001Heat up here. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] All right. Good evening and welcome to the John F. Kennedy Middle School moving up ceremony. Will our eighth grade chorus please join Miss Hershan on the risers? And you're already standing, but please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance and remain standing for the Star Spangle Banner, which will be sung by our eighth grade chorus. Go ahead. go. Thank 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. Say you see by the dawn early [Music] so proud we
002held at the twilight as gleaming who brushes bright stars through the fight or the weed were so gallently streaming and the rockets were singing through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say that star spangle [Music] yet. For the land of the free and the home of the brave. Thank you. You may be seated. I'm so proud of you. Thank you, eighth graders. You may be seated. Good evening. As you can see, we have quite the class up on stage and they're doing an amazing job switching to this venue. So, we're really very proud of them. This evening would not be possible without the dedication and support of many who have joined us tonight. Thank you to Dr. Dr. Jennifer Quinn, Miss Susan Cassali, Dr. J Dr. Jennifer Poly Krennakus, Mr. Joseph Kiglleion,
003Miss Michelle Lado, Mr. Dr. Timothy Dornichek, Dr. Don Heber, Miss Michelle Merose, Miss Julie O'Hara, Miss Tracy D. Roza, and Dr. Kitty Klein. Your commitment to our students each day is an inspiration to myself and to our students. We'd also like to thank our board of education whose commitment to our students is evident in all that we do. We are honored to be joined this evening by Mr. Richard Renard, our president, and Mr. Corey Prince, trustee. I'd like to thank my partners at JFK, Mr. James Hilbert and Miss Rebecca Blesza, and your princ Go ahead, you can clap. and your principles past and future who are joining us to celebrate you this evening. We have Miss Nicole Marcarius, Mr. Rob Pearl, Miss Amarie Shovi, Dr. Nicole Sutnan, Dr. Michael Mosca, and of course, thank you
004to Mr. Gerald Abby, Mr. Frank Mitchell, Mr. Max Glattis and the entire team who made this beautiful setting possible and also to our school nurse who is with us this evening, Miss Kelly Minnelli. Thank you for your to your teachers and families who are with us tonight and especially to your parents whose love and support have brought you to this place in your journey. [Applause] But now I'd like to take a moment to speak directly to the eighth graders who are sitting next to and behind me. Welcome to your celebration. Today is about honoring all you have achieved, everything you've learned, and perhaps most importantly, the incredible promise of your future. It is also a celebration of the hope that your future brings to all of us. This auditorium and those watching at home are
005filled with people who support you, cheer for you, laugh with you, and sometimes even cry with you. Your team is here filled with pride and hope. As you move forward on your journey, keep your team close. These are the people who will continue to shape your learning, enrich your growth, and remind you of who you are. It's easy to celebrate with your team during the good times. But don't forget them when the learning gets tough, because that's when they matter the most. What do I mean by that tough kind of learning? Is it a final exam, a big group project, maybe varsity triyouts next year or your NISMA audition? Well, while those moments matter, the learning that truly shapes who you are often happens far from the spotlight. It happens when no one is watching,
006when things don't go as planned, and when you feel like giving up. Those moments, they're quiet, messy, and difficult. They're when the deepest learning takes place. People like Benjamin Franklin, Maya Angelo, and Theodore Roosevelt have all spoken about the importance of struggle and perseverance. I can't think of anyone who has found lasting success who hasn't also spoken about failure and how it helped them grow, not just in skill, but in character. It's not always fun. In fact, it can feel pretty awful. When we learn something new, we sometimes feel slow or lost. But that feeling, that's actually part of getting smarter. I recently started training for a half marathon and let me tell you, most days it doesn't feel like I'm getting stronger. It feels like I'm getting weaker. But I know that every step,
