Submitted By: Jessica Lee
About two weeks ago was my eighth grade graduation. Many of the eighth graders were looking forward to this day, for it marked the end of their middle school careers. However, it also symbolized the beginning of a new, unfamiliar chapter in their lives: high school. The graduation process went smoothly, because we had practiced it over and over again in the days prior to the ceremony. Those days were long and dull, for there were many students in my grade, and we all had to learn to walk and sit in sync. Even though graduation practice was boring for many, it definitely played a large part in helping every one of us get ready for our big ceremony. When the day came, all of the eighth graders were excited, and many dressed up for the occasion. The ceremony started off with all of us slowly filing in onto the bleachers surrounding the stage. Once the chatter among the friends and family in the audience stopped, the principal, and a few student speakers gave their speeches. Then came the presentation of the graduates. Row by row, we each stepped up to the stage to receive our diplomas. Even though we only had a little bit of time on the stage, many students were still nervous, not wanting to trip or fall on stage. When we all got back to our seats, the students did the “wave”. This marked the end of the ceremony. At this time, all of the graduates found their friends and family in the audience, and celebrated their new found freedom. Friends met and hugged, for they would not be seeing each other over the summer, or even longer. Pictures were taken and shared, but most were just eager to go home because of the intense heat that day. Overall, I’ll always remember this day, because it marked not only the end, but also a new beginning of another chapter in my life. I am looking forward to high school, but I will always remember all the good times, and memories created during my middle school years.
