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

Girl Scouts 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. James Exum and Colby Watts gave Spanish orations.

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

Fifth grade teacher Ann O'Brien 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 was Paisley Rogers.

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 was Fisher Moore.

Melissa McGown presented the Helen C. Murray Geography Award on behalf of her mother. 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 was James Exum.

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 was Isabelle Conroy. Isabelle participated in a phone-a-thon for the Ronald McDonald House where she made calls to ask for donations. She raised $1,000 on her own! This recipient has also done service projects with the Boys and Girls Club, participated in the Rump Run to benefit the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation and made Easter baskets for kids in the hospital for Lana’s Love. She is also a member of the CARES Council here at Bright School.

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 awards:

The Benjamin W. Kilbride Scholarship was presented by Ben’s sister Addie Kilbride '06 and his mother Mary Kilbride. 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. She is caring and respectful of her peers and is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Her enthusiasm and passion for learning make him a great classroom partner and a fantastic friend.

This year’s winner was Kittrell Corbitt.

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 student has demonstrated overall excellence in all classes, earning the highest cumulative grade point average in reading, writing and math.

The recipient of the Z. Lupton Patten Scholarship was Roger Caputo.

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 Flag Football, The Bright School Basketball team and Tri kids basketball. He has received the Bright Fit award every year he has been a student at Bright. 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 was Hudson Fuller.