GALT, CA (MPG) - McCaffrey Middle School’s Class of 2026 marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another during its promotion ceremony June 3, celebrating students’ achievements as they prepare to enter high school.

Student Gabriel Torres opened the ceremony with a welcome address to family members, friends, staff and fellow students in attendance.

“Looking back, I realize middle school wasn’t only about getting good grades, it was also about the people, lessons and moments that shaped us throughout the way,” Gabriel shared.

“If you had told me in sixth grade that I would one day stand in front of all of these people giving a speech, I would have been terrified. Now, while I may still be a little nervous, I am truly excited and honored to speak on behalf of McCaffrey’s students.”

Student Judith Origel delivered reminders about ceremony etiquette in both English and Spanish, while Carly Garner led the Pledge of Allegiance. Averi Rowland, Bentley Ostrander and Paloma Gold performed the National Anthem.

Assistant Principal Elaine Trull then recognized Galt Joint Union Elementary School District board members, staff and families attending the ceremony. She also reflected on the effort students put forth to reach promotion and encouraged them as they prepare for the next stage of their education.

“To our promoting eighth graders, congratulations. We are proud of all you have achieved, and we look forward to seeing the bright futures ahead of you,” Trull said, with her voice wavering with emotion.

She then asked students wearing special cords to stand, recognizing Top Dog award recipients who achieved a GPA of 3.83 or higher during eighth grade, Student of the Year recipients nominated by teachers and National Junior Honor Society members.

Student leadership representatives Liliana Guiterrez and Owen Pennington shared memories of their time at McCaffrey.

“McCaffrey has given us so many memories that we’ll carry with us for years to come. One thing we’ll never forget is the iconic black light dance, with halftime games and everyone singing along to ‘California Gurls,’” Liliana said.

“One day, the dances, the carnivals, the morning high-fives and even walking through these gates will become memories we wish we could relive just one more time,” Owen added.

Principal Crystal Grooms congratulated students on reaching promotion through their dedication and perseverance, encouraging them to carry those qualities into high school.

“You faced challenges, worked through difficulties and continued moving forward even when things were not easy. That commitment has brought you here today,” Grooms said. “As you move on to high school, remember that success is not about being perfect; it is about showing up, working hard and learning from every experience.”

“…to the Class of 2026, we are incredibly proud of you. You have left your mark on this school through your hard work, growth and kindness. Today we celebrate not only how far you have come, but all that lies ahead,” she added.

Students Samuel Underwood and Somtochukwu Nwanosike also reflected on their middle school experience and the impact it had on their growth.

“It’s hard to believe that next year we will all be starting high school as freshmen,” Samuel said. “Looking back, I can see how much my classmates and I have grown over the past two years… Whether you are going to Liberty Ranch High School or Galt High School, let’s take that little extra with us throughout all four years of high school.”

Somtochukwu thanked teachers for the role they played in students’ success.

“I’m also really grateful for the teachers here. Honestly, they played a huge role in my journey. They helped me grow, pushed me when I needed it, and sometimes they were the reason I didn’t mentally check out during class and spend 40 minutes staring at the clock,” she said. 

“And I think that matters because you don’t always realize how much teachers impact you until you look back and see it clearly.”