An Ending is but Another Beginning: Closing Out the 2024-2025 School Year

“As we close school each year, one of my favorite rituals has become the moment when toddlers, fifth graders, eighth graders, or graduating seniors walk through the Gates of Life. For years, we used the tiny knee-high ones, but thanks to the efforts of many and the willingness of John Mulvany’s studio art class, we now have beautifully painted gates that all departing students (and faculty or staff) are invited to walk, strut, dance, or sashay on through. 

When I tell the story of the Gates of Life at our graduation and various transition ceremonies, I remind those of us gathered that Headwaters exists because of the imagination & chutzpah of our founders and that their spirit is still alive, resulting in a school that values curiosity & expression; adventure & meaning; belonging & care; advocacy & peacemaking. I go on to say that not only are we Headwaters Red Tail Hawks but we’re also Khabele Lions along with Primavera Montessori Chickadees, Hummingbirds, Wrens, Robins, Roadrunners, and Bluebirds, We also have the Creek coterie of birds: Swifts, Doves, Cardinals, Meadowlarks, Owls, Kingfishers, Phoenixes, Skybirds and Thunderbirds. 

Two of our ten founders still work for the school (Lisa Dubuque Wood and Jen Phillips). They and so many others deserve immense thanks for having the courage to build a school where we believe in the power of young people to solve challenges, great and small.”

- Ted Graf, Head of School

At our Springs Campus, the Gates of Life ceremony celebrated our youngest learners with warmth and joy. Families and guides gathered to mark a meaningful moment in the children’s journey—recognizing their growth, independence, and the beauty of early transitions. The ceremony was filled with sweet moments, small triumphs, and proud smiles as our Montessori students stepped confidently into their next phase.

View the Springs Gates of Life photo album.

 

 

This year’s Creek Campus ceremony honored both the rising 5th graders and the entire lower school community. Each grade shared a song, offering a full-circle moment of connection and growth. A special part of the ceremony was reserved for beloved faculty and staff—Eduardo “Lalo” Martinez, Amy Nylund, Krista Phillips, and Tim Reilly—who each walked through the Gates of Life to mark their own transitions. It was a moving tribute to both student and staff journeys, capped by heartfelt applause and the celebration of our graduating 5th graders.

 

 

In a full and joyful library, our 8th graders crossed both the stage and the Gates of Life—marking the end of middle school and the beginning of their high school journey. Clara Shaw’s moving student speech reflected on years of memories and the emotions of change. Nolan dazzled the crowd with a soulful saxophone performance of “Fly Me to the Moon.” The ceremony was rounded out with a sweet parent-created slideshow, deeply personal diploma presentations from Terra, and a room filled with community support.

View the 8th Grade Graduation photo album.

 

 

The final ceremony of the school year was full of joy, gratitude, and celebration as we honored the graduating Class of 2024. Seniors walked through the Gates of Life with pride, cheered on by friends, family, and faculty. The ceremony included powerful student speeches, heartfelt moments, and beautiful performances. Special thanks go to the many students and staff who helped make the event shine: Owen Wedgewood, Jay Catlin, Milo Hamburger, Stella McCoy, Jenna Evans, UsZee McCoy, Vishwanathan Srinath, Natalie Daubert, Fin Chalmers, and Evan Baker. A professional recording was provided by UT and shared with families to relive the moment.