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Robert Abbott Middle School promotes Class of 2025 at Genesee Theatre
Summary
Students from Robert Abbott Middle School were recognized and promoted to high school during a May promotion ceremony at the Genesee Theatre, with district leaders, staff and family members in attendance.
Robert Abbott Middle School recognized and promoted its eighth-grade class of 2025 at a promotion ceremony at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, where school and district leaders delivered remarks and students received awards and certificates.
The ceremony, led by Principal Flora Carter, drew members of the Waukegan CUSD 60 Board of Education, district administrators, teachers, families and students. Carter introduced board members and district staff and reflected on the year, saying, "You've left your mark on us. And we'll miss you more than you know."
Michael Rodriguez, president of the Waukegan CUSD 60 Board of Education, addressed students about the transition to high school and life beyond, opening his remarks with "Good morning, Waukegan High School class of 2029." Christine Lensing, a board member and Waukegan alumna, offered advice and encouragement to the graduates and closed with congratulations to the promotion class of 2025.
Two student speakers, Jaylene Morales and Noeli Martina, reflected on their years at Abbott and urged classmates to build support networks and continue learning. Morales told classmates, "Remember, completing our middle school story is not an ending. It is a new beginning for the endless possibilities." Martina closed her remarks urging peers to persist: "Never give up. Always find a way. Always be a student. Keep on learning, class of 2025."
The program included recognition of academic and citizenship awards. Assistant Principal Tanya Evans announced the top 10 scholars by GPA: Felix Sanchez, Maya Villarreal, Logan Achura, Victoria Narbone, Kimberly Aguirre Acosta, Leslie Lopez, Azul Ramirez, Isali Rodriguez, Emily Mendoza Maldonado and Jariel Zicado. Gwendolyn Polk, representing the American Legion, presented the American Legion Award and noted her military background while introducing recipients. PBIS and other school awards for citizenship, character, athletics and other categories were also presented to named students.
Carter noted the district had implemented a new promotion policy this year and acknowledged that "some of your peers are not with you here today," framing the ceremony as both celebration and a reminder of expectations the school has for student achievement. The ceremony concluded with students instructed to exit the theater with their families.
The event combined speeches from district leaders, student reflections and multiple award presentations to formally mark the students' promotion from middle school to high school.
