Students from the class of 2027 reflect on what they've loved — and what they'll take away — from their time at the lower school. We're excited to welcome many of our 8th graders to the Cincinnati Waldorf High School next year!!
Rain Qin
Rain started at CWS in 5th grade. His favorite special subject? Woodworking. Favorite Waldorf song? "Home." Rain will always remember the 8th grade canoeing trip to Utah and valued being able to take Algebra II in 8th grade. His advice to rising 8th graders? "Enjoy this year because you'll regret it if you don't."
Sam McDaniel
After attending CWS in his early years, Sam went to another elementary school before returning to CWS in 7th grade. His favorite special subject? Woodworking. Favorite Waldorf song? "Atolemble." Sam especially loves the Michaelmas Festival and will always remember his 7th grade camping trip at Wind Dance Farm, Via Ferrata climbing, and caving. Sam feels that Waldorf has given him a greater appreciation for geology. His advice to rising 8th graders? "Appreciate the amazing field trips!"
Khendal Love
Khendal started CWS in 8th grade. She'll never forget the class canoeing trip to Utah because of the closeness she felt with her classmates and all the things she learned. Khendal's favorite special subject? Handwork. Her favorite Waldorf song? "White Winter Hymnal." Khendal especially loves Wintergarden, and she feels she's learned things at CWS that she wouldn't have learned at any other school. Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Try not to get behind because it is really hard to catch up!"
Khendal was awarded a scholarship to the Cincinnati Waldorf High School for Outstanding Performance in the Arts.
Jonah Cogan
Jonah started at CWS in 7th grade. He'll never forget canoeing down the Green River on the 8th grade canoeing trip. His favorite special subject? PE. His favorite Waldorf song? "The River She Is Flowing." Jonah especially loves May Day, and he feels that Waldorf education has given him a deeper understanding of the subjects he's studied. His advice to rising 8th graders? "Enjoy the freedom you get!"
Raven Schewe
Raven has been at CWS since 3rd grade. She says she's enjoyed all her class field trips, but says, "The 8th grade canoeing trip will always stand out." Her favorite special subject? Raven says it's a toss up between Handwork and Languages. Her favorite song depends on the season, but she has special memories of attending Holiday Faire. Raven says that Waldorf has taught her to "think differently." She adds, "There's so much kindness here. In a way, everyone is family." Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Even if you don't feel like going to an event or trip, go! It will be worth it. Make the most of your 8th grade year!"
Elliot Warren
Elliot has been attending CWS since preschool. He loves all special subjects and says,"The 8th grade trip will be in my memory forever." Elliot's favorite Waldorf song? "Atolemble." He feels Waldorf has been a unique experience. His advice to rising 8th graders? "Don't listen to toxic people. You don't need false friends."
Claire Scheid
Claire started attending CWS in NatureTots. She'll never forget the 8th grade trip or visiting the Hill and Hollow Farm in 3rd grade. She especially loves Holiday Faire and Lantern Walk. Claire's favorite special subject? PE. Her favorite Waldorf song? It's a tie between "Spring Is Coming" and "Sweet the Evening Air of May." Claire says that Waldorf education gave her room for creativity and allowed her to become her own person. Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Always do your homework as soon as you can, and have fun on your 8th grade trip!"
Ty Lyons
Ty started at CWS in 7th grade. He loved the field trip his class took to Sawyer Point. His favorite special subject? Strings! His favorite Waldorf song? "Da Pacem Domine." Ty especially loves May Day and says his favorite memory was joining Advanced Orchestra. Ty feels that Waldorf has opened up more opportunities for his future. His advice to rising 8th graders? "Stay focused on what you love. Don't let anyone get in the way of your goals."
Ty Lyons received a scholarship to the Cincinnati Waldorf High School for Outstanding Citizenship.
Noah Jones
Noah has been at CWS since 1st grade. Noah loved Via Ferrata climbing but will also always remember the 8th grade canoe trip where he bonded with friends and got to know his classmates better. His favorite special subject? PE. Favorite Waldorf song? "Sacred Being I Am." Noah says Waldorf has given him the chance to learn things he never thought he would, such as cello and Mandarin. His advice to rising 8th graders? "The 8th grade year goes by quickly, so savor it."
