Fifth graders were honored today at the annual Fifth Grade Recognition Assembly.

Layton Hill and Elise Marx led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to start the program. The fifth grade and fourth grade hand bell groups and the Bright School Chorus performed during the ceremony. Callista Robin Lund and Walker McKitrick gave Spanish orations.

Fifth graders were recognized for their involvement in after school activities, sports, music groups and lessons, and Advanced Spanish and the German program.

Linda Mines, regent of the Chief John Ross Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Chattanooga and Hamilton County historian, presented two DAR awards.

For the DAR Citizenship Award, students were given this prompt to write an essay about citizenship:

“Throughout the fifth grade year, classes discuss many character traits and shared responsibilities that help each of us to be good citizens in our school, community and country. Describe a good citizen and some of the character traits he/she possess. Include a personal experience or event when you felt a sense of pride being a citizen of our country.” This year’s winner is Layten Hill.

For the DAR History Award, students were given this prompt to write an essay about history:

“After learning about various wars in which the United States has been involved, how do you think these conflicts changed the lives of some or all Americans? Give specific examples to support your thoughts.”

This year’s winner is Callista Robin Lund.

Erin Worthington ’95 presented the Helen C. Murray Geography Award on behalf of her family. Mrs. Murray taught sixth grade at Bright School from 1979 to 1998. The award is based on a deep understanding of geography and an appreciation of other world cultures. Students were administered a national level geography test with the highest score chosen for this award. This year’s winner is James Anderson.

Austin Center ’85 presented the Center Community Service Award in honor of his siblings Sherman, Trent and Celeste, who all graduated from Bright. It is awarded to a fifth grader who demonstrates a commitment to volunteerism, and realizes community service not only enhances our community, but also enriches our lives. This year’s recipient is Elise Marx. Elise spends time volunteering at McKamey Animal Shelter, playing with cats and dogs and helping feed the animals. Elise also created a golf ball stand to sell used golf balls she has collected. These sales have raised over $3,000 to help animals in need at McKamey Animal Shelter and the Humane Society. In addition to service to help animals, Elise also serves in her neighborhood, assisting neighbors with picking up mail, watering plants, and taking care of their pets when they are away.

Fifth grade students who were previously recognized for the Young Southern Student Writers competition, Spelling Bee and Pi Day were named. The fifth grade teachers also recognized the academic excellence of students who maintained a 90 average or above in reading, writing and math.

Fifth grade students who participated in after-school activities and sports were recognized.

Fourth grade award:

The Benjamin W. Kilbride Scholarship was presented by Ben’s friend and classmate Kyle Bianco ‘01. The Kilbride  family and the board of trustees created this scholarship in 2001 in memory of Ben. The scholarship is awarded to a rising fifth grader who is a leader, takes and shows an interest in other students throughout the school, exhibits a contagious enthusiasm for life, and is a student in good standing.

This year’s recipient is the type of student every teacher wants in their classroom. He is caring and respectful of his peers and is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. His enthusiasm and passion for learning make him a great classroom partner and a fantastic friend.

This year’s winner is Logan Winter.

Lupton Winningham ’77 presented two scholarships for rising fifth graders.

The Z. Lupton Patten Scholarship is in honor of Mr. Winningham’s grandfather, who served on the Board of Trustees from 1943 to 1958 and was a great friend and advisor to the school founder, Miss Bright. This scholarship honors the top academic student in the fourth grade. This year, two students tied for this distinction. These students have demonstrated overall excellence in all classes, earning the highest cumulative grade point average in reading, writing and math.

Teachers describe these students as fantastic. They exemplify leadership among their peers and display exceptional academic talent across all subject areas. Their curiosity and thirst for knowledge make them the type of students who will go far in life as they pursue their goals and dreams. We are immensely proud of their hard work and cannot wait to see what they both accomplish in the future.

The recipients of the Z. Lupton Patten Scholarship are Arya Clinebell and James Exum.

The Douglas Beall Moore Jr. Sportsman Scholarship is in honor of Doug, who graduated from Bright School in 1981. He enjoyed sports and P.E. at Bright School. This scholarship is awarded to a fourth grade boy who exemplifies fair play and sportsmanship. This year’s winner participated in cross country, basketball, and track and has received the Bright Fit award. Students who receive the Bright Fit award display safety, positive attitude, listening skills, participation, leadership, and sportsmanship. 

The recipient of the Douglas Beall Moore Jr. Sportsman Scholarship is Fisher Moore.