Young men and women moved onto the next phase of school last week with their ceremonies.

The Akwesasne Mohawk School celebrated their grade eight graduation with an elaborate ceremony Wednesday, June 24.

Principal Lynn McCarthy opened the proceedings with a poem about the students' future and how it is up to them on whether they succeed or not in life. They will be thrown obstacles and they have to decide whether they want to jump over them or fall down and make excuses. She reminded them that they already have overcome some of these obstacles so far in their ten years of school and are off to a good start.

"It has been my honor to have such a wonderful eighth grade class, good luck in all you do," said McCarthy. She also encouraged the kids to thank the parents who pushed them to get them this far.

One of the school employees who saw first hand the progression of Pre-K student to graduate was Florence Philips. She was the secretary of Kanatakon School in the past and she spoke at the AMS Graduation ceremony.

The theme of her speech was change. Change from when she was a substitute at school in the 1980's where her former students are now parents of graduates today. The change in the world, and now it is up to the AMS Grads to change the world.

"Times are changing, you as our kids that are going up to high school, this is your generation. This is for you guys, step up to the plate and get a good education. Be strong, pick what you want to do and do it," said Philips.

But as the world changes so do the dangers in society like drugs and alcohol and Philips told them to do their best to avoid that lifestyle and to be there to be future leaders.

"You don't want to be a statistic out there. We want you to come back and help the community grow and get better. We need every one of you to survive and keep the generations going," said Philips.

Valedictorian Laney Tahy recognized and thanked the parents for pushing them to get to this point, and she urged her fellow students to remember this night. Most likely, she said, when they get to high school they will not see their classmates as much as they are used to. But when they do meet again try to reconnect with them again and remember the good times they shared at AMS. Tahy also won the Math and Science Award, Mohawk Award and Jim Thorpe Award for Female Athlete. She was also a Science Fair Winner.

Salutatorian Aurora "Teeweewees" Swamp was announced and Principal McCarthy said she had the stuff of an academic scholar. Her work was completed on time and was always done correctly. Time management was one of her strengths and Swamp also said friends and family were important in education. Swamp also won the Language Arts award.

The 2015 AMS 8th Grade Graduates:

Tayler White - Science Achievement Award

Davis Cook-Lazore - Jim Thorpe Award, (Male Athlete) Social Studies Award and Performing Arts Award

Chad White - Art Award and Progress Award

Bailey Sylvester - Computer and Technology Award

Cohen Mitchell - Attendance Award

Mercedes Clark - Citizenship Award

Fisher King - Principals Award

Frank Tarbell - Physical Education Award

Noah Edwards-Square - Science Fair Winner

Havana Benedict

Isaac Benedict

Raniehtenhawi Benedict

Tokoda Buckshot

James Delormier

Noah Edwards-Square

Reese Francis

Jimmy Jock Jr.

Thomas Jock

Trinity Jock

Tyra Johnson

Kazia King-Lazore

Tiana Leaf

Otsistohkwakon Oakes

Kevin Philips

Photo courtesy of Shirelle Tahy.

Aspen Robertson

Karontawakon Roundpoint

Reese Square

Mitchell Thompson

Kyrin Van Avery

Rachel Wolphagen

Congratulations to all graduates on your hard work throughout the year.