Sixth-graders bid goodbye to Quincy Elementary; high school bound as the class of 2028
By Debra Moore
The evening was hot but that didn’t stop approximately 400 family members and friends from turning out to watch 50 sixth-graders promote out of Quincy Elementary School on June 9.
As the students were introduced and walked the aisle flanked by family and friends, Dylan Miller, who is the incoming Quincy High School student body vice president, announced their names, the people they wanted to thank, their goals for the future and their favorite QES memory. The sixth-graders thanked the usual suspects — parents, teachers, staff, and their friends — but the career choices are always fun to hear — ranging from marine biologist to comedian to a tech company CEO. Overwhelmingly, the favorite memories were pegged to the Plumas to Pacific trip and other fun times.
Principal Lara Hollister made the opening remarks, first acknowledging the sixth-grade staff members, and then reminding the audience of the unique circumstances these students experienced. Following is an excerpt:
“The sixth-grade journey has been a road wrought with twists and turns and the unexpected. Many of our students who have been with us since kindergarten have moved back and forth between Pioneer and Alder a few times. The question in August was often, ‘When is the fair?’ followed by ‘Where will school be this year?’ They settled in here to our beautiful Alder building just in time to log into distance learning and to have their world forever changed by a global pandemic. This year held the promise of what we had come to expect as normal. Boring. Predictable. Until July, when a catastrophic wildfire changed our perspectives and our plans again.”
She went on to describe the students as more than resilient; she said they were “antifragile” in their response to the challenges. “They develop strength, maturity, and the ability to problem solve,” she said.
Hollister’s remarks were followed by students Brooke Blesse and Quincy Petersen, the student council president and vice president respectively. They began with a little back and forth banter and then took turns talking about the class.
“This year we have finally gotten back on track and it took us a while to figure it all out, but the outcome couldn’t have been better and we are all better and stronger people because of it,” said Brooke
Quincy responded, “Totally. This year has been awesome! Our class was so special, we had not one, not two, not even three, but four teachers this year!”
“Wow! That might be a new record,” Brooke chimed in.
“They have all helped us so much, and navigating Covid must’ve been hard for them too,” said Quincy.
“We couldn’t have done it without them, literally,” Brooke concluded.
The girls went on to highlight some of their favorite memories including Plumas to Pacific, FRED camp was fun, playing pioneers and outlaws, and hiking. They said that after dealing with last year’s fire evacuations and a two-week late start, “next year is going to be easy,” and then concluded with a simple thank you.
Then Aiden Powers, the QHS student body president, welcomed the students to the high school and shared a few words of wisdom to make their transition easier.
Before the certificates were distributed, Hollister presented the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement to nine students: Hailey Baker, Brayden Beatty, Anja Blaufass, Brooke Blesse, Kaash Moghaddas, Quincy Petersen, Marcus Ritchie-Compton, Leah Hinds and John Warren.
Warren was also one of three students to earn the Cougar Pride Award, along with Hailey Baker and Lincoln Brown. They were acknowledged for “consistently demonstrating a growth mindset, being curious and conscientious risk takers, and quietly leading their peers with kindness and compassion.”
Then the certificates were presented to the sixth-graders who now become the high school graduating class of 2028. This year’s graduates are: Hailey Baker, Jameson Barnett, Brayden Beatty, Anja Blaufass, Brooke Blesse, Bailey Britt, Lincoln Brown, Allison Burkhart, Lilah Cudia, Adrien Daveiga, Audrey Felker, Andrew Fleischman, Kendrick Gay, Elijah Gilmore, Carter Hammons, Elijah Harlan, Brodie Hatfield, Leah Hinds, Bradley Kiedrowski, Wyatt Kroll, Carson Leonard, Jovie Lerch, Jayden Lusty, Chance McElroy, Aislynn McGinley, Audrey Mcnamee, Baylee Meisenheimer, Kaash Moghaddas, Jace Moore, Millie Navarro, Molly Newton, Izabella Nunez, Sean Pangburn, SummerLyne Parker, Quincy Petersen, Riley Randazzo, Marcus Ritchie-Compton, Olivia Roberts, Dylan Rood, Leah Rucker, Kyler Senter, Hunter Shafer, Jayden Shea, Benjamin Skanderup-Davis, Luis Steele, Nevaeha Stewart, Jemma Trueblood, Tyler Vert, John Warren and Oliver Whiting.
Brooke Blesse, left, and Quincy Petersen, the student council president and vice president, deliver their speech during the ceremony. Photo submitted
It was hot during the June 9 promotion ceremony at Quincy Elementary School, but the students didn’t seem to mind as they waited to receive their certificate. Photo by Debra Moore
From left: John Warren, Lincoln Brown and Hailey Barker received the Cougar Pride Award. Their teacher, Dante Petersen, is seated to the right. Photo submitted
Leah Hinds and Brodie Hatfield receive their promotion certificates. Photo by Debra Moore
From left: Carson Leonard, Jovie Lerch and Jayden Lusty receive their promotion certificates. Photo by Debra Moore
There is time for a hug following the June 9 promotion ceremony before the students dispersed to their various celebrations. Photo submitted
