School News

At the end of each school year, the eighth graders at St. Mark's Cathedral School give their fifth grade little brothers/sisters a striped shirt or navy tie, pieces of the school uniform specifically for Middle School students. This special tradition, known as the Navy Tie/Striped Shirt Ceremony, marks the promotion of fifth graders to Middle School and symbolizes how a piece of each of the eighth graders will always stay at St. Mark’s even after they graduate. The ceremony is held in St. Mark's Cathedral and followed by separate gatherings for the fifth and eighth grade boys and girls.

While this tradition could not be celebrated in person this year, it continued in an online format on May 8. Students donned their uniforms to join together for a virtual meeting. After remarks from Head of School Dr. Chris Carter and prayer led by Chaplain Fr. Drew Christiansen, students separated into virtual breakout rooms for boys and girls respectively, where eighth graders shared words of wisdom, favorite memories, and funny anecdotes about their time in Middle School.

Many eighth graders spoke about friendship. "When you're in Middle School, you bond with other grades and other friends," said Tripp R. '20. "First you bond with the higher grades; then you will eventually bond with the lower grades."

Others shared their love and appreciation for their teachers. "I will miss all the teachers at St. Mark's," said Stella P. '20. "They all have a very special place in my heart. Not only do they teach you fun subjects, but they teach you important lessons that you will keep for the rest of your life."

Congrats to the Class of 2020 and Class of 2023!