On Wednesday, June 1st, specific 8th grade scholars were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance at the Awards Assembly. Our beautiful gymnasium was filled with proud parents and loved ones eager to hear their student be recognized for their accomplishment. The Awards Assembly started off with the Pledge of Allegiance, then followed with high school representatives from Brother Rice, Saint Laurence, and Marist, who recognized a handful of students who earned scholarships. Additionally, students who participated in Ambassadors, NJHS, Erika’s Lighthouse, Band and Chorus, and students who earned Student of the Month, the Mustang Award, Female and Male SWIC Athlete of the year, OLHMS Pride Award, were recognized Wednesday morning. It was a special and memorable morning for our Mustangs and loved ones.
6th and 7th grade students were also honored for their hard work this school year! On Tuesday, May 24th and Wednesday, May 25th, 6th and 7th grade students who won Student of the Month, Grade-Level Mustang Award, or Trimester Mustang Musts Award were treated to a continental breakfast courtesy of the PTSA. Proud looks on parents’ faces were evident when celebrating their scholars and all their hard work this year. A 6th grade parent commented, “I was so nervous about my child starting middle school, especially with the current state of our world. I knew that with over 300 students in 6th grade, the likelihood of my son receiving an award was slimmer than in elementary school. We were both so happy and proud that he achieved student of the month this year! This celebration was everything I needed as a parent to know that OLHMS staff and teachers really do care about our kids.”
On Tuesday afternoon, 8th grade scholars took one more walk through their OLHMS hallways. 8th graders started on the first floor, and made their way through the 6th grade floor, then walked through the 7th grade floor. During this sentimental time, our 6th and 7th grade Mustangs and teachers were cheering and congratulating their fellow 8th grade friends for all their accomplishments. After students took one final lap through OLHMS, they went straight to the buses where they were taken to their feder schools of Kolmar, Covington, Hannum, Sward, or Hometown. When scholars arrived at their old stomping grounds, a flood of emotions overcame them. Maya was especially emotional when she walked through her old school of Kolmar. Maya said, “I just can’t believe how fast the time went by… I remember sitting in my 3rd grade classroom like it was yesterday. I really am going to miss OLHMS and all my friends.”
It was the night of June 2nd, and all the Mustangs were gathered together in our beautiful gym. Parents and loved ones gathered together and stood in silence as their student walked down the aisle, up to the stage. We heard two amazing student speeches from Sara A. and Patrycja P., Dr. Enderle, Mr. Nichols, and Dr. McNichols. After our speeches, it was time for our 8th grade students to walk across the stage. One by one, students walked across the stage, some with tears in their eyes. Row by row, the audience applauded so loudly, our building shook. After the ceremony, students flooded the halls, hugging one another, crying, and sharing fond memories from their time here at OLHMS. Julia said how “these past three years have been the best of my life so far. I made so many great friends, I had great teachers who truly cared for me and taught me so much. I will miss OLHMS so much.” Just like that, three years have gone by for our class of 2022! We are so proud of all our 8th grade scholars for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout this school year!
