Eighth Grade Declamations Build Confidence and Character

Declamations are an important Middle School milestone that will serve students well in their future academic and professional endeavors. The type of training and guidance students receive in the run-up to their respective Declamation is an experience most people won’t have until later in their lives, if at all.

Guided by Middle School English Department Chair Kirstie Tobler and Eighth Grade English Teacher Ty Wieland, with help from Middle School Art Teacher and Eighth Grade Level Dean Jessica Dowling, Assistant Head of Middle School Mark Chuhta, and Middle School Librarian Jean Myles, students learn the challenges and power of a well-planned, practiced, and delivered presentation. 

“Over six weeks, our students embarked on a journey of self-discovery, unearthing personal narratives that they felt compelled to share with the world,” Wieland said.“These narratives, shaped by impactful experiences and refined through reflection and introspection, are a testament to their personal growth and values. They also built confidence, self-awareness, and character by honing their public speaking skills, mastering techniques such as eye contact, body language, enunciation, pacing, and projection.”

The Eighth Grade Declamations and Celebration of Learning was held on Monday, June 3. Family, faculty, staff, and students gathered to listen to each eighth grader's presentation. 

The night also featured learning experiences and accomplishments from history, science, and art. Students shared their capstone history memorial projects with families, which they designed in partnership with the DesignLab, as well as fantastic innovative rollercoaster models from science and beautiful ceramic creations from studio art.

“Ty and I are deeply proud of the hard work, honesty, and often bravery that went into crafting these personal narratives and poetry collections,” shared Kirstie Tobler. “We think you'll enjoy listening.”