Newtown Middle School Students Moving Up

Parents held bouquets of flowers or mylar balloons for their honored students, and even more were ready with cameras, trying to capture the memory of a momentous step. 

Monday evening the 8^th graders from Newtown Middle School participated in a Moving Up ceremony at the O'Neill Center at Western Connecticut State University.  It was a standing-room-only crowd as  parents, grandparents, siblings and friends joined to see the 431 students mark the transition from middle school to high school.

The audience erupted with applause and rose to their feet as boys wearing neck ties and girls in high heels filed in to the traditional graduation march, "Pomp and Circumstance."

School principal Diane Sherlock welcomed the guests and honorees and introduced special guests: Newtown High School principal Charles Dumais; Superintendent Dr. Janet Robinson; Assistant Superintendent Dr. Linda Gejda; and three Board of Education members, William Hart, Debbie Leidlein, and David Nanavaty, who were attending as proud parents of 8^th grade students.

Two students shared their musical talents at the ceremony.  Christina Badiola sang the National Anthem a capella, and Richard Huffman played Etude Number 1 in A Flat Major and "Aeolian Harp" Opus 25 on the piano.

Student Council President Matthew Mossbarger highlighted the community service that the students did during their school tenure, which included a food drive, beautifying the school grounds and sending Valentine's Day cards to veterans.  He challenged each graduate to get involved in the community and to make Newtown an "even better place."

Student speakers representing each of the five clusters looked back over their two years as well as forward to what awaited them.  Renee Henriques, Kai Hedin, Tess Murray, Ryanne Duffy, and Anna Northrop reflected on similar events and emotions, yet each speaker's theme differed based on his or her unique experience at NMS.

Almost  every speaker recalled  the excitement and fear that accompanied the first days of 7^th grade. 

"It feels like just last week when we worried about getting lost," Renee said.

"What a difference a year makes," Kai said.

Other speakers elaborated on the independence gained through new opportunities and freedoms experienced at the middle school.

"We've grown into mature young adults, eagerly anticipating high school," Tess said.

Hearing about the character qualities and achievements that garnered students several awards presented -- leadership, hard-work, friendliness and civic-mindedness, among others -- testified to the truth in the Oprah Winfrey quote Ryanne shared in her speech:  "When I look to the future, it's so bright it hurts my eyes."

Award Recipients

Ridhi Sanhani  and Matthew Mossbarger were named Connecticut Association of Secondary Schools Scholar Leaders  for demonstrating the ability to influence peers.

Sam Svensson and Kirsten Liniger received the Superintendent's Award, showing leadership and academic prowess, as well as achievement in the arts.

Jessica Amante received the Elk's Club Award for excelling in her hobbies, performing arts, and was cited for her "positive attitude."

Aileen Sheluck and Logan Puleri  were recognized by Michael's Jewelers for demonstrating qualities necessary to succeed in the real world.

Bethany Dubois and Samuel Boland were named Connecticut Association of Secondary Schools Student Leaders, both noted for achievement in sports and arts.

Cooper Gold was described by Assistant Principal Kathy Boettner as being a "genuinely nice young man" when he received the Secretary of State Excellence in Citizenship award.

Gregory Hennessy was called "every teacher's dream" for his ability to balance social and academic pursuits when he was presented with the Sons of the American Revolution award.

Jennifer Sweat, who overcame "significant personal obstacles," received the Ellen Rogers Memorial Award, which goes to someone who showed great progress in personal development. 

Mia Terracino, who had the highest grades over the two middle school years, was honored with the PTA Eighth Grade Scholastic Achievement award.

Twenty-five students with the highest grades, who received recommendations from two teachers, were named Middle School Scholars (There was a three-way tie for the 25^th spot):

Anne Beier
Meaghan Brophy
Siena Cicarelli
Amanda Crowell
Amisha Dave
Bethany Dubois
Ryanne Duffy
Cassandra Ekstrom
Kevin Gorman
Michaela Guinee
Ashley Headen
Kai Hedin
Olivia Hoffmann
Margaret Kost
Julia Lansing
Kirsten Liniger
Nancy Michaud
Wesley Morlock
Anna Northrop
Emma Rizk
Ridhi Sahani
Dale Shearin
Aileen Sheluck
Siyuan Sun
Mia Terracino
Caroline Wollman
Daisy Zheng

Editor's note: See more photos here or add some of your own to the collection