NEDERLAND — There is a longstanding tradition at Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the eighth grade class with a ceremony at the end of the school year. This year's ceremony took place on May 20.

The ceremony involves flowers, speeches, applause, photos, excited students, proud families, and a certificate of promotion.

These students have completed middle school an often emotionally and socially challenging time. The first student speaker, Corbin Coil, used Rocky Road ice cream as an analogy to middle school. Middle school was sticky at times. There were bumps in the road: "we have been shaped by them." There were also rich, sweet, good times.

Corbin Coil was one of the student speakers for the eighth grade graduation ceremony.

Photo by Sara Sandstrom

Coil admitted that ahead "there still will be a Rocky Road." However, now they have build trust and they have grown.

Anna Tomlinson was also a student speaker. She spoke about how difficult sixth grade was, "waiting...waiting to belong." In seventh grade there was "too much drama." Now they have finished eighth grade. Tomlinson has 26 classmates at NMSHS and she wants them to feel seen.

Anna Tomlinson was a student speaker during the eighth grade graduation ceremony.

Photo by Sara Sandstrom

As Tomlinson and her family prepares to move to Kansas she shared with her classmates that they will always be with her. Tomlinson told them to stop waiting. Do what they are aspiring to do. She hopes they look for positivity in their lives. "And remember where you came from."

NMSHS physical education/health teacher and Honorary Speaker John Mitrano complimented the students on their authenticity. He said, "Everyone is a product of their environment."

While speaking Principal Caleb Melamed told the eighth graders not to dwell on their mistakes in school or in life.

After the presentation of the class and certificates were given to each student NMSHS Vice Principal and Athletic Director Sean DePaula gave closing remarks. He thanked parents and guardians for the support they give the students. He told the students that while in middle school they have shown perseverance, humor and he has seen them all grow socially, personally, and academically.

DePaula encouraged the students to take healthy risks, get involved in school activities, and do not let fear hold them back. He said, "Stay curious."

After the ceremony the now nineth graders and their families and guests went to the school cafeteria for cake and conversation.

Nederland Middle-Senior High School's eighth grade class of 2025-2026.

Photo by Sara Sandstrom

Congratulations to the Nederland Middle-Senior High School eighth class of 2025-2026. Welcome to high school!