HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Hanscom Middle School staff recognized nearly 40 graduating eighth grade students during a ceremony in the school’s multipurpose space here June 20.
The in-person ceremony was the first held indoors since the COVID pandemic began in 2020.
“I feel really fortunate that we’re able to come together [inside] and celebrate this graduating class’s accomplishments,” said Erich Ledebuhr, HMS principal.
Prior to the presentation of diplomas, four students received awards for academic achievement.
Lincoln Educator’s Association: Randy Smith and Ayla Meiling Gonzalez
Lincoln Historical Society Award: Mckensi Galarza
Heddie Kent Literature Award: Elora Fennell
Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, provided remarks to the graduates.
“I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the teachers, staff, and parents who have guided and supported you throughout your middle school years,” she said. “They have equipped you with knowledge, inspired you to dream big, and instilled in you the values that will carry you through life.”
Enriquez encouraged the graduates to think differently.
“As you transition to high school, remember that the path ahead may be challenging at times, but do not be deterred,” she said. “Take risks, be courageous, and embrace failure as a steppingstone toward success.”
While many will attend high school locally, others will attend high school elsewhere.
“Throughout your time here, you have built long lasting friendships, participated in unique hands-on projects, expressed your creativity,” she said. “Remember all of the great times you have created while at Hanscom Air Force Base.”
Changing schools several times is not uncommon for military-connected students.
“We know that our [military] students face a lot of challenges and a lot of transition,” said Ledebuhr. “Every now and then we give a longevity award to students who might have been here a little longer than others.”
Ledebuhr presented Elora Fennell, Michael McDaniel and Kyra Omar longevity awards. Each student has been at Hanscom AFB since preschool.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rebecca McFall, Lincoln, Massachusetts, and John MacLachlan, Lincoln School Committee chair, presented the graduates with their diplomas.
Congratulations to the following HMS graduates:
Valerie Agurcia, Bedford High School
Sophia Babington, Bedford High School
Samantha Boglarski, permanently changing station
Daniel Burger, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
Dean Concepcion, Bedford High School
Scout Correu, permanently changing station
Samantha Dandridge, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
Ariana DeJesus, Bedford High School
Tara Fait, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
Elora Fennell, permanently changing station
Mckensi Galarza, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
Isabella Goeke, Bedford High School
Ayla Gonzalez, Bedford High School
Avery Gregory, Bedford High School
Avery Howard, Arlington Catholic High School
Connor Howell, Bedford High School
Parker Jones, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
Blake Lewis, Bedford High School
Tyler Lewis II, Bedford High School
Michael McDaniel, Bedford High School
Taj Moore, Bedford High School
Elizabeth Muller, Bedford High School
Nathan Munoz, Bedford High School
Emilie Noble, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
Kirin Noland, Bedford High School
Jameson O'Hearn, permanently changing station
Kyra Omar, Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School
Brendan Orr, attending Bedford High School
Loreli Perez, attending Bedford High School
Norman Sanderson, attending Shawsheen Technical High School
Emily Smith, permanently changing station
Randi Smith, attending Bedford High School
Alexus Stahly, attending Bedford High School
Christopher Tesch, attending Bedford High School
William Watson, attending Bedford High School
Savannah Weible, attending Bedford High School
Brayden Winston, attending Shawsheen Technical High School
Caspian Zumwalt, permanently changing station