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John R. Lewis Middle School holds eighth‑grade promotion ceremony for Class of 2025
Summary
John R. Lewis Middle School in Waukegan held its eighth‑grade promotion ceremony on May 20, 2025, featuring an emcee and student musical performances, remarks from Board of Education members, a student speaker, and awards including American Legion citations, top GPA recognitions and a three‑year perfect attendance honor.
John R. Lewis Middle School in Waukegan held its eighth‑grade promotion ceremony on May 20, 2025, with students, family members and district officials in attendance as graduates received promotion certificates and school awards.
The event included musical performances by a student quintet and remarks from members of the Waukegan District 60 Board of Education. Christine Lensing, a member of the Waukegan District 60 Board of Education, told graduates she favors promotion ceremonies because they give “one shot, one opportunity to say everything I ever wanted to our students in one moment.” Michael Rodriguez, also a board member, told students that if they do not yet know their path, “don't worry about it. You have time.” Amy Blanco, a Lewis Middle School student, delivered the student address and urged classmates to “be the voice for the ones without a voice.”
The American Legion presented two school awards for citizenship. Commander P.C., representing the American Legion post present at the ceremony, said the association’s school award recognizes students who exemplify “courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service,” and presented certificates to Manuel Corona and Amanda Warmington.
School staff recognized academic achievement and attendance. The program listed the top 10 grade‑point average students across sixth through eighth grades, noting a three‑way tie for highest combined GPA among Ruby Curran, Sebastian Maldonado and Rosie Ramirez. Louise Gaughn was honored for perfect attendance over the past three academic years. Staff also called dozens of students by name as certificates of promotion were awarded to the Class of 2025.
Board member Rodriguez noted that fellow board member Nita Hanna was not present because she was in Springfield speaking against proposed education funding cuts, and he passed along her regards to attendees.
Presenters at the ceremony included Amanda Warmington (emcee and student performer), Christine Lensing and Michael Rodriguez (members of the Waukegan District 60 Board of Education), Amy Blanco (student speaker), Commander P.C. (American Legion), and school staff including Miss Schaeffer. The ceremony also acknowledged eighth‑grade teachers and student leaders, and concluded with congratulations and well wishes for students as they move on to high school.
No formal district actions, votes or policy decisions were made during the event; the program consisted of speeches, musical performances, awards and the public presentation of promotion certificates.
