Elwood Middle School held a special ceremony for eighth graders moving on to Elwood-John H. Glenn High School on June 20. Principal Christina Sapienza, who is wrapping up her first year of service as the EMS principal, initiated this new tradition that will continue on for years to come.

Students entered the middle school auditorium to upbeat music as family members, teachers, administration, and Board members looked on, ready to celebrate the students in this special time. After the pledge, the select chorus, under the direction of Laura Fisher, led all in attendance in a beautiful rendition of God Bless America.

Dr. Sapienza welcomed all those in attendance, and thanked the district for a wonderful first year as principal.

“Since day one, I’ve felt so embraced by this community, and from the bottom of my heart I thank all of you,” said Dr. Sapienza. “And to my first eighth-grade class—each and every one of you is so special and unique, especially in the way you take care of one another. Never stop. And,” she added, “I’m so lucky to have felt taken care of by you all, as well.”

In addition, she encouraged them to take chances in every opportunity possible in the future, and remarked that even though the EMS community will miss them, they’re beyond excited to see what chances each student will choose to take.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert, Board of Education President Julia Fried, and Assistant Principal Dawn Valle addressed the graduating class, and wished them the best in all of their future endeavors as well, and offered many words of wisdom.

Student council president Alexandra Haddad also took a moment to congratulate her classmates, and to encourage them to take advantage of whatever opportunities present themselves in the future.

“As we leave this place, we’ll continue to learn and grow,” she said, “and it’s up to us to choose the best direction to steer our lives in.”

Departmental and character awards were given to deserving students, and when it came time to receive recognition for moving up, students walked proudly across the stage and received a blue carnation from Dr. Sapienza or Mrs. Valle. The room was buzzing with excitement as each student stepped towards the new season of life as a high school student.