Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Graduation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Elm Middle School certifies class of 2025, names two Cougar Pride Award winners
Summary
At a graduation ceremony at Elm Middle School in Elmwood Park, school leaders certified the class of 2025 for promotion to high school and presented Cougar Pride Awards to Madison Collins and Thomas Goles. Speakers offered advice to graduates and thanked families and staff.
Elm Middle School in Elmwood Park marked the promotion of its eighth-grade class of 2025 at a graduation ceremony where district staff certified students' completion of required coursework and presented two Cougar Pride Awards.
Principal Ashley Groeneveld opened the ceremony and offered students practical advice for the transition to high school, telling graduates, "Be brave. Be bold. Go after it." Groeneveld asked families and the school community to continue supporting students as they move forward.
Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401 Superintendent Dr. Leah Gocci also addressed graduates, encouraging them to take advantage of the broader course and extracurricular options available in high school and thanking parents, guardians, and staff for their support.
Board of Education member Jennifer Ranallo spoke both as an elected board member and as a parent of one of the graduates, offering encouragement to students and urging parents to remain involved in their children's education.
Lisa Berkery, speaking for the eighth-grade team, described the Cougar Pride Award as a recognition for students who "go above and beyond" academically, behaviorally, or socially. She announced this year's recipients as Madison Collins and Thomas Goles and summarized the attributes that led teachers to nominate them: consistent academic effort, respectful and responsible behavior, and positive contributions to the school community.
Representing the District Office, Mr. Parisi certified that "the graduating class members of 2025 has successfully completed all necessary coursework to be promoted to high school," and the faculty presented diplomas to the students. The ceremony concluded with final remarks and a closing from school staff.
Speakers noted the event as a milestone in students' academic journeys and emphasized continued family and school support as graduates enter high school.
