What's Happening in the Middle School?
8th Grade Rite of Passage: Declamations
St. Luke’s annual Eighth Grade Declamations is a Middle School milestone here on the Hilltop. Guided by Middle School English teachers Frank Henson and Jim Carroll, students learn the challenges and power of a well-planned, practiced and executed presentation.
Middle School English Teacher Jim Carroll reflects on the 2019 Declamations:
This year’s Declamations were a rousing success and a landmark moment for the students, as their confidence and poise grew substantially. Many parents noted that growth, in addition to the depth of subjects. “I learned so much” was a common comment from the audience. The range of issues, which the students spoke passionately about, was, indeed, remarkable, from several students addressing the death penalty, no doubt inspired by Anthony Ray Hinton’s visit to St. Luke’s, to the perilous state of our climate and oceans to animal welfare. This culminating accomplishment to the Middle School experience fosters skills and creates memories that will remain with the students and serve them well as they continue their academic pursuits.
You can view video recordings of the speeches on the 8th Grade Declamations webpage or click here to see the program with speaker names and topics.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
