NEDERLAND - At Nederland Middle-Senior High School the eighth grade class closed out the school year on May 21. They were honored with a continuation ceremony on their last day as middle schoolers.

Asterion Nahapetian and Leila Tarleton gave two exceptional student speeches during the celebration.

In his final graduation/continuation ceremony, retiring principal Gavan Goodrich spoke to the Class of 2029 about the transition to high school. He said that it can be a steep hill and that they can and should ask for help.

He encouraged the students to be involved in school activities, for this is what keeps small schools going. Student involvement, he pointed out, is vital to creating a great school community.

It was then time for these 35 eighth graders to hear their names being read by Vice Principal/Athletic Director Sean DePaula, to receive their certificate from Mr. Goodrich, to step out of middle school and take their first bold (or somewhat bold) steps into high school.

DePaula delivered a few wise closing remarks. As always easily connecting with the students, he shared some of the life lessons he himself learned when he was their age. He urged students to learn from their mistakes and therefore make good choices.

Middle school is often an awkward and uneasy time in life. These students have wrapped up those tough years and now have the excitement of high school before them. We wish them all the best.

Good Luck Class of 2029!