Valediction means to say farewell. These celebrations are important at Washington Latin: they bring together members of the community to close the school year and say farewell to departing faculty.
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The information in this Explainer is all general to help understand Washington Latin’s Valediction traditions. Please watch for announcements about the specific details for the current year!
What is Valediction?
Valedictions are something like our Washington Latin assemblies, but with even more meaning. The ceremonies include music, speeches, readings, student awards, and student farewells to faculty who will be leaving at the end of the school year. Generally, only students and faculty attend Valediction (in part due to the space constraints). For students who are to receive an award, we let families know so they can witness this as a member of the audience.
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Valediction ceremonies are held on each campus in the MPR (2nd Street) or theater space (Cooper).
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Students generally wear uniforms to Valedictions, except those moving up and out (8th graders and Seniors). Students in these grades are encouraged to look smart and dress up a little.
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Valedictions are generally held on the Thursday and Friday before graduation (which traditionally takes place on the Monday of the third week of June).
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There are several awards that students might receive for achievement in academics, arts, athletics, as well as citizenship and community contributions. Students are nominated by faculty and the campus team discusses which two students are to receive each award.
Valediction at Cooper
Valediction for 5th – 7th Graders
5th – 7th Grade Valediction is first, starting at 8:30 am. Students should be in uniform and will be dismissed at 10:00 am after the ceremony to start summer break!
Please note that we offer any Cooper students who are the siblings of 8th graders to watch a livestream on campus. They can then join their families for the 8th grade reception. Watching the livestream may also be offered to 7th graders, depending on space. 7th grade students would need to register for this and leave after Valediction is over (at about 11:30). Watch for details on the livestream option for the current year’s ceremony, usually shared in May.
Valediction for 8th Graders
At Cooper as at 2nd Street, our 8th graders are honored as leaving Middle School and moving on to the Upper School. This means the ceremony is a little longer because it includes calling each advisory to the stage to receive a certificate and shake the hand of their 8th grade advisor and the Principal.
Another difference for 8th graders: we invite their parents/guardians to join us. Due to space constraints, we generally limit the numbers (e.g., two family members per 8th grader). Students arrive in time for the start (usually at 10:00 am) and do not need to be in uniform – dress it up a bit!
The Parent Faculty Association will host a reception for 8th graders and their Valediction guests immediately after the ceremony ends. Light refreshments will be offered.
Valediction for Upper School Students
As a young campus, we are establishing our traditions for our Upper Schoolers’ Valediction ceremony. As we finalize plans for the current year, we will share that information with our families. Stay tuned!
Valedictions at 2nd St
We have established the tradition of having three Valediction ceremonies at 2nd Street: 5th and 6th graders, 7th and 8th graders, and all Upper School grades. Please read on for general descriptions of each.
Valediction for Middle School grades
The 2nd Street Middle School Valedictions take place on the Thursday before Monday graduation. All students in grades 5-7 report to school at the normal time for their Valediction ceremonies. Students should all be in uniform. Below are the general times for these ceremonies:
- 5th and 6th grade Valediction generally begins at 8:30 am.
- 7th and 8th grade Valediction generally follows, beginning at 10:30 am.
- When not at their Valediction ceremony, students are in their advisories clearing out their lockers or cubbies (and having a good time.)
8th Graders and Valediction
The Valediction ceremony marks a departure for our 8th graders, as they move from Middle to Upper School. At the end of Valediction, each 8th grade advisory is called to the stage, and every student receives a certificate and then shakes the hands of their advisor, the Principal, and the Director of the Middle School. We invite up to two adults for each 8th grader to attend the ceremony and then stay for the reception hosted by the Parent Faculty Association immediately after the ceremony. Light refreshments are offered. This reception is generally complete by noon, and the reception goes until about 1:00 pm.
Upper School Valediction
The Upper School Valediction is for all grades. This ceremony generally takes place on the Friday before graduation from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Attendance is mandatory for all seniors and encouraged for students in grades 9-11. Due to space constraints, families will attend only if invited by a member of our administration. Immediately following Valediction, we host a luncheon for seniors and faculty on campus, followed by mandatory graduation practice at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). We provide transportation, but students are allowed to leave from UDC without returning to campus.
