Eighth-graders celebrate 'time of their lives'

SHARON — Seventeen eighth-graders celebrated their years at Sharon Center School during commencement exercises on Wednesday, June 17.

The night began on a somber note with a moment of silence for Kaelan Paton, presumed drowned in the Housatonic River the day before. He graduated from Sharon Center School in the class of 2008; his two younger sisters are still at Sharon Center.

The first student speaker of the night was Bianca DelTufo, who said it was very hard for her to say goodbye.

“I can say that going to Sharon Center School has been an amazing journey,� DelTufo said. “We got stuck at times, but we got help, and we pulled through.

“We have grown as a family and as unique individuals. We fight and argue like a family, we get sick of each other at times like a family, but the most important thing is that we care about each other like a family.�

Patricia McGuire spoke next, comparing Sharon Center School to an elevator ride.

“Some people got on the elevator after it started and then some got off,� McGuire said. “But everyone stepping off the elevator tonight is part of a family.

“I will always remember the people here who helped me and taught me. Some people think elementary school doesn’t count in life, but I think it does.�

Students and parents enjoyed a brief PowerPoint presentation with photos of highlights of the past nine years at the school. The award ceremony and presentation of diplomas followed.

The ceremony ended with the song “Time of Your Life� by Green Day playing as the graduates walked away from the stage and toward their future life at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, which all 17 graduates plan to attend in September.

Awards

American Legion Awards — Bianca DelTufo and Wayne Purdy

Elizabeth Gobillot Service Award — Tyler Mohring

Mary Holst-Grubbe Award —  Valerie Nelson and Ian Lane

Sharon Faculty Award — Justin Forstmann

American Citizenship Awards —Ashley Prause, Tyler Mohring, Jessica Caeners, Bianca DelTufo and Patricia McGuire

Sharon Center School Award —  Valerie Nelson and Ian Lane

Sharon School Cup Award— Wayne Purdy

Sharon Lions Club Award — Bianca DelTufo

Lions Club Honorary Award — Patricia McGuire

Sharon School Writing Award — Patricia McGuire

Sharon School Foreign Language Award — Bianca DelTufo

Ted Christinat Science Award — Patricia McGuire

Sharon Center School Art Award — Patricia McGuire

Jack Comporesi Athletic Award — Tyler Mohring

Eighth-grade Honor Roll — Jessica Caeners, Bianca DelTufo , Patricia McGuire and Wayne Purdy

Middle School Honor Roll — Bianca DelTufo, Patricia McGuire and Wayne Purdy

President’s Award for Educational Excellence — Bianca DelTufo, Patricia McGuire and Wayne Purdy

President’s Awards for Educational Achievement — Bianca DelTufo, Meghan Riley, Wayne Purdy, Valerie Nelson, Patricia McGuire and Ian Lane

Charlotte Unz Award — Patricia McGuire and Wayne Purdy

The A.B.C.D. Award — Patricia McGuire, Bianca DelTufo, Meghan Riley, Jose Salazar, Wayne Purdy, Grace Morse, Ashley Prause, Miranda Riley and Justin Forstmann

TriArts Drama Award — Jose Salazar

Sharon Center School Scholarship — Bradley Visconti

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