Graduated and Moving Forward
8TH GRADE GRADUATION
Every year, there is one goal in mind, for our 8th grade students, anyway. That would be the days of celebration surrounding their graduation. 8th grade graduation may not seem like a big deal to many. But, upon this event, our students move onto varying high schools. So for Lonedell, 8th grade graduation is in fact quite an event.
This year, students were first treated to a pizza party and dance. The next day, parents hosted a down home, country dinner of fried chicken, pulled pork and all of the trimmings. After they filled their bellies, they played old fashioned games such as tractor, stick horse, and potato sack races. There might also have been some silly string involved. Then students watched a video memorializing their 8th grade year and signed autograph books.
The next day, surrounded by a large group of friends and family, our students took the stage to turn their tassels. A class poem was read by Dylan B. and Hailee F., and awards were given for a variety of achievements, included academic, citizenship, attendance and activities. Our top five students were honored. Those students are Callie S., Austin M., Gracie S., Cenzie L., and Calyn L. The citizenship award was given to Gibson B., his accolade stating, "This students is polite and caring, and always respectful to all adults in his precense."
The top two academic students addressed the crowd. Cenzie L., Salutatorian, spoke of the 9 years she has spent at Lonedell, remembering some of her favorite times and the support she has felt from her family, friends, and her class. Calyn L., Valedictorian, said how she had grown up at Lonedell, learned how to work hard from her coach, and will especially miss being "just down the hall" from her mother who serves as a second grade teacher at Lonedell. Both girls spoke of the excitement of new things to come in high school.
After the issuing of diplomas, cheers, and a few tears, students and their guests were invited to a reception of cupcakes and lemonade. The pride we have in this class is outstanding. We know that they will do great things in high school and beyond. While they will not be together as a single group, Cayln said it best, "Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat."
KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION
Our kindergarten students were not left out of the graduation festivities. After a video showing titled From Seed to Flower, which documented the students' adventures of kindergarten, the little ones took the stage. They entertained family and friends with several songs. Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Smith spoke of the joys they have experienced by having their own children in this group of young people. Each child was introduced and given their diploma in front of a letter expressing thanks to people important to them.
Friends and family cheered as they sang one last song, ABC You Later. Afterwards, guests were treated to cupcakes and lemonade. We will see these children back for first grade next year!