Twenty-six well-prepared AE/MS eighth graders received their certificates of graduation on June 13 and will move on to Proctor Academy and Merrimack Valley High School.
Following an adorable slide show of baby photos, toddler photos, and early elementary photos, the evening began with a nice welcome from Kaitlyn French and Chelsea Thompson.
Principal Jane Slayton talked about the history of the eighth grade class and remarked that they will accomplish great things next year and beyond. She also said that she knew it wasn’t good-bye, as she has been part of the AE/MS school community long enough to know that these graduates will return to AE/MS with different roles and purposes.
They will be our SHARE Day leaders and assist with middle school sports, whether coaching or officiating. They will gain their required community service hours at AE/MS. Some will do their Senior Projects at AE/MS, and some will simply just stop in to visit and catch up with their AE/MS teachers. They will also remain part of the AE/MS school community.
Speeches expressing gratitude for AE/MS staff members, coaches, and family were given by Carl Hubbard, Logan Farley, Kaitlyn French, and Cope Makechnie.
Mr. William Leber was the graduation speaker and imparted upon the students much good advice for the future. He also made an agreement to meet them back at AE/MS in four years with their high school diplomas, and he would treat them all to ice cream at Naughty Nellie’s.
Jeremiah Proulx presented Mr. Leber with a book as a gift from the class. The book was about the 9/11 Memorial that the class recently visited in New York City. This book had special meaning, as Mr. Leber has consistently reminded AE/MS students over the years to never forget the importance and meaning behind 9/11 and D-Day.
Awards and certificates were then bestowed upon the graduates from their different teachers.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the gym after Cope Makechnie and Jacqui Morris masterfully sang For Good to the full house.
Superintendent Michael Martin and Andover School Board members Charlie McCrave, Anne Swayze, and Don Gould distributed certificates of graduation and shook hands with the students.
The students exited the stage and the celebratory hugs, handshakes, and photo-taking began.