“Back when I was in 4th grade, I wanted nothing more than to be in 8th grade. Now that I’m here and standing on this stage, I don’t want to leave.” -Kailyn Nguyen, Westerly School Class of 2022
Westerly School, the sole independent school in Long Beach serving roughly 175 K-8th grade students, recently celebrated the promotion of its 15 eighth grade students: the Class of 2022.
It is significant to note that about half of these students have been “Westerly Wildcats” since Kindergarten, and have spent nine years (two-thirds of their lives) on the Westerly campus – for the most part.
Unlike prior Westerly graduates, the Class of 2022 persisted in an especially unique and challenging academic experience, as all three of their Middle School years were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Even though my middle school experience was mainly on Zoom because of COVID, my 8th grade year was the best. I can gladly say that in 8th grade I have made even more friendships and become closer to those I was friendly with in the past.” -Alyssa Cuff, Westerly School Class of 2022
Despite the unprecedented challenges, the Class ultimately proved their strength in the face of adversity throughout their Middle School years and continued to model adaptability, responsibility, kindness, respect and honesty – the core values of Westerly School.
Embodying these values, coupled with consistent achievement in academic and co-curricular subjects, played a significant role all 15 graduates earning acceptance into their top choice high schools across the city of Long Beach as well as Orange and Los Angeles Counties:
Long Beach Polytechnic High School (CIC and PACE programs) – Long Beach
Huntington Beach High School-Huntington Beach
Orange County School of the Arts- Santa Ana
Palisades Charter High School- Pacific Palisades
Sage Hill School – Newport Beach
Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science-Long Beach
St. Anthony High School – Long Beach
Valley Christian High School- Cerritos
Vistamar School – El Segundo
With all the necessary COVID safety precautions in place, Westerly was able to commemorate their accomplishments on June 15, 2022 by hosting an in-person graduation ceremony on campus, which was made open to the entire Westerly community (students, staff, parents, families and friends) for the first time in three years.
The ceremony featured several traditions unique to Westerly School, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the graduates’ younger siblings. Each graduate delivered a speech which they had been preparing for months, highlighting their favorite memories and key learnings from their Westerly experience. They also showcased their musical talents with two performances – a vocal rendition of “We’re Going to Be Friends” by the White Stripes, and a surprise flash-mob style dance to “Baby” by Justin Bieber.
Other noteworthy moments included the recognition of three class valedictorians who earned identical GPAs: Alice Hall, Celia Jorgenson, and Landon Luxenberg; and the Core Values Award honoree, Alyssa Cuff, for embodying the Westerly Core Values.
The event culminated with Kindergarten through 7th grade students participating in a “Moving Up” ceremony, in which they officially advanced to their next grade level in front of their peers and families. Kindergartners also presented flowers to the 8th grade class, who have served as their mentors by way of the school’s mentor-mentee program (students in grades 5-8 are individually paired with students in grades K-4 to serve as their mentors for an entire year).
As Westerly proudly sends off its newly anointed alumni toward their next academic chapters, its administration, faculty, and staff congratulate each graduate for their incredible achievements in academics, athletics, arts, and leadership.
“My time at Westerly has shaped my future. This school has taught me to grow and learn from my mistakes, which is a lesson that will stick with me my whole life.” -Hunter Altizer, Westerly School Class of 2022
About Westerly School: Westerly School is a non-profit, non-denominational, independent school accredited by WASC and CAIS located on a five-acre campus in the heart of Long Beach. The school’s mission is to develop the whole child through a challenging and stimulating program in an inclusive and diverse community. We ignite within each child a lifelong love of learning by encouraging them to discover their full and unique potential every single day.
Westerly School is accepting applications for the 2022-23 academic year. To learn more, contact [email protected], call 562-981-3151, or visit the website at www.westerlyschool.org.