More than 400 family and friends attended the Constantine Middle School 8th grade graduation ceremony held Thursday (May 31) in the high school LGI room.
Student Council President Dylan King led the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem was sung by the Constantine Middle School Choir.
CHS industrial arts teacher Pete Miller addressed the students. Miller has taught industrial arts for 30 years, and in 2009 was awarded the Harold J. Westrienen award for being the most outstanding industrial technology teacher in the state of Michigan by the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society.
“Academics are important. Stay out of the drama that can sometimes occur in high school,” Miller said. “Don’t bully, or talk badly about anyone.”
“In the last ten years I’ve been teaching I’ve told students, ‘We have a deal. I’m supposed to teach and you’re supposed to learn,’” he said. “My job and the job of all teachers is to prepare you to graduate, to be a successful part of society.”
“This school is all about you. That’s why we’re here,” he said. “Don’t be a follower. Do what you feel is right.”
CHS principal Chris Barnes welcomed students to the high school. “This fall, concentrate on passing all your subjects the first time. You’ll do great,” she said. “Today is your day. Congratulations.”
Sam Yoder was honored for receiving all A's for three years at Constantine Middle School at an 8th grade graduation ceremony held Thursday in the high school LGI room. More than 400 people attended. Various awards were presented and a reception was held afterward. "History is my favorite subject. I have no trouble focusing, but you have to study," Yoder said. "You've always got to do your best."
A Power Point presentation on 8th grade was given by Doug Eby.
The faculty next presented school and departmental awards.
Sam Yoder was honored for receiving straight A’s all three years.
Araya VanZile had perfect attendance.
Madison Bowdish, Vanessa Drust, Myranda Gonder, Dylan King, Bailey Potter, Nathan Silveus, Daniel Waterman and Ralph Waterman were on the honor roll all three years.
Ray Bohm presented the principal’s award to Caroline Stacey and Dillon Begley.
The Jack Deller award for the student who has shown tremendous growth was presented to Brendan Martin.
Other awards include: Algebra-Vanessa Drust, Sam Yoder; Art-Ruby Montoya, Landon Kiess; English Language Arts-Vanessa Drust, Sierra Mullins, Sam Yoder; Fit for Life-Bailey Potter, Dan Waterman; Math-Megan Connelly, Travis Long; Science-Myranda Gonder, Dan Waterman; Social Studies-Madison Bowdish, Michelle Lopez, Hannah Naugle, Brandon Anthony; Spanish-Hope Rogers, Tyler Shank and Computers-Trenna Knepper.
Promotion certificates were given to graduates, and a reception was held.
Thanks were extended to sponsors of the event – Chartwells, Dawn Bohm, CMS Student Council, Middle School PIE, parents and staff.
Source: Story and photos contributed by Angie Birdsall.
