We celebrated our eighth-graders from Circleville Middle School in style! These bright, inquisitive kids have their sights on the high school and all the opportunities that come with that.

Principal Lisa Hankinson proudly welcomed the CVMS eighth-graders and their families.

“Together we have shared many emotions, celebrated our successes and learned from our failures,” she told the group. “You have done an amazing job of facing the challenges put before you.”

Mrs. Hankinson continued, “You are all accepting of each other’s differences and appreciate what makes each of us unique. That’s what makes our world so special!”

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Amy Brockner said their  moving up day is a testament to their belief in themselves.

“Belief in oneself is the cornerstone of personal and academic success,” said Mrs. Brockner. “There will be times in high school and beyond where you may doubt your abilities or face challenges that seem insurmountable. During these times I want you to remember the wise words of Eleanor Roosevelt: ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ These words remind us that our dreams shape our future.”

 

Speaking to the families, Mrs. Brockner thanked them. “Your support has been instrumental,” she said to the families. “Thank you for being their unwavering champions.”

The valedictorian and salutatorian of the CVMS class of 2024, Thea Valdez and Pranom Dey, respectively, also addressed their classmates.

Pranom talked about change in life and being scared coming to CVMS three years ago. “It wasn’t so bad after all,” he said, acknowledging how much he grew over the years and loved it.

 

He also thanked his parents for their encouragement.

“My parents always encouraged me to work hard,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot and worked so much. We will continue to grow and never give up on change.”

Thea said she was honored to stand before her peers as the valedictorian and talked about their growth and challenges.

 

“We all come from different backgrounds and cultures and that exposure has increased our understand of each other,” she said.

She thanked her parents, who emigrated from the Philippines, making her a first-generation American. “They sacrificed so much for me and my sister.”

Looking forward, Thea said she and her classmates are ready for high school.

“The next four years will be filled with new experiences and opportunities,” she said. “A brand new journey for all of us. As we leave middle school behind, we now have what it takes to succeed in high school and beyond.”

Several awards were given out to members of the class.

The Triple C Award, recognizing the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students, was presented to Zion Gonzalez and Avery Burns.

The New York State Comptroller’s Award is given to students who have shown academic excellence and the potential for leadership through involvement in activities that improve their school and community. The CVMS eighth-graders who received it are Destiny Howell-Bueti and Jason Nieves.

Mrs. Hankinson also presents two Principal’s Awards. This year, My’a Watson and Ronny Mazza Jr. were the recipients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all our CVMS eighth-grade students who will make their mark at Pine Bush High School in the fall! Your future is so bright!!