The Sanibel School celebrates exiting eighth-graders with ceremony
Thirty-eight students from The Sanibel School were recently recognized at the annual 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony as they prepare to enter high school and their next chapter in life.
Held on May 30 at The Community House on Sanibel, the theme for this year’s ceremony was “to be inspired.” Principal Chuck Vilardi delivered the welcoming speech, with Assistant Principal Jamie Reid presenting the students with their certificates. Videos played at the ceremony featured words of wisdom from former Sanibel graduates and videos and clips of the exiting youth from their time at the school.
Vilardi noted for the students that test scores are important, but they are not everything.
“The true measure of a person is the legacy you leave behind,” he said.
Vilardi advised them to give from their hearts and be kind.
“Dedicate yourself over the next four years,” he said.
“I want you to wake up every day and seize it,” Vilardi added.
Prior to handing out the certificates, Reid shared with the audience questions answered by the youth, such as their fondest memory, what school they are going to and where they see themselves in 10 years.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth and maturity,” she said of the students.
Grant Kaminer, 14, explained that he is headed to Fort Myers High School to take part in the IB program. The eighth-grade basketball team captain, he started out at the school in fifth grade.
“It’s been great. It’s been amazing,” Grant said. “I’m sad to leave.”
He explained that students get a lot of individual attention at the Sanibel school.
“It’s small, so it has that advantage,” Grant said.
His favorite memory was the trip to Washington, D.C., which many of the students also cited. Asked about his future plans, Grant is aiming for law school to become a lawyer and eventually a senator.
Sophia Black, 14, reported that she attended the Sanibel school from kindergarten through eighth grade. She is headed to Cypress Lake High School Center of the Arts for the next four years.
“I’m excited,” Sophia said. “The ceremony was great.”
She also named the trip to Washington as one of her fondest memories.
Matt Ciccone, 13, started out at the Sanibel school in first grade. A player on the travel baseball team for Fort Myers, he wants to pursue sports and is enrolled at Bishop Verot Catholic High School.
“I’m really exited,” Matt said of his next school, adding that he has friends also going.
Asked what he will miss most, he pointed to those around him.
“All of my friends, definitely, and my principal and teachers,” Matt said.
He offered advice to those entering eighth grade in the fall.
“Live in the moment, every second counts,” Matt said. “It flew by for me.”
Melanie Dover, 13, agreed with that sentiment.
“It’s all a blur,” she said. “I can’t remember half of it.”
Only a student at the Sanibel school for about two years, Melanie is headed to Cypress Lake High School. She explained that she has friends also headed to the school, which she is excited about.
“The people,” Melanie said of what she will miss most. “Their personalities.”
Following the ceremony, the students were treated to their own party at The Community House, including food, drinks, a photo booth and deejay. They also each received a gift bag with goodies.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way.