007every sore muscle is building something greater. Because courage is not about being fearless. It's about facing fear and showing up anyway. So, as you leave JFK and begin this exciting new chapter, remember, lean on your team. Don't shy away from what's hard. Be part of someone else's team, too. to celebrate together, support each other when things aren't are easy, but especially when they're not. President John F. Kennedy, for whom our school is named, said, "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Choose what is hard. Embrace it. And in doing so, make your mark on this world shine even brighter." Congratulations. It is now my pleasure to welcome to the podium an educator who wholeheartedly believes in who
008you are and all you can become, our superintendent of schools, Dr. Jennifer Quinn. Good evening, Mr. Renard, Mr. Prince, Mrs. Cassali, Mr. Kigleioni, Dr. Poly Kronakus administrators, faculty, staff, proud families, and amazing students. The class of 2029, that's the best you can do. The class of 2029. Come on. Today is a very special day. Today we celebrate you and all of the incredible things you've accomplished this year. You started this school year as one person and you're ending it as someone completely different. Someone who knows more, can do more, and has grown in ways you might not even realize yet. Think back to the beginning of the year. Remember how some of those math problems seemed impossible? How reading certain books felt like climbing a mountain? how speaking in front of the class made your
009heartbeat so fast. Look at you now. You've conquered those challenges and you should feel incredibly proud of yourself. You've learned so much more than facts and formulas. You've learned how to be a good friend when someone was having a tough day. You've discovered that making mistakes isn't scary. It's how we learn and how we grow. You found that asking questions make you smarter. Some of you might be feeling excited about going to the high school and some of you might feel a little bit nervous, but both feelings are perfectly normal. Here's what I want you to remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. And I used a similar I used this this quote at the elementary moving up today, and nobody knew who said that. Do
010any of you know who that's from? Hm. It's Disney. It's Disney. Keep going. A bear. Any of the grown-ups know that's wrong. It's Winnie the Pooh. And again, you're going to have days. Remember that because it's a silly sa saying that a bear said, but it's really very very powerful and really really true. So, I'm going to say that to you again if I can find it. Maybe I'm not. Uh remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. And when you really are, the next grade will bring new adventures, new friends, and new opportunities to shine. You might learn about fascinating topics that you've never heard of before. You might discover other talents that you never even knew you had. You might find new ways to
011help others. And most importantly, you will make a difference in the world. Remember that every expert was once a beginner. Every author wrote their first word. Every scientist asked their first question. Every leader took their first step. You have already begun that journey. And you're doing amazing. To the families here today, your children has shown us every day what it means to be curious, kind, and determined. They've supported each other. celebrated each other's success and lifted each other up when things got rough. You should be incredibly proud of the young, wonderful people that you're raising. And I'm sure you are. Students, as you move forward, carry with you the confidence you've built, the friendships you've made, and the joy of learning you've discovered. Be kind to others, be curious about the world, and never stop
