Reed’s ‘Champion’ 8th Graders Graduate

Principal said the nickname of this year’s graduating class of “the Champions” was appropriate at the eighth-grade graduation ceremonies Thursday morning.

She ticked off a slew of accomplishments by the more than 500 students graduating from the Studio City-based public school.

“This is the end of a journey for the sixth grade, and they’ve turned into eighth-grade teenagers and the parents have turned gray—just kidding,” Tobin said. She pointed out how the students won , writing contests, the Battle of the Books reading program, many different visual arts , dance and soccer awards and more.

“The for the swearing in of our governor, and the music department continues to win awards,” Tobin said. “This is the class that was selected for the , the best in the district, and they were part of it.”

Tobin said, “I will also miss your parents” and she pointed to aheld Wednesday with 25 parents volunteering. “It was the best Fun Day to date.”

District 3 Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member attended the ceremony, and said, “I know it was a stressful time emotionally for you all, and there is such an amazing music department here. I will do everything to make sure you are repeat winners next year.”

The Principal’s Award went to Darian Morales, because Tobin said, “He loves to do homework, asks for more, and is willing to help others and is a role model to others.”

Speaker Emily Koenig gave a tearful speech reminiscing about “When we were timid young sixth graders in the bungalows, scared to try new things.” She said, “I went on to try out for the school musical and the annual track meet, with help of the teachers and staff.” She quoted Winston Churchill and talked about failures and successes.

The Rotary Award is named after Phil Johnson, the principal in the 1980s who was also the Rotary president. All applicants are asked to write an essay and have experience giving back to the community. It was won by Aristotle Klima.

Kenny Cohen won the Robert “Buzz” Hunter award named after a PE teacher in the 1960s and '70s at Reed who was known for being ethical and self-confident.

Presidents Gold and Silver awards were given to students with good grade point averages.

A tradition at Reed is to kick off the ceremonies with students from various countries who attend the school, and this year they had voices in Russian, Korean, Armenian, Bengali, Spanish and other languages.

Sergey Mirzoyant’s speech, given in Russian and English, said he hoped to become a success in the future. Another culimination speaker was Jon-Luc Dargenton (see video above.)

Choir teacher led the Concert Choir in Over the Rainbow, and the band led by and played Pomp and Circumstance.

Friday is the last day of school for Reed and the other LAUSD schools in the area.