8th-grade Promotion

by Brandan Giltner, Assistant K-8 Principal

Congratulations to the promoting class of 2008. Tuesday, May 20th marked the day for Jefferson County North 8th graders completion of their elementary/middle school education and transition to continuing their learning at the high school level. The morning of the 20th included promotion practice and the cleaning out of their lockers. Mrs. Jennings, Mr. Giltner and the JCN cooks provided the 8th graders and the MS staff with a luncheon of pizza, salad, bread, brownies, and ice cream. They then spent the afternoon helping the 3rd-5th graders participate in their AR carnival. Upon return that evening, the class made their final walk across the stage confirming their completion of middle school.

The class, whose motto, “We’ll go far, we’ll be great, promoting class of 2008“ processed in the gym led by the 7th grade escorts of Cory Noll, Tony Peres, Kymee Noll, and Allison Gaspard as the 6th and 7th grade band played “Pomp and Circumstance”. Black and silver were the chosen class colors evident by the balloons and other decorations that were placed on the stage. A special thank you to the following parents for decorating the stage: Cece Noll, Lynette Brickell, Vicki McAfee, and Deb Koons. Family and friends were greeted at each entrance and given programs by Morgan Wentz, Erin Wallace, Monte Baker, and Jacob GrandPre. Promoting student, Grace Arnold, designed the artwork on the program cover.

Dr. Marshall welcomed everyone to the promotion, which was followed by a few words of encouragement by Mr. Giltner. Mr. Paul Becker on behalf of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home announced the Compassionate Student award to Billy Noll. Mr. Giltner presented Jared Pemberton and Jordan Kramer the Citizenship Award sponsored by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Class speakers, Jordan Kramer and Mary Kern, shared their thoughts and class accomplishments academically, socially, and in the activities they participated in as well as thanking everyone that helped the class succeed.

Mr. Giltner then presented the 8th grade students their diplomas with the assistance of school board members Ron Langston, Karen Edmonds, and superintendent Dr. Tim Marshall. Once each student received their diplomas, the entire class moved to the risers and sang “Lean On Me” under the direction of Tammy Gigstad and accompanied by Rhonda Lindsay. The ceremony was concluded with a video presentation that was produced by the 8th grade Technology class. The video displayed a photo of each student as a young child and then in his or her 8th grade year. It included athletic highlights from all the activities that students participated in this school year. Upon completion of the video, the graduating class of 2012 was presented to the audience and they exited the gym as the band played the school song. Thank you to all the parents for supporting the school and encouraging your child to be as successful as they can be.

Congratulations to the promoting class of 2008. The staff at EMS wish them the best of luck as they continue their education at the high school.