Congratulations, Class of 2022! |
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The graduating class of 2022 celebrated their success on June 17 at St. David’s Field, surrounded by family members and friends who gathered to cheer them on. All enjoyed inspiring speeches by the class valedictorian, the salutatorian, and a special guest, as well as a buffet dinner provided by Chefs Deborah Anthony and Sean Brooks.
Saani, the valedictorian, told the gathering, “Becoming valedictorian wasn’t easy. I had to be on top of everything and make sure I gave 110 percent of me. Even when I wanted to give up I had to push myself out of that mindset. See, in my family there is no such thing as not doing your best or giving up because it’s important to know the value of hard work.”
Ending her speech with a powerful messages to her classmates, Saani said, “Graduation marks the end of another extraordinary chapter in our lives ... We can’t skip through the pages of life to see how long the next chapter is going to be. We all have our own book of life that has not yet been written and every day that passes is another page we fill in the blanks onward to our bright futures.”
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Valedictorian Saani with classmate Hailey and salutatorian Kameera
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In her salutatorian speech, Kameera urged students to “pay attention in class and always do your homework,” two habits she credits for her academic success. She also said, “I realized I had the traits to be successful when I didn't let anybody stop me from doing what was best for me and my future.”
Guest Speaker Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, founder and owner of Down North Pizza, shared lessons learned along his life’s journey. He said, “You only fail when you quit and I don’t see quitters in any of you.” Muhammad also spoke about the neighborhood and the importance of having strong relationships with the people around you. “Families are the pillars of success,” he said.
Before the ceremony concluded, Head of School David Kasievich announced the 2022 Co-Founder’s Cup Award recipients: Randy and Dominic. The annual award, started by co-founders Dr. Audrey Evans and The Rev. Sean Mullen, is given to two students who worked hard to be AGAPE: Adaptable, Grateful, Aware, Patient, and Excellent. This year, Board Chair Father Frank Allen joined Dave Kasievich in presenting the award.
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Dominic receiving the Co-Founder's Cup from Fr. Frank Allen (left) and Dave Kasievich
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Randy receiving his diploma from Fr. Kellner |
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The Class of 2022 is off to nine different high schools. Join us in congratulating these 18 scholars! |
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Boys' Latin of Philadelphia Charter School
Dominic
Jaylen
Jihaan
Joaquin
Ronique
Yamir
Church Farm School
Jonathan
Randy
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Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School
Breanna
Korren
Marshay
Saani
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls
Kameera
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Mercy Career & Technical High School
Kayla
The Revolution School
Hailey
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Roman Catholic High School
Rian
West Catholic Preparatory High School
Althea
William Penn Charter School
London
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7th grade boys group ready to board the Moshulu |
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“What type of restaurants have you been to?”
“Just restaurants in the neighborhood, like the Cheesecake Factory.”
“Have you ever been to an upscale restaurant?”
“Mr. Lee, you know we don’t belong in there!”
“We can’t go to places like that.”
“You all belong at St. James and you belong at places like that!”
This conversation between Director of Student & Family Services Levi Lee and the 7th grade boys after-school club prompted Levi and social studies teacher Douglas Faxon to plan an evening those boys would never forget.
For five weeks, Douglas and Levi gave the boys a crash course on fine dining etiquette. They practiced everything from formal introductions and firm handshakes to how to use a steak knife and calculate the tip.
With the blessing of Principal McDonough, Levi and Douglas contacted the Moshulu, a restaurant on the oldest and largest Tall Ship still afloat. They made a special reservation to sit at the Chef's Table, which is often reserved for business meetings.
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Although the boys were initially resistant to the idea of dressing up, their excitement grew and they came to school in business attire on the day of the dinner. After school, Levi and Douglas told them, "It's showtime!"
The boys elected Semaj to speak to the hostess. He powered through his nerves — "Hello, my name is Semaj from St. James School. We have a party of 10.” Once seated, they were presented with a prix fixe menu the restaurant had tailored specifically for them. The boys enjoyed iced tea in wine glasses (“Jeremiah was drinking it like it was a nice cocktail!”) and were wide-eyed as servers placed course after course in front of them.
Other restaurant guests came by and asked Levi what the occasion was. He always responded, “We’re having a business meeting!” After dinner, Moshulu staff took the group on a tour of the ship and explained its history.
Levi was pleased with the evening, telling other staff that the students “were phenomenal. Of course they acted a little bit like teenagers, but they were very mellow. If this were graded, they would all get As.”
Andrew was excited to share about the dinner: "I've never had a multi-course meal before this. I had some amazing chicken and jumbo shrimp. For dessert we had three cakes. And we learned on the tour that people refer to boats as she!"
David exclaimed, “It was the best chicken I’ve ever had in my life!” Tineef said, "I loved the tour of the boat and sitting at the Chef's Table. The meal and tour made us feel so special."
Perhaps the most important takeaway came from Semaj: “The experience taught us that we belong anywhere.”
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Continuing an annual 8th grade class tradition, the Class of 2022 held its AGAPE dance the Friday before graduation, enjoying snacks, punch, cake, and music. |
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Summer Camp has begun! New 4th graders and our 5th grade class checked in on July 5th. This week, all 4th-8th graders are on campus for STEAM Camp! |
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Congratulations to the St. James School Class of 2018! Most of the 14 alumni have graduated high school and are continuing their education in college, university, and post secondary programs. |
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Summer is a crucial time for students to stay engaged in learning and to stretch their wings with challenging indoor and outdoor activities.
Will you help support our students this summer?
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We’re Hiring!
St. James is hiring for two positions! Please check out the job listings below and share with anyone who would be a good fit.
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St. James School is a faith-based Philadelphia middle school in the Episcopal tradition, committed to educating students from an under-resourced neighborhood within a nurturing environment. The school is a community that provides a challenging academic program and encourages the development of the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative gifts in its students. |
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