FIFTH GRADE KNIGHTING
This is Graland’s most beloved tradition. I have never met an alumnus or alumna who did not rhapsodize over this event; many still have their shields. This is the last excerpt from Rosemary Fetter’s book-- a bittersweet moment for me.
Like many traditions, knighting has undergone some changes since Mrs. Gorham established the knighting ceremony as a part of the study of the Middle Ages. With Mrs. Priest’s as the protector of the realm, the importance of knighting flourished.
Fifth graders after studying the Middle Ages and reading about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table go through the process of being pages.
Mrs. Fetter writes. . .
“After submitting written reports detailing their activities, the children advance to squires. They write speeches and design/paint shields.
“The evening before the ceremony the children fast and maintain silence from dinner until the ceremony. . . The children wear smocks and tights, like the medieval squires. . .
“ Students are presented to the sixth-grade court -- a king, a queen, archbishop, and chancellor. With parents in attendance, fifth-graders recite their speeches, explaining why they deserve knighthood. . . After the ceremony, the new knights form a procession outside for pictures and then enjoy a banquet.”
We are especially grateful that Mitch Masters has continued this tradition.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
