001I did that. I had a plan. Oh, it's just a I have a I think it's Thursday. Thursday. Jemma. For papa. Oh! I think it Okay. Yes, I am. >> All right, good evening. Um just because there is a a tornado watch, should we need to take shelter there behind us. It's actually in the locker rooms, um but hopefully that is not that is not the case, but just in case, I want to make that announcement there. Um Welcome to tonight's celebration of the class of 2030. If you have not already, if you would please silence your cell phones at this time, uh that would be appreciated. Students, I know this is a special night for you, and you look forward to summer, and are starting to wonder just what high school is going to
002be like. Before we recognize you and your class and your accomplishments, I would like to take a few minutes to recognize a special group of individuals. First off, parents, would you please stand? >> [applause] >> Thank you for sharing and entrusting us with your child today. Thank you for your flexibility this year as schedules and events may have changed. Most importantly, thank you for helping your child grow into being a good person. Next, would Jamie McManus and Debbie Smith please stand? They really like this, kids, so big round of applause. >> [applause] >> Uh without their organization, [applause] uh this definitely would not be possible. Um they double-check, triple-check to make sure everything's ready to go tonight. Finally, would the staff of Burlington Middle School please stand up here? >> [applause] >> Thank you for
003your work and guidance and support of the class throughout their educational journey at BMS, and thank you for all your dedication, support, and efforts on behalf of the students. Now, on to the class of 2030. It's time to celebrate what you have accomplished together, and as we look forward to opportunities that may come your way in high school. We have been truly joyed watching this class grow and mature throughout the last 4 years. Some of them may even be a little bit in progress still, but we should be very proud of them. The class of 2030 Thank you for your positive attitudes, hard work, leadership, and helping helping make BMS a better place. Each of you have a bright future ahead. I would challenge you to take advantage of the opportunities that may come your
004way and apply yourself to the best of your ability. We are confident that this class will be an excellent addition to the fall of the high school. Here is some of that evidence to support that. As a class, they have a collective GPA of a 3.55. >> [applause] >> In the cross country, we had an individual league champion on the eighth grade girl side and runner-up in the eighth grade boys division, while three others three others placed in the top 11 at our conference meet. The Scholars Bowl team won the Pioneer League with an individual answering over 90 questions correctly this year. The volleyball team won the Burlington Invitational, placing third in the Pioneer League. The football team won the Pioneer League back-to-back titles with a career record of 13 and 1. Girls wrestling, there
005was one individual Pioneer League champion. Boys wrestling, they had two individual Pioneer League champions. The girls basketball team finished 11 and 3 and finished as runner-up in the Pioneer League tournament. Three students earned first place honors in the Daughters of the American Revolution art contest. Uh three of them actually moving on to the national stage and placing there. The boys track team finished the league as league champions. And out of our 13 different activities recognized at the KSHSAA level, all 13 activities activities were recognized as distinguished. In order to be distinguished, they must have a collective GPA between a 3.25 and a 4.0. If If those students If your student was in an activity, the collective GPA was a 3.74. Uh so, as you move on to the high school, you're going to have more
006opportunities in clubs to participate in. I would encourage you to do those. Finally, from the state testing that just came in, this class outperformed the state 17% in science, 8% in language arts, and 17% in math, which is excellent. >> [applause] >> As we start this evening, we will first recognize individual students receiving the following awards: the Presidential Award of Educational Achievement, the Presidential Award of Educational Excellence, the Kansas State High School Activities Association Citizenship Award, and the American Legion Award. At the end of the evening, those of you that received an individual recognition, we ask that you come behind uh the podium here for pictures tonight. We will first recognize students for the Presidential Achievement Awards. The Presidential Achievement Awards were founded in 1983 honoring students in elementary, middle, and high school for their
007achievement and hard work. This program has provided individual recognition from the President and the US Secretary of Education to students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet the challenging standards of excellence. Each year, thousands of elementary, middle, and high school participants are recognized. I will first read a letter from President Trump. The First Lady and I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations on receiving the 2026 Presidential Educational Award. For more than 40 years, this prestigious program has honored exceptional students across America. Students just like you who bring unmatched dedication, innovation, and leadership to the classroom every day. Your academic academic accomplishments this year reflect a remarkable commitment to learning, service, and advancing the well-being of your community. Through your perseverance and vision, you already are making a positive impact on our country, setting a
008powerful example for others, and inspiring those around you to reach your fullest potential. Always remember that success of our nation relies upon your leadership, commitment, and character. Never forget to put in the work. Hard work always wins. And always look for ways to challenge yourself and help others in your school and community. Please know that as your president, I will never stop fighting to ensure that students like you continue to have the opportunity to achieve their dreams and contribute to the story of our great nation. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment. Keep studying hard and keep up the great work. >> [applause] >> The first is the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence. Uh the purpose of this award is to recognize students who show outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment, and intellectual development in their academic subjects.
