[ Up ]

Middle School Graduation

Manchester Middle School Principal Tom Baxter and his staff said goodbye to 267 eighth graders at the middle school graduation ceremony on June 14. The ceremony was held at Manchester Township High School, where the students will enter as freshmen in the fall.

Mr. Baxter welcomed the audience of parents, friends, and family members, telling them how proud he is of the graduates and assuring parents that they are prepared for the challenges of high school.

Student presenters for the ceremony were: Monyece T. leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Megan D (photo left). presenting the welcome address, and Van S. (photo right) presenting the farewell address.

The following awards were presented: Manchester Board of Education Academic Excellence Award – Kenneth S., Megan D.; Carrie-Anne Carter Highest Academic Average Award – Kenneth S., Megan D.; Carrie-Anne Carter Character Achievement Award – Monyece T., Sean Z.,; Manchester Township Education Association Academic Excellence Award – Van S., Emily K., Sarah K., Emily I.; Student of the Year Award – Emily I., Kevin H.; Scholar Athlete Award – Grace L., Ryan R.; Athletes of the Year – Amy H., Matthew R.; Christie Pearce Sportsmanship Award – Amy H.; School/Community Service Award – Jade O.; Ocean County Professional Guidance Assoc. Award – Kayla-Marie F.; Manchester PTA Fine Arts Award – Megan D. (Music), Ashley B. (Art); Administrative Unit Award – Jamilah A.; Manchester Middle School Achievement Award – Sarah M., Clarence C.; Presidential Academic Fitness Award – Kelsey B., Megan D., Megan F., Amy Higgins, Emilia I., Sarah K., Emily K., Grace L., Ashley L., Kenneth S., Van S., Sean Z.; Foreign Language Award – Kelsey B., Jason C.

Councilman Brendan Weiner presents the
Community Service Award to Jade O.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. William DeFeo also congratulated the graduates and urged parents to stay involved in their children’s education even as they continue their educational journey in high school. "The key is to not let them complete this journey alone," he said. Dr. DeFeo also paid tribute to retiring Manchester Middle School Vice Principal, Claire Weimmer, thanking her for many years of dedicated service. Weimmer
(with flowers in photo right) received a standing ovation from the graduates and the audience.

Mrs. Peg Viola, Teacher of the Year, assisted Dr. DeFeo, Mr. Baxter and Mrs. Walter in the awarding of diplomas. Before dismissing the class, Mr. Baxter thanked parents, faculty and staff for their contributions as part of ‘the middle school team.’