Just days after the eighth graders returned from their class trip to the Rocking Horse Dude Ranch in upstate New York, their parents joined Sharon Lauer and some of the Upper School teachers for champagne and dessert. With Closing Ceremonies and Commencement just weeks away, this was a chance for them to take a moment to celebrate together the years their children have shared at Unquowa.

While the eighth grade advisors were respectful of the senior class’s mantra, “What happens at the ranch stays at the ranch,” it was clear that the Class of 2012 is a close knit group of friends and that they had a great time on their class trip.

Parents and faculty toasted the Class of 2012 and Ms. Lauer thanked the parents for “sharing your children with us”. The teachers spoke, often through teary eyes, about how much they’ve enjoyed their time with these students, asked the parents to encourage their children to stay in touch and to visit often.