Eighth graders make move to high school

With hugs and tears of joy and sorrow, 163 eighth graders of Winslow Junior High bid farewell to their home for the past two years to make the long journey… around the corner.

The students of the junior high Class of 2005 will continue their education as the Class of 2009 at Winslow High School this fall. But before they can begin their distinguished march toward high school graduation, they celebrated the memories and accomplishments of junior high at the annual Induction Ceremony on May 24.

Under the twinkling stars and amid the glittering camera flashes, the students took center stage on the most important night of their junior high years. Friends and families packed Emil Nasser Stadium and cheered as Principal Jim MacLean handed the graduates their certificates representing two years of hard work and dedication.

The night began with the Junior High School Band performing "Dorian Rhapsody" and a medley from Disney's "Aladdin" followed by the "Star Spangled Banner." The Junior High Choir also provided entertainment with a rendition of "Dare to Dream."

Class President Alisyn Boyd formally welcomed everyone to the ceremony.

The Winslow Police Department presented its Summit Awards to Mariah Guzman and Anthony Guzman. The Navajo County Sheriff's Office presented Good Citizen Awards to Amanda Henrie and Patrick Lomeli.

Mariah Guzman was also the class Valedictorian and encouraged her fellow classmates to make the right choices. Class Salutatorian Teeghyn Lowry, invited the students to exceed their goals in high school and beyond.

Winslow High School Student Body President-elect Monika LeGate welcomed the soon-to-be freshmen and suggested that they become involved in the school to receive the best experience possible.

Just before he handed the students their certificates, MacLean told them to always remember the school motto — Dream, Believe, Strive, Achieve.