AWARDS ASSEMBLY — Eighth graders of Brooke Middle School celebrated at the end of the year award assembly held Friday in the school gymnasium. -- Taryn Linder

WELLSBURG –Brooke Middle School hosted an awards assembly on Friday for eighth graders in honor of their transition into high school.

Although the last day for students is this Friday, the end of the year award assembly welcomed families of students to attend the end of the year celebration.

Dwight McUmar, assembly organizer and in-school suspension teacher, said it is important to recognize the students and their accomplishments.

“We want to recognize their achievements for getting all A’s, being active members in clubs and we also have individual awards as well,” said McUmar.”

McUmar said he is proud of the students, faculty and staff for working together after the consolidation between Follansbee and Wellsburg middle schools.

“It has been a challenging but productive year as we have worked effortlessly to combine Follansbee Middle School and Wellsburg Middle School into what we are now proud to call Brooke Middle School,” McUmar said.

McUmar wished the students a fun-filled summer and asked them to make the most of their next four years.

“I challenge you to make the most of your high school years,” said McUmar. “Study hard, join clubs, participate in sports and activities, enjoy your friends, make wise decisions and stay away from distractions that could complicate your lives.”

Seven distinguished students were recognized for consistently earning straight A’s. The students include: Ava Bolen, Noah Conaway, Louis Delatore, Austin Fiber, Brady Mercer, Bailey Serevicz and Shane Thoma.

Other awards were given by homeroom teachers to their students.

“This is a bittersweet moment,” said math teacher Jami Packer as she began wiping away tears. “I’ve had the privilege of teaching some of these students for two years and then the others for just for one. I have never been more proud to send a class up to the high school.”

The awards given by the teachers ranged from most improved to participation in school activities.

Reading/language arts teacher Megan Harless gave more personalized awards, specific to her homeroom class that included the Coco Chanel award, the Confucius award and the Jane Austin award.

The final honors to be given out were awarded to Marque Williams, science; Shane Thoma, math; Paige Crow, language arts; Bailey Serevicz, Spanish; Jacob Gilchrist, STEM; Savannah Rice, social studies; and Izabella Jordan, fine arts.

McUmar thanked Eagle Manufacturing, Walmart, Riesbeck’s and the PTA for helping in supplying and organizing the event.

(Linder can be contacted at tlinder@heraldstaronline.com)