Katie Gleason shows the audience popsicle sticks, one of the items that "makes the eighth graders tick." Graduates pictured (L-R): Chris Auchenbach, Kyla Conley, Trista Alexander and Connor Matthew.
Dan Maloughney shares his memories and experiences with the four eighth graders while he drove the bus routes.
SWAN VALLEY - On June 4, four eighth graders and a single kindergartner graduated at the Swan Valley Elementary School. Students reflected on memories they had created together, and celebrated a new chapter in their lives.
The ceremony included speeches made by the eighth graders that was directed toward their fellow classmates. They wished this year's sixth and seventh graders good luck in the future and spoke of their appreciation for them.
Relief bus driver Dan Maloughney and secretary Katie Gleason spoke to the graduates.
Maloughney spoke of their amusing group antics. He had nicknamed the four of them as "a swarm of gnats" after feeling like he was always surrounded by them.
"When I look into my rear view mirror, I usually look to see what's behind me," said Maloughney, as he described what it was like when he looked in the rear view mirror while driving the bus. "But that's not what I see. What I see are four individuals that are our future. They are going to change the world."
Gleason wished the eighth graders luck in their high school careers, and reminded them of "the entire community's support behind their backs."
"Never give up on yourselves or your dreams," says Gleason. "Write the story you want everyone else to read."
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The Swan Valley School music teacher Katie Wright and students produced a music video at the end of the year. It debuted at graduation. To view visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3huvFfIvBoI&fbclid=IwAR1nyAo3pG7WdpyIF-4xxxeBXBrI5CfXlLsoFjCtJ8tYoeg-syaYMIR_In8
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