A number of students were honored with special awards as 95 graduated from eighth grade at Franklin Park Middle School in Salem Friday night.
There was no valedictorian and salutatorian this year with top students competing through an essay contest to be the speaker for their class. Brenna Hays won the competition.
“If we continue moving forward together we will have much success. This year has been tough on some of us, but we got through it with support from our peers, our administration and teachers, and our families. We are stronger and more successful when we have the right people around us to help us and support us as we move through our lives.”
Student speaker Brenna Hays. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Those receiving special honors include five students who earned perfect 4.0-grade point averages in their eighth-grade year. They are Mia Burkett, Addy Lever, Baylee Riddle, Ella Robinson, and Brenna Hays.
Perfect 4.0-grade point students in 8th grade.
Burkett was also recognized as the Illinois Principal Association award winner for outstanding scholarship and character.
The Beta Club Award for leadership, honesty, respect, responsibility, and regard for others were Payton Gullion and Ella Robinson.
Beta Club Award winners Ella Robinson and Payton Gullion. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The Don Armstrong Student Council Award for a student demonstrating outstanding leadership, responsibility, character, integrity, and the willingness to go above and beyond is Brenna Hays.
Don Armstrong Student Council Award winner Brenna Hays. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The annual Jim Burnes Leadership Award was presented to Mya Russell.
Jim Burnes Leadership Award winner Mya Russell. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The David R. Conklin Outstanding Character Award was awarded to Landon Tennyson.
David Conklin Outstanding Character winner Landon Tennyson. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The American Legion Awards given for high character, service, and patriotism was presented to Addy Lever and Avery Gullion.
American Legion Award winners Avery Gullion and Addy Lever. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The Mr. and Ms. Bobcat Award for student-athletes was won by Mya Russell and Payton Gullion.
Ms. Bobcat Mya Russell and Mr. Bobcat Payton Gullion. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
In closing the program before diplomas were presented, Franklin Park Principal Tyler Lux commended the students on their accomplishments and challenged them to get involved in many activities in high school and improve themselves each day.
“Find what motivates you and chase your dreams, but make sure to value relationships in getting to your goals. Beyond high school, set your goals high and continue to apply hard work but also make time for fun along the way. Once again, we are proud of you for your achievements but the most important part of being a Bobcat is being a person of high character. Remember you will make a difference and it is your choice of what kind of difference you will make. Go out of your way to be kind, in all things and good things will happen.”
Lux closed by saying he is excited to see all that they will achieve and impact the world for the good.
2023 Student Historian Addy Lever recalls their time at Franklin Park Middle School. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Franklin Park band performs. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
8th-grade choir members perform. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
