Proud parents and younger middle school students started to pile and fill the sidewalks as they prepared for the rising freshmen class to appear and make their way across the bridge.
The crossing of the bridge, which takes place every year for graduating eighth graders to signify their official entry into high school, took place on June 16, 2023. Wearing bright yellow Kisses for Kyle T-shirts, it was hard to miss such a significant moment in time for the Class of 2027.
“It was really amazing to see how many people care for me and all of these amazing people,” rising freshman Leah Reece said. “It just really put everything into perspective, and it was really cool.”
Entering the high school officially for the first time as middle school graduates, each student got to pat the head of the panther statue located by the door.
“I did pet the Panther, and it felt great,” rising freshman Ethan Lin said. “It felt like a sign of respect being there. It reminded me that if you don’t respect people, they won’t respect you. That’s what I was thinking as I pet the Panther.”
The eighth grade awards ceremony, which is dedicated to honoring accomplished graduates, occurred after the bridge crossing in the high school auditorium.
Academic awards were presented during the first part of the ceremony, with other distinguished awards in the second half.
“The Faculty Award and the Panther and Principal Awards… those are the most distinguished awards that all of the faculty vote on,” eighth grade discovery team leader Mrs. Cobb said. “They look at their grades, character, accomplishments, talents, how helpful they have been, and how they utilize their talents for the middle school community.”
“It was a tremendous honor to be able to present most of these awards to some very worthy students,” Cobb said.
Middle school teachers including Mr. Fili, Mrs. Chapman, Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Domsky, and others announced the award winners. These students were called up to the stage, where hugs, smiles, and even tears commenced.
Middle School Principal Dr. Chris Matsanka delivered a speech that received a standing ovation by the graduating class.
“I won the Theater Arts Award. It hit me pretty hard because it’s been a very fun three years with the theater program, and I’m really going to miss Ms. Elsheakh, and just everyone and community all together,” Reece said.
There was also a tribute video dedicated to the Class of 2027 made by Mrs. Cairone-King and several graduates. With parts including class pictures, Connections photos, and memories such as the day trip to Hershey Park, the video evoked applause and emotions from the students.
During the ceremony, the eighth grade service project volunteers announced that the class of 2027 raised $11,465 from their service project to be donated to the Kisses for Kyle Foundation, an organization that assists families in the Delaware Valley region who are battling childhood cancer.
Class of 2027 advisers will be Mr. Andrew Perella and Mrs. Valeria Szeliga. The two delivered a speech expressing their excitement to help the new freshmen get involved and make the most of their freshman year.
Next year’s Student Council president Lola Babin and vice presidents Madeline Bonhomme and Zane Malarkey introduced themselves to the incoming freshmen and offered advice for high school.
The end of the ceremony marked a new beginning for the Class of 2027. There is much for the new freshmen to look forward to as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
“I’m most looking forward to all the opportunities,” Lin said. “Like the speech said, there are over 50 electives, so I hope that I can try at least five of them.”
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