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107 8th graders at Franklin Park Middle School were promoted to Salem Community High School during graduation on Tuesday night.

Principal Tyler Lux noted the event was an opportunity to recognize and honor their accomplishments and commitment to education.

“While each of them should take time to celebrate their past accomplishments, including this one…I also encourage them to look to their futures at Salem High School.  And begin making plans on what they would like to accomplish after high school.  In all things I encourage each graduate to get involved with something bigger than themselves and make this world a better place through what they have to offer.”

Kayleigh Jarrett was selected as the student historian for the Class of 2024.  After outlining all of their achievements, she noted.

“Graduates I ask that you learn from the past, and make good decisions in the present because only you can decide your future.”

Quinn Wolfe was selected to speak on behalf of the graduates.  She used Lux’s daily reminder to students to ‘win the day’ in giving a send off to high school.

“As we move on to the next chapter, remember to make every day count.  These 4 years or approximately 6,096 school days from now we will be looking back on our times as Wildcats.  During the years that lie ahead, there will be days of incredible opportunity filled with obstacles, challenges, and failures in which to learn from and overcome.  And days before moments in time we will never forget.  If our focus remains on winning each day, our high school days and beyond have the potential to add up to something very special.”

A number of special awards were handed out.  Lauren Brubaker, Troy Keele, Nate Lowry, Caleb Squibb, Allison Thurman, Quinn Wolfe, and Kendall Zimmermann were honored as having perfect 4.0 grade point averages.  Zimmerman was recognized as the Illinois Principal Association as student of the year.  After all the Beta Club members stood for recognition, Adelynn Bumgarner and Dexter Swagler were named Beta students of the year.  The Don Armstrong Student Council Award was presented to Liam Morris.  The annual Jim Burnes Leadership Award was won by Quinn Wolfe who was also selected as the representative for Region 9.   The Illinois Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Student Award was presented to Silas Lux.  The David Conklin Outstanding Character Award went to Rylan Gilbert.   The Salem American Legion awards for high character, service, and patriotism were presented to Adelyn Bumgarner and Nate Lowry.  Mr. and Ms. Bobcat are Kyler King and Quinn Wolfe.

The program started with a moment of silence for a member of the class who has passed away, Dakota Caige Branch.

Students finishing with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are honored.

Don Armstrong Student Council Award winner Liam Morris.


Jim Burnes Leadership Award Winner Quinn Wolfe.


Silas Lux presented the Illinois Science Teachers Association Outstanding science Student Award.


David Conklin Outstanding Character Award winner Rylan Gilbert.


Salem American Legion Award Winners Adelyn Bumgarner and Nate Lower between Salem American Legion presenting member John Gaston.


Ms and Mr Bobcat Quinn Wolfe and Kyler King.


Franklin Park Band performs at graduation.


Franklin Park Middle School Class of 2024