By Kevin Mittal ’15, Staff Writer

The beginning of the year officially ended for the sixth graders on Friday, November 12th. While the freshmen have their “lock-in,” the sixth grade has its annual bowling trip at the Hanover Lanes Bowling Center, at which the forty-five students of the Class of 2017 have their first real bonding experience. Accompanying the sixth graders were adult chaperones and the 8th grade peer leaders, who have been dedicated in helping their wards assimilate into the NA community.

The 8th grade peer leaders are chosen at the end of their seventh grade year so that they can guide the new students of the sixth grade. While they do not play as instrumental a role as the Senior peer leaders, they are still key in the success and growth of new students. As 8th grade peer leader Anurima Sharma says, “The job of a peer leader is to help younger students adjust to the school and to make them feel welcome.” Peer leaders are “useful when students feel uncomfortable talking to teachers and advisors.”

The sixth grade recently held School Council position elections on Friday, November 19th, further breaking them into Newark Academy life. As usual, there was an excess of students who applied for positions in the Council, which led to multiple rounds of voting. Unlike other classes however, the sixth grade cannot have a President or Vice-President. Instead, four equal representatives are chosen until the end of the year, when distinct roles are then assigned.

This year’s representatives for the Class of 2017 are Alex Chang, Joelle Gross, Dana Press, and Sanya Bery. Many are veteran council members from their former schools.  Alex Chang even announced his experience during his election speech in order to distinguish himself from the mass of other candidates.

These speeches were loud and creative. Joelle Gross dressed up as a chef for her speech. She remarked, “Even though we are the smallest, I will make sure our voices are heard the loudest,” a bold campaign promise to her young and small grade.  Clearly, the elected students are filled with energy, eager to fully integrate themselves into the Middle School Council.

By bonding with each other and committing to having their voices heard, the young sixth graders have finally completed their rite of passage into the Newark Academy community.