Middle school grads say goodbye

The spirit of giving punctuated the Thurston Wave Riders’ eighth grade promotion last Friday afternoon.

After entering to “Pomp and Circumstance,” the 226 students listened to dignitaries like Principal Joanne Culverhouse and School Board President Betsy Jenkins under a banner reading “Anything is Possible!”

“We are here to celebrate the end of one journey and the beginning of another,” Jenkins told the children.

“This beautiful school has been your second home, your safe harbor and your place to get a first-rate education,” she said.

She spoke of middle school’s reputation for being one of a child’s most trying periods, in which some remain childlike while others grow up very quickly.

Jenkins said it was those differences that make each student special, and emphasized that they learn to identify their unique strengths.

“Try to be proud of your differences,” she said.

Eighth grade co-presidents Taylor Preston and Austin Lennon delivered the student speech to a highly respectful and warm crowd, which filled the gym.

They thanked teachers, administrators and parents for always loving their students, even when they may not have deserved it.

A special moment for the eighth graders was the presentation of their class gift, a succulent garden that can be enjoyed by all.

The garden represents the students’ ongoing thirst for knowledge; a dolphin statue within is the “ultimate Wave Rider,” which is surrounded by rocks for support.

Chris DeGroote of California Jungle helped turn a planter full of dirt and sticks, which had no water spouts, into the new garden.

He taught his xeriscaping techniques to the students, who hope to inspire a movement to beautify other parts of the campus in the same way.

A highlight was the students’ surprise gift to Culverhouse; they dedicated a section of their library “” “Dr. C’s Book Wall” “” to her.

“I’m not speechless very often, as you know, but I’m speechless,” an emotional Culverhouse told the assemblage.

The Thurston Chorus then performed “Corner of the Sky;” Culverhouse mouthed her shock and gave a thumbs-up sign to a colleague during the song.

The certificates were distributed personally by Culverhouse, with a hug. Students were attired in everything from denim shorts to couture dresses.

The school’s leadership class then presented a special year-end slideshow.

Kids let out ear-splitting cheers as their friends or favorite teachers appeared on screen.

The new Laguna Beach High School students then departed under a large “We’ll Miss You” sign.

“This is a giving, loving group of kids,” Culverhouse said afterward.

The Class of 2007 also raised several hundred dollars in the days leading up to graduation to benefit (RED), a charity created by Bono of U2 and Bobby Shriver to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund, which aids African families.

They are seeking a donor who will make a matching gift to bring their total to $1,000; interested parties are asked to call (949) 494-0113.

A banner near the school read, “Do the Red Thing “” Be the first class to make a difference in the world together.”