Graduation Week kickoff: LGA 8th-grade festivities mark commitment to graduate as ‘Class of 2022’

--- Published on May 21st 2018 ---
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LGA promotion ceremony

For these Leroy Greene Academy 8th-graders, the end truly is the beginning – they promoted to high school today in a ceremony that marked the end of their middle school years and a commitment to return to LGA after summer recess with fierce determination to graduate together in four years as the “Class of 2022.” 

While families, friends, teachers and schoolmates cheered this morning, nearly 150 Lion 8th-graders walked across LGA’s stage above a huge “Commitment to Graduate” from high school banner signed by the entire class.  

The banner “reflects your commitment, and we will continue to remind you of this throughout your high school career,” Principal Leslie Sargent told the 8th-graders. “Because in four years, it will be this class walking down the aisle in your caps and gowns, ready to begin your college journey.” 

Besides Sargent, the 8th-graders were greeted onstage by various school and district dignitaries, including Deputy Supt. William Young, Associate Supt. Doug Orr, and LGA Executive Council member Steve Meyer. 

In closing, Sargent urged the 8th-graders, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams in high school. Set goals and strive to achieve them. I believe in you and expect that you will continue to work hard striving to accomplish your goals in high school to graduate college and career ready.” 

Eighth-graders Jaylin Brand, Jayden Fong, Delany Joyce, Khushi Rattu, Kyle Saelee and Aileen Velasquez spoke during the ceremony, expressing pride in their class, gratitude to staff, and determination to succeed. 

“This is a really big step for all of us and it is very exciting to start this new chapter in our lives,” Khushi said. “This commitment to graduate high school ready for college really defines who we are as a group. We all have big dreams.” 

Added Khushi, “We are promising ourselves and others around us that that we will make the effort to take the challenging classes, to stay on the A-through-G (college readiness) path, and to show determination and to persevere when things get tough.” 

Delaney said the Class of 2022 is a “force to be reckoned with” and “with the support of our peers, friends, and teachers, we can change the world. This is only the beginning.” 

Delany urged classmates to be fearless in the years ahead. “Embrace yourself and your hidden qualities. Tell the insecurities that they have no place in your mind, and stand up for what you believe in. Reach out, make a change, and never let your fears hold you back.” 

Five members of LGA’s 8th-grade class received special awards, each representing an element of Lion Pride: Purpose – Ian Mirando; Results – Zariah Jackson; Innovation – Joshua Whitesel; Determination – Adrianna Rubio Perez; and Empathy – Caroline Kocher. 

Dozens of students also were honored for academic prowess, including an 11-member group of students who earned straight A’s for three or more quarters this year: Trevor Adams, Alexzandra Coriloni, Kaylee Heath, Caroline Kocher, Ethan Nguyen, Rishal Prasad, Roderick Quilatan, Khubaib Rashid, Kaimi Sanchez, Lisbeth Santillan and Joshua Whitesel.