GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE
Annual Oaks and Seedlings Ceremony
During the ceremony, held in the Paterakis gymnasium, fifth, eighth, and eleventh-grade students came together as Oaks and Seedlings. The fifth-grade Seedlings demonstrated their developing public speaking skills by reciting the time-honored poem, “The Quiet Giant, the Wye Oak” for the assembled guests.
Following the poem, fifth grade students met their new Oaks, and the formal pinning ceremony took place, symbolizing the beginning of these important mentoring relationships.
The celebration concluded with a student reading “Advice from a Tree” by Han Shamire, offering a meaningful reminder of the qualities that help relationships and communities grow. While the pinning ceremony took place, our sixth, seventh, ninth, and twelfth grade students gathered to reconnect with their Oaks and Seedlings. Students spent time visiting, playing games, and reacquainting themselves with one another, strengthening the bonds that are an important part of the program.
Through these experiences, students have opportunities to listen, express appreciation, take action, set an example, and instruct others putting Gerstell Academy’s Leadership Model into practice while developing relationships that will continue to grow throughout their time at Gerstell Academy.
2500 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
1-866-861-3300
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
1-866-861-3300
