GALT, CA (MPG) - Robert L. McCaffrey Middle School celebrated its eighth-graders at a promotion ceremony on June 6, seeing them off as they prepare for their next adventure: high school.

Assistant Principal Joshua Saldate welcomed the students, families and school district officials. He also recognized recipients of the Top Dog and Student of the Year awards, and National Honor Society members. Top Dogs are students who maintained a GPA of 3.83 or higher in eighth-grade.

Student Jordan Gold led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jax St. Claire and Sunny Hurley sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Taking time to reflect on the past two years, students Kaitlyn Cullers and Mariah Carter Scherr recounted the memories their class made at McCaffrey Middle School, naming the many fun activities they took part in.

While students encountered plenty of challenges in keeping up their grades, the speakers said, the teachers helped them persevere and “feel like part of the Bulldog family.”

Kaitlyn recalled the unexpected adjustment from elementary school to middle school.

“When I started at McCaffrey, I was so excited to be independent,” Kaitlyn said. “I could walk to class without supervision, and I just felt so much older and more mature. As I went on, though, I realized that things were not going to be as easy as I had imagined. I actually had to work hard for good grades.”

Kaitlyn said the experience of failing a test, and ultimately getting an A in the class, taught her that “it’s OK not to pass everything as long as you give 100%” and emphasized always doing one’s best.

Mariah said she moved to Galt from Elk Grove in 2020, a difficult transition but nonetheless “the next big step in my life.”

“Starting seventh-grade at McCaffrey was challenging. I didn’t know anyone at first and felt lonely. However, one day, a girl approached me at lunch and has now become a close friend of mine, showing me the impact of kindness,” Mariah said, noting she has achieved her goals of getting onto the volleyball team, joining National Honor Society and becoming a teacher’s assistant.

Principal Carlos Castillo voiced his gratitude to the parents, guardians and family members for their role in the students’ education.

“Your support, assistance and partnership have been instrumental in their achievements,” Castillo said. “As I reflect this year, I am filled with pride and joy witnessing the transformation of our students into the future college graduates they aspire to be.”

Castillo said his vision at McCaffrey Middle School has been to create a “culture of familia” that encourages unity and embraces differences. He urged students to focus on meaningful connections with parents, teachers and friends.

“Undoubtedly, you will encounter individuals who doubt your abilities and attempt to hinder your progress but let me assure you, my dear students, that you possess unmeasurable strength and resilience.”

Castillo recalled his mother, who during hard times told him, “Remember where you come from and achieve everything con ganas.” He translated the Spanish word “ganas” as “determination and heart.”

“Carry this powerful word with you as you face obstacles along your path,” Catillo said. “Embrace every challenge with determination and let your heart guide you to success.”