Local middle and high schools promote and graduate classes.

By Robin GOLDSWORTHY and Mary O’KEEFE

It was a day of promotions and graduations throughout the Valley.

At Rosemont Middle School over 600 eighth grade students were promoted, many with plans to attend Crescenta Valley High School in the fall. 

In her opening remarks, Principal Suzanne Risse congratulated the eighth grade students and thanked the teachers and counselors who she described as “talented, enthusiastic, eager, bright and passionate educators.” 

Risse also lauded the resilience of the class, saying that several of the families of the students lost their homes in the Eaton Canyon Fire.

“It was a hard time for many and we were all affected in different ways,” she said. “True to form our Rosemont family rallied by providing gift cards, empathy and care.”

Farewell addresses were given by Olivia Jung, Sadie Hannah, Simon Boghosian and Roupen Maghardichian.

Roupen shared his love of choir and his plans for joining the choir program at Crescenta Valley High School. Roupen also thanked his parents and teachers for his improved academic scores over the year. Later he was recognized with the Exceptional Student Award for excellence and effort in school.

Simon added some levity to the promotion ceremony. 

“Teachers, like Mrs. Grimaldi who I was terrified of on the first day of school but grew to admire,” he said. “She even donated a board for our roller coaster project … and we really needed that board, so thank you.”

Several students were recognized for their contributions to the Rosemont Middle School experience.

Then the class was presented and accepted, and students received their promotion certificates.

As Dr. Kelly King said to the students in her remarks, “This promotion ceremony isn’t just about moving from one grade to the next – it’s a recognition of years of hard work, dedication and growth.” 

Crescenta Valley High School and Clark Magnet High School seniors also held their commencement on Wednesday night. 

Crescenta Valley High School boasted 606 graduates who performed a total of 40,193.64 hours of community service. 

“You’ve accomplished amazing things. You were the first to launch our school’s focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. You gave CV its first Community Culture Night, and you brought homecoming back home, right here on our own campus. You brought home Pacific League and CIF championships, and yes – even a Shakespeare Festival trophy! But more than the banners and events, you led with heart, courage, and vision. You changed the culture of [Crescenta Valley High School] in the best ways, forever,” said Crescenta Valley High School Principal Christine Benitez. 

Next week Crescenta Valley Weekly will share photos from the Crescenta Valley and Clark Magnet high school graduations.