Grade 8 Students Mark Transition to Upper School

Members of the Grade 8 Class of 2030 gathered with families, teachers, and classmates on June 1 for Taipei American School’s inaugural Grade 8 Transition Ceremony, a celebration recognizing the conclusion of Middle School and the beginning of the next chapter in Upper School.

The afternoon brought the Grade 8 community together in the Guy Lott Jr. Auditorium, where students and families reflected on the experiences, relationships, and growth that have shaped their Middle School years. Student performances and reflections highlighted the talents, perspectives, and memories that have shaped students throughout Middle School.

Looking ahead to Upper School, Interim Middle School Principal, Ms. Karisti Cormier, encouraged students to recognize just how much they had already accomplished during their Middle School years. From learning to advocate for themselves and navigate increasing independence to tackling complex problems in the classroom, competing in robotics and MathCounts, participating in Model United Nations, and sharing their talents through athletics, the arts, and performance, students had spent the past three years developing the skills needed for the opportunities ahead. 

"One of the joys of working in a school is having the opportunity to watch students grow over time," said Ms. Cormier. "This ceremony gave us a chance to celebrate not only what students have accomplished in Grade 8, but also the skills and talents they have developed during their Middle School years. It was a meaningful way to recognize this milestone with families before students begin their Upper School journey."

Following the opening ceremony, students joined their homerooms for a more personal moment of recognition. Each student received an individual certificate and shared a memory from their Middle School journey, creating space to celebrate both collective experiences and the unique path each student has taken. For families, it also offered a glimpse into the homeroom communities that have played an important role in students’ Middle School experience.

“This is the first time there has been an official event for Grade 8 students and their families,” said Grade 8 Counselor Ms. Jacqui Brelsford. “It was wonderful for me, as their counselor of three years, to see the students celebrated. Parents got a little taste of homeroom and the lovely relationships students form with their homeroom teacher. I am so proud to see how far they have come throughout Middle School.”

The event concluded with a reception in Legacy Commons, where families, faculty, and students gathered to mark the occasion and celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2030.

The Transition Ceremony served as both a recognition of what students have achieved during their Middle School years and an opportunity to look ahead. As they prepare to enter Upper School, Grade 8 students do so with new skills, stronger connections, and a growing sense of confidence in who they are and who they are becoming.