McFarland Middle School in the Othello School District held a promotion ceremony for its Class of 2029 that recognized individual student achievements, presented the school’s Mustang Way awards, and honored two longtime employees who are retiring.

Principal Carlos Gonzales opened the ceremony and thanked district leaders, staff and families for their support. “You all gave us purpose,” Gonzales said, addressing students and families. The principal also introduced the school’s choir and acknowledged school counselors, assistant principals and support staff in attendance.

Why the event matters: the promotion marks students’ formal progression to Othello High School and highlights school-level recognition and staff transitions that affect the school community. The ceremony presented Mustang Way awards to eight students selected by teachers and included remarks from counselors, advisory teachers and student leaders.

Counselor Meredith Schaeffer delivered a final pep talk to the students, telling them they had “learned what it means to support one another” and urging graduates to seek help when needed. Othello High School’s incoming ASB president, Miles Glasgow, spoke to the graduates about connecting with others and getting involved at the high school.

The ceremony specifically honored Athletic Director Don Bullis, who the principal described as retiring after 42 years in education with 30 years in the Othello School District. Principal Gonzales said, “Don, you will be missed, and we wish you the very, very best in your retirement.” The school also recognized custodian Mary Quesada, who the principal said is retiring after 19 years with the district.

Event logistics and final notes: staff announced there are about 350 promoted students and asked families to remain for orderly student release and on-site photos. Organizers said students would move to a nearby grassy area after leaving the field to meet families and that a photo backdrop was available in the gym.

The program combined student presentations, award recognitions and brief messages from multiple teachers and staff; no formal district actions or policy decisions were made during the ceremony.