The Centralia Junior High gym was packed Thursday night to watch 122 eighth grade students be promoted to high school.
Aaronayzha Collins was selected as the student of the year based on being a hard worker, team player and coachable.
Student of the Year Aaronayzha Collins speaks at graduation. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
“My biggest hope is to make my family proud by completing my education and therefore becoming a successful member of society,” Collins said. “I take school seriously because I know it will one day get me a good start in life, and it already has. I have witnessed my family’s past decisions affect them to this day, so I want to avoid making poor choices, and so should everyone else here, no matter the age.”
Two students were recognized for earning straight A’s. They are Hunter Hixson and Aubrey Moore.
Superintendent Craig Clark thanked the staff for getting students to 8th grade graduation.
“It has taken nine years to get to this point, and there have been many that have impacted the lives of these students,” Clark said. “I’ve come to witness how all city school employees love and care for our students. It’s important not to take these people for granted, but to acknowledge their hard work and devotion for investing in the lives of our children.”
Clark gave special recognition to the retirees. They are 6th grade PE teacher Jack Zvonar with 20 years of service, 5th grade teacher Ryan White with 19 years, 5th grade teacher Sheri Thomason with 16 years of service, Jordan Special Ed Teacher Lisa Wysocki with seven years of service, Central Middle School Cook Beverly Braun with 13 years of service, Centralia Junior High School Paraprofessional with 10 years of service and Bus Monitor Donna Wooters with two years of service.
Both the Centralia Junior High Band and Chorus were both part of the graduation program.
