The Spring All-School Assembly continued to build on the yearlong theme of growth. Just like seeds grow into flowers, students blossom over the course of the school year. Springtime is a perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on that growth because of how easy it is to see the change from one stage of growth to another. “I like to walk around in the spring. It is amazing and so beautiful to see green buds one day that explode into bright red tulips the next day,” reflected Head of School Felicia Wilks. “I see the same thing in each of you. Your ideas and skills will continue to grow and blossom over time with your hard work and care for yourself–good food, water, sunlight, and rest–just like plants and flowers need to grow.” 

For the seniors participating in their final all-school assembly, this gathering was particularly special, explained Student Body President Ella D. ’25: “Spence has been the absolute best place for us to grow. We took risks, made mistakes and learned from them, picked each other up, cheered each other on, and made lifelong friends. This year alone, we stepped out of our comfort zones.” She then invited students to celebrate the ways they have grown this year. 

Lower School students shared that they learned to become better readers, dancers, and mathematicians; some learned how to cook and make new friends. Beatrice S. ’33, reflected on her growth by writing an acrostic poem using the word BLOSSOM:

B is for Brave: I have become braver in my sports.

L is for Learning: My knowledge has expanded.  

O is for Opinions: I have become more open-minded to others’ opinions.

S is for Spelling: My spelling has improved thanks to Ms. Sheehy.

S is for Singing: My singing has improved.

O is for Optimistic: I have become kinder to myself.

M is for Movement: I have improved in P.E.

Part of growing up means discovering there is much more to learn. “I’m still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. The good news is that I don’t have to figure it out right now,” shared Lia C. ’29. While exploring, Middle School students developed a sense of their personal path. For example, Isha K. ’31 said she wants to be a writer. Alice L. ’30 wants to travel and see the world and to shine a light on places that might not be well known.

Paige L. ’25 and Lily A.N. ’26, two athletes and captains of their team, represented the Upper School reflection on growth. This year, the Squash and Cross Country teams won championships. Blossoming into winning champions wouldn’t have been possible without learning “how to compete as a cohesive and united team,” said Paige. Lily continued: “We had an unwavering dedication to each other, working together to ensure we were in the best position. We gave our all to blossom as one team and one family.” Ella D. ’25 agreed: “Growth can be personal but no person can grow without the care of our community.” 

Three musical performances illustrated students’ artistic growth over the year. The Lower School Instrumental Ensemble performed Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” The cast of Mathilda, the musical performed earlier this year by the Middle School, sang “When I Grow Up.” The Upper School Select Choir presented a joyful rendition of “Blue Skies” by Ella Fitzgerald.