001Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] It's already getting hot. All right. Good morning everyone and welcome to the Lafayette School for today's grade 8 moving on ceremony. To begin, I'd like to invite our student council vice president, Sophia Dos Santos to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. I'd like to ask everyone at this time to please stand to salute the flag. The flag pole is right behind you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Sophia. [Applause] Thank you. Next, I'd like to introduce our selected violin ensemble led by Miss Anna
002Pulska to play the Star Spangled Banner. Please rise for the Star Spangled Banner. [Music] [Applause] Thank you to Miss Pulska and our amazing violin ensemble. What a beautiful performance. At this time, I would like to invite our superintendent of schools, Mr. William Hart, to say a few words to the class. Thank you very much, Miss Taylor. Um, I'm so happy to be here today. We attend a lot of these events from day to day across the district, but what other school system, think about this, what other school system has an ensemble like that in the grammar schools? Nobody else but us. Thank you, Mr. K, Mrs. K, and all the staff that support our public schools music programs. I also want to acknowledge that this is a transition year at the Lafayette because Miss Taylor
003took over the school uh several months ago after the capable and extraordinary leadership of Mr. Brady. And now we have a wonderful leader in Mrs. Taylor. And thank you so much, Mrs. Taylor. We couldn't do what we do in the Ever Public Schools without the great support and leadership of our teaching staff, our support staff, custodial staff, secretarial staff. We are a great system. We have good people doing great things each and every day. And it shows in the children in front of us. They are going to leave this school today and go to other schools beyond here. And hopefully most of you, if not all of you, will attend Everett High School because you are prepared. You're moving on from this chapter of your life and in your school year to the to the
004next step. I couldn't do what I do on behalf of the school system without the support and encouragement and the leadership shown by our Everett school committee. two of whom members are with us today and I'd like to acknowledge their attendance. They are at every event. When you talk about dedicated leadership, these are the folks that are always standing by me and all of us in the work that we do. The chairperson of the Ever School Committee, Mr. Samantha Hurley, the school committee member who represents this ward in this district, Miss Robin Babcock. And as I tell people year after year, I went to Lafayette school many, many, many years ago when it was not this beautiful building behind us or behind me, but further up the street in Everett. We have good schools. We
005have good staff and we turn out great products. And today, as we're all witnessing, students are here with their families and friends and guardians. Thank you for bringing us to them. And thank you to the staff here at at the Lafayette School for turning out such wonderful students. Have a great summer. Be safe and thank you for being here. Thank you, Superintendent Hart. Also, yesterday was his birthday, so we all wish him a happy birthday. Next, I'd like to introduce the Lafayette Chorus to sing Stand by Me, led by Mrs. Kashmar. [Music] The night has come [Music] in and the moon is like little sea. No, I won't be afraid. I won't be afraid [Music] as you stand by the darling darling stand by [Music] [Applause] in the sky. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I won't
006cry. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] And darling [Music] [Applause] stand Ah, [Music] [Applause] heat. [Music] Darling, stand by me. Oh, [Music] by [Music] your hand. Oh yeah. [Music] Thank you to our chorus. Let's give one more round of applause for our violinist and chorus. Next, I'd like to introduce to you our student council president, Leah Dwang Chowo, to give her address to the class. Good morning teachers, family members, and my fellow classmates. Thank you all for being here to celebrate our end of year graduation. My name is Leah Dongcha, and I'm very honored to be standing here before you all. I have attended the Lafayette School since I was in kindergarten, and the Lafayette has been my second home since the day I began. This school is full of encouraging teachers, amazing students, and helpful staff
007members. I've known some of you since kindergarten, and others I have met this year. It doesn't matter how long we've known each other or how well we know each other. We have shared many experiences. We've all had drama with one another, stressed over our civics work, and most importantly, created everlasting bonds. These halls that we walk through today are filled with unforgettable year-long memories. Standing here now, I realized if there was one thing that this school has taught me, and maybe you too, is that it is okay to step out of your comfort zone. When I was first asked to give this speech to you guys, I was very reluctant. If you were to tell fifth grade me that I'm doing this right now, she would not believe a single word of it. That is
