Middle school promotes 120 students myeasternshoremd kent county news

Middle school promotes 120 students

By MAEGAN CLEARWOOD Student intern | Posted: Thursday, June 14, 2012 1:00 am CHESTERTOWN ­ More than 120 eighth­grade students last Thursday crowded into the gymnasium where they'd once played basketball, attended class and watched school plays. It was no ordinary school day for the Kent County Middle School class of 2012; the gymnasium was host to their "promotion" ceremony, a celebration of their matriculation into high school.

This is only the second promotion ceremony for KCMS, which opened in the fall of 2012 after middle schools in Chestertown, Galena and Rock Hall consolidated.

Students filed in two­by­two, waving to flashing cameras and cheering family members on the sidelines. Principal Gary McCulloch started off the ceremony by welcoming the students and their families. This was his first year as principal at KCMS after serving as principal at Galena Elementary School.

After a few words, McCulloch opened the stage for the academic award presentation.

Happy girl Newly "graduated" Amber Kerstetter smiles as she receives a congratulatory hug from a friend June 7.

"Graduation is the culmination of all your efforts at KCMS," he said. "These awards are for those who would not take no for an answer."

Thirty­nine students received the President's Education Awards for outstanding academic excellence and achievement.

Tamia Hawkins, Samantha Redman and DaQuan Seymore were recognized for perfect attendance.

Character Counts awards were presented to: Cayla Mabry and Zach Kirby for trustworthiness; Valeria Hernandez Rosas and James Ciganek for respect; Lindsey Elgin and Matt Bigelow for responsibility; Ashley Lawton and Jacob Blyman for fairness; Alexis Johnston and Markel Newnam for caring; and Lakeshia Wright and Austin Black for citizenship.

Andrew Thomas from WCTR recognized the 100th participant in the Junior Disc Jockey Program, which gives students the opportunity to go on the air and "show what good character can lead Help us improve this website towards." Junior DJ Darius Clark received a T­shirt and plaque for his work.

Question 1 of 4 or fewer:

The Chestertown Rotary Technology Awards were presented to Ben Voshell, Chyna Harris and Drew Overall, how satisfied are you with this MacLeod. website?

American Legion member Bob Cleaver gave the Frank M. Jarman Post 36 Citizenship Award to Very dissatisfied Rebekah Skinner in "recognition of possession of high qualities of courage and leadership."

Somewhat dissatisfied

Josh Frey was awarded the Frank M. Jarman Post 36 Americanism Essay Award for his response to Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied the question, "How can I show my patriotism in my country?" His essay will move on to the district level.

Somewhat satisfied The Trojan Awards were presented to Darius Clark and Racheal Nelson, and the Principal's Awards Very satisfied to Lindsey Elgin and Austin Black.

Colleen McNeal, mother of rising high schooler Christopher McNeal, paid tribute to the KCMS class of 2012 as well as the late Whitney Houston with her rendition of "The Greatest Love of All." The musical celebration continued with a performance of "I'll Always Remember You" by the eighth­ grade members of the KCMS chorus.

Before the students walked across the stage to receive their certificates, they listened to parting words from Student Government Association President Vanessa Rojas. For her, leaving KCMS was bittersweet.

"Words cannot explain how much we'll miss these teachers and this school," she said. "I remember back in fifth grade wanting to be in eighth grade, but now it's the opposite. In eighth grade, it felt like we were one big happy family."

Rojas reminisced about some of her fondest memories with her classmates, including "singing on the bus nonstop and laughing in class." She also offered her classmates some advice.

"I know we will walk out into this world knowing right from wrong," she said. "No matter how far down the wrong path you go, you can always turn back."

McCulloch followed with another speech and words of wisdom.

"It's been a beautiful year with you guys. You had some great times this year and you maybe had some tough times, but you did it," he said. "Graduation can be seen as a coming­of­age. You are prepping for a new stage of your life."

He told the students to be themselves, study hard and "don't be in too much of a hurry to grow up.

Dedicate yourself to make the next year even better."

McCulloch then opened the stage for the distribution of promotion plaques.

After they settled back in their seats, the students watched a slideshow of photos from their years at KCMS. Then it was off to the media center for cake and cookies, but more importantly, hugs and congratulations from their family.

"You should know that your moms and dads are very proud of you today. They have high hopes for you and believe in you," McCulloch reminded students before they left the gym one last time. "Today would be a good day to hug them and thank them for supporting you. It's an achievement for them, too."