Eighth-graders celebrate completion

In two separate ceremonies, students from the future class of 2004 officially ended their middle school careers to prepare themselves to begin high school in the fall.

Carson Middle School eighth-graders marched into the school's gymnasium to the beat of "Pomp and Circumstance."

Eagle Valley Middle School eighth-graders marched to Bach's "Prelude" in the Carson High School gym.

In preparation for the ceremony, each eighth-grader at Carson Middle School wrote an essay about their experience at the middle school and their feelings about moving on to high school.

"It's been a tradition here," Tom Badillo, principal of Carson Middle School, said. "It causes them to reflect on their middle school years and what their goals and aspirations are."

The six best essays were chosen to be read during the ceremony instead of a keynote speaker.

Badillo said that guest speakers often do not relate as well to the students.

"The students and audience get more out of it because it's their peers and their kids," Badillo said. "They (the student speakers) do a wonderful job."

Gary Riggin was one of the students selected to read his essay.

"We, as the nation of teens, have the power to control and enjoy our lives," he said. "It is time for us to grow up and take responsibility."

Benjamin Adler, Paige Thayer, Richel Zafranovich, Monica Prunty and Bryan Upton also read their essays.

Badillo said it is not a formal graduation but a celebration ceremony to recognize the students who have maintained good grades and have exhibited good behavior. Those who have not do not participate.

"It takes five seconds to do something wrong and they get a lot of attention for that," he said. "These students have done the right thing for three years and we want to let them know that their efforts are appreciated."

Amber Booth of Carson Middle School did feel appreciated.

"It's an accomplishment for everything we've worked hard for," she said. "It gives us hope for next year."

Patrick Duncan, also from Carson Middle, said he was pleased to be done with that phase in his life.

"It feels good," he said. "I'm happy to be moving on to the high school."

Gary Duvney went to watch his nephew graduate from Eagle Valley Middle School.

"It represents a closure of the middle school and the beginning of high school," he said. "It's a separation of the two."