Forty-one eighth graders received certificates of promotion during a ceremony held May 18 in the middle school gym in Hartley. The event recognized the students' accomplishments during the year and their advancement to high school this fall.

MIKE PETERSEN/SENTINEL-NEWS

Students in OREO-8A are front row, from left to right: Jordan Wallenburg, Regan Foreman, Olivia Tait, Eliza Tewes, Gracie Knobloch, Frankie Mohni, Addison Sheeler, Abby Douma and Kamryn Ebel. Second row: Diego Aguirre, Peyton Morton, Blaine Finster, Jonah Moore, Dominic Tripp, Damion Hansen, Keaton Jatho, James Gellerman, Ben Waddell, Jack Mastbergen and Slayton McCarter.

Academic achievement awards were presented to Eric Aguirre, Samantha Berends, Aiden Bush, Damian Dodge, Abigail Douma, Kamryn Ebel, Blaine Finster, James Gellerman, Keaton Jatho, Gracie Knobloch, Jack Mastbergen, Natalie McDaniel, Frankie Mohni, Lainie Raveling, Skyler Shaffer, Addison Sheeler, Eliza Tewes and Tori Webster.

The Miono Club, of Sanborn, annually presents two awards at the graduation ceremony. The award for best attendance in the eighth grade went to Abigail Douma. Jack Mastbergen received the honor roll award.

H-M-S Class of 2021 valedictorian Gabe Bronstad spoke to the class about what they needed to do in order to succeed in high school.

He encouraged them to push themselves; to not let education scare them away from pursuing something they wish to accomplish; and to explore all their options.

The class also recognized Mark and Nicole Dorhout for their service as middle school principal and language arts teacher. They are leaving H-M-S at the end of the year.