Richmond Avenue School Honors Class of 2025 in Heartfelt Stepping Up Ceremony

Richmond Avenue School’s gymnasium came alive with pride and joy as students, families, and staff celebrated the 8th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony on June 20, 2025, marking a significant transition for the Class of 2025. The event was a memorable blend of tradition, emotion, and inspiration.

Framed by lush green palms and a vibrant display of life-sized letters spelling the school’s name, the stage set a festive tone for the occasion. The morning began with the timeless notes of “Pomp and Circumstance”, performed beautifully by the school orchestra under the direction of William Andrews. The music added a regal ambiance as the graduates made their entrance.

One of the ceremony’s most touching highlights came from student speaker Sumiya Shahid, who delivered a heartfelt address filled with gratitude and wisdom. Reflecting on the ups and downs of middle school, she shared, “We’ve made it through the rollercoaster that is middle school,” citing everything from science fairs to group projects. Her speech emphasized resilience, teamwork, and perseverance.

Quoting Kobi Yamada, Shahid reminded her classmates of the power of belief: “She turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans.” She also offered warm thanks to both teachers and families, recognizing the many ways they helped shape and support the students’ journey.

The program continued with a celebration of student achievements in areas such as academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Loud applause filled the gym as names were called and certificates presented, reinforcing the school’s commitment to recognizing both individual growth and collective success.

In her closing address, Principal Shontai Harris praised the class for their dedication and looked beyond high school, encouraging students to set their sights on higher education. “Everything that we did is to prepare them for college, not for high school,” she explained.

The school, guided by Superintendent Dr. La’Quetta S. Small, even created a collegiate atmosphere for the ceremony. Staff wore academic regalia to introduce students to post-secondary traditions. Principal Harris noted, “One of the children asked me what the hood is for, and the hood is for a master’s degree. This is just a stepping up.”

She concluded her remarks with a message about values: “Be kind and treat others the way that you would want others to treat you.” Her words served as both a reminder and a call to action for the graduates’ future paths.

As families took photos and the excitement settled, the Richmond Avenue School 8th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony stood as a tribute to the past and a launch into the future. It was a day filled with pride, hope, and a community united in support of its young scholars.

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Photo Credit: Mark Tyler | Atlantic City Public Schools