Time has flown by this year, especially for eighth grade students at Edison Intermediate School (EIS) who are graduating. Graduation is a well-known tradition dating back to the first official graduation ceremony that took place at Harvard College in 1642, which they called “Happy Observance of Commencement.” The rest was history, with new traditions flourishing, such as wearing gowns, white dresses, diplomas, moving your tassel from right to left, and eventually tossing your cap.
Along with ceremonies and fun traditions, graduation brings a wave of new emotions and feelings. Edison students are expected to go to Westfield High School following the summer break, with others attending private schools. Roosevelt Intermediate School (RIS) and EIS, both Westfield schools, will be merging for high school. The transition can be scary and exciting, especially with a new schedule being enforced and the merging of two schools. While many EIS students already know a few RIS students from sports, hangouts, and meeting each other downtown, the transition can still be nerve-wracking.
Graduation marks the accomplishments and finish of middle school while also starting a new and exciting high school experience. Eighth grade student Kayleigh Bucciarelli at EIS stated, “I’m excited about the sports and meeting new people.”
Westfield High School is also known for its sports, which can be an appealing factor for the upcoming middle school athletes. “I can’t wait to play high school sports next year,” stated eighth grade EIS student Teagen Greeley.
While many students are looking forward to the high school transition, the passageway into high school starts with the celebration of their accomplishments in middle school during eighth grade graduation. This is one of the last main events of the school year. “I’m excited for the ceremony, and to wear a white dress and cheer on my friends as they go up,” stated eighth grade student, Ava Goodstadt, at EIS.
Some students may also feel inclined to leave Edison because they are excited for the change, but also may still feel nervous about the intensity and importance of high school. “I feel very excited to leave this school because it is very repetitive, but I am also nervous about going to high school because of the higher expectations,” expressed Laila Mehmedovic eighth grade student at EIS.
The change can feel overwhelming, and the ceremony can bring mixed emotions. It is a mark of achievement and the end of a chapter in a significant portion of an eighth grader’s life. Many core memories for students have been built in Edison’s hallways and classrooms; whether positive or negative, most students can agree that graduation is a bittersweet experience. Mrs. Kimberly Lisnock, an eighth grade guidance counselor, has advice on enjoying high school and graduation to the fullest: “I think the biggest tip is to be in the moment and be proud of your accomplishments, also be true to yourself. Also, make sure that you advocate for yourself.”
