CHESTERTOWN — Kent County eighth graders achieved a milestone June 11 with the middle school’s annual promotion ceremony.
The morning celebration marks the end of the students’ middle school career as they officially become rising freshmen at Kent County High School.
Kent County Middle School Principal Mark Buckel and Assistant Principal Kelley Melvin, who have been the leadership team at KCMS for three years, led the promotion ceremony. This was the first class of eighth graders they worked with from start to finish in the building.
“Today we gather to recognize the growth, perseverance and hard work of our eighth grade class as they prepare for their next journey. KCMS is rooted in the strength of family, and it is in that spirit of community that we celebrate these outstanding students with immense pride,” Buckel told the gathering.
For Melvin, this eighth grade class includes the last students she had as an elementary school teacher before becoming an administrator.
“I had the unique privilege of being part of your journey,” Melvin said to the students. “Watching you grow over these past several years has been one of the greatest joys of my career.”
The ceremony’s student speakers were Peyton Queen, who introduced special guests and led the Pledge of Allegiance; Sophia Usilton, who offered opening remarks; Emily Morrone and Colton Watson with the National Junior Honor Society speech; and Caidyn Cox, who gave the student address.
The school’s administrative team was joined on stage in the middle school’s gym by teachers who handed out awards for the top students in their subject areas.
Micah Christophel and Maci Sutton received the Blue and Gold Award for exceptional leadership and citizenship, contributing positively to the school community.
This year’s Trojan Award for showing the most growth and improvement during their time at Kent County Middle School was presented to Kayla Redding and Denzel Demby.
Redding also received the inaugural Character Counts! Community and Character Award. Presented by Character Counts! Kent County Executive Director Deeann Jones and Advisory Board Chair Jenna Leckrone, the award is a sculpture of the organization’s tree logo that will be kept on display at the school.
The Principal’s Award, the most prestigious of the middle school’s awards recognizing academics and integrity, was presented to Emily Morrone and August Swanson.
In his closing remarks, Buckel highlighted all the students’ achievements and recalled special memories of their time at Kent County Middle School.
He said he expects that this group of students, the rising Kent County High School Class of 2030, to be a powerhouse.
“It was an incredible privilege to watch you grow over these past three years,” Buckel told the students.
Trish McGee, owner and publisher of The Evening Enterprise, is president of the Kent County Board of Education. She did not contribute to this report.
