Cottonwood promoted 40 eighth-graders June 11. This was one of the larger eighth grade classes that Cottonwood has had. The ceremony was officiated by Principal Dave Farkas and Cottonwood’s Middle School teaching staff.

A video montage of childhood pictures from each of the eighth-graders was shown on the large screen as students entered and took their seats.

Rosie McGowan and Eric Jimenez both gave speeches thanking the teachers, parents and fellow students for helping them reach this educational milestone.

During the ceremony many students were recognized for their academic achievements, including Honors, High Honors and Principal’s Honors.

Department awards in physical education were given to Wesley Luly and Rosie McGowan by Coach Scott Whitmore. Mr. Cheek presented the Science Department Award to Rosie McGowan.

Ms. Lee awarded YeDam Jin the Language Arts Department Award. For math, Winter Nicholson received the award from Mrs. Park, and in social studies, Mr. Dominguez awarded Christopher Rosamond the department award.

Receiving outstanding student awards were Alice Packard and Eric Jimenez.

Last day BBQ celebration

For the second year, Cottonwood ASB, under the direction of social studies teacher Mr. Dominguez, has put on an end of the year BBQ celebration at Cottonwood School.

This year, the event began with a drawing for a Wii and DVD portable player among the students who had perfect attendance for the year. Christopher Rosamond won the Wii and Nahum Martinez won the DVD player.

Many Wal-Mart gift cards were also awarded to students with perfect attendance who were lucky enough to have their names drawn!

The ASB then held a game day for the elementary students, including sponge tosses, gunny sack races and bean bag games.

Soon after, the traditional softball game between the eighth-graders and the Cottonwood staff and parents got underway. The staff and parents retained their title again this year, beating the eighth-graders soundly.

A BBQ lunch was then served to the entire student body, staff and participating parents. PTSA helped out by serving fresh watermelon and snow cones.

It was a delightful day, a wonderful way to end the school year, celebrating the many accomplishments and the hard work that students put into the past school year!