The Seven Hills School

Lower School closing ceremonies celebrate the students.

Doherty students in grades 1-5 gathered in the courtyard with their families and teachers for the 2026 closing ceremony. Students performed on bucket drums, ukuleles, violins, and more; spoke about their year and what they’re looking forward to; received numerous awards; and closed out the program with the Doherty classic, “Here Comes Summer.”

During the Lotspeich closing exercises, fifth-grade teachers Danielle Levine and Laura OGrady shared touching stories and tributes, highlighting the Lotspeich graduates’ unique contributions to their community. Adding to the festivities, fourth graders performed opening and closing numbers on handbells.

A special congratulations to the Class of 2033!

Congratulations, eighth graders!

During the eighth-grade graduation ceremony, eighth graders shared their reflections and farewells to the Middle School, performed instrumental and vocal musical numbers, and received awards for sportsmanship and distinction.

As a special surprise, eighth-grade teacher Judith Neidlein-Dial revealed the brand new Andy McGarvey award, which, beginning this year, will be given to students who have made a large impact in the Middle School community. Andy McGarvey, after 38 years of teaching at Seven Hills, is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

Here’s to the Class of 2026!

“To all my amazing classmates, thank you for being the most genuine, empathetic, and inspiring people I have ever had the pleasure to grow up alongside. I am continuously uplifted by the kindness of all my peers, the excellence they pursue, and the bright and limitless futures they have already begun creating for themselves,” Nina Head ’26

We couldn’t have said it better, Nina! Congratulations to all of our graduates, and best of luck on all of your next adventures. And remember, once a Stinger … always a Stinger!

The Middle School celebrated a successful Walk-a-Thon with a teacher vs. student dodgeball showdown and the chance to pie three teachers.

The top student fundraisers faced off in a best-of-three match, with students winning the first two games.

Afterward, PE teacher DJ Ross, history teacher Andy McGarvey, and librarian Megan Whitt bravely stepped up to be pied by the top fundraisers. McGarvey, who is retiring this year, made his final official act dismissing students early — but not before a few whipped cream-covered hugs.

Together, we shine!

The Lotspeich spring concert was a lovely tribute honoring friends, families, and neighbors. First through fourth graders performed an array of songs such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” and “We’re All in This Together.” Bravo to all of our student performers!

Doherty fifth graders and their families celebrated with breakfast in the Doherty Library before they move on to sixth grade next year. Doherty librarian Jo Schnirring compiled a video slideshow of the fifth graders throughout their time at Doherty, a longtime tradition. When students are eventually seniors, Lifers gather again to watch the very same video!