The graduating class of 2012–Washington Latin’s very first class–will return to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their graduation on Saturday with their friends and former teachers. While some of the graduates have already returned to teach at Washington Latin, or will be joining the new Cooper Campus, others have ventured out into a world of travel, graduate school, and other careers. We can’t wait to hear their stories and how they have spent the last decade. 

Fifth graders left campus for a day of hiking on Friday on the Appalachian Trail. The trip was inspired by the book The Trail by Meika Hashimoto. The survival story features a young boy named Toby who is looking for adventure and his quest to hike the trail alone and fulfill a pact with his friend.  

On Thursday afternoon Mr. Baldwin’s sixth grade Theater students performed “Arabian Nights.” Students in sixth grade have completed two full years of Theater with Mr. Baldwin and were excited to showcase their dancing, singing, and acting. The romantic and devious tale features King Shahrayar who is seeking vengeance. Shahrazad, the daughter of the King’s adviser, tries to soothe the king and save the life of his ex-wife, who is her country woman. To postpone the first queen’s execution, she tells him a story each evening, leaving the ending  open, so he will keep her alive another day. Students brought these ancient folktales to life with humor and many surprises.

Teachers and students rocked dress-down ensembles on Friday in preparation for the long weekend. The school-wide celebration was in honor of the hard work and perseverance students showcased on PARCC and their resilience as they head to the final hurdles of the exams. The mental health team also kept the hallways festive this week providing mints, popcorn, tea, affirmations, and suggestions to help stay rested, focused, and calm in the final weeks of the year. 

Musical mavens and Washington Latin alumni Nate Crystal (Class of ‘18) and Eowyn Sherrer ( Class of ‘17) both perform music together in New York City venues during college. Nate is going into his senior year at Pace University, and Eowyn just graduated. When they were in high school Eowyn performed with the Jazz Band, and Nate played Usnavi in the school production of In the Heights. We are so happy to see our alumni continuing to make beautiful music together.