012believing in yourselves. The future is bright and it's yours to explore. Congratulations on this milestone. You've earned it. [Applause] Thank you, Dr. Quinn. So, Mr. Rick Renard currently serves as the president of the board of education. With 11 years of dedicated service, he has played a key role in guiding your entire journey here through the Combog School District. Today, he is here to celebrate this milestone with you. Please join me in welcoming your community and board of education representative, Mr. Rick Bernard. [Applause] Dr. Prince is training for a half marathon. I was praying that I didn't fall up the stairs when I was coming up here. Thank you, Dr. Prince. Good evening, Kswag family, friends, and most importantly, JFK class of 2025 or the Consu class of 2029. Three years ago, you came to this
013school as wideeyed sixth graders. Some of you had older siblings who came through the school, so you knew what to expect. For others, you were the ice breakers in the family, and JFK was a brand new experience. Either way, you stepped up to the new experience, and you took advantage of all the opportunities that JFK had to offer. Whether it was joining the many different clubs, playing sports, participating in the theater arts, striving for academic excellence, or serving others through our various honor societies. Over the past two weeks, I've had the opportunity to attend the junior honor society inductions and the awards nights. And let me say that the number of students that were inducted to our honor societies was truly impressive. Honor societies always hold the special plates in my heart. The combination of
014academic excellence combined with service to others is commendable. The awards night was another exceptional night. We saw 131 awards given out for academic accomplishments across all subject areas. After attending those two nights, I can honestly say that the board of education is so very proud of all that you have accomplished and the service that you have pro provided in your time here at JFK. Okay. Now, we've come to the part of the speech where I'm supposed to impart some sage advice to you as you prepared to head to the high school. Now, I have to admit that when I was thinking about what to share with you, I wasn't sure what to say. Sometimes, I'm sure your parents will agree with me. When I overhear my own students talking, I'm not even sure what language
015they're speaking. I have no idea what a Skibb toilet is. I can't tell if Ohio Sigma is a good thing or a bad thing. And I have absolutely no clue how you orang on God. No cap. And now that I have horrified you all by trying to use your vernacular, let's move on to the advice. While this chapter of your life comes to a close, it's important to remember that with every new chapter in life, it presents you with an opportunity to start over. Perhaps you weren't thrilled with your time here at JFK. Maybe there were relationships that you wish went a little bit better. Maybe, you know, you could have put a little more effort into your studies. Maybe you wished you had joined that club or tried out for that sport. The good
016news is that next September, you get to start all over. New building, new teachers, new classes, and new relationships. Here's your chance to start with a clean slate. As you start your final phase in of your public education, I just ask that you keep this in mind. You are our greatest investment. The opportunities that will present themselves to you over the next four years will be many and varied, but you must choose to take advantage of them. The young people of our district are our greatest asset, and we expect to see a great return on the investment that we're putting into you over these next four years. Push yourself to the limit and then push some more. Take the classes that will challenge you. Take care of the friendships that you have and don't be
