The 8th Grade graduating Class of 2021 celebrated their time at LSA on June 17th, 2021. Sixteen bright, young graduates are beginning high school at Mercy Career & Technical, Cristo Rey Philadelphia, Roman Catholic, Puebla, Community Academy of Philadelphia, Little Flower, Commonwealth, and St. Hubert. To re-watch the 2021 La Salle Academy Commencement, please click here.

This year’s school theme was “LSA: We Are One” and although the eighth graders were not all physically in the classroom together, they did an amazing job of living out that theme daily. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the city, state, and CDC guidelines meant that the class of 2021 lost out on opportunities; yet we made so many memories that will last a lifetime. As the school year ends, I like to take a step back and think about all the good experiences and memories that we have shared as a class.

This eighth-grade class of girls and boys impressed me this year because of all the obstacles that they overcame. They had to wear masks all day long, had to stay in their classroom, and were not able to sit near or truly work with their classmates on a day-to-day basis. This school year was quite different for this class, and they worked as “one” to make it the best that it could be. We shared some laughs with our weekly dance classes, which were taught by Richard Simmons. The Class of 2021 now has an appreciation for “Sweating to the Oldies.”

As this school year unwinds, I can honestly look back and deeply appreciate all the hard work that the students put in during this difficult time. It was not easy, but they made it seem easy, and I can appreciate that.

With the eighth-grade graduates all moving on to the next chapter in their lives, I hope they truly understand how blessed they are to be part of the LSA Family. I want them to know that I honestly believe in them, and I hope they have learned as much from me as I have learned from them. I also hope they continue to grow as young adults and continue to live out the five goals of La Salle Academy: to be Respectful, Responsible, Motivated, Consistent, & Peaceful.

Good luck in the future Class of 2021. Be sure to visit!