Eighth Graders Bid Farewell To SLE

SEELEY LAKE – Nineteen eighth-graders graduated from Seeley Lake Elementary (SLE) June 9. Students were recognized for their accomplishments and given advice as they move onto high school.

The students chose SLE sixth grade teacher Sharon Teague to be the keynote speaker at their event. Teague began teaching sixth grade ten years ago when this class was in preschool.

Teague recapped the years the students had spent at SLE, from their preschool years through junior high. From academics to time on the field, Teague showed how each of the teachers played their part as the students moved through each of the grades

"The teachers pushed you and stretched you and watched you grow into the hard working, deep thinking young adults that you are today," said Teague. "They taught you that sometimes life can be tough, but you are tougher. They believed in you, even when you didn't. And you grew up right before our eyes."

Teague then turned the graduates' focus to the audience pointing out how much those in attendance have done in each of their lives. She pointed out how much the parents, friends and family have done to help the students become who they are.

"Be thankful for them and let them know how much they mean to you each and every day," said Teague.

In closing, Teague offered "Mrs. Teague advice": Sometimes it's OK to color outside the lines, just a little bit; be good, be honest and always be true to yourselves; don't be a sheep and tend to follow the flock, be an original and dare to be different; life is not fair, Fair is in August; remember when I used to say "don't make me get my broom out?" I hear they might have brooms at the high school too.

SLE staff recognized exceptional students with a variety of awards.

2016 Presidential Academic Achievement Award went to students receiving at least an A- grade point average in seventh and eighth grade and achieved at or above the benchmark for science, math and English in MAP testing. Recipients this year were Sam Weisenburger, Cecilia Ruppert, Ella Batchelder, Kara Good, Terra Bertsch and Blake Lindemer.

Emma Stevenson received the Golden Eagle Award. Stevenson received the award because she has overcome obstacles, has strived for the best in all school related activities and showed depth of character and perseverance.

Blake Lindemer received the 2016 Technology Award. Lindemer received the award because he has excelled in the area of technology but has also put his skills to work helping other students, teachers and the community by producing high quality videos and slide shows that are still being used to promote the community.

Tessa Higgins received the Warren Skilicorn Music Award for her continuous growth throughout the year. Music Director Kaytee Ambrozich said Higgins was constantly asking intelligent questions and striving to become better at practicing and playing the piano.

Avery Smith and Kara Good received the Teachers Choice Award for being positive role models for their peers. They were described as helpful, considerate and thoughtful and displayed consistent and positive citizenship.

Ben Montross received the Big Brother Award for watching out for the safety and caring for his little sister all year.

Superintendent Chris Stout was impressed with the class for getting hats approved in the school. Back in October the students started the process by presenting their idea. After doing research, hosting a debate, taking a student survey and talking with the staff they presented a proposal for fifth-eighth graders that was approved by the school.

"You coming forth, the way you did to me and to the rest of the staff about allowing you to wear hats in school, was way more important than what actually came of it. When I started, my whole goal as principal was to create a school where students know they have a voice in what happened. That we create thinkers that challenge the status quo and have confidence to move forward and change something in a professional manner. That's exactly what you guys have done and did and I'm very proud of that. I hope you carry that on with you."

In closing, Teague said, "Go out there and make us proud."