North Hills Middle School to celebrate Class of 2030 at annual Academic Awards Assembly

North Hills Middle School will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2030 during its annual 8th Grade Academic Awards Assembly on Friday, May 29, the final day of school. The event will begin at 9:15 a.m. in the school auditorium and conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. Doors will open at 9 a.m.

The assembly recognizes students not only for academic achievement, but also for demonstrating the qualities that reflect the pillars of the school’s Strong as Steel positive behavior reinforcement program.

For each eighth grade team, awards are presented to two students in the core academic subjects of English, mathematics, social studies and science. Additional team honors include the Breakthrough Scholar Award, Most Diligent Worker Award and the Mr. Rogers Good Neighbor Award.

Departmental awards are also presented in areas including band, orchestra, chorus, technology education, art, computer science, literacy arts, health and physical education, and world languages, among others.

The celebration also features performances by student musical groups and recognition of students who achieved highest honors during the school year. A student speaker, poet laureate and student artist are also highlighted during the program.

One of the unique traditions of the assembly is that students are not informed ahead of time that they have received an award, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the event. Parents and family members typically attend to celebrate alongside students and staff.

While this is a celebration of students’ middle school accomplishments, it is not a graduation ceremony in which all students are recognized on stage. The event will not be livestreamed this year, and parents and guardians who wish to attend must do so in person.

Families attending the ceremony will have the option to take their student home at the conclusion of the event.

In keeping with tradition, students and faculty are encouraged to dress in formal or semi-formal attire for the occasion.

The annual awards assembly is organized by eighth grade teachers Vicki Truchan and Joe Welch.