Lynda A. Delius – SEA Outstanding Teacher of the Year

It is with great pride that Sweetwater Episcopal Academy recognizes Lynda A. Delius as SEA’s first “Outstanding Teacher of the Year”, for her dedication to excellence and for inspiring our students for 17 years.

Recognized by her students and her peers for her tireless energy, passion, love of teaching, love of learning, and love of children, Lynda Delius is a teacher who sets the bar for all educators.  She gives 100% of her best each and every day.

The SEA Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award is made possible by a generous grant from the John, Linda and Maggie Allen Fund.  The Allen’s have been active supporters of SEA since 1996 when daughter Maggie attended Kindergarten.    Throughout the years, the Allen’s have donated the Science Lab and Patio, Canoe Dock, the Maggie Allen Stage in Gray Hall.  Maggie’s mother, Linda Allen, passed away last summer.  She was a strong believer that good teachers are the key to a good education.  In her memory, Dr. John Allen and daughter Maggie have committed to recognizing SEA teachers who make a difference in children’s lives.

Until We Meet Together Again....

Fifth Graders at SEA, reached the ultimate milestone on Thursday evening, G-R-A-D-U-A-T-I-O-N. After an AMAZING Fifth Grade year which admittedly went by MUCH too quickly, it was time to say goodbye to the place, many have called home since Pre-K.

As is the tradition at SEA, each graduating “Senior” prepared a speech which was delivered to an audience filled with friends, parents, family and teachers. It was wonderful to see how poised each student was as they addressed the audience, evidence that the many writing and public speaking skills learned here at SEA had paid off!

"Tomorrow when we enter the gates of SEA, we will not be fifth graders but graduates. Tomorrow is not only a beginning; it is an ending. I can remember my first day at SEA in second grade. That day was the beginning of a lifetime of memories. Through these four years, I’ve had many memories that I’ll never forget. All of these moments I can never, should never, will never forget. From these things, I have learned many lessons. I have learned so much in my classes, of course. But, I also learned life lessons and my talents. I learned to always be a leader and never a follower. I learned my talent of singing, and I learned to live, laugh, and love. I learned to stand up for myself and what I believe. Most important of all, I learned to be true to who I am and to be a role model. All of these lessons have made me who I am. I hope they will continue to influence who I am as I carry out my plans for the future.” A. Vuillier – SEA Fifth Grader

Mrs. Stroup – Head of School, Mrs. Delius – Assistant Head of School along with Homeroom Teachers Mrs. Kruger (also graduating this year from SEA) and Mr. Driscoll also paid these students tribute in a series of speeches.

“Tonight marks the end of your fifth grade school year, your years at SEA, and your childhood. For many of you, this is where you learned to read and write; add, subtract, multiply, and divide. You learned about your world and our history. You used your imagination to create stories, projects, artwork that you put on your refrigerator at home and preserved in your memory CD. You used technology as a key to unlock unlimited resources of knowledge. You developed your own special talents in sports, music, and art. You lost your first tooth and found a best friend. You went to more birthday parties than you can remember. You learned to be a good helper and get along with others. You even learned how to set a table for a full course dinner and the manners to go with it. You are prepared for Middle School, and you are ready to spread your wings and fly. This isn’t an end. Ours is a lasting friendship. It is the beginning of an exciting new time for you. Remember the lessons you learned in the Kind Zone. Take them with you in your heart. We will miss you and I know that you will miss us. And when you do, come back and visit.” Janet Stroup – Head of School

Congratulations, Fifth Grade! Go out into the world and make a difference!

CLICK HERE TO SEE GRADUATION PHOTOS

Tradition, Tradition, Tradition…

In keeping with SEA Tradition, on Thursday evening, SEA’s class of 2012 presented its quilt.  This year’s theme is “The Fifth Grade Flag”.  To complete this project, each student chose a star to design and to complete.  Through this project, students gained the understanding that quilts have been an important part of our American history and culture.  Like the pioneer, our quilt developed into a work of craftsmanship.   As you look at this quilt, you can see the many different stars and the creativity of this class.

While creating this quilt, the students were able to learn how to thread a needle, embroider, as well as work together cooperatively.   They laughed, talked, listened to music, and appreciated one another.  It was like a “true quilting bee.”  As teachers watched this incredible Class of 2012 interact, it occurred to us, that they are like the very quilt which they constructed.  Each student so unique and so different, and yet when placed all together, molded into an incredible graduating class. 

We wish extend our sincere thanks to Mrs. Jackie Bittenbender for her direction, patience, and the long hours that she spent instructing and working with the fifth graders to complete this quilt.  As in all previous years at SEA, it is only through our parent support that we are able to attempt and to accomplish these difficult tasks.  The fifth grade class would like to thank all of you who have helped us over the many, many years. “The Fifth Grade Flag” along with quilts from the past 16 year can be found on display in Gray Hall and the Front Office.  CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW OUR QUILT WAS MADE

Year End Chapel Service

On Wednesday, May 23rd Sweetwater Episcopal Academy held it's final chapel service of the school year.  For graduating 5th Graders and their families, the moment was bittersweet as the reality that they would soon be moving on came more closely into focus.

Mrs. Stroup began announcements by unveling this year's yearbook "Catch the Spirit", created by our very own yearbook editor, Joanne Battista.  In addition, representatives from Walsworth Publishing were on hand to present Mrs. Battista with an award naming SEA's Yearbook one of the TOP elementary school yearbooks in the country!

Ms. Wolfcale recognized all the student authors this year at SEA, with grades 1-3 being published collaboratively and students in 4th and 5th grade creating and publishing individual books.  Copies of each of these books will also be available in the Library.

Mr. Driscoll announced the winners of the SEA Chess Competition (3rd Place - Trey I., 2nd Place - Jonathan C., 1st Place - Christian H.) as well as recognized the merits and attributes of each player to the SEA Chess Team.  SEA Chess Champion, Christian H. is also recognized one of the top ranked players nationally in his age group.  In addition, Mr. Driscoll recognized the efforts of the SEAHawks Basketball team who went undefeated in the 2012 season.

After several special Chapel Book Dedications and Rainbow Awards, it was time to sing "One In Love" one last time.  As we say goodbye to another school year, let us remember the lessons we have learned this school year both as students, parents and friends.  Till we meet together again....

SEA Homeroom Outreach Projects (HOPS)

SEA is committed to reaching out to the wider world, and to serving the surrounding community. Through projects coordinated and designed by parents, SEA students experience the gift of serving others outside of the classroom. HOPS (Homeroom Outreach Projects) find their origin in the homeroom classes, where the parents and teachers work together to arrange a project appropriate for the children’s ages and abilities, where the children can learn through hands-on service.

While it is easy to think about our own community, it is more important to think about the community around us and take the SEA KindZone out into the world.  Click on the Video Link below to see HOPS projects undertaken this year by SEA students and families.  Way to be SEA students & families. We applaud your efforts!!