40 Students Promoted from Sacaton Middle School

June 2, 2023

Velia Moncada

Gila River Indian News

Parents and family of Sacaton Middle School’s 2023 eighth-grade class of 40 students packed the Braves gymnasium at 6 p.m. May 23 for a promotion ceremony that included Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Lt. Gov. Monica Antone, 2013 alumnus and musician Adrian D Thomas and 2023-24 Gila River royalty.

Families cheered as students in formal attire made their way across the gym floor to be seated for their promotional certificates. Principal Debbie Ybarra then addressed students, staff, and parents with a formal address, and following that, students led the Pledge of Allegiance in O’otham and English. 

Gov. Lewis then took to the podium and encouraged students to believe in themselves and to remember that they will be representing the Sacaton Braves as high school students. “Remember, you are braver, you are stronger, you are loved more than you know,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Antone encouraged students to continue their academic careers, saying, “You’re going to be the next leaders.… One of you will be the next lieutenant governor.” She also told them to remember that the Community will await their return from their academic voyages so that one day they may lead the Community and share their knowledge with future generations to come.

Former student Adrian D Thomas, best known for his musical talents in his band,’ One Way Sky,’ also gave a speech. He said his experience gave him the necessary skills he needed to be a musician. 

“I remember feeling prepared thanks to the incredible teachers and staff at this school who helped me and guided me into the person I am today,” Thomas said. Ybarra presented him with a parting gift and thanked him for participating in the school’s cultural night and for his ongoing presence in the Community.

After the remarks, the class was then called on stage and presented with their completion certificates.