Students walk into the Kent County Middle School gym in pairs Thursday, June 11 for the annual eighth-grade promotion ceremony.
Kent County eighth-graders marked a major milestone Thursday, June 11 with the middle school's annual promotion ceremony.
The morning celebration marks the end of the students' middle school career as they officially become rising freshmen at Kent County High School.
Kent County Middle School Principal Mark Buckel and Assistant Principal Kelley Melvin led the promotion ceremony.
They have been at the school for three years now. This was the first class of eighth-graders they worked with from start to finish in the building.
"Today we gather to recognize the growth, perseverance and hard work of our eighth-grade class as they prepare for their next journey. KCMS is rooted in the strength of family, and it is in that spirit of community that we celebrate these outstanding students with immense pride," Buckel told the crowd.
Melvin noted the eighth-grade class also includes the last students she had as an elementary school teacher before becoming an administrator.
"I had the unique privilege of being part of your journey," Melvin said to the students. "Watching you grow over these past several years has been one of the greatest joys of my career."
The ceremony's student speakers were Peyton Queen, who introduced special guests and led the Pledge of Allegiance; Sophia Usilton, who offered opening remarks; Emily Morrone and Colton Watson with the National Junior Honor Society speech; and Caidyn Cox, who gave the student address.
The school's administrative team was joined on stage in the middle school's gym by teachers who handed out awards for the top students in their subject areas.
Among the honorees, Micah Cristobel and Maci Sutton received the Blue and Gold Award for exceptional leadership and citizenship for contributing positively to the school community.
This year's Trojan Award for showing the most growth and improvement during their time at Kent County Middle School was given to Kayla Redding and Denzel Demby.
Redding also received the inaugural Character Counts! Community and Character Award. Presented by Character Counts! Kent County Executive Director Deeanne Jones and Advisory Board Chair Jenna Lechrone, the award is a sculpture of the organization's tree logo that will be kept on display at the school.
The Principal's Award, the most prestigious of the middle school's awards recognizing academics and integrity, was given to Emily Morrone and August Swanson.
In his closing remarks, Buckel highlighted all the students' achievements and recalled special memories of their time at Kent County Middle School.
Buckel said he expects this group students, the rising Kent County High School Class of 2030, to be a powerhouse.
"It was an incredible privilege to watch you grow over these past three years," he told the students.
