Chaminade Julienne Middle School celebrated a milestone May 14 as 24 students became the school’s first graduating eighth-grade class during a ceremony at Emmanuel Church.
This graduating class began their school journey at Our Lady of the Rosary School in 2017 as kindergarteners and became the inaugural eighth-grade class when CJ Middle School opened last fall.
Father Kyle Schnippel, presiding over the Mass before the ceremony, compared the class’s experience to that of St. Matthias, the first apostle chosen after Jesus’ death to help lead the early church.
“This may not have been what you envisioned when you were younger as a student at Our Lady of the Rosary,” Schnippel told the graduates. “There can only be one first. From here on out, you laid the groundwork. There’s a legacy in being the first.”
He encouraged the graduates to embrace the future, concluding, “You are ready for whatever comes next. Take on the challenge of whatever is before you.”
During the ceremony, school leaders recognized students for academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and scholarship awards. Some of the activities that these graduates were involved with included athletics, choir, band, service work and church ministries.
Jason Bleijerveld, lead Middle School teacher, said, “Our students have grown tremendously this year, strengthening their academic abilities, gaining greater confidence and independence, and becoming more reflective and caring individuals. Students have benefitted from increased extracurricular activities in partnership with the high school, through the ECHO program, and St. Gabriel Family of Parishes youth ministry.”
Students earning academic honors with a 3.75 GPA were Mike Huerta-Bermeo, Winny John, Patryk King and Nardos Tareke. Students earning a 3.5 GPA were Neema Apendeki, Charlee Espensen, Darren Hicks and Brucke Tefera.
Greg Mueller, principal, awarded Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School scholarships for several graduates who are continuing their education at CJ. He presented medals to Winny John and Nardos Tareke for receiving the Language Arts scholarships, and both Patryk King and Brucke Tefera for earning the Performing Arts scholarships.
Winny John and Nardos Tareke also were named recipients of the College Promise Scholarship, a program that pairs students with adult mentors and can provide college tuition support upon successful completion of high school requirements.
The ceremony also included presentation of the school’s first SCHOLARS Award, voted on by classmates and given to the student who best exemplifies the CJ Middle School’s values. Winny John received this honor.
“These young people graduating tonight should be proud of how they have grown from students to scholars over the past two years,” said Jacki Loffer, assistant principal.
Loffer closed the ceremony by thanking the class for helping establish the middle school’s foundation.
“One day you will understand how important this year was in the next 175 years of Chaminade Julienne history,” she said. “Today, I hope you understand that I am very proud of each and every one of you […] and that each of you has the potential to reach all of your dreams!”
