Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Banner indicates eighth graders' intentions to complete high school
Students in the 2021-22 eighth grade class at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School are front row, from left to right: Lindsey Van Es, Jackie Ramirez, Jozelyn Torres, Caleb Sybesma, Lily Nellis, Evelyn Steffen and Madeline Flores. Second row: Jared Leth, Joshua Cruz-Salzillo, Jafet Ortiz, Nathan Stofferan, Aryanna Collins, Hadlee Rohlfsen, Margo Wilson and Ashyia-Cherie Betz Murphy. Third row: Hannah Tessum, Grace Shaughnessy, Pamela Mutombo, Reyna Tamayo, Layla Nunez, Abigail Rons, Alivia Baker and Trannetta Hayes. Fourth row: Draven Kruse, Isaac Schierholz, Natalie Daggett, Kaylee Newkirk, Clara Funk, Lillian Van Loon, Kaylee Walker, Jackson Van Beek and Evie Krogman. Fifth row: Riley Russell, Lawton Schiphoff, Owen Tifft, David McIlroy, Kylar Wadsley, Tryton Crawford, Carter Dolphin, Camden Ball and Caleb Grotluschen. Not pictured: Payton Diehm, Moriah Otto, Jordan Lux and Jonathan Simkins.
Eighth grader Jafet Ortiz signs his name on the graduation pledge banner last week at H-M-S Middle School.
Principal Corey Ramsey and Lindsy Holst hold up the graduation pledge banner after the Class of 2026 signed it during last week's ceremony.
This year's eighth grade class at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School will have a constant reminder of a significant commitment they made regarding their futures.
The students signed a banner during an awards program on May 19 to indicate their intention to complete four years of high school. The banner will be hung in the freshman hallway at H-M-S High School as a reminder of their commitment.
"A high school diploma is important," said Principal Corey Ramsey. "A high school education is your choice."
Wording on the banner reads: "I am committed to graduate, attend school regularly, achieve grades and credits necessary to graduate, be involved in high school activities, and volunteer in my community."
The Class of 2026 is the first to take such a step. The program replaces the traditional eighth grade graduation ceremony.
Accomplishments of students in grades 5-8 during the school year were also recognized during the program, as were retiring teachers Juanita Anliker, Carolyn Carlson and Becky Maloney. They have taught a total of 89 years, 80 of which have been at H-M-S.
