A number of special awards were presented to the 96 graduates of Franklin Park Middle School on Tuesday night.

Beta Club Students of the Year Gabe Thomason and Presley Eddy.
Those honored included Rebekah Howe as the Illinois Principal Association student of the year. Presley Eddy and Gabe Thomason were named Beta Club Students of the Year. The winners exemplify the qualifies of a true Beta member: leadership, honesty, respect, responsibility and regard for others. The Don Armstrong Student Council Award in honor of Armstrong’s service to the organization as a former sixth grade teacher and Student Council sponsor was presented to Presley Eddy. The Jim Burnes Leadership award was presented to Maci Susmena. The Illinois Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Student Award was won by Liam Shober. The David Conklin Outstanding Character Award was presented to Carter Seaton. The American Legion Award for outstanding Citizenship were presented to Teagan Lobek and Colton Smith. The top athletic award of Mr. and Ms. Bobcat went to Emily Parrett and Owen Tennyson.

Teagan Lobek and Colton Smith receive American Legion awards for outstanding citizenship.
35 students were honored with the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence for having a grade point average in the range of 3.8 and 4.0 during their eighth-grade year. 14 students were honored with the Outstanding Scholar Award for earning a grade point average of 4.0 during eighth grade.

Outstanding Scholar award recipients.
Eddy delivered the student speech noting how they grew during their four years at Franklin Park.
“Our years here were not spent with haste or without reason,” Eddy said. “We learned many lessons here, both in life in academics, while creating many treasured friendships along the way. High school will bring many more experiences, friendships, and opportunities. Still, I hope that each of us won’t forget the lessons we learned here.”

The choir performs at Franklin Park graduation.
Franklin Park Principal Tyler Lux had some final thoughts for the graduates as they head off to high school.
“We encourage you to continue to set personal goals, reach those milestones, and make sure you are thanking those who are helping you along the way,” Lux said. “Continue growing in whatever you choose to pursue and getting involved in as many possible things will let you use your skills to excel. The future is in your hands. Use this momentum that you get from occasions like this to drive you to more achievements.”
Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe thanked the teachers and administration for their hard work with the graduating class and gave special recognition to the retirees. They are first grade teacher Cheryl Vierra, Hawthorne Office Staff Deann Cooper, Hawthorn Assistant Principal Melanie Becker, and Eighth Grade History Teacher Michael Klosterman.

Franklin Park’s band performs at graduation.