Eighth grade students from Howard L. Goff Middle School received certificates as they officially graduated from middle school on Friday evening at Elevation Celebration in the Columbia High School gymnasium. In a few short months, those students will return to Columbia as freshmen, and begin high school together.
Interim Principal James McHugh congratulated the students on their academic achievements but focused his message on the future, and gave three pieces of advice to the incoming high schoolers. That included 1) be your best 2) don’t sweat the small stuff, “and almost everything is small stuff,” he noted, and 3) just be kind.
“I want you to know that each and every one of you will always be our kids,” Mr. McHugh said, gesturing to the faculty and staff seated to his left. “We will be watching, we will be listening, and we will be following your journeys from this day forward. So make us all proud.”
Goff teachers Sean and Sandy Crall speaking at the 2023 Goff Elevation Celebration.
Other speakers included Superintendent Jeff Simons, Student Council President Mariam Conteh, and teachers Sandy and Sean Crall, who are both retiring.
The couple taught for a combined 70 years and spoke together from the podium, alternating through their speech about making connections with others.
“Make real life connections and surround yourselves with positive people,” Mrs. Crall told the students. “Talk openly and honestly to the adults in your life, and every now and then, put down that phone and look around. There are people out there who may really need your help. Don’t fail them by being a screenager. Trust us. If you do those things, your lives and the lives of those around you will be that much better.”
During the ceremony, students unveiled the 8th grade class board, which illustrated some of the key moments and themes from this past school year.
Congratulations to the Goff Middle School Class of 2023 and the incoming Columbia Class of 2027!
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Watch Elevation Celebration