The end of the school year is approaching faster than expected and with seniors graduating, we also have to say goodbye to the eighth graders. Many eighth graders have been in elementary and middle school for their whole lives, and they are now going to make the big transition to high school. 

This transition will be honored with a ceremony on May 23, 2025 at Horizon Honors. There will be guest speakers, I will be presenting a farewell speech, and student body president Addyson Gauer, presenting a Welcome to Highschool speech. Along with these speakers, there will be awards presented to some students and a baby photo slideshow.

Many students have mixed feelings about “graduating,” so The Horizon Sun asks them some questions wondering about their emotions. 

Editor’s note: Responses have been edited for clarity.

The Horizon Sun: How do you feel about “graduating”?

Joey Miller: Good

Marcel DeGraff: SPECTACULAR SPIDER MAN!

Shaia Yardeni: Scared and excited.

Marcelina Morcillas: I feel a little nervous. I’ve been at this school for eight years. My teachers have all been so amazing and kind, I’m going to miss them so much. I’m happy to be moving forward but nervous for a brand new environment, new people, and new teachers. But I do feel a little reassured since I won’t be going alone.

Ava Freeman: I feel proud of myself but also a little sad for what I am leaving behind.

The Sun: What is something you want to say to seventh graders or younger?

JM: Just do your work, don’t try and be the funny guy because that’s not going to get you anywhere.

MD: Enjoy life while [you’re] young.

SY: Please do your work and turn it in on time!

MM: Stay on top of your grades. Even though middle school grades aren’t recorded, what your grades are in eighth can determine whether or not you’re put in a good class. Put in effort, and value their lessons. That way when you go to high school, you’ll be prepared and at the right level for you.

AF: Enjoy the times you have with your family and friends because you don’t know how close you are to losing them.

The Sun: What is your best memory from middle school?

JM: Getting to go to Main Event for the eighth grade celebration.

MD: Going to the eighth Grade Main Event field trip.

SY: In the whole year of 8th grade I’ve made some amazing friends. I’ve also gotten closer with some of my now favorite people.

MM: I think my favorite memory of middle school would be from this year as an eighth grader. This year, my group won the school science fair and we got to go to state. It was not only a big deal for me as a student, but as a friend. I got to bond with close friends and get to know some new ones. It was nice to be able to share such a special occasion with them. Also, my dream job ever since I was little was to be a scientist, so accomplishing this was like telling my younger self, “You’re almost there.”

AF: My best memory is going with my friends to dinner after the end of the year art show.

The Sun: If you would tell your younger self one thing, what would you say?

JM: [You’re] going to succeed in life.

MD: That all your dreams can come true if you do the hard work.

SYi: Don’t let the way others treat you ruin your personality.

MM: I would tell my younger self to not care about what others think of you, don’t change to be “normal.” Live like you want to, laugh as much as you like, and love your friends as much as you can. You only get one childhood, don’t spend it as anything else other than your true self.

AF: I would tell myself to keep going strong and that sometimes it’s okay to ask for help.

The Sun: Is there anything you would like to add?

MD: Goodbye to all my friends who are leaving next year.

MM: Know your boundaries. If you’re into sports, know when you need to take a break. Same thing with other extracurricular activities, if they start to get in the way of grades, sleep, or overall well being, take a break. Everyone needs a break sometime. And don’t stress too much, the work may seem like a lot at first, but it gets easier.

AF: I love this school and I will miss it here.

The eighth graders are now graduating and it may be sad, but The Horizon Sun knows they are going to do great things in high school.