Richland County Middle School held a promotion ceremony for its eighth-grade class of 2025 where students received promotion certificates and school awards, school leaders said. Student speakers Riley Higginbotham and McKenna Funk addressed classmates and families, and Principal Jeff Thompson offered closing remarks and three life lessons for the graduates.

The ceremony included presentation of awards in multiple categories. School staff identified two grade-based award tiers (the transcript lists honors as “between 3.5 and 3.79” and a higher tier described as “3.84” in the record, which is unclear), academic and athletic recognitions, Elks awards for students with straight A records over sixth through eighth grades (the principal said there were 11 recipients), and citizenship awards voted on by students. Principal Jeff Thompson also announced that members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Jason Fox confirmed the class met the requirements set forth by Richland County Community Unit School District No. 1.

Student speaker Riley Higginbotham opened the ceremony and thanked staff, families and classmates, saying, "Good morning, staff, family, friends, and of course, the incredible promoting class of 2025." Principal Jeff Thompson recognized faculty and staff by name, thanked maintenance and technology teams, and acknowledged the district's Board of Education and Superintendent Jason Fox. He closed with three short lessons for students, urging them to "have compassion for others," to take responsibility for themselves and to "be the best that you can be." The final student speaker, McKenna Funk, told classmates the experiences of middle school had prepared them for high school and encouraged them to "stay curious, stay kind, and dream big."

The program also included the pledge of allegiance led by students Gracie Wright and Brianna Beere and a performance of the national anthem by the seventh-grade band under the direction of band director Caitlin Oates. Event logistics announced at the conclusion asked families to remain in their seats until students left the gym and provided directions for exiting once the procession concluded.

Less central remarks included brief mentions of vendors and volunteers: Tim Dunnehy provided photography, Ivy's Cottage supplied stage ferns, and named office staff and custodial workers were thanked for daily support. The school read a long roll of student names tied to specific awards and academic recognitions during the ceremony.

Parents and guardians were reminded that students may leave with their families after the ceremony and that photographs would be posted on the school website later in the week.