Moving On: JGMS Graduates Become the BHS Class of 2021

July 11, 2017
Congratulations to the rising BHS Class of 2021 – Courtesy image (c) Susan DiGangi, 2017 all rights reserved

Compiled by The Bedford Citizen

Imani Jones delivered the 2017 Honors Essay – Image (c) Susan DiGangi, 2017 all rights reserved

Celebrating their transition to high school, the John Glenn Middle School honored its graduating eighth-grade class with a “Moving On” ceremony on June 21, 2017. The ceremony was followed by a dinner and dance, sponsored by the JGMS Middle School Parent Association (MSPA).

To begin the annual ceremony, Principal Kevin Tracey introduced Sydney Daniels, “a student with honor and integrity [who] exemplifies the best of our core civic values at JGMS” to recite the Pledge of Allegiance before the Eighth Grade Chorus, under the direction of Amy Budka, sang The Star-Spangled Banner.

In describing this year’s graduates, Principal Tracey quoted “the words of your teachers and staff who know you best: This is an endearing class.  At times a little restless and at times a little goofy, but with a genuine interest in learning.  They are an engaged, insightful and intellectually curious group.”

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“The [class] chose to remain focused on what we should all expect out of our democracy and what role they can play as responsible citizens,” noted Principal Tracey. “As a body, they expressed a sincere interest in improving our JGMS community and the Bedford and Global communities — attending protests for women’s rights; in advocacy for the sciences and the environment; showing activism by getting the dress code changed; attending leadership conferences; and standing up against any anti-Semitic or racial prejudice.”

Imani Jones presented the 2017 Honor Essay, sharing reflections of his time at JGMS. The essay is a mandatory writing assignment for all eighth-grade students, however submitting it to be considered for the award is voluntary. Among those essays submitted, teachers nominated the best as finalists, the students presented their essays to their peers, and the student audience voted to select the honoree.

Eighth grade English teachers Pat Stephen and Kelsey Little presented Academic Recognition Awards to the following students:

  • Excellence in English: James Brosgol, Isabel Hon-Anderson, Emily Kociubes, and Shaan Manocha
  • Excellence in Social Studies: Caitlin Connors, Brendan Coyne, and Jeremy Ngooi
  • Excellence in Mathematics: Katherine Fhu, Sophia Gitlin, Kristina Huber, and Evan Majoras
  • Excellence in Science: James Brosgol, Charlotte Livingston, Maitri Dedhiya, and TJ Zovko
  • Excellence in Foreign Language: Caitlin Connors, Aidan Crotty, Sophia Gitlin, and TJ Zovko
  • Excellence in Art: Lily Barsam-Thompson
  • Excellence in Music: Mina Bostwick, Brendan Coyne, Isabella Santiago, and TJ Zovko
  • Excellence in Physical Education and Wellness: Mina Bostwick and Sam Speciale
  • Excellence in Engineering Education: Brendan Coyne and Julia Silverstrone
  • Promising Young Writer: Mina Bostwick
  • Geography Bee: Riley Daniel
  • Citizenship: Mina Bostwick, Andrew Kim, Michaela O’Brien, and CJ Swaby

Principal’s Awards, given to students who exemplify the characteristics of kindness, selflessness, and respect for others, were presented to Shaan Manocha and to Lily Barsam-Thompson.

The graduates were then presented with certificates and congratulations from Principal Tracey and Vice Principal Matthew Mehler.

After the ceremony, it was time to party

Double click the following images to see them at full size – Images (c) 2017 Susan DiGang & Tracy Card

An army of parent volunteers transformed the JGMS cafeteria, hallways and gym into a tropical beach paradise. The entrance to the cafeteria became a beach-themed boardwalk with “advice from the big ocean.” The students feasted on food donated by local area restaurants, followed by Bedford Farms ice-cream and delicious desserts provided by 8th-grade parents.

After dinner, there was a photo booth and a walk down memory lane where the walls were lined with photos of the students throughout their lives. The gym became a tropical paradise for fun and dancing.

About Moving On

Moving On has been a JGMS tradition for 20 or more years. Neetu Devdas and Paula Gilarde chaired this year’s event, with key committee heads Noreen Garrity, Beth Venuti, Kristen Marcus, Heather Patterson, Elaine Herzog, Jessica Fair, Andrea Barney, Robin Steele, Jane Patterson, and Anne Caron, along with a host of parent volunteers whose contributions are warmly appreciated.

Moving On could not have occurred without its outstanding sponsors. For the complete list, please visit the MSPA website.

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