229 students promoted during heartfelt indoor ceremony as temperatures outside hit 106 degrees
With outdoor temperatures soaring to a sweltering 106 degrees, the Class of 2025 from Soehl Middle School brought the heat indoors in a far more uplifting way—through inspiration, resilience, and celebration.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on June 23, 229 eighth-grade graduates were promoted in a packed and air-conditioned Linden High School gymnasium, surrounded by beaming families, proud educators, and city and district dignitaries.
Originally planned as an outdoor event, the ceremony was quickly moved indoors due to the extreme heat advisory—yet the electric atmosphere inside rivaled even the hottest summer sun. Principal Long welcomed the overflowing gymnasium.
A Class Forged in Challenge and Change
Valedictorian Layth Abdallah and Salutatorian Matias Pelaez led the student honors, representing a class that began middle school amid the upheaval of pandemic-era virtual learning. Many had entered Soehl as strangers behind screens—but emerged three years later as bonded classmates, ready for the next challenge.
“Cast your minds back to that first day of sixth grade,” Principal Long observed in her opening address. “You were not only new to a building, but also to each other—sometimes without even seeing faces. And look at you now—laughing, cheering, clapping for each other. These bonds will last.”
Words of Wisdom From City and School Leaders
Mayor Derek Armstead, Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, Board of Education President Dr. Marlene Berghammer, and Board Vice President Malaysia Thomas each offered heartfelt remarks that were equal parts congratulatory and motivational, joined by fellow board members and district administrators.
Mayor Armstead highlighted the collective pride of the city. “This is your moment, your milestone,” he said. “And yes, your teachers are relieved—but only because they poured their hearts into you, and today, they see the result.”
Superintendent Perkins delivered a powerful, poetic charge to the graduates, reminding them that they’ve already overcome the unimaginable. “High school will ask you to be brave in new ways,” she said. “But you’ve already survived the ultimate test of patience and resilience. Don’t wait to be told you belong—you already proved that by being here today.”
She closed with a vivid metaphor that drew cheers and applause: “You hold the power. You carry the potential. High school is calling your name—thank you for answering.”