The 8th grade class at ASA graduated this past Monday. Prior to graduation, they spent time reminiscing about their years at All Saints Academy. Here are a few of the comments and memories our most recent graduates will take with them as they move on to high school and beyond.
Preschool and kindergarten had been most remembered by learning the alphabet and kindergarten outdoor day at the Upper Campus. Most students remembered making s’mores and going down to St. Jude Lake.
The most notable memory from first grade was how Mrs. Schneider won teacher of the year and how they got to be on the news! The students also remember that first grade was the year for addition and subtraction, skills they recognize they will use for the rest of their lives.
Second and third grade are most remembered by First Communion and the field trip to Lansing to visit the Capitol Building. On that trip they recalled learning about the three branches of government and how our Michigan government worked.
The end of third grade and fourth grade memories are mainly related to COVID-19. But by 5th grade, they remembered a return to “normalcy” by going to the farm. The recent graduates still talk about farm days and the different things they learned - from caring for animals to exploring a different side of God’s creation they might not have been able to experience outside of school.
The middle school years are mostly remembered by the different retreats and field trips they participated in. They took trips to Camp Roger, downtown Grand Rapids, Camp Manitou-lin, St. Isidor and St. Alphonsus, as well as the traditional field trips All Saints Academy students take every year. These field trips allowed students to grow in their faith, teamwork abilities, and grow closer to each other and God.
Here are some of what the 8th graders wrote about during their time at ASA:
“I remember all the fun things we did, like mileage club, and retreats. Eat, pray, run and field day were my favorite, and I remember learning new things, while having fun, and growing in faith. And especially doing it with our kind teachers, and Mr. Debri and Mr. Gietzen, who helped me on my ASA journey.”
“ASA has proven to be a great school. Since I transferred here in 5th grade I have made many memories and it has definitely been welcoming. I remember in 5th grade when Mrs. Zimilis would let us play mum ball in between class periods. She has always been joyful and happy and never fails to disappoint. In 6th grade when we went on our retreat I learned a lot about Mrs. Laframboise too. She is always a great person to talk to inside and outside of school. She provides strong advice and is very reliable. Mr. Kress was also a good teacher. He was always engaging and confident. He helped many of us improve in math and theology. Mrs. Beckwith has also been a great teacher. She always makes us laugh and smile. She not only helps me and my peers but also boosts our confidence. She is a very inspiring person and I love her way of teaching. And last but not least Mrs. Sweet; she has been a phenomenal teacher. Even though her assignments can be exhausting, I will miss them.
“I have had a very good time here at ASA and can't believe that we are graduating. As I go into high school and learn new things, I will remember how they taught me how to move forward in my faith and education. I love catholic education and learning more about my faith and can't wait to learn more with the opportunities that ASA has provided. From service hours in school to applying these things in the real world. I will always have ASA in my hopes and prayers and will never forget how welcoming this school and the people are. I am very happy that ASA has been a part of my life and I'm glad to tell people that I came to this school.”
– Ella
“When we first met in preschool, we were all super scared and nervous. We didn’t know each other and didn’t know who to be friends with. Now, we all are very good friends and always will be. When we were in third grade, we went to Lansing and the museum. That was one of the few field trips that we will always remember because we were all together and spent the whole time together. Also, the same year, Covid happened, and we were all separated. It was the first time that we weren't together longer than summer break. It was kind of sad because we were all friends and we couldn’t see each other. When we were in 5th grade, we went to farm days and it was so much fun. It was a 3 day field trip and we all had a blast. We had farm days for a week in three of the seasons. The three seasons were Fall, Winter, and Spring. They taught us how to help and have fun with animals.”
While their time at ASA comes to a close, the memories our recent graduates have created — and the bond they've shared — will always be a part of our story, and theirs. Here's to new beginnings, lasting friendships, and the bright future that awaits each of them.
