Shakespeare got it right: Parting is sweet sorrow, indeed, judging from today’s Natomas Middle School Promotion Ceremony.
Nearly 185 Panther 8th-graders walked across an outdoor stage at Inderkum High School this afternoon to symbolize their promotion to high school.
Principal Shea Borges, the lone speaker, told the 8th-graders that she has been “blown away at your determination to make each day better than the last, to learn from your mistakes, and to grow as a person.”
Difficult challenges, perhaps mountainous challenges, lie ahead in high school but keep your perspective, she told students.
“If you look at the mountain as a whole, it may seem impossible, but as you take one step, you are that much closer to reaching the top … Don’t worry about falling, because as long as you fall forward, you’re still traveling in the right direction.”
Borges urged the 8th-graders to visualize where they see themselves in one year and four years – as freshmen and seniors, respectively.
“In four years, you should see yourself in this very seat, wearing this cap and gown, ready to take on the world,” she said.
“If you have determination, perseverance and a positive belief, I know you will make it to the top,” Borges added. “Remember, each person here believes in you, now continue to believe in yourself and you can achieve all that you dream.”
The Panther principal left the 8th-graders with final words of wisdom from the late, great children’s author, Dr. Seuss. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
Panthers honored for Perfect Attendance were: Ciemara Garcia, Tiffany Pham and Navreet Saprai.
Honored for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average their entire 8th grade year were: Daniel Boone, Aaron Henthorne, Alton Ngwio Isika, Mikaela Johnson, Herrick Thomas Legaspi and Tiffany Pham.
Honored as IB Middle Years Program Student of the Year: Duane “DJ” Hercules Jr.
Recipients of Natomas Middle School Department honors were: Math – Mikaela Johnson. Tahasin Rahman; Science – Tiffany Pham, Herrick Thomas Legaspi; Music — Brianna Carter, Herrick Thomas Legaspi; Art – Maryam Tahiri, , Eric Figueroa; World Language – Destinee Foy, Akashdeep Sandhu; English Language Arts – Hannah Strong, Alton Ngwio Isika; Social Science – Estella Ortiz, Joab N. Batiz; Physical Education – Gabriel Menard, Anastacia Monroy.
