JUNE 13, 2025

As a processional began to play, Kindergarten through Class III students filed into the auditorium and found their spots around the room. Once filed in, students turned toward the door to watch as their peers—and the guests of honor—also began to walk in. They turned to the balcony and beamed as they saw their friends and family beaming back in the seats above. They made their way onstage and sat down, with the rest of the Lower School community.

The Daisy Ceremony, one of Nightingale’s most beloved traditions, honors Class IV’s ascension from Lower School to Middle School. Each division holds a ceremony to honor a Nightingale student’s completion of their respective divisions: the Daisy Ceremony for Lower School, Moving Up for Middle School, and of course, Commencement for Upper School.

Head of Lower School Rebecca Urciuoli, PhD, kicked off the ceremony by reflecting on each class and their growth over the last school year. She turned to Class IV, reflecting not only on their year as leaders of the Lower School, but their entire time in the division. She noted how they started Kindergarten in September of 2020 and, while they began at Nightingale in pods, the Class of 2033 grew to be a family.

“Class IV, I can tell each and every one of you that we will always remember you and the magic you have brought to the fourth floor these past five years,” Dr. Urciuoli said. “You have been strong leaders of the Lower School, and we know that your joyful, kind spirit and intellectual curiosity and drive will travel with you to Middle School. Congratulations, Class IV. We are all so proud of you.”

As she concluded, Eleanor B. ’33 and Isabel H. ’33 stood up quickly and announced that Class IV had something to say. As a familiar tune started playing, Dr. Urciuoli beamed while finding a spot in the crowd. A surprise to everyone in the audience, the Class of 2033 performed a Nightingale-ified version of Natasha Bedingfield’s “These Words” and signed a heart during the chorus of “I love yous” to show their appreciation for their Head of Lower School. They had secretly practiced in advance of the ceremony to share how much they appreciated Dr. Urciuoli.

Each Lower School grade then stood to sing a song they had selected for the ceremony. In each song, students offered words of wisdom to their Class IV peers—some even with a few choreographed dance moves. Kindergarten sang “I’m Not Perfect,” Class I sang “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, Class II sang “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman, and Class III sang “I’ll Be Riding Shotgun” by George Ezra.

After Head of School Paul Burke addressed the Class of 2033, underscoring the messages in these performances, Class IV sang “Be a Light” by Thomas Rhett, and a mashup of “Roar” by Katy Perry and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

The Class of 2033 took turns picking up a daisy as they made their way off stage. In pairs and side by side, they raised the daisies overhead, forming an archway. Kindergarteners through Class III class made their way through until finally it was time for Class IV. They took turns passing under the arch, beaming as they made their way through, each emerging as Middle Schoolers.