Downers Grove Grade School District 58 celebrated Herrick and O'Neill eighth graders as they were promoted to high school on Wednesday, June 9 at the Downers Grove North High School football field.
The O’Neill Promotion Ceremony occurred at 5 p.m. The promotion included the Pledge of Allegiance by Student Council Representative Rebecca Snouffer and a promotion speech, titled "Change," by Student Council Representatives Jordan Reynolds, Rebecca Snouffer and Alyssa Zoerb.
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell presented the Pride of O'Neill Award to Jacob Steele and Stacia Thames. Principal Matt Durbala presented this year's American Legion Awards to Jordan Reynolds and Jack Sifuentes.
The Herrick Promotion Ceremony took place at 7 p.m. The promotion opened with the Pledge of Allegiance by Seventh Grade Student Council Vice President Nicholas Derbis. Eighth Grade Student Council President Laura O’Neill and Eighth Grade Student Council Vice President Addison Sutton presented the “Address to the Class of 2021”.
Social Studies Teacher Jay Swanstrom presented this year's American Legion Awards to Emily Doherty and Nathan Woods. English-Language Arts Teacher Megan Winthrop presented the Barb Blumenschein Awards to Mallory Riske, Laura O’Neill, Keya Gupta and Brady Travers. This special award is named in honor of former beloved Herrick teacher Barb Blumenschein, who passed away in 2005.
During the ceremonies, Education Foundation President Janet Alikpala and Education Foundation Select 58 Chair Briana Richardson announced the 2021 Select 58 Award recipients.
Click here to view photos from the 2021 District 58 Eighth Grade Promotion ceremonies.