Swan Valley School eighth graders give air high-fives to their teachers as they process out from the ceremony June 2.
Coach Chris Auchenbach addressing the eighth graders one last time before high school. He joked that since he didn't like public speaking, it was one last thing these eighth graders, that he had coached in basketball, could do to him and he couldn't be able to make them run.
Cadence Mauldin thanking his parents for all their support. "Without them I could have never made it here. I love you guys."
Matthew Cardenas thanked his friends for hanging out with him and his grandma for always being there for him. Each student recognized their families with a rose.
Nakira Morgan thanked her family for supporting her. She also appreciated all the support she received from the boys in the class and teacher Colleen Harrington since she was the only girl.
Junior High Teacher Colleen Harrington highlighted Jalen Kauffman's love for aliens, monsters and jelly fish. "I think that is a metaphor for you," she said. "Always take that with you because I think that [youthful spirit] is a really awesome part of you."
Principal Ralph King addresses the graduates and congratulates them on their leadership and a job well done.
SWAN VALLEY - "You were top shelf. You looked out for younger kids at the school and we appreciated everything you brought to the table this year," said Principal Ralph King about the eighth graders to a handful of close family and friends at the Swan Valley School eighth grade graduation ceremony June 2. Each graduate was able to invite nine guests to the in-person ceremony.
While it was different that previous years, where the whole community shows up to support the students, many of the traditions remained the same including the rose ceremony, speakers and an opportunity for the graduates to speak.
"I know this is not the way you pictured the end of your eighth grade year," said speaker Coach Chris Auchenbach highlighting the school closure due to coronavirus and huge loss of bus driver Dan Maloughney. "You have worked so hard to get to this point. It might get harder but ...you are all strong, mentally and physically. The more you put in and the harder you work, the more you get out of it."
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