009It is meant to reward students who work hard, give their best effort in school, and demonstrate the high academic achievement. As I call your name, please come get a pin your pin and certificate from Mr. Schmidt. Elena Aikens. >> [applause] >> Archer Atkins >> [applause] >> Gavin Belcher >> [applause] >> Dexter Burke >> [applause] >> Ashlyn Breece >> [applause] >> Mila Carlson >> [applause] >> David Cottney >> [applause] >> Gemma Cole >> [applause] >> Caden Sparclaw >> [applause] >> CHLOE FERRARA >> [applause] >> AUBREY GOLER >> [applause] >> DEVERY Hernandez >> [applause] >> Ashley Hope >> [applause] >> Zoe McIntyre >> [applause] >> Ona Peterson >> [applause] >> J.J. Pratt >> [applause] >> Paisley Spring >> [applause] [applause] >> Dylan Stewart Kaya Stroud >> [applause] >> and Jocelyn Withers >> [applause] >> The next award
010is our presidential award for educational excellence. The purpose of this award is to recognize academic success in the classroom. To be eligible for this award, students must maintain a collective GPA of 3.5 or higher and must each score at the 85th percentile or higher on a math on Fast Bridge on our Fast Bridge assessment in both math and reading. Our first student, Madeline Bell >> [applause] >> Rhett Bell >> [applause] >> Lindsey Dunaway >> [applause] >> Elise Matney Logan Phillips >> [applause] >> Easton Rich >> [applause] [applause] >> Shana Rogers Eli Thompson >> [applause] >> Tom Woo >> [applause] >> Jaylee Wilson >> [applause] >> and Ryder Winters. >> [applause] >> We will now recognize the Kansas State High School Activities Association Citizenship Award. This award is voted on by the staff of Burlington Middle
011School. The criteria for this award are: shows respect for all citizens, school, community, flag, and country, demonstrates tolerance and respect for the beliefs and convictions of others, assumes responsibility to build school and community pride through active participation in various projects, and shows reverence for life. This year's recipients of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Citizenship Award goes to Madeline Bell and JJ Brock. >> [applause] [applause] >> Our final award for individuals for the class of 2030 is the American Legion Award. This award is also voted on by the staff of Burlington Middle School. The criteria for the American Legion award is very similar to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Citizenship Award with the additional criteria of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service. Qualities necessary for the preservation and protection of the
012fundamental institutions of our government and the advancement of our society. At this time, we would like to welcome Jay Hill and Doug Feldhausen, post commander of the American Legion Post 38 here in Burlington. >> [applause] [applause] >> This year's winners of the American Legion award, Alaina Aikens and Gavin Belcher. >> [applause] >> All right, at this time, I would like to welcome Miss Hattie Berggren to address the class of 2030. Hattie graduated from Burlington High School with the class of 2026 this past Saturday and served as president of student council. During her time at in high school, Hattie also served as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Wildcat Care. In addition, she was vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Athlete Leadership Team. Hattie was a
013three-sport athlete competing in cross country, basketball, and track. She was a state qualifier in cross country three time state qualifier in track. She also leads leads the Lady Cat basketball program as the top rebounder in program history with over 500 rebounds. This fall Hattie plans to attend the University of Kansas where she will major in diagnostic science. Please join me in welcoming Hattie Bergia. >> [applause] >> Good evening everyone. Students, families, and teachers. Thank you for joining together tonight to celebrate the class of 2030 on taking the next step forward in their future. I want to first say congratulations to all of you students. Finishing middle school is a big deal. And you should be proud of what you have accomplished so far. As a newly graduated senior, I remember sitting where you were are
014now. I I was so excited to finally be done with middle school and headed off to high school. I cannot wait for Friday night football games, homecoming activities, high school sports, and driving myself to school. But I always remember thinking about how overwhelming high school would be as well. You have new classes, new teachers, a new building, new rules, new friends, and so much more. And you know what? Sometimes it is. But high school is also where you start to figure out who you are and who you are meant to be. You will try new things, meet new people, and face challenges that push you to grow. And that is where you will become the best version of yourself. Now I've been told that the class in front of me is fun, hard-working, outgoing, and
015very inclusive. These are great characteristics to have going into high school. So, with qualities like these, here are a few words of wisdom as you head into the next phase of your life. One, do not be afraid to get involved. Join the clubs, play a sport, and try something you've never done before. Some of the best memories I have made came from stepping outside of my comfort zone. Two, do not stress about having everything figured out right away. No one really does, so do not think you're ever alone. There will be tough days ahead of of you as you move forward. You might not get the grade you wanted on a test. You might lose a game or even feel unsure about where you fit in. And that is totally normal. What matters is how
016you respond. Keep going, learn from it, and do not be too hard on yourself. Uh finally, always be kind and lead with a servant heart. At times, you will get frustrated and want to blame someone else for your feelings, and it might be justified. But if we remember that everyone has hard days and everyone needs a friend to lean on, then then we will put others' feelings in front of ours and it show them grace in their weakest moments. Treating others with respect and humility goes a long way. Sorry. I know all everyone has heard this many times because I know I did, and I never believed anyone. But high school goes by way faster than you think. At times, it might feel like the longest 4 years of your life, but then one day
017you'll be sitting in front of your mom and dad in a cap and gown wondering where all the time went. Grateful for the chances you took and the lessons you learned along the way. So make the most of it. Spend time with your friends, appreciate your teachers, and take advantage of every every opportunity that you are given. To the class of 2030, today is your moment. You're moving on to something new and so exciting. So be confident, stay curious, and have fun, and believe in yourself. Congratulations on your achievement and your promotion. It has been an honor to speak before you guys today and I cannot wait to see what you guys will accomplish in the future. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> At this time we will recognize each individual student of the graduating
018class of 2030. We will recognize students for the following: earning all A's in all four quarters of eighth grade, earning the high honor roll all four quarters with a 3.6 or higher and no grade lower than a C minus, being on the honor roll all four quarters with a 3.1 or no grade lower than a C minus. An academic letter, students must maintain a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The student must have not a grade lower than a C minus. The top 5% in each subject of social studies, pre-algebra, algebra, career and life planning, science, computer and computer applications. We also also recognize those with a certificate of excellence who have scored above the 90th percentile on the Fast Bridge assessment in A math and A reading. New this year, we will be recognizing students
019who have earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. And finally, what they are most proud of while at Burlington Middle School. Will the first row please stand to line up and be recognized. Our first eighth grader, Alaina Aikens. >> [applause] >> Alaina was on the higher honor roll, will receive an academic letter, was top 5% in computer applications, and will receive the Presidential Award for fitness. Alaina is most proud of her academic performance and effort in keeping her grades and motivation to play sports. Archer Aikens. >> [applause] >> Archer was on the higher honor roll, will receive an academic letter, and will receive also the Presidential Fitness Award. Archer is most proud of getting second at the cross country league meet and second at track also. Gavin Belcher. >> [applause] >> Gavin was on the higher
020honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Gavin is most proud of putting on the putting a smile on everyone's face every day. Madelyn Bell. >> [applause] >> Madelyn was on the higher honor roll, will receive an academic letter. She was top 5% in computer applications and science, and was above the 90th percentile in the A reading. Madelyn is most proud of how far she's gotten in band. >> [clears throat] >> Rhett Bell >> [applause] >> Rhett was on the high honor roll, and will receive an academic letter, and was above the 90th percentile on Aim Math. Rhett is most proud of all the things he has learned in middle school. Dexter Burke >> [applause] >> Dexter was on the high honor roll, and will receive an academic letter. Dexter is most proud of being
021part of the Pine View League football championship team both his 7th and 8th grade years. Ashlyn Breece >> [applause] [cheering] >> Ashlyn was on the honor roll, and will receive an academic letter. Ashlyn is most proud of how much she has improved in school and sports throughout middle school. Wayne Brown >> [applause] >> Wayne is most proud of making the honor roll. Delaney Buckland >> [applause] >> Delaney was on the high honor roll, and will receive an academic letter. Delaney is most proud of how she has matured throughout middle school, and finding self-confidence within herself. Myla Carlson >> [screaming] >> Myla was on the high honor roll, and will receive an academic letter. Myla is most proud of her improvements in volleyball. Shayla Church >> [applause] >> Shayla is most proud of her grades and
022working hard. Nathan Clark >> [applause] >> Nathan is most proud of how much he has changed and grown throughout middle school. David Cotney >> [applause] >> David was on the high honor roll, and will receive an academic letter. David is most proud of being on the high honor roll all four years. Jemma Cole >> [applause] >> Jemma had all A's, and will receive an academic letter. She was top 5% in both science and pre-algebra. Jim is most proud of the progress that she has made in sports throughout middle school. Will the second row please stand to be recognized and receive your award? Bradley Combs. Bradley is most proud of his grades throughout middle school. Brayden Davis. >> [applause] >> Brayden is most proud of his improvements in basketball. Lindsey Donaway is not with us tonight,
023but Lindsey had all A's, will receive an academic letter. She was top 5% in social studies, algebra, and career and life planning. She was also above the 90th percentile in both math and reading. Lindsey is most proud of her commitment to sport the sports she played in middle school. Brett Dyke. >> [applause] >> Brett was the 90th percentile and above in both math and reading. Brett is most proud of all the friends he has made over the years. Isaiah Elmore. >> [applause] >> Isaiah is most proud of becoming kind to people. Cadence Faircloth. >> [cheering] >> CADENCE WAS ON THE HIGH HONOR ROLL and will receive an academic letter. Cadence is most proud of her improvements in her artistic skills. CHLOE FERRARA. >> [applause] >> CHLOE WAS ON THE HIGH HONOR ROLL and will receive
024an academic letter. Chloe is most proud of how much effort she has put into her sports and her assignments during middle school. Alex Fink. >> [applause] >> Alex was above the 90th percentile and reading. Alex is most proud of the friends that he has made during middle school. Elijah Glaze. >> [applause] >> Elijah is most proud of making good friends throughout middle school. Samuel Griffith. >> [applause] >> Samuel is most proud of maintaining his friendships. Aubrey Goller. >> [applause] >> Aubrey is was on the honor roll and will receive an academic letter. She is most proud of being a good friend. Julian Hindershot. >> [applause] >> Julian is on the honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Julian Julian is most proud of the friends that he has made along the way. Devery Landers.
025>> [applause] >> Devery was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Devery is most proud of making the game-winning last-second shot in a basketball game against Lewisburg this year. Mariska Hernandez. Mariska is most proud of working hard to maintain her grades in class throughout middle school. Hadley Hope. >> [applause] >> Hadley was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Hadley is most proud of her improvements in sports throughout middle school. Will the third row please stand? Cole Jasper >> [cheering] [applause] >> COLT WAS ON THE HONOR ROLL AND WILL RECEIVE AN ACADEMIC LETTER. Colt is most proud of improving himself as a person and athlete. Grayson Kirchner >> [applause] >> Grayson is most proud of becoming more social. Grayson Lawson >> [applause] >> Grayson is most proud
026of his academic achievement. Chaz Logan >> [applause] >> Chaz is most proud of his friends that he has made along the way. ELISE MATNEY >> [screaming] >> ELISE HAD ALL A'S AND WILL RECEIVE AN academic letter. Was top 5% in social studies, computer applications, language arts, pre-algebra, science, and career and life planning, and was also above the 90th percentile in reading. Elise is most proud of being chosen as one of the officers officers for the new middle school art club. Zoe McIntyre >> [applause] >> ZOE WAS ON THE HONOR ROLL and will receive an academic letter. Zoe is most proud of having all A's and being able to play sports at the same time. Brody Melton >> [applause] >> Brody was on the honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Brody is most proud
027of his improvements in sports. Samantha Meyer >> [applause] >> Samantha was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Samantha is most proud of doing well in math. Ona Peterson >> [applause] >> Ona had all A's and will receive an academic letter. She was top 5% in computer applications, pre-algebra, and also career and life planning. Ona is most proud of how far she has come in school and wrestling. LOGAN PHILLIPS >> [screaming] >> LOGAN WAS ON THE HIGH HONOR ROLL AND WILL RECEIVE AN academic letter. Logan is most proud of his long distance running improvements. J.J. Propst >> [applause] >> J.J. was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter. J.J. is most proud of being on the Pioneer League champs in football 2 years in a row. Trey
028Green >> [applause] >> Trey was on the honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Trey is most proud of his ability to make other people laugh and smile. Easton Rich >> [applause] >> Easton was on the honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Easton is most proud of being part of the Pioneer League football championship team both in 7th and 8th grade and as well as a Pioneer League track champion. Will the last row please stand and come forward? Shana Rogers >> [applause] >> Shana was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter. She is also above the 90th percentile in math. Shana is most proud of being selected to be the page for our representatives. Paisley Spring >> [applause] >> Paisley was on the high honor roll and will
029receive an academic letter. Paisley is most proud of who she has become and how much she has improved this year in sports and her grades. Corbin Stillwagon, Corbin is most proud of deciding to work hard in 8th grade. Dylan Stewart >> [applause] >> Dylan was on high honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Dillon is most proud of getting good grades throughout middle school and making the varsity basketball team. Kaya Schroeder >> [applause] >> Kaya was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Kaya is most proud of having good academics and being on varsity sports the years in middle school. Eli Thompson >> [applause] >> Eli was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic academic letter. Eli is most proud of the seventh grade football team going
030undefeated. Payton Valencia >> [applause] >> Payton is most proud of her hard work in all of her classes and improving in basketball. Thomas Vu >> [applause] >> Thomas was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter and was above the 90th percentile in math. Thomas is most proud of breaking the school record with four point after attempt kicks made. That's a That's a rare record in middle school, by the way. There's not a lot of place kickers typically. Uh Ryker Williams Ryker was on the high honor roll. >> [applause] >> And will receive an academic letter. Ryker is most proud of his grades throughout middle school. JAYLEE WILSON >> [applause] >> JAYLEE HAD ALL A'S AND WILL RECEIVE an academic letter. She was top 5% in social studies and above the 90th
031percentile in both math and reading. Jaylee is most proud of having all A's and being on varsity sports Ryder Winters >> [applause] >> Ryder was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter and was top 5% in language arts and above the 90th percentile in both math and reading. Ryder is most proud of leading the football team and the basketball team in prayers. Jocelyn Withers. >> [applause] >> Jocelyn was on the high honor roll and will receive an academic letter. Jocelyn is most proud of her improvements in wrestling. Samantha Wright. >> [applause] >> Samantha is most proud of making new friends. And our final eighth grader, Garrett Ziegler. >> [applause] >> Garrett is most proud of being on the high honor roll. Before presenting the class of 2030, just a reminder for
032all students who received the individual recognition at the beginning of tonight, please meet here behind the podium. The staff of Burlington Middle School would like to thank you for the legacy that you have left on BMS and wishes you all a great summer and the very best of luck. Your future is bright and we're happy and excited to see where it takes you. Staff, family, friends, I proudly present to you the class of 2030. Thank you for joining us tonight and we hope you have a great summer. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause]