Schools

TMS Promotes Class of 2012

The eighth-grade graduation ceremony took place Tuesday night at Tolland Middle School.

The eighth-grade class of 2012 celebrated its big step up to at a promotion ceremony at on Tuesday night. 

Class President Matthew Salem encouraged his classmates to help each other out as they make the transition in September. 

"'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up.' That's a quote from Jesse Jackson. As a grade we need to be there to help each other. If we learn from this quote, then in September, when we step into the high school, it will be a better place for all," Salem said. 

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TMS Principal Walter Willett told students that they, and the world, have come a long way in the last 13-14 years. He pointed out that in 1998, when most of the students were born, Google had just come onto the scene, Disney released Mulan, the second Harry Potter book was on book store shelves and Osama bin Laden declared war on the United States.

"Some of this is ancient history. And I'll admit that a world without Google is hard to fathom. But all that so called history is really just a drop in the ocean," Willett said. He encouraged the students to use their own wisdom, but to also rely on parents, grandparents and others in their support system to make the most out of the coming years.

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"If you can always be mindful of your perspective, that will give you an advantage and a deeper understanding of your experience in this world."

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