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Edith Smith Middle School celebrates Class of 2025 at promotion ceremony
Summary
Edith Smith Middle School held its eighth-grade promotion ceremony at the Genesee Theater where students received awards, read speeches and were congratulated by Waukegan CUSD 60 board members and school leaders.
Edith Smith Middle School held its eighth-grade promotion ceremony at the Genesee Theater where students, families and district leaders gathered to mark the transition of the Class of 2025 to high school.
The event included remarks from Michael Rodriguez, president of the Waukegan CUSD 60 Board of Education; board member Christine Lenzing; Superintendent Teresa Placencia; Area Superintendent Shana Andrews; and Principal Vanessa Campos. Student speakers gave prepared remarks and reflections, and school staff recognized students for academic achievement, MAP and I-Ready assessment growth, perfect attendance, and other honors.
Rodriguez, identified as president of the Waukegan CUSD 60 Board of Education, addressed graduates about responsibilities in high school, making decisions about future studies and careers, and urged students to seek mentors and support from parents. "If you hang around with people that have no motivation, no ambition, they're gonna tend to rub off on you," he said, advising students to pick friends who are positive influences.
Board member Christine Lenzing encouraged students with personal anecdotes and six "secrets" for success, including protecting mental health, being a problem solver, knowing personal values and building a support network. Principal Vanessa Campos praised the students' resilience and growth and reminded families and staff of their role in students' success.
Student speakers delivered four speeches titled Bridal School Reflections, Middle School Times, Everything About Middle School and Thankful, offering gratitude to teachers and families and describing growth and readiness for high school. Student Yatsari Mojica, Sophia Johnson, Jayden (last name not specified), and Jala Mujica spoke from the podium.
Awards presented included top scholars by GPA, MAP reading and mathematics growth and scores, I-Ready completion, scholars of the year in subject areas, perfect attendance recognitions (including bicycle awards), the principal's awards and the American Legion school award for citizenship. Commander P.C. of the American Legion presented the American Legion Award; recipients named in the ceremony were Sebastian Pantoja and Yatsari Mojica.
School staff who presented awards included Assistant Principal Vivian Keeter, instructional coaches (listed as Miss Banks and Miss Yorgostegui), culture and climate specialist Miss Solane, and other school leaders. Principal Campos announced principal's award winners including Christopher Hernandez Flores, Anai Garanza, Alvin Quinn, Tanya Peter and Serenity Sandefer.
The ceremony closed with the graduates reciting the school chant and announcements about post-ceremony pickup and photo procedures. Attendees were asked to remain mindful when cheering so names could be heard as students were called alphabetically to receive certificates.
