Eaton Academy’s tenth annual Evening of Celebration was held on Thursday, May 19, 2011, and it provided a suitable end to a great year. Over 240 parents, grandparents, siblings, and teachers gathered to pay tribute to the graduating Class of 2011. The nine graduates from the high school program were joined by four graduates from the Independent Study Program (ISP) in receiving acknowledgement for their years of hard work and academic efforts. Seven other ISP graduates were unable to attend the ceremony. The graduates wore the traditional cap and gown as they accepted their diplomas. In addition to the presentation of diplomas, the evening provided recognition of the younger students’ work in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies; a salute to Eaton’s seven rising freshmen; and high school certificates for outstanding academic work in the areas of Spanish, math, social studies, science, and English.
Academic excellence and effort in the K-8 program were acknowledged by Ms. Jennifer Grant’s presentation of the K-8 Pro Merito Award to Quinn Parker and the B*E*S*T Distinguished Student Award for the K-8 to Riley Walsh. Jeffrey Erickson received the 2010 high school Pro Merito Award. The high school 2011 B*E*S*T Henderson Award for the most distinguished student was presented to John Pattillo by high school director Dawn Fix.
After the presentation of the K-8 and the high school awards, Mrs. Bridgit Eaton-Partalis presented Resource Program instructors Marcia Hall and Claire O’Brien with the Eaton Academy Distinguished Service Award, and Master of Ceremonies Brian L. Uitvlugt acknowledged the wonderful service to the school provided by Mrs. Karen Erickson and Mrs. Melinda Beach. A Year-in-Review DVD presentation preceded the parade of graduates.
As in years past, the Evening of Celebration was held at the Roswell Mill. Once again, a highlight of the evening was the graduates’ speeches. The students’ remarks were brief but very personal. The assembled group left the annual ceremony with a strong sense of accomplishment and thoughts of a brilliant future!
