As our eighth-grade students begin turning to face the coming of high school and the closing of their time in elementary education, we honor their growth so far achieved. It is fitting to affirm the potential for new growth that awaits each member of this soon-to-depart class. Ritus, Latin for Ritual, serves to commemorate this unique rite of passage. These young adults will gather to celebrate and to take risks before their teachers and elders who both challenge and support them throughout their journey. We commemorate this time of movement forward while simultaneously attempting to more intentionally claim their unique gifts so that these may be more fully shared with the larger community. We sincerely hope that you can join us and we look forward to your presence.