Celebrating Achievements and Looking Forward: Barnett and James Dukes Sixth Grade Promotions 2024
June 5 was a landmark day for 65 Barnett and 57 James Dukes 6th graders who wrapped up their last year in elementary school.
“It’s been a remarkable journey and milestone as students transition from elementary to middle school,” said Barnett Elementary School’s principal, Mrs. Meghan Meris. The school's 5th grade parents and staff decorated the area for the ceremony, and next year, these parents will get front-row seating when their children are promoted from 6th grade. “Pay it forward, it’s so sweet.” The students have made lasting friendships and memories that will last forever, and their parents are their biggest cheerleaders.
The Barnett Elementary school ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alex Burnett, Katelyn Cameron, Brianne Folkins and Emma Nielsen. Patrick Youngblood sang the National Anthem, and Brianne Folkins and Zuri Kiprotich presented speeches. Folkins ended her speech with the words, “Goodbye Barnett and hello Olive Peirce Middle School.”
Presidential Awards were given to students who earned all As and no more than one B during the school year. The honor roll recipients earned As and Bs. In a touching moment, the students passed out flowers to their parents and family.
Meris says the best thing about the school year was the kids. She enjoyed watching them grow from the first day to the last; that was remarkable. She is very proud of them.
Bristol Borneman, who was promoted from Mrs. Meadows' class, will be attending Olive Peirce Middle School at the end of August. She races go-karts regionally and nationally, and they will be away all summer racing in the Midwest. She has enjoyed her teachers and staff as they led her with encouragement and positivity. She had a great support system and cheer squad in the office who gave her kind words.
James Dukes 6th Graders invested many years preparing for this special day at their promotional ceremony. The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Aileen Short. Friends and families gathered to cheer them on as Principal Debbie Long led the ceremony.
Three students—Tatum McGhen, Jackson Flores, and Student Council President Kensington Lilly—gave moving speeches with a touch of humor, recapping the fondest memories of their James Dukes experiences and wishing their classmates well. School Counselor Jenny Silva read the names of the graduates, including Principal’s Award students who attained a 4.0 GPA (Mia Bernd, Jackson Flores, Chloe Gilsdorf, Kensington Lilly and Brynnleigh Young), and honor students who earned a 3.5+ GPA (Lincoln Bluck, Mia Cottrell, Sofia Dempsey, Sage Lynch, Mason MacDonald, James Nichols, Lillian Stewart, Steven Wilde and Henry Williams).
One of the highlights of this ceremony was at the end when K-6 teachers formed an aisle for their former students to walk through when they exited the auditorium. Once the students were outside, they waited for their friends and family to greet them and take pictures to capture this momentous day.
Congratulations, James Dukes and Barnett graduates! Your journey through elementary school is complete.
As the promotees reflect on their journey, they see they are capable of remarkable things as they move forward. The future is bright and theirs to shape.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler and Joanne Rivera.
