There were 98 students who walked across the stage at the BHS Auditorium on Thursday night to graduate from the Fifth Grade.  They were greeted by family, friends and even a beauty queen as they celebrated their accomplishment.  Krystian Leonard, Miss Northern West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen was the keynote speaker at the event.  Besides being a beauty queen, Leonard also has her own non-profit organization, Shining Scars, which teaches children self-acceptance and love.  She is the author of a children’s book called Shining Scars and she recently was featured as a keynote speaker for both the TEDx Boca Raton Conference and the Contagious Optimism Live Conference.

 

Joplin Kehrer was also featured as a speaker.  Joplin, whose brother Brody was among the graduates, eased fears about going to middle school next year.  As a regular on the Tomahawk Talk show at Bridgeport Middle School, Kehrer was a natural at inspiring the students to do their best and to enjoy the middle school experience. Currently in eighth grade, she is anticipating a transition of her own next year as she starts at BHS. 

 

Two of the four Fifth Grade teachers plan to retire this year, which made for an emotional experience at the graduation.  Mrs. Katereni Coffman and Mr. Keith Athey will both be missed by their students and peers.  After certificates were handed out by Principle Vicki Huffman, the families enjoyed a reception in the BHS cafeteria. 

 

No more recess, no more lining up, no more class pets, no more parent signatures needed on agenda books.  Those are just a few of the adjustments they can expect next year.  The transition from elementary to middle school can be a rough one, on both parents and their children.  After six years of getting a kiss in front of the school, there will suddenly be a coolness that threatens to take that away.  But for the soon-to-be-sixth-graders, they look at the last few years as a lot of fun, but most are ready to move on. 

 

“I am excited about trying out new classes like Home Economics,” said Corinne Lalama.  Most are also looking forward to more flexibility in the schedule and meeting new people from Simpson Elementary.  Bridgeport Middle School Principal is just as eager to have the students arrive.  “We can’t wait to welcome all the upcoming students to the school,” said Carole Crawford, “ it’s always an exciting time to help them adjust and grow into young adults.”