A large crowd jammed into Franklin Park Middle School gym Tuesday night to watch the 110 8th graders receive their diplomas.
Student Speaker Finley Puricelli noted how simple things were in kindergarten and how through education their lives have been full of change and noting thankfully their dreams can change as well.
In later recapping the highlights of the Class of 2022, Kinsey Jarrett concluded by noting they have even more opportunities before them as they head to high school.
Principal Tyler Lux noted how they overcame the challenges of having their school year interrupted in sixth grade by COVID and how they overcame the challenges to do great things in both7th and 8th grade. He asked the graduates to let their accomplishments be fuel to continue to set and achieve their goals.
“Focus on your positives that you have and eliminate the negatives. As we encourage you over and over, continue to grow and be your best every day.”
Lux noted the most important part of being a Bobcat is being a good person. He suggested they go out of their way to be kind in all things.
Before turning the class over to Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe for the presentation of diplomas Lux said they are excited to see what their future holds.
A number of special awards were presented including the Outstanding Scholar Award to students earning the best possible 4.0-grade point average. They were presented to Aubrey Bandy, Brooklyn Bookhout, Kinsey Jarrett, Jordan Kessler, Abby Onhiser, Finley Puricelli, and Ella Smith.
The Illinois Principal Association’s 8th-grade student of the year is Kinsey Jarrett.
The Beta Club Student of the Year Awards were presented to Natalie Ambuehl and Hunter Malan.
The Don Armstrong Student Council Award went to Ruthie Hays.
The annual Jim Burnes Leadership Award was presented to Finley Puricelli.
The David R. Conklin Outstanding Character Award winner was Johnathan Shipley. The American Legion Awards were presented to Aubrey Bandy and Brody Collier.
Mr. and Mrs. Bobcat were presented to Angel Salgado and Jordan Kessler.
Seven students finished 8th grade with a perfect 4.0-grade point average. Pictured are Aubrey Bandy, Brooklyn Bookhout, Kinsey Jarrett, Jordan Kessler, Abby Onhiser, Finley Puricelli, and Ella Smith.
Beta Club Students of the Year Hunter Malan and Natalie Ambuehl.
Ruthie Hays, the winner of the Don Armstrong Student Council Award.
Student speaker Finley Puricelli was also honored with the Jim Burnes Leadership Award.
David R. Conklin Outstanding Character Award winner Johnathan Shipley.
American Legion Award winners Brody Collier and Aubrey Bandy.
Mr Bobcat Angel Salgado and Ms Bobcat Jordan Kessler.
Kinsey Jarrett talks about highlights of the Class of 2022 during Thursday night’s graduation program.
