Another school year in the books at SMS
June 1, 2018
Christopher Lomahquahu
Gila River Indian News
Students at Sacaton Middle School advanced to the next level of their academic journey during a promotion ceremony held on May 23.
To give the welcome address, eighth grade student Daniel Johns talked about the personal growth he and many of his classmates went through at SMS.
“To see how we all saw our academics from different perspectives and how we all approached it differently, shows how bright we are and how our future is going to be,” said Johns.
He said even though the future may be unknown and at times will be overwhelming, regardless of the reasons, life and its tests are not impossible.
Sacaton Elementary School District Superintendent Cheryl Paul centered her speech around the word “resilient.”
Paul said for the past 30 years, she has selected a word that best describes the promoting class.
She said, “Building resilience through loving, nurturing, safe relationships are the key to helping succeed now and in the future.”
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis imparted words of encouragement to students, saying they will go off and they will do great things.
“This is just the first step in your educational journey,” said Lewis, “You are going go on to high school and after that possibly into the military, higher education or our workforce.”
Lewis lauded the school for its leadership and commitment in bringing a quality education to the students of the Community.
Lewis recognized the science, technology, engineering, math or STEM classes that have grown over the years thanks in part to dedicated educators like JoEllen Kinnamon.
He said, “There are so many great opportunities for you, your families and your community, that everything that you learn, you bring that back into the Community to make us stronger.”
Lt. Gov. Robert Stone said it was amazing to see the outpouring of support to congratulate the students on their eighth grade promotion.
“You have so many important steps ahead of you to do, so many things for you and your family,” said Stone, “Just keep in mind moving forward that you will accomplish a lot and it started [this] evening.”
The evening was also marked by an important milestone, when it was announced that SMS Principal Phillip Bonds will be retiring after many years of service.
Bonds was given a standing ovation and provided a special gift for his years of service to the students of SMS.
The promotion was also a time to award two students for the Brandon G. Enos Educational Foundation scholarship.
Dale Enos presented the award to Illianna Miguel and Angel Valenzuela.
The scholarship is a $300 contribution, which can be used to purchase school supplies, and comes with a backpack to haul them in.
Shortly after, the students received their promotions, which officially closed their chapter at SMS. Family welcomed them afterwards with a reception in front of the gymnasium.
