Rutgers Prep Celebrates the Class of 2028 at Middle School Closing

Today at Middle School Closing, students, families, faculty, and staff gathered in the Upper Gym to celebrate the Class of 2028 with a special ceremony to mark our eighth graders' graduation from the Middle School at Rutgers Prep.

After opening remarks from Principal Marotto, two student speakers addressed those in attendance. The students who speak at Middle School Closing are always chosen by their peers, and, in a first for our Middle School, this year the vote ended in a tie. So, two eighth graders, Ella L. ’28 and Ammar B. ’28, spoke on behalf of their classmates.

In their speech, Ella and Ammar emphasized the importance of working together and expressed gratitude for their supportive families, teachers, and peers. They encouraged their classmates embrace the next step in the journey and to be excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

During the ceremony, the following awards were presented to Middle School students who demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, cooperation, positivity, as well as academic achievement.

Evelyn P. Daniels Principal’s Recognition Award

Each year the Evelyn P. Daniels Principal’s Recognition Award is presented to the eighth grade student who best reflects what being an RPS student is all about. He or she is responsible, motivated, willing to help others, has a positive attitude, and is committed to making the Middle School a nice place to be.

Baron S. ’28

Parents’ Association Award

In 1982, the Parents' Association of Rutgers Prep established an award to honor a student in each class for exemplary commitment, attitude, and effort. These awards recognize the qualities in students that are so rewarding to observe: hard work, dependability, and cooperation.

Ojas J. ’28
Cedric S. ’29
Ben G. ’30

Incentive Awards

Incentive awards recognize those students in each class whose performance and effort has recognizably improved throughout the year. These winners represent dedication and commitment to the quest for continued growth and success.

Fiona Z. ’28
Sara B. ’29 & Layla R. ’29
Ishaan P. ’30

Library Association Award

The Library Association Award is sponsored by the Rutgers Prep Library Association. It is given annually to an eighth grade student in recognition of his or her outstanding service to the School. The student who receives this award has not only served the School in various clubs and activities, but has also been recognized by the Middle School faculty as being cooperative, helpful, and always willing to “pitch in.”

Ethan Y. ’28

Highest Honors

Students earn the “highest honors” award for having the highest grade point average for the year in their grade level. These awards are presented to one student in each grade level whose achievement has surpassed the high level of academic performance demanded of all Rutgers Prep students.

Ella L. ’28
Caio I. ’29
Tanmayi D. ’30

The Middle School Closing ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the 8th graders, officially welcoming them to the Upper School!

Congratulations to the Class of 2028! We're so excited to see what you will do next year and beyond!

Please see a selection of pictures from the ceremony below.
[Click on any thumbnail to see the full-sized image.]