Fourth-grade students celebrated the end of their time in Lower School at the annual Milestone Celebration on Tuesday, May 17 in the Lower School Student Activity Center. The night was full of looking back on the accomplishments of the students, sharing memories they had made, and giving thanks for God's faithfulness through it all! Students received a special medal commemorating the event and were presented with a special olive wood cross necklace that had been prayed over in the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Aaron and Hur Awards were given to three fourth-graders. The award is named for the two men who held up Moses’ arms while the Israelites battled the Amalekites. While Joshua led the troops into battle, Moses watched the battle from a nearby hill. As long as Moses held his hands up, Israel prevailed, but when he let his hands down, the Amalekites prevailed. Eventually, Moses became weary, and Aaron and Hur responded by holding up his arms until the Israelites defeated the Amalekites.
"The Aaron and Hur Award is presented to one student in each fourth-grade class," said Melinda Lee, fourth-grade teacher. "Their classroom peers vote on which student is the one who is constantly helping and encouraging others. By vote, they identify the student that encourages, shares the love of Christ, and is a friend to all."
An Aaron and Hur Award was presented to Peyton Holsinger in Miss Lee's class; Anna-Kate Holton in Mrs. Barnes's class; and Jonathan Kern in Mrs. David's class. Fourth-graders also voted on an overall leadership award. This honor was given to Emily David because students agreed that she embodies
Whitefield's mission statement on a daily basis.
After the presentation of awards, the evening wound down with a wonderful "video scrapbook" of pictures of memories from Whitefield Lower School days, a special message from Jeannie Brostrand, Lower School principal; and a hearty welcome from Dr. Ron Farrar, Middle School principal. Dr. Kevin Bracher ended the night with a special prayer for the new Middle Schoolers.
"It was truly another fantastic milestone for these Whitefield rising fifth graders!" said Lee.