ACS celebrated the accomplishments of thirty-four 8th grade students at a promotion ceremony on Thursday, June 13 in the school’s gymnasium. The ceremony began with Cruz Lewis, Hunter Jorgenson, and Reyna Lewis leading the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Following prayer by Luke Phillips, Daniella Ajayi and Madelynne DeNick read Scripture.
Selected by his classmates, Thomas Ellison, Jr. gave the Christian character address followed by a challenge from Class of 2019 valedictorian, Emily Loeb. Before the presentation of awards by Upper School Principal Meg McHale and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, middle school teachers Celine Melody, Lisa Dye, and Sara Coates shared advice and heartfelt farewells to the class.
A number of students were recognized for their accomplishments in academics, music, physical fitness, citizenship, Christian character, and community service. On behalf of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, PTF President Terry Vogel presented a Bible or devotional and a $25 Applebee’s gift card to 15 students who had attended ACS since kindergarten. Mrs. Vogel said the gifts were a way of saying thank you to the families who had made a long-term commitment to Christian education.
Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were presented to students in the 8th grade class:
- Academic Awards for Highest GPA in Bible, History, Language Arts, Math, and Science — Bailey DeLuca, Paige Noble (Bible); Dylan Reilly (CP Language Arts); Paige Noble (Honors Language Arts); Alexandra Lushina (Science, Social Studies, Honors Algebra 1); Moges Johnson (Pre-Algebra); Reyna Lewis (Art). Seven students received certificates for Highest Honors, earning a 3.8 or higher GPA and eight students received High Honors certificates, earning a 3.5-3.79 GPA.
- Christian Education Essay Scholarship ($250) — Tommy Ellison, Jr.
- Citizenship Award, for service to others and to the school — Cruz Lewis, Reyna Lewis
- COMPASS Award, for displaying the fruits of the spirit in everyday life ($50 each) — Tommy Ellison, Jr. and Alexandra Lushina
- Cougar Award, given to a boy and girl student who has demonstrated Christian character, leadership, and responsibility in athletics ($250 each) — Robert Barberio and Paige Noble
- Parent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship, for the best essays on what Jesus says about serving others and how their experiences at ACS have incorporated service — Robert Barberio, 1st place ($400); Madelynne DeNick, 2nd place ($250); and Paige Noble, 3rd place ($100)
- Community Service Award, for demonstrating the “give back” spirit by volunteering in three or more community service activities ($50) — Hunter Jorgenson
Athletic Director Pam Hitchner recognized and awarded a number of students who achieved a ranking of either National (in top 50% percentile nationally) or Presidential (in top 85% percentile nationally) in the Presidential Fitness Awards that incorporated testing on the number of sit-ups done in a minute, the number of pull-ups done in a minute, their run time in the mile, their run time in the shuttle run, and their flexibility when stretching to reach their toes.
CLICK HERE for the photo gallery on the ACS website of the 8th grade promotion program.
