Brooks Middle School honors Class of 2025 with student speeches, awards and guest speaker

Students from Brooks Middle School’s Class of 2025 participated in a graduation ceremony hosted by Oak Park ESD 97 that included student speeches, board and district remarks, awards by team, and a keynote address from visiting speaker Marquise “Real MJ” Hill.

The event opened with a pledge led by students Paul and Amadou and remarks from student speaker Ocman Maros. "I couldn't be more honored to stand here today as a speaker for my class and represent the incredible talent in this room," Maros said, thanking families and teachers for their support.

Jung Kim, vice president of the Oak Park ESD 97 Board of Education, congratulated the graduates and their families. "It's a blessing to share this space with all of the amazing talent, potential, and determination of our youth," Kim said, and wished students well as they prepare to move on to high school.

Dr. Shaw, superintendent of Oak Park ESD 97, addressed students on identity and transition, urging graduates to "stand strong for what you believe" and reminding them the district remains "unwavering in our promise to support your academic and emotional growth." A principal of Brooks Middle School (name not specified in the transcript) also offered closing administrative remarks and introduced the eighth-grade choir.

Student speakers from each team delivered brief addresses. Lowie Burwell, representing Team 8.1, urged classmates to “go against” the instinct to blend in and to "stand out." Umam Mitra, representing Team 8.2, told classmates that "test scores aren't everything" and thanked teachers and family for their support. Lauren Burns, representing Team 8.3, said many students had struggled but encouraged peers that "your voice matters." Each student was introduced with team and award recognition throughout the program.

The ceremony included presentation of diplomas and awards by team (announced as 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 in the program) and many student names were read aloud. Guest speaker Marquise Hill, who identified himself as a 20-year-old speaker known as Real MJ Hill, told graduates their roadblocks can be "stepping stones" and urged them: "Be bold enough to be yourself. Be strong enough to stay true to who you are and to stand out."

Closing remarks and the traditional tassel movement were given by student speaker Nene Foma Nwafo, who led the announcement that students may now move their tassels "from the right to the left because we just graduated middle school." Nwafo also referenced the scale of the ceremony, noting that attendees had heard "over 300 graduates' names being called," a figure cited in remarks during the program.

The ceremony emphasized student leadership, community support and the district’s stated commitment to academic and emotional support as graduates transition to high school. No formal board actions, votes, or policy decisions were part of the event.

The program featured multiple classroom teachers and staff who introduced graduates and presented awards, including Laura Stamp, Mr. Grimaldi and Frank Blackman, among others, and concluded after the diplomas and final speeches.