Pioneer Middle School promotes its first 8th grade class
Posted on June 14, 2009
Slightly more than 10 months ago--on Aug. 28, to be exact--Pioneer Middle School at DuPont, WA opened its door for the 2008-09 school year.
Among the students who flocked to the new facility last fall were more than 200 8th graders.
On June 11 those students, members of the school's first "graduation" class, filed into the school's gymnasium as the Class of 2009, the first group of 8th graders to be promoted to Steilacoom High School from the new building.
Supported by family, teachers and friends, approximately 212 students—in the school’s 154th promotion class—received Certificates of Promotion from School Principal Kristi Webster. Assistant Principal Paula Gayson presented each new 9th grader with a special commemorative medallion. Each medallion was engraved with a replica of the original 1892 school bell that hung over the original Pioneer School in Steilacoom.
The traditional promotion ceremony, attended by a SRO crowd of proud family members and friends, included performances by the 8th grade choir and jazz ensemble. It also featured a one-of-a-kind photo display of the graduates—both as youngsters—and as they now are. An assortment of class photos was displayed in the school’s entryway.
ASB President Travis Pine and class representatives Grace Nguyen and Nick Bolk spoke about highlights from their past three years: from 6th grade camp to field trips, and lots of learning in between.
Dr. Art Himmler, Superintendent for Steilacoom Historical School District #1, gave the promotion address, one that drew parallels between airplane tickets and education. The speech’s conclusion featured hilarious advice from “Mom.”
A Parisian street scene—complete with old-timey lamp posts and a larger-than-life-size replica of the Eiffel Tower—greeted the “promotees” as they flocked to the cafeteria for a post-ceremony dance.
“I feel really historic,” said Alex Essenberg, one of the new grads who becomes a freshman at Steilacoom High School in September.
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3 Comments
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
wow i truly do feel historic being part of the first graduating 8th grade class at pioneer middle school.
September 14th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
i was a 7th grader at the time and now im an 8th grader and i understand how you would feel historic but i already love all of my teachers
December 29th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
very true alex! so do i! that was a good day:)