As the 2024-2025 school year kicks off, a new class of Freshmen joins the Upper School and begins to find its way in clubs, sports, classes, and the Benjamin community as a whole.
This year, the Freshman class is 123 students strong, with 90 moving up from our middle school campus. Joining these veterans are new students from various different schools around the Palm Beaches, including Palm Beach Day Academy and Rosarian.
“This class is a bit smaller than previous years due to fuller 8th grade classes rising up from our Middle School and fewer students leaving. We have 33 new 9th graders in 24/25 compared to 39 in 23/24 and 45 in 22/23,” explained Mr. Chris Nordland, Associate Director of Enrollment Management.
To introduce the ninth graders to the Upper School campus, an orientation was held on Monday, August 12. Students heard from leaders of the Benjamin School, such as Head of Upper School, Mr. Fletcher Carr, Head of School, Mr. David Faus, and Freshman Dean, Dr. Amanda Pierman. After this, the freshmen were separated into their respective advisories for a school-wide scavenger hunt, allowing them to get a tour and find their classes. Spearheading this activity were the class of 2026’s peer advisors.
Freshman Peyton Welke shared, “Orientation day was so much fun. It was great to see the school. I enjoyed getting to find the classes and important places on the campus during the scavenger hunt.”
Although moving from middle school to high school can be intimidating, many students are looking forward to exploring their passions and interests on this new campus.
Maddie Amorosino, a new student from All Saints Catholic School, is thrilled to join the cheerleading team: “The Benjamin cheer team is very welcoming and fun. I’m excited to go to the football games and cheer with the team in high school.”
“I’m excited to get to know more upperclassmen and new people in my grade. I also really want to join different clubs and activities. In middle school, we really only had student council, so I’m really happy that we have many more options here. I am interested in joining fashion club and taking art classes,” said Welke.
While the Freshmen have many hobbies that they will get to delve into on campus, they also have interests outside of school. Here are some fun facts to help the entire Benjamin community get to know the class of 2028 a bit better.
The freshman class believes that a few movies or shows everyone should watch are Gossip Girl, Breaking Bad, and Star Wars. When asked what their best superhero name would be, some of the responses included Ferocious Kitty, Time Warper, Electra, and Super Mike. Some of their theme songs for the summer were 28 by Zach Bryan, Pink Matter by Frank Ocean, and Video Games by Lana del Ray.
Along with this new ninth grade comes many hopes and goals from the faculty and administration, “As with any new class, my first goal is for them to have a smooth transition and feel welcomed upon arrival. After that, I hope they connect as a class and grow together,” exclaimed Mr. Nordland.
The 2024 Freshmen class seems to be a great addition to the Upper School, hoping to meet new people, learn new things, and immerse themselves in all that Benjamin has to offer. Welcome class of 2028, have a wonderful year!
