during Lower School Closing Ceremony

Early in June, The Haverford School celebrated the annual Lower School Closing Ceremony. The event honored the fifth grade boys and officially marked the end of the Lower School year. 

During the program, Head of Lower School Dr. Pam Greenblatt gave her final address to the class, reminding them to hold the lessons of Lower School close as they head into Middle School in the fall, and to embrace the excitement that comes along with new challenges and environments. 

“This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Explore new interests, challenge yourselves, and never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” said Dr. Greenblatt. “Remember the core virtues and lessons you have learned in Lower School, as they will serve as the foundation for everything that comes next.” 

The boys, their families, and their friends also heard remarks from Head of School Tyler Casertano during the program, during which he congratulated the 55 boys as they completed their Lower School course of study. He also assigned the students “homework” to complete over the summer, including the charge to express gratitude to someone in their life, to read as much as they can, and to spend time playing outside away from devices. 

The fifth grade Banner Boys Kyree B., Colin D., Petey F., and Gavin H., were thanked for their service as role models to the Lower School community. Toward the end of the ceremony, the boys performed their last duty as Banner Boys: transferring the responsibilities to the 2024–25 Banner Boys. Kyree, Colin, Petey, and Gavin passed the fifth grade banner to the incoming Banner Boys Ayden R., Nicolas E., Parker E., and Krishna P. 

Several boys received awards during the program, while many other Lower School boys received awards in late May during Community Time. Awards presented this year include:

The Ben Malone Citizenship Award is presented to the most outstanding citizen of second grade and is named after Ben Malone, who came to Haverford as a member of the Class of 1993 in kindergarten. Ben was taken from the community by a drunk driver in the summer of 1983 after finishing second grade. His warmth and friendship will live on in our hearts forever. His grandfather was Watson “Pat” Malone Jr. ’28. This award was presented to Bennett G.

The Davis R. Parker Award is presented to a student in fifth grade for outstanding interest and enthusiasm in social studies. Mr. Parker was the fifth headmaster of The Haverford School. This award was presented to Noah P. 

The Edward I. Haupt Memorial Award recognizes improvement in reading in first and second grades. Mrs. Haput was a reading specialist for several area schools, including Haverford, Agnes Irwin, Episcopal Academy, and Baldwin. Her husband’s brother James Haupt ’34 attended Haverford and upon her husband’s death in 2006 created the Edward I. Haupt Memorial Award. This award was given to first grader Amir K. and second grader Aki S.

The Haverford Citizenship Award is given to the most outstanding citizen in grade five. This award was presented to Cameron A.

The Marie Tyler Memorial Award is given to the most outstanding student in the fifth grade class. To honor Marie Tyler for her lifelong service to Haverford, the faculty created The Marie Tyler Memorial Award in 1963. Mrs. Tyler was a third grade teacher upon her retirement. This award was presented to Edward L. 

The Will Corey Positive Attitude Award is given to a student chosen from the upper two grades who best exemplifies the determination which will not permit him to quit, however rough the going may be in his studies, on the playground, or in striving for general improvement. Will Corey died of cancer in May 2000, and was in the Class of 2008. This award was presented to Liam L.

Lower School Awards Ceremony Photos

Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony Photos