After 12 years, the Stone Mill Elementary School fifth grade class of 2019 students are finally seniors. From coloring books and addition, to AP classes and college applications, these students have experienced a lot between their time in elementary school and now. As the students look back on their time in Stone Mill, so do their teachers.
It’s hard to remember how far seniors have come academically since elementary school. AP and Honors classes are what high school is centered around, so it’s hard to imagine a time where the daily homework was to read for 20 minutes. However, everything that teachers have taught over the years has contributed to the academic abilities students have today. “Over the past few years I’ve grown a lot as a student as I have been able to figure out the things that interest me most through the variety of classes I’ve taken that have helped me establish a major I am excited about for college,” senior and former Stone Mill student Jess Yielding said.
Along with academics, this class already has committed athletes. P.E. classes, club sports and programs such as Girls on the Run help students stay active in elementary school. These early years of a person’s life are the time where they explore different sports until they find the one(s) that they wish to stick with throughout their lives. For senior Sofia Sossa, Stone Mill is where she discovered her love for volleyball. She has been playing ever since and is now committed to Smith College for volleyball. “Since elementary school I’ve become more confident in myself and my skills. I’ve also learned to take more risks and learn new positions to expand my skills,” Sossa said.
Senior year is a sentimental stage in a person’s life. It’s full of those memorable “last” moments, which is why students look back at how far they’ve come since kindergarten. Students reminisce on iconic moments from elementary school such as Jump Rope for Heart, recess and being a patrol and compare that to the plans they have for the future like college and careers. “What I miss most from elementary school is recess. On my drive home every day I pass by my Stone Mill and see all the kids outside and it makes me sad to remember how simple things were back then,” senior and former Stone Mill student Lilly Kendall said.
Stone Mill teachers also look back at the memories they made with the class of 2026. Much of the school looks different from when the seniors were there, but the school still holds the same feeling as it did seven years ago. The playgrounds for recess, the benches and colorful figures of students at the front of the school, the iconic blue, orange and white colors that represent Tiger pride and, most importantly, the teachers and mentors still remain visible from a drive or walk by the school.
Two teachers from Stone Mill have a message they want to share with their former students and the entire graduation class of 2026.
First grade teacher Lily Huang said, “I want to let my students in the class of 2026 know that you
will always be remembered as the class who was fun, caring and responsible. I wish everyone lots of love and happiness on their new adventure after high school. I hope that you will always carry your kindness wherever you go. You are important. You can make a big positive impact in our world. I am so proud of you, and I wish you all the best.”
Fourth grade teacher Barbara Wolfe said, “I hope you step into the next chapter of your lives with confidence, kindness and curiosity. You have grown so much, and I’m incredibly proud of the people you’re becoming. Remember that challenges are opportunities, mistakes are lessons and your potential is limitless. Keep believing in yourselves, and you will be ready for everything that lies ahead.”
