This morning Interim Head of School Preeti Fibiger P’24 welcomed the D-E student body, faculty, and staff to the End of Year All-School Assembly, which carried on the theme of ‘community’ from the first All-School Assembly earlier this year. The program began with songs from PreK 4, followed by recognition of Lower School (LS) Faculty who are marking their 10-, 30-, and 40-year milestones at D-E. Next, the Middle School (MS) Musical cast performed “We’re All In This Together” from “High School Musical JR,” and then MS Faculty were acknowledged for their 10-, 20-, 25-, 30-, and 40-year milestones. All divisions collaborated on stage when the All-School Choir sang the medley “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Upper School (US) students then recognized US Faculty for their decades of service. Student mentors then addressed younger students who will be changing divisions next school year. To rising 9th graders, Addison Leak ’25 advised, “Appreciate where you are even when it feels challenging… and put yourself out there because you only get to do this once.” To rising 6th graders, Maya R. ’29 said, “Mistakes happen… and Middle School is a safe place to make them.”  To second graders moving up to the “big-kid floor,” Logan G. ’32 encouraged his peers to “be kind” and “be a leader,” as “every day is a new chance to be awesome.” Second graders then gave memorable words of wisdom to graduating seniors, such as “don’t say curse words.” Ms. Fiberger returned to the stage to recognize the contributions of faculty/staff who will be retiring at the end of this school year: Nurse Maureen Krane, 8th Grade Advisor Liz Traub, Language Department Chair Bill Biondolino, and Music Teacher John Littlefield. The assembly concluded with a lively performance by US ensemble Jazz Rock (and preview of their Commencement set) and sweet high-five send-offs from our youngest students to our soon-to-be graduates. Ms. Fibiger remarked: “You will forever be a part of this school…this community…this story.”