008because this school and the wonderful people who are in it have made me more outgoing and confident. I want to thank all of the teachers I have had throughout my years, who have helped me with my work, who have helped me while I cried, and have given me the best advice ever. I also want to thank my friends because without them, I would not have survived these school years. I am so glad to have met them because they have helped me through so much. I would like to dedicate this moment to thank my parents. Without them, I would not be here delivering this speech. The two of them have been there have been there for my struggles and successes, my emotional highs and lows, and they're here today celebrating me. I cannot express how grateful
009I am for their immense love and support. I want all of you in front of me to take the time and appreciate your parents or guardians because without them, you wouldn't be who you are today. I know some of you will not be attending Ever High School. And since we're all going in different directions in life, just remember that this isn't the end of our middle school year, but it's the beginning of our new lives. I know some of you may be scared for high school. I am too. However, I believe that each and every single one of you here will achieve many accomplishments in the future. In the words of Frank Ocean, I ain't a kid no more. Will never be those kids again. So, with that being said, enjoy the moment and enjoy
010your summer. I wish you all the best. Thank you again, Leah. One more round of applause for her. We would like to start by thanking all the family members that are here today to celebrate this monumental step in your children's lives. Your support and encouragement have helped shape our students in their education journey so far. We would also like to thank the members of Ever Public Schools Central Administration, our superintendent of schools, Mr. William Hart, Deputy Superintendent Gretchen Manning, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success, Dr. Margaret Adams, for all that they do for our students. We would also like to thank our school committee chairperson, Mrs. Samantha Hurley, and the other members of the Everett School Committee. I also want to acknowledge and thank the mayor of Everett, Mr. Carlo Di Maria.
011A huge thank you to our grade eight teachers, Miss Mirren, Mr. Chver, Mr. Barbari, Miss Dow, Miss Hines, Mr. Ericson, Miss Feliciano, Miss Fernandez, Miss Pratt, Mrs. Bess, Mrs. Vegan, and our power professionals for their dedication and commitment to our students. Thank you to our maintenance staff for creating a wonderful setting for our eighth graders today. Thank you to Mrs. Williams, Miss Lassoff, Miss Revolo, and Miss Dario for their work with organizing this event. Also, thank you to our PTO president, Mrs. Savvi, and PTO parents for making sure our students and staff are provided with everything they need throughout the year. Finally, I would like to recognize the amazing work of our assistant principles, Mr. Cornelio and Mr. Venencia, for supporting our students in every way possible. Now to our students, the grade 8 class
012of 2025. Today is a special day, a celebration of growth, perseverance, and the exciting journey of high school ahead. Grade 8 is a milestone. You have spent the past nine years learning, building friendships, and preparing for what comes next to and today we are all here to honor every step you have taken to get here. Through early mornings, challenging assignments, unexpected changes, and moments of doubt, you rose to the occasion. You have shown resilience and hard work. I want to take a moment to highlight all the amazing feats you accomplished as a class this year. Our girls basketball team won the district championship game. And our girls flag football team made it to the semifinals. As a class, you collected 52 pairs of socks for the sock drive this year. This was the most of
013all the middle school classes. You also planned and implemented numerous events including the sock drive, color wars, career day, carnation sale, and spirit weeks. Many of you performed with the band, chorus, Annie the musical, the ultimate frisbee team, the unified basketball games, special Olympics, and the Lego robotics competition. These were just to name a few. There were many other accomplishments made by this class, and you should all be very proud. This moment also marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Entering high school will be full of new challenges and great opportunities. It will certainly ask for more of you, but it will also give you more in return. New friends, new experiences, and new goals. As your principal, I want you to know that you are more than ready to do
014this. Never underestimate the power of hard work, the importance of character, the lessons you've learned, and the value of being true to yourself. Congratulations, class of 2025. We are extremely proud of you. Now, our favorite part, certificates of completion and awards. I'd like to invite Miss Marin and her class up for certificates and awards. Miss Mirren's home room, please stand and proceed to my left. Dietri Boo Gabriel Bordi [Applause] Giana Browning, Christian Bruno, Xavier Calderon, Bruno Cicada Campos, Jonathan Carbio, Salazar, Luciana Castano Gomez, [Applause] Emmy Castillo Velasquez, [Applause] Dipy Chery [Applause] Joelle Chavez, Portillo, Oscar Cortez, Nicholas Dilva, [Applause] [Music] Wakeley's Day Olive. I'm not saying that. Ernest Ernest Ford Sat Kayette Sebastian Montano, Anthony Nemo, Mauricio Arenz Mendoza, Nicholas Savvi, Angel Velasquez, Aguilar Next, I'd like to invite Mr. Chver in his class up.
