Schools
Rosemont Promotion Ceremony Sends Eighth Graders Off
There were misty skies and misty eyes at the eighth grade promotion ceremony.
Over 600 eighth graders were promoted during a morning ceremony on June 16 in the school's amphitheatre. A thick layer of drizzle blanketed the crowd of parents and family members who gathered to support and celebrate their children's momentous morning.
The processional had students walking to their seats as the Pomp and Circumstance March Number 1 in D Major played. , Rosemont's student body president, welcomed those in attendance and led the pledge of allegiance. Eighth grade student body president Jaslyn Pe introduced the guests. Then, the crowd was treated to student and administrator speeches.
"Pause a moment to savor our accomplishments. Right now we are all equal as students as we are all optimistic about our future. Our parents have housed us and loved us and helped us to be capable of success," said student Liam Huber during the first farewell speech of the morning.
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Student Anita Martosian reflected on fun memories and events during her two years at Rosemont. "I loved being able to have the semi-formal dance because we were given the opportunity to be treated like adults," she said.
Student McKenna Middleton spoke as well. "We are ready to promote, grow and further ourselves. Middle school is like the training wheels you shed before you go on to ride the big bike that is high school," she said. "We have made countless friends who walked with us through it all. I know we may be separated in high school, but we have a special bond. We will encounter many new possibilities and I know we will make the best of them."
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Several awards were presented during the ceremony. Ann Lee received the Marilyn Zimmer Fine Arts Award. The Lois Neil Literature award was given to Liam Huber. Amanda Kahn received the Mabel Morse Leadership Award. Angela Kwan was honored with the Jack Silberstein Math Award. The Assistant Principal Award was given to Tony Merzion and Chris Montgomery.
Suraj Parthasarathy was the final student speaker to address the audience. "We are a family. We can agree that Rosemont is quite the place to learn," he said. "Dr. Livingston and her positive attitude and motivational words make a difference in our lives. She is dedicated to helping each of us on the road to academic and social success."
Livingston addressed the students by saying "may your thirst for learning and understanding never be satisfied. Be true to yourself through all of life and lead yourselves toward a brighter future. I am proud of all of you. Go out there and do good things. Good luck!"
Dr. Sheehan gave advice to parents in the audience. "I encourage you parents to stay involved in your children's lives as they enter high school. You students need to be involved in both academic and co-curricular activities. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to be involved."
Mary Boger of the GUSD School Board piggybacked on this theme. "Get involved when you get to high school," she said to the students. "Find your special place and be a part of your new school."
After students received their graduation certificates, they exited to the "Star Wars" theme song. Parents congratulated their children with floral bouquets, leis, balloons and hugs on the grassy field in the back of the school.
