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ACADEMIC NEWS
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CLASS OF 2016 CELEBRATES 8TH-GRADE COMMENCEMENT The 65 members of the PCDS eighth-grade class celebrated their commencement on Wednesday, May 30, in a ceremony attended by parents, faculty, and friends. Each member of the class received a certificate to commemorate their completion of Middle School at PCDS. Eighth-grade students Iya Agha and Mala Bansal acted as emcees, presiding over the ceremony at Camelback Bible Church, across the street from PCDS. After a welcome by Mort Dukehart, Head of Middle School, eighth-grader Stephanie Kay performed on the piano, followed by other musical performances by Jillian Gilburne, Freya Irani, Elle Miraglia, and Natalie Prieb, also members of the class. The student speakers, chosen by their classmates, were Anita Sheih, Tara Dugel, and Jason Greenfield. This year brought a new tradition to the commencement ceremony, the presentation of the Middle School Award. According to Mr. Dukehart, this honor is given to the student who best exemplifies the philosophy of the PCDS Middle School. This year, Jason Greenfield received the award, and five students received Certificates of Merit: Tara Dugel, Sam Garvin, Jillian Gilburne, Oliver Marsden, and Anita Sheih.
22 | 2011-12 Academic News