A Last Day of School Tradition — 8th Grade Recognition

On Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m., the 2024-2025 school year officially ended. But first it was time for the 8th graders to have their moment in the sun in front of a large crowd of friends and family. This year’s program attendants were 6th graders Laney Forseen and Cooper Jacobs-Fuller and 7th graders Jameca Helm and Bentley Wood.

The 47 members of the Class of 2029 came into the auditorium to the sounds of “Shut Up and Dance” which went along with their exuberant mood.

They were welcomed by Principal Scott Kracht, and then they watched the class video. It was put together by the 4th quarter student council 8th graders that included Aubry Farnsworth, Jaylynn Hopping, Rhys Nelson, Isabella Parker, Camile Addun, Lilly Coffin, Emma DeHart, Louise Edgington, and Sophie Smith.

Mr. Ben Bence then gave the Presidential Achievement award to several honorees. This award recognizes the effort and determination the recipients have put into overcoming challenges and improving their skills. It serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to great achievements. The students receiving this award were Lilly Coffin, Blake Connor, Olivia Crossett, Johnathan Gallup, Rili McPherson, Nevaeh Mincks, and Jalen Reynolds.

Mrs. Heather Sharp gave out the “Tiger Way” certificates. A recipient of this award has shown grit, personal responsibility, and service. They have faced challenges with resilience, determination, and hard work without giving up. Their character inspires those around them and positively impacts their school and community. Those receiving this award were Ryan Burk, Lilly Coffin, Blake Connor, Olivia Crossett, Zane Long, Sophia May, Keira McBeth, Nevaeh Mincks, and Jalen Reynolds.

Mrs. Tori Kenel presented the Academic Achievement awards that are presented to students who have achieved outstanding academic success. It celebrates those students that have demonstrated exceptional effort, determination, and commitment to their studies throughout MS and have maintained a “B average for at least five semesters, placing them on the honor role. The students receiving this award were Camile Addun, Taryn Brown, Grace Chandler, Lilly Coffin, Blake Connor, Olivia Crossett, Emma DeHart, Aubry Farnsworth, Johnathan Gallup, Allison Gillip, Nevaeh Mincks, Joedon Nelson, Isabella Parker, Tatem Reed, Kylea Schwenker, and Linken Welcher.

She then presented the Academic Excellence award. It celebrates the students who have shown a deep commitment to learning and a drive to excel in various subject areas. They have achieved all “A’s” for five semesters placing them on the high honor roll. Receiving this award were Loren Jacobs and Keira McBeth.

Mrs. Jennifer Campbell introduced the 2024-2025 student council members. Participation in student council fosters leadership skills and working together for a common goal. Those students were Camile Addun, Taryn Brown, Grace Chandler, Lilly Coffin, Payton Coxsey, Olivia Crossett, Emma DeHart, Louise Edgington, Aubry Farnsworth, Mary Gerst, Allison Gillip, Maxine Haynes, Jaylynn Hopping, Loren Jacobs, Makenna Jacobsmeier, Brylor Lair, Sophia May, Keira McBeth, Emily Miller, Nevaeh Mincks, Joedon Nelson, Rhys Nelson, Isabella Parker, Kylea Strickland, Sophia Smith, Tessa Snyder, Noel Strickland, Kylie Wagner, Linken Welcher, and Bentley and Braxton Wright.

With all the awards finished, Mr. Kracht presented each student with their recognition certificate.

The happy students left the auditorium to the song “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. The lyrics were appropriate for leaving what these 8th graders have known for the last three years as they transition to high school: “ I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined, I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned.”

Best of luck as 9th graders and get to “writing” Class of 2029.