Talia Stachowski
Talia started at CWS in NatureTots. She really enjoyed going to the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's production of "As You Like It." Talia's favorite special subject? Handwork. Her favorite Waldorf song? "The Coffee Round." Talia's favorite festival is Holiday Faire, and she says she's been at CWS too long to choose one special memory. But, she says, Waldorf has taught her to appreciate nature and think outside the box. Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Do your homework as soon as you get it. Work hard on your 8th grade project in the fall so you have plenty of time to prepare the speech and the board!"
Mikaela Ramberg
Mikaela started at CWS in 7th grade. Her favorite field trip was going to the Little Miami River. Mikaela's favorite special subject? PE. Her favorite Waldorf song? "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Mikaela especially loves Field Day, and one of her favorite memories is eating Cheetos and Skittles with Serene and Sammi on a class camping trip. Mikaela feels that Waldorf education has enhanced her drawing skills. Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Have fun, and spend your time wisely!"
Nileen Samdaria
Nileen has been attending CWS since NatureTots. She especially loved the 8th grade field trip, and she says that all the experiments in physics and chemistry will stay in her memory. Holiday Faire is her favorite festival. Nileen's favorite special subject? Handwork. Her favorite Waldorf song? (So many! But ...) "Oh, River." Nileen says that Waldorf teaches things differently, in an artistic way, and that has made her think outside the box and appreciate nature more. Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Make the most out of your 8th grade year because it only comes once. GO ON THE 8th GRADE TRIP! It's definitely worth it, and you get to know your friends better. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!"
Harlow Storms
Harlow started attending CWS in 7th grade. They'll always remember doing Via Ferrata climbing. Their favorite special subject? Choral. Favorite Waldorf song? "The Wheel." Harlow especially loves Wintergarden. They made amazing friends at the Cincinnati Waldorf School, which was a "great experience" compared to public school. Their advice to rising 8th graders? "Have fun on your big trip!"
Finn Simpson
Finn started attending CWS in 6th grade. He loved the 8th grade camping trip and the Mandarin trip to Chicago. His favorite special subject? Woodworking. His favorite Waldorf song? "The River She Is Flowing." Finn especially loves Michaelmas and has fond memories of the class's recent Asia projects. "Everything about it was fun," says Finn, who especially enjoyed making the map and trying everyone's dishes. Finn is grateful to Waldorf for allowing him to play the violin. His advice to rising 8th graders? "The 8th grade is no joke! Get started on your work as soon as you can."
Samantha Hummel
Samantha started at CWS in 6th grade. Her favorite trip was going to the Little Miami. Samantha's favorite special subject? PE. Favorite Waldorf song? "Spring Is Coming." Samantha will always remember seeing the stars — and noticing how pretty they are and how they are always changing — during the 8th grade trip. Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Go on your 8th grade trip because you'll always remember it."
Chloe Bollman
Chloe began at CWS in the middle of 8th grade. Her favorite field trip was the ski trip. Chloe's favorite special subject? Handwork. Favorite Waldorf song? "Oh The River She Is Flowing." She especially loves May Day and having the same people in all her classes. Chloe says that Waldorf teaches in a more creative and artistic way than other schools. Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Do your homework."
Bella Stone
Bella has been at CWS since 2nd grade. Bella has so many favorite memories - Via Ferrata climbing, skiing, studying Norse mythology in 4th grade, playing the "Flower Fest" game during 4th grade recess, and the 8th grade canoe trip! Bella's favorite special subject? Handwork. Favorite Waldorf song? "Atolemble" and "Tree Song." Bella's favorite festivals are May Day and Holiday Faire. Bella says that Waldorf education has given her "a different view of the World" and the ability to sew. Her advice to rising 8th graders? "Enjoy it! It will be over before you know it. Don't procrastinate!"
Bella Stone received a scholarship to the Cincinnati Waldorf High School for Outstanding Performance in Academic Studies.
Ethan Ungru (*Not pictured)
Ethan started attending CWS in 8th grade. He especially enjoyed going to the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's production of "As You Like It." Ethan's favorite special subject? PE. Favorite Waldorf song? "The Wheel." Ethan especially loves celebrating Wintergarden. Ethan remembers a time in Strings when he and another student played the wrong notes and to comic effect. He feels he's learned to write good essays during his time at CWS. His advice to rising 8th graders? "Do everything you can to be comfortable."
Want to learn more about the amazing 8th grade trip mentioned in so many of these student profiles? Check out Ms. Harris's photo essay here.