Twenty Haines School eighth graders walked the stage in the elementary school gym May 24 as they were promoted to high school.
Student Haley Boron was presented with this year’s Waid Morgan Award by classmate Eli Williamson, given to a student by peer vote who exemplifies academic achievement, citizenship, sportsmanship and active participation in athletics.
Student Council president Lydia Andriesen opened and closed the ceremony, and retiring assistant principal welcomed the group into their next four years.
Musical performances were interspersed through the night. Hali Brownell played piano for Miranda Haddock as she sang “Stay” by Rihanna. Other performances included an acoustic guitar rendition of “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley performed by Brennan Palmieri, and a trumpet trio – Palmieri, Boron and Mark Davis – who played “Gavotte” by Mozart.
Principal Rene Martin awarded 12 students for academic success with the honor award, for attaining honor roll for all four quarters of eight grade. Others were given the presidential award for attaining a 3.5 grade point average for seventh grade and the first two quarters of eighth grade as well as high achievement on test scores.
The class of 2021 also watched a comical video reminiscing on their time in middle school.