015Mr. Chver's home room, please stand. [Applause] Muhammad Ayan Beta Azaji, [Applause] Sakura Chin, [Applause] Nara Ciseron, [Applause] Cologne Luna, Megan Kafford, [Applause] Nina Hanata Dilva, [Applause] Carlos Raphael D Silva Jesus Katanucci [Applause] [Music] Isabella Danieli [Applause] Isabella Dza Ombberto Desa, [Applause] Veronica Dza, Matthew Deleó, [Applause] Anna Julia Duz, [Applause] Sophia dos Santos, [Applause] [Music] Leah Dwang Chow, [Applause] Giovana Edwards, [Music] [Applause] [Music] Oaya. WZO Arzo, Emily Castaneda, [Applause] Tiana Miranda Tashier. [Applause] Jasmine Morice, [Applause] Alejandro Rivera, Solless and Ian Rosales Peneda. Next, I'd like to invite Mr. Barbar's and Mrs. Vegan's classes up. Whoops. Thank you so much. Don't worry, it's not a speech, just names. All right, first up we have Franchesco Salon, [Applause] Gabriella Teodoro. Oh, going behind. I like it. Rihanna de Joshua Alas [Applause] Tammy Arzo Castanada Jefferson Arzo Garcia Josephen.
016[Applause] Wait, hang on. Come back. I lost a sheep. Typical barbarian. Kervin Chin, Andre Fen, Fernandez Morris, Keani Ferrer, [Applause] Melody Fiori, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Tabitha Formiano do Santos, Verno, Gideon, [Applause] Josiah Harris, [Applause] Kaylee Hercules, Kihara, Coutura, Hiller, Elaine Howard, [Applause] Miriam Musen applause. That's on me. I'm sorry. And Kaylee King Leesma. [Music] [Applause] All right, I have Jesse Ashp. [Applause] [Music] Jonathan Sam St. Pre and Xavier Hey, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] next I'd like to invite Miss Dow in her class up. Miss Dow's class, please stand. Ruben Delva. [Applause] Scarlet Diaz Amador, [Applause] Kelly [Applause] Ana Gomez Martinez, [Applause] Kayla Lee, [Applause] Jacob Leon, Jeremiah Leon, Juan Lopez, Fernandez, Cruz Luristo, [Applause] Prasesh Maharajen, [Applause] Joe Maluil, [Applause] Emanuel Manueli Martins, [Applause] [Music] Muhammad Massudi, [Applause] Alexander Mahia, Cassinada Nicole Mitchell, [Applause] Andy Marcia,
017[Applause] Devonyie Murphy, [Applause] Ashley Navas, [Applause] Tisha Neupani, Mia Stout. [Applause] Next, I'd like to invite Mr. Ericson in his class up. [Applause] Christian Bologanos Aguilar Sophia Dwart Horriguez, Alonszo Green [Applause] Giovana Heredia, [Applause] Matteo Orgo, Yuse, Justin Ortiz, Leticia Pasos, [Applause] [Music] Daniel Enrique Pereira Chris Patimo, [Applause] Aaliyah Pierre Lewis Cole, Yahara Pana Da Tahara, [Applause] GMA Pinto, [Applause] Axel Pada Marcia Yeah. Matteo Presioso, Yasmin Ramos, [Applause] Franklin Rivas, [Applause] Nathan Rodriguez, Joel Rodriguez, Rivera, [Applause] Luke Wood. Finally, I'd like to invite Miss Hines and her class up. Miss Hines's home room. [Applause] Hey, [Applause] Brianna Cfield. field, [Applause] Abel. Jocks, [Applause] Lucas Mason, Amy Pena Levon, [Applause] Jaden Tahada, Lewis Kintania, Odelis, Sanduval, Mia Sanoha, Ruby Seulva, Kyle Rafael Silva, Carlos Cis Garcia, Sophia Sza, [Applause] George Telson, [Applause] Nathan Van [Applause] Angie
018Velasquez Rivera, Aiden Westgate, [Applause] Robert Williams, [Applause] All right. And finally, Nicholas Young. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank you to all our teachers. And one final congratulations to the grade 8 class of 2025. We wish you the best of luck. [Music] [Applause] Parents and families, please join us for breakfast and photos on the field. If you choose to dismiss your student after, please find the table over there by door A where our school counselors are near the playground area to check them out. Thank you for your cooperation and thank you again for celebrating with all of us this morning. [Applause]