Woodland Hills Eighth Graders Graduate

Eighth graders from Woodland Hills Junior High School screamed with excitement as they were officially promoted to the high school Monday night.

After a mini-concert by the junior high orchestra, the eighth grade sang the National Anthem. 

Honor student Justin McCord sang a gospel rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which caused three rounds of spontaneous applause during the song and a standing ovation following.

Students heard speeches from Superintendent Dr. Walter Calinger, class president Tiara Martin, and Woodland Hills Alumnus Wes Lyons, who graduated in 2005 and just signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“You are in charge of your own future,” said Calinger, who recited a poem from the wall of Mother Teresa’s Calcutta Clinic.

Though students had been cautioned to be quiet, the shouts were deafening as certain students crossed the stage, many of whom danced or waved with enthusiasm as they made their ways across the stage. Each student received a certificate and was personally congratulated by Lyons, Calinger, and both outgoing and incoming principals

“I was once sitting in the same chairs you are right now,” noted the 6’9” Lyons, who recently completed his college degree at WVU with a 3.0 average. “It’s time for all of you to focus up and dig in to your studies if you want to be successful.”

Simon Jasiewicz, the artist who designed a bear shirt that was used as a fundraising project this past school year, said he’s looking forward to attending the high school. “All my friends will be there. The high school does a lot with art, and I can’t wait to do art for one of Mr. Crone’s musicals.”

Full disclosure: Jasiewicz is the writer's son.