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 wayโthrough 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 advisoryโyet 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 screensโbut emerged three years later as bonded classmates, ready for the next challenge.
โCast your minds back to that first day of sixth grade,โ Principal Long observed in her opening address. โYou were not only new to a building, but also to each otherโsometimes without even seeing faces. And look at you nowโlaughing, cheering, clapping for each other. These bonds will last.โ
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. โThis is your moment, your milestone,โ he said. โAnd yes, your teachers are relievedโbut only because they poured their hearts into you, and today, they see the result.โ
Superintendent Perkins delivered a powerful, poetic charge to the graduates, reminding them that theyโve already overcome the unimaginable. โHigh school will ask you to be brave in new ways,โ she said. โBut youโve already survived the ultimate test of patience and resilience. Donโt wait to be told you belongโyou already proved that by being here today.โ
She closed with a vivid metaphor that drew cheers and applause: โYou hold the power. You carry the potential. High school is calling your nameโthank you for answering.โ