Dedham Middle School Graduates 216 Eighth Graders

It was a beautiful Monday morning and the gymnasium at the Dedham Middle School was packed, standing room only for the school's eigth grade graduation. 

The proud parents, relatives, and teachers of the 216 graduating eighth grade students of the school, were all on hand for the big event. Dressed to the nines, the group sat quietly, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Collectively, they had worked very hard these past three years, and were now ready to enter high school.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, read by Scholar Leaders Elizabeth Balzarini and Joe Borsellino, and the National Anthem, sung by Elizabeth Gonsalves, Christina Maloof and Ashley Pierce - the graduation was underway.

Principal Debra Gately welcomed the crowd and shared her thoughts and best wishes, turning the microphone over to Superintendent June Doe. Always well prepared, Ms. Doe`s speech was inspirational - assuring the students that they would embark on great adventures in High School. The boys and girls, nervous and excited, gave her their complete attention.

Retiring Science Dept. Head, Louise Young, spoke to the crowd and told them never to be afraid to close one chapter of your lives and look forward to the next.

As Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Kelly, Director of Special Education Kathy
Gaudreau, Deham High School Principal Ron McCarthy and School Committee
members Mayanne Briggs and Thomas Ryan looked on, Principal Debra Gately
called the students to the platform one by one, where they received their Certificates of Promotion and Academic Achievement Awards - along with handshakes and best wishes - from Vice Principal Dr. Margo Fraczek and Superintendent Doe.

Congratulations to the Dedham Middle School class of 2012.