John Glenn Middle School’s eighth-grade transition ceremony, “Moving On,” should not be confused with graduation.
And that’s just how the organizers and participants want it.
Everything that contributed to Thursday’s annual event – the weather, the format, the choice of attire – combined to create a meaningful experience that was also casual and fun.
The post-pandemic arrangement unfolded on Sabourin Field with parents, relatives, and friends along with the students spread out on blankets between the 25-yard lines. The area was in full sun and a few folks fanned themselves or opened umbrellas. The bleachers were an option chosen by several dozen spectators.
The theme for Moving On was “tropical summer,” and many participants and spectators followed the suggestion to “dress in festive attire,” led by Principal Jonathan Hartunian wearing a flowered shirt. Dozens of girls and a few guys in the eighth grade wore bright floral garlands.
The principal, facing the field from a dais in front of the bleachers, opened his remarks by thanking parents and caretakers. “You put your trust in us and we take that seriously.”
He noted that he has spent 24 years as a middle school educator and the ages 11-14 “require the most complicated, most challenging level of support.”
Acknowledging the JGMS educators seated behind him, Hartunian said, “When parents don’t know what to do with their children, the teachers behind me do.”
Hartunian told members of the class that they exactly overlapped his three years at JGMS, and had successfully navigated the post-pandemic universe.
He noted that the students developed into a group who “play by the rules, work it out themselves. I got a chance to watch them grow.”
There wasn’t a particular moment or turning point, he continued. “You grew into a class that was ready to graduate and go on to high school.”
He lauded their leadership of younger students and their role in nurturing “school culture and core values.”
Hartunian also announced the recipients of 34 academic awards recognizing growth, achievement, and effort. Recipients, a few of them receiving multiple awards, were selected by teachers.
The principal asked recipients to assemble in the choral risers alongside the podium for a photograph. Then, when all were announced, he turned to the group and took the photo himself.
The recognition included four citizenship awards, one for each eighth grade team. Hartunian noted that those students were honored during the recent eighth grade field trip to Washington, DC, with the role of placing a wreath on the grave of 2003 Bedford High School graduate Pfc. John Hart, in Arlington National Cemetery.
Assistant Principal Nick Bacigalupi had the responsibility of announcing each of the 201 names, cuing each eighth grader to come forward from where they lined up alphabetically on the track and accept a certificate. He called each with tonality that was deliberate and dignified.
And then, a little less than an hour since the start, Hartunian returned to the microphone and said, “That’ll do it.”
Earlier, Hartunian shared a lengthy list of thank-you acknowledgements, beginning with the Middle School Parents Association that “spent all year planning for this.” The post-event itinerary included food, games, and other activities for the students on the JGMS grounds.
He also acknowledged the JGMS office staff, teachers and administrators, counselors, nurses, food service workers, custodians, and town public safety departments.
The eighth grade chorus, conducted by Katrina Faulstich, middle school choral director, presented “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “The Good Old Days.”
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