017afraid to expand your horizons and foster new friendships. And lastly, always remember, it costs absolutely nothing to be kind. When presented with the opportunity, always choose kindness. Congratulations, JFK class of 2025. Thank you and have a great summer. All right. Thank you, Mr. Renard. Your command of the middle school slang is quite impressive. Please now welcome to the stage your eighth grade class president, Ryan Schlasher. [Applause] Good evening, teachers, family, friends, and fellow graduates of JFK Middle School. It is truly an honor to stand before you today as your class president. As we gather to celebrate our graduation, I can't help but to feel a mixture of excitement, pride, maybe just a little bit of disbelief how these three years went by so quickly. When we first walked through the doors of JFK Middle School,
018we were nervous sixth graders, unsure what unsure of what was ahead. Over time, we found our place. We faced challenges and discovered passions that we never knew we had. But beyond academics, we built friendships, learned how to work as a team. And most importantly, learned who we are and who we are going to be. None of this would have been possible without the incredible administrators, teachers, and staff who believed in us, pushed us, and showed us patience when we didn't always have it for ourselves. To our families, thank you for cheering us on, lifting us up, giving and giving us rides to academic, art, and sporting events. Today isn't just about looking back. It's about looking forward. High high school is waiting for us, full of new opportunities and challenges. There will be moments when
019things feel tough, but I know we are ready. Our time at JFK has prepared us to dream big, work hard, always stand tall. So, class of 2029, remember as John F. Kennedy said, change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. [Applause] Will our eighth grade chorus please join Miss Hersh on the risers? So, Ryan, I want to sincerely thank you for the leadership you've shown to your class. I'll wait till they go down. I want you to be able to hear behind you. Go ahead. Go. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Go. You're welcome. Ryan, I want to sincerely thank you for the leadership you've shown to your class and the entire JFK community this school year. You've been a true
020friend to all, and we're excited to see you continue to grow as you take this next step into the high school. And now, please welcome our eighth grade chorus as they sing the eighth grade class song, Count on Me. [Applause] [Music] If you ever find yourself in the middle of the sea, the world to find you. [Applause] Thank you. What a beautiful reminder of the values our community and this class hold dear. The importance of showing up for one another. And at this time, I'd like to invite our school counselors, Miss Mary Shanefeld and Mr. William Rendle, for the presentations of certificates. Thank you. [Music] At this time, row one, please rise. [Music] Colin Abrau. [Applause] Chris Bella Abru Geronimo, [Applause] Ryan Agurenzo, [Applause] Noah Agoa, [Applause] Shayen Almida, [Applause] Albert Alvarado, [Applause] Leonardo Alvarez,
021[Applause] Nicholas Amarosa, Darren, Amaya, [Music] Carara, Anacelli, [Applause] Joseph Aruri, [Applause] Pearl Areola [Applause] Kaylee Ariyaga Ayala [Applause] Deborah Ariyaga Martinez [Applause] Ryan Arteka [Applause] Pram Italia, [Applause] Chase Barbara, Thomas Bamick, [Applause] Michelle El Barona, Mesa, Jaden Batista, Courtney Bower, Carara Becker, [Applause] John Benedict IVth, [Applause] Sean Benson, [Applause] Thomas Bernzot, [Applause] Row One, you may be seated. Row two, please rise. Anthony Bert, [Applause] Anna Berdalino, [Applause] Hunter B [Applause] Alyssa Bumper, Miley Bohan, [Applause] Christopher Bonia Reyes, Danis Bonia Reyes, [Applause] London Boyazzi, Caitlyn Bozac, Olivia Bazanka, Colby Braun, [Applause] Valentina Branes Contras, [Applause] Ferrari Bryant, [Applause] Alexis Budrris, [Applause] Alexandria Burell, [Applause] Mason Burrell, [Applause] Michael Kari, [Applause] Thomas Cameron, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Isabella Campi, [Applause] Mia Capiello, [Applause] Grace Carabetta, Genesis Cardona, Palacios, Gavin Carrie, Bradley Carlo, [Applause] Devon Carol. Row two, you
022may be seated. Row three, please rise. Ezekiel Castillo [Applause] Jonathan Castro, [Applause] Alexandria Catalano, Victoria Chomers, Junior Charles Katie Chavez Melgar Christian Chandamo [Applause] Charles Christensen Genevies [Applause] Nasla Chiftau [Applause] Sean Collins, [Applause] Ryan Culmer, [Applause] Jillian Cornell, [Applause] Adriana Corva, [Applause] Carly Coyle, [Applause] Emma Diagustinino, [Applause] Evan Damato, Ahmad Danielle [Applause] John Delgado, [Applause] Jillian Denberg, [Applause] Kaia Denter, [Applause] Emmy Diaz, [Applause] Nadelli Diaz, [Applause] Giovani Dco, [Music] [Applause] Jonathan Delone, PZ [Applause] Row four, please be seated. Row five, please rise. Oh, row four, please rise. mailin. Delone Perez, [Applause] Daniel Dapoli, [Applause] Cadence Dashulo, [Applause] Thomas Doranto, Christian Derick, [Applause] Leah Emanuel, Brian Escobar, Hernandez, [Applause] Olivia Espinosa, [Applause] Kayor Exantis, [Applause] Adriel Fabian, [Applause] Antonio Febles, [Applause] Kyle Feliciano, [Applause] Emma Fernandez, Alexander Flores, [Applause] Natalie Foster, [Applause] McKenna Frame, [Applause] Michael
023Frank Jr. [Applause] Matthew Gabrieli [Applause] Anthony Gagliardi Jr. Joanna Garcia, [Applause] Justin Garcia Reyes, [Applause] Julia Garcia Vasquez, [Applause] Nicole Garcia Rivera, [Applause] Emanuel Gayat, [Applause] [Music] Jaden Janeo, [Music] [Applause] Jordan Januso, Row four, please be seated. Row five, please rise. Naelli Gonzalez, [Applause] Llaya Goodman, Megan Graph, [Applause] AJ Green Jr., [Applause] Angelo Guidano, Juliana Goods, [Applause] Manuel Gutierrez, Galindo, [Applause] Christian Harding, [Applause] Belle Harley, [Applause] Connor Harrington, Brian Hernandez, [Applause] Kayn Hernandez, Lewis Hernandez, [Applause] Stevie Hernandez Rodriguez, [Applause] Alexis Hill, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Prince Rashim Holland, Simone Holmes, Brandon Huber, [Applause] Gavin Hughes, Nicholas Ionico, [Applause] Matthew Ein, [Applause] Ahmad Kbal, [Applause] Jade Jennison, [Applause] Olivia Jensen. [Applause] Row five, please be seated. Row six, please rise. Move away. Christopher Gimenez, [Applause] Carter Johnson, [Applause] Devin Key, Dylan Kefir, [Applause] Charles Kashi, [Applause] Briana
024Cleagal, [Applause] Landon Co, [Applause] Juliet Cudalitus, [Applause] Sienna Kak, Donna Kryak, Baker, [Applause] Jana Kryuskaya, [Applause] Kaylee Kachinski, [Applause] Daniel Labella, [Applause] Hayden Malahan, [Applause] Angelina LCapria, [Applause] Taylor Larson, [Applause] Mullen Lee, [Applause] Jasmine Lone, [Applause] Lord Orin Lipkin, Aaliyah Liraniano, [Applause] Mason Lomatan, [Applause] William Lopez Hernandez, [Applause] Shawn Lewis, Giani Luango, [Applause] Row six, you may be seated. Row seven, please rise. Cameron Manuel, [Applause] Kayla Mariano, [Applause] Kayn Marsh, [Applause] Samantha Matz, [Applause] Tyler McCraine, Matias Medina, Vincent Mahia, Adrien Melendez, Jaye Miranda Ortega, Avery Mosio, [Applause] Danielle Monette, [Applause] Martin Montenegro, Bolivar, [Applause] Emmanuel Mosca, [Applause] Gabriella Nabiel, [Applause] Michaela Nara, Raul Nara, [Applause] Kelvin Navaro Hernandez, [Applause] Connor Nan, [Applause] Patrick Nuland, Amelia Neri, [Applause] George Nicolo, [Applause] Franny Nunes, [Music] [Applause] Carter Oldenborg [Applause] Raphael Olsen [Applause] Douglas Orban Jr. [Applause] Jacob
025order. [Applause] Row seven, you may be seated. Row eight, please rise. Vanessa Oriana Mia [Applause] Harmony Orlowski [Applause] Marcos Ortega, [Applause] Eric Ortega, Castro, [Applause] Dominic Ortiz, [Applause] Nicholas Orto Lugo, [Applause] Mia Over, Olivia Over. over James Piella [Applause] Marcos Pagan Olive Pagan [Applause] Jack Palum, Alexis Papasap Spiro, [Music] [Applause] Amelia Papaspiro, [Applause] Anukica Pashkin, [Applause] Juel Patton, [Applause] Anelise Pñena, [Applause] Adriana Perez, Katherine Perez, Creolo, Olivia Perovich, [Applause] Elijah Payman, Joshua Poison, [Applause] Matthew Porcelini, [Applause] Gabriella Provenzal, [Applause] Estabbon Quantero, Dariel Radzinski. [Applause] Row eight, you may be seated. Row nine, please rise. Jessica Ragenoth [Applause] Daniel Ramirez, [Applause] Kimberly Ramos, Vega, Tyler Rampers, [Applause] Jack Riley, [Applause] Aiden Ryder, [Applause] Ariana Reyes, [Applause] Laya Reyes, [Applause] Natalia Reyes, Santos, Escobar, Reyes, [Applause] Kimberly Reyes, Reyes, Sophia Reoso, [Applause] Joseph Rizzo, Michaela, [Applause] Darien
026Rodriguez, [Applause] Jaylen Rodriguez, Leah Rodriguez, [Applause] Kiana Rodriguez, Perez, Allison Romero, Molina, [Applause] Michaela Rosenwag, Avita Rugenius, [Applause] McKenzie Ryan, Sophia Sacrimon, [Applause] Liam Salier, [Applause] Liam Sanchez, Drew Soulberg, [Applause] Row nine, you may be seated. Row 10, please rise. [Music] Christopher Santiago Go. [Applause] Chelsea Santos Rodriguez, [Applause] Jonathan Savage, Ty Shrimpus, [Applause] Ryan Schlasser, [Applause] Samantha Schroeder, [Applause] Mason Scorchini, [Applause] Natalie Seda, [Applause] Kaden Selg, [Applause] Robert Shersenovich, [Applause] Romeo Shenovich, [Applause] Gabriella Shotland, [Applause] Martin Silva, Coo, [Applause] Ariana Smith, Shane Smith, [Applause] Riley Sokalowski, [Applause] Joseph Stallone, Nicole Stallone, [Music] [Applause] Kayla Sullivan, [Applause] Mia Susino, [Applause] Anthony Terry, [Applause] Carara Thompson, [Applause] Summer Tedman, [Music] [Applause] Kaylee Teneo, [Applause] Yasel Teneo, Aino Row 10, you may be seated. Row 11, please rise. Stop touching her. Uriel Tenedo Picardo, [Applause] Jonah Teneo Reyes,
027Anthony Tisio, [Applause] Angelina Terelli, [Music] Lyanna Terelli, [Applause] Kendall Tremboli, Jeremiah Turner, [Applause] Allison Ucho, [Applause] Olivia Varand, [Applause] Lowry Vasquez, Gimenez, [Applause] Denil's Visoso, Marte, [Applause] Michael Volalta, [Applause] Haley Wagela, [Applause] Kyla Walling, Aubrey Weingartner, [Applause] Ava Weissman, [Applause] Zoe Weissman, [Applause] Nicholas Westbecker, [Applause] Lucas Wilin, [Applause] Emma Windrum, [Applause] Ava Wong, [Applause] Katie Giannis Buria, [Applause] William Zarowski, [Applause] Julia Zimmer, German. [Applause] Row 11, you may be seated. Congratulations [Music] But before we officially send you off as the Comwag High School class of 2029, I'd like to invite your new principal, Dr. Michael Mosca, to share a few words. [Applause] Thank you, Dr. Prince. Let's hear it one more time for Kumswag High School's class of 2029. On behalf of the high school staff, I would like to congratulate you and your families
028on your incredible accomplishments thus far. I wanted to leave you with two quick pieces of advice on this special evening, and I promise it will be quick. First off, begin with the end in mind. These next four years are going to go very fast. Don't waste any of it. This summer, think about your goals. Think about your dreams. Know what you want to accomplish because over the next four years, we're going to help you accomplish it. Lastly, Kamuag is a family. this group, this class, this will be your family for the next four years. Respect one another, stick up for one another, and support one another individually. I'm sure you're all capable of great things. But by working together, by lifting each other up, the sky's the limit for this group, and we are looking
029forward to seeing all that you can accomplish at Compawag High School. Congratulations, class of 2029. We look forward to welcoming you to the high school family next fall. [Applause] All right. And now, surrounded by the overwhelming love and support of your administration, your teachers, your community, and most especially your family, I proudly congratulate you as you leave JFK and take your place as the Comwag High School class of 2029. You will You can clap. You will always have a home here at JFK. We love you. We are proud of you. and we cannot wait to see all that the future holds for you. Congratulations. [Applause] Families, please just wait while our students process the cafeteria where you can pick them up. Um, you are able to use the doors by the rotunda and the doors
030back here. So, if you could just wait till they all get to process off stage, that would be wonderful. So for the last time, the class of 2029, you all may stand. Stand. [Applause]