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Hundreds were able to gather in attendance for the first time in two years for the 2021 8th Grade Promotion at South Pasadena Middle School on Tuesday, June 1.
Taking place on the relatively recently revamped fields north of the main campus, socially-distanced pods of chairs to accommodate families were spread across, nearly spanning the entirety of the enormous, artificial turf space.
As eager parents ready to see their grads take the stage for those momentous seconds were seated, students in their own pods were fastidiously queued up in pairs behind them.
Coordinated to a tee, the ceremony ran smoothly, due largely in part to the many student and teacher volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make it a safe and successful evening.
Powerfully relatable speeches from ASB Officers Benjamin Regan and Elizabeth Mullaly entitled ‘Rising to the Challenge’ and ‘Change’, respectively, both touched upon the inevitable transformations that come with increasing responsibility, the discovery and distinction between one’s past and future self, and the fond memories of SPMS they will carry with them.
Prinicpal Cheryl Busick, lauded her Tiger Cubs and faculty for adapting to another year fraught with constant shifts and trials. Assuming her new role at SPMS in her first year — after previously serving as Arroyo Vista Elementary’s Principal — she nonetheless immediately fell in love with her new job, assuring that despite the obstacles, the future is looking brighter by the day.
Student Holly Lacey gave a top-tier performance of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ on her violin, exhibiting the depth of skill and familiarity of instrument one might expect from a seasoned musician.
Adding to the bill that evening were Mullaly accompanied by Maya Proulx, belting out sweet harmonies in a cover of Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart. Lilting melodies and moving lyrics reflected on a pivotal time for soon-to-be Tigers.
Not to be outdone, but rather complimented by the other performances, student-musicians Trisha Chakraborty and Chaemin Lim took to their clarinet and flute in an awesome display, playing a rendition of Op. 46 No.1: II. Andate Poco Adagio by Kaspar Kummer.
In-line with past ceremonies, SPHS Principal Janet Anderson gave a moving address to the students. Being her last 8th grade promotion, after announcing her planned retirement this August, Anderson reminded the future SPHS students that a school full of people ready to guide them and share new experiences.
Congratulations to SPMS Class of 2021 for your perseverance, may it serve you well.
Full story to follow, stay tuned for updates
