St. James students jumping into the pool at NorthBay Adventure Camp | |
What Do YOU Remember
from Summer Camp? | |
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Memory-making experiences are a treasured part of going away to summer camp. This summer, all St. James students made memories at NorthBay Adventure Camp on the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, 20 students are traveling to overnight partner camps in various states.
Located in North East, MD, NorthBay is the nation’s largest year-round outdoor education camp. St. James is one of 350 schools that have participated in NorthBay’s innovative, outdoor, residential education programs.
Our students enjoy a five-day, four-night camp which includes:
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Outdoor physical activities — Low ropes and high ropes course challenges, water fun, fishing, rock climbing, beach volleyball, zip-line, and The Big Swing
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Indoor physical activities — Indoor sports (basketball, soccer, gaga ball) and tournaments, PingPong and billiards
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Group experiences — Mass on the beach at sunset, campfires, “NorthBay Live” participatory entertainment, and scavenger hunts
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Educational experiences — Leadership training, Chesapeake Bay education, and workshops on invasive species, wetlands, hikes, and art-on-the-go
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Help provide our students with enriching summer camp experiences by making a gift toward our Summer Camp Challenge. We are more than halfway to our goal!
SUMMER FUNDS STILL NEEDED
22 students x $750 each = $16,500
Help us reach our goal by July 31st!
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Students participating in NorthBay Live and a lively beach volleyball game | |
Beloved Traditions and Graduate Speeches Make for Memorable Commencement Ceremony | |
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An inspirational graduation ceremony on June 14 brought together St. James families, friends and staff to celebrate the 18 members of the Class of 2024.
As part of our graduation tradition, each graduate was personally introduced by a staff member with whom they've built a strong relationship. This ranged from homeroom teachers to The Welcome Table and Advancement team members, the chaplain, nurse, and Head of School. After celebrating the graduate’s achievements, staff members ended their remarks with a reminder that the graduate will always belong at St. James.
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Valedictorian Chyna, who will attend William Penn Charter for high school, gave a speech that included: "Being a student at St. James has helped me grow into the person I am today. The close-knit community structure that St. James embodies provides an uplifting and comfortable atmosphere. The support I’ve received from those around me made me feel like I belonged." | |
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The Class of 2024 showed a tremendous amount of adaptability during their educational journey, from virtual instruction during COVID-19 in 5th and 6th grades to moving classrooms during construction of our Upper School Building in 7th and 8th grades. According to Chyna, these challenges strengthened the class bond:
“When we went back to in-person schooling, we started to rekindle our friendships, and by the end of 6th grade I started to consider my classmates my siblings. We grew up together from being anxious kids to young adults full of life, wondering what the future holds for all of us.”
Salutatorian Skylar, who will attend Cristo Rey High School, spoke about her growth from a “shy 4th grader” to giving a speech with "confidence and pride." She thanked her teachers, especially 4th Grade Teacher Steph Padilla and 8th Grade Teacher Natasha Greene, for showing her "tough love" and thanked her family for being her "biggest cheerleaders." She ended with advice for fellow graduates:
"One, surround yourself around good company. You are responsible for your future. Two, never stop dreaming! God has made you in a unique way with a special purpose that He wants you to carry out. Always stay your true and authentic self."
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Salutatorian Sklyar congratulates her fellow graduates | |
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Another beloved graduation tradition is announcement of the class members chosen to receive the coveted Founders Cup Award, which recognizes students who best exemplify the Upper School culture code of AGAPE — Adaptable, Grateful, Aware, Patient and Excellent.
Winners Tristan and Cedrick were celebrated by RAH Neighborhood Association President Rose Cooper and Head of School Dave Kasievich, who shared quotes from the staff nominations:
"Cedrick is the student I wish I was in middle school. He is always kind to others. He is always a leader by example. He is reserved but confident. He never talks about what he is going to do, he just does it. He is driven, conscientious, disciplined, and gifted."
"Tristan is unpretentious, grateful for personal and educational opportunities. He is also genuine, helpful, and has a good sense of humor. He connects well with his classmates and younger students and always sets a good example for them. He is not one to chase rewards or public recognition, but does the right thing because he genuinely wants to."
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Neighborhood Association President Rose Cooper (left) and Head of School Dave Kasievich (right) awarding the Founders Cup to Cedrick, as previous recipient Semaj McGill looks on | |
Founders Cup Winner Tristan | |
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House Cup Is Fierce but Friendly Competition
To celebrate the communities within the St. James School community, which we call houses, we wrap up the year with the House Cup competition. Members of the four houses – Humilitas (Purple), Benevolentia (Blue), Patientia (Orange), and Industria (Green) — enjoy a full day of fun and sportsmanship testing their brains and brawn against the others.
A huge congratulations to Benevolentia, the 2024 champions! Here's to the amazing memories from this fierce but friendly competition!
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High School Draft Day Celebrates Choices
Our 8th graders celebrated their high school choices with the annual High School Draft, hosted by the Graduate Support team. Anticipation builds as each student’s name is announced and they reveal their best fit high school. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 — we are excited to see how brightly you shine!
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Move Up Mass a Heartwarming Tradition
At the end of every academic year, we celebrate Move Up Mass at the Church of St. James the Less. A heartwarming tradition during this special mass is the passing down of pews from our graduating 8th graders to the rising 8th graders, and from that class to the next, until each class has moved up to their new location in the church for the upcoming school year. The tradition symbolizes growth, transition, and the sense of community that makes St. James School so special. We look forward to the new academic year with excitement and joy!
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St. James is a faith-based educational community deeply rooted in transformative loving relationships